Page 62 of Dragon's Honor

Ash’s dragon only ever wanted to see her in tourmaline, but there were plenty of stones not tied to dragon clans. As long as she didn’t choose anything opal, he would keep his dragon in check.

“What draws your eye, Sawyer?” His voice sounded huskier than usual, though he doubted Finley was even aware. He seemed to always be husky, always be in a state of need around her.

“Oh, I don’t know. It’s all too much. I don’t need more jewelry.”

“Pick something.” He hadn’t meant for it to sound like a command, but as soon as it was out of his mouth, he knew he meant it.

She shook her head, even as her eyes locked on a necklace with matching earrings in the case.

He smirked when he realized they were tourmaline. Maybe his stone was growing on her too.

“You can’t buy me jewelry. You barely know me.”

Ash wrapped his arms around her from behind, trying not to feel pride at the small moan that escaped her lips. He knew she’d be able to feel that he was semi-hard for her, like he always seemed to be whenever her luscious, curvy body was around. And his dragon settled when he saw his heartstone start to glow again.

“Try it on. Tourmaline suits you.”

The salesperson behind the counter pulled out the necklace, and Finley’s fingers brushed over the silver and tourmaline surface as she stared at it, as much a treasure hungry dragon as any he’d seen in his clan. “It’s beautiful. But it’s too much.”

“Nonsense. It’ll look incredible with the green dress.” He pulled out his black Amex and handed it over. “The earrings too.”

Finley tensed a little in his arms, but she didn’t argue anymore. As it got boxed up, she leaned back against him and sighed. “I guess I should be thanking you again.”

Ash chuckled. “You don’t need to thank me for every little thing, Sawyer. I’m happy to give you things to make you smile. And the fact that it’s my family stone makes it all the more beautiful.”

She blushed. “It goes well with this bracelet I can’t seem to take off.”

Once Ash had the jewelry in hand, he pulled her wrist up to his lips and pressed a kiss just above the tourmaline bangle. “It looks perfect on you.”

As they finished their errands, Ash found himself making excuses to touch her, to spoil her with little gifts. Anything to keep her smiling, to keep her close.

When they returned to the house, the afternoon was starting to turn into evening. Finley grabbed her things and ducked into the guest bathroom down the hall. He went back into his bathroom and showered. Nerves ate away at his gut. Why did he feel so anxious about all of this? He supposed if she rejected him that would open up all kinds of other problems. He wouldn’t have to worry about being king because it would be completely taken away from him if he was burdened with the craze.

It had happened. He’d seen it. A dragon who doesn’t claim his mate risks the beast taking over. Or worse, if something happens to the dragon’s mate, the craze could claim him.

Dragons loose without a human side to master the beast…was bad. Every time the humans had almost discovered the secrets of dragons, it was because of the craze.

It was one of the reasons why mates were so important to the clans. They helped soothe the savage beast as it were. It wasn’t just a saying with dragons.

He pulled out his favorite suit. An Armani that his little sister helped him pick out. He missed Krystana. She was his best friend, a better listener than Henrik at least. He hadn’t spoken to her much since they’d stashed her away for safekeeping. Female dragons were rare and treasured. They couldn’t afford to lose her. After everything that had happened, he refused to let her be caught in the middle of a war.

She’d be the one he would talk to about Finley. Krystana had a great way of seeing straight to the heart of things. Hopefully, she’d be able to come back into the world.

He checked himself in the mirror before he headed out into the hallway where he nearly ran right into Finley. They grabbed onto each other to keep from completely colliding.

Her big eyes widened as she looked up at him, and her perfect, full lips were parted, begging to be claimed by his.

“You clean up nice,” she murmured, her eyes remaining on him.

He grinned. “You look fucking delectable.” His nostrils flared as he took in her addictive scent. She smelled like vanilla and coconut. His dragon rumbled low in his chest.

Finley put her hand on his chest. “Are you growling?”

He chuckled. “My dragon is pretty pleased with how you look. We’re both thinking about ordering food in.”

She swallowed, her fingers curled into her bicep. “I think it would be good to go out.”

“Afraid you won’t be able to keep your hands off me?” He cocked a brow.

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