Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
If it’s not my fault, what happened?
“Blueberry, you have to remember that having a mate is new to you. Having the most precious person in your life bonded to two dragons is unfamiliar to Ardon and myself. We’ve handled it well until today. Then everything exploded inside both of our beasts. Dragons don’t share. It isn’t in our nature.”
See! I’ve caused so many problems. I could just go back to my parents’ house.
“That will not happen,” Oldrik told her with a gentle but unyielding tone. “If you are not close to us, things will only get worse.”
Ardon squeezed her hand as he looked deep into her eyes. “We would not change our connection with you for anything. Ever.”
Trapped in a loop inside her own mind, Skye’s anxiety skyrocketed. I know I’m different. You shouldn’t be saddled with me. Maybe you could hire me to work in your house until the mate bond relaxes. Then it will be easy for everyone to return to their own places. She dashed away a tear that rolled down her cheek. Stupid eyes. They needed to stop leaking.
Without saying a word, Ardon pulled her close. Immediately, Oldrik crowded in behind her. Loving thoughts and emotions buffeted her from both sides. Skye could feel her anxiety dissipating. They squeezed her firmly between them for several long minutes until everyone’s heart rate slowed to normal.
Turning his head, Ardon pressed a kiss to her temple. “I love you, Skye. Being away from you isn’t going to happen. Oldrik and I need to figure this out for you. Everything was going pretty well until….”
“Today, when we let our dragon’s instincts rule our thoughts,” Oldrik finished for him. “Will you trust us enough to let us prove to you this won’t happen in the future?”
She squirmed in Ardon’s arms until she could face them both. Searching their faces and minds, she could sense the emotional connection between the three of them. Everyone deserves a second chance. Those we love should get a third.
“Thank you, Skye. Let’s go wash your face,” Oldrik suggested.
A few minutes later, with the tears erased from her skin, Skye heard her stomach roar. She’d not had time to snack at Khadar’s. Can I have something to eat?
“Of course, Little One. Let’s get you fed,” Ardon suggested and set her down to walk between them. “Welcome to my lair.”
Chapter 10
With a full stomach and the attention of her Daddies, Skye was able to put everything back into perspective. What had seemed like the world coming to an end now seemed silly. She knew Ardon and Oldrik loved her. They couldn’t disguise their true feelings when their minds were linked to hers.
“Feeling better, Blueberry?” Oldrik asked.
Yes. It’s fun to see Ardon’s lair. This seems like where I would picture a dragon living. Lots of craggy walls and treasures.
She became suspicious when the dragons exchanged a look. What am I missing?
“The real treasures are not visible, Skye. Avarice is the middle name of all dragons. We enjoy collecting rare and precious items. These things are not displayed for everyone to see,” Ardon explained.
You have stuff hidden?
“Would you like to view my treasury? Oldrik will need to stay here,” Ardon stressed.
Is that okay? She checked with Oldrik, concerned that they were cutting him out of activities.
“Of course, Blueberry. I will share my collections with you as well, privately. As much as I trust Ardon as a member of the horde, I would not expose an insider's view of my defenses to him. Not that there is any way he could abscond with my possessions,” Oldrik stressed, sending a pointed look at Ardon, who appeared amused.
She was so intrigued by the idea of a dragon’s trove of treasure. I’d love to see it.
As they walked away, Oldrik settled in a comfortable leather chair and picked up a book from the nearby table. He didn’t seem bothered at all to allow them to leave together. On a whim, she tugged at Ardon’s sleeve before running to his side to wrap her arms around Oldrik’s neck. After delivering a quick kiss, she scurried back to Ardon. This time, when she peeked over her shoulder, she saw Oldrik brush his fingertips over his lips as if savoring her kiss.
“Nicely done, My Treasure,” Ardon praised her as they turned the corner.
Skye skipped happily by his side for several steps, pleased at having given in to her urge to say goodbye as they left. She stopped with Ardon when he paused in front of a blank section of wall next to a bronze wishing well. Puzzled, she watched him dip his fingers in the container and heard a rumble.
Focusing back on the wall in wonder, Skye’s jaw dropped ajar when a door opened in front of her. Ardon waved her inside and pressed his hand to a panel next to the door. The barrier replaced itself.