Page 20 of Naga General's Mate

His mate’s quick thinking sparked pride in him. She’d survived this long through wit and will. Now she had his strength to protect her, too.

They slipped through the door into darkness. The shaft’s metal walls pressed close, barely wide enough for his shoulders. Perfect defensive position.

Midnight brought the deep thrum of the cargo train’s engines. Brivul guided Mila through the shadows between towering cargo containers, his body coiled with tension at every sound.

“Quick.” He lifted her into a narrow gap between crates.

The metal walls pressed cold against his scales as he wedged himself in beside her. Her warmth radiated through his chest, her scent filling his lungs with each breath—jasmine, vanilla, and something uniquely her.

“Security sweep.” Heavy boots clicked against the cargo hold floor.

Brivul pulled Mila closer, shielding her with his bulk. Her small form molded perfectly against him. His mate. The thought burned through him.

“Check behind those containers.”

Light swept across their hiding spot. Brivul pressed them deeper into the shadows, his arm tightening around Mila’s waist. Her breath hitched. The scent of her fear mixed with something else—attraction? His blood heated at the possibility.

“Nothing here.” The guard’s voice echoed. “Moving to sector four.”

The footsteps faded. Mila’s fingers unclenched from his shirt, but she didn’t pull away. The press of her body against his sent fire racing through his veins. He wanted to taste her, mark her, claim what was his.

No. Not yet. Not while danger still stalked them.

“You okay?” His whisper brushed her ear.

“Yes.” Her voice trembled slightly. “Though I might have permanent bruises from your muscles.”

The teasing note in her voice filled him with awe. His mate was strong enough to joke even while running for her life.

“I’ll make it up to you when we’re safe.”

The words slipped out before he could stop them. Too much, too soon. But Mila just huffed a quiet laugh.

“Promises, promises.”

The train lurched into motion. Brivul steadied Mila as the cargo hold swayed. Soon they’d be far from Kurg’s reach. Then he could tell her everything—about mates and about the bond already forming between them.

The rhythmic sway of the train settled into a steady pattern. Brivul scanned the shadows between the cargo containers, his warrior instincts still on high alert.

“You need rest.” His voice rumbled low in his chest. “The exhaustion’s clear on your face.”

“I’m fine.”

“Lean against me. I’ll keep watch.”

Mila hesitated, her green eyes searching his face. The bruises on her skin made his blood boil with renewed anger.

“You can’t stay awake forever.”

She shifted and then carefully settled her weight against his chest. The sweet jasmine scent of her hair filled his lungs with each breath.

“Sleep. You’re safe with me.”

Her muscles slowly relaxed as exhaustion won out. Her small frame soon nestled closer to him as her breathing deepened and evened out. The complete trust she showed by falling asleep against him stirred something primal in his core.

The weight of her head on his chest sent waves of possessiveness through him. His mate, allowing him to protect her. His arms tightened instinctively around her smaller form.

A lock of dark hair fell across her face. Without thinking, he brushed it back, his fingers lingering on the soft skin of her cheek. The contact sent electricity jolting through his veins.

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