Page 57 of Tempting Her Dragons

“We want to make her happy.” If she allows us to.

“Saph has lived hard.” He looks in the house. “I need to give this to Penny. When I come back, will you take a walk with me?”

“Of course.” I watch him walk to his mate, a hot pack in his hand. She smiles gently at the big dragon and lets him guide her back onto it. He kisses her and comes back outside. Laken is big and gruff, but with his mate, he becomes a different man.

“Her back aches because of the baby,” he explains as we leave the porch.

“Congratulations,” I say. “A dragon baby is a beautiful thing.” Dragons are rare, and we need more of our species in the world.

“Thank you.” We walk through the backyard, and I wait for him to speak. I don’t have a sister, but if I did, I would want to make sure the men she was with were good men. “You’ve had a hard life,” he states as we step into the forest.

“I have,” I say. “Kingston has, too.”

“I haven’t always been a good brother. I left Saph when she needed a family. I regret many things. Leaving her and Bishop is at the top of the list.” He stops and leans against a tree.

“You were eliminating a threat,” I say, copying his stance on the opposite tree.

“Saph has opened up about our life,” he guesses, and I nod. “That’s good.” He looks into the dark. “I thought I was doing the right thing. Killing the men responsible for our parents’ death was vital, but I could have included my family in the decision and not spent years away from them. Saph has denied many times that it affected her in a bad way. She has lied.” He meets my eyes. “Bad or indifferent, it affected her. She lost her parents, even though she doesn’t remember them. She had never had a home until we moved here. I think she needs stability and love now more than ever.”

“She will have it,” I reply.

“I hope so,” he says softly. “Are you planning to move back home?”

“We haven’t talked about it with her,” I say softly. “We should make the decision together, but I think Saphira needs to be here.” This is the first real home she’s had. I don’t want to uproot her again.

“Your mom is a great woman. Are you prepared to leave the life you’ve built together?”

“I love her.” It’s my turn to look away from his piercing eyes. “She saved us and has continued to save us every day since. Our place is with our mate. If our mom doesn’t want to move here, we can travel to her often.”

“Sally would love having another rabbit around,” he chuckles.

“This town won’t know what to do with them,” I say.

“I understand living a life of solitude,” he says, and I look at him sharply. He nods at the lighter I didn’t realize I was still holding in my hand. “Being around people again can be shocking.”

“Yes,” I whisper.

“We are family now,” he states. “I am grateful she is mated to dragons. I can be unsociable and too blunt. My mate has changed my life. For her, being in the middle of this crew is worth it. I’m still an asshole half of the time, but as much as I hate to admit it, the family has grown on me. They will for you, too.” He smiles. “Coming to this town, leaving my cave, gave me more than I expected.”

“It is a shock.” I shake my head. “I will be whatever she needs me to be.”

“You don’t understand,” he says, leaning forward. “She will allow you to be yourself and love you in spite of it.” He pushes off the tree. “Saph has her demons, same as you, your brother, and all of us. You need to accept yours and tell her your burdens. She is strong and will help you carry the load.”

“What if it’s too much?” I ask, crossing my arms.

“I asked myself the same question.” He steps away, walking backward. “Is baring your soul worth it if you get her in return?”

“Yes,” I say, having no doubt.

“Good answer.” He pauses and looks over his shoulder. “I live every day in bliss, knowing Penny is mine. I have everything I could possibly want because of her. My wish now is for my sister to have the same. As much as it makes me uncomfortable seeing her want you both, I would never interfere in her chance at happiness.” He turns, leaving me. “You’ve gained several new brothers and sisters. Don’t fuck it up,” he says over his shoulder.

I rub my neck and can’t help but respect every word he said. Do I think I am worthy of Saphira’s love? Fuck no. Will I give her up because I’m lacking? Fuck no. Being around everyone is unnerving and hurts my ears. King is the same, but he hides it better.

I hear her steps and smell her sweet scent before I see her. Her presence calms my fears. I wait for her to join me, taking in herbeautiful features, and she still astounds me, just like the first time I saw her.

“Are you okay?” she asks.

“Yes,” I reply when she steps close.

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