Page 87 of Always Say Yes to a Dragon

She glanced over at Elle, her eyes lingering on her dress, shoes, hair, and makeup. I stood a little straighter. They’d find nothing wanting withher.

At least I’d never have to hear,When are you going to settle down with a nice mate?again. Assuming Elle didn’t disappear after tonight.

“Something came up at the last minute,” I said.

Elle’s fingers on my arm tightened.

Dad snorted. “If you can’t even leave your city for a few days after claiming it almost a year ago, how can you expect to take care of a mate?” He, too, looked Elle over, his gaze lingering on her unmarked neck.

Elle stiffened.

My grip on her waist tightened, in case she came to her senses and ran off in the middle of drinks. “Kilinis is well taken care of.”

“Actually, we were late because Az was helping me with a last-minute family emergency. Nothing to do with Kilinis,” Elle said.

Thank fuck Elle gave me a chance to change the subject from my many failings. I took a deep breath and nudged her forward. “Mom. Dad. This is Elle.”

“I’m Yvinth,” my dad said. “And this is my mate, Rasonu.”

Drinks for us appeared at a side table while they all shook hands.

“Tikalass and Udar have told us all about you.” My mom gave Elle a wide, welcoming smile, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

Elle returned her smile. “Az is wonderful. I’m so glad I met him.”

My parents exchanged looks. “Yes, of course, dear,” Mom said.

Udar sauntered over. “So glad you brought your human, Az.” His smile was sharp and aggressive.

“Yes, your father and I were so glad you found a bold human,” my mom said. “Tikalass said you got between her and Az’zael when they were arguing. Few humans would do that.”

A muscle ticked in Udar’s jaw, his attention bouncing between me and Elle, calculations running behind his dark copper eyes.

Dad glanced at her unmarked neck again and shot me a pointed look.

I gave him a tight smile.

“I didn’t like how she was speaking to Az.” Elle met my eyes, as if seeking approval.

I grinned back at her. She’d displayedgreatcourage with that move. Any dragon seeking a human mate would envy that kind of fire.

“Good. Our son needs someone to light a fire under him,” Dad said.

I looped an arm around her waist and gritted my teeth against saying something childishly defensive. She nestled into my chest.

Udar’s eyes dragged from Elle’s face to her hand on my forearm, and his expression darkened.

Both my parents then glanced yet again from her unmarked neck to me.

Amazing. A new lecture, this one delivered almost entirely in judgmental looks. I’d call it:Why haven’t you claimed your human mate yet?

“Mom. Dad. Stop,” I said, afraid that all their pointed looks would upset Elle. “Humans do things slower than us.”

Dad sniffed. “How much time can they possibly need?”

“Movi and Jorge courted for three months,” I said.

“You’re richer than Movi,” Mom said.

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