Zarek’s concern wasn’t unfounded. We’d all seen the evidence. Two weeks ago, I would have been shoulder to shoulder with him out there, flying over our territory until I had answers. I knew that. My dragon knew it too.
But I had a mate now, and after forty-four years of waiting, I couldn’t focus on anything else. Especially when my dragon wasn’t worried about it.
I headed back to the cabin, fall leaves crunching under my boots. The morning air had a bite to it that meant winter wasn’t far off. I couldn’t wait to bundle her up on a winter night and show her the snow from the sky.
I finally had a mate to share everything with. The bond hummed between us, connecting us even when we weren’t touching.
I climbed the steps to my cabin, still processing the fact that Liz had stayed in my bed last night. It felt surreal in the best way.
I pushed open the door as Liz was stepping out of the bedroom, wearing one of my long-sleeved shirts that hung to mid-thigh. Her legs were bare, her hair rumpled from sleep, and she looked perfect.
“Hey.” She ran a hand through her hair.
I closed the distance between us in three strides, cupping her face and pressing my lips to hers. She melted against me, and I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close. Even though we’d spent the night together and had been as close as two people could be, I still needed more.
“Morning,” I murmured against her lips when I finally pulled back enough to speak. “I’ve got Diet Pepsi in the fridge for you, or I can make coffee.”
She nodded, but there was something hesitant in her eyes, a furrow between her brows.
“What’s wrong?” I was immediately alert, sensing something was off. Had she changed her mind? Did she regret what we’d done?
“Yeah, I’m just...” She bit her lip, avoiding my eyes. “Can we sit for a minute?”
My stomach dropped, but I nodded, leading her to the couch. We sat facing each other, her legs tucked under her, my shirt pooling around her thighs.
“Do you regret it?” I needed to know because if she did, then we needed to put distance between us now before my dragon was too far gone.
“No!” She grabbed my hand. “Last night was amazing.” She frowned, struggling with the words. “Last night, when we bonded, I felt like we were completely connected, like nothing could come between us. But this morning, there’s... a bit of fuzz? Like static on a phone line.” Her eyes grew glassy with unshed tears. “Does that mean it’s rejecting or something?”
“It’s not rejecting.” The knot in my chest loosened immediately, and I couldn’t help the relief that washed over me. I pulled her into my arms, pressing a kiss to her temple.
“Well, how do we fix it? More sex? Exchanging a blood oath?”
I snorted. “It’s normal. The bond is there, but it’s not fully formed yet.” I stroked her back, and she relaxed against me. “There’s still the ceremony with the quad. Once that happens, that fuzzy feeling will clear up.”
She pulled back slightly, brow furrowed even deeper. “A ceremony? What does that entail, exactly?”
“Each member of the quad gives you something from the hoard, accepting you as my mate and as part of our family. It’s pretty simple, actually. No weird rituals or big dragon orgy.”
“Oh, that’s a bummer.” Liz’s mouth quirked up at the corner. “So, no sacrifices or anything like that?”
“Definitely not.” I laughed. “Though there is more sex after they leave.”
Her cheeks flushed. “Of course there is.”
“If you’re not up for any of it, we can wait.” I traced patterns on her back.
“No, I don’t want to wait.”
For a few minutes, we sat there, her tucked against my side. The sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the living room.
I slid my hand into my pocket, fingers closing around the necklace. Now felt like the right moment.
“I have something for you.” I shifted slightly so I could see her face.
“Oh?” Liz tilted her head, curiosity lighting her eyes.
I pulled out the necklace, holding it up so the diamond caught the light. “I know the knife was too much, but dragons give their mates gifts. It’s important to us.”
