Page 68 of The Loneliest Dragon at Christmas
Avery shook his head. “I should have told you. But I didn’t want you to pity me.” Avery’s lips twitched. “I wanted to impress you. I wanted you to like me, not feel sorry for me for being so pathetic.” Avery blinked rapidly. “I know you think all the money I have means something. That it means I am above you or some such nonsense. But you’re not beneath me. I have nothing beyond my apartments and my money.” His voice trembled.
“I don’t mean anything to anyone.” The pain in Avery’s voice tore at Jack. “Truth is, my mother is the only one who ever loved me. And I don’t even remember her.”
Jack pulled Avery tight against him. “I’m so sorry, Avery.”
Avery rested his head on Jack’s shoulder, letting out a shuddering breath. Body trembling, he clutched at Jack, as if holding on for dear life.
“And you’re wrong. You’re so wrong.” Jack stroked the back of Avery’s neck. “Your mother is not the only one who ever loved you. I love you, Avery.”
Avery lifted his head, eyes wide. “Really? You love me?”
Jack nodded. “I do. I know we’ve only known each other a short time, but I love you, and I want a future with you.”
“I love you too. I want that too.” Avery pulled him in and kissed him. “Mine,” Avery whispered against his lips. “All mine.”
“Yours,” Jack responded. And Jack kissed Avery again.
Avery pulled back. “Does that mean you will be my mate?” Avery asked hopefully. “I know it might be soon for a human.” He licked his lips and frowned. “So maybe I shouldn’t have asked…”
Jack didn’t know the intricacies of mating with a dragon, but he knew it meant a lifetime with Avery. So the answer was easy. “Yes. I will be your mate.”
Avery laughed, a carefree, joyous sound. “Although, I should probably tell you, not only am I illegitimate, I’m also about to be disowned too. If it is even possible to be disowned by a father who has never acknowledged me. And he is going to cut me off.”
“What? Why?”
“Because I wouldn’t give you up.”
Jack’s mouth fell open. “You shouldn’t have to give up everything for me.”
“I’m not,” Avery said simply. “You are the most important thing to me, Jack. With you, my loneliness disappears. When I’m with you, my life feels complete. You belong with me. I want you to be mine, my mate, for now and ever.”
Jack couldn’t find the words. This wonderful dragon wanted him and would give all his wealth for him. He had nothing hecould say to that, so he just kissed Avery again and held him close.
When the kiss finally broke, Jack looked around. A large crowd watched on.
“Nice arse, dragon!” someone yelled.
“Put some clothes on,” someone else called out. But then everyone burst out laughing.
“All right, everyone. Peep show’s over!” Grady yelled, emerging from the group. “Here, put this on for decency’s sake.” He threw a coat at Avery.
Avery caught it and tugged it on.
“All good, Jack?” Grady asked.
“All good.” Jack smiled at Avery and wrapped an arm around his waist. “We’re going to mate.”
Grady glanced between them. A smile danced on his lips. “Thought you’d already been doing that. A lot of that.”
“I mean… We’re going to be mates,” Jack stammered.
Grady chuckled. “Good to hear. Glad you worked it out between you.” He looked at Avery. “Welcome to the family, Avery.” Then he turned and walked towards their siblings who watched on.
Avery froze beside him. “Welcome to the family,” he whispered. “I get a family.”
“You do.” Jack kissed him on his cheek. “Hope you can handle them.”
CHAPTER 35
