Page 71 of Tempest Rising

I let out a breathless laugh, the tension dissolving into something lighter, warmer. “Oh, really?”

He nodded, his expression growing more serious as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a low rumble that sent a shiver down my spine. “Gargoyles are… possessive by nature. It’s in our blood. And right now, my instincts are screaming at me to make sure you know exactly how much you mean to me.”

My breath hitched as his hand slid from my cheek to rest on my waist, his touch firm but gentle. “Mason—” I began, but my words were swallowed by his lips as he kissed me, tender and demanding all at once.

His weight pressed me into the mattress as he rolled us over, his large frame enveloping me. “I’m not done worshipping you yet.”

Chapter 28

Tess

The first thing I became aware of was a delicious ache in my body—a dull but satisfying soreness that spread through every muscle. It was the kind of ache that made me feel alive, a reminder of moments shared, of barriers broken. A small smile tugged at my lips as I lingered in the warmth of the bed, my senses soaking in the comfort of the present.

Beside me, Mason stirred. His steady breath brushed against my temple, and his lips pressed a tender kiss there. The act was so unassuming, so genuine, it made my heart stutter in a way that was both thrilling and terrifying.

“I’ve got to get back to my place to get ready for the day,” he murmured, his gravelly voice low and soothing. Each word seemed to vibrate through me.

I groaned, reaching out blindly. My fingers brushed against the solid warmth of his arm. “You’re leaving me to fend for myself already? Some protector you are.”

His deep chuckle rumbled through the quiet space, a sound that felt like a warm embrace. “Don’t worry. I’ll make it up to you. Promise.” He caught my hand in his, his grip firm but gentle, before pulling away.

Before I could protest, he leaned down, his lips brushing softly against mine—a lingering, deliberate kiss that sent a slow heat curling through my body. The warmth of his breath, the teasing slide of his mouth against mine, made me instinctively chase the contact, but he pulled back with a smirk.

“Sleep, my mate,” he murmured, his voice a low command that sent a shiver down my spine. Then he was gone, the faint sound of the door closing behind him.

I exhaled, my body still humming from his touch, before sinking back into the pillows. Sleep pulled me under almost immediately.

Sometime later, I opened my eyes to find Whiskey, my fluffy orange tabby, sprawled out at the foot of the bed. He stretched lazily, his small meow almost accusatory, as if to say,Took you long enough to notice me.

Scooping him up, I let his purring soften the edges of my thoughts. But even Whiskey’s comforting weight couldn’t entirely quiet the storm in my chest. Last night replayed in my mind in vivid detail—the way Mason had been so careful, so patient, and yet so undeniably intense. A part of me wanted to wrap myself in that feeling of safety forever. But another part—the part scarred by years of emotional neglect—whispered doubts.

Could I trust this? Could I trusthim? And what about the others? How could I balance these growing connections without losing myself in the process?

I reached for my journal on the bedside table, flipping it open to a fresh page. Writing was my way of untangling the knots in my head, and today was no exception. My pen moved quickly, spilling out my anxieties, hopes, and the tangled mess inbetween. By the time I set it down, the weight in my chest had eased—just a little.

You’re stronger than you think, Tess.

Thalon’s voice resonated in my mind, warm and steady, like the hum of a dragon’s purr.

I froze, my pen hovering mid-air.Please tell me you weren’t listening last night.

His laugh was a low rumble, filled with amusement.I assure you, I respect your privacy during such moments. I am your bonded dragon, not a voyeur.

“Good,” I muttered, closing the journal with a thud.But seriously, thanks for the pep talk.

Always,he said, his tone softening.You’re adapting faster than most would. Trust yourself and your instincts.

Standing, I made my way to the bathroom. I felt a gentle tugging sensation in my chest—like an invisible thread pulling me north. It didn’t take long to realize it was Mason. I could feel him, not just his direction but his emotions, too. His affection and steady warmth wrapped around me like a protective cocoon.

The intensity of it was almost overwhelming. For someone like me, who had grown up with emotional neglect, this connection was both exhilarating and terrifying. But instead of retreating, I let myself lean into it, letting it anchor me.

After the shower, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. Twisting slightly, I examined the tattoo on my shoulder blade. The once-simple design had grown more intricate overnight, new lines weaving in to represent Mason. The sight filled me with awe—and a faint flicker of apprehension. It wasbeautiful, yes, but it was also a reminder of how much I still didn’t understand about these bonds.

It isn’t complete yet,Thalon confirmed, his voice calm and steady.And until it is, it’s best to keep it hidden.

Nodding, I pulled on a loose sweater to cover it. There was no time to dwell on it now. The day was waiting.

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