Xavier led Lula deeper into the forest, the dense trees providing cover and distance from the others. His arm remained firmly around her waist as he guided her to a quiet clearing, his sharp instincts on high alert.
The mist's strange effects on her still worried him - her flushed cheeks, the way her breaths came shallow and uneven.
He lowered her to sit on a fallen log, crouching in front of her. "Lula," he said softly, his voice laced with concern, "how are you feeling? Is it still affecting you?"
Her gaze met his, dark and unfocused, but there was something else in her expression - something raw, almost primal. Instead of answering, she reached for him, her hands curling into the fabric of his shirt.
"Lula - " he began, but his words faltered when she leaned forward, sliding onto his lap in one smooth motion.
Her legs straddled him, her body pressed close. Xavier froze, startled by her sudden boldness. His hands hovered near her waist, unsure whether to pull her back or hold her steady.
"Lula, do you know what you're doing?" he murmured, his voice dropping an octave.
She didn't answer. Her hands explored his chest, tracing the lines of muscle beneath his shirt. Her touch was slow, her fingers brushing his collarbone before trailing lower. Xavier's breath hitched, a sharp contrast to his usual composure.
"You're warm," she whispered, her voice thick and husky.
Xavier clenched his jaw, trying to rein in the growing heat between them. "Lula, this isn't like you. It's the mist - whatever that creature released."
Her lips curled into a small smile, and she leaned in, her breath fanning against his cheek. "Does it matter?" she murmured, nuzzling the side of his face.
Xavier's hands settled on her hips, his grip firm but hesitant. "It matters," he said, though his voice betrayed the tension running through him. "I don't want you doing something you'll regret."
Lula ignored his words, tilting her head to press her lips against the curve of his neck. Her movements were slow, teasing, her warm breath grazing his skin. Her hands slid up to his shoulders, her nails lightly scraping as she held on to him.
A low growl rumbled in Xavier's chest, but he stayed rooted in place, every muscle in his body taut. "Lula," he warned, though his voice wavered.
She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her darkened eyes locking with his. "You're mine, Xavier," she whispered. "Let me show you."
Before he could respond, she leaned in again, her teeth grazing his neck before sinking in gently. Xavier hissed, his hands tightening on her waist. The sensation of her bite sent a jolt through him, stirring his loin to breed.
When she pulled away, her tongue flicked out, licking where her teeth had left a faint mark. "You taste good," she murmured, her voice dripping with satisfaction.
Xavier's resolve cracked further, his usual self-control slipping under the weight of her actions. "Lula..." he started again, but his voice was hoarse, heavy with restraint.
Her hands wandered lower, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw before settling against his chest again. She shifted in his lap, her movements teasing.
Xavier's breath came harder now, his instincts fighting against his better judgment. "This isn't fair," he muttered under his breath, his golden eyes narrowing as he tried to steady himself.
Lula smirked, clearly enjoying the effect she had on him. "What's not fair?" she asked, her tone light, though her actions remained naughty.
"Lula," he murmured, his voice rough but steady. "That's enough."
"Xavier..." she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
For a moment, she stilled, her eyes softening as a flicker of realisation broke through the haze. Her breathing slowed, and her gaze dropped to his chest, her fingers resting lightly against him. "I don't know what's happening to me," she whispered, her voice quivering softly.
"You need rest," he tenderly spoke near her ear.
Lula blinked up at him, her body still trembling slightly from the lingering effects of the mist. She felt his warmth leave her momentarily, but before she could say anything, a shimmering light surrounded him.
Xavier's form shifted, his tall, muscular frame melting into his serpent form. His golden eyes remained the same, now larger and glowing with a soft warmth as he looked down at her.
Lula stared, her breath catching as she looked at him, "Xavier...". He lowered himself beside her, his long, coiled body wrapping gently around hers. The cool night air was immediately replaced by the comforting warmth of his scales. His head rested near hers, his movements slow and careful, as if he feared overwhelming her.
Lula relaxed against him, her earlier tension fading as the soothing warmth of his body enveloped her.
Her eyelids grew heavy as she rested her head. "Stay with me," her voice drowsy. Xavier coiled tightening just slightly as a gesture he had heard her loud and clear.