Page 78 of Charming the Dragon
“Because I stuck out my tongue?”
“It shows you’re fun and playful, and I sorely need that in my life. I can be rather serious at times, but you bring out the other side of me.”
“I’m not usually this way with others, except maybe for my sister. There’s just something about you, Nathan Woodhouse.”
He nipped her earlobe. “Maybe there is some kind of true mate dragon magic after all.”
As they laughed, Hayley settled more against her dragonman. She was the kind of person that once she made a decision, it was full steam ahead.
And she couldn’t wait to finally tease Nathan with her mouth and then experience a mate-claim frenzy with her true mate.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Nathan wished he could’ve kissed Hayley right then and there in his parents’ kitchen. Because by now, he’d be in a bed with his female instead of pacing his empty cottage, waiting for someone to bring Hayley to him.
Before the frenzy took place, Bram had wanted to file the Department of Dragon Affairs paperwork for Hayley to stay permanently on Stonefire. And the wait for an answer had been pure hell.
Not that long ago, it would’ve sailed right through. However, with that bastard on the internet stirring up shit about Stonefire having too many human mates, Nathan had actually been nervous.
His dragon spoke up.That is all in the past now. The DDA approved of the match, and all of the preparation is done. As soon as Hayley arrives, she’s ours.
Nearly so. She didn’t want the mating ceremony until after the frenzy.
Only because her sister needs approval to visit and couldn’t come for a few weeks. Having her at the ceremony is important to our female.
Still, it made him a bit nervous. Because until they had the ceremony and signed the official mating certificate, Stonefire had no claim on her. If anything happened, they might not be able to save her without stoking the DDA’s ire.
His dragon sighed.Bram won’t let that happen. Now, stop worrying. I hear people approaching. We need to focus on our female and future.
As if I’ve been able to think about anything else.
Especially at night, in his dreams. Had it really only been a few days since she’d agreed to be his mate and go through the frenzy?
Just don’t take too long to kiss her on the mouth. You can have the first time, but then she’s mine for a bit.
I know, dragon. And she wants both of us, so you’ll have your turn.
Good. Now, here they come.
There was a knock on his front door, and Nathan rushed to open it. Hayley stood there, along with Nikki, both of them holding a few bags. “What are those?”
Nikki snorted. “Some meals and such. Unless you want to try and stop your dragon long enough to do the shopping and cook?”
His beast growled.Not bloody going to happen.
With a knowing smirk, Nikki took all the bags and walked past him. “I’ll put these away and leave you two alone.”
He murmured some sort of reply but barely paid attention as the dragonwoman went to the kitchen. No, all he could do was drink in the sight of Hayley—she wore a simple blue dress, sensible sneakers, and had her hair down around her shoulders.
“You’re so bloody beautiful.” She blushed as he reached out and took her hand. “I’ve missed you, love.”
“It’s only been a day since we last saw each other, Nathan.”
“It’s felt more like a century.”
Even a few weeks ago, Nathan would’ve laughed at anyone saying that kind of stuff. And yet, he meant it.
He pulled her close and nuzzled where her neck met her shoulder. “As soon as Nikki leaves again, you’re mine, Hayley Beckett. All mine.”
