Sage also felt how protective Garridan’s dragon was and it sent a warm feeling through him. It made him feel loved in a way that he never had been before, not even by his parents.
“Can we do that again later? Maybe even try other stuff.” Sag traced Garridan’s lips with his finger.
“Anything you want.” Garridan smiled.
“Hey, my eyes changed back.” Sage grinned.
Chapter Nine
Sage laced his fingers with Garridan’s and then held their hands in his lap. Garridan was talking to Ramsey and Bennett about the vampire problem. He knew he should’ve been paying attention, but he didn’t want to think about the vampires anymore. Still, it affected him more than just about anyone, as he was the neurotic basket case who couldn’t even think about the kidnapping and subsequent rape without having a panic attack. At least, that had been how he was before he’d bonded. Just two weeks after bonding and he was fine as long as Garridan was with him. He did tend to panic a little when Garridan was out of his line of sight, but that problem had a very simple solution. Never let Garridan out of his sight. Problem solved.
So yeah, he probably should be paying attention, but he was far more interested in how attractive and large Garridan’s hands were. He wanted them all over his body. As soon as possible would be great. Thank you very much.
Bonding with Garridan had awoken something in Sage that he just couldn’t shut off. It was as if Garridan had flipped a switch inside him.He wanted Garridan with a fierceness that was hard to contain. Maybe it was the mate bond. Maybe it was just the fact that Garridan turned Sage on so much nothing could shut him off.
“Your dragon is strong, Garridan,” Ramsey said. Sage looked up in surprise. By saying that, Ramsey might as well have been asking if Garridan intended to challenge him for the Alpha position. Sage hadn’t talked about that with Garridan, so he didn’t know what his mate would do.
“I don’t want your position in the clan, Ramsey. I’m happy to pay allegiance to you,” Garridan said and Sage relaxed against him. Being the Alpha Mate would suck. Sage would have to help Garridan solve all the clan’s problems when he couldn’t even solve his own.
“I don’t have a Beta. Hadn’t really needed it until now and Bennett never really wanted the position.”
“I should fight for it. That’s the only way to win respect in a clan this size,” Garridan said matter-of-factly.
Sage squeezed Garridan’s hand and scooted closer to him. Garridan let go of his hand and put an arm around him, pulling him even closer. The thought of Garridan getting hurt over something as stupid as a top position in the clan was asinine.
“We can always ask if someone wants to challenge you for the position. I doubt anyone will, especially after figuring out exactly how strong you are. Unless they’re stupid.”
“Tyron and Delvin’s friends are stupid enough. Delvin was kicked out of the clan, but Tyron will challenge you and he’ll fight dirty,” Bennett said and scowled at Garridan. “I smell vampire all over them whenever they’re near. I think they’re feeding the vampires information. Nothing I couldn’t handle before, but now that we know the vampires are in town, it’ll be a little more than I can handle by myself.”
Garridannodded once, but was silent for several minutes. “Is Delvin a shifter?”
“Yes. A wolf,” Bennett answered.
“And you’re sure he’s out of town?” Garridan asked.
“Relatively sure. Yes.”
Garridan met Bennett’s gaze. “It’s reasonable to assume Delvin is with the vampires now. You should have killed him. He knows things about Saint Lakes the vampires can use against you. We’ll need to kill this problem and not be soft.”
“I agree with you. This is exactly the reason I need you to lead with me, Garridan. I need your advice.”
“We should move up the enforcer challenge,” Garridan said.
“Are you ready, Garridan?” Ramsey asked.
“Are you asking me if I’m still feral?”
“Yes.”
“My dragon is still close.”
“Can you fight without ripping someone’s head off?” Ramsey asked.
“I don’t want you to fight.” Sage worried his bottom lip.
Garridan moved so that he could whisper in his ear. “I’ll keep myself safe. You’re too important to me to be foolish.”
Sage knew he was blushing. He could feel the heat of it on his face. His heart swelled and he kissed whatever part of Garridan he could reach which was his shoulder. “You’re important to me too. That’s why I don’t want you to do it.”
