Tropical Dragons Series Box Set - Naomi Lucas Page 0,87

harrow with guilt because you touched me, but you should not. You may have sought a dragon for a mate, but you did not seek me out specifically, and I gave you no choice. That day on the beach… I was searching for that other dragon that arrived—a rare femdragon in heat—but when I saw you… It was you who stole my mind, my heat. She wanted to destroy you but I would not, could not let her. You were already mine.”

Swallowing, I try to turn away, but Zaeyr reaches up and cups my cheek, rubs my lips with his thumb. Too much. Too much, dragon. Don’t make me fall. I don’t know how I can possibly feel any more love for you… It’s already overwhelming.

“Your touch…” His voice softens. “I wanted to hate you for everything you stole. My instinct was to punish you, to force you to be mine, to break you—not once thinking of who you were or might be to your tribe. Maybe it was the bond, or maybe not, but I could not hate you, not even from the beginning. And I tried, human, oh, I tried. I realize now those feelings never came because you gave me everything that I ever wanted: someone to spend my life with. Someone to banish away all my years of loneliness.”

I press my cheek into his palm and try hard to keep my tears inside.

“I was so lonely,” he chuckles, drawing my gaze back to his. “I spent countless years building a nest for what? Hope? I am glad it is gone, human, because it would only be a reminder of the past.” He leans down to press his brow to mine and I shutter my eyes. “So when we return to your people, know that I do not care what choice you make, whether it is to stay or for us to leave.”

“I love you,” I gasp. I can’t help it. My chest hurts; his words constrict my soul. I can no longer keep my emotions at bay. Inhaling deeply, the ocean and Zaeyr’s scent pulls into me. It’s beautiful—it’s home.

“Love?”

“Yes,” I whisper. “I love you.” I don’t care if he says it back. It wouldn’t change a thing.

“Is that this overwhelming heat in my heart that makes it heavy when I think of you?” he asks.

“Yes…”

“The need to see you all the time or I may perish?”

“Yes.”

“I love you too, little human.”

My chest explodes and I slam myself into him, curling my arms around his large form. He picks me up and takes my mouth. His primal taste fills me to the brim.

This, I realize, this is what we both have been waiting our whole lives for. No one can take this away. No one can take us away.

21

A Future Full of Dragons

The tribe’s abuzz by the time we’re pulled up the lift. Several rafts are docked on the beach, half unpacked with supplies.

If my heart couldn’t thunder anymore with contentment, it still does, knowing those rafts are from Shell Rock.

Issa!

I’m nearly bouncing on my soles by the time the lift tops the rocks. Strangely though, Zaeyr goes rigid beside me, and when I glimpse his face, his cocky smile is gone. He took me again against the rocks outside the cave, quick and loving, whispering the word against my skin like he was branding it to me, unto and into my flesh.

But any happiness is gone.

Then I see Issa. Beautiful, dear Issa, my truest friend and huntress soulmate laughing with Leith by the central bonfire. Her long braided blond hair shining in the sunlight, her gold-kissed skin dressed in nets and white shells.

“Issa!” I yell, catching her attention as I rush forward and envelop her in my arms. She’s tense for a moment, and I wonder if I’ve ever given her a hug in the past. I’ll rectify that. “I’m so glad you’re here,” I cry.

“Aida,” Issa muses. She eases into my embrace and hugs me back. “I was so worried. Waters, I am relieved to find everyone okay. I could barely sleep with worry.”

We grip each other once more tightly before pulling back. I’m taller than her by several inches, but Issa knows how to use her shortness to her advantage, especially when we wrestle. I know to never underestimate her.

“You were worried?” I ask, finally registering her question.

“I saw the alpha dragon…” Issa’s blue eyes trail behind me and she stills. Turning, Zaeyr is as tense as ever standing nearby. Leith is several