Page 58 of Smoke and Moon

“You finally did it.I was beginning to have doubts Aodh’s dragon would claim you.Ever.”

Kai’s cheeks burned.Liekki’s words conjured up the image of what went into a Drahk claiming night and all Aodh did to her.

Instead of giving in to the embarrassment heating up her neck and face, she decided to brazen it out with this man who was now her family.She leaned in a little toward him and covered the side of her mouth as if she didn’t want Aodh to hear.She whispered loudly, “I was beginning to feel the same way.”Then she added a not-so-private pointing action toward Aodh because there was no reason she should be the only one getting teased, “You think he was scared?”

Aodh let out a low rumble, and a wisp of smoke ribboned between her and Liekki.

Liekki ignored the pointed threat.

The sign of the dragon’s smoke caused tingles to awaken along the skin of over half her body.

“Probably had a little dragon performance issu—”

“Enough!”Aodh bellowed.“Liekki out!”

A wide smile spread Aodh’s brother’s mouth as he offered her a conspiratory wink before pivoting back to Aodh, whose massive girth still took the seat behind the desk.“I’ll see you downstairs shortly.I’ll let the others know when they arrive that you’re finishing up another meeting, Aodh.”

“That would be of help to me.”Aodh shot a look at his brother.

Not fazed, Liekki glanced at her again before leaving.“Good day to you, Aguya Kai.”

“You, too, Liekki.Try and stay out of Aodh’s crosshairs.”

“What’s the fun in that?”He continued out the door.

She shook her head and laughed.

“Mate, come here.”

Kai rounded the desk and kissed him on the lips.“How difficult is it to work with Liekki?”she questioned playfully.

“A chore always.”Aodh let out an exaggerated exhale.“Sit with me for a moment.”

“Okay.”She started to move to the chair Liekki vacated when she felt Aodh squeeze her hip.

“Not there.”

She looked around and didn’t see another option, but she quickly realized he meant his lap.Kai shot a glance at the open door of his office.

“Come here, mate.”He tugged her closer.

“Oh!”Surprised, she found herself hoisted onto him.She was grateful she’d worn pants that day.Otherwise, her sex would obscenely be on display because of the way her legs were hooked over the arm of the chair.“Aodh, what if someone comes in?”

Aodh stroked a finger over her cheek and down the side of her neck.“Kai, they already know you’re claimed.Finding you in my arms wouldn’t shock them.”

Kai knew what Aodh said to be true with the number of couples she’d spotted in the great hall and, at times, kissing and heavy petting along the side of a building or tree.However, it would still be something she would have to adjust to when it came to her.

“Fine.”At times, it was easier to give in.

“Are you resting and eating?”His hand moved along the side of her breast but didn’t stop.

She shivered.Being in Aodh’s arms made her body come alive.Pushing aside the instant desire, she answered him.“I’m not tired.But all I have done today, it seems, is eat.”

“Good.”He rested his broad palm over her stomach.

Good?Second to my insane lust for you, I want to eat now.“Not good,” she countered.

“This is normal.Hatchlings grow fast, and it causes all expectant mothers to consume a lot and rest.So, whenever you are hungry, do not judge it.Just eat.And whenever you want me, little flame, you can have me.Trust that my insanity is just as great for you, mate.”

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