Page 25 of Claimed By The Dragon Daddy

It were nice to pretend for a night that everything was normal—that Evan was just a man, and I was just a woman, with no shifter politics and greedy agendas at play. Just the two of us simply enjoying each other, and we really, really did.

"Take as long as you need. I've got things under control at home." Mason clapped Evan on the back, then turned to me, his eyes softening. "Mariah, you were amazing. I'll be sure to let Analise know how well you're doing."

I pulled him in for a hug. "Thank you. Look after her for me, will you?"

"I'll do my best."

We waved as he turned toward the terminal opposite of where we were headed, back to New York, back home, while we turned and made our way down the long, brightly-lit hallway leading to where Sebastian’s private jet waited to take us back to Texas.

I felt a sense now of uncomfortable longing. We'd be back home in New York eventually, even if the future felt uncertain. We had our next steps ahead of us. Surely it wouldn't be long until we could get back to our normal lives. Despite missing the familiarity of home, though, I also couldn't wait to get back to Texas and the clan lands. Sofia was there, and all I wanted was to wrap her in my arms and kiss her squishy little cheeks.

I sank into the plush seat, then closed my eyes and reflected on the weekend: the warmth of the sun, the vibrant energy of Miami's nightlife, the incredible food, dancing with Evan's strong arms wrapped around me.

But what I cherished most was our time alone together in the hotel room last night. The way he’d made love to me… there’d been an intensity between us I hadn't experienced before, going beyond what we shared physically. The only way I knew how to explain it was that it seemed as if our souls had intertwined, binding us together in a way that felt both exhilarating and terrifying, like Evan and I were closer than ever before, our connection deepening into something I didn't even know how to explain.

Had he felt that, too? I hadn’t understood what it meant, but it must have had something to do with being his mate.

"What are you daydreaming about over there?" Evan's dark eyes searched mine as he leaned back in his own spacious leather seat. Sometimes I was still overwhelmed by the privilege and luxury that extensive wealth brought, but I wasn’t complaining, either.

I smiled, reaching over to squeeze his hand. "Just thinking about our incredible weekend. It really was amazing, Evan. Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me, Mariah." He lifted our joined hands, his lips brushing softly over my knuckles as he held eye contact. "We needed this time together, away from everything else. It's important to remember what we're fighting for. I want to do more things like this with you. For you." His expression grew serious. “And soon enough we’ll be able to. We’ll be free to live our lives however we want.”

Without the threat of Tomas and what he might do next hovering over us. I thought too much about that as the plane took to the skies, wanting to savor our little escape while I still could. The flight was uneventful, however, and we were back on the Carey clan lands within a matter of hours.

The familiar sight of the three-story brick manor made me smile as Evan guided the borrowed car into the driveway. From the front seat, I could just make out Sofia's chubby fingers and precious face pressed against the front window, leaning forward from where Abi was holding her. I knew the moment she caught sight of us because her eyes widened with excitement, her arms waving about wildly. The second Evan cut the engine, Sofia's excited screech filled the air.

When he opened the car door, Evans lips curved into a smile. "She missed us." He chuckled, his eyes warm when he watched his daughter through the window.

"Seems like it."

We'd barely stepped out of the car when the front door swung open and Sebastian strolled out, Abi and Sofia following right behind him.

“Dadadada,” Sofia babbled, already reaching for us with one hand as we approached. In the other, she clutched a little stuffed dragon toy, no doubt another of Abi’s purchases.

I laughed as Evan scooped her up in his arms and held her high in the air, spinning her around. She looked down at him, her nearly toothless grin so genuine and sweet.

"I missed you, too, little dragon,” Evan said, lowering her, then pulling her into his chest where he wrapped her in a tight hug.

Behind them, Sebastian and Abi looked on with fond smiles. Sebastian took a step forward, ruffling Sofia’s auburn strands before his gaze met mine. "Heard you did well down in Miami."

I shrugged. "Just did what needed to be done."

Sebastian let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "Modest, but I think it was more than that, Mariah."

I cocked my head. “What do you mean?"

"I mean," Sebastian said, leaning against the porch rail, "you put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation, knowing full well what could happen. That shows a lot of courage. It shows just how much you care about Evan, about Sofia, about all of us."

I looked over at Sofia, her hazel eyes staring up at me from where Evan still held her tightly. She held out her little stuffed dragon, babbling something totally unintelligible, but she sounded so enthusiastic. The truth was, I loved Sofia as if she were my own daughter, and after that heartbreaking encounter with Rosalind, I vowed once more that she’d never know what it was like to grow up without a mother. I’d be everything she needed.

I glanced back at Sebastian. "I can admit now that it’s over, I was a little scared going in, but my determination to keep this family together and safe made it an easy choice. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.”

Sebastian nodded. "Well, on behalf of the family, thank you, Mariah. We're lucky to have you."

As we began making our way into the house, Sofia reached for me, and I gladly plucked her from Evan’s arms, holding her close. I didn't feel particularly brave or heroic, but being reunited with Sofia, feeling her innocent joy, I knew I’d do whatever it took to protect her time and again. She wasn't just Evan's daughter anymore, and she hadn’t been for a long while. She was a vital part of my life, and I would fight for her to the last breath.

Sofia played with my hair, her giggles like tiny chimes. This love I felt for her was so profound, so powerful.

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