Page 44 of Quick on the Claw

Zak sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve thought about it. But it feels like such a drastic step. What if I’m wrong? What if I’m just being impatient?”

Tiffany stopped walking, turning to face him fully. “Zakhar, listen to me. You’re not just some kid playing at being king. You’re a strong, intelligent leader with a vision for your people. Trust your instincts. If you think the council is holding Nova Aurora back, then it’s your duty to make changes.”

Her words struck a chord in Zak’s heart. He looked into her eyes, seeing nothing but sincerity and support. “You really believe that?”

“I do,” Tiffany nodded firmly. “And for what it’s worth, I’ve got your back. Whatever you decide, whatever you need, I’m here for you.”

A weight lifted from his shoulders. He pulled Tiffany close, wrapping her in a tight embrace. “Thank you,” he murmured into her hair. “You have no idea how special your words are to me.”

As they held each other, the forest around them pulsed with energy as if responding to their connection. When they finally pulled apart, Zak noticed a soft glow emanating from a nearby grove.

“Come,” he said, a smile playing on his lips, “there’s something I want to show you.”

He led Tiffany into a hidden garden filled with flowers that glowed with bioluminescent light. The petals pulsed gently, creating a mesmerizing dance of color and light. Tiffany gasped in wonder, her eyes wide as she took in the magical sight.

Zak plucked one of the glowing blossoms, carefully tucking it into Tiffany’s hair. The soft light illuminated her features, making her look ethereal in the twilight of the forest.

“Beautiful,” Zak murmured, though he wasn’t sure if he meant the flower or Tiffany herself.

As night fell, they found themselves lying on the blanket, gazing up at the star-filled sky.

“That cluster there,” he said, pointing to a group of particularly bright stars, “is called the Panther’s Eye. Legend says it watches over our kingdom, guiding us through times of darkness.”

Tiffany snuggled closer to him, her head resting on his chest. “It’s beautiful,” she murmured. “Everything here is so magical, so different from Earth. Yet somehow, lying here with you, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”

Zak’s heart swelled at her words. He tightened his arm around her, savoring the warmth of her body against his. “I feel the same way,” he admitted softly. “Tiffany, I know the connection began because you’re my mate. But…I... I’ve never felt this way about anyone. You challenge me, support me, make me laugh. You see me as Zak, not just as the king.” He leaned in and kissed her. “I love that you’re my mate, but I love that you’re so much more than that. I can’t explain how much you mean to me. You see me…the real man behind the crown.”

Tiffany propped herself up on an elbow, looking down at him with eyes that shimmered in the starlight. “And you see me, Zak. Not just as a teacher or an Earthling, but as me. You make me feel... special. Cherished. Loved. And I may not fully understand how matings make a shifter feel, but I feel like my heart is full of love for you and only you.”

“You are special, my queen,” Zak said, reaching up to cup her cheek. “You’re brilliant, kind, funny. You’ve brought so much light into my life, into our kingdom. I...”

He hesitated, the words catching in his throat. It felt too soon, too intense. But looking into Tiffany’s eyes, seeing the warmth and affection there, he found the courage to continue.

“I love you, Tiffany,” he said, his voice low and intense. “I know it might seem fast, but I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”

Tiffany’s breath caught, her eyes widening. For a moment, Zak feared he’d said too much, moved too quickly. But then her face broke into a radiant smile.

“Oh, Zakhar,” she breathed. “I love you too. I’ve never felt like this either. It’s like... like coming home to a place I never knew I was missing.”

Joy surged through Zak’s chest. He pulled Tiffany down to him, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. She melted against him, her hands tangling in his hair as she returned the kiss with equal fervor.

When they finally broke apart, both breathless, Zak rested his forehead against hers. “Stay with me,” he whispered. “Here, on Nova Aurora. Be my queen, my partner in all things.”

Tiffany’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears of happiness. “Yes,” she said, her voice choked with emotion. “Yes, Zak. I’ll stay. I’ll be your queen, your partner, your love. Always.”

They sealed their promise with another kiss, the stars of Nova Aurora twinkling above them like a celestial blessing. As they lay there wrapped in each other’s arms, Zak felt a sense of peace and rightness he’d never experienced.

The challenges ahead - the resistant council, the need for change in the kingdom - no longer seemed so daunting. With Tiffany by his side, Zak felt ready to face anything. Together, they would lead Nova Aurora into a bright new future, bridging the gap between their worlds and creating something beautiful and unique.

As the night deepened around them, Zak found himself dreaming of that future. He imagined Tiffany ruling by his side, her wisdom and compassion complementing his strength and determination. He saw their children, a perfect blend of both worlds, growing up to be leaders in their own right.

“What are you thinking about?” Tiffany asked softly, noticing his faraway expression.

Zak smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Our future,” he said simply. “All the adventures we’ll have, the changes we’ll make together.”

Tiffany’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Tell me,” she urged. “What do you see for us, for Nova Aurora?”

TWENTY-ONE

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