Page 85 of To Spark a Dragon's Love
Despite my little breakdown with the saw earlier, I knew exactly what I was doing.
Malachy needed purpose—hell, I needed purpose—and we might not be able to save the whole world, but…
“Those cabins over there can take two families each and we can fit way more guests in the lodge.” I bounced on the balls of my feet as we walked, telling Malachy of my plans, “Lucan said the three of you can hunt for meat. I know the bear shifters can take care of themselves too, but the humans and non-predator shifters are going to need some help.”
“Wait.” I stopped and took a breath. “Did you know there are squirrel shifters?”
His lips quirked. “I’m aware.”
“They’re adorable.” I kept walking. “Anyway, Ember and I already marked out the best area to extend the gardens. Sorry, but some of those ornamental plants have to go. And I think…”
I forgot what I was thinking when I saw the way Malachy was staring at me.
“What?” I asked.
“You want to save the world.” That tormented pain still swirled in his eyes even as he forced a smile.
“No, silly. No one wants that job.” I clasped his hand between mine. “I only want to save a piece of it. To make our own little world and help who we can somewhere safe for Harper to grow up.”
“Here?” he asked as he looked over his shoulder toward the woods beyond the grounds.
“You were the one who said this area is safe,” I chuckled, remembering how he got me to come here. “Lucan did all that work with the wards and Earth is shifting her…prioritieselsewhere, right?”
He lowered his face and my heart sank.
“You don’t have to do anything if you don’t want to.” I pressed our conjoined hands to my chest, needing to feel him close again. “I won’t ask you to carry a burden that isn’t yours any longer. You’ve done more than enough for this world. If you want, you can rest while I handle everything. Just please don’t shut me out again.”
“I can’t apologize for that enough.” The slump in his shoulders made me want to tear apart this world to fix him. “I’d thought I was protecting you, but in the end, it still hurt anyway.”
“Eh. We all need space sometimes and it was only a few days. I’m glad I ended it before it stretched out weeks. No one has time for that nonsense.” I laughed as he finally looked up.
Malachy gave me a small smile. “Well, I think I know a way to make amends.”
“How so?” My toes curled thinking about what I’d like to ask of him… and where I’d like it to happen.
“Of course.” He tugged on my hand, pulling me toward his muscled chest. “You may not be swayed by a pretty dress, but Ithink you might need funding for this project of yours. Luckily, I know of someone who has many riches at his disposal.”
∞
“Is this it?” My words echoed through the vast cavern system as piles of jewels and gilded boxes full of coin glinted in the dragon fire lantern light.
“My hoard, yes.” Malachy leaned against the cave wall, watching me with a dark expression as I picked my way around his mountains of treasure. “I’ve kept everything the tributes have ever given me.”
I thought of the first time I’d seen him accept gifts. How I’d assumed he didn’t care. My gaze caught the corner of the cave where paintings and yellowed paper sat stacked on crates with child’s drawings pinned to the side, tucked safely away from the wet walls and lantern light.
“You kept everything?” I turned and walked backwards.
“Everything.” He continued to watch me, unblinking. If he were anyone else, the intensity of his stare would be terrifying.
But he was mine. “You didn’t sell any of it off?”
“I had no reason to. It felt like I needed to keep their gifts as a reminder of what I was protecting.”
“And now?” I tried not to tear up at his admission or the vulnerability within it.
“Now I want you to have it.” He continued to watch me step lightly over his belongings, longing etched on his face as I did. “Take whatever you need. Ask what you will from me. I’m yours now fully to command.”
“Is that so?” I scarcely dared to breathe as the passion of his plea seemed to chase away the chill in the cave. “And what if I don’t want to command you?”
