Treasured by the Dragon (Stonefire Dragons #10) - Jessie Donovan Page 0,30

to bring Daisy here as soon as possible."

Leaning back, she met his gaze again. "I'm happy right now, I truly am. So please don't take this the wrong way, but can I call Daisy soon, too? I need to hear her voice."

He stroked her cheek. "Of course you do. The frenzy took fifteen days, and I don't think you've ever been out of contact with her that long, have you?"

She shook her head. "No, never."

"Well, then let's get up and put things in motion so you can speak with her."

As Dawn stared into Blake's eyes, she didn't detect any hint of resentment. The problem was she didn't know if it was because he was good at hiding it or because he truly understood how much Dawn loved her daughter.

The frenzy had been a sort of bubble, one where it'd been just her and Blake. She only hoped that it wouldn't burst completely when Daisy entered because it would break her heart to have her daughter and the father of her second child at odds with one another.

No, Dawn. Stop it. She was so used to things going wrong with men that she was poisoning her own mind. Blake would have his chance, and she'd see for herself how it went.

Although was it too much to ask for a man she could probably fall in love with as well as a happy, blended family?

Kissing Blake one last time, she got out of bed and went about getting ready. Dawn wasn't a coward, so the only thing to do was put everything in motion so she could find out what her future held next.

Chapter Eleven

Blake did his best to hide how nervous he was, which meant keeping his expression sort of friendly and not tapping his hand against his thigh.

He wasn't anxious because he would soon be moving in with an eleven-year-old girl who would be his stepdaughter, though. He knew that would be a challenge, and he accepted it in order for a chance with Dawn.

No, he was nervous because he was about to show Dawn his dragon form for the first time.

He could already see a few people at the edges of the lesser-used landing area situated toward the rear of Stonefire's land. Somehow word had already traveled about him wanting to shift, and spectators had flocked to the area.

His dragon grunted. It doesn't matter. This is for Dawn and only Dawn. Besides, this is our last chance to show her our dragon form before Daisy arrives tomorrow morning.

I know, but if someone rushes out to touch our black spot and starts to make a dramatic wish, I'm not sure I want to stay in our dragon form and let Dawn see the embarrassment.

Before his beast could argue further, Dawn walked into the landing area with Sasha at her side, and he forgot about everything but his soon-to-be mate.

Ever since he'd woken up and known she carried his child, she'd glowed. While he hoped it was partially because of him, he knew it was probably because she was so happy to have another child.

His beast sighed. Stop with the doubting. She went through the frenzy, embraced both of us, and has been nothing but open and teasing since.

It was true—the last day, ever since they'd finally emerged from their cottage, had been full of congratulations and stolen glances at one another.

He finally replied, I know. It's just shifting in public always shakes me up a bit. I don't think I'll ever get used to spectators.

Then Dawn walked up to him, touched his cheek, his nervousness faded significantly. She said, "You should've waited for me and then we could've walked here together."

He kept his voice low so that only Dawn could hear it. "I needed a little time to prepare. And I knew you were with Sasha anyway."

She searched his gaze and finally leaned over and kissed him gently. "Still, next time, talk to me about it, okay? If we're to make a family, we need to be open about everything."

Tracing her jaw, he nodded. "I'll try, I promise. Just remember I've been a bachelor for nearly forty years so it's going to take a little time to adjust."

The corner of her mouth ticked up. "Oh, just wait until Daisy gets here. Then you won't have a spare moment to worry about it."

The comment would've concerned him even three weeks ago. But now? It just reminded him that he no longer had to live alone and isolate himself any longer. After