Winning Skyhunter (Stonefire Dragons Universe 1)

"Considering your mate is pregnant right now, that's very magnanimous of you, Bram," Finn stated.

Not wanting to think of pregnant mates—because then he'd start imagining what it'd be like to have a family of his own, something Asher had doubted he'd ever have since his imprisonment—he released Honoria's hand and stood. "Right, then I think we're done for now."

Bram remained seated. "Aye, for the moment. However, we'll be popping up at random times, to see how things are going."

Finn winked. "But don't worry, we'll make sure to knock first, aye?"

Asher didn't know the males well enough to joke about sex, especially with Honoria at his side, so he turned halfway toward the door. "Until later, then."

Once both the leaders nodded in parting, Asher turned and exited the room. Honoria murmured something he couldn't hear before joining him. However, as he made the turn toward the building's exit, the human Penny appeared from out of a room and blocked their path. "Er, no, you're not quite done yet. Once all the interviews are finished, there's another test today. Well, two, really. The first is a quick test on a tablet whilst you wait for the others. This way."

Asher held his tongue and followed the human into the room. He hoped the second test was something physical, as he needed it. Both he and his dragon liked to spend some time outside in the mornings, as a reminder that they were free and wouldn't be going back to a small, dark cell.

His beast spoke up. It's okay. Maybe we should take Ria for a flight instead of rushing her to bed again.

That isn't something I thought you'd ever say.

I want to know everything about her, as do you. If it means one day she becomes our mate, I can wait a while for more sex.

Asher was careful to keep a neutral expression on his face. You keep talking of mates. But what of the clan?

We can have both.

You don't know that.

Yes, I do. Ria will make us stronger.

A tablet was thrust into his hands, and Asher did his best to ignore his dragon and take the test.

He could feel Honoria staring at him, but she wouldn't cause a stir in public. However, they would be having more than a few words later, that he was certain of.

But for the moment, Asher responded to the strange situational questions. A clan leader needed to focus at will, and Asher was more than up to prove he could.

Chapter Seven

Honoria could tell from Asher's clenched jaw that something was on his mind.

The talk—or had it been an interview?—with Bram and Finn had been somewhat strange. But she didn't think Asher was worrying about the two leaders. She watched him closer than she probably should and had noticed the change when asked about being true mates.

Her dragon spoke up. I bet his dragon thinks like me—that we'd be a good fit.

I thought you said they needed more training?

Her beast sniffed. They do, but they're still far better than any other male we've met.

She should drop it. After all, there was another trial coming up and she should be psyching herself up for it.

But she replied before she could talk herself out of it. But is it truly a good idea? I mean, things could easily go wrong.

I have faith. Why don't you?

She stole a glance at Asher. She was coming to love everything about him, from the scar on his face representing how strong he was, to how he wasn't afraid to take comfort from her touch, to even his ability to stand up to other clan leaders no matter how famous they were. And all of that was still only the tip of the iceberg of what made up Asher King.

Truthfully, she was halfway in love with him again. She replied, Maybe. Let's see if we can win this thing first, and then worry about our personal lives.

So you're open to it then?

I suppose so. But it takes two people in a relationship, and if Asher doesn't learn to open up to us, it may be doomed before it even starts.