Page 43 of Dragon Exposed

“How does it work? The mates thing.” I knew the water would eventually cool and we’d have to leave the cocoon of being just the two of us in the shower, but until then, I needed some answers. I needed to know what I was getting myself into, if I let him keep making me come.

Levi was behind me now, washing my back with a second washcloth, and I could feel him still. “The simple answer is fate. I don’t know exactly how fate chooses, but the connection enhances everything a normal relationship would have. The love, the loyalty, the passion, the need. When I bite you, it might change some things, but only for the better.”

I sighed, leaning back into his touch as his hands wandered under my arms, back up to just under my breasts. “You really want me to be that for you? You’re sure?”

Levi kissed my neck as he answered softly, “More than anything I’ve ever wanted. A mate is a cherished thing, and I believe fate has chosen exceptionally well for me.” Gently spinning me around, he locked his vibrant green eyes with my lighter green ones. “If you need to see my heartstone alight for you before you believe, I will never stop hunting for it, but I don’t need a chunk of tourmaline to confirm what I know to be true.”

“How can you be so sure? We’ve been on one impromptu date. But you were willing to risk everything, everything you are, everyone you know, for me.” I shook my head. “I want to believe. I mean, it’s a fantastic fantasy, to be wanted, needed, so much that I’m the only person who could ever fill that for you. But the rest of the world isn’t that simple, Levi. How can you look at me, at all of this—” I gestured up and down my naked body “—and think I’m going to be enough for you, for however long dragons live?”

“Haven’t you ever met someone, even for the briefest of moments, and just known in your very soul that you’re meant to know them? That they’re meant to be a part of your life?” He shrugged as he reached down to turn off the water. “You humans make everything so difficult. You’ve subdued the instincts that drive you to know, right off the bat, if something is good or bad. You’ve allowed overthinking, overanalyzing, to override what you just know to be true.”

Was he right? Was I fighting against his claim that I was his mate, just because it wasn’t the “human” way of doing things?

Was I really ready to completely trust him to not destroy me as thoroughly as Viktor did?

I had to trust him at least a little, to believe him when he said he couldn’t get me pregnant, but sex and forever were very different things.

16

No Choice

LEVI

Icould tell that Izobelle wasn’t as all-in as I was, but I wasn’t worried about it. She didn’t grow up with the faith, the trust, that the fates would bring her mate to her. Humans clearly enjoyed the dance, the posturing and flirtation before they could give in to their needs to mate, to pair off.

If that was what she needed, that was what I would make sure she got. Just as soon as I made sure we would be safe from the vampires, from the humans who would undoubtedly be trying to hunt dragons. Safe from anything that could hurt her.

Fuck, maybe I should’ve just given in to the urge to bite her in the shower. At least then, she’d be more indestructible. She’d have my strength, my power coursing through her.

My teeth itched just from the idea of biting her.

If I didn’t think she’d resent me for forcing it on her, I probably would’ve given in. It was damned hard not to, but I was glad she trusted me with her body, that she wanted to share that moment with me.

Even now, as she let me towel dry her soft, supple skin, I could smell the faint scent of arousal, not just a lingering scent from what had already transpired between us. This was fresh heat, fresh need, and if it weren’t for the fact that Declan was decidedly pissed off downstairs, I would’ve carried her back to the bed and made her come at least a few more times before the sun went down.

When she yawned, trying to hide it behind her hand, I ushered her in between the sheets and pulled them in tight around her, kissing her forehead before I stood to find clothes to wear.

“You’ll come back up once you deal with…well, whatever needs to be dealt with?”

I nodded, unable to deny her anything as long as she stayed naked in my bed. “Do you need anything? I could bring you dinner in bed.”

“I think I can eat in the kitchen with you and Declan. Unless…you don’t want me to?” Her lower lip stuck out slightly, almost trembling.

With a sigh, I dropped down onto my knees so that we were closer to face to face, and I leaned in to brush the tip of my nose against hers. “I would never expect you to just hide away in my room. If you want to come down, come down.” I smiled softly. “But don’t be surprised if I have a hard time keeping my hands to myself. I’m a possessive dragon, and you’re the treasure I’ve waited my whole life to hold. I won’t let anyone get the idea that you might be available. Not even my brother.”

There wasn’t much likelihood that Declan had any interest in her at all, but there were plenty of other unmated shifters. Vampires who would leave more scarring on her neck. Fae who would happily carry her to another plane.

The more of my scent covered her body, the better.

The last thing I needed was another supernatural being thinking they could touch my mate.

And if a human so much as dared to try anything, I was liable to rip him limb from limb, and then beat him with his own arms and legs.

“What just crossed your mind?” Izobelle’s head tilted slightly as her brow furrowed. “You look murderous all of the sudden.”

I swallowed, trying to calm the beast within. “Nothing you have to worry about. I just want to keep you safe, to make sure you’re well loved and cared for.” I leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to her lips before I stood again. “Now, I should get dressed before your nakedness tempts me into that bed. I don’t need Declan coming to look for us.” With a gentle touch of her arm, I added softly, “Get some sleep, and come down for dinner when you’re ready. I’ll cook for you.”

She shook her head, a mirthful grin on her face. “I think you’re trying to spoil me, so that I forget that I have a life I’ll eventually need to return to.”

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