his body until the air was quivering with an unspoken threat.
“Do you truly think anyone would attempt to use my mate for any purpose?”
Synge took an unconscious step backward. “At least tell me you’ve discovered how she’s able to do it.”
Baine shrugged. “Her mother was a Chantri who was destroyed by vampires years ago.”
Synge still wasn’t satisfied. “Does she have any siblings?”
“None that inherited their mother’s blood,” Baine assured him.
At his side, Tayla rested her head against his arm. “And even if they had, they aren’t anything like my father. They are all are hardworking fey with successful businesses and families.”
“I can’t wait to meet them, princess,” Baine murmured.
He felt her stiffen. “Princess?”
He gave a low chuckle, enjoying the astonishment on her beautiful face.
“You do have royal blood,” he reminded her, kissing the tip of her nose before returning his attention to the older male.
“Well, father?” he demanded.
There was a long pause before Synge offered a slow dip of his head.
“I accept that she’s your mate.”
Baine smiled. “Done.”
“What does that mean?” Tayla asked.
“Dragons regularly battle other demons and even each other, but mates and the young are strictly protected,” Baine explained, a sense of relief flooding through his body. Until his father had actually said the words, he couldn’t be sure that Tayla would be safe. Now he knew beyond a doubt she would be guarded even if something happened to him. “It’s our most sacred law. You’re off-limits, no matter what happens.” He paused, studying his father’s grim expression. “Isn’t that right, sire?”
“You win, Baine,” his father conceded with a mocking salute. “This time.”
Never a gracious loser, Synge turned to walk back into his waiting portal.
“Father.” Baine halted him.
Synge glanced over his shoulder. “What?”
“You hold Fist’s mate as a hostage.”
“I do.”
“I want her.”
Speculation shimmered in the silver eyes. “It’ll cost you.”
“I never assumed otherwise,” Baine retorted. “I’ve given Char permission to complete the negotiations.”
Looking considerably happier now that he had the promise of reducing Baine’s hoard by several treasure chests, Synge entered the portal and disappeared.
The peace of the night returned to the garden, and Tayla pulled away far enough to study his face with a hopeful expression.
“It’s over?”
“Yes.” He framed her face in his hands. “No one will dare try to take you from me.”
A tremulous smile curved her lips, the moonlight shimmering over her golden hair. A sudden joy pierced his heart. This beautiful creature was his mate.
Now and forever.
“That was nice of you to help Fist,” she murmured. “I thought you intended to keep him in the dungeons for betraying you.”
He snorted, his fingers skimming down the curve of her throat, savoring the sensation of her satin skin.
“That’s too easy.”
“You think being locked in the dungeons is easy?” she inquired with a lift of her brows.
He shrugged. “I have a much better way to punish him.”
She looked suddenly wary. “What are you going to do?”
“He’s going to be responsible for keeping Odel out of trouble.”
Tayla blinked. And then blinked again. “You’re making him my father’s babysitter?”
“Yes,” Baine admitted without apology.
Fist had to be taught a lesson, and Baine could think of no worse penance than spending the next century trying to keep the drunken, gambling-addicted imp on the straight and narrow.
“That’s…” Tayla abruptly released a low chuckle. “Diabolical.”
“It’s two problems solved,” Baine said with a shrug, his nose wrinkling at the stench of granite that filled the air. Turning his head, he watched as the stunted gargoyle waddled out of the house and down the pathway into the garden. “Now only one to go,” he muttered.
###
Tayla went on her tiptoes to press a kiss to Baine’s tense jaw.
“Be nice,” she chided, feeling giddy with happiness.
She’d not only gained a gorgeous, sexy dragon as a mate, but she was no longer being hunted. For the first time in twenty-five years she could breathe easy.
“I am,” Baine growled, still glaring at the approaching gargoyle. “He’s still alive, isn’t he?”
Tayla rolled her eyes before she was spinning around to watch as Levet came to a halt next to her.
“Ma belle, the house will be lovely when it is completed,” he said, his wings fluttering with enthusiasm. Tayla didn’t blame him. The wood sprites were not only repairing the damage, but they’d built on a lovely conservatory that was filled with fresh herbs and flowers that could be grown year-round. “I cannot wait to once again taste your delicious scones.”
Without warning, Baine’s arm wrapped around her waist so he could tug her tight against his body.
“No one’s going to be