Liam and Molly stayed with Cadence as she tried over and over to shift. Eventually, though, they decided it was time for a break. They all needed one. Cadence was growing frustrated and embarrassed, and Molly just seemed confused.
Cadence got dressed again and they went back to Molly’s house, where they snacked on the treats Molly had laid out earlier.
“I don’t understand,” Cadence shook her head. “Maybe I’m not really a dragon, after all.”
“That’s not it,” Molly said. “Your skin changes color, love. You’re a shifter.”
“But why can’t I change? I know there’s a learning curve, but damn.” She reached for a cookie and slid it between her lips. Liam tried not to stare, but damn, it was hard. He couldn’t stop thinking about those soft lips.
He couldn’t stop thinking about any of her.
Cadence had looked beautiful and feminine when they were in the clearing. He’d never seen her naked before, and she looked incredible. He wanted to claim her, mark her as his own. He wasn’t even a dragon, wasn’t even sort of a shifter, but he felt the primal call just the same.
“I have an idea about that,” Molly said slowly. “It’s been years since you went through puberty.”
“Thank you for noticing I’m shaped like a woman.”
Molly ignored her and kept talking. “Most shifters change for the first time when they first go through puberty.”
“Really? Not before then?”
“Very rarely, but since you never shifted, I wonder if your inner dragon is suppressed somehow.”
“If that’s possible,” Liam asked. “How can we bring her dragon to the surface?”
“You’re mates,” Molly said, looking from one to the other. Liam and Cadence just stared at her. “Oh, come on, I wasn’t born yesterday. I’ve seen the way you look at each other. You may have just met, but you’re mates! Clear as day.”
“What does that have to do with me shifting?” Cadence asked carefully.
“You haven’t claimed each other,” Molly said. “But there are legends that when you claim your mate, it brings your truest self to the surface of your consciousness.”
“Meaning that if Liam and I have sex, I’ll be able to shift.”
Molly nodded. She seemed completely unembarrassed by this, but so did Cadence. She seemed almost happy at this reveal. Liam had been wondering if Molly was going to say something like this. Dragons loved finding their true mates. It was such a life-changing experience that they often had huge ceremonies or parties to celebrate.
Liam wanted Cadence. There was no doubt in his mind she was the woman he’d been waiting his whole life to find, but he didn’t want to rush her into this.
“I don’t want to pressure you into something this serious just to bring your dragon out,” Liam said. “I’m crazy about you, Cadence, and there’s no doubt to me that we’re mates, but there’s nothing wrong with waiting.”
“He’s right,” Molly agreed. “You’ve been waiting nearly thirty years, Cadence. Waiting a little longer won’t hurt you.”
“I’ve been waiting thirty years,” Cadence repeated. “I don’t see any reason to wait any longer.”
Liam smiled and wrapped his arm around Cadence. She snuggled closer to him and he felt himself relax.
She wanted him.
He wanted her, too.
He knew he was no good for her. He knew she could do so much better. A girl like Cadence could have anyone, but fate had decided for them. They were destined to be together, and they didn’t have to wait any longer.
They’d waited long enough.
They talked with Molly a little while longer, but when the sun began to set, Liam said they should head back to the docks.
“We still have to get back to Nellenston,” he said.
“Isn’t Kelsey watching the harbor today?” Cadence asked.
“She is.”
“Can she stay overnight?” Cadence asked. “I was thinking we could stay on the island tonight.”
“You’re sure?” Liam wanted to stay, too. Dragon Isle was a magical place. He didn’t want to leave yet. He wanted more time with Cadence, more time before he had to go back to his job and his reality.
“I’m certain.”
“You’re welcome to stay here,” Molly said. “But there are also cabins available for rent on a nightly basis. You know,” she winked. “If you want some privacy.”
“I think we’re going to opt for privacy tonight, but thank you for everything.” Cadence hugged her mother. “I’m so happy I got to meet you, and I hope we get to spend more time together.”
“Of course,” Molly said. She started to tear up, and Liam stepped outside so the two women could say their goodbyes in private.
It was a beautiful thing: their connection. Despite all the years apart, Molly and Cadence seemed to get along perfectly. Maybe Liam and Cadence would move to Dragon Isle. Maybe they’d buy a little house. Maybe they’d build a life here.
It could be perfect.
He sat on the front porch and looked up at the beautiful evening sky. He couldn’t have imagined that he’d be here tonight. He couldn’t have dreamt this up. Willie had left him more than just a business, as it turned out. He had left him a mate.
“All right,” Cadence said, coming outside. “I’m ready to go.”
“Good luck, you two,” Molly said. “Let me know if you want to meet up for breakfast tomorrow.”
“We do,” Liam and Cadence both said, and Molly chuckled. She went back inside and closed the door, leaving Liam and Cadence on their own.
“Are you ready to go find these cabins?” She asked Liam.
“Are you ready to find out what it’s like to be mated?” He asked her in return.
Cadence wrapped her arms around him and stood on her tip toes. She planted a kiss on his mouth and reached between them to palm his length. Even over the pants, his body reacted to her touch.
“Oh, yes,” she said. “I’ve never been more ready.”