Page 25 of Naga Healer's Mate

She looked up, her brown eyes searching his face.“Your job?”

“It meant nothing to me.”His orange scales darkened with intensity as he leaned closer to her.“I spent years examining surrogates.Helping others build their families while feeling empty.Until I found you.”

“Nirrn…”

“No.”His tail curled around her waist, drawing her closer.“I watched countless Niri find their purpose, never thinking I would find that myself.Now I have.”His hand cupped her cheek.“You are my purpose, Islae.Everything else is secondary.”

She pressed her forehead against his scaled chest, releasing a shaky breath.“I don’t want you to regret this.”

A low rumble built in his chest as he wrapped his arms around her.“The only regret would be letting you face danger alone.”

His tail squeezed gently as he kissed her temple.The mate bond hummed, strengthening his resolve.He would sacrifice everything—his career, his standing, his very life—to keep her safe and fulfilled.This fierce, compassionate woman was his future now, and he would ensure she thrived.

Nirrn and Islae soon finished the last morsels of their breakfast.He watched her as she gathered the empty packages, memorizing the graceful way she moved.

“I should go check Haven’s perimeter,” he said, his scales rippling with protective instinct.“Stay here.”

Her chin lifted.“I could help—”

“No.”He wrapped his tail around her waist, pulling her close.“I won’t risk you being seen now that there’s a bounty on us.”

She pressed her palm against his scaled chest.“Be careful.”

He nuzzled her neck, inhaling her scent.“Always am.”

He moved silently through Haven’s tunnels, his long tail propelling him forward with practiced ease.The orange scales on his shoulders darkened as he focused, every sense alert for any sign of danger.

Near the eastern tunnel entrance, movement caught his eye.A human male crouched in the shadows, speaking in hushed tones into a comm device.Nirrn’s scales bristled as he caught fragments of the conversation.

“…confirmed sighting… orange Niri… the human female healer…”

Cold rage flooded Nirrn’s veins.His tail coiled tightly with tension as he watched the spy relay their location.Haven was compromised.

Without hesitation, he whipped around and surged through the tunnels, his powerful tail driving him forward at breakneck speed.His heart raced wildly.He had to get to Islae.

He burst into their chamber, finding her organizing their meager supplies.

“We need to leave.Now.”His tail wrapped around her waist, pulling her against his chest.

“What?Why?”

“They found us.”His scales darkened with fury.“A spy.He’s already alerted the patrols.”

Islae’s eyes widened.“But the other refugees—”

“Will be warned, but we must go.”His hands gripped her shoulders.“You are my priority.”

“Nirrn—”

“No arguments.”His voice dropped to a low growl.“I will not lose you.”

She met his intense gaze for a long moment before nodding.His tail unwound from her waist as she gathered their supplies, her movements swift and efficient.

His scales rippled with agitation as he listened for approaching footsteps.The mate bond thrummed with urgency, driving his need to get Islae to safety.They had minutes, perhaps less, before Haven would be swarming with Jorvlen forces.

Chapter 14

Islae

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