Page 61 of Claimed By the Dragon
And as he fell asleep with his female in his arms, Trahern felt more content and at peace than he ever had in his life.
Chapter Twenty
Nearly two weeks later, Grace and Trahern arrived back on Stonefire, each carrying a baby. While the clan had sent letters and cards and drawings for Trahern to get well—the students had coordinated it—they’d asked for everyone to allow them a few days alone before greeting the clan.
And so, Grace followed Trahern into their cottage, her body relaxing as the front door closed behind her. She’d only been on Stonefire for a little under four months, and yet it truly felt like home. Especially this cottage, where she and Trahern and the twins could be themselves, with no pressure.
Once they’d settled the twins on the floor in their little activity sets—little bars above them with dangling toys in bright colors and shapes—she said, “I’ll put the kettle on.”
Trahern nodded, but focused on the boys.
As she got the tea things ready, she tapped her hand against her thigh. Both she and Trahern had hummed with energy and impatience for days now, wanting to finally sleep together. Well, have sex together as she’d slept next to him many times over.
Would it happen today? And why was she so nervous?
Probably because she wanted Trahern’s first time to be good, which put a lot of pressure on her.
Stop it.Just like with anything, no doubt practice would make perfect. And she smiled, thinking of how Trahern would suggest practicing a lot at first, to discover their own type of rhythm.
Once the tea was ready, she carried the mugs to the living room and sat next to Trahern on the sofa. Leaning her head on his shoulder, she merely sighed.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“No, it’s just nice being home again. As much as I like Scarlett and the others, the four walls of your hospital room made me antsy. Even if we’re merely sitting, just seeing the trees outside the window is a huge improvement and helps me feel more at ease.”
He glanced at the large window. “I’ve never really thought about the view outside. Maybe we should start a small vegetable garden in the back, which you can see out of the kitchen window, and it’ll also help the boys learn about germination, photosynthesis, and maybe even cross-fertilization.”
“It’s a good idea, but maybe wait until they can walk first? Right now, they’ll probably just eat the dirt and throw it around.”
As they watched the boys reach for the toys and bat at them, or tug, or run a finger down a dangling giraffe, Grace snuggled more against her mate.
His arm went around her shoulders and tugged her closer before taking a deep inhalation. She bit back a smile but couldn’t help but tease. “Are you sniffing me?”
“Not sniffing. The smell of your hair products soothes me.”
“What if I changed to a different brand? Would you stop liking my scent?”
“Of course not. There is an underlying one that is purely yours. I should research more about how it was useful in thepast, in early human and dragon-shifter evolutionary history, to identify a mate.”
“Hmm, I wonder if the relationship between humans and dragons was closer thousands of years ago compared to now? Or worse?”
Trahern sipped his tea before replying, “I can ask Maximilian Holbrook and his mate, Dr. Lavinia Holbrook, and you could ask them your questions. They’re both dedicated to human and dragon-shifter history.”
She laughed. “I don’t need a private lecture. I was just wondering, is all. Maybe I need some elementary dragon-shifter texts to help get me up to speed. I meant to do it earlier, but taking care of newborn twins doesn’t really lend itself to loads of free time.”
“I will get anything you need, Grace. Just ask me. Because I don’t ever want you to feel adrift. You help anchor me, and I want to do the same for you.”
She gazed up at her handsome mate. “I know, Trahern, and you do help anchor me.” She kissed the side of his neck. “I love you.”
He kissed her lips gently and maintained eye contact. “I love you, too.” His pupils flashed a few times, and he asked, “When do you think the twins will be ready for a nap?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe not for hours yet.”
He grunted, and she laughed. “I’m as eager as you, Trahern. Which is why I think it’ll be best to have someone watch the boys for an evening. That way we won’t be interrupted.”
Which meant waiting some more.
And as Trahern kissed her again, frustration swelled. Grace didn’t want to wait.
