Crossing the Border (Rania) novel Chapter 258

**He Asked Me to Leave My Dreams, So I Decided to Make Him One of Them by Mira Lorian**
**Chapter 258**

Maximus could sense that something was weighing heavily on Rania’s heart. Despite her best efforts to mask her anxiety, he could feel the ripples of her turmoil through their mate bond, a connection that transcended mere words. It was as if he could touch her thoughts, even when she tried to shield them from him. The silence between them felt like a chasm, unspoken yet palpable, especially regarding the painful subject of Rania’s miscarriage. They had skirted around it, as if acknowledging it would shatter the delicate balance of their relationship.

While Rania maintained her usual demeanor, showering him with affection and warmth, Maximus couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. There was an invisible barrier, a small but significant hurdle that loomed between them, and he longed to leap over it, to bridge the gap that had formed in the wake of their shared grief.

“Are you ready?” Maximus approached her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist and planting a soft kiss on her neck. The sweet sound of her giggle filled the air, a melody he had missed dearly during those long, silent months. Each sound she made was like a spark of life, igniting joy within him.

“Yes.” Rania turned to face him, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she tiptoed to press her lips against his. “I want to explore the Barlukan Kingdom. I’ve never been there before. What’s it like?”

Maximus tightened his grip around her waist, leaning in until their foreheads touched. “Aspen Kingdom is better,” he replied, a smirk dancing on his lips.

Rania laughed lightly, the sound like music to his ears. “Of course, it is. You are the king of this kingdom after all. The Barlukan Kingdom will flourish under your rule too.”

He remained silent, the weight of her words settling in his chest. A heartbeat later, he captured her lips with his own, savoring the sweetness of the moment. As much as he relished hearing her voice, the taste of her lips was an addiction he couldn’t resist.

“It’s been ages since I last saw Eiten. Is he doing well there?” Rania asked, a hint of nostalgia in her tone. She missed the royal Gamma and his playful banter, the lightness he brought to their lives.

“Don’t mention anyone else while I’m kissing you, especially not a man,” Maximus groaned, frustration lacing his voice. He was lost in the warmth of their embrace, the connection they shared, and yet here she was, bringing another man into their intimate moment.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Rania giggled, her laughter bubbling against his lips. “He’s your Gamma.”

“He’s still a man, and I’m still kissing you.” With that, Maximus lifted her effortlessly, her surprised yelp echoing in the room. She instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist, and he held her securely, his hands resting at her bottom.

He carried her to the table, setting her down gently atop it, his lips never leaving hers.

“So, you don’t like it?” Rania teased, a wide smile spreading across her face as she playfully bit his lip.

“Mmh. Don’t like it. Don’t talk about it.” Maximus pinched her waist lightly, eliciting a gasp from her. As her mouth opened in surprise, he seized the opportunity, exploring her warmth with fervor.

Their hands roamed restlessly, igniting a fire within them, a palpable desire that threatened to consume everything. However, just as the heat of the moment intensified, a knock echoed through the room.

It was Karin, interrupting them with a reminder of reality. “Can I come in?” she called out, her voice cutting through the haze of passion. Usually, she wouldn’t intrude, but the warriors stationed outside had informed her that the king was inside.

Unbeknownst to her, the air was thick with the scent of their intimacy, a scent that would have revealed everything had she been a shifter.

“W-wait, just a moment!” Rania stammered, breathless as she pushed Maximus away, though he was reluctant to let her go.

Maximus grunted in frustration, “Ignore her.”

Yet, Rania couldn’t shake the awareness of Karin standing just outside the door, waiting for her. The tension in the air shifted, and she felt a pang of guilt for keeping the healer waiting.

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