Page 30 of Naga General's Mate

“Look what you did for me.” The words tumbled out, fueled by the need to chase that darkness from his expression. “That’s not failure. That’s exactly what a true warrior would do.”

“Mila—”

“No, listen. You might not wear a general’s uniform anymore, but that nobility, that need to protect—it’s still there. I see it every time you look at me.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks at that admission, but she pressed on. “You’re still every bit the warrior you were before. Maybe even more so because now you’re fighting for what you believe in, not just following orders.”

The change in his expression stole her breath. His features softened, replaced by something warmer, more vulnerable. He sat up straighter, some of that military bearing returning to his posture.

“Thank you.” His deep voice wrapped around her like a caress. “I needed to hear that.”

Chapter 14

Brivul

Brivul lifted another massivecrate of supplies. The musty scent of the hotel’s storage room tickled his nose. His muscles flexed, blue scales shining in the dim light as he arranged the boxes with military precision.

“You’ll strain something showing off like that,” Mila called from the doorway.

The sound of her voice sent a pleasant shiver through him. “A few boxes won’t break me.”

“Right. Because you’re so tough.” She stepped into the room, her green eyes dancing with amusement.

The sight of her made his chest tighten. Three weeks of close quarters with Mila had only intensified his mate-bond response. Every smile, every casual touch, set his blood on fire.

“Someone has to do the heavy lifting around here.”

“And you volunteered out of the goodness of your heart?”

“Exactly.” He shifted another crate, deliberately flexing. The way her gaze lingered on his arms sent satisfaction coursing through him.

Mila rolled her eyes, but her lips curved upward. “Ellri needs help in the kitchen. Think you can tear yourself away from reorganizing the entire storage room?”

“For you? Always,” Brivul replied.

A blush colored her cheeks as she turned away.

He followed her through the narrow hallway, ducking his head under the low ceiling. The hotel’s worn carpets and peeling wallpaper weren’t much, but they’d become home. Here, hidden in plain sight among the outcasts and drifters, he felt more himself than he had in years.

Strange how being a fugitive could feel so right. But then, everything felt right with Mila nearby. Even simple tasks like inventory and maintenance gave him purpose—protecting her, providing for her, watching her grow stronger each day as the fear in her eyes slowly faded.

Later that afternoon, the market buzzed with activity, a kaleidoscope of colors and scents that assaulted Brivul’s senses. He kept close to Mila, his tail creating a protective half-circle around her as they navigated the crowded stalls.

“What’s next on Ellri’s list?” His violet eyes scanned the crowd for threats.

“Spices.” Mila waved the list. “Though I’m not sure why we need so many. The food’s already good.”

A vendor called out prices for fresh produce. Brivul steered Mila away from his overpriced goods toward a better stall he’d spotted earlier.

“This way. Better quality, lower prices.”

“Look who’s becoming an expert shopper.” Her eyes sparkled with amusement.

“I have many hidden talents.”

“Oh, really?” She raised an eyebrow. “Like what?”

The teasing lilt in her voice made his blood heat. “I could show you sometime.”

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