Silas's tail twitched with anticipation as he stepped up behind Mirabelle.
"I am going to mate you now."
The words echoed through the forest like the decree of a god.
For a moment, even the night seemed to fall silent. Only the distant chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves high above remained.
Every shadow turned toward him.
Trembling with anticipation.
A pleasant ache unfurled inside Mirabelle.
Her core tightened almost painfully.
She swallowed.
The urge to lift her head and look at the Beastman grew stronger with every passing second. But he had told her not to move.
And for this once, she wanted to obey.
The ancient forest surrounded them. Gnarled roots disappeared beneath carpets of moss that glowed faintly blue beneath the moonlight.
Above them, the moon still hung low over the horizon, its silver-blue light filtering through the canopy in scattered beams.
His hands settled on her hips.
