Exiting out the back door, we entered the shifting area. Trees surrounded us currently, but I knew there was a clear area in the middle where Thomas’s dragon could fly high without worry of trees or powerlines. “We can walk to the center of the territory. That’s where shifters of flight have the best experience. We’ll shift there.”
“Sounds good.” Thomas grabbed my hand and followed me through the tree line. “How did you find this place?”
“A friend from childhood mentioned it to me a few weeks ago after everything that happened with Charlie occurred. I investigated it and found only good things being said. It’s sort of an open secret; shifters will find it when they need to.”
As we made our way through the forest, we talked about our stressors from the week and the plans we each had for theupcoming week. It seemed that my mate would be doing a lot for his sister this week.
“Is her mate always away?” I hardly heard Thomas mention his brother-in-law. “Does he need to travel so much?”
“He does. His company relies on him to fly worldwide to meet with current clients and to sign contracts with new clients. I think he is home only a week out of each month. The rest of the time, everything lands on Rebecca to handle at home.” Thomas started clenching his jaw, something I noticed he did a lot when discussing his sister’s situation. “Rebecca and Holden agreed to live that way though. I don’t think I could.”
“Luckily you don’t have to.” I squeezed his hand, offering support. “I know it’s hard to see your sister struggling, but as you said, it’s the decision she made with her mate. All we can do is be there when she needs us.”
“Us?” Thomas stopped walking and turned to me.
“Of course.” I tilted his head up with my finger so our eyes met. “I’m here for you and for you family. That’s the kind of mate I want to be for you.”
“Thank you,” Thomas whispered, leaning closer to me until our lips touched. The kiss was soft, slow, and gentle. And over way too quickly. “I think I’m falling in love with you.”
“Good. Because I’ve already fallen.” I pecked his lips once again and then pulled away. “We’re almost there. Let’s hurry because I can’t wait to meet your dragon. I bet you’re beautiful in that form.”
“I can’t wait to meet your bear. I bet your fur is soft and begging to be touched.”
“You can touch me anytime.”
It didn’t take much longer to reach the field where Thomas’s dragon could fly freely. And soon, we were in our animal shape and appreciating each other’s beauty.
I knew you would be cuddlable,Thomas mind-spoke through our mate link.I just want to take a nap with you.
And your dragon is magnificent.I took in the blue hues and red accents of my mate.I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more amazing dragon.
Of course, your mate’s the best-looking one. My bear chuckled atThomas’s cheeky reply.Watch me fly.
Thomas took flight and I had no choice but to stand there and stare. It really was the most marvelous sight my eyes had ever seen. And he was all mine. My mate. I would prove that I was worthy to bond with him. That I would never leave him alone. I would never let him down.
Chapter Eleven
Thomas
“My heat is coming on.” I put my wineglass down on the dining table and gave Isaac my full attention, watching for his reaction. “And I want you to claim me during it.”
“I was wondering why you hadn’t had a mating heat yet. I thought most shifters are forced into one as soon as they met their mate.” Isaac furrowed his brows and looked down at the glowing tattoo on his arm. “I know you’re my fated mate so I figured there had to be another reason you hadn’t yet.”
Good. I loved that there was a dragon on my mate’s skin. It was like my mark was already on him.
“I was born with a special gift to control when I get my heats. It’s pretty useful for when I am working long shifts or have to help my sister with the kids and can’t be bothered with taking a few days off to cater to my carnal needs.” I shrugged and took a bite of the steak on my plate. “I just made sure to focus some energy on holding off my mating heat until I was sure that you were worth it.”
“And now you know I am?”
“I think I always knew you were. After all, Fate picked you for me.” I took a deep breath and admitted the truth. “I was just scared and needed time to get my heart, mind, and soul all in sync with the idea of mating. Make myself see that I don’t have to decide the same things as my sister. I admit waiting wasn’t very fair to you—”
“Stop.” Isaac held up his hand. “It was what you needed and therefore it was the right choice for us. I didn’t mind taking our time. I’m happy you had the chance to get to know me without the stress of a mating heat forcing us to move faster than you were comfortable with.”
“But now I want us to complete the bond. I’m ready to admit that we can make the choices right for us. I know you won’t make me give up my dreams or career.”
“Never.” Isaac shook his head. “You get to decide your fate in this relationship. We can make decisions together, but I will never force you to give up on the things you love and feel compelled to do.”
“Then, once my heat hits, let’s complete our bond.” I smiled. “If I am right, it can start anytime in the next couple days. I stopped the block a couple days ago when I was sure I was ready to make it official.”
