Page 25 of Quick on the Claw

His eyes seemed to glow brighter at her words. “In that case, I think we might need to conduct further... research. To be thorough, you understand.”

Tiffany raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile on her face. “Oh, of course. For science.”

As they came together again, the glow of the waterfall seeming to intensify around them, Tiffany pushed aside all thoughts of the future, of the complications that surely lay ahead. For now, she was content to lose herself in this moment, in the arms of a man who made her feel more alive than she ever had.

They broke apart and she sighed. “I want you.”

ELEVEN

Tiffany floated as they hurried into the castle and Zak guided her to his room. They stopped at his door and he met her gaze.

“Are you sure? Your room is right there if you’ve changed your mind.”

She smiled and shook her head, squeezing his hand in reassurance. “I’m sure.” She leaned forward and pulled him down. Then she kissed him softly, gently. He remained still, letting her run her hands over his chest as she explored his lips. Emotions rose in her that she had never experienced. There was a bond that had cemented itself between them.

She pulled back a little, smiling as she stroked his cheek.

“Tiffany …”

“Shh.” She put her fingers over his lips. “Open the door and take me inside, Zak. Take me on your bed.”

Tiffany kissed him again, more urgently this time. Zak opened the door and let her into his room.

As Tiffany stepped into Zak’s private suites for the first time, her breath caught in her throat. The space was a perfect blend of regal opulence and natural beauty, reflecting Zak’s dual nature as both king and panther shifter.

The main living area was vast with soaring ceilings adorned with intricate, glowing crystal chandeliers that mimicked the constellations of Nova Aurora’s night sky. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the purple forests and distant pink oceans.

Rich, dark wood paneling covered the walls, intricately carved with scenes of Nova Aurora’s history and wildlife. Plush rugs in deep greens and blues softened the polished stone floors, their patterns reminiscent of the forest floor.

The furniture was a mix of stately and comfortable. A massive fireplace dominated one wall, flanked by bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and modern data tablets. Before it sat a collection of overstuffed leather chairs and a long, inviting couch that looked perfect for lounging.

Tiffany’s eyes were drawn to a corner where a massive, bed piled high with furs and silken pillows sat upon a slightly raised platform. It looked more like a luxurious nest than a traditional bed, clearly designed to accommodate Zak’s large frame.

Near the windows, a sleek desk of polished black stone held holographic displays and communication devices, a reminder of Zak’s royal duties. Yet beside it stood an easel with half-finished paintings, hinting at his artistic side.

The suite seamlessly blended technology and nature, luxury and comfort. It was unmistakably the domain of a king, yet it felt welcoming and personal - a private sanctuary where Zak could truly be himself.

As Tiffany took it all in, she realized this space represented everything Zak was - powerful yet nurturing, regal yet down-to-earth, a leader who was deeply connected to his people and his world. It was, she thought with a flutter in her chest, a place she could easily call home.

She followed Zak to the bed.

“Sit down, handsome. I don’t bite.”

A slow grin spread over his lips. “I do.”

Boy was she counting on it. She climbed onto his lap, pushing his shoulders back against the piled pillows.

She kissed him and melted into the kiss. She wanted him to know how much she wanted him.

Tiffany sat up on Zak’s lap, reaching down to grab the hem of her dress, and pulled it up over her shoulders. As she dropped it on the floor, Zak groaned, his hands coming up to cover her breasts and rub his palms against her nipples.

“So beautiful. You’re precious, my queen.”

Her heart thudded double-time with his low, sweet words. “You’re pretty amazing yourself, Your Majesty.”

As his hands moved gently across her skin, Tiffany felt the ache inside her intensify until it was like pain. She’d been wanting him and denying herself for what felt like too long that now her emotions were charging through her with the force of a stampede. She moaned softly between their kisses, pain mixed with pleasure.

“Are you all right?” Zak asked.

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