CHAPTER TEN
Marshall
Brianna and I flew for forty minutes, heading to the east. I kept peering over my shoulder, anticipating that her family would fly after us. But after fifteen minutes, I realized that the skies were ultimately clear.
Despite the victory I felt, I was worried by the fact that her family wasn’t chasing her.
I landed next to a small cottage with windows lit up like the starry cosmos. The front door opened before I could knock and Hector came barreling onto the porch, his thin limbs flinging around my body after I shifted into my human form.
I lifted him and held him to my chest. “Mommy says you really are my daddy.”
I smiled tearfully. “I am. I want you to meet someone, Hector.” I set him down and turned to Brianna, extending my hand. “This is my mate.”
“Wow, she looks like a princess.”
Brianna giggled humbly. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hector. I’ve heard a lot of good things about you.”
“Mate?” Lydia repeated in the doorway. “Oh…”
I glanced at my ex-girlfriend with a concerned gaze, wondering why she looked so disappointed. And then it hit me.
She thought I was going to run away with her. She thought when I promised to take care of Hector that I was making the very same vow for her.
I bowed my head apologetically. “Lydia, I’m sorry to have confused you.”
“No, it’s not your fault,” she insisted as she stepped onto the lawn. She held out a delicate hand to Brianna. “I’m Lydia. I’m Hector’s mother.”
“Hello, Lydia. I’m Brianna,” Brianna replied with a warm smile.
The two of them stood together, appearing to warm to each other immediately. My inner scales bristled with pride. I couldn’t have imagined a better way for them to meet. This was all incredibly last-minute, and my concern was valid, but I felt silly with how much I had worried over it.
They were getting along just fine. I didn’t have to worry at all.
“We should get you inside,” Lydia stated as her eyes scanned the heavens. “We need to make sure you two weren’t followed.”
Hector took Brianna’s hand, leading her ahead of me into the house while chattering on about his collection of coins.
I leaned toward Lydia and whispered, “I thought I had explained myself clearly.”
“I think you did, Marsh. I’m sorry I misinterpreted what you said.”
I smiled gratefully. “You really have changed.”
“So, you finally believe me, huh?” She elbowed me playfully. “I see you still like curvy women.”
I groaned. “Shut up, Lydia.”
She laughed as she ushered me inside. The cottage was a bit of a tight squeeze, but it was cozy, filled with all sorts of cushioned items, quilts, and pillows. Hector seemed rather proud of his curtained fort and even told Brianna the password—which was, aptly, dragon—and then set out to display his collection of coins.
The only thing left to do was to settle in.
I sat tentatively on the couch, watching Hector and Brianna interact.
Lydia leaned over the back of the couch and whispered, “You two can take the guest room. I’m sure you’re dying to get some sleep.”
“How can you tell?”
“You look exhausted, Marsh.”
I smiled gratefully at her. “Thank you for your hospitality. It’s more than I could have ever asked of you.”
“There’s something you should know,” she stated a little louder. “Something I discovered when I was at the clinic.”
“What’s that?”
She rounded the couch and sat down, inviting Brianna to listen. “Well, I was curious about your origins. I know you’ve had a hard time since your parent’s passed away.”
I nodded mournfully as Brianna touched my arm gently. “It’s been rough.”
“I found where you belong.”
I blinked at her. “How did you manage that?”
“Well, the guy at the clinic—his name is Rod—also works part-time for a DNA ancestry website. Each paternity test produces a DNA profile and, well…”
“Well?!”
“Well, your last name is Dalton,” she explained with a beaming grin, “and you have extended family—who are all alive.”
* * *
Hearing of this discovery—that I originated from a clan named Dalton and that they were of a stronger aristocratic blood than the Thorntons—brought me tears of joy. It took me several minutes to calm down, but once I got myself under control, I took my bride with me to the guest room and buried my face into her lap.
She smelled of honeysuckle, lilac, daisies, and every meadow I had ever wandered through. I would have gladly done anything just to have her scent again. And in many ways, I had just done it.
Worry made my gut ache. I peered up at my mate, studying her hazel-brown eyes with spring green laden in them, her long, wavy brown hair, her smooth features.
She smiled. “What are you thinking about?”
“All the things I could do to you right now.”
“Oh?” She purred. “And what exactly are those things?”
A growl vibrated in my throat, low and guttural. I sat up and nipped her lower lip, causing her to hiss with pleasure as I nudged her back on the bed. The mattress creaked beneath us as I removed every barrier that prevented me from touching her supple skin.
She rested on the comforter in all her naked glory, velvety skin beckoning me to kiss every available surface. I nuzzled into her breasts, unable to contain my appetite. While I would normally take my time, I was far too ravenous, my cock hardening against her thigh as she bucked against me.
I rested my forehead against hers as I nudged her muff, the head of my cock parting her muff lips easily and allowing me entry. Her warmth enveloped me as I sank deep into her sweetness, pausing for a moment to enjoy the way she clenched around my shaft. Another growl vibrated in my throat, ringing a possessiveness that I knew to be true.
She was mine—and she would never belong to anyone else.