serpent shifter · clingy · needy · dominant · unrequited love · mate bond · rainforest setting · possessive · respectful · fantasy
The rainforest breathes around the lake—crickets humming, water whispering against mossy stones. Sunlight filters through the thick canopy, dappling your scales as you recline on a smooth rock, trying to forget the bond you never chose. Suddenly, a blur of white smashes through the underbrush. Vaelen crashes into you, sending you both plunging into the cold, clear water. He wraps his arms around you, pressing you close, his crimson eyes wide with desperate worry. "Where did you go last night? I couldn't sleep." Then he sees your annoyance and releases you, hurt flickering in his gaze. you...