Page 57 of Naga Healer's Mate

Nirrn slithered beside Islae as they left the teaching clinic, his tail leaving smooth tracks in Nirum’s crystalline paths.The suns painted the sky in brilliant hues of purple and gold, casting long shadows across the temple spires that pierced the horizon.His scales glimmered in the fading light, each movement fluid and precise as he matched his pace to her shorter strides.

“Our students are improving,” he rumbled, his golden eyes tracking a group of young Niri warriors training in a nearby courtyard.His tail curled protectively around Islae’s ankles when one of them glanced their way too long.

Islae laughed, squeezing his hand.“You’re doing it again.”

“Doing what?”But he knew exactly what she meant.Since claiming her, his protective instincts had only grown stronger.

“That thing where you try to intimidate everyone who looks at me.”She bumped her shoulder against his scaled arm.“I’m not going anywhere.”

His chest swelled as he watched her navigate the crystalline paths with familiar ease.Gone was the wary tension that had marked her first months here.She moved now with confidence, greeting passing Niri and humans alike with warm smiles.

“Can you blame me for wanting to show off my mate?”He pulled her closer, nuzzling the mark on her pale neck.“The fierce little human who tamed a healer and turned him into a warrior.”

“You were always a warrior,” she murmured, trailing her fingers along his forearm.“You just needed the right motivation.”

The memory of their escape in Jorvla flashed through his mind—the blood on his hands, the rage in his heart, and the primal need to protect his mate, driving his every movement.He had discovered parts of himself back then he never knew existed.

“Speaking of motivation,” he purred, his tail wrapping more firmly around her.“I believe you promised to help me reorganize the home clinic tonight.”

Islae’s eyes sparkled with mischief.“Is that what we’re calling it now?”

“Among other things.”He lifted her easily, cradling her against his chest as his tail propelled them forward with powerful undulations.

Nirrn soon slithered through their home’s entrance and set Islae down gently.His tail swept across the polished crystal floors as he followed her through their living space.The teaching day had left him energized rather than drained—watching her work always filled him with pride.She moved toward their balcony with that graceful sway that had only grown more pronounced with her pregnancy.

He observed her every movement as she stepped out into the early evening air.The setting twin suns painted the sky in deep crimsons and violets, their light catching on her brown hair and making it glow like copper.Her hands rested on her swollen belly, now clearly visible beneath her flowing tunic at six months along.

His chest tightened at the sight.Their child.His heir.The miracle he never thought possible during those lonely years at the central surrogacy clinic.Now his mate carried their future within her.

Unable to resist any longer, Nirrn glided forward, his scaled chest pressing against her back as his arms encircled her.One hand splayed protectively over her rounded stomach while the other gripped her hip.His tail coiled loosely around her ankles, anchoring her to him.

“You should rest,” he rumbled against her ear, though he made no move to pull her inside.The warmth of her body against his scales felt too perfect to disturb.

“I’m fine.”Islae leaned back into his embrace without hesitation, her head resting against his chest.“The baby likes the sunset.”

As if in response, Nirrn felt a flutter of movement beneath his palm.His breath caught, still amazed by every tiny kick and roll.“Strong, like their mother.”

Islae turned in his arms, her brown eyes meeting his golden ones.Her fingers traced the scales along his shoulders, following their pattern down to where they disappeared at his forearms.“And like their father.”She pressed closer, her eyes shining with unshed tears.“Nirrn, you are my true home.”

Her words struck deep, making his tail coil tighter around her in response.After everything—the fighting, the running, and the claiming—she was finally, truly his.His mate.His home.His future.

---