Page 89 of Taught By the Dragon

For a beat, she remained silent. Then hope flickered in her gaze. “Are you sure?”

He wanted to laugh but knew it would be the wrong move. Percy had been alone, tossed aside, treated as a thing instead of a person for her entire life; she might never fully overcome her uncertainty.

Infusing every bit of truth he could into his voice, he replied, “Yes, I’m sure. I love how strong you are, and determined, and how you handle my enthusiastic daughter, even when I could see it was a bit overwhelming for you.”

She almost smiled. “Violet is lovely. I also think she is my first-ever friend, after my dragon.”

He moved a hand to cup her cheek, rubbing his thumb back and forth, removing the last of her tears. “Yes, although if you agree to mate me, you’ll become her stepmum. I hope that means you won’t team up against me all the time.”

Percy smiled, and it made his heart sing. “Not all the time. Just as I won’t always side with you blindly.”

He nodded. “Good, because a biddable mate would be boring.”

Her face sobered. “Are you truly sure you want to mate me, Bronx? What happened just now is probably only the tip of the iceberg. I’m sure the longer I’m free of the facility, the more breakdowns or episodes or nightmares will appear.”

“Of course I’m sure. Everyone has their own issues, flaws, or history they have to deal with. I’m sure I’ll have occasional bouts of self-pity about my leg, wishing I could keep up like I used to.”

She growled. “You’re perfect just the way you are. I wouldn’t want to mate anyone else.”

He smiled down at her. “I love you, Percy Smith. Will you be my mate?”

She bit her bottom lip, and for a second, he panicked. Would she find more and more excuses, unwilling to ever take a chance on him?

But then she beamed up at him and placed her hands on his chest. “I will, and not only that, I think I want to have a frenzy with you. In a few days, if possible. Although I don’t want to risk doing permanent damage to your dragon for my benefit.”

He pulled her into his arms and buried his nose against her neck. As her arms tightened around him, her small, soft body pressed against his, Bronx couldn’t wait to claim her as his mate in truth.

She might not have mentioned love yet, but he was patient. Just the fact he’d found his second chance in the most unlikely of people was enough for now.

Eventually Percy pushed against him, and he released her. She touched his cheek and said, “Let’s tell everyone and then go home.”

“Home, where?”

“Your home, inside Stonefire, if Bram will allow it.”

“I hope so.” He took her face in his hands. “I can’t wait until I can wake up every day to your beautiful face, love.”

“Stop it, Bronx. You don’t need to flatter me. I already said yes.”

“No, youarebeautiful, Percy. And I’ll add that to my list of things to prove.”

He expected her to fight him, but she merely nodded.

Yet again, she was giving him the gift of her trust.

After another moment, he finally said, “Let’s talk with Bram and figure out what comes next.”

And as she melted to his side, her arm around his back, they exited the room and made plans.

ChapterThirty

Two days later, Percy plucked at the dark-red material of her gown. Apparently, the slightly revealing garment was Stonefire’s traditional dress. It tied over one shoulder and fell in loose folds around her body.

It was simple and a bit cold, but she didn’t care. The dress meant she was about to officially become part of Stonefire and Bronx’s mate.

The last two days had been a whirlwind. She’d been forced to stay with Brenna and Killian—no one wanted to risk an accidental kiss, which probably would’ve happened if they’d stayed in the same house, even with Violet there. Still, it had been brilliant. Not constantly thinking of how to keep her distance so she could eventually leave made a huge amount of difference. She was starting to make friends with the other females inside the clan, had even visited the school once to watch the children with their shifting lessons, and had learned she liked assisting the teachers. Tristan had even suggested she become a teacher’s assistant, when she was ready.

To a female who’d always been alone, never had a choice about her future, and been treated as a thing instead of a person, it was all too good to be true.

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