Page 107 of No Ordinary Drakeling
“I didn’t have to, Ell took care of it.”
“Well, you both have my apology. I should’ve made sure he did as I requested. I mean but who the hel—heck would go up into someone’s room the night after they were mated?” Damian contended. “Tiri, you’re killing me with this no cursing rule. When you’re mad, it’s hard not to say bad words.”
Tiri shrugged. “You can say them. I found some new material at the store the other day that I really want to make an outfit for Ellery out of. I could use the extra money.”
“Sprites are the best,” Costas crowed at the disgruntled expression Damian wore.
“I agree with you, Your Grace,” Zane remarked.
* * *
With his hand locked in Chrysander’s, Ellery walked along the sand. The water washed up occasionally over his feet and soaked his linen pants, but he had no complaints. He loved the unbridled and unpredictable nature of the ocean and knew he would be back to see it again.
“So, good idea or what?” Chrysander asked.
“You are wearing nothing but a pair of shorts. Of course it was a great idea.”
“I might need to start taking vitamins.”
“I can share some of the protein powder Vampyr Lord Grigori created for me.”
“I can’t believe Tiri just dove right into the water when we got here.”
“The expression on Zane’s face was pretty hilarious.”
“Fate brought him exactly what he needed. Someone to keep him on his toes,” Chrysander said. “And the best part is that Tiri does it so innocently. He probably didn’t even notice the heart attack he gave Zane.”
“I am glad they make each other happy.”
“I want to make you happy, Ell.”
“I think there is a part of you that believes I am upset with you. I am not. All I ever wanted was the chance to be your mate. I have that now. I am not going to keep looking back and thinking, ‘We should have done this,’ or ‘If only Chrys had acted sooner.’ That is the past, we need to focus on now.”
The corner of Chrysander’s mouth lifted. “Well, I got you to call me ‘Chrys,’ in any event.”
“We have forever, Chrys. I do not intend on wasting any of it.”
Chrysander halted, giving Ellery no choice but to do the same. Then he tugged him into his arms and kissed his ear right over the two hoops. “Whatever our future holds, I’m glad it was you. I’m grateful Fate put us together.”
“Me too. Although…”
Putting space between them, Chrysander eyed him suspiciously. “Although what?”
“I could have done without this whole emperor business.”
“I humbly apologize for not being a normal dragon.”
Ellery frowned. “Do you think that is what everyone wants? For me to apologize for not being an ordinary drakeling? Is that what you want?”
“No, you didn’t choose this. Just like the color of your eyes, you were born this way. I know what you want and what hope lies inside you. I don’t question your strength. It’s just—”
“That you think it is impossible,” Ellery finished for him, trying not to get mad but failing. He turned but didn’t get far before Chrysander grabbed his hand and fell into step beside him.
“If there’s anyone who can manage it, I do believe that person is you. But I can’t pretend not to be scared. I don’t want to lose you.”
“I guess I should be pleased that you care enough to be afraid. I should focus on that aspect instead of getting angry at you. I am growing impatient. I want it over with, so there is not this struggle between us. I want our relationship to be how Fate intended. I enjoy your company, and I do not think I need to tell you how I feel about last night.”
“And this morning, you handsy elf.”
