“Rian, I . . .” I started to tell him what I wanted, but that old me spoke up instead. “Anything you need.”
“Thank you, Mate.” He kissed me. “You can see to Vashana though.”
“I'll have to let her out back, into the alley to relieve herself.”
“I'll do that.” He climbed out of bed, gloriously naked, and looked around. “Where did I leave my pants?”
“Downstairs,” I reminded him.
“I'd better fetch our clothing from the shop before your employees come in.” He headed out of the bedroom. “Come on, Vashana. I'll let you out.”
Vash came in from the other room and looked at me.
“Go on. It's all right.”
She yipped and followed Rian.
I curled up and listened to the sounds of them moving through the building. After a few minutes, I heard the backdoor open. I sat up, feeling amazing despite my conflicting emotions. I hated this uncertainty. I'd thought that once we were mated, everything would be wonderful. But last night had scared me. Maybe because Rian had already set those fears into my head. He'd been trying to prepare me. Protect me. But instead, he'd planted doubts. He said this would be temporary, but how could it? His dragon wasn't going anywhere.
The question was; what choice did I have? I was mated to the Dragon King now. There was no going back from that. I had a part of his soul inside me, and that part was beautiful. I knew Rian was a good man. I knew it now. Without a doubt. And yet, I wasn't completely happy. What should have been a comfort now felt like a cage.
I got up and went to fix food for all three of us. I'd quickly learned during the night to take advantage of any break in Rian's ceaseless lust. During those breaks, we went to the bathroom,ate, and even showered. This was another eating break. Oh, wait. A bathroom break too.
I left the food in the crisper and hurried into my little bathroom. After relieving myself, I washed my hands and face, then brushed my teeth even though we were about to eat. It may be the only opportunity I'd have to do so for a while.
When I got out of the bathroom, the food was hot, and Rian was back. He'd already set Vashana's plate on the floor for her.
Straightening, his stare found me, and a broad smile spread across his face. “I knew it.”
“Stop saying that,” I chided, then laughed. “Yes, you knew it. Congratulations, you were right. Now, hurry up and eat before you ravage me again.”
Rian had grabbed our plates but paused in his turn toward the dining table. “Ravage? Have I hurt you?”
“No, of course not.” I stepped up to him, kissed his cheek, and took my plate from him. “Come on.”
I sat down naked at the table, and Rian, dressed in pants and a shirt, ogled me openly before taking his seat.
“I'm so happy, Galin,” Rian said. “Mate. I've found you at last.”
“I'm happy too.”
He blinked. “Are you?”
“Of course.” I focused on my food.
“Son of a bitch!” Rian snarled and stood up. “What have I done?”
“Rian, I'm happy.” I held up my hands as if in surrender.
“You can't lie to me now,” Rian's voice went low. “Not about your emotions. I can sense the unease in you.” He went down on one knee beside my chair. “Talk to me.”
“I—”
Before I could answer, Rian bent forward with a grunt, setting one palm on the floor. When he looked up, I knew we'd wasted too much time. There went eating. And talking, for that matter.
I stood up, my shaft already hardening, as if it knew its duty. My hand went to him, but instead of taking it, Rian picked me up as he stood.
Vash whined.
