“I thought witches and vampires weren’t friends,” Mac says.
Cassius smiles. “Common lore, but I’ve learned there are mutual benefits to be had between both groups. I’ll let you know what I find out.”
“Thanks, Cassius,” I say, patting Mac’s hand.
Atlas leans forward, tapping my arm. “I’d start in the magic makers section for the last two centuries. That should get you close. If he’s older than that, he probably would’ve tried to steal it sooner.”
“Good point.”
Roman grins. “If you’re going on an adventure I want to tag along. Business is slow and I’m restless. I could stand to stretch my legs.”
I turn to Mac, raising an eyebrow in question and using the bond to communicate, hoping it works as I’ve been told it does.
Help from the others could make the mission faster if you’re agreeable.
Scales ripple across his neck as his eyelids flutter and a wave of warmth washes through the bond. He nods, holding my gaze.
“We’d appreciate the help,” he mumbles aloud.
Smiling, I raise my hand and twist it, mentally calling forth the relevant books. They land with a thud on the table, dust clouds rising around them. Mac waves his the dust away from his face.
His jaw drops when he sees how thick the books are. “These will take years to read.”
I gently drag my fingers down his spine, noting how he leans into my touch. “Not with me in your corner, dragon.”
Mac nods, gazing into my eyes. When he blinks, they shift, appearing magnificently green as his inner dragon shows through. I move my hand to his chest, smiling as it vibrates. The man may have reservations, but his dragon doesn’t. He likes me. I just have to win the man over, that’s all. As soon as Mac is sleeping, I’ll find the book on human mating rituals, so I’ll know how to woo him.
“Why don’t you start with the current century,” I suggest. “It’s a bit shorter. I’ll get through the twentieth quickly enough.”
“Thank you for helping.”
“You should never expect less.” I want to use the delightful word, repeating it like a chant, but it makes him uncomfortable. Once he accepts that we’re truly mates, I’ll never cease using it.
I lean in and press a soft kiss to his mouth, pleased when he melts against me instead of pulling away. His lips part and hishot tongue tangles around mine until someone across the table clears their throat.
We separate quickly to find Atlas giving us a stern look. “You don’t have to rub it in that you’re getting laid,” he grumbles.
“Apologies, dear friend.”
Mac drags his hand through his hair, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. “Sorry,” he mumbles.
“Don’t let Atlas ruin your fun,” Cassius says. “I for one would love to watch lovers do what they do. It’s been so long. I did hear of a vampire nest over in Spain who still gets up to the old ways. Blood orgies once a month. Delightful.”
“You gonna visit?” Roman licks his lips. “Like, on a full moon?”
Cassius shrugs his slim shoulders. “I have to feel them out to see if they’re open to visitors. Not all nests are.”
“I know of one where my brothers live,” Mac says, drawing Cassius’s interest. “They do blood orgies too. I could find out more when I’m topside again.”
“Ooh, please do.”
Mac nods, chewing on his bottom lip before directing his attention to the book in front of him. “Guess we should get started.”
“We should. Then we’ll have a bath and dinner. You need your rest.”
Mac holds my gaze for a moment before dragging his pretty eyes back to the book. The sooner he sleeps, the sooner I can formulate a plan to prove to him that I’m his perfect mate and he chose wisely.
We have an amazing future ahead of us. I just know it.
