Page 119 of Shielded Heart 1
Drakkal opened his eyes and glanced down, scowling. “Why did you make me close my eyes if you had it covered up all along?”
“It’s not too late for me to return this, azhera. You’re lucky Samantha worked so hard on the design, or I’d have given you the ugliest, most generic prosthesis I could find.”
“You realize I have plenty of credits to my own name, don’t you?”
“Don’t you dare take away what little satisfaction I can find in this,” Arcanthus snapped. “Besides, I paid for it from your account.” Before Drakkal could reply, Arc loosened the cloth wrapping and tugged it off with a flourish.
Drakkal’s eyes flared, transfixed on the prosthesis.
Samantha clasped her hands together and raised them to her chest, wringing her fingers. Despite Arcanthus’s encouragement, she’d doubted herself ever since she had the idea to design the aesthetics of Drakkal’s cybernetic arm. It seemed like such a big thing, such animportantthing, and she wasn’tsure of Drakkal’s tastes. Would he appreciate the stylized limb she’d designed, or would he have preferred the sort of prosthetic that looked like a living body part down to the finest detail?
She’d gone for a look meant to emphasize Drak’s prowess. Gladiatorial armor from ancient Earth had served as a core inspiration—she thought it was fitting, given his history—but she’d added a few special touches to make it unique. It sported some of the sleeker designs evident in many of Arcanthus’s prostheses, but had a traditional flare in the subtle patterns she’d had etched into the dark metal, all of which were based on Azheran art.
Drakkal raised his new hand and turned it, examining it front and back. It was larger than his other hand, clad in segmented, gauntlet-like armor. His brow furrowed as though in concentration. Hardlight claws formed at the tips of his fingers, long and hooked like his natural claws.
“With a little practice, you’ll learn to alter them,” Arcanthus said.
Flexing his fingers, Drakkal dismissed the hardlight claws and turned his gaze to Samantha. “You designed this?”
“Do you like it?” she asked hopefully.
He stood up, pushing the chair away, and stepped to Samantha. For a moment, she stared up at him; he was about the same height as Arcanthus, but far broader. His expression was unreadable. When he leaned down and drew her into a tight embrace, she was caught completely off guard.
“Thank you, Samantha. For this…and for my life.”
Samantha smiled and wrapped her arms around him, returning the hug. Elation flooded her, spreading warmth outward from her chest, and tears stung her eyes. “I’d do it again.”
“But youwon’t,” Arcanthus said firmly.
She chuckled, turning her head to look at him. All three of his eyes were narrowed on Drakkal in displeasure.
Arcanthus stepped closer. “All right, that’s enough. Hand the female over.”
Drakkal laughed and whispered, “Run away with me, terran. I’ll treat you better than he does.”
“Are you looking to lose a few more limbs, azhera?” Arcanthus said. “I already treat her better than I do even myself. It’s impossible for you to do more.”
Samantha laughed and patted Drakkal’s cheek affectionally. “Maybe another time.”
Arc slipped his arm around her waist, wrapped his tail around her leg, and pulled her away from Drakkal. “No, notanytime. You’re mine, Samantha.”
She grinned up at him. “Prove it.”
His answering smile was devilish and full of promise. He stooped down and swept Samantha over his shoulder, looping an arm around her thighs and settling his other hand on her ass.
She shrieked with laughter and pressed her hands against his back to claim some stability as he turned around. Shaking hair out of her face, she looked at Drakkal, smiled, and waved. “Enjoy the arm!”
Arcanthus carried her to the bedroom they’d been sharing while they stayed in this safehouse; everything was smaller here, but it didn’t matter, because she had him. She didn’t need a sprawling compound—though she knew he was preparing a new one for them to move into sometime soon.
Once the bedroom door was closed, Arcanthus tossed Sam onto the bed and lowered himself over her, caging her between his arms and wedging his hips between her thighs. His long, dark hair fell forward, and he stared down at her hungrily with glowing eyes. “So you need some proof, do you?”
Samantha settled her palms on his chest, curling her fingersin the fabric of his robe. Desire pooled low in her belly, sending a rush of heat to her core. “I mean, Drakkalispretty hot with that new arm…”
Arcanthus pressed his lips together, closed his eyes, and made a sound partway between a hum and a groan. “All our worst habits have rubbed off on you, my flower. You tease me.” He dipped his head and brushed his lips over her cheek. His warm breath tickled her ear. “And damn if I don’t love it.”
She giggled. “You love it when I call your friend hot?”
He lifted his head and met her gaze. A new, tender light had joined the hungry gleam in his eyes. “I love that you’re comfortable enough to tease me. All I have to do is look at you to know you desireonlyme.” Shifting one arm, he cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb across the same skin he’d just kissed. “You’re still the same little flower I plucked off that Undercity street months ago, but you’re so much more now. You’ve blossomed and found yourself. And I am so much better for it.”
