When Kaya woke the next cycle, every muscle in her body throbbed. Her face smarted and coldness prickled across her scalp. She turned her head and noted Gryffnn was awake and watching her. They still held hands and numbness from remaining in the same position had her groaning.
“Kaya.” Gryffnn bolted upright. “What’s wrong? Where does it hurt?”
“Everywhere, but my arm has gone to sleep.” She rolled toward the edge of the gel-bed and gingerly stood. Her legs folded, and she hit the floor. Ow!
“Kaya!” Gryffnn scrambled around the edge of the gel-bed, his expression distraught. His hair stood up in funny tufts and his eyes turned as round as one of Jazen’s pies.
She wobbled out a smile, trying to reassure him when she couldn’t decide how to move to inflict the least amount of pain on her aching muscles.
“You’re all right.”
“I ache. Every part of me hurts, but I’m alive. I’ll heal.” She concentrated on lifting her arm to explore her decimated hair. “My head is cold. Help me up, so I can see the damage.”
Gryffnn scowled. “You need more rest.”
“I need to see my face. No matter what you say, I intend to see my face.”
Gryffnn’s features blanked. “All right. Let me help you.”
Kaya gritted her teeth as he lifted her to her feet. With tiny shuffles, she crossed chamber until she reached the looking glass. Foreboding built in her chest. A touch of fear. She held her breath and forced herself to study her reflection.
It was worse than she imagined.
Instead of her pale blue cheeks and jaw, the entire right side of her face was black and bright red. A deep indigo bruise covered her swollen left cheek. She sucked in a careful breath and struggled to hold back tears. Her beautiful hair.
Her throat worked in a swallow. “Do you think my hair will grow back?”
“We discussed this last eve.” His fierce gaze locked with hers. “We will speak with Niran and ask him if he’ll make you some kick-arse wigs. You said you wanted pink.”
“Did I say that?” The earlier cycle had taken on a dreamlike quality, and if it weren’t for her battered body, she’d never have believed what her mind told her.
“You did. Let me help you back to bed. I’ll apply more of the healing salves. How is your throat? Does it still feel raw?”
“Yes.”
Gryffnn kissed the tip of her nose and lifted her. In secs she lay on the gel-bed. Her eyes closed as Gryffnn tended her, his touch gentle while the salve softened the sting on her flesh.
“I want you to take this sleeping potion,” he said once he’d finished. “Mogens told Sable that you should sleep and rest for at least three cycles.”
Kaya wanted to argue, but her eyelids kept drifting down, and soon she gave up the struggle.
Gryffnn’s heart ached. He loved this courageous woman so much, yet he didn’t think she was ready to hear this truth. Although, their strong mating bonds must give her an idea as to the depth of his feelings. His relationship with Kaya bore no resemblance to his one with Caley. For Kaya, he’d lay down his life.
He donned the first garments to hand and left his chamber. He found his family and friends breaking their fast in the family dining room.
“How is Kaya?” Camryn asked. “I thought about coming to check, but I didn’t want to wake her if she was sleeping.”
“She’s sore. I get the sense it’s worse than she admits. Her lack of hair upset her, and she complained about a cold scalp. I applied the salves and gave her another sleeping draft.”
“We have a solution for her cold head,” Sable said. “Mogens suggested a different salve and a head wrap. We need to reapply the salve every three cycles.”
Gryffnn nodded and sank onto a chair. “There is so much to organize.”
“You’ve made an excellent start,” Ry said. “Storg has assigned all of Aideen’s dragons tasks, and he’s given them new accommodations, so they’re living with your own people.”
“Yes, it might aid in their assimilation, and it will aid us security-wise since my people can watch them,” Gryffnn said. “I’d like to bring Hallam and Lys home now that the danger is over. Niran’s people… I’m not sure if they should return yet. I want to watch for problems first.”
“I get the sense that most of the Gwilym clan welcome their change in circumstances,” Ry said.
Nanu nodded. “I agree. I can fly back to Viros and pick up Hallam and Lys. It will give me a chance to check in with Jazen. I’ll need someone to watch the two kids on the return journey.”
Camryn exchanged a glance with Ry. “I’ll go with Nanu. Our twins are probably running riot and our nursemaids will threaten to leave if they’re terrorized for too long.”
Sable set a plate of food in front of him. “Eat, Gryffnn. I know you’re worried about Kaya, but you need to stay strong. The clan depends on you.” She poured him a hot cacjuice. “Will you bring home Ransom too?”
“No, not yet. The security is better for him at the castle. It’s too dangerous to have us both together right now.” Gryffnn had struggled with this decision. In his comatose state, Ransom was vulnerable, and with things unsettled, he preferred to keep Ransom safe. Only family and their close friends knew of Ransom’s location. Yes, it was better that way.
He took a bite of his meal and pushed it away, picking up his cacjuice instead. The bright purple liquid slid down, soothing his throat and the dryness of his mouth. “I must speak with Niran. Call if Kaya needs me.”
“We’ll leave for Viros this morn,” Nanu said.
“Thanks,” Gryffnn said.
“I’ll help Storg.” Ry stood, walking with Gryffnn from the dining room. “You’re worried about Kaya.”
Gryffnn didn’t hide his concern. “Yes. She seems calm, but I thought she might cry when she saw her hair.”
“You love her.”
“I have for a long time. I wanted to court her, but as usual Aideen phrulled that up for me.”
Ry clapped him over the back. “Kaya isn’t an easy woman, but once she gives her loyalty she never falters. Things will work out for you.”
Easy for Ry to say. He wasn’t as invested as Gryffnn.
* * * * *
Twenty cycles later
“Ma. Ma. Ma!”
Kaya turned to scowl at Hallam. “Did you teach Lys to say that?”
Hallam’s bottom lip quivered and his eyes twinkled, making him resemble his father. Her breath caught since her position of parent still amazed her, but the responsibility had become more natural.
“No, of course not, Kaya.” He leaned closer with a conspiratorial grin. “You should blame Camryn and Jannike. Their twins call them Ma. Lys learned it from them.”
Lys beamed at Kaya and clapped her hands together before springing at her and grabbing a handful of pink hair. Kaya’s wig couldn’t withstand the infant’s strength and, with the next frantic tug, the hairpiece slid away from her scalp.
Hallam stared at her and mortified, she made a grab for the wig. Lys thought it was a game and issued a delighted chortle.
“Ma!”
“Your hair is growing back,” Hallam said. “It’s the same color as my scales. Not one blue, but many shades. You don’t need your wig any longer.”
“But it’s ugly,” Kaya snapped.
“My scales aren’t ugly.”
“I didn’t say that,” Kaya said hastily. While Hallam acted with maturity, he was still a youngster. “Are you sure it looks all right?”
“It matches the cobweb scar on your cheek. Your right ear has the same color variation. Kaya, It’s beautiful.” Hallam radiated sincerity, his cheeks turning a deep red when she gaped.
“Oh.” Kaya didn’t know what to say, but warmth filled her chest. She’d always enjoyed Hallam’s company—his curiosity and eagerness to learn, and now she genuinely appreciated the dragon child.
Lys crawled closer and grabbed another handful of pink hair. This time, Kaya didn’t fight her sister’s eagerness. Instead, she grinned at Lys and winked at Hallam.
Hallam stared at her hair and cocked his head. “I’ll ask Dad to cut my hair short so we match.”
A wave of affection for him filled her chest, her throat and stole her breath.
“That is a fine idea. I need a haircut too,” Gryffnn said from the doorway. “How are you?”
Kaya wrinkled her nose. “I’m tired of lazing away the cycle.”
“Excellent, because I have a plan. Hallam, will you look after Lys for three marks? Sable is here. She will help you.”
“Lys.” Hallam held out his arms to Lys. She cooed and dropped the pink wig, then let Hallam pick her up and carry her from the chamber.
Gryffnn strode across the space between them and crouched in front of Kaya. “I’ve arranged an outing.”
Kaya lifted her hand to her hair. An instinctive response because—she admitted it—her lack of hair filled her with self-consciousness. Her skin prickled as if everyone was staring at her and judging her appearance lacking. The scar on her face attracted attention. She’d heard the other dragons whisper about her.
“Hallam is right. The new colors in your hair match your face and ear. Your hair is still short, but it is growing. You mightn’t believe me or Hallam, but the truth is people will stare because your looks are striking.”
“You’re telling the truth.”
“I never lie to you.”
She cupped his solemn face, his intent and happiness radiating through their mate bond. “Where are we going?”
“It’s a short flight to a private spot where no one will interrupt us.”
“A flight. Uh, hell, no!” She scrambled backwards as fast as a green scooting insect. “No flying. You are talking about dragon flying, right?”
“Of course.”
“That’s a big, fat no. I can fly Solon there.”
“There is no landing area for Solon. Kaya, trust me.”
She gulped, the idea of whizzing and swooping through the air filling her mind with memories. They flickered like a fast running battle, bringing terror and pain. Her limbs ached as she shook her head.
“You’re hurting my feelings,” Gryffnn said. “You’re implying I won’t keep you safe. It’s a short hop over the jungle. We’ll swim at the pool and relax. I’ve been busy, making sure Aideen’s clan settles while you’ve been healing. It’s time to return to normal. If you don’t leave the family rooms, I’ll assume you’re not ready to return to work with Ry.”
Kaya’s mouth dropped open. “But you said—”
“I didn’t think you’d hide away.”
Kaya snapped her teeth together. “Are you calling me a coward?”
Gryffnn didn’t reply but offered her an even stare. It held a challenge. A dare.
She knew what he was doing, sensed he was trying to help even as his maneuvering annoyed her intensely. But he wasn’t wrong. The one time she’d ventured into the communal dining area, everyone had stared and whispers—catty gossip—had filled the hall. Something she’d dealt with before but it had hurt and made her self-conscious.
Eavesdroppers never hear good of themselves. She’d experienced her mother’s wisdom with painful clarity. Hallam might speak favorably of her scarred cheek and ultra-short hair. The clan women pitied her and wondered how Gryffnn looked at her. She swallowed as the overheard words pounded her brain, still as painful now as when she’d first heard the whispers.
Kaya lifted her chin. “No dropping.”
“I shall hold you in my arms,” he promised.
“Arms?”
“My talons,” he explained. “Come. Let us go now.” He scooped up the pink wig and handed it to her.
She stared at it for an instant, took it from him and after an even longer pause, set the bright pink wig aside. “I’m ready. Let’s go.”
Gryffnn seized her and stole a kiss before he hustled her from the family common room.
The stares, the nosy interest struck Kaya as she and Gryffnn stepped outside and wandered to the training field.
“Why are we walking to the training field?” she whispered, uncomfortable at the scrutiny.
“I want to prove to them all that you are my mate in all ways.”
She frowned at his words, not understanding his meaning.
“She is bald,” a female dragon whispered. “So ugly.”
The words carried since the dragon woman had spoken during an inconvenient hush.
Kaya didn’t ignore the insult this time. She swiveled and prowled over to the dragon, fire blazing in her heart. Gryffnn was right. She needed to face this pettiness and stomp on it. She was a warrior, but she was behaving like a victim. The dragon woman stood a head higher than Kaya, but she took half a step back when Kaya confronted her.
“Gryffnn is my mate, and my hair doesn’t bother him. Your opinion matters little.”
Gryffnn stepped to her side and slipped an arm around her waist. “If I hear nasty words about my mate again, I’ll let Kaya loose with her sword.”
Storg, who had been instructing a group of young dragons on the finer points of flying, stepped up beside Kaya. “If it wasn’t for Kaya, Aideen would be in charge of our clan. Don’t you understand the close call we had? Because of Kaya, we’re free to continue our lives in the usual manner. Apologize.”
“It’s all right.” Kaya bared her teeth. “Anyone else who insults my hair or appearance will meet the pointy end of my sword. That is a promise. Gryffnn, shall we leave now?”
“Yes, I’m ready.” He pressed a quick kiss to the top of her head and sauntered away to a clear space on the training field. He stripped and shifted to his dragon form.
His change occurred quickly and soon, his red scales shone in the whitelight, glittering as brightly as the jewels so prized by the dragon shifters. In his dragon form, he towered over her, making her feel dainty. Like the other dragons she’d seen, he had stubby antlers and his eyes were more almond-shaped in his dragon form. His teeth were white, sharp weapons while his black talons glittered as much as his scales. As she perused his folded wings, his long scarlet tail lashed from side to side.
“Are you ready, sweetheart?” His eyes gleamed in challenge.
“Bring it.” She lifted her chin and stalked toward him, his dare helping her gain her equilibrium and shove her fears aside.
But her legs still trembled as he scooped her up, his giant talons curving around her in a protective yet gentle hold.
He laughed, his dragon glee deep and throaty. Secs later, he lifted into the air, his giant red wings flapping. The wind rushed past her ears and made her eyes tear. Trepidation clawed at her chest, and she swallowed rapidly once, twice as they rose higher into the air.
“See? I promised to keep you safe.”
“We haven’t arrived yet.”
Gryffnn chuckled at her tart reply. In truth, she did feel safer gripped in his talons, and she relaxed a fraction.
Soon the training field, the clan compound and the staring dragons became tiny, and she could see the jungles and the ridge of mountains in the distance.
“Where are you going, my pilot?” The wind tore at Solon’s voice.
“She is spending free time with her mate,” Gryffnn growled. “Do not interrupt. Kaya will speak with you tom-cycle.”
“Kaya, my pilot?”
“I will attend to you tom-cycle,” Kaya shouted.
“Is it wrong to be jealous of a ship?”
“He is worried about me. Solon fears losing his pilot when he’s only just found me. I’ll have a word with him. It will be easier once I put him to work.”
Gryffnn continued to fly toward the jungle with its profusion of green trees, red vines and noisy birds that squawked in alarm when he skimmed over the canopy.
“I feel safer when you’re holding me.”
“I told you so.”
Kaya grunted. Nobody enjoyed a smug smart-arse. More secure with her balance and welfare now, she took in more of their surroundings. They followed the path of a silver river as it twisted and turned through the jungle. She glimpsed several grayish animals that squealed and tore into the protection of the trees.
“Do you hunt here?”
“We do, but not this cycle.”
He swooped downward, surprising a squeak of alarm from her. While she knew he’d never willingly drop her, she recalled the terror of free-fall during her battle with Aideen. She bit her lip to halt a further girlish screech. She’d given Gryffnn enough entertainment this cycle.
“There’s a clearing near the lake. We’re landing there.”
Kaya pushed out a shaky breath. She closed her eyes as they approached at what seemed a crazy speed. Then, an instant later, the rush of wind in her ears ceased.
“You can open your eyes now, sweetheart.”
Laughter shaded his voice, and she pulled a face as she opened her eyes to see his naked form. “That was better than skidding and slipping on your back.”
“That was the only way to fight Aideen. I’m surprised she stuck to the challenge and didn’t injure us both.”
Kaya rolled her eyes. “Now he tells me.”
“You had enough to deal with. Come.” He grasped her hand and tugged her to him. “I don’t wish to discuss Aideen now. She is in our past.”
“Aren’t you going to get dressed?”
Gryffnn grinned at her tart tone. “We have total privacy. None of our clan will dare to interrupt us—not after I informed them I’d skewer them myself and then let you loose on them.”
Kaya sniffed.
“We haven’t made love since before the battle, Kaya. You’re healed now, and I wanted to spend time alone with you without interruptions from our children or the rest of the clan. Things are more settled, and Sable can deal with Hallam and Lys. Storg will contact us should there be a major problem.” He took her hand, as he often did, twining their fingers as he led her over to a shady spot.
The green tree bore long, droopy strands for leaves and cast shade on what was a hot cycle.
“Shut your eyes and don’t peek,” Gryffnn ordered. “I wish to prepare my surprise.”
“You have a surprise?” That strange warmth filled her chest again. No one else had ever cared for her, spoiled her like Gryffnn did.
“Are you peeking?”
“No.” She shut her eyes. Intriguing rustling caught her attention. “Can I look yet?”
“Not yet.”
So she waited, the warmth spreading to fill her mind with contentment. She was happy. Her breath caught at the realization. In the past, she’d grown bored and moved on, pleased that her job with Ry gave her a reason to leave. But she wanted to stay with Gryffnn and not solely because of the mating bond.
“You can look now.”
She opened her eyes to find Gryffnn closer than she expected. His eyes glowed with tenderness, and enticed, she reached for him. His strong arms wrapped around her, their mouths met and everything in her world solidified. He made her feel safe. Valued. She’d always thought giving her heart to a man was a show of weakness—the teachings of her people—but Gryffnn stood at her side.
Their lips parted, and he gave her another quick kiss and stepped back, clear satisfaction on his sexy features.
“Oh!” Kaya stared at the soft rug and the picnic he’d arranged beneath the tree. “Thank you. That’s perfect.” She’d needed this—a slice of special—to jolt her from her funk. The uncharacteristic self-doubt and moping.
“Should we swim first or eat?”
“Swim,” she said.
“Last one in is a rotten egg.”
She wrinkled her nose at him and sat to remove her boots.
“Should I help?”
“No. I can tell by your twinkle that your way of helping will include ripping and yanking. I refuse to fly back half-naked.”
Chuckling, he walked to the edge of the silvery lake. She took a moment to ogle his muscular backside before removing the rest of her clothes. He ran the last two steps and jumped with a gleeful shout.
Kaya grinned at the enormous splash he made, a chortle escaping because he resembled his son. Their son. With a smile still on her face, she hustled to the water’s edge, conscious of the web of scars on the right side of her torso.
“You have cobwebs on your body too.”
She scrutinized Gryffnn’s face, searching for a hint of distaste. She found none.
“Come and swim with me. The water is refreshing.”
“That’s code for cold.”
“A little,” he agreed. “But I’ll keep you warm.”
Her skin heated under his avid gaze, her breasts prickling to tight peaks. She inched into the water, sucked in a harsh breath at the chill and plunged beneath the surface.
She popped up with a screech. “It’s freezing.”
Gryffnn was at her side in an instant, his arms coming around her as he drew her against his chest. His body heat seared her pebbled skin as he grinned down at her.
“You’re beautiful, Kaya. Never try to hide your scars. Hallam was right when he said they’re delicate cobwebs.”
“How long were you eavesdropping?”
“A while,” he said, his lips curling. “Ma.”
“Pfffff!”
He cut off her snort with his lips. Before, his kisses had held playfulness, but this time passion spilled over. Sensual intent. Her heart beat a little faster, awareness and need firing to life. The kiss went on and on until she trembled. He trembled. They broke apart, both breathing hard.
“Kaya,” Gryffnn whispered, pressing his forehead to hers. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’m sorry. I-I…after Aideen—”
“You have no need to apologize. You needed to heal, to deal with the aftermath of the battle. I wanted to give you that time because my clan owes you so much.”
“Our clan.”
Gryffnn stroked her cobweb cheek, affection shining in his dragon eyes. “Our clan,” he agreed.
Without warning, he scooped her up and carried her from the water. He set her on her feet and sprawled out on the rug.
“Come and join me,” he whispered, his voice husky.
He was enticing her again, and she couldn’t resist him.
She ambled toward her mate without giving her limbs the order. She knelt beside him and he smiled, his features full of approval. His arms came around her. Safety. Security. Love. His touch gave her all these things.
“I want to love you.”
“Yes.” Kaya kissed his jaw and leaned against his warmth. He took her mouth, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging. Gryffnn hummed, then he licked her bottom lip and slipped his tongue past her parted mouth. The scent of smoke and amber filled her, and she gave in to the increasing urgency of his caress.
Hands stroked. Lips nuzzled. Tongues licked. Chests rubbed together.
“You’re back,” he murmured secs before he nibbled her neck.
She wriggled away from the ticklish sensation. “I’ve been here.”
“In body. Not in mind or spirit.”
She paused, her palm pressed above his beating heart. He was right. She’d checked out during her recovery. “I’m sorry.”
“Unnecessary.” He lowered his head to blow across one pouting nipple. They both watched the dark blue peak draw tight. “I’m glad you’re here with me. I’ve missed my mate.”
In a way, she’d punished him and herself. The battle with Aideen. The sword fight with the Sitnam woman. Everything had bombarded her, then there were her injuries. She admitted to a touch of vanity when it came to her looks. Men had always taken notice of her, even though she’d given up glancing back in return. No, she’d needed to get her head straight, needed to heal and she’d distanced herself to do this. No more, she promised herself. No more.
She moved down Gryffnn’s body, her hand curling around his erect shaft. It was velvety soft, despite the tiny scales. Fascinating. She licked the head and gloried in his groan. She got in one more lick and a sly suck before he forcibly lifted her away.
“I’m too close,” he said and rolled so their positions were reversed. “I want this time to be for both of us.”
Desire flared in her, eagerness and impatience. “Yes.”
He nudged apart her thighs with his knee and loomed over her, sensual intent etched into his face. This time his kiss carried possessiveness, and instead of pissing her off, she enjoyed his silent statement of ownership. One hand branded her hip, then moved downward to skim her sex. Liquid arousal met his touch, and they both groaned.
“Now,” Kaya said. “Please. Now.”
“I don’t want to hurt you. I wanted to go slow, to make love to you. To show you my feelings for you.”
“You’d never hurt me.” Conviction rang out in her voice. Her palm stroked his face, her throat tightening with love and hope and happiness. “I know how you feel about me. You show me every cycle. Please, I need you now.”
For a short time, their gazes dueled, then he nodded.
She held her breath as he lined up his cock and pushed past her entrance, filling her in a seamless thrust. It was magical and perfect. She gripped his broad shoulders, her moan of pleasure loud enough to send a cautious bird skyward.
“More.”
“I can tell I’ll need to get used to your bossiness.” Gryffnn stroked into her, his shaft stretching her in a decadent manner. In a silent demand for more, more, more she lifted her hips and took him even deeper.
Gryffnn laughed. “Impatient much?”
“Yes.”
“Excellent.” He withdrew in slow increments, tormenting her and sealing her protest with his lips. One big hand teased a nipple and her next breath was deep and unsteady, the arrow of heat stoking her hunger.
“I’ve missed you, Kaya.” He pushed back inside her, his strokes faster now and driving her pleasure.
“I’m here now.” Kaya clasped him tight and skimmed her hand down his back. The faint roughness of his scales thrilled her now that she’d become used to them. Her hand came to rest on his muscular buttocks as she strained upward to achieve the perfect angle.
Her orgasm struck without warning. Fast and deep, the pleasure reverberated through her, streaking to her toes and rippling across her upper body to frisk her breasts. Her flesh spasmed around his shaft, and Gryffnn thrust harder and faster, his strong strokes extending her orgasm.
One final stroke, and he stilled, his roar of pleasure startling yet another bird. Kaya kissed his neck, his upper chest and sealed their mouths together while Gryffnn trembled in her arms.
His heart drummed against her breast as he kissed her back. When their kiss ended, he rubbed their cheeks together, smooching with her.
Finally, he parted their bodies and drew her into an embrace.
“Gryffnn,” she murmured.
He lifted his head, his brows rising as he waited for her to continue.
“I love you,” she blurted.
“I knew from the moment our mate bond snapped into place,” he said with a trace of smugness. “I was waiting for you to realize.”
“Aw, Gryffnn.” She sighed. “I’ve never felt this way. So happy. Contented and satisfied with my path.”
“You’re an incredible woman, Kaya Ignatius. I’ve loved you for a long time. I’ve been waiting for you to catch up.”
“Nanu says I’m hardheaded and stubborn.”
Gryffnn’s hand played across the scars on her torso and she didn’t even flinch. “He might be right, but you’re my hardheaded and stubborn mate, and I never wish to change you.”
“I know. You like me as I am. Do you know how rare that is?”
He tweaked her nose. “You’re an easy woman to love. Will you return to work soon?”
“Is that all right with you?”
“Ry keeps the trips short and matters here at the compound will keep me busy. I need to decide what to do about Ransom and if we should seek further treatment for him. Should I give our newest people more freedom? I must decide if they’re trustworthy enough to work with our precious stones.”
“Mogens said Ransom seems to be regaining weight.”
“Yes, but he’s still not conscious. He’s still resonating on some cycles.”
Kaya changed the subject, knowing of Gryffnn’s concern for his older brother. “I have a suggestion about the jewels. Why don’t you issue each dragon with a stone and hold a contest to design a piece of jewelry? Allow them to create whatever they want. That will showcase their skill and their desire to work. Offer a prize. You could allow the youngsters to design as well. I’ve heard Hallam mention designs. He complains that if he has to make another practice pendant, he’ll croak.”
Gryffnn huffed out a laugh. “Sounds like our son. I like your idea. It will allow each dragon to use their imagination and possibly benefit us in the future.”
She beamed at him. “Are you intending to feed me?”
“Yes, and Nanu gave me a celebration bottle. He called it bubbles.”
Kaya’s brows rose. “Nanu parted with his last bottle of champagne?”
“He suggested I woo you before you ran away from the best thing that has ever happened to you.”
“Hah! You two had quite the conversation before the Indy left.”
“Nanu is your best friend. I asked his advice.”
“Did it help?”
“You’re here with me.” His smile held smugness. “We love each other.”
“That’s true.” Her stomach gave an ominous grumble as she considered his words. Warmth and emotion spread through her, a sense of peace and rightness. Companionship. Definitely love.
Gryffnn chuckled and opened the basket. He pulled out a pie and cut two generous slices. “Meat pie. Sable got the recipe from Jazen.” He set out two plates and placed the pie on them. Next, he produced the champagne and two decorated goblets. “I’ll let you open the bottle,” he said handing it over to her.
Kaya did so and poured the champagne. “A toast.”
Gryffnn cocked his head and accepted his goblet, curling his long fingers around the vessel.
“To you, my mate.” Kaya lifted her goblet. “I love you.”
“About time.” His eyes glowed, and his dragon peeked at her from Gryffnn’s slanted eyes. “I promise to love you and our children. I will honor you and care for you in sickness and in health. You are the mate of my heart, and with you at my side, I am the luckiest dragon on Narenda.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks, his sincere words tugging at her heartstrings. “Hey,” she whispered as he raised his goblet in salute. “I wanted to do the speech.”
“You wouldn’t be here with me if you’d decided we didn’t suit.”
“Once you asked me to pretend to be your mate, I started to think of you as more. After the dragon fire exchange, everything clicked into place.”
“But these last cycles you’ve been so distant.”
“I’m sorry,” Kaya said. “I told you. I needed to get my head straight.”
“You’re worth waiting for, sweetheart. Never doubt that.” His eyes held the same contentment that filled her heart.
“So are you,” she whispered.
They lazed away the cycle, eating, drinking, taking another swim and loving each other.
“This must be what my mother felt for my father. I mean, she went against tradition and didn’t kill him after breeding,” Kaya said. “She must have loved him.”
Gryffnn sat up and frowned at her. “Don’t kill me. I won’t appreciate it.”
Kaya chuckled. “I take after my mother. Part of the reason I refuse to return to Sitnam is that I’d need to follow tradition. I dislike the waste of life.” She shuddered. “I and everyone else thought my mother had killed Tayte’s father and my father. Tayte knew, and I’m a little irritated about that skullduggery.”
“When things calm down here and with your brother, we could visit him. I’ve only traveled to Dalcon, and after hearing of your adventures, I’d enjoy seeing more outside Narenda.”
“I’ve never spent much time on Slyvia. That’s an excellent idea. I wonder if Olivia is still there.”
“Olivia? You haven’t mentioned her.” Gryffnn glanced up at the sky. “Blacklight isn’t far away. We should go.” Gryffnn packed the basket and rose. He offered her his hand and pulled her to her feet. With quick efficiency, he folded the rug and placed it inside the basket. “Can you hold the basket on the flight back?”
“I can.”
During the return flight, Kaya paid more attention to the scenery. Narenda was a beautiful planet and a place she’d be happy to call home.
When they landed, Hallam, Lys and Sable were at the training field to meet them.
“Anything wrong?” Kaya asked once they’d landed.
“Not a thing,” Sable assured them. “I hoped to tire Lys, so she’d sleep through the blacklight.”
Lys threw up her arms and shrieked at Gryffnn. It wasn’t fear, but excitement.
Hallam laughed. “She likes dragons. Take her for a flight, Dad.”
“Is that all right, sweetheart?”
“Go for it, but please don’t drop her. Tayte will use his pointy blade on both of us.”
Gryffnn accepted Lys from Hallam and cradled her in his talons. He lifted off and everyone laughed at Lys’s excited chortles that drifted to them as Gryffnn did a slow lap of the training field.
When Gryffnn landed, Hallam said, “Now we truly are a family. Lys has flown with a dragon. She’s allowed because she’s part of our family.”
Touched, Kaya wrapped her arm around Hallam’s shoulders and kissed his cheek before taking Lys from Gryffnn.
A family. Kaya ambled toward the family quarters with her mate, her two children and her sister-in-law. She’d never thought to have a family, had thought the ties would stifle her freedom. Now she understood her friend Nanu and why he’d fought for Jazen. She’d skewer anyone who dared place her family in danger.
Contentment settled on her like a favorite cloak as she glanced at Gryffnn.
This emotion that squeezed her heart and made it hard to breathe was love, and she couldn’t wait to walk into the future with her mate and family at her side.
Marks later, after a meal taken in the communal dining hall, she and Gryffnn headed for their chamber. Her comm buzzed as they entered their private rooms.
“See how you distract me?” she said. “I left my comm sitting here.”
“And that is a problem why?”
Kaya laughed. “Ry might have a job.” She picked up the comm, tapped a button and spoke. “Hey, Camryn. What’s up? Wait. What? Okay. I want Gryffnn to hear.” She clicked another button and Camryn’s voice shot into their chamber.
“Ransom has regained consciousness. Mogens said he sat up and shouted that his mate was stealing his precious stones.”
“He’s woken? That’s great news! But I don’t understand. Ellard is patrolling the area. He has reported nothing out of the ordinary,” Gryffnn said.
“Ransom was insistent. He wanted to know where the devil he was and he set the curtains on fire. Your brother-in-law is one determined, arrogant dragon.”
Kaya glanced at Gryffnn. “Did he hurt anyone?”
“Not once we promised to return him to Narenda,” Camryn said drily. “We’re on our way. I wanted to warn you before we arrived.” A roar sounded in the background. “Gotta go,” Camryn said hurriedly, and the comm connection went dead.
“I’ll check in with Ellard,” Gryffnn said.
Kaya listened to the conversation and relaxed once she learned all was well.
“Did Ransom mean Aideen?” she asked.
“Ransom hated Aideen because of what happened to me. He’d never consider mating with her. Goddess, I can’t believe Ransom has regained consciousness. I’m so relieved.”
“Well, we can’t do anything now,” Kaya said with a wink. “What do you say we hit the gel-bed?”
Gryffnn’s frown faded, the slow curl of his lips and the light in his eyes showing approval. “Mate, I adore the way you think.”
And with that, he seized her and kissed her breathless. Kaya melted against her mate and settled in to enjoy the blacklight with her dragon.
Are you curious about Ransom? I have the perfect heroine waiting in the wings for Ransom and their story will be coming soon, but first up will be Joe’s story from the Middlemarch Capture series. To keep up with details of my upcoming releases, sales, contests and writer news .
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Please turn the page for an excerpt from Snared by Saber, the first book in my paranormal shifter Middlemarch Capture series and also Blue Moon Dragon, the first book in my Dragon Investigators series.
Thank you so much for your support.
Shelley