Page 39 of To Ignite a Dragon's Desire

Something was seriously wrong with my head.

I took a step back, trying to get myself together. “I’m sorry, did you say, ‘dead?’”

“He was infected with dark magic.” Lucan tore his gaze away and looked to his brother. “But you already knew that.”

“I smelled it on him right before they attacked.” Malachy was still staring at me. “Why is Kieran talking to you about the prophecy?”

Lucan stepped closer to my side. “If you’d come down from your ivory tower for either of our calls, then you’d know what our cousin found.”

“Do we need to call the cops?” I swallowed, still thinking about the dead dragon guy.

“What? No.” Lucan rested his hand on the small of my back. Such a simple gesture, like he just had to touch me. And I was glad that he did because it was instantly soothing.

I leaned against his side, feeling my worries ease. “That’s good.”

Wait…

“And what does Kieran say about the prophecy now?” An ancient exhaustion colored Malachy’s sigh.

Lucan glanced away. “He’s still figuring that part out.”

“Of course he is.” Malachy laughed bitterly as he took another sip of his beer. “Forgive me for not knowing this latest, undiscovered development.”

“It’s more than that,” Lucan snapped. “He’s found his mate.”

The anger brewing in Lucan didn’t scare me. Adrenaline from his earlier fight still pulsed through him, making him look hungry and tense. I rested my hand on his arm, instinctually knowing it’d help him relax. And it did.

The gentle giant blew out a hot breath, looking down at me with a warmth in his eyes that made the rest of the world fade around us.

“Mate?” Malachy interrupted.

It was a good thing he did because I was moments from pulling Lucan down to my level and tasting his lips for a second time.

Those sweaty endorphins and pheromones pulsing from him were no joke.

“We’re still working it out,” I said, breathless all over again.

Malachy’s eyes darted between the two of us, widening in realization. “What is this?”

“Go ask Kieran,” Lucan’s voice was a possessive growl as if he could frighten his brother away.

“I can’t,” Malachy said.

“You won’t.” Lucan clenched his jaw.

The air was thick with manly testosterone.

I forced myself to stand steady. “Should I give you two a minute alone?”

“No,” Lucan said just as Malachy said, “Yes.”

“She stays,” Lucan ground out his words. “You’re free to leave, though.”

My heart swelled ten sizes right then. Drew never would’ve stood up for me this way. If his friends said anything bad about me, he was the first to laugh and the first to tell me to find somewhere else to be.

“My apologies, Riley.” Malachy hung his head. “I’m not feeling myself as of late. I’m sure you’re confused. Kieran and I have a strained history.”

I gathered that, but I didn’t rub it in. “That must suck,” I said.

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