Page 20 of To Ignite a Dragon's Desire

“Is this some kind of dragon magic?” Riley blinked, focusing on my eyes again.

Still, she didn’t back away.

“My magic only works to keep people out,” I teased as I set one foot in the house, gently guiding her with me. “But you’re tired and it’s late. Let’s get you to bed.”

I wasn’t expecting her to give in so easily, but my Riley was full of surprises. My beast rumbled his quiet approval as she walked through our nest, making her way to the bedroom. I’d clear out more space for her needs as soon as she let me know what she desired.

“I don’t know whether I should hate you for kidnapping me or thank you for being so kind,” Riley muttered as she walked down the hall. “Does your dragon make a habit of taking things without permission?”

If I want them…

I smirked. “I take it you don’t know much about dragons.”

Riley paused outside the bedroom door and shook her head. “A few weeks ago, none of us knew you existed. Then Kieran and Ember hooked up and, well, there was the ceremony and some talk about the prophecy and the random magic tattoo.”

Her fingers brushed her neck.

My vision narrowed on the spot. “I know Kieran thinks this is a part of it, but I don’t want you to worry about that.”

“This?” She arched a brow.

“You and me.” I pointed between us.

Riley took a step back. The bitter scent of fear tainted the air.

“Anyway,” she redirected. “We were learning more about your kind when you showed up all…”

She flapped her arms in the air and roared. “Then kidnapped me.”

Is that how I looked?

This time I couldn’t hide my smile.

“Dragons are territorial,” I explained, hating the way she tensed when I stepped into her space. “We keep what’s ours close. My dragon didn’t like the idea of you unprotected and outside of our territory.”

“Because I’m your mate.” Her gaze dropped to my lips again. I resisted the urge to lean closer, to close the distance between our lips, as I reached for the doorknob.

“Because he knew you needed us.” I pushed open the door to the bedroom.

Riley sucked a breath through her teeth as she ducked under my arm.

“About the mate thing,” she said. “I don’t know that I’m really yours or you’re mine or however that works.”

Does she not feel it?

I ignored the stab straight to my dragon’s heart, soothing my beast with thoughts of a hard-won future once we defeated our mate’s demons.

“It’s a good thing I have enough conviction for both of us,” I said, keeping my tone light.

She’d been frightened enough for one lifetime.

I didn’t bother telling her what became of dragons who denied their fated mates. That was my cross to bear. But I wouldn’t die for lack of trying.

And I was just getting started here.

“What are you doing?” Riley picked the fluff ball of a cat off the floor and held it in her arms as if the meowling beast would keep me at bay.

I opened the top dresser drawer and pulled out a pair of clean boxers. “Getting ready to sleep.”

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