Page 42 of Destiny of the Dragons

He had that now. His mother smiled at him, told him she was proud of him.

Jace was one last step away from everything he ever wanted.

Mia and Smoke opened their boxes. Inside was a small heart, golden and carved with filigree. Mia opened the locket. Inside was a small picture of the three of them on their first date.

Mia’s face softened. “Oh Jace.”

“I know lockets aren’t manly,” he told Smoke. “But I really wanted them to match.”

Jace held up his own locket. “I figure if someone really presses us, we can say Mia gave them to us.”

Smoke smiled a little. “It’s perfect.”

“I want you two to be part of my Treasure. Officially.”

Mia stilled.

“I haven’t been happier in my entire life than I’ve been with both of you by my side.” He looked at Smoke. “You’re already part of my Treasure, even if we haven’t put it to words.”

Jace looked at Mia. “You make our Treasure complete. I want both of you by my side.”

Mia smiled and looked at Smoke. “I mean, that’s a pretty compelling offer.”

Jace laughed, and nudged her leg with his foot. “Just think about all the amazing sex.”

Mia rubbed her chin. “The snuggles.”

“The movies,” Smoke said. “We never finishedSleeping Beauty.”

“Yes,” Mia said. Her blue eyes were shining, and something inside Jace that had felt empty, filled up.

He leaned over and closed his mouth over Mia’s. She sighed against him, rubbing her fingers through his hair. He kissed her, his heart, taking his time. He pulled away, and then closed his mouth over Smoke’s mouth. He kissed his rival, friend until he lost track of who he was. It was only them.

Jace pulled away, and then nudged Mia forward. Smoke and Mia kissed. He loved how Smoke always cupped Mia’s face, like she was a precious jewel Smoke was afraid of breaking.

Smoke pulled away, and Mia’s eyes were glazed over, like she was drunk.

Jace grinned. They put that look on her face.

He took her hand, and stopped. Bruises covered her wrist and forearm, centered on a black mark on the inside of her wrist.

“Mia. What…” Jace frowned.

Mia looked away, pulling her hand out of his.

Jace raked his hand through his hair. “I messed up this afternoon, but Mia, I want you with me.” He looked at Smoke. “I can finally make that offer. I can keep both of you safe.”

Mia looked doubtful, and he quashed his anger at her doubt. Hadn’t he spent the entire last few days making things happen for Mia? Couldn’t she just extend him some faith?

“I was wondering about that.” Mia looked down. “My family is powerful, Jace. They’re not going to let me go, not without something hella compelling.”

Jace crossed his arms over his chest. “My clan is powerful Mia. I can arrange something. A meeting between my mother and yours if we have to.”

“Your what?” Mia blinked.

Smoke made a small noise in his throat.

Jace smiled at both of them. The final piece of good news. “Not anymore. I demanded my mother let me back into the Family. I’ve finally earned my place at the table.”

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