I shook my head. "No, she escaped. The king did not pursue, as he was worried about his mate."
"Are you fully healed, son?" my dad asked with tears in his eyes.
"I'm healed, Da," I replied, giving him a soft smile. He was already upset; no need to mention the ache I still occasionally felt.
"I'm so glad you’re okay," he said as he jumped up and grabbed me in one of his famous hugs. I leaned into the embrace and returned it. I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I looked up to see my father standing there with unshed tears in his eyes. He nodded to me. I nodded back. It was his way of showing he loved me, cared for me, and accepted me.
I pulled back from the hug. I was about to tell my parents about the twins when a knock sounded on the door.
I heard my father whisper. "Shit!"
I would not like whomever was here.
Finnley
Devin
Roarke tensed beside me. He wasn't the only one who heard his father's whispered curse. Alister stood and went to the front door. Owen looked on curiously, still holding on to Roarke.
"Lord Finnley, please come in. I know we had dinner plans, but we need to speak beforehand." Alister's voice carried into the room. The name Finnley caused me to hiss. This was the dragon Roarke's father had promised him to.
"What do we have to discuss? You told me your sons were coming home today and that Roarke would be here." A stentorian voice sounded.
Moments later, a very handsome man entered the room. He was about six foot four or five, of muscular build, and had shoulder-length black hair. He wore a green and black plaid kilt and abutton-down white shirt. His eyes were deep blue above robust features.
Then what he said registered. I looked at Roarke. We had told no one we were coming. Roarke looked as shocked as I did. He turned to look at his brothers. Aaran looked embarrassed. So, he was the one who’d told Alister we were coming in today. Aaran was going on my asshole list again. Over these past few days, I’d realized his stiff demeanor was just how he was, and I didn't hold it against him, but for him to tell his father our plans pissed me off.
"Why don't we go into my office to talk?" Alister said again.
Finnley looked at Roarke and me. Owen had moved to sit on the other side of Roarke. Finnley smiled as he saw Roarke, and lust shone in his eyes; I wanted to take his head. Roarke gripped my knee.
Calm, love. I'm only yours. Let my father attempt to fix his mistake.Roarke's voice floated in my head.
Your father had better fix this mistake fast, before there is one less dragon in the world, I snapped back mentally.
"Ah, Roarke, you're as lovely as your picture. I am Lord Robert Finnley, leader of the Bracara circle," Finnley said with a slight bow and what I thought was supposed to be a sexy smile. It made my stomach curl; to me, it was just smarmy.
I growled under my breath, and Roarke tightened his hold on my knee. All I could think was that if this snake made any advances on what was mine he would die.
"Yes, that's Roarke. But first we need to talk, Finnley," Alister said again.
"What is there possibly to talk about? Have you not told Roarke the joyous news of our bonding and the merging of our two families?" Finnley asked.
Roarke stiffened beside me and gripped my knee harder. I didn’t know if he was stopping himself or me. I thought it was both as I felt our common anger rising through our bond. It was then I noticed another man flanking Finnley. He was similar in looks to Finnley and wore the same garb. A brother or relative, perhaps. He also showed a glimpse of desire for my mate and wore a smug smile. I didn't like this situation. Now, there were two dragons that I would kill if they came near my beloved.
"Things have changed, Finnley," Alister said firmly.
"What do you mean, things have changed?" Finnley's head snapped to Alister, his tone dripping with anger.
“I mean, there won't be any bonding—,” Alister began.
"What the hell do you mean there won't be any bonding? You promised me, Roarke. You gave me your word!" Finnley barked angrily.
Roarke squared his shoulders and stood.Good, I thought.It's about time we got rid of these fuckers.Perhaps I could kill them.
"What he means, Lord Finnley, is that I am my own dragon, and I make my own decisions," Roarke growled low.
"What he means is, I will not be forced into any mating," he continued, getting louder.
