His dragon snorted. If she looked down, she'd see why we aren't scowling.
Shut it, dragon.
As his beast cackled, he focused on his female. He took her hand and kissed the back of it, barely noticing the slight twinges in his back as he did so. Her soft, warm skin under his lips only made his cock harder.
It seemed certain parts of him were in perfect working order.
He finally replied, "Excuse me for my earlier scowling. I only, you know, received over a dozen stab wounds. Ones that are still healing, by the way."
She raised a golden eyebrow. "I showered plenty of sympathy on you the first few days. But you're healing well, so stop milking it for everything it's worth."
The corner of his mouth ticked up. "There are so many things I love about you, Ria."
While the comment was casual, Asher realized he wanted to say more than he loved aspects of Ria. No, he loved the female in front of him. For her courage, strength, humor, and so much more.
His beast hummed. Then tell her.
Given his recent ordeal, as well as his five-year prison stint, Asher tried to seize the moments he could. He, more than most anyone, knew tomorrow wasn't guaranteed.
And yet, as Honoria stood next to his bed and stared into his eyes, the chance ripe for the plucking, his tongue lay heavy in his mouth.
His dragon sniffed. Why? She could be ours. Just tell her. I'm sure she feels the same way.
Honoria's voice prevented his reply. "So what does Mr. Dragon have to say?"
His beast growled. Tell her.
Asher grunted. "Just being bossy, as usual."
Honoria grinned, and her beauty made his heart skip a beat. He wanted her. Not just for sex—which he couldn't wait to be healed for again, for sure—but also as his mate. Everything was better, easier, brighter when she was near.
She replied, "You may not like it, but I find it amusing. Big, bad Asher who managed to survive multiple stab wounds and somehow not have anything vital damaged most certainly needs some humility. Otherwise, you might think you're invincible."
He raised an eyebrow, one of the few parts of his body that didn't hurt to move. "I'm not fifteen and out to prove I'm a grown male. I'm well aware I'm not invincible." He took her hand and squeezed. "But let's not joke around right now. Someone could walk through that door at any time and there are things we should talk about."
She searched his eyes. "What do you want to tell me, Ash?"
His heart beat faster. This was it. He needed to tell Honoria he wanted her as his mate. And even if it was too soon for her, then maybe they could at least try living together so he could convince her how right it was.
Just as he opened his mouth to take the plunge, the Scottish dragonman Dr. Innes waltzed into the room, followed by the Stonefire and Lochguard leaders.
Asher's life seemed cursed with bad timing.
However, the gaggle of males started talking before he could get in a word edgewise.
~~~
Honoria's time alone with Asher had lasted no more than a few minutes, her not even being able to kiss him once, before someone else barged in.
Someone always seemed to be barging in.
If she were actually clan leader, then she wouldn't mind as much. At least in that case there would be a reason and purpose behind all the interruptions.
But she swore people kept popping their heads in to ensure they were both still there and alive. While she hadn't heard anything about dangers to them or others inside the clan, maybe some kind of threat had come from Shane Farhall's partner. The male was currently detained and in the hands of the Protectors.
Her beast spoke up. I hope he finally told everyone the extent of his and Shane's betrayal.
I wish I knew. Being kept in the dark is crap. Even if we aren't allowed to become the leaders, I just want to know what the hell is going on.