You knew you were deep in Omatikaya land.

That was the point.

Their borders were too easy to slip past. Their patrol routes were predictable. And honestly?

You liked the thrill of it.

Stealing intel from the mighty Omatikaya—especially when it pissed off their golden boy warrior—was becoming a hobby.

You crouched near one of their forest outposts, brushing your fingers over a woven signal charm. Perfect. Exactly what you needed.

You cut it loose—

A shadow dropped behind you.

Quiet. Precise.

But you felt him before he spoke, the air tightening like a trap.

“Thought you were clever, didn’t you?”

You spun—too late.

Neteyam slammed you back against the tree, forearm braced across your collarbone. Not enough to hurt.

Enough to make your breath catch.

His face was inches from yours, eyes blazing with anger… and something else.

“Give me one good reason,” he growled, breath hot against your cheek, “not to take you to my father right now.”

You tilted your head, lips curling.

“Oh, I’ve got one.”

His grip tightened just a little. “Speak.”

“You won’t.”

His brows lowered. “Try me.”

You leaned forward—just a whisper closer.

“You’re all bark,” you murmured, “no bite.”

For a moment—just a split, dangerous moment—Neteyam froze.

As if you’d struck something deep.

His pupils blew wide. His jaw clenched. And every muscle in his body went rigid.

He didn’t know if he wanted to strangle you…

…or kiss you senseless.

His chest rose against yours with a sharp inhale.

“Keep talking,” he warned softly, “and see what happens.”

You smiled. Slow. Wicked. “Maybe I want to.”

His breath stuttered.

Neteyam jerked away suddenly—not far, just enough to gather control—his hand sliding from your collarbone to your wrist. He spun you around, twisting your arms behind your back with expert ease.

Your spine pressed to his chest.

Your heart hammered.

“You’re coming with me,” he hissed in your ear.

His voice was low, rough, completely unraveling.

“And you’ll walk. In front.”

“What,” you snorted, “to keep an eye on me?”

“To keep you,” he said, pushing you forward, “where I can reach you.”

Your tail flicked with annoyance—and heat.

He nudged you between the shoulderblades, guiding you through the forest. Every time you stumbled, his hands gripped your hips to steady you. Every time you hesitated, he leaned in close enough that his breath brushed your neck.

“Don’t test me,” he murmured.

“I think you like when I do.”

His silence was telling. Too telling.

You could feel it in the way he kept hovering behind you—close enough to feel your heat, far enough to pretend he wasn’t affected.

After several tense minutes, you glanced back over your shoulder.

“You sure this is a good idea?” you teased. “Bringing your enemy home?”

Neteyam’s hand shot out, curling around your jaw, forcing you to meet his eyes. His voice dropped to a whisper that vibrated down your spine.

“You stopped being just an enemy,” he said, “the moment you made me chase you.”

You swallowed.

Hard.

He let go, stepping back as if touching you burned.

“Keep walking,” he ordered.

But his fingers still trembled.

And you knew— He wasn’t sure if he wanted to deliver you to his father…

…or drag you deeper into the forest and deal with you himself.