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)
I could have run the opposite way, and you could have diverted there.
“Yes, Blueberry. That would have worked. Then you would not have made yourself ill.” Oldrik praised her suggestion.
You’d already thought of that.
“We had. Let’s get you out of the corner, My Treasure.” Ardon appeared behind her silently. He removed the plug before restoring her clothing and patting her bottom to urge her into the room. “Go sit on Oldrik’s thighs. He needs hugs this morning.”
As Skye rushed over to her Daddy and clambered onto his lap, the thought popped into her mind that Ardon had deliberately made noise to increase her concern when he’d stood before. Flipping that idea around, she decided she’d consider it a second chance to rethink her refusal to follow directions and to find a better solution.
Oldrik brushed her hair away from her face before pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Ardon loves you with all his heart, as do I. If only given the choice of saving you and thereby risking our lives, neither of us would hesitate. You are more important than our next breath.”
I was trying to help.
“We knew you were, Skye. You were selflessly ready to sacrifice yourself for us. There was another way.”
I promise I’ll listen in the future. I was scared.
“Thank you, Blueberry.”
“Anyone want to go for pizza?” Ardon asked, coming back into the room.
You’re going to let me leave your lairs?
“With two big, bad dragons? Yes,” Ardon teased.
Skye wiggled off his lap. Let’s go!
The back room of Angelino’s was beautifully lit by wide-open windows. The family had welcomed her with great deference and celebrated her as a chosen mate. Surprised by the clan’s knowledge of mates and dragons through several generations, Skye realized several of the Wyvern residents had never forgotten the role of the dragons in Wyvern history.
“Skye! I’m so glad to see you,” Ciel greeted her as she walked into the large gathering area. She paused next to Skye and asked, “Can I hug you?”
“Is that normal?” Skye asked. Often social interactions baffled her.
“Yes, for me but not necessarily for you,” Ciel said with a smile.
Remembering how nicely the mates had treated each other, Skye stepped forward awkwardly and held out her arms. Ciel walked into her embrace to squeeze her close. When Ciel moved back, Skye felt amazing. Maybe she had real friends for once.
“Good hug!” Ciel celebrated before linking her arms with Skye’s. “Let’s choose a place to sit. I want to be close to the dragons.” Her wink told Skye she meant to eavesdrop.
Aurora and Lalani soon joined them. The ladies took a seat just behind the dragons. They tried to listen only to hear nothing. The dragons were communicating silently.
“That’s no fair,” Aurora protested.
“They knew what we were doing,” Lalani whispered.
“Of course,” Ciel confirmed.
“Ladies, would you like to eat while your mates solve the problems of the world?” Angelino suggested with a conspiratorial wink.
“Definitely!” Lalani said, jumping to her feet as the staff brought in delicious-smelling pizza. The others followed her to the buffet.
This time when they selected a place to sit, the women clustered around a table far from the dragons. They didn’t need to listen to their conversations, either. Of course, they all knew it was simple for the shifters to hear from a much farther distance.
“Tell us what happened, Skye,” Aurora asked.
“Two guys appeared and tried to use some kind of dust.” Skye simplified the event.
“And they were on your mates’ flight path?” Ciel probed.
“Yes.”
“What happened to them?” Lalani asked.
“Keres.”
“Ah, Keres,” Lalani said knowingly. “I wish he’d find his mate. The number of Wyverns returning to the city dwindles each day. I’m sure he is losing hope.”
“It was scary,” Skye shared.
“I bet. My Daddy said you kicked over the devices they were setting up to ignite the poison. He warned me about running away and to let the dragons fight the battles,” Ciel said.
“I bet we all have tried to do too much and got into trouble,” Lalani suggested. Aurora and Skye nodded their heads.
“Sorry,” Skye offered.
“Sorry? You were a complete badass. I’d love to be that brave. You saved your mates,” Ciel said in awe.
“You’d do the same thing,” Skye told them.
“You’re right. We would. Do you think that’s why we’re mates?” Lalani asked.
Everyone shrugged. Whatever qualified them to be their family’s representative as a match for dragons seemed nebulous. Skye glanced over at Ardon and Oldrik. As she studied their handsome faces, her emotions threatened to overwhelm her. Immediately, both shifters turned to her in concern. Skye smiled at them before mouthing, “I love you.”
I love you, Blueberry. Oldrik’s thought smoothed over her like a brush of his hand.
Ardon followed that with a sweet message. You are so treasured, Skye.
Feeling more than she ever thought possible, she thanked her lucky stars for making it home to such an amazing life.