~~~
Asher dodging Honoria's question and acting as if everything was normal, and then her not doing anything about it, was bloody difficult. Over the last three days, she thought they'd fallen back into old times, which meant being comfortable around one another and holding less and
less back from the other.
Sure, the sex had been fantastic, but discussing the recent history surrounding the dragon clans in England and Scotland, or even about their leaders, had been just as amazing. No one back in the US had really cared about the faraway English clan or their UK compatriots. In a way, it had been as if she'd lost a part of who she was when she'd left Skyhunter.
But now, she was back and about to tackle the next task with Asher at her side. She'd just have to focus on that and press Asher for details later.
Her dragon spoke up. You worry too much. Besides, he may act normal, but he was a prisoner and supposedly tortured. It can't be easy for him.
Shame flooded her body. I think I do forget about that sometimes. But he never bloody talks about it. Asher should know that he can tell us anything.
Right, because dragonmen are always open and honest about their feelings, her beast drawled.
Honoria smiled. One can hope.
Her dragon snorted as they rounded the last corner to the main security building. She glanced over at Asher and noticed his pupils flashing between slits and round. She had no idea what he was talking to his dragon about, but she was glad he was. One thing she'd learned about his imprisonment was how his dragon had been drugged silent for most of the five years they'd been locked up.
And for a lesser male, that could've led to insanity. But not Asher, the stubborn and wonderful dragonman he was.
Her dragon added, And he's as dominant as we are. Don't forget that.
You only appreciate that when we’re naked. I'm sure it's going to drive you crazy later.
Her dragon huffed. We'll see. All it'll take is some training to get him to do what I want, and I have loads of ideas.
She bit her lip to keep from laughing. If she did, Asher would ask about it and then she'd have to explain her dragon's randy desires.
Asher caught her eye and raised his brows. "Are you ready?"
Banishing all humor from her countenance, she stood taller. "Of course I am. Are you?"
The corner of his mouth ticked up. "If we keep questioning each other, this isn't going to end well."
She shrugged. "It'll just take time to figure out how we work best together, that's all."
"I suppose."
Honoria yearned to reach over and take Asher's hand in reassurance, but they'd agreed to nix any public displays of affection and save it for private.
Her dragon muttered, Stupid rule. Dragon-shifters don't hide affection. That's a human thing.
For the time being, our every move is going to be watched by a few humans. So it's best to try and not surprise them too much.
Imagine if we reached over and squeezed Ash's arse. I bet the DDA human's mouth would drop open, or maybe she'd even faint.
Honoria couldn't help it, she laughed. When Asher sent her a questioning gaze, she shook her head. "Later."
His gaze lingered a second before he returned the nod. And for good reason—they'd arrived at the main security building for the clan.
They nodded at the young Protector manning the front door and walked inside. As they were guided to a room by another Protector, Honoria whispered, "I wonder if it's a group test or a team one."
Upon hearing of Honoria and Asher's arrangement, the remaining candidates had teamed up, too.
Asher replied, "We'll find out in about ten seconds, provided we're all gathered together. I rather hope not, though. I'd rather focus on showing our best assets during an individual trial."
The young Protector stopped next to a door and said, "This is as far as I go. They're waiting for you in there."