Page 26 of Sanctuary with a Dragon
“I’ve had migraines before too. I get frequentheadaches with my illnesses.” I hesitated, then nudged the conversation back. “Earlier, you said you didn’t want to tell me because you wanted me to fall in love with you for you. What does that mean? Why wouldn’t I? Or… what would stop someone from doing that?”
I wanted the answer purely from a logical standpoint, without emotion tangled in it. There had to be a reason—something that made him feel he was at a disadvantage as a partner. Because looking at him, and after spending even a little time together? I couldn’t see what he thought would be a deal breaker.
His expression grew even more reluctant. I could see the battle play out in the tension of his jaw and shoulders.
Finally, he sighed. “I’m wealthy, and my family line descends from the First Fires—the original dragon shifters. With that lineage comes a certain amount of prestige and strength… but also responsibility. My family has carried those responsibilities on behalf of shifterkind for centuries.”
I was quiet for a moment, turning over his words in my mind. I understood now. In his position, it would be hard to know who wanted to be close to him forhim—and who only wanted to use him.
“Those paranormals today?” I asked softly. “They came to ask you for something?”
He nodded but stayed silent.
“What?” I pressed, leaning forward. “What did they come to ask you to do?”
He sighed again, letting his head fall back against the couch. Every part of him looked exhausted. When he finally spoke, it was with a quiet, heavy finality that made my breath catch.
“To become king.”
Chapter 9
Alaric
Ilet Everly sleep, though I couldn’t help taking one last look at her before I left to meet the council. She’d changed back into a raven sometime while she’d slept last night.
Everly as a raven was adorable and funny, but Everly as a woman was breathtaking. I already missed seeing her human form, her beauty and grace, the light in her eyes, and the kindness in her expression. My chest shuddered as I stared at her, then I quietly unlatched the door and stepped out into the snowy morning with my snowmobile keys clutched in my hand.
After uncovering it and firing it up, I drove through thick snow along the small winding road from my place down to Port Noble. The air was clean and brisk—something my dragon clearly appreciated.He hated heat, and I couldn’t say I blamed him. We were always too hot as it was.
My dragon remembered the feel of Everly’s skin last night in her human form and made a contented sound within me.
Being a mythological shifter was different from being a regular one. For one thing, mythologicals were usually more intelligent. Sure, some ordinary shifters had counterparts who were remarkably clever, but mythologicals were in a class all their own—stronger, more powerful, and often far wiser. Which meant that conversations with my dragon were always… interesting.
We had Everly to thank for bringing our telepathic connection back. It had reawakened the day before, right as I was talking to Everly. I’d wanted to cry right then and there, though I managed not to by focusing on my mate’s needs. Having Elandor back in my thoughts after such a long silence felt like reclaiming a missing part of myself. I’d missed him.
Elandor’s voice slipped into my mind, warm and teasing.I’ve missed you too, Alaric. It’s so good to speak to you again. Our mate is stunning… though her human skin was like ice last night. We will have to remember that she is not a full shifter, and has only a human tolerance for cold. Which is to say, none.
I chuckled. “Yeah, I noticed that too. It’s odd, because when she’s in her raven form, she puts off some good heat. Not like us, of course.”
My dragon snorted.Nothing is like us.
“No, but that’s okay.” I paused. “I really missed you.”
I have been close, but saving my strength. I am sorry for the sickness and what it has taken from us.
“Yeah, me too.”
We both knew that being around my mate was making us stronger, bringing him back. The proof was in our ability to communicate again. There was no need to speak of it. Still, it felt like a missing limb had suddenly been restored—no, more than that. It felt like half of me had returned. I hadn’t realized until now how much I’d been limping through life these past few years. Already, I felt stronger. Clearer. Hopefully, soon, we’d be able to shift and fly again.
Soon.
I nodded.Soon.
The wind whipped against my face as I settled back on the snowmobile, letting myself savor the quiet for a moment. A gust of wind blew hard, and then—suddenly—a bird dive-bombed me.
Before I could swat it away, my dragon roared,Mate!
Instead of smacking the bird, I turned my flailing hands into catcher's mitts and caught her—but I stalled the snowmobile in the process. I sat there, panting, stunned by the near disaster.
