Page 18 of To Ignite a Dragon's Desire

If my cheeks could burn hotter, they’d ignite into flames. I squeezed my thighs together, trying to ward off the sensations Ember’s words invoked.

If I hadn’t been crying so much earlier, I might’ve gotten a better peek.

“There’ll be none of that,” I giggled nervously, wishing I could escape to the kitchen with Lucan. Was it too early for Stockholm syndrome to kick in? Because I suddenly missed the quiet presence of my captor. “We’re still getting to know each other.”

“That’s why you’re lucky to have all this alone time.” Ember sighed wistfully. “We’re going to be elbows deep in the scrolls and texts for the foreseeable future until we figure this prophecy thing out. He’s even got these witches coming over to assess the new rune. And, no pressure, but Kieran has a theory that you may have a part in this too.”

“In the magical apocalypse prophecy?” I asked to make sure. First hot guys that turned into kidnapping dragons, and now this.

“It makes sense, right?” Ember didn’t miss a beat. “What are the odds of you also being a dragon’s mate? Kieran said before we arrived, they didn’t even know dragons and humans could be fated mates. It’s got to mean something bigger. In every book, this is the start of a great adventure.”

“I think I’d prefer a ring instead of a tattoo.” I touched my unmarked neck, trying to make a joke.

“Wrong story.” Ember rolled her eyes.

I thought it was funny, but she was right.

I needed to be serious. “What exactly does it mean to be a dragon’s mate?”

“Lucan hasn’t told you yet?” She looked to the kitchen window where Kieran stood next to Lucan inside fixing up sandwiches for lunch. That love-drunk look in her eyes suited her romantic little heart.

“We’re still working out the details,” I mumbled, leaning back in the chair.

I couldn’t ask her to take me away. She wouldn’t understand why I wanted to go, not when she was clearly so Team Dragon.

And now they were all waiting to see if I’d somehow get a magic prophecy tattoo. Didn’t I owe it to the world to at least try and see where this situation led?

Sometimes being a responsible adult sucked.

“I’ll have to let Lucan explain the intimate parts of the fated mate relationship to you.” Ember patted my knee. A conspiratorial glimmer shone in her heart-shaped eyes. “But trust me, you’re going to love this part.”

8

Lucan

Keep You Close

I didn’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t for Riley to tuck in close to my side and wrap one arm around my waist, waving Kieran and Ember off like we were a domesticated couple.

Not that I was complaining.

She fit next to me perfectly.

A puzzle piece I hadn’t known was missing.

All mine.My dragon basked in the joy of having her alone again.

My cousin and his mate had stayed through lunch and past dinner with Kieran taking over the grill to make burgers, insisting on feeding Ember more meat. I’d thought they’d never leave.

“I heard you tell Ember that you wanted to stay here with me,” I said to Riley, barely containing the happiness of my beast.

“Don’t say anything else,” she spoke through clenched teeth, smiling so big my cheeks ached in sympathy for hers as she continued to wave.

Kieran took to the sky with his mate clinging to his back.

“Can I talk now?” I asked, amused.

When the dragon flew past my wards and out of view, Riley stepped away.

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