Page 93 of Dragon Daddy Protector

While she’d have been content living in the alpha’s mansion, I knew she craved privacy as much as I did.

“Come inside and let me show you around.”

I took her hand and led her through the front door, moving into a vast open room with ceilings that stretch to the top of the second floor. The candle flames brought a warm glow to the place. As Mariah slowly walked forward, taking in the space, a smile stretched across my face.

In addition to the candles, I’d scattered rose petals across the floor, recreating the scene when I’d claimed her as my mate all those months ago. The sweet scent filled the air, mingling with the subtle vanilla wax scent.

As I stood there, the weight of everything we’d been ceased to exist. This was our moment. Our new beginning.

“I can’t believe this is really ours,” she marveled, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Every inch of it,” I said, squeezing her hand. “I wanted to create a place where we can grow together, and where our family can thrive.”

The happy tears that’d threatened finally spilled over, rolling down her cheeks, and she threw her arms around my neck. “Evan, I don't know what to say. This place is perfect.”

“Your happiness means everything to me, Mariah,” I murmured into her hair as I held her tightly. “You and Sofia, this new baby… you three are my world, and I'll do anything to give you all the life you deserve.”

I held Mariah close and felt her warmth seeping into my soul. She tipped her head back and met my gaze. The love that reflected in her eyes made my heart constrict.

“Thank you, Evan. I didn’t think it was possible to love you more than I already did, but you've shown me what it means to be truly cherished.”

“Everything we've faced together, all the pain and loss, it's led us here,” I said softly, running my fingers through her hair. “I wouldn't trade a single moment of our journey because it brought us to this moment.”

Mariah smiled. “I guess we finally got our happily ever after, didn’t we?”

“Absolutely, but there's one more thing I want to talk to you about.”

Her eyes lit with curiosity. “What is it?”

“Since we're starting fresh, building our life together here, I want to make sure we do everything right.” I cupped her cheek, caressing it with my thumb. “I know I’ve already claimed you as my mate, but I want to give you the wedding you deserve, to publicly claim you with a mating ceremony.”

Her breath caught. “You really mean that?”

“Of course I do. I want to honor our love and commitment in front of our family and friends, in front of the entire clan, and I want to make sure everyone knows that you are mine, and I am yours.”

Mariah's lips curved into a radiant smile, her joy evident. “Evan, I would love nothing more than to declare our love for the entire world to see.”

“Then, it's settled.” I brought my mouth to hers, kissing her softly, adoringly, my heart so full of pride and love for this incredible woman who’d chosen me as her partner in life.

The dimly lit room came alive as our connection surged deeper than ever. I couldn't wait any longer. I needed to show her just how deeply she was cherished. I quickly swept her up into my arms and carried her up the stairs.

“You can check out the rest of the house later, but how do you feel about christening our new room?”

She giggled, her eyes sparking with desire. “You read my mind.”

I followed the trail of rose petals up the stairs to where they were scattered on our new bed, and gently laid her down.

With expert hands, she reached for my shirt, pulling it off before tugging at my belt buckle. Her touch was like electricity coursing through my veins, setting my whole body on fire. She looked up at me with a smile.

I bent over her, our lips meeting in a tender kiss that stoked the flames of my desire. We never broke contact even while I unbuttoned her dress before slipping it off to reveal my mate’s delicate curves.

Her breasts had grown fuller as her baby bump bloomed, and I cupped them gently before trailing kisses down her neck, over her shoulder, between her breasts, then going lower.

I paused at her rounded belly, lightly pressing my lips to it, sensing the pulsing little life growing inside. Mariah's fingers were in my hair, holding me close. My heart was full to bursting as I kissed her bump again, cherishing this special moment.

Then I moved lower still, kissing my way over her hipbone to her inner thigh. She gasped, arching beneath me when I slipped my tongue between her parted legs, finding her wet and ready. She was sweet as nectar, and I groaned at the heady taste.

I worshipped her body, my tongue exploring, tasting and teasing, until she was trembling with pleasure, writhing in response to each stroke.

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