Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 42796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
“No thank you, Elenore. I would prefer to guard my mate at home,” Rogan answered.
“Of course. Brooks will show you his room where his things are,” Elenore said with a smile.
Stepping toward the hallway, Brooks took Rogan’s hand. “It’s this way.”
When they were alone, Brooks told him, “I’ll get my stuff together. I don’t have a lot.”
Walking to the closet, Brooks grabbed a couple pair of jeans hanging inside. He threw those on the bed as Rogan stepped closer to the bookshelves. Keeping an eye on his mate, Brooks grabbed a satchel and filled it with underwear and T-shirts. He grabbed his one button-down shirt and added that to the contents before stashing jeans inside as well. Taking advantage of his mate’s distraction, Brooks grabbed a soft item from under his pillow and tucked that under his clothes before zipping the bag closed.
“You have many mementos from your travels,” Rogan observed.
“Yeah. I never bring home anything big or valuable. Only special things that remind me of places I’ve been.”
“I’d guess this red rock came from Arizona,” Rogan guessed, holding up a small pebble.
“Yes. I liked its shape. It feels good in your hand.”
Rogan closed his fingers around the stone and smiled. “It does.”
He replaced it on the shelf and picked up a black velvet box. “And this?”
“The ring I never gave to my long-time girlfriend. She gave me an ultimatum, and I went to buy her an engagement ring.”
“You couldn’t give it to her?”
“Something stopped me. I couldn’t understand it then. Maybe this was why?” Brooks guessed.
“Something inside you, definitely. Individuals who take another path before meeting their fated mate can have happy lives.”
Brooks nodded. “I kept it to remind myself that I need to do what my heart tells me is right. Maybe I should take that with me,” he suggested, holding out his hand to take it.
Rogan put it in his hand. “Remembering to pay attention to the voice here,” he said, pressing his hand to Brooks’s heart, “instead of heeding what the outside world says you should do, is wise.”
His fingers curled to capture a handful of Brooks’ shirt. Pulling him close, Rogan lowered his head to kiss him hard. When he lifted his head, Brooks clung to him. “Thank you for listening to your heart, Adventurer.”
“I made the right choice,” Brooks said, feeling that conviction inside. He smiled at Rogan before pulling his head back toward him.
That kiss became more as the heat swelled between them. Rogan ripped his mouth away finally and set Brooks away from him.
“If you don’t want me to take you on that bed, you’ll stay over there,” Rogan warned.
The growl of his low voice made Brooks smile. Who knew that a dragon’s self-control could be challenged? He enjoyed having the power to affect Rogan.
“Let’s go talk to your grandmother. She needs to know you’re okay,” Rogan told him.
“I know. She’ll worry. She raised me when my parents passed away young.” Brooks grabbed his sneakers and his journal. After stuffing them into his satchel, he fastened the buckles and slung the leather bag over his shoulders.
They found Elenore in the kitchen in front of a large tome. It started glowing as soon as Brooks entered the room.
“It recognizes you. I’ve updated our family information to reflect our honor in contributing a mate,” she said, waving a hand at the enormous book.
She stood and walked toward Brooks, studying his face. Brooks hoped his lips weren’t as swollen as they felt after Rogan’s kisses. “Are you happy?”
“Yes, Grandma. It’s a lot to get adjusted to, but Rogan is helping me. This feels right,” Brooks assured her.
Elenore cupped his jaw. “Let me get you something.” She disappeared before Brooks could stop her. He shrugged his shoulders as he met Rogan’s gaze.
When she returned, she handed Brooks a small jar. “Put this on your abrasions. Your skin isn’t used to Rogan’s beard.”
Can the floor open up and swallow me? His cheeks heated, and Brooks looked helplessly back at Rogan. His mate stepped forward to tuck the jar into the satchel slung over Brooks’s shoulder.
“Thank you, Elenore. I will bring him back to visit you,” Rogan promised.
“I would enjoy that.” Elenore rushed forward to hug her grandson. “Be happy.”
Brooks nodded and walked to the front door. Once outside, he stood on the curb as Rogan shifted back to dragon form. He noticed the neighbors peeking out their windows and stepping outside. He couldn’t fault them. Rogan was magical.
Climbing up on his back, Brooks celebrated he was getting better at mounting the dragon. Just then, his boots slipped on a scale, making him slide. Brooks grabbed for a better handhold. A powerful wing pressed against his back, balancing Brooks in place and allowing him to recover.
Careful, mate.
Quickly, he scrambled into place and wrapped his arms around Rogan’s neck. The red dragon launched himself into the air without delay and soared into the sky. The faint sound of applause reached Brooks’ ears.