Origin (Scales 'n' Spells 1)

“This is insane,” Cameron whispered.

“In what way?”

“In every way!” Cameron sucked in a harsh breath and threw his arms up in the air. “Don’t get me wrong. I love a good challenge. Love figuring things out, but I’m still learning how to be a mage. I feel like I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. Am I trying to take on too much at once? I mean, I’ve hurt Alric because I’m so wrapped up in my own head with the logistical issues of me moving here that I failed to realize he’s also struggling. I have to learn how to be a good mate, and not just any mate. I’m the mate for the freaking king. I don’t know how to be anyone’s mate, and it’s so much bigger when it comes to Alric. I don’t know what he needs. All of the clan and its future depends on him. I’m not as mature as he is and I’m really afraid I’m going to screw something up.”

When Cameron had finally run out of words, he had to wonder if Dieter had actually heard him. The dragon’s smile had never wavered. This was important shit! How could he not take him seriously?

“Cameron, being a mate doesn’t change because Alric’s the king. You’re first and foremost a mate to Alric the man. And from what I’ve seen, you’ve already been a wonderful mate to him.” Cameron snorted, but Dieter continued. “I’ve seen Alric smile and laugh more in the past three weeks than I have in the past five centuries. He’s lighter and happier because of you, even when you’re not around. He makes jokes. Teases his friends. And the fact he didn’t order the guards to raze the Jaeggi town is thanks to your positive influence. The dark shadow that has enveloped him since the death of his parents has finally retreated. The first duties of a mate are to bring joy and comfort. You’ve done that.”

Crossing his arms over his chest, Cameron sank into his seat. He turned that over in his head for a moment. “Is it really that easy? You guys keep telling me how different he is, but…I mean, he’s ridiculously easy to please. I feel like I’m not really putting much effort into this. Even the simple things I do make him happy. It actually worries me, how little he asks of me.”

“What about Alric? Is he being a good mate to you? It’s not just about his needs. Has he failed as your mate?”

“What? No. Absolutely not!” Cameron lurched upright and turned to face Dieter, bracing one hand against the dashboard. “Alric is amazing. He’s sweet and attentive. He’s always worried about my happiness. He—” Cameron broke off his passionate defense and glared at the man’s smug smile. “You’re an ass. I don’t know how Alric puts up with you.”

Dieter threw his head back and laughed. The sound was so deep and free that Cameron reluctantly found himself smiling as well.

“I know you feel overwhelmed, Cameron, but my best advice is to simply be you. That’s enough.”

“But what if it’s not?”

“It is. Trust me. I’m old.”

Cameron laughed. “No, you’re ancient.”

“All the more reason to listen to me,” he replied, not even blinking at the descriptor. “You make him happy. You make him kinder, more thoughtful. Those are all very good things for a king. As his mate, you are a friend, confidante, trusted advisor, voice of reason, and when necessary, a much-needed reality check. Alric can get too bogged down in his dark thoughts. He needs someone to remind him that the world is not always so dark. That there is joy and hope. He need only to look at you to remember that.”

Had he not done all those things already? Had he not pulled Alric out of his black mood and made him smile? Had he not listened to Alric’s worries and fears as they lay cuddled together in bed? He wanted to be all of that to Alric and more.

“And the wonderful part is that he will be all those things for you as well. It’s not just about what he needs. You have your own dreams, desires, and responsibilities. He will want to be there to support you. I urge you to speak to him about your concerns on immigrating here. He’ll be happy to learn what it is that worries you, and you’ll feel better with his open support as you figure out the logistics of moving.”

Cameron rested his head back and sighed, watching the mountains roll past his window. It was so beautiful here. The place called to something in his soul, almost like how Alric called to him. They fit. They’d fit from that very first day, and Cameron hadn’t wanted to admit it to himself because it was too surprising and scary. How was he supposed to fall for a guy in Germany when he’d expected to return home and start a life he didn’t really want?