His words send a thrill through me, a mix of fear and excitement. I've never been spoken to like this, never been taken with such raw, animalistic need. And yet, there's somethingabout it that calls to me, that makes me want to surrender completely.

Kael's pace increases, his thrusts becoming almost frenzied. "Such a tight, little cunt," he grunts, his eyes locked on mine. "Made just for me."

I can't form words, can only moan in response as he drives into me again and again. The sound of our bodies colliding fills the room, punctuated by his growls and my whimpers.

"Touch yourself," he commands, his voice barely human. "I want to feel you come on my cock."

My hand finds its way between us, my fingers circling my clit. The sensation is almost too much, the pleasure bordering on pain. But I can't stop, not when Kael is looking at me like I'm the only thing in the world that matters.

"That's it," he praises, his gaze dark and intense. "Make yourself come for me, little mate."

I cry out as the pleasure builds, each thrust of his hips pushing me closer to the edge. "Kael, I?—"

"Come for me, Serena," he roars, and with one final thrust, I shatter around him, my body convulsing with the force of my release.

Kael follows me over the edge, his cock pulsing inside me as he fills me with his seed. The feeling of his warmth flooding me sends aftershocks through my body, and I cling to him, my nails scratching against his stone-like skin.

We stay like that for a moment, our bodies slick with sweat, our breaths ragged. Kael finally pulls out, and I feel an unexpected twinge of loss at the absence. He collapses onto the bed beside me, his chest heaving.

For a while, neither of us speaks. The only sounds are the crackling of the fire and our own labored breathing. I turn to look at Kael, his amber eyes still glowing with an inner fire.

"By the gods, what are you?" I ask breathlessly.

"I am a gargoyle, little one. And you are mine," he says, his voice soft but firm. "And I protect what's mine."

I nod, understanding the weight of his words. I belong to Kael now, and in this dangerous world, that might be the only thing that keeps me safe.

As I drift off to sleep, nestled against his warm, solid form, I realize that I'm not afraid. Not anymore. For the first time in a long time, I feel protected. Wanted.

6

SERENA

Chapter 6 - Rodeo

Serena

Warmth envelops me as I stir, my body nestled against something solid yet surprisingly comfortable. I blink away the last vestiges of sleep, memories of last night flooding back. Kael's massive form cradles me, his wings draped over us like a protective cocoon.

A smile tugs at my lips. Who would have thought being kidnapped by a gargoyle would turn out to be the best thing to happen to me?

Kael's amber eyes flicker open, meeting mine with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.

"Good morning, little mate," he rumbles, his voice still thick with sleep.

"Morning," I murmur, suddenly shy under his gaze.

He sits up, scanning the room before turning back to me. "Your clothes are in tatters. I'll fetch you something suitable."

I watch as he moves across the room, his powerful form captivating. He returns with a bundle of fabric, holding it out to me.

"Thank you," I say, running my fingers over the soft material. "I've... I've never received a gift before."

Kael freezes, his eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?"

I shrug, avoiding his gaze. "Just never had anyone care enough to give me anything."

A low growl rumbles from his chest. "That boyfriend of yours - he'll pay for his transgressions. And not just him. Anyone who's wronged you will face my wrath."