Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 45585 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 228(@200wpm)___ 182(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45585 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 228(@200wpm)___ 182(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
“Thank goodness it’s just ahead of us.”
In a few minutes, Drake turned into the parking lot of Angelino’s and pulled the car into the last space at the back corner.
“It’s busy here. I wonder who else is celebrating tonight,” Drake said cheerfully, totally unfazed by the challenge of the light.
Aurora liked that small things didn’t bother him. He handled them and moved on. He wouldn’t get mad. She should be brave.
“Can I ask another question before we go in?” Something had bothered her, and she needed to know before they walked into the crowded restaurant.
“You can always ask questions until we’re in the middle of something and you’ve been instructed to be quiet.”
Her mind went a bit wacky, trying to imagine when that would happen. Punishment? Sex? Something else?
“Earth to Aurora.”
“Oops! Sorry. I just wanted to ask if you could have more than one mate at a time. What if I was male? Does that ever happen?”
“That’s actually two questions,” he told her before continuing, “My mate could be male and has been several times. Does that bother you?”
“No,” she answered, shaking her head. Images flashed through her mind, making that answer super-hot.
“Stop fantasizing, Little one. I can smell your arousal. Let’s see if I can distract you. I could have more than one mate. That happens only rarely. If that were the case, I would have met both people before I bonded with one.”
“Bonded?” she repeated, trying to understand.
“Made love to.”
“Sex?”
“Yes.”
“So, another woman—or a man can’t just pop up out of the blue and be your mate, too?” Aurora double checked.
“You do not need to worry that anyone we bump into will suddenly sport the same mark you do,” Drake assured her with a smile.
“Oh, I wasn’t worrying,” she rushed to deny that idea.
“Don’t lie to your Daddy.”
“Okay, the thought did cross my mind.”
“There is no one else in the world who is destined to be my mate. You are the one person I would have searched to find. Well, had you not crashed into me, I would have ransacked the town to meet you,” he teased.
“I didn’t crash into you,” she denied.
“No, I spotted you and pounced. Dragons aren’t known for wasting time.”
Her stomach growled loudly, keeping him from adding anything else about how they met.
“You are starving. I am a very poor Daddy for making you wait. Stay where you are. I will come open your door.”
She nodded. Aurora had definitely learned her lesson in getting out before he helped her.
Chapter 12
A shiver went down her spine as they walked through the dark parking lot. Aurora moved a bit closer to Drake. Looking up at his face when his hand tightened on her waist, she noticed his nostrils flared as if he sniffed the area for some type of scent.
“Stay close to me, Little one. There is something about this place I do not like.”
“Should we just leave?” she asked.
“No. I promised you pizza. Besides, we need to celebrate your day. I can keep you safe from any danger. You just have to do as I say,” he reminded her.
“Got it. Don’t think. Just react.”
“Good girl.”
That short answer shouldn’t have thrilled her, but it totally made her day. Earning his approval was important to her. She just hadn’t realized how bad she had it. She loved him.
“Whatever you just thought…” Drake started to talk before falling silent. He pulled Aurora to face him and lifted her against his body with one arm before racing inside.
“Whew! That wind is awful tonight,” the hostess said, blinking at the gust of wind that accompanied them inside.
Drake lowered Aurora’s feet to the floor and kissed the top of her head. “It’s all right,” he whispered before turning his attention on the woman at the desk before them.
“I would appreciate a table for two, please.”
“Do you have a reservation?” the woman asked, looking at the list before her.
Aurora brushed her hair out of her eyes and watched the woman’s eyes focus on her hand. The change in the hostess’s expression was instantaneous. “I’m sorry, sir. Follow me, please.”
She immediately picked up a couple of menus and motioned for Drake and Aurora to follow her. Leading the way to a small alcove with one table for two, she waved them into their seats.
“Thank you, miss,” Drake said graciously.
“My great-great-aunt is a mate to the green dragon. She bears the same mark on her hand. I’ve met them twice in my life. They bring luck to our family every time they appear.”
Drake read her nametag. “Stephanie, thank you for knowing the old ways. I am glad their presence is respected and welcomed.”
“My folks tried for ten years to have me. I was born early—eight months after one of their visits. I missed getting to see them that time,” Stephanie shared with a delighted grin.
“Let me guess. You have five brothers and sisters now?” Drake said with a laugh.