Page 32 of The Alliance

“Yes, I- I know.”

My heart nearly burst with love as he said that.

It was the first time ever he’d said it and believed it.

Normally, I told him that and he let me say it and didn’t disagree, but he didn’t really, truly believe it, either. I’d been working on him for months, building his confidence and encouraging him to believe in himself.

If I’d been more insecure, I might have felt put-out or worried that my efforts hadn’t been enough. I wasn’t. I knew Prince’s insecurities ran deep and I was prepared to spend my lifetime showing him that he truly was the most amazing man.

It filled me with joy that he’d learned it sooner, though. It was just a small step but it was a significant one. I’d always be grateful to Silvia for giving him that.

For taking him seriously.

The way Prince looked at me, with wonder in his eyes that someone he respected – arealartist – respected him back. Talked to him as a colleague.

He smiled. It was amazement and happiness and pride, and the little gap between his front teeth was so cute and the one little dimple he got when he smiled deeply dipped into his cheek. I couldn’t stop myself from taking him into my arms. He pressed his face into my pecks and smiled into me.

“Thank you,” he said. “I know you arranged that.”

“I didn’t, actually. If anyone did, it was Frosty.”

Prince burrowed deeper into my arms, smiling. “I guess I’ll forgive her for causing a scene, then.”

I kissed the top of his head and, when he looked up at me, I kissed his lips, too.

Chapter 12

Glenwise

Isaw Silvia spot the painting she’d gifted to the Hoskins clan, in pride of place above the fireplace. Whether it would stay there or not, I didn’t know. That wasn’t the point. The point was that they’d put it there tonight, and it was a kind gesture. She blinked as she looked at it, and I was sure if I’d been able to scent her, I’d have smelled surprised joy.

I was happy for her. It was time somebody recognised her talent and she got the appreciation she deserved for her art.

Rhod had spotted it, too, and I could smell his pride and happiness.

I breathed in again.

Rhod’s scent was a complex mixture of emotions this evening. He had only left the Somerville territory once before, and that had been to come here, actually, when Morgan had first come to stay. I’d been left at the Somerville castle with Alfie and Glimmer. He never said it, but I suspected the old Lord Somerville had left me rather than Rhod or Conley because he’d known I was much better able to protect Alfie, if it came to it.

I’d hated seeing Rhod leave without me. Even before I’d known he was my mate, my dragon hadnotbeen happy that he’d been going away from me, especially into another clan’s territory. It had growled at me all day until I had a pounding headache. I’d been so relieved when they all got home safely that I’d actually stopped by Rhod’s office just to see him in person and hear his voice. I’d known my dragon wouldn’t settle until I did.

I couldn’t remember now what flimsy excuse I’d used, but I’d been surprised Rhod hadn’t called me on it. Now I knew better: he’d never have called me on any terrible excuse, as long as it meant he got to see me. We were both as desperate as each other to be close, and my dragon had reached outits magic to calm his heartbeat, which had been fast and worried.

Now, even though it was almost a year on, Rhod wasn’t entirely comfortable here, in the Hoskins territory. It was annoying me that I couldn’t work out why.

Georgie, the Hoskins medic, approached me with a smile.

“Ah, there you are, Dr. Somerville. I’ve been hoping to talk to you. Your mate said you trained with sprites, is that right?”

“Of course. If Rhod said it, it’s correct.”

She looked startled and then shrugged, flipping her bright green hair from one side to the other. “He said you’re working in a shifter hospital. I was hoping to ask you a few questions.”

I glanced over at Rhod, who was talking to an oldercuraidhwoman, and wondered what he was up to. I was happy to talk to Georgie about medicine, if she wanted. It took me far longer than perhaps it should have for me to realise what Rhod had been arranging. Georgie wanted some real-life experience in a hospital, and – like our own clan – their elder was reluctant to send her out just anywhere. A single dragon needed to stay in veryspecific, protected areas if they wanted to be safe. Rhod had sent her to me, assuming I’d invite her to stay with us and Heather.

That made sense, of course. Georgie wanted some hands-on experience and Heather was always delighted to get more qualified doctors to treat the patients in her surgery. We had been getting through the waiting list, but it was slow going. There were just more patients than there were doctors.

I arranged an online interview with Heather for the next day so that Georgie could travel to the territory with me and Rhod, if Heather agreed to take her on.

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