A dragon shifter novel Chapter 49

Thornhill Academy

Just A Little Longer

Evander

“We have a lot to talk about,” I whisper into her hair, the words almost swallowed by the forest itself. “But we should probably get back to the academy before we’re deemed missing…” That’s when I feel the shift in her, the moment she realises just how bare we both are. Her gaze flicks down, and the flush that paints her cheeks spreads fast, blooming pink across her pale skin. She crosses her arms instinctively, trying to cover what little she can, and the sight is so innocent, so human, I can’t stop the low chuckle that escapes me. “Your body is beautiful, pet,” I murmur, letting the truth sit heavy between us. Her eyes snap up to mine, wide and disbelieving. I tilt my head, softer now, letting my knuckles brush the side of her jaw. “And I do plan on learning every inch of it.” My lips ghost over her cheek in the briefest kiss. “But only when you’re ready.” Her breath stutters, but she lets me help her to her feet. She sways slightly, her body still weak from the shift, so I keep one hand steady at her waist as I cross to where shed my clothes earlier. Truth be told, there isn’t much left to offer. My shirt is long gone from training. What remains is a single pair of black shorts and my underwear. Not exactly a wardrobe. I pull on the

briefs, the elastic biting into my hips, then hold out the shorts to her. “Here,” I say simply.

She hesitates, eyes darting between me and the fabric, before tugging them up her legs. They dwf her, hanging low on her hips, and she has to bunch one side awkwardly to keep them from sliding straight back down. The sight is endearing, almost comical, and yet all I can think about is how much I hate anyone else seeing her this vulnerable. “Everyone should be in the food hall by now,” I say, scanning the treeline and listening for voices. “If we’re lucky, we can sneak across the training field and into the change rooms before anyone notices.” My gaze rakes over her again despite myself. The shorts do little. Her long hair falls like a veil across her chest, the only thing saving her from full exposure. There is way too much skin exposed for anyone else to see. My dragon snarls low in my chest, the protective instinct sharp enough to taste on my tongue. I step closer, brushing a strand of hair from her shoulder and let it fall down her chest. My voice comes out rougher than I intend. “If anyone looks at you, they’ll regret it.” Her lips part like she wants to argue, but instead, she gives the smallest nod, and with that, I bend low and scoop her back into my arms, her legs wrapping around my hips, her chest pressed against mine as

I start toward the edge of the forest.

The treeline thins, the open sprawl of the training field stretching out before us, silvered by the late light. I tighten my grip around her thighs, holding her

close, feeling the burn of her heat against my chest. She clutches the shorts at her hip with one hand, her other fisting in my shoulder for balance. “Evander…” she whispers, her voice sharp with warning. “I know,” I breathe back. My eyes are already locked onto the pair of students loitering at the far edge of the field. Two boys, shifters by the way their ears twitch at every sound. They aren’t looking directly at us yet, but all it takes is one careless laugh, one slip of her hair, one shimmer of gold still burning faintly in her eyes. My dragon presses hard against my ribs, urging me to shield her, to extend our wings and cover her with my body instead of risking this walk. Mine. Hide her Protect. “Head down, pet,” I whisper, shifting her in my arms until her face buries against my neck. She resists for half a heartbeat, then gives in, her breath warm against my skin. We make it halfway before the boys laugh at something, and one of them turns in our direction. My spine goes rigid, every muscle ready to shift at the first sign of recognition. “Shit,” I hiss under my breath, pivoting hard and using my bulk to angle us behind the training racks that line the field. A wall of wooden dummies and broken spears shields us from their line of sight. Her fingers dig into me, tense. “Evander, if they see-”

“They won’t.” The promise comes out like a growl.

I keep moving, fast but silent, feet hitting the dirt with deliberate speed. The change room doors loom closer, carved oak with the academy crest etched deep. Just a few more steps. The boys‘ voices carry again, closer this time. My dragon snarls, and I snap my head back to see them heading toward the racks.

There’s no time. I drop my shoulder and turn, shielding Ally entirely with my body. I press us both tight against the stone wall just shy of the doorway, my

pulse hammering. Her breath hitches against my throat. “They’re going to-”

“They won’t,” I say again, lower this time. The footsteps pass, slow and careless, the boys still muttering to each other as they veer off toward the far exit.

One laughs loudly, the sound bouncing harmlessly away. I don’t move until I’m certain. Then, finally, I exhale and pull the door open with my free hand,

pushing us inside. The heavy oak slams shut behind us with a muffled thud, sealing us in the safety of shadow and soap–scented steam. Only then do I look

down at her. Her cheeks are still flushed, hair wild around her face, chest rising and falling against mine. She looks up, wide–eyed, and whispers, “That was

too close.” I smirk, brushing my thumb across her temple. “Close doesn’t count. You’re safe.”

“Um… you can put me down now.” Her voice is small, uneven, her blush creeping high on her cheeks. I bend my head and press my nose into the curve of her neck. Mer scent hits me like smoke and lightning, wild and intoxicating. My chest rumbles low without my permission. “Not yet,” I murmur against her skin. “Just… let me hold you a little longer. Please.” Her breath catches, and for a moment she doesn’t move. Her fingers twitch against my chest, not pushing me away. The silence stretches, broken only by the quick rhythm of her pulse fluttering against my lips. Ours, my dragon whispers, curling around her scent like it’s already branded into us. Don’t let her go. Not yet. I tighten my arms just a fraction, memorising the exact weight of her against me, the