Dragon-shifter mating ceremonies, at least in the UK, were between two people.
Once she was within arm’s reach, Cam put out a hand and she placed hers in his. As soon as he squeezed gently, her heart rate slowed a little.
Cam’s pupils flashed a few times before he retrieved a silver arm cuff from the box behind them with his free hand and said, “Dr. Emily Davies, when you arrived on Seahaven, all I saw was another burden to protect, one that I didn’t think I wanted. However, you soon showed me that my past was clouding how I viewed you and other humans, and the more time I spent withyou, the more I craved seeing you again, until I fell for you. That happened before you saved my life a couple of weeks ago, too. There is no one more dedicated, clever, kind, or honest than you have been with me. All the things I need in my life, and now I could never imagine it without you. I love you, Emily Davies, and with this band, I will claim you as my mate. Do you accept my claim?”
She nodded, and he slid the cool material around her arm. The engravings were Cameron’s name written in the old dragon language.
After picking up the slightly larger arm cuff in the box—the one written with her name in the old dragon language—she said, “When I first arrived on Seahaven, all wanted to do was focus on my research. But from the very beginning, you were there, simultaneously making me want to strangle you and learn more about you, until I truly felt seen for the first time in ages. As we learned more about each other, you were determined to win me over, until I had no doubt of your feelings. When you nearly died, I felt genuine panic for the first time in my life, and you’d better never do that to me again, Cameron Alexander, or there will be consequences.” Chuckles filled the room, and then Emily continued, “I love you, Cam, and with this band, I’ll claim you as my mate. Will you accept my claim?”
He nodded, and he leaned down so Emily could slip the cuff onto his upper arm. Then he pulled her close, kissed her cheek, and whispered, “Now you’re mine.”
“You’re mine, too.”
They smiled at each other as applause broke out. After a few more seconds, with hands clasped, they faced the crowd and descended the stairs.
As much as Emily hated large gatherings, she was far too happy to care today. Even though she hadn’t drunk a drop ofalcohol, she was high on life, as if she’d drunk an entire bottle of wine.
So when Finn Stewart and his mate, Arabella, approached them, she smiled. “Hello, Finn.”
He nodded and took Emily’s free hand, kissing the back of it. Cam growled, but Emily squeezed their clasped hands as Finn said, “Congrats Emily, Cam, on your mating. And thanks for inviting us, aye? That just means you’ll have to accept my next invitation to Lochguard. Maybe for you and your entire clan.”
Emily held her breath, but Cam merely shrugged. “I suppose, as long as there’s plenty of time to go over security details and ensure everyone will be safe.”
Finn hugged Arabella to his side and said, “Aye, of course. Even if you never come back to live on Lochguard, you’re all still clan to us, and we’ll protect you as such.”
Cam’s mother appeared and jumped in. “Why, Finlay Stewart, you’ve grown, haven’t you? You might not remember me…”
“Mary Alexander, of course I do. My aunt still speaks fondly of you. Maybe you can visit Lorna soon? She has a human mate now, too.”
“Does she now? Well, aye, I’d like to visit. If Cam and Euan say it’s okay.”
Finn nodded at both Emily and Cam before saying, “Let’s go talk to Euan, Mary. I’m sure these two want to get their greetings done so they can celebrate alone.”
Finn winked, and Emily’s cheeks heated.
Thankfully, Cam spoke up. “Aye, for once, you’re right. We’ll talk more later, Finn.”
As Finn, Arabella, and Mary headed toward Seahaven’s leader, Cam guided her to the other leaders.
It was a whirlwind of congratulations and gratitude for her help with various counter-poisons and serums over the years. Bythe time she finished speaking to the last clan leader pair from Skyhunter, she was exhausted.
Cam guided her toward the exit, greeting people as they went, until they stepped into the cool air. After a few deep breaths, she said, “It was nice of them to come, but I definitely need a break. Will they think badly of me if we flee?”
“I doubt it, love. The fact that we stayed as long as we did speaks of our restraint.”
As his eyes turned heated, her heart rate jumped up. “Um, right.”
He nuzzled her cheek and said, “Let’s go home, lass. I’m more than ready to kiss and finally claim you.”
And so they headed home in silence, half-jogging toward their cottage.
Emily was more than ready to be claimed by her dragonman.
Chapter Seventeen
As soon as Cam reached their cottage, he tugged Emily inside, shut the door, and pulled her against his front. The feel of her warm, soft body against him turned his already hard cock to stone.
Being civil and diplomatic for the last hour had been torture, even knowing it’d been important for his clan.
