Page 26 of Cowboy Dragon's Rose

Fuck. So maybe he does get it.

“Zeke, if she’s really your fated mate, she’ll understand.”

I shake my head.

“Max, Casey’s a human. She doesn’t have any idea what this world really is. What I am. She probably thinks I’m having a seizure when I growl and I swear she was gonna ask if I was wearing colored contacts cause of my goddamn Dragon eyes.”

Max sobers, his expression going quiet.

“I won’t lie to you. Nothing is guaranteed in this life, bro. You’re right. She might run. But,” he says and leans forward conspiratorially, “she might not.”

He pauses and I’m waiting for him to finish like he’s my last fucking hope.

And really? Maybe he is.

“Love’s a risk, man. It’s scary. Unpredictable. Undeniable. And it will tear your heart right out of your fucking chest. But I can tell you from personal experience, it’s totally fucking worth it.”

“It hurts,” I whisper, like a total fucking pussy.

“If it didn’t hurt, they wouldn’t call it falling, man. Aren’t you old enough to know that?”

I glance at him, brow raised.

“With all due respect, fuck you, Alpha,” I say, but I’m grinning.

He barks back a laugh and slaps my back. Hard.

Fucker.

“You know you sounded like a greeting card just now.”

“Yeah, well, I’m a new dad. I’ve been watching my mate sleep with one of the twins draped across her chest like a cat and the other making cutesy little goo sounds beside them. So, I’m allowed to be soft.”

My jaw clenches.

Envy sneaks up on me like the asshole he is.

Suddenly, I want that image for myself.

Casey asleep warm and snug in our bed.

Our babies. Perfect. Precious. Napping beside her.

Home. Family. Mine. Es meus.

Fuck. Me.

“You think I don’t know what this is doing to you?” he asks, voice low. “I feel it. Your Dragon’s shaking the earth beneath us.”

“She’s it,” I whisper. “I know it. Every part of me does. But I can’t shove this life down her throat. I won’t.”

“Then don’t,” he says. “Give her time. Show her the good in you. The fire and the quiet. Let her choose you, Zeke.”

I look away. “What if she doesn’t? It’ll kill me, Max.”

Max claps a hand to my shoulder, grip firm.

“If she doesn’t, then at least you’ll know you gave her the truth. You didn’t run. You didn’t hide. And you didn’t let fear decide for you.”

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