Page 52 of Primal Call

"You get used to it," Elian assured him with a chuckle. "Honestly, human relationships seem so tame in comparison. All that emotional repression and playing games? Give me the endless honeymoon period any day."

Jasper had to concede the point. In the time since he'd joined Rael's clan, he'd witnessed a dizzying array of unabashed desire and raw passion between the Borraq couples. From heated glances exchanged over the cooking fires to impromptu trysts in the depths of the jungle, there was no mistaking the enduring flame that burned between mates.

When they loved someone, that person was their everything.

Jasper felt his heart flutter as his gaze landed on Kyral in the distance. The golden-skinned Borraq warrior moved with a renewed vigor, his powerful muscles rippling as he worked alongside Rael and the other clan members.

Ever since Kyral had been able to afford the gene treatment, it was like watching a new version of him emerge. The specter of pain that had once shadowed Kyral's every move was gone, replaced by a vibrant energy that seemed to crackle in the very air around him.

As Jasper watched, Kyral threw his head back and laughed at something one of the others had said, the rich sound rolling across the village like thunder. Jasper's breath caught in his throat, his heart swelling with a mixture of pride and desire.

This was the Kyral he had fallen in love with – confident, strong, and utterly at home in his own skin. To see him so fully accepted and integrated into the clan after his years of solitary wandering was a sight that never failed to move Jasper.

Kyral belonged here. And amazingly, impossibly, Jasper belonged here too.

As if sensing Jasper's gaze, Kyral's piercing eyes suddenly found his across the bustling activity of the village. A slow, heated smile curved his lips, and Jasper felt himself flushing under the weight of that smoldering look.

With a murmured word to his companions, Kyral excused himself and began making his way over to where Jasper and Elian sat beneath the tree.

"Elian," Kyral rumbled in greeting as he approached, dipping his head respectfully. His gaze, however, never left Jasper's face.

Elian returned the nod easily. "Kyral. Hard at work, as always?"

"Always," Kyral replied with a wry grin. He reached out and ran the backs of his knuckles along Jasper's flushed cheek. "If you'll excuse us?"

It wasn't really a question. Jasper felt himself rising to his feet without conscious thought, caught in the intoxicating pull of Kyral's presence. He was vaguely aware of Elian making a dismissive gesture and murmuring something about young love, but all of Jasper's focus had narrowed to the Borraq standing before him.

With a gentle hand at the small of Jasper's back, Kyral began leading him away from the shaded grove, his strides unhurried but full of clear intent. Jasper went willingly, anticipation thrumming through his veins with every step.

Jasper's heart raced as Kyral's large, calloused hand found his, their fingers intertwining with a naturalness that still took his breath away. He marveled at how such a simple touch could ignite a blazing trail of desire through his veins, even after everything they'd been through.

As they made their way along the winding dirt path, Jasper couldn't resist stealing sidelong glances at his mate. Kyral's golden skin seemed to glow in the dappled sunlight filtering through the jungle trees, his sculpted features exuding an almost primal magnetism. Every line of his body radiated quiet strength and confidence.

Yet when those piercing eyes met Jasper's, their depths held an unmistakable softness, a tenderness reserved only for him.

Jasper shivered as Kyral's thumb traced idle circles across the back of his hand, the touch both possessive and grounding. He leaned into the solid warmth of the Borraq's body, drawing comfort from his mate's steady presence.

Before long, they approached the dwelling that had become their private sanctuary amidst the lively hustle of the village. Set back from the main cluster of buildings, the cozy structure blended seamlessly into the lush greenery surrounding it.

It was part of the village — but it kept a little of its privacy.

Just like Kyral.

He thought back to the nights they had spent huddled together in makeshift campsites during their quest for the treasure, the chill of the alpine winds biting at their skin. While those memories held their own kind of rugged romance, there was no denying the comfort of having a true home to return to at the end of each day.

The wilds were beautiful, but having a bathtub was a bonus.

And a big, warm bed? Even better.

As if reading his thoughts, Kyral pulled Jasper flush against his powerfully muscled frame, nuzzling into the curve of his neck. Jasper sighed and melted into the familiar embrace, his fingers trailing along the soft fur at the nape of Kyral's neck.

No words were needed in that moment. The steady thrum of Kyral's heartbeat against Jasper's chest spoke volumes, a primal rhythm to which his own pulse had long since synchronized.

This was home. This was everything.

Jasper followed Kyral inside their cozy dwelling, the space instantly enveloping him in a sense of warmth and belonging. Zee was curled up in a furry ball on the floor, fast asleep and blissfully unaware of their arrival.

"Look at her," Kyral chuckled, his deep voice a gentle rumble of amusement. "Getting fat and spoiled in her old age."

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