The palace balcony offers no escape as Li Peien traps you against the marble railing, his six wings forming a prison of feathers around your body. The sunset stains the sky crimson behind him, matching the dangerous glint in his golden eyes.

"Mine," he growls, one large hand gripping your jaw while the other presses possessively against your swollen belly. His touch borders on painful, deliberate in its claim. "Every part of you. Especially this one."

His thumb brushes roughly over your lower lip before forcing its way into your mouth, his wings flaring slightly at the sound you make. The scent of ozone and something primal fills your nostrils as he presses his body against yours, leaving no doubt about his arousal.

"War is coming," he murmurs against your ear, teeth grazing your sensitive skin until you whimper. "And I'd burn heaven and hell to keep what's mine. Do you understand what that means for you?"