Page 79 of Seducing the Dragon
She rubbed her hands against her trousers before turning from the computer. “Did you read them? What did they say? Are riots breaking out in the streets?”
The corner of Bram’s mouth ticked up. “Riots in the street, love? It’s just some bloody newspaper articles about our mating.”
“Now is not the time to tease me, Bram. I’m pregnant and my hormones are not amused.”
He shook his head as he bounced their son in his arm. “You need to come up with a better excuse. That one is becoming a tad old.”
With a sound of frustration, Evie stood up and took the papers from Bram’s hands. “I’ll find out myself, then.”
As she scanned the first newspaper, her stomach churned, warning her that if she didn’t sit down, she’d be losing her breakfast.
When Bram’s look turned into one of concern, she knew she must be pale. Her mate’s teasing tone was gone. “Are you all right, love? Should I get the trash bin?”
Shaking her head, she moved toward the sofa. “I just need to sit down.”
Plopping down on the sofa, she closed her eyes and breathed in and out until the queasiness subsided. Once she no longer felt like throwing up, she opened her eyes to find Bram standing in front of her. He asked, “Are you better, love?”
She waved a hand. “I’m fine. Just let me read the papers.”
She barely noticed Bram sitting down next to her as she read the first few paragraphs:
Saturday saw a monumental event in modern British history. For the first time, journalists were welcomed onto a dragon-shifter’s land to witness a mating ceremony, which is the equivalent of a marriage between humans. The event took place near the Lake District, on the lands belonging to Clan Stonefire.
Even before the ceremony began, everyone was excited about another dragon-shifter clan leader sitting in attendance. His identity remains a secret. While a few journalists were invited, it was clear the dragon-shifters were wary of the humans on their land.
The ceremony, held between Stonefire’s clan leader, Bram Moore-Llewellyn, and former-DDA employee, Evie Marshall, only lasted five minutes before the celebrations began. Everything from the exchanging of arm cuffs to the dancingafter the ceremony was fascinating to watch. The traditions between humans and dragon-shifters are similar, yet different.
Evie scanned the rest, which detailed everyone’s appearance and behavior. By the end of the article, even she wanted another peek into how the dragon-shifters lived.
Reading the Telegraph, the Guardian, and then the Times, Evie felt the same way after each. The articles were entertaining yet informative and lacked any of the malice of the anti-dragon-shifter crowd.
When she was done, she looked over at Bram, who was bouncing Murray on his knee. She would never tire of the big dragonman playing with the tiny baby.
She smiled and said, “Everything seems fine. The journalists upheld their agreements. All of the articles were fairly objective.”
Bram glanced at her. “Aye, I told you not to worry and before you ask again, no, there aren’t any riots in the streets. So far, the news has been received well.”
“And you couldn’t have told me this sooner?”
He grinned. “You’re the one who likes to find things out for yourself.”
Ignoring his teasing, she pushed on. “Anyway, the reception of the articles bodes well for Melanie. Her release might go ahead as scheduled.”
Murray put out his arms and reached for her. Evie took her son from Bram and cuddled him on her lap.
Bram said, “The reception also bodes well for you, love. The DDA should stop harassing you after this. You’ve turned into the darling of the press.”
Evie leaned against her dragonman’s shoulder. “I guess now all we need to do is watch out for the dragon hunters.”
“Aye, but Finn and I have things in hand. If Simon Bourne makes a move anywhere between Birmingham and the Orkney Islands, we’ll know. Things might be a bit boring from now on.”
Evie smiled. “Life with you will never be boring, Bram. In nine months’ time, you’ll not only have to look after the clan, you’ll have two babies as well.”
Bram put an arm around her shoulder. “And you, love. I’ll look after you.”
Leaning into his warmth, she murmured, “And I, you.”
Evie glanced up and as they stared at one another, warmth and happiness spread throughout her body.
