Page 61 of The Forbidden Dragon King
Daire’s wings flap like he can’t contain their joy. “It means that we’re a fated pair. We’re joined in ways that you’ve already partly experienced. If you want me, I willdedicate my life to protecting and loving you. We will always be able to hear the other’s cry for help, even across realms. Portals will draw us to each other. It means that neither of us will ever be alone.”
Startled, I meet his gaze. “But I’m nobody?—”
“Mine,” Daire replies, studying me intently, “if you’ll have me. My Omega. Except…” He gives a bitter laugh. “I’m not the best deal right now. I’m thenobody. You deserve someone who can protect you more than I failed to protect my friends or my own bloody face.”
There’s a raw vulnerability to his words, which makes my heart hurt for him. I have a sense that it’s rare for him to talk like this. It feels like an honor to see this side to him.
It’s as if the grief of what has happened is finally catching up with Daire. Tears tremble on his thick, butterfly lashes.
As he can’t reach to touch me, I reach through the bars to him.
Fuck it.
I often watched the elite Omegas with their Alphas and wished that just once, I could have someone take my hand in comfort like the elites would walk hand in hand down the Moon Court corridors.
Sometimes, I would lie in bed holding my own hand under the blankets, pretending that it was Prince Bard.
I could almost make myself believe it.
Believe that somebody cared about me.
Loved me.
Daire startles, as I grab his hand and entwine myfingers with his. It’s like he has never had anyone hold his hand either, at least, not in comfort.
He stares down wide eyed at where our hands meet and then back at me.
His expression gentles. “I’m trying to say that I’m freeing you, love. You can reject me. Break the bond.”
Shock shivers through me.
“Fuck that. Shadow Fae only get one soulmate in their long lives, right? If you lose me, then you’ll never have another fated Omega. Ever.” I tilt up my chin. “I’ve been rejected. I’ve suffered the shame of a broken bond. I won’t do that to anyone.” I take a deep breath. Can I say it? Can I risk being as brave in my confession as Daire has? Risk my heart twice?Please, don’t break it.“Plus, why would I let the Alpha escape who I’ve longed to be mine, since I first saw him on the fae borders three years ago?”
Daire’s eyes light up with both interest and hope. He tightens his hold on my hand.
Then Daire’s smile becomes cocky. “An admirer, only natural. It looks like you’ve hunted and caught me, wolf. May I kiss you?”
My cheeks flush.
I nod, unable to speak.
Daire raises my hand to his plush lips.
The look in his eyes is wicked, as he deliberately slowly presses his lips to the back of my hand, never breaking his gaze from mine.
Then he does it again.
And a third time.
I can hardly breathe.
Daire grazes his sharp fangs along my skin, before darting out his tongue to lick across the same path.
I’m trembling.
Daire’s eyes dance, as he slowly lowers my hand into his lap, possessively.
The one who is a captive here is me.
