Winning Skyhunter (Stonefire Dragons Universe 1)

"I love you." He moved his head a fraction closer. "I love you." And again. "I love you."

She closed the distance between them and kissed him. Asher slid his tongue inside her mouth and stroked every inch of it, his actions more demanding than normal.

Her dragon spoke up. He needs us. I'll even let him take control this time, if it'll make him worry less.

As much as Honoria wanted Asher anytime she could get him alone, she didn't think now was the right time; Asher's mother could call at any second with an update.

So she merely continued kissing her male until Asher's mobile phone rang. Since the ringtone was the one used specifically for his mother, Honoria broke the kiss.

He picked up the phone and said, "Yes?"

Because she was sitting in his lap, it was easy to hear his mother's reply. "Aimee wants to go to Lochguard."

She sat up taller at that comment.

/> Asher asked, "Did she finally talk?"

"Not exactly. Arabella had some cards with her, with various choices on them. When asked if she wanted to go to Lochguard for a while and stay with her, Aimee quickly grabbed the card that said 'Yes, I want to go to Lochguard,' and held it out to Ara. Just to make sure, Arabella shuffled the cards on the table, repeated the question, and Aimee picked the same card." His mother paused and asked, "Will you let us go?"

She watched Asher's face closely. At the brief flash of hope, her heart melted.

He said, "If that's what you both want, then yes."

"It is. After all, this is the most responsive your sister has been since, since…"

His mother's voice cracked, and Asher murmured, "I know, Mum. And we'll give her a chance. I'll be over right away."

"Please do. Arabella needs to leave soon, but wants to ensure you agree first. I'd rather not keep her waiting. After all, she just wants to get back to her own children."

"Thanks, Mum. See you soon."

Asher clicked off the phone and stared at it. "Aimee…"

Honoria took his cheeks between her hands and gently forced him to meet her gaze. "I'm sure she'll be talking again before you know it. One day, you'll have your little sister back, just wait and see."

Placing a hand over hers, he nodded. "I sure hope so."

Asher didn't allow many to see his weaknesses, but with her, he didn't try to hide his mixture of worry and apprehension.

What Honoria wouldn't do to make him and his sister simply be happy again. Even if she couldn't make the siblings forget all of the awful things that had been done to them, a day free of memories or flashbacks would be a good first step.

Her beast spoke up. If he didn't remember those things, then he wouldn't be who he is now. We can't change the past, but we can make a bloody good future together. Maybe you can try harder to accomplish that.

Not wanting to discuss mates or the fact Asher wasn't yet theirs officially with her dragon, Honoria kissed Asher quickly. Then she slid off his lap and motioned toward the door. "Come on. If we can confirm details with Arabella and Finn this morning, then maybe Aimee can be driven to Lochguard either today or tomorrow. That way she can start healing as soon as possible."

As they walked out of the cottage, Asher said, "I'll miss her, but it's her best shot. She had such fire as a teenager. All I can do is hope you get to see that side of her, even if it's not quite as strong as before."

She lightly brushed his arm. "We'll just have to trust Arabella."

He nodded. "It's strange trusting someone so soon, but there's something about the dragonwoman that makes me believe her."

"I think it's the specific circumstance. She's gone through something similar and came out of it on the other side."

"Right." He met her gaze. "Thanks for suggesting it originally, Ria. I'm not sure I would've thought of it."

She lightly touched his hand again. "There's no need for thanks. We're a team, meaning we should help the other when needed. And yes, it means for more than just clan issues. I hope you remember that."

He nodded. "I do."