“Control them.”
“How?”
I shrugged. “I don't know how it works.”
“No, I mean, in what way can you control them?”
“First, know that I never used your blood to control you. I never tried. Not once.”
“I know.”
I blinked. “You know?”
“Yes. I imagine I would have sensed it.”
“No, you wouldn't have. You would have thought every command I gave you came from your mind—that it was your idea.”
“Even if you spoke it to me?”
“I wouldn't have to speak it to you. The connection is through the blood. I would have controlled you through that connection.” I grimaced. “I wondered if maybe I had summoned you when you showed up to save me from those dream dealers.”
I saw the moment he worked it out. My mention of those Eljaffna probably helped. His expression went from ponderous to blank and then to amazed. I prepared for the worst, but he surprised me again.
“That's why they tortured you!” Tor exclaimed. “That's the influence they wanted you to use over me!”
“Yes.”
“And you refused.”
“Of course.”
“Tekhan,” he whispered and cupped my cheek. “The Goddess has done well by me. I'm very lucky.”
“Why do you say that? You have a mate who needs blood. You either have to feed me yourself and risk me controlling you or you must deal with me—”
“Don't say it!” Tor hurried to cut me off. “I can't hear that right now. You'll rouse my beast.”
“Oh. Yes. Of course.”
“And I believe I'm lucky because even while tortured, you remained true to me. You wouldn't control me, not even to save yourself. And that was before you loved me. Now, I'm absolutely assured of your loyalty. You're practically a Dragon. Technically, once my dread accepts you, you will be a Dragon.”
“You . . . you're not upset? Afraid?”
“I'm blessed by the Gods. Why would that upset me?”
“I love you,” I whispered.
The Dragon King grinned. “I know.”
Grimacing, I pushed at him and started to get up.
He yanked me back down and pulled me beneath him. “That conversation took all of my control. I need you again, Mate.”
“Then say it.”
“I love you.”
With a big grin, I spread my legs, bracing a foot on each bench. “Then finish claiming me, Mate.”
