A low growl rumbled in his chest. His hands began to roam, mapping every curve and plane of my body. I arched into his touch, my own fingers exploring the hard ridges of muscle beneath his skin.

Water sluiced over us, washing away the grime and tension of the past days. Arkon’s lips found my neck, trailing kisses along my jaw. I tilted my head, offering better access, a soft moan escaping me.

“Samira,” he breathed against my skin. “My brilliant, fierce, beautiful Samira.”

The reverence in his voice made my heart swell. I carded my fingers through his wet hair. “My protector,” I whispered back. “My Arkon.”

I leaned into his offered kiss, full of all the words we couldn’t say. The fear, the relief, the desperate need to reaffirm that we were alive and together. I poured everything I felt into that kiss, and Arkon matched me passion for passion.

When we finally stopped, both breathing heavily, I saw a question in Arkon’s eyes. A moment of vulnerability I’d never witnessed before.

“Stay with me?” he asked quietly. “Not just tonight, but... after. When we leave this place.”

I cupped his face in my hands, meeting his gaze steadily. “Yes,” I said simply. “For as long as you’ll have me.”

The smile that bloomed across his features was radiant. He lifted me effortlessly, spinning us both under the warm cascade of water. Our laughter echoed off the tiled walls, a joyous counterpoint to the artificial rain.

ARKON

Iexplored Samira’s body with reverent dedication, savoring every curve and texture. My fingers traced patterns across her soft skin as I kissed a trail down her neck and chest. When I reached her breasts, I lavished attention on each nipple, circling them with my tongue before taking them into my mouth. Samira arched her back, pressing herself closer.

“Arkon,” she gasped. “Please...”

I smiled against her skin, continuing my journey downward. My hands caressed her thighs as I settled between them. I inhaled deeply, intoxicated by her scent. With a low growl, I tasted her, my tongue exploring every fold.

Samira gasped and writhed as I pleasured her. I slipped two fingers inside, curling them to find that perfect spot while my mouth focused on her most sensitive area. Her hips rocked against my face as soft moans escaped her lips.

I could feel her body tensing, trembling on the edge of release. I increased the pressure and speed of my ministrations, determined to bring her to ecstasy. With a cry of pleasure, Samira came undone, her inner muscles clenching around my fingers as waves of bliss washed over her.

As she came down from her high, I kissed my way back up her body. Samira pulled me close, her lips meeting mine in a passionate kiss. When we broke apart, her eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my breath catch.

“It’s time,” she said softly. “I don’t want to wait anymore. I want the claiming bite.”

At her words my heart surged, a wild rhythm that seemed to pulse in every inch of me. I kissed her again, pouring all my love and desire into the embrace. When I pulled back, I searched her face.

“Are you sure?” I asked. “Once it’s done, there’s no going back.”

Samira nodded, her expression resolute. “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”

The raw honesty in her voice nearly undid me. I reached over to the shower controls, shutting off the water and activating the drying jets. Warm air swirled around us, quickly evaporating the moisture from our skin.

Once we were dry, I scooped Samira into my arms, cradling her against my chest. She felt so small, so fragile compared to my Vinduthi physique. I carried her to the bed, laying her down with utmost care, as if she were the most precious thing in the universe.

I joined her on the bed, hovering over her. My eyes roamed her face, memorizing every detail. Slowly, reverently, I began to make love to her. I took my time, savoring every touch, every kiss, every soft gasp and moan.

As we moved together, I whispered words of adoration. “You’re perfect,” I murmured against her skin. “The most brilliant, beautiful, amazing woman I’ve ever known. I love you more than I thought possible.”

Samira’s hands traced the patterns of my markings. “I love you too,” she breathed. “My fierce, honorable warrior.”

I positioned myself between Samira’s legs, my cock pressing against her entrance. As I slowly pushed inside, the sensation nearly overwhelmed me. She enveloped me in tight, velvety heat, her body welcoming mine. I groaned, struggling to maintain control.

“Samira,” I breathed, looking down at her face. Her expression was one of pure bliss, eyes half-lidded and lips parted.

I began to move, setting a slow, deliberate pace. Each thrust sent sparks of pleasure through my body. Samira’s warmth surrounded me, her softness a stark contrast to my own hard planes.

“You feel incredible,” I murmured, leaning down to capture her lips in a kiss.

Samira moaned into my mouth, her hands roaming over my back. “So do you,” she gasped as we broke apart. “I’ve never felt anything like this.”