Origin (Scales N' Spells #1) - A.J. Sherwood Page 0,129

sex out. Like, really would hate that. Cameron would be devising the magical equivalent of a condom if necessary. So he was just as glad to hear it wasn’t an issue.

A teasing glint crinkled up the corners of Alric’s eyes. “I can share a bit more with you, if you wish? To help with all of these magical lessons.”

Cameron smirked back at him. “Why honey, how thoughtful of you.”

“Stop being gross, you two!” Cassie called to them.

“Oh, stop,” Halmeoni rebuked her, a laughing tone in the words. “They’re being cute.”

Cameron growled, abruptly reminded he had people watching. He tended to forget others when wrapped up in Alric. “Remind me, why did we bring them here, again?”

“Bad guys,” Alric deadpanned.

“Dammit,” Cameron sighed. “Of course, it had to be a good reason.”

Cameron wandered down the halls of the castle after he finished his lessons for the day. Cassie had dashed off to locate Sasha while his grandmother muttered something about taking a nap before dinner. Cameron had only half listened to them. His mind was consumed with thoughts of Alric.

Or more specifically, Alric’s words.

All that I have is yours.

He knew the man wasn’t talking about his castle, clan, or collection of swanky cars. Not even his hoard of books. Though, all of that was included.

No, Alric was talking about his heart and soul. His very essence and drive for being belonged to Cameron. Alric cared for him that much.

And what had Cameron said in response?

Nothing.

Well, he’d kissed him, and he’d tried to convey all his tangled feelings and hopes in that kiss. Had Alric understood? His adorable dragon needed to know he meant everything to Cameron, even if the idea of being mates scared the crap out of him.

Just the word “mates” had Cameron pausing and placing his hand on the wall to steady himself. His talk with Lisette had settled his mind some, but the concept was still so big, so much more than what he’d been expecting for his life. The responsibility of all those people and their future. Wasn’t it enough to be responsible for the happiness of the king who cared for all those people? That was a big, important job too.

A quick glance around revealed he was wandering down the hall that led to Alric’s office. Left to their own devices, his feet had decided to take him back to Alric, like by his side was where he belonged. Silly feet.

Maybe he would just pop his head in. Check on the king and see if he could use a little cheering up.

At Alric’s door, he briskly knocked and chided his pounding heart. Being nervous around Alric was so silly at this point. So what if the man could turn him inside-out with just a look? Or if he held Cameron’s heart in the palm of his hand?

“Enter,” Alric’s muffled voice called through the door.

Taking a deep breath and mentally laughing at his nerves, he opened one of the doors and poked his head inside. As usual, Alric sat at his desk, looking regal and dignified, while Dieter stood behind his right shoulder, seeming to point at something on Alric’s computer screen. Alric’s look of intense concentration melted away in a flash, his handsome face transforming with a warm smile at the sight of Cameron.

“Cameron,” he said his name with such joy, as if they hadn’t seen each other in days rather than just a few hours. “Is everything okay?”

“Oh, yeah. Sure. No problems. I just stopped by to see you, but you’re clearly busy. I can—” Cameron quickly said. He took a step backward, pulling the door with him while mentally chastising himself. Of course Alric was busy!

“No! Don’t go.” Alric’s sharp tone instantly halted Cameron’s retreat. The dragon smiled and continued in a more even voice, “We were just finishing.”

The sudden jump of both of Dieter’s eyebrows left Cameron wondering if this was news to the old advisor, but to his credit, he didn’t say anything contrary. Dropping his hand to his side, Dieter straightened and smiled at Cameron. “Yes, please come in. I was just leaving.” He then stepped away from the desk, bowed slightly to his king, and then walked out of the office, bestowing one last smile on Cameron.

When the door closed behind Dieter, Cameron chuckled softly. “Why do I feel like Dieter was not quite done with you yet?”

Alric relaxed in his chair, his grin completely unrepentant. “Dieter is never done with me. He’s always got something I need to look at,