Page 49 of Naga General's Mate

The tension in Brivul’s shoulders eased slightly. The thought of Mila finally free, no longer having to look over her shoulder, made his heart swell. She deserved that and more.

“You have my word as a kingpin.” Talis rose from her seat, her robes whispering against the floor. “And unlike some, I keep my promises.”

Brivul dipped his head in acknowledgment. “We appreciate your assistance.”

“Oh, the pleasure will be all mine.” Talis’s smile turned sharp. “I do so enjoy watching the mighty tumble from their pedestals.”

Talis swept from the room in a whisper of silk and jewels. The moment the door clicked shut, Mila spun toward Brivul, her green eyes bright with triumph.

“We did it!”

Her joy hit him like a physical force. Brivul pulled her close with his tail, drinking in her radiant smile. The sweet scent of her filled his senses.

“You did it,” he corrected. “That was brilliant, breaking down the numbers for her.”

“We make a pretty good team.” Mila’s hands came to rest on his chest, and his heart thundered beneath her touch.

His mate was not only beautiful but brilliant. The way she’d handled Talis, showing such strength and intelligence under pressure, made his chest burst with pride.

“A very good team.” His voice dropped low as he gazed down at her upturned face.

Her lips parted slightly, and the urge to claim them nearly overwhelmed him. His tail tightened around her waist, drawing her even closer. The heat of her body pressed against his scales sent sparks of electricity through his blood.

But no. Not here, not now. Their first kiss wouldn’t be in some kingpin’s conference room while they waited to see if their gamble would pay off. His mate deserved better than that.

With heroic effort, Brivul loosened his hold slightly, though he couldn’t bring himself to let go completely. The disappointed flash in Mila’s eyes made his resolve waver, but he held firm.

Chapter 22

Mila

The servant’s footsteps echoedagainst the polished marble floor as she led them down the winding corridors of Talis’s estate. Mila’s heart soared with each step, the weight of the past weeks lifting from her shoulders. The data chip was out of her hands now—safely in Talis’s possession.

“This way, please.” The servant gestured toward an ornate archway.

Mila’s fingers brushed against the intricate wall carvings as they walked. Such luxury. Such freedom to simply exist without fear. Soon she might know what that felt like.

The marble floors gleamed under the crystal chandeliers, so different from the grimy corridors of Kurg’s stronghold. No more scrubbing floors until her hands bled. No more ducking her head when he passed.

Her steps quickened. “We could actually do this. Take him down.”

“You did this. Your courage got us here.” Brivul’s eyes met hers.

Her cheeks warmed at his praise. The way he looked at her made her chest tight in the best way.

The grand foyer opened before them, sunlight streaming through stained glass windows and painting the floor in jewel tones. Mila breathed in deeply. For the first time since she’dstolen those transmissions, possibility stretched out before her like an endless horizon.

Priscilla would be free, too. They could build real lives, go to school, work real jobs. No more chains.

“You’re smiling.” Brivul’s tail curled closer.

“Because for once everything’s going right.”

The servant cleared her throat. “Lady Talis will be with you shortly.”

Talis soon swept into the foyer, her skin shimmering in the afternoon light. Her presence commanded attention, but unlike Kurg’s oppressive aura, hers carried an air of refined authority.

“Your evidence will serve nicely,” Talis said with a satisfied smile.

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