Page 27 of Primal Call

Kyral’s hand moved gently on Jasper’s back, offering a reassurance that went beyond words. "I do," he said simply.

The depth and trust in his voice made Jasper almost believe it himself.

For the first time since his capture, a flicker of genuine hope sparked within Jasper’s chest. Maybe it was foolish, maybe it was naïve — but right now, with Kyral's warmth enveloping him and that steady voice grounding him, it felt almost possible.

Jasper closed his eyes again, allowing himself to lean into that hope, even if just for a moment.

"I became a field medic," Jasper began hesitantly, the words tasting strange on his tongue, "because I wanted to help people. But… it was also a way to escape."

Kyral’s silence was a gentle prompt to continue.

"My family..." Jasper paused, swallowing hard. "They’re conservative. Very traditional. They have expectations, and I could never meet them. Especially... when it comes to who I love."

The confession hung in the air between them, a fragile thing that could shatter at any moment. Jasper waited, every muscle tense, expecting Kyral to recoil or react with disgust.

But Kyral’s grip remained steady and reassuring. Then he spoke, his voice filled with a quiet intensity. "Any family that would cast out one of their own isn't a family worth being a part of."

Jasper blinked in surprise, turning slightly to see Kyral's face in the dim light. The Borraq's expression was earnest, his eyes reflecting genuine conviction.

"You mean that?" Jasper asked, his voice cracking slightly with emotion.

Kyral nodded firmly. "I do." His tone was resolute, leaving no room for doubt.

Relief washed over Jasper like a wave, mingling with gratitude and something else he couldn't quite name. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt… light. Like he'd put down something he'd been carrying for years.

Jasper's breath evened out as he lay there, cocooned in Kyral's warmth. He shifted slightly, feeling the solidity of Kyral's chest against his back. It was strange how comforting that solidity was, how it made the shadows of his nightmares fade away. "Thank you," Jasper murmured, barely audible.

"Rest now," Kyral replied softly. "We have a long day ahead."

Jasper nodded, though he knew Kyral couldn't see it. His body began to relax further into the Borraq's embrace, the tension slowly ebbing away. The fears that had gripped him so tightly began to loosen their hold.

As sleep finally began to claim him once more, Jasper sank deeper into Kyral’s protective hold.

For the first time since his capture, he felt a glimmer of hope.

Chapter twelve

Jasper woke in the dead of night, bathed in Kyral's warmth enveloping him. Sleep still clung to his mind, his thoughts sluggish and disoriented. He was cocooned in an unfamiliar sense of security, Kyral's form behind him feeling protective even as Kyral slept deeply.

Something was pressing against Jasper's lower back. The sensation was persistent, nudging him from the depths of sleep.

Confused and still half-dreaming, Jasper shifted slightly, trying to identify whatever it was that had woken him up. His hand moved almost automatically, sleepily reaching back between them in search of the object.

His fingers brushed against something warm and firm, and for a moment, he puzzled over what it could be.

The realization hit him like a splash of cold water.

Jasper's eyes flew open, and he snapped his hand back as if burned, his face flushing furiously. His heart pounded as embarrassment washed over him in waves.

He lay there rigidly, every muscle tensed with mortification. Kyral's breath was steady and even against the back of his neck, still sound asleep.

Kyral was hard. Jasper could feel Kyral's cock pressing against his ass — or, rather, cocks, plural. Jesus.

I really need to know more about Borraq anatomy, he told himself.

Jasper's breath hitched as he tried to process the situation. He was being spooned by an alien warrior, one who had saved him from a fate worse than death. The Borraq's body was warm and solid behind him, and Jasper couldn't help but feel safe and protected.

But now, with the realization of Kyral's arousal, Jasper felt a different kind of tension building between them. His own body responded, his cock hardening in his pants.

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