Page 32 of Primal Call

Jasper didn't fit into the life he'd dreamed of… But acknowledging that felt… wrong. Deeply, profoundly wrong, in a way Kyral couldn't articulate.

He clenched his jaw, a flicker of unease taking root. Jasper was supposed to be a means to an end, a way to secure the fortune that would allow Kyral to start anew. Once the treasure was in hand, their paths were meant to diverge. Kyral had only bought Jasper for his medical expertise, after all.

So why did the thought of never seeing Jasper again leave such an ache in its wake?

A fragile human like Jasper could never survive long on this harsh, unforgiving planet. Vasz was the domain of the Borraq, its landscapes and fierce predators suited only for the strongest warriors. Jasper's species was the sworn enemy here. Even thinking about him remaining… It was tantamount to leaving a newborn pup to fend for itself in the dead of winter.

Yes, Jasper going back to his own world was undoubtedly for the best. Kyral should be glad to see the human safe and off this deadly rock. It was what any merciful soul would want.

And yet, something twisted deep in Kyral's gut at the mere idea of never seeing that pretty smile again.

He risked another glance over his shoulder at Jasper, taking in the rosy flush to those pale cheeks from the thin mountain air. Jasper's breath puffed out in little clouds as he trudged along, brow furrowed in concentration. Utterly focused on keeping up, placing each step with care across the treacherous terrain.

There was a certain strength in that fragility, Kyral found himself thinking. A resilience to the human that demanded respect, despite his smaller stature. Most would have long since crumbled under the strain Jasper was enduring, and yet he soldiered on without complaint.

The sight filled Kyral with a sense of pride he didn't quite understand. This human was tenacious, resourceful — a survivor, much like Kyral himself.

Worthy of being his m—

Kyral cut off that dangerous line of thought before it could take root.

Jasper's worth was irrelevant. Once they acquired the treasure, their paths would split.

Anything else could only lead to ruin.

The glowing embers of their campfire threw dancing shadows across the small alcove they'd claimed for the night. Kyral watched the flames flicker, feeling their warmth spread through his aching bones in delicious waves.

A soft rustling came from beside him. Jasper shifted closer, unconsciously seeking out Kyral's body heat against the encroaching cold. The human's eyes were heavy-lidded, his small shivers gradually subsiding the nearer he pressed against Kyral's side.

"You know, you put out a surprising amount of heat," Jasper murmured, the barest hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips.

Kyral let out a low chuckle, unable to resist the teasing lilt to Jasper's voice. "It's simple biology. We Borraq are hot-blooded, unlike you fragile humans."

"Hey, I'm tougher than I look," Jasper protested, giving Kyral's arm a light shove.

The casual touch, so fleeting yet electric, stole Kyral's breath. He could feel the warmth of Jasper's palm lingering on his skin like a brand, raising every hair along his arms. That addictive human scent filled his senses, sweet and heady and utterly intoxicating up close.

Kyral fought to keep his tone. "Oh, I'm well aware. You've more than proven your mettle on this quest."

He didn't miss the way Jasper's cheeks flushed at the compliment, those kissable lips curving in a pleased smile. Kyral ached to reach out and trace the line of them, to discover if they were as soft as they looked...

Clearing his throat, Kyral shifted his focus to unpacking their meager provisions for the night's meal. Anything to distract himself from the temptation sitting so perilously close beside him.

As they ate, Jasper seemed to relax further into Kyral's space. Their bodies pressed together from shoulder to knee, sharing warmth in the deepening chill. When Jasper wasn't looking, Kyral allowed himself to fully take in those fine features: the slope of that delicate jaw, those captivating blue eyes that shone like gemstones in the firelight.

By the gods, this human was beautiful.

And he was bound for the other side of the galaxy.

As Jasper shifted closer, a confusing tangle of emotions twisted in Kyral's chest. He should pull away, put some distance between them before the intoxicating scent of his human companion overwhelmed his senses completely.

And yet, he found himself leaning into Jasper's presence, savoring the simple intimacy of sharing body heat against the chill night air. This closeness, this ease between them… it felt right. As natural as breathing, as instinctive as the changing of the seasons.

He tried to picture the end of this: bidding Jasper farewell once their quest reached its end. Finding a safe ship to smuggle him back to human space.

Watching that ship disappear into the sky, Jasper's scent fading until every last trace was gone from Kyral's world.

Kyral's instincts were honed by years in the wild. Right now, they were screaming at him.

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