Elara’s POV
"Your Highness, you’re absolutely adorable," I teased, extending both hands to playfully squeeze Dorian’s pudgy cheeks.
I kept massaging and pinching until he collapsed backward in defeat.
Dorian poked out his tiny pink tongue and rubbed against my palm lovingly. The mont he noticed the strawberries I’d carried in, the small leopard instantly flipped back over. Seeing those crimson berries made sothing warm spread through his chest.
——
Dorian’s thoughts drifted as contentnt filled him. Elara spoiled him like no one else ever had.
"Even Mother never paid attention to the way Elara does. I haven’t seen Mother in forever. She’s probably swamped with work... that must be why she hasn’t visited once since I arrived here...
But that’s fine. Everything’s perfect now that Elara’s here. My mate takes care of ."
With that comforting thought, Dorian tenderly licked Elara’s hand, his voice barely above a whisper. "Elara, I like you."
——
Elara’s POV
"Mmm, sweet boy. I like you too," I responded.
I couldn’t resist petting him so more. Dorian was such an obedient little leopard. I considered crafting a small cat toy for him tomorrow.
Actually, I’ll make one this afternoon—specifically for Dorian.
The innocent little leopard couldn’t grasp these complex ideas. For Dorian, his existence had narrowed down to just two essentials: food and rest.
Whether his ntal breakdown was improving didn’t concern him whatsoever. As long as I stayed by his side, he felt completely secure.
At Chamber Four, Barrett wasn’t downstairs. I had already placed his food when he descended from the upper level, his body still glistening from a recent shower.
"Whoa," I exclaid, shielding my eyes—though I couldn’t stop myself from peeking between my fingers.
But when I parted them wider, I didn’t glimpse his abs. Instead, I locked eyes with his steady, devastatingly handso stare.
"Like what you see?" Barrett questioned. "You’re welco to stare."
"Ahem, why are you showering right now?" I cleared my throat to mask my flustered state, my gaze still wandering over him.
Those massive shoulders, that tapered waist... he’s incredibly fit. So damn attractive it makes salivate.
If I’d realized the afterlife offered this, I would’ve charged into that zombie swarm much earlier.
Barrett had been irritated, but the way I was examining him instantly dissolved his frustration.
From Barrett’s perspective, I was never the issue. The issue was everyone else with ulterior motives—people who understood I already had a spouse but still sched against ... like Silas!
"I was exercising," Barrett replied, his gaze locked on mine. "What about you? Are you okay?"
Barrett realized the question might embarrass . But that revolting rabbit had saturated every inch with his nauseating, tallic mating scent when he released his domain.
He’d detected the sll of blood, which prompted him to ask if I was injured.
At his words, I flushed deeply.
Barrett, seriously. Why bring up sothing like that randomly? It’s mortifying.
"Ahem, I’m okay," I managed to respond.
Barrett stayed silent briefly, then nodded. "Good."
With that, he carried the al inside and said nothing else. Just as I assud the discussion was finished and turned to go, he spoke once more.
"Do you like that rabbit?"
His voice was steady, showing little feeling, but I could sense he was troubled.
I laughed nervously. How am I supposed to respond to that? Tell him I don’t like Silas? Absolutely not.
Admit I do? If I’m truthful, is this wolf going to start gnawing the cage bars again?
After a brief hesitation, I pulled out my phone and extended it toward him.
"What’s this?" Barrett asked.
"Look for yourself," I said.
Barrett glanced down, his gray bangs shadowing half his face. His typically stoic expression went completely vacant the instant he saw what appeared on the display.
He stuttered, "He... he’s..."
I nodded. "All of them are. So... you still worried you got replaced?"
And I had a playful little surprise to go with the mont.
Before Barrett could respond, I hoisted myself up on the food slot and leaned partway through. In a flash, I positioned a tiny, amusing crown on his head.
I erupted in laughter. "Looks like you’re the jealous king now."
"Elara!"
Barrett seized my hand. A surge of powerful spatial energy flowed from his muscular arm and enveloped my entire form. Instantly, I lifted off the floor. He yanked forcefully, directly into his arms.
"You enjoy ssing with , don’t you?"
I missed the remainder. All I could focus on was how magnificent this wolf was. Broad shoulders, slim waist, solid and perfectly built. Muscled without being excessive, strong in the most appealing way—the type that made weak.
A physique like that... he must be incredible in bed.
I practically gawked in admiration. With a soft moan, I leaned forward and nipped his shoulder.
Is this acceptable?
This is just fooling around.
Barrett’s harsh expression lted instantly. The arm supporting tightened reflexively. "Elara..." he murmured, his voice surprisingly tender.
"That’s your punishnt for frightening ," Barrett whispered.
Then Barrett pressed closer and kissed passionately. My internal doubt lasted barely a mont. After all, from the instant I chose to be truthful today, I’d already decided what kind of future I wanted moving forward.
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