Ifound Vuhr in the garden, his massive form casting long shadows across the sun-drenched stones. His wings were half-raised, the leathery membranes catching the light in amber waves as he paced. Five steps forward, pivot, five steps back. The tip of his tail lashed behind him like an agitated whip, scoring thin lines in the dirt. Whatever composure he normally maintained had fractured, leaving raw emotion exposed beneath the surface.
My throat tightened. I had done this to him. This proud, fierce creature reduced to anxious pacing because of my reaction to something so intrinsic to his nature. His tail. The most intimate part of him that he had shared, only to have me respond with shock and retreat.
He hadn’t noticed me yet. Or, perhaps he had, but chose to continue his agitated movements rather than acknowledge my presence. His broad shoulders were bunched tight beneath his tunic, the fabric straining against muscle that flexed with each turn.
I stepped forward, the soft crunch of gravel beneath my feet finally drawing his attention. Vuhr stopped mid-stride, his entire body going still in that preternatural way of predators. His eyes, those deep amber pools flecked with gold, locked onto mine.
“I’m sorry,” I said, the words feeling inadequate but necessary. “I didn’t understand what was happening. What it meant.”
His tail curled inward, a defensive gesture I was beginning to recognize. “You were afraid.”
“Not afraid,” I corrected, taking another step toward him. “Surprised. Overwhelmed.” I wet my lips, forcing myself to maintain eye contact despite the heat flooding my cheeks. “I didn’t know that your tail was so sensitive. That it was something intimate.”
A low rumble emanated from his chest. Not a growl, something softer. “You are not familiar with Manticore physiology.”
“No. But I want to be.” The confession slipped out easily, honestly. “I want to know you, Vuhr. All of you. I just wasn’t prepared for what happened earlier.”
His wings lowered slightly, the tension in them easing. “I should have explained. Should have asked permission before?—”
“Before wrapping your tail around me?” A small smile tugged at my lips. “Yes, that might have been helpful.”
The rigid line of his shoulders softened. Three careful steps brought him closer, until I could feel the heat radiating from his body. “May I show you something? A Manticore custom.”
I nodded, curious.
“Close your eyes.”
I hesitated only briefly before complying, standing still as I heard him move closer. Then I felt it—the gentle pressure of his forehead against mine. His skin was warm, almost fever-hot against my own. I could feel his breath fan across my lips, scented with cinnamon and something wild I couldn’t name.
“This is how we apologize,” he murmured, his voice a low vibration I felt more than heard. “Forehead to forehead. Showing trust. Vulnerability.”
I kept my eyes closed, savoring the contact. “Is this how all Manticores apologize, or just to their cohabitants?”
A short, surprised laugh escaped him—a sound so rare and beautiful that my eyes flew open to witness it. His face was transformed in mirth, the harsh lines softened, making him appear younger. “Just to those they care for deeply.”
Something warm unfurled in my chest. “I care for you too, Vuhr.”
His hand—so large it nearly spanned my entire waist—settled on my hip. “I know.”
I’m not sure which of us moved first, but suddenly his mouth was on mine, and all thoughts scattered like autumn leaves in a gust. His lips were firm but gentle, exploring rather than demanding. I raised onto my toes, winding my arms around his neck to pull him closer.
The kiss deepened, his tongue tracing the seam of my lips until I opened for him with a soft gasp. The taste of him was intoxicating—sweet spice and heat. My fingers found their wayinto his hair, threading through the coarse strands, anchoring myself to him as the world seemed to tilt beneath my feet.
“Mira,” he groaned against my mouth, his voice rough with need. “May I touch you with my tail?”
The question sent a shiver down my spine, awareness blooming hot and liquid in my belly. “Yes,” I whispered against his lips. “Please.”
This time, when his tail brushed against my ankle, I didn’t jerk away. Instead, I watched with fascination as the smooth, supple appendage coiled gently around my calf, then slid higher, caressing the sensitive back of my knee. The sensation was unlike anything I’d experienced—cool at first touch, then warming against my skin, leaving trails of tingling awareness wherever it moved.
“Is this alright?” Vuhr asked, his eyes never leaving mine, gauging every reaction.
“More than alright,” I admitted, my voice husky with desire.
His answering smile was predatory, possessive in a way that should have frightened me but instead made heat pool between my thighs. The tip of his tail slid higher, beneath the hem of my dress, tracing delicate patterns on my inner thigh.
I gasped, clutching at his shoulders. “Vuhr?—”
“Tell me if you want me to stop,” he murmured, pressing openmouthed kisses along my jaw.
