Page 113 of Finch
to ever have the opportunity to practice, and it means I’m, well, rusty. I hope you’ll forgive any
unpleasantness. I hear magic can sometimes feel a little cold.”
While it was true, the more he channeled, the hotter Finch seemed to get.
“It, um…” Hugh trailed off. The scent of Finch’s cologne was getting stronger, and it was hard
to focus on anything else. If Hugh hadn’t known better, he would have thought Finch was going
into heat, but that was impossible. Not only had he not fully absorbed the stimulant, but Hugh
had been with several omegas while trying for a clutch, and none of their heats had ever
smelled like this. This was… artificial. Chemical, almost, although not in the pungent, irritating
way he typically associated with the word. There was simply no way…
Hugh zoned out.
What had he been talking about again?
When the thought didn’t return to him, he cupped Finch’s cheek with his free hand and traced
his thumb over its soft skin. The heat felt nice against his palm. Natural. As if Finch had been
designed for a dragon’s touch.
Mine,Hugh’s dragon insisted.
Mine,Hugh agreed.
“You know, Finch,” Hugh said as his dragon paced restlessly in his mind. “There was a
question I was going to ask you tonight. A very important question. One I hope might help
alleviate some of your stress. I’ve said it before, but you truly are a treasure, and I… I never
want to let you go.”
Finch’s expression sharpened. “Sir?”
“It’s not very traditional, but… since you’re not a Disgrace, I wasn’t sure what else to do, or
how else to keep you. I… I want to know if you’ll be part of my hoard.”
Finch’s eyelids fluttered, and it took all of Hugh’s resolve not to kiss him then and there. Damn
that smell! It was making him want what he couldn’t have. If only he could slide into bed beside
Finch and claim him like his dragon wanted. Like he wanted. But it was a ridiculous notion, and
entirely inappropriate, since his future mate was waiting for him just a floor below.
“If you will,” Hugh continued, heart hammering in anticipation and arousal, “I’ll take care of you
always. Anything you want, no matter how much it costs, will be yours. You’ll be my living
treasure, and I the dragon who guards it jealously. Just…” Hugh trailed off again, smitten with
