Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
My pleasure, My Treasure, Ardon growled.
She could feel need radiating from both shifters. It resonated inside her. Skye had always drawn male attention. Completely aware of her flaws, she attributed it on her lithe shape and unusually vivid blue eyes. Mentally, Skye shook her head. She couldn’t blame everything on her appearance. Skye frequently reacted differently than others expected. That had intrigued some as well, for she presented a challenge.
“Stop it, Blueberry,” Oldrik commanded, his deep voice giving his words more power.
“Blueberry?” she repeated, distracted from her previous thoughts.
“Blue is the finest color, of course. Berries are a sweet treat. You are both.”
“Your favorite treat?” she asked.
“Exactly.” Oldrik took her hand. “Let me show you and Blunze your new home.”
“And Ardon?”
“Of course. Ardon will live here as well. We are a triad.”
Until I die. She hadn’t been able to say that out loud. Too much emotion dwelled in that statement.
“My Treasure, each of our lives could vanish in a flash. Do we want to spend our existence bemoaning our fate, or shall we revel in the time we have together?” Ardon asked.
You keep referring to me as treasure. Is that how you see me?
“Dragons are picky about the valuables they keep close. Only the most precious items in their collection become a favorite. Of those, one outshines the rest.”
You think I shine?
“With more brilliance and depth than the sun and the moon.”
The firm belief that rang from his words resonated inside her. She wasn’t something to be conquered because she was different. She mattered to him.
Skye checked in with Oldrik, who quietly observed the exchange. His expression alone told her he agreed one hundred percent with Ardon’s convictions. Emotions overwhelmed her. She dipped her head, trying to hide the tears that gathered in her eyes.
“Blueberry, would you like to see what I thought could be your room? You’ll have to excuse me for not having it prepared before your arrival. I was not expecting to celebrate my new mate.”
She peeked up at him. His face was concerned but calm. He wasn’t upset with her for losing control of her emotions. While others found this uncomfortable, he accepted her unconditionally. Oldrik smiled at her and squeezed the fingers he still held. Skye nodded to answer his question and extended a hand to Ardon. Together, they walked up the carved stone steps.
The door opened before they could reach it, and a well-dressed man answered, “Sir Oldrik. Welcome home. Should I bring some refreshments for your guests?”
“Tierney, these two aren’t guests. This is Skye, our new mate,” Oldrik announced.
“Our mate? Like fated to you both?” the man repeated.
“Our mate, indeed,” Ardon assured him. “Good afternoon, Tierney.”
“Sir Ardon, always a pleasure. And Miss Skye, it is a delight to meet you. I am here to serve you.”
Staring around the gorgeous reception area, Skye took everything in. Sensing everyone’s gaze on her, Skye smiled at the man, unsure what to say after that gracious greeting.
“Our Skye isn’t a big talker, Tierney. Oldrik and I appreciate you making her feel welcome in her new home,” Ardon told him smoothly.
“I will go gather some nourishment to replenish you after your flight,” Tierney said.
“We’ll meet you in my study after I show Skye around,” Oldrik directed. “Oh, and Tierney would you send someone to notify Skye’s parents of the mating? And pick up a few changes of clothes for her? Tell her parents we’ll come personally to formally introduce ourselves and gather her things once we’re settled."
“Yes, sir.”
He thinks I’m weird.
“I guarantee you he does not. Tierney gets along extremely well with all personality types. And me. He puts up with me,” Oldrik said.
Are you hard to live with? Skye realized he had switched the conversation away from her and onto him.
“You’ll have to tell me. Let me show you my home.”
Oldrik played tour guide through some of his castle, hitting the places Skye would need to find. The dining room and kitchen. The upper hallway and the luxurious guest room.
“I thought this could be a good private place for Ardon. I will instruct the workmen to create a doorway from this chamber into the room next to it. That is your space, Skye. It is also connected to my personal space. Come, let me show you,” Oldrik said.
After studying the dark wood furnishings with gold accents, Skye knew she would sleep well in this welcoming space. But she wasn’t concerned about her comfort. Whirling to face Ardon, Skye asked, “Does this room make you happy?”
Ardon smiled at her. “You are sweet to think of me, My Treasure. Oldrik will allow me to add more bronze hues to personalize it as my own.”
“Of course,” Oldrik agreed.
“It will be close to you. That is the most important thing,” Ardon concluded.
Elated, she turned back to Oldrik. Suddenly, she had hope that this would work. I’d like to see my room.