Page 13 of Emerald Waves
My apologies, dragon, I take full responsibility for my actions.
We take equal responsibility, human. We both hid from the world.
It was as though we navigated a new world, albeit cautiously. How much do I let go of and allow myself to enjoy and how much do I hold back? I had more questions than answers and none of which would be found in my horde. This was an area my dragon and I would navigate with our mate.
And another giggle.
“Emerson, are you ill?” The back of Mable’s hand ran across my forehead. “You’re not hot.”
Mate, are you okay?
Yes, I apologize. My dragon and I felt silly.
Because we have a mate.
Hush, dragon, don’t embarrass me.
Neither of you should be embarrassed. I’m equally as happy as you are.
Caro’s arm came around my waist as he tugged me against him and pressed his lips to the top of my head. I swear, I purred. Another new note to make, dragons purred when happy.
“Ah, well, I see. I’ll just leave you two to, ah, well, I’ll just leave you two. Enjoy your meals.”
I hugged her. “Thank you Mable for always being there for me. Even when I didn’t know where there was.”
“You are very welcome, sweet boy. And if that big scowly dragon taps a talon out of line, you just call old Mable and I’ll set him right.”
Caro rolled his eyes.
“I will, Mable.”
As soon as she left, Caro made himself at home within the tiny galley kitchen. Plates were filled and a water bottle for each of us was set out. “Please, join me,” Caro waved me over to the table. All papers and books that had been spread across it were neatly stacked off to one side.
“Thank you. Wow, did you order one of everything?”
“Maybe? But you’ll soon see it takes a lot to keep your dragon healthy.”
Hadn’t considered that. No wonder my dragon hid as long as it had.
I dug in with a vigor like I’d never had before.
“Glad to see your appetite return. My brothers will be here in the morning to move the most sacred tomes you have to my home. We can keep them safely locked away in my horde, our horde, until your space is done.”
“You’re horde? You’re gonna show me your horde?” This was huge. A monumental step in the world of dragon.
“Yes, of course. You’re my mate. That is the safest room in the house. It’s important you have access to it and know what I hold dear, which now includes you.” Caro squeezed my hand. My eyes wildly stared as he entwined our fingers. I’d never held handswith another. Nor hugged. Today was a day of many firsts. From here on out, I had a feeling every day would be packed full of them.
Dare I think, let alone say, I was…happy?
Too soon, don’t curse it.
Yes, dragon. I promise from here on out to always listen to you and consider your feelings as well.
“Did you just purr?”
“My dragon did. I made him happy.” I was ridiculously giddy, wiggling in my chair. I had a dragon after all, and now I’d made him happy.
“When we get to the compound, after you’re situated, I’ll take you out to the battle pitch to stretch your wings. I can’t wait to see your dragon. Scales keep popping up in the most brilliant shades across your skin.”
