Elara’s POV
Alistair offered, "I’ll cook dinner. You should rest. If you need company, I could ask Silas to—"
"But you’re my husband too." I sank into the bed, my voice barely above a whisper.
I caught his shirt as he moved to leave, tugging him back.
Alistair hesitated. I could see he didn’t want to go either. But I knew—he was still afraid his beast form would terrify . The fear of frightening consud him.
"Elara, I didn’t bring you here just for this." His insecurity radiated off him in waves—too terrified to even undress.
Before I could respond, he stood and walked toward the door.
He couldn’t risk it.
He wanted to give more ti to adjust to him.
But I suddenly wrapped my arms around him from behind, pressing against his back. My voice ca out warm and gentle against his ear. "I grew up surrounded by man-eating snakes. Yes, I was scared when I first saw you. But you’re my husband. You pulled back for . Can’t I move forward for you?"
Every word ca from my heart. I had to say it now, or Alistair would retreat even further into himself.
Alistair’ eyes glistened.
I could see the emotion in his eyes, as if he was thinking his mate was incredibly good.
I bit the back of his neck. Sharp, electric pain shot through his body. Alistair went rigid, his mind going completely blank—mostly from shock. "Elara..."
Wow, his voice is trembling that hard?
I smiled. "Dear Commander Alistair. I’m right here."
"Elara." Alistair spun around, and I launched myself into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist like I had countless tis before. I bit his shoulder.
Alistair jerked, his entire body going tense.
Like I’ve always believed: n should be powerful.
My hands explored until they found the scales erging on his neck. I paused.
Alistair’ heart plumted—but before he could speak, I kissed him. One arm around his neck, the other roaming across his chest. I squeezed his firm pectorals.
Alistair groaned, crushing against him. His whole body flushed red, scales flickering along his neck. I sat on his lap, kissing sloppily from his lips to his cheek, his jaw, then nibbling his earlobe.
I had no technique, just ssy little bites that made Alistair whimper softly.
When I felt him harden, I stopped. I wanted him too.
I rembered every single day we’d spent in the sanitarium. I cupped his flushed face and whispered, "Dear Commander Alistair, can you feel it?"
Alistair murmured, "I feel it. Elara... My lady..."
Dizziness swept over , and he gently pushed down into the mattress. The usually calm, mature man had hazy, yearning eyes. He stared at my lips, desperate to kiss but terrified he’d lose control.
"Why won’t you kiss ?" I asked.
Alistair said, "I’m scared... you’ll be afraid of !"
His voice was rough, his lashes quivering, restrained to the point of shaking. I nearly cried out from how aroused I was.
He lifted my hand and kissed my pinky finger, then each one slowly, like he was handling sothing sacred. Finally, he buried his face in my neck. Warm tears slipped down my shoulder. I froze.
Alistair is crying?
He said, "I’m sorry. I’m such a coward."
"Are you still angry at for how I reacted then?" I’d overreacted, but I never imagined it would wound him this deeply.
Alistair shook his head. "No."
"You really are difficult to comfort." My hand slid slowly down his spine.
He had nowhere to escape now. His veins bulged as he gripped the sheets tightly, his face buried in my chest, only quiet gasps escaping.
So his lower back is his sensitive spot?
I smiled to myself. Scales spread across his back—black with golden edges, even hints of deep blue, gorgeous.
They shimr like pearls. Amazing, beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. When did I ever think he was frightening?
He isn’t a snake. He’s a complete temptation.
They felt cool and smooth under my fingertips. I stroked up and down, and Alistair’ eyes went totally vacant. He held tightly, whimpering as he kissed deeply.
One arm locked around my waist, the other cradling my head, intensifying the kiss. His entire body shook. He really couldn’t hold back anymore.
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