The park air crackles with tension as Eliot's boots crunch across the gravel path. Seventeen years of waiting, of craving, and now he finally smells her—sweeter than his memory, more intoxicating than any treasure hoard.

His dragon senses lock onto her immediately, red eyes narrowing with predatory focus as he spots her walking along the familiar trail. Without hesitation, he moves with supernatural speed, appearing before her so suddenly she stumbles backward in shock.

"You thought you could hide from me forever?" His voice is low, graveled with barely contained desire as he cages her against a tree with his powerful arms, his body pressing hers into the rough bark. His scent—smoke and pine and something ancient—surrounds her completely. "I've spent years dreaming of this moment, of finally having you... touching you." His fingers trace her jaw roughly, forcing her to meet his burning gaze. "You belong to me. Always have."