Page 58 of Always Say Yes to a Dragon

“You haven’t told Mom and Dad about her.”

I shuffled my feet. “I plan to bring Elle the next time I visit.”

Elle squeaked and nudged me. I squeezed her hip.

Tika snorted. “Just show up with a mate?”

“They would be happy.” My parents were always on me to find someone. When I was younger, they’d thrown anyone with an extensive library my way, but I think now they’d settle for any sign that I wasn’t a complete failure at courting.

If they met Elle and she changed her mind, I’d never hear the end of it. In a few months, I’d be more sure that Elle planned to mate me. Ifshe didn’t decide she needed severalyearsto evaluate me instead. My stomach dropped.

“Of course they’d be happy! But you know theyhatesurprises. Anyway, they want to meet her next week.”

“You told them?” My grip on Elle’s waist tightened.

“What?” Elle said.

“Of course I did.” Tika frowned. “Or maybe Udar’s the one who called them?”

That sounded more likely.

“Does it really matter? You’re always soweirdabout them. Bring her over for dinner next week.” She glanced at Elle, who gaped at her. “It’ll be fun, promise.”

Take Elle to dinner with my parents, who would spend the whole time interrogating her like Tika had, and my brother, who’d try to snatch her out from under me while we were still courting? Every muscle in my body tensed.

I took a deep breath. Tika and I would never see eye to eye on our parents. She was their late-in-life surprise, the one who wanted to pick up all their research projects. “If Mom and Dad want to say something to me, they can call me. You’re here to apologize to Elle. You were very rude to her last night.”

Tika held up her hands. “I just asked normal questions.”

I opened my mouth to argue when Elle wriggled out of my grip and stepped between us. “I appreciate that you’re concerned about your brother’s happiness and well-being, but he’s an adult, and he can make his own choices.”

Something warmed in my chest.

“I’m not concerned abouthischoices. I’m concerned about a potential mate who has one foot out the door,” Tika said.

“Tika. You know humans do things a little differently.” I grabbed Elle’s shoulder and pulled her to me. “You were rude to my future mate. For the last time, apologize.”

Tika clasped her hands together and looked Elle in the eyes. She had to crouch down to do it. “I’m sorry I asked normal, reasonable questions in an aggressive manner.” Her voice remained even and sincere. “Itriedto bring you a gift to make up for your sensitive human feelings, butsomeonewon’t let me give it to you.” She sent me a pointed look.

“Thank you, Tika. I, uh, appreciate the effort.” Elle forced a smile.

Finally, Tika left, and I was once more alone with my perfect mate, who wore nothing but one ofmyshirts.

Before I got distracted and devoured her, I said, “Sorry about Tika.”

“I see what you meant about your family being hectic.” She leaned into me, and I pulled her closer. “She really thought a gift would fix everything?”

I squinted down at her. “Gifts are an important part of an apology. She might be spoiled, but she knows that much.” At her confused look, I pointed out, “You brought me one this morning.”

Elle blushed and glanced away. “I guess. I don’t know, it just felt weird, the way she said it.”

“She hurt your feelings, so she brought you something to show she was wrong and that she values you. Why should she pretend it’s anything other than what it is?”

“But you didn’t want her to give it to me?”

It was my turn to blush, my skin growing hot. “I, um, I don’t like the idea of another dragon giving you anything while we’re still courting.”

“You’re jealous of yoursister?”

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