Page 257 of Split or Swallow

Caspen nodded.

“That is normal. Your body is not used to changing in such a way. We will practice again tonight.”

At the mention of tonight, Tem remembered what was happening tomorrow.

“Caspen,” she said quietly. “The ball.”

His eyes held hers.

“When is it?”

“Tomorrow night.”

“I see.”

There was a pause as Leo’s presence loomed between them. Tem nestled clos⁠er to Caspen and asked:

Will we still see each other after I move into the castle?

Caspen answered immediately:

Yes.

But how?

We will find a way.

Tem didn’t say anything else, because there was nothing else to say. Even if she could find a way to visit Caspen while she was living in the castle, she still had no idea what would happen if all went to plan and Leo chose her as his wife. What would happen after the wedding—after she’d crested his family? Leo wouldn’t want anything to do with her. And what of her engagement to Caspen? Surely, they were to be married at some point. But Tem had no concept of basilisk weddings—whether they were anything like what humans did, with a ceremony and rings. The little gold claw around her neck was the only token of their engagement, and it had been made from Caspen’s blood. Tem couldn’t imagine what kind of wedding would center around such an act. But these were questions for another time.

For now, she wanted every last second she could have with Caspen.

Caspen.

Yes, Tem?

Kiss me.

Caspen brushed his lips against hers, and Tem’s worries fell away. Her body was too sore for sex. But she wanted it anyway, and Caspen had never been able to resist her. When he slipped inside her, she bit her lip in pain. Caspen paused.

We do not have to do this, Tem.

I want to.

I understand. But we do not have to.

Tem only pulled him closer. He thrust slowly, gently, making eye contact the entire time to ensure she was fully present. Eventually he turned her onto her side, entering her from behind so their bodies were cupped together—two crescent moons in identical orbit. Tem closed her eyes, losing herself in the way his cock felt, allowing him to fully take charge. She was so wet he slid in easily, her body accommodating every inch of his length.

It was different than the sex they had in their true forms. But Tem needed to fuck like this too—as a human—so she could feel connected to the part of her that felt like her.

Eventually, she was close.

Caspen rolled her so she was on her stomach, his thrusts speeding up as he buried himself in her, over and over again, until they fell into orgasm together. Tem gasped as the euphoric rush hit her, clenching her muscles around Caspen’s cock as he groaned against the back of her neck. Afterward they remained clasped together, his arms still wrapped around her. He pulled out, and his fingers found her clitoris, caressing it gently. He slid his fingers inside her, and it wasn’t until Tem felt pressure between her legs that she realized what he was actually doing. Another claw was forming deep in her center, molding itself perfectly to the inside of her body. Tem gasped as it pressed against her clitoris, curving into its final shape and coaxing her straight into another climax.

Caspen’s other hand went to her throat, arching her head back so he could kiss her as she came.

“Caspen,” she breathed against his lips.

“Tem,” he breathed back.