Page 25 of Draco Family Duet

“Sadly, there will be noflying.”

She pushed me off. “So, what does this mating come with? Don’t hold back now. I want the full salespitch.”

“Well, the mating comes with me.” Iwinked.

“I knewyouwere involved.” Maggiehuffed.

“Amazing sex.” I watched for a reaction. She merely shrugged. “Well, you don’t receive the magnetism, thank God, otherwise, there’d be a lot of death anddestruction.”

“Magnetism?” Her eyes narrowed. “All the women. This is why they’re drawn to you.” Then she gasped. “Dammit! Is this what’s going onhere?”

“Not even a little.” I sighed. “You, Maggie, are completely immune to me. I like it. This way, we always know whatever we’re feeling isreal.”

“But you can turn it off, right? Like once you’re mated, it stops?” She sat up on the mattress. “Because if it doesn’t, and we’re mated, there’s still a good chance there will be death and destruction. I don’t share. I always thought I’d marry only once and the guy would look at me like I look at chocolate cake, or cheesecake, or a browniesundae.”

Laughing, I sat up opposite her. “With the mating, you’ll have those things. I’ll never cheat. It’s impossible. Once a male is mated, his woman is everything to him.” I rubbed my face with both hands. “You’ll become my greatest weakness. Although, judging by my emotions, the way I feel around you, the pull between us, you already are. For a dragon, this is exciting and terrifying. It’s hard to be fierce when you have something tofear.”

Her nostrils flared. “What do you fear?” Her voice was barely louder than awhisper.

I took her hand in mine and pressed it to my heart. “Losingyou.”

* * *

Maggie

His words were so pretty,I almost forgot he’d already lost me, that I could never be his. Already, Blaise drew me closer then met me halfway for a kiss. I loved the feel of his perfect lips pressed against mine. I loved the way his tongue managed to dart into my mouth without ever feeling like an intrusion. Most of all, I loved the way the heat rushed through me, making me half-drunk withemotions.

“Are you ready?” He eyed meexpectantly.

I sucked in a deep breath “For what?” My heart raced. I knew what he wanted: something I couldn’t givehim.

Blaise smoothed my hair and inhaled deeply. His hand ran down the back of my neck, then around up under my chin, forcing me to stare into his eyes. “The mating.” His voice sounded deeper and even more sensual thannormal.

My flutter seemed faster than before and incredibly intense. I pushed on it with my hand. “Not yet,” I argued. “I barely knowyou.”

“The mating is one way to get to know each other. Then we’ll have a lifetime of experiences to build on.” He leaned in and pressed his cheek to the side of myhead.

I groaned. “Your lifetime ormine?”

“Ours. Longevity may be one of the best gifts I pass on to you.” Blaise seemed so patient, but I could actually feel his fear under the surface. He was as scared of rejection as I was ofcommitment.

I shook my head. “I don’t think I’m readyyet.”

He exhaled and looked completely defeated. “I can respect that. Out of curiosity, what are yourconcerns?”

“Forever,” I blurtedout.

Blaise stared into my eyes and I discovered I was completely mesmerized by his. They were like deep pools and I was absolutely drowning in them. “No. Forever is a comfort to you. Tell me thetruth.”

My head hung. He was right. How could he know this? “What? Are you reading my mind now? Keep out. That’s just…invasive.” I scowled and refused to meet hisgaze.

“No.” He shook his head. “I can’t read minds, not even yours, but we have another gift. When we find our mates, we can feel their emotions. My ability to sense yours has been increasing all night. All I had to do was accept we were made for each other. It was as if a door opened, and all of your feelings rushed at me.” Blaise chuckled. “By the way, that’s an awful lot offeelings.”

I crossed my arms over my chest. “Well, I’m a complex creature,okay?”

His grin widened. “Fine with me. I actually prefer it that way, but something else is bothering you. You want this, but something is holding you back. Let mehelp.”

My nostrils flared. “I don’t want help. This is for me and mealone.”

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