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Chapter Twenty-Three - New Feelings

Reaching our main camp, I gazed around at the abandoned huts, shivering at the ghosts that I imagined. I had hoped Mhor would camp here before traveling back to his land, but there was no sign of him.

So, I made my way to the cave by the waterhole where we used to meet in secret. As I reached the thicket surrounding the water, I sensed someone watching me. Slowing, I bent over to take a drink, using the pause to assess my stalker. By the silence of the movement, it could only be another lion or a leopard, and a leopard would avoid a direct confrontation with an adult lioness.

Grasping my dagger, I swung around. "Show yourself!"

A long pause followed, the night air filled with the sounds of crickets and frogs. My gaze danced across the rustling grass and trees prepared to pounce at any attack.

A figure stood from among the bushes. Immediately, I recognized him. Letting my guard down, I ran to Mhor.

He raised a hand to stop me. "I am forbidden."

I clutched at my heart as I swatted his hand away. "What happened wasn't your fault. Mhor, I refuse to be with anyone other than you. I want to be your alpha and start a pride with you. I don't care what my father says."

"Zora," he said, his voice softening. "Your father has rights to you until you conceive. I cannot touch you."

Stepping closer, I grasped his hand and placed it over my healing wound. "You did not do this, Mhor. I stayed and defended you and my brothers. I made that choice, and I did it because I love you and I cannot bear to lose you."

"Oh, Zora." He brushed his knuckles over my cheek. "I love you, but the guilt I carry for you coming to harm—"

"Should not be yours to bear." I tugged at the string of his pants. "Naya told you that I will flee to you before my heat, didn't she?"

"Yes, he whispered, caressing my cheek as he let his pants fall open.

"I will be yours to claim." I ran my hand over his thick erection. "And we will take our time to ensure a conception. Prepare a place where my scent will be masked."

"Oh, Zora." He bit my neck and lifted me off my feet. Running me to the cave, he sealed us in and tore my clothes off. Even in the darkness he knew exactly what to do and rammed into me. I let out a cry of pleasure as he thrust aggressively into me. I clawed at his back, panting, loving how wonderful it felt to be with him again.

"Mhor, Mhor..."

He gave my nipple a sharp tug with his teeth before planting a kiss firmly over my mouth. I panted against his mouth as he drove deeper and harder into me. Yelps slipped from my lips as I wrapped my knees around his waist.

"Mhor, oh, you feel amazing," I said, my voice raspy.

He nipped at my neck and ear. He shifted slightly, giving me a tingling sensation. I rocked my pelvis toward him. Moaning, he thrust rapidly, making me pant until finally I let out a squeal. My body exploded with pleasure, clenching every muscle, squeezing him as he pulsed inside me.

"Yes, oh, Zora, yes, I'm coming too!" And with a growl, he threw his head back and released into me.

Although the act was over, the intensity between us didn't fade. I caressed his cheek, wishing I could see his face through the darkness. "I love you so much, Mhor."

He lowered his head to kiss me. "And I love you, Zora."

"Promise me you won't stop fighting for me."

He nuzzled against my ear, purring softly. "As long as you'll have me."