Page 70 of Sanctuary with a Dragon
Everly carefully found her way over the broken stones, wincing as a rat screeched and crossed her path, but she persevered until she came level with me and looked carefully at my face.
“You’re not,” she said quietly.
I glanced away from her too perceptive gaze. “I should have listened to you and Elandor. I shouldn’t have come.”
“I’m glad you did, though.”
I turned in surprise. “Really? I thought...”
“What?”
I shook my head. “I just feel pretty useless here.” And then, because I was tired of trying to hide everything from her, I turned fully to her and said, “I’ve been jealous of Elandor.” She blinked in surprise and I chuckled darkly. “I’ve never been jealous of him a day in my life. He’s my other half. But being able to separate us like this... with me not having my normal form, I’m jealous that he can touch you and I can’t. That he can help you. That he can comfort you.” My shame burned through my chest. I was disappointed with myself, and I hurt Elandor. I could tell as I walked away from the group that he was stewing over something. “I’m sorry, Everly.”
She bit her lip. “I’m sorry, too. It must be difficult, having two halves. You’re whole, he’s whole, but together you’re complete. There are no halves. And... with my ability to draw Elandor out of you, I can only imagine the maelstrom of new and uncomfortable feelings that’s brought up for you.” She looked at me intently. “But, Alaric, I think under the circumstances, those feelings are normal. And I think when you get the chance to speak with Elandor about all of this, he’d probably tell you the same thing.”
She’s correct. Listen to our mate. She is wise.
My insides unclenched.
You’re not upset with me?
He chuckled.Not even a little. Surprised, yes. But that’s a good thing. I’ve long thought we were past surprising each other.
I smiled faintly.So, I’m adding some interest to the sameness, is what you’re telling me.
His chuckle echoed through our connection.Yes, fledgling.
I’m the same age as you,I protested.
And yet I’m wiser,he teased.Focus on our mate, not me. She is standing before you, sweet and beautiful.
I gratefully did as he asked. Everly’s beautiful blue eyes were full of compassion. She didn’t hate me. She didn’t even seem disappointed.
I reached out, brushing an incorporeal fingertip along her cheek. “What did I ever do to deserve you?” I murmured.
She grinned. “I’m sure you once saved a puppy from being kicked, or a bag of kittens from a river or something.”
I chuckled, then sobered. “One more thing.”
Apparently, I’d decided that the middle of a rat-infested cavern with a snoring dragon was the perfect time to spill my insecurities, because I was going for it.
“I’m also… struggling with anxiety and fears about being a good mate to you. I don’t want you to end up hating me, Everly. And I want to be a good king, and a good father. I just… I don’t want to let any of you down.”
She was quiet for a long moment, then smiledsoftly. “Alaric, you’re going to fail me and disappoint me sometimes. And I’m going to fail and disappoint you. That’s just life. But I’m not afraid.” She reached out instinctively, her hand passing through mine. “Because I know you. I know the kind of person you are. You love completely. You protect fiercely. And you care enough to worry—that alone tells me that you’ll keep trying, even when you sometimes get it wrong.”
Then she smirked faintly. “Besides, we don’t even have kids yet. Where has your head been?”
I couldn’t help laughing. The heaviness in my chest eased, replaced by a warmth that spread through every part of me.
I reached for her again, out of instinct, then sighed when my hand went straight through her shoulder. “Mate?” I said dryly.
“Yes?” she said, smiling.
“We need to finish this mission and get home. I want my body back.”
She laughed, heading back the way she came. “On it.”
Back in the main cavern, Shay looked grim. That was never a good sign.
