The World of Beasts: She's Got Their Hearts

Analise started with some warm-up practice.

She figured that after finalizing her contract with Finlay tomorrow morning, she'd head to Hopkins Galaxy Lodge to continue training.

Analise remembered there was a large training ground there. Scott had shown it to her that day, but she hadn't paid much attention.

She was too distracted by browsing Cosmoseek.

After releasing her fingers, the arrow hit dead center.

Analise's eyes lit up with joy.

"Scott, I'm planning to practice at Hopkins Galaxy Lodge tomorrow. Archery only really improves with long-distance training," she said, turning to him after firing a few shots.

"Okay," Scott agreed immediately.

That way, even while handling official duties, he could sneak glances at what Analise was doing instead of being tortured by his own overthinking as he stared into space.

"Ana." Scott suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.noveldrama

"What is it?" Analise's heartbeat skipped.

"The security force contacted me again today. It's about Sean and... that artificial female," he murmured as he rested his chin on her shoulder.

Analise didn't pull away or struggle, which meant she was okay with his touch.

"So, I'm one step closer to her now, right?" Scott thought, and that single thought made Scott's heart soar.

"Sean's physical condition has deteriorated significantly. He's basically reverted to his old, frail self. As for the artificial female... They don't dare activate her recklessly."

"So, what did they want from you?" Analise leaned into his chest, clearly feeling his quickening heartbeat.

"They're asking Gideon to assist with the artificial female. As for Sean, the security force ran a lie detector test on him. It confirmed he wasn't responsible for those events.

"Considering he's my brother and his poor health, they're suggesting I bring him back to the Stormclaw Alliance for treatment under supervised care."

Scott took a deep breath, savoring Analise's scent.

He rubbed his hair gently against her neck, trying to leave his own scent on her.

Analise shifted away. "Your hair's tickling me."

There was no blame in her voice, just a calm tone.

That gave Scott a bit more courage. He tightened his arms around her waist and asked softly, "Why Finlay allowed to form a contract with you, but I'm not?"

"When did I ever say you weren't allowed to?" Analise blinked and turned slightly toward him.

Her chin was at an angle that brushed his lips.

The familiar sensation stirred something in him. Scott's eyes flickered as he let go

of her waist and gently lifted her chin.

Without a word, he leaned in and kissed her lips tentatively.

When she didn't push him away, he deepened the kiss.

At the same time, he guided her hand to his chest, letting her feel the rapid pounding of his heart.

"That day, you didn't give me a direct

resting his forehead against hers locking eyes with her.

& he murmured after the kiss,

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"When are you and Finlay planning to form the contract, hm?" he asked again, Brushing her hair with his fingers and planting another kiss on her lips.

"Tomorrow," Analise said with a playful smirk.

"Can I come with you?"

"Why?"

"To form a contract."

"Sure."

She answered much faster than he had dared to hope.

The joy from that one-word reply hit him like a bullet made of pure sugar, sweet and overwhelming.

"Ana, is it true? I can form a contract with you too?" Scott asked as he held her shoulders, still in disbelief.

"Good things don't get repeated," Analise replied, patting his chest and turning back to continue practicing her shots.

Scott stood rooted to the spot, taking his time to digest the moment-until Finlay arrived to call them for dinner.