Page 55 of Naga Warrior's Mate

They moved together, his powerful form guiding her smaller frame through the steps.The height difference might have been awkward with anyone else, but they fit together perfectly.His tail provided additional balance and support as they swayed to the music.

“This is nice,” Alaysia murmured, resting her head against his chest.“Almost feels like...”

“Freedom,” he finished for her, his voice low and intimate.

She nodded against him, and he tightened his hold slightly.Around them, the celebration continued, but at that moment, they’d created their own private world.Her hair tickled his scales where it brushed against him, and he memorized every detail—the way she felt in his arms, the subtle floral scent that clung to her skin, the trust she showed by letting him hold her so close.

“You know,” she said, looking up at him with a smile, “for such a fierce warrior, you’re quite the dancer.”

Dernin rumbled a laugh.“We Niri are full of surprises.”

Dernin held Alaysia close as they swayed to the music, his powerful tail creating a protective barrier around them.The mate bond thrummed between them like a living current, growing stronger with each passing moment.His scales tingled where her soft skin pressed against him.

The truth of what she meant to him burned in his chest, demanding to be spoken.But not here, not in this crowded celebration with prying eyes and listening ears.Later tonight, when they could be alone, he’d tell her that she was his destined mate.His heart thundered at the thought.

He pictured them together on Nirum, far from the stench and darkness of these fighting rings.She’d love the crystal spires of his homeland, the way the twin moons painted everything in silver light.He’d show her the sacred pools where young warriors trained, teach her to navigate the hanging gardens that connected the upper levels of the city.Their children would have her fierce spirit and perhaps her striking red hair.

The thought jolted him.Children.Already his mind raced ahead to their future together.But first, he had to tell her what she truly meant to him.His jaw clenched as doubt crept in.Humans didn’t have mate bonds like the Niri did.Would she understand?Accept it?She’d given herself to him freely last night, trusted him with her body and heart.But this was different.This was forever.

Alaysia shifted in his arms, fitting her head perfectly under his chin.The simple gesture of trust made his chest fill with pride and possessiveness.

Four more days until the warriors came.Four days to find the right moment to tell her.Four days to prove to her that being his mate meant freedom, not another form of chains.

“Pardon the interruption,” Marcella said with a knowing smile.“Your private chambers have been prepared in the east wing.”

Heat rushed through Dernin’s body at the memory of last night in that hastily chosen parlor in the east wing.He smelled the spike in Alaysia’s arousal, matching his own rising desire.

“Thank you, Marcella,” he rumbled, his voice deeper than usual.His tail tightened possessively around Alaysia’s waist.

Marcella nodded and melted back into the crowd.Dernin looked down at Alaysia.The golden dress she wore clung to her curves, making his hands itch to explore.

“Shall we retire for the evening?”he asked, though it wasn’t really a question.His warrior instincts screamed at him to claim his mate properly, in a real bed this time.

Alaysia’s blue eyes darkened as she nodded.“Lead the way, champion.”

Dernin guided her through the crowd.The other revelers parted before them, some offering congratulations that he barely acknowledged.His focus remained entirely on the petite redhead at his side and the promise of what awaited them.

Chapter 28

Alaysia

Dernin’sstronghandenvelopedAlaysia’s, leading her through the throng of revelers.The air thrummed with the pulse of victory, but all she could focus on was the weight of his touch, the promise of seclusion.They slipped away from the celebration, their escape as swift and silent as a shadow fleeing the light.

The corridor to the east wing stretched before them, a path of whispered secrets and stolen moments.Alaysia’s breath hitched as they passed the parlor room, its memories of their night of passion lingering like a sweet, unspoken melody.Yet, the champion’s suite beckoned them now, a sanctuary of opulence reserved for the victor and his prize.

The door closed behind them with a soft, definitive thud, sealing them in a realm far removed from the chaos outside.The suite unfolded in a tapestry of luxury, with a grand four-poster bed that seemed to invite them under its canopy of velvet and gold.A small fireplace crackled with a welcome warmth, casting dancing shadows upon the plush furniture that adorned the room.

In the heart of the bedroom, the air grew thick with desire, a tangible force that wrapped around them.Dernin’s lips found hers with a fierceness that stole her breath, a kiss that spoke of triumph and a hunger that could only be quenched by each other.

Her golden silk gown soon fell away under his skilled fingers, pooling at her feet.Alaysia’s hands trembled as she returned the favor, peeling away the layers of his ceremonial garb to reveal the hard planes of his chest, the sculpted contours of his arms, and the trail of scales that shimmered in the firelight.

Alaysia’s gaze dropped to the evidence of his arousal, the sight of him, large and throbbing with need, sent a surge of feminine power coursing through her veins.She wanted to worship him, to pleasure him as no one else could.With a sultry smile playing upon her lips, she sank to her knees before him, her eyes never leaving his.

“Alaysia,” he breathed, a note of reverence in his voice that caressed her soul.

She placed a finger to her lips, silencing him, her intention clear.“Let me,” she whispered.

Her hand explored the length of him with a tender reverence.She leaned forward, her tongue darting out to taste him, a teasing flick that drew a sharp intake of breath from him.Encouraged by his response, she took him into her mouth, her lips sealing around his girth as she began to move.

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