He'd thought Emma didn't know the customs of Aurelia. Turns out she knew every last detail. For an Aurelia, the bonding ritual was the most sacred instinct woven into their bloodline. It wasn't just a union; it was the offering of a life, a vow made holy. When courting, a male would perform his most dazzling dance, declaring his love to both sky and earth. If his feelings were returned, he'd pluck the brightest, strongest feathers from his own breast and, one by one, weave them into a nest for his mate. That nest wasn't only for the bonding; it was a promise built from his flesh and soul. Every feather carried his strength—the greatest shield he could offer her. Only when he welcomed his mate into that nest was the bond truly complete. In his private sanctuary, surrounded by his own plumage and scent, the two of them brought their lives to perfect fulfillment together. It had to happen when he was at his strongest and purest—not like this, rushed and in someone else's territory.Lucien held Emma close, his lips pressing into the crown of her hair. A scalding wave of warmth gripped his heart. Tenderness and love overflowed, so fierce they burned behind his eyes. All the physical desire she'd stirred in him moments ago seemed insignificant compared to this profound sense of being understood. "Emma." His voice came out rough, no longer an act of seduction but laced with an uncontrollable tremor. "Thank you." At first, he'd assumed she had come tonight for the bonding. If Emma had truly insisted, he wouldn't have refused, but the memory would have been forever tainted with regret. What he never expected was that Emma knew they couldn't bond properly tonight and still came anyway, just to be with him. Emma snuggled deeper against his chest. "I'm your mate. If you say 'thank you' one more time, I'm going to bite you." "Alright." Lucien surrendered, his eyes filled with starlight and adoration. "I won't say it again." He paused, tightening his hold on her as he drew in a deep breath, savoring that unique scent of hers that always brought him peace. "Emma, it's just…" His voice was muffled against her skin, carrying the faintest hint of a pout. "Tonight's punishments… they've left me all worked up." Emma felt his warm breath graze the most sensitive spot on her neck. That husky tone sent a shiver straight through her, melting her from where he pressed against her. "You… you had it coming!" She nipped his shoulder lightly. "That's what you get for hiding your injuries from me. Consider it interest." "How about the principal?" Lucien chuckled low in her ear, his lips deliberately brushing her earlobe. "I'll pay you back properly once we're home, deal?" Emma smiled against his chest and nodded. "Once we're home and you've built your nest, I'll settle the whole debt with you.""Deal." Satisfied with her answer, Lucien shifted slightly, settling her more comfortably in the crook of his arm. "Let's sleep," he murmured, giving her back a gentle pat. His voice had gone soft as warm honey. "Tonight I'll be good. I'll rest." Emma gave a soft hum in reply, not daring to move, careful not to stir his desire. Pillowed on his solid arm, lulled by the steady, powerful beat of his heart and wrapped in his reassuring scent, every last worry and shadow of fear slipped away. She wasn't sure when it had started, but being with Lucien always made her feel an incredible sense of peace. … The gentle currents of the deep sea swayed. Elsewhere, Drake's eyes snapped open. He scanned the dim bedchamber in a daze, searching for any sign of Emma—but there was none. "Emma?" he called out, panic cracking his voice."Awoo?" Stirred by the noise, Remy woke. In his babyish voice, he mumbled, "Daddy, are you looking for Mommy?" Drake reached up to touch the little fruit on his head, asking anxiously, "Remy, why am I sleeping here? Where did Emma go?" Remy's babyish voice floated down. "Daddy, don't you remember? Mommy's mates came. She's with them now." "Mates?" Drake's brow furrowed. The face that usually wore lazy arrogance now crumpled into misery. "Aren't I Emma's mate too? Why did she go with them and leave me behind?" Aren't they all mates? How could Emma just leave him? Remy answered with merciless toddler honesty. "Isn't it obvious? It must be because the other daddies make Mommy happier than you do. That's why she wants them with her, not you!" Is that it?Drake's hurt deepened, his eyes reddening. "Then what do I have to do to make Emma like me? How do I make her stay?" He didn't want Emma with anyone else. He wanted her all to himself. After all, it was in a Drakonid's nature to be intensely possessive.