Free Web NovelChapter 125: Chapter 125 Hidden Scales Surface
Alistair looked down at the soft, warm Elara in his arms and couldn’t help but smile tenderly.
Her cheeks glowed pink from the alcohol. He leaned in slowly, his nose barely grazing hers. The scent of liquor mixed with her breath, making him feel intoxicated too.
He whispered, "Elara, I love you so much. Please don’t be afraid of me, okay?"
Black-gold scales began emerging from his neck. Just as they threatened to spread across his face, he clenched his eyes shut and forced them to retreat.
He let out a quiet, tortured sound and opened his eyes again. Bitterness flooded his chest.
Elara despises his beast form—and yet...
It’s his own fault.
He tugged his collar up higher and carried her to his new villa on the island.
Julian had worked efficiently. All the beastmen’s houses formed a perfect circle around Elara’s at equal distances, making the layout simple to navigate.
Elara’s home occupied the center, with the others surrounding it. Connecting pathways, pools, gardens, stone fountains—everything was complete. Even the beastmen in their roles had never experienced such luxury. Being with Elara meant living in paradise.
Silas had insisted on handling everything personally. He sat in the walk-in closet, carefully folding Elara’s clothes—until his behavior turned peculiar again. He pressed two garments against his chest, inhaling deeply before concealing them, both mischievous and foolish.
His ears twitched as he whispered, "Elara... Baby... My baby..."
Dorian had swept the entire island for dangers, then activated the complete security system once everything was confirmed safe.
Kaelen had finished his tasks quickly as well. The floating island offered ample space, so he positioned the fleets and arranged quarters for the soldiers. They would protect the island from this point forward. He placed Rory in command—Finnian’s trusted aide, dependable and astute.
The moment his duties were complete, Kaelen hurried to locate Elara. But he searched every corner without success.
Alistair placed Elara on the bed and attempted to step back, but she wrapped her arms around his neck. "You troublemaker. I know exactly who you are." She opened her eyes drowsily, still intoxicated, looking absolutely adorable. frёeωebɳovel.com
He stared, his throat working. He felt his back beginning to transform again and quickly pulled away. "You’re drunk. I... I’ll go prepare some food."
"Don’t leave." Elara rolled over and trapped him beneath her. Soft warmth pressed against him; their breathing immediately became tangled. She giggled at his handsome face so close, cupped his cheeks, and kissed him before he could respond.
"We made a bargain. I owe you a kiss; you owe me a dance. Planning to back out?" she murmured.
His eyes went wide. He couldn’t process what she was doing.
It was a surge of euphoria, panic, desire, and terror combined.
When her hands began slipping under his shirt, he panicked and caught her wrists. "Elara, don’t..."
He was hanging on by a thread.
His voice came out rough, strained, and controlled. His body burned hot enough to clear some of her intoxication.
His jaw shook, his breathing uneven. Through 007’s robotic body, he’d maintained control.
But now the woman he adored was in his arms, they were legally wed—this should have felt natural. Yet Elara feared his beast form, and whenever passion overwhelmed him, his scales would surface against his will.
He thought back to their uncomfortable first encounter at the sanitarium and felt even more uncertain.
If he frightens her again, will he be left completely alone?
"You won’t let me touch you?" Elara nuzzled him softly.
Setting aside his beast form, he was precisely her type—composed, husband-like, mature, like mint that captivated her instantly.
Especially his subtle citrus scent. She wanted to nestle closer; it smelled delicious enough to devour.
He said, "Elara, it’s not that. I..."
"Then what?"
He breathed heavily, blushing and looking away. After a long moment, he whispered shakily, "I’m afraid I’ll frighten you. I’m hideous... You know that."
His voice shook with uncertainty. He took a deep breath, suppressing his longing.
