Tulia nears the door but lingers as she shoves the wood piece away. “It will not be enough,” she says before opening the door.
“It will be a beginning,” I say, keeping Issa pinned with my gaze, hearing her heart thundering anew. For me. “Tell the others—if there are others here—to prepare for the next generation. They will come sooner than later. Very soon.”
I hear Tulia leave but never look away from my mate.
She is perfect. Mine, completely. I never understood how lonely my life was before, not until she came into it, never thinking there was more to existence then protecting my lands, surviving, and waiting…Waiting for what?
For her.
Thunder booms outside. Rain drives down on my new home with force.
“No more secrets,” I mutter, kneeling at Issa’s side.
She licks her enticing lips. “It was never meant to be a secret. Males of my kind, of many species, have been dying out since the first comet arrived. I didn’t think…”
I cup her cheek, turning her head to face me. “Is there anything else I should know?”
Her beautiful eyes go wide. “Know?”
“Before I claim this place and your people as my own, my territory,” I state.
Could her gaze go wider? Her mouth part anymore prettily? “Kaos…” Her voice is soft and wondering. It pleases me. “They will need to accept you,” she pauses, swallowing. “But they will accept you if you accept them. They will be confused and will ask many questions.”
I nod. That is understandable. I myself have many questions too. “All right.”
“Do you really think we can turn the tides?” she asks.
Staring deep into her eyes, I take her hand with my free one, settling my brow upon hers. “Are you up for the task?” My voice lowers, deepening of its own accord. Thetaskis something I am greatly looking forward to with Issa, and only Issa.
“Yes,” her voice a breathy whisper.
Heat unlike any other explodes in my heart. In spite of the rain, it is like the sun is careening to the land, aiming directly toward me: magnificent, bright, pure, and gorgeous. I take her hand and press it to my chest. “Issa,” I say. “My heart burns for you.” I do not know how else to describe this feeling. This feeling only she gives me.
I watch in heady wonder as her eyes soften and the sweetest smile lifts her mouth. In her home, in this world, there is nothing that could tear us apart. The feeling inside me grows stronger as I sense it coming from her too.
She nuzzles my face and turns her hand into mine. “My heart burns for you too, dragon.”
“A touch.”
“A simple touch.”
“Has given me life,” I add. My lips brush her cheek.
We will rule these lands together, and I will ensure she never has to see her people end. Now that I am here, extinction is an old nightmare.
Dragons are the most powerful beings. Why not use that power to make my mate happy?
“I love you, Kaos.” Her mouth catches mine.
Love.
That’s the word. The burning sensation in my chest explodes.
I love you too, Issa.
Epilogue: The Beginning
The rain continuesinto the next day, though the thunder and lightning have long since vanished. We’ve been cooped up, and one thing I have learned about living with a dragon man is that they do not like tight, confined spaces. They hate it.
