Page 64 of Tempting Her Dragons

I prepare myself for the most uncomfortable breakfast ever with my mates and the mysterious man who has become a big part of my life.

Chapter Sixteen

Kingston

Iwant to rip his eyes out of the socket. He saw too much of my mate’s skin, and no matter what Saphira says, he has looked many times.

I never thought I would be sitting at a table in my mate’s kitchen with a beast of a man, eating as if we weren’t in the presence of a shifter who is supposed to be a myth. I thought they were no more left in the world. Mav and I met one once. He was a killer, ruthless and heartless. We took a job years ago. The man built a maze on his land that he used to chase and torture unsuspecting humans. The man made a game out of hunting them, tricking them into the maze of horrors. He advertised it as the most difficult maze in the world, and humans paid to try to get out. They had no idea it was a game they couldn’t win. He hypnotized them into believing there was a way.

We had to use every ounce of our gifts and dragons to cut off his head. He fought and struck until the end.

We can’t be blamed for our caution toward Heath. I don’t sense any bad intentions, but it’s hard to trust him.

“Thank you for the meal,” Heath says when the only sound is utensils scraping the plate. “I appreciate you not holding my species against me.” Fuck, it’s difficult to keep my scowl in place.

“You can understand our caution,” I say.

“Kingston,” Saphira whispers, and I put my hand on her arm.

“We don’t spend a lot of time with other shifters,” I continue. “The ones we meet are not good ones. If Saphira trusts you, I will, too.” At least I’ll try.

“The last shifter we met like you was not a good man,” Mav says.

“I understand,” Heath says. “I would never do anything to hurt Saphira or the bond between you.” He wipes his mouth and drops the napkin on his empty plate.

“Are the men done deciding who is trustworthy enough to be around me?” Saphira grumbles.

I turn to her and cup her jaw. “If it means you are pissed every day at us for being suspicious of everyone who could hurt you, I’ll take it,” I say softly, and her eyes clear of anger.

“When you say shit like that,” she sighs. “How can I stay angry?”

I smirk and squeeze my fingers before dropping them. “Because you know how much we want to protect you.”

“I will leave you,” Heath says, scooting back his chair.

“I’ll walk you out,” Mav says, getting up. “Baby, I have some things to take care of today.”

“Is everything alright?” she asks, tipping her head back.

“Yes, I need to meet with my mom,” he explains. “Stay with King. I’ll be back later.” He leans down and kisses her softly.

“Be safe,” she says and turns toward Heath. “Thank you for coming over. If you have any jobs, send them.”

“Alright,” Heath says and walks to the door.

“Have fun,” Mav says, petting her hair before following Heath out the door.

“Fun?” She faces me. “What are we doing?”

“I wanted to spend some time together,” I say, leaning my forearms on the table. “Will you share your waterfall with me?”

“Of course,” she says, cupping her hand on my arm. “I love swimming.”

“Good.” I pat her hand and stand. “Get ready while I clean up.”

“I can help,” she offers as she pushes her chair back.

“Get ready while I clean up,” I repeat.

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