About a Dragon (Dragon Kin #2)(83)

“Oh, good gods,” she groaned.

Briec went on as if he hadn’t heard her. “So in order for us to make this work, we need you to get over your tiny little insecurities.”

“Your arrogance makes my eye twitch.”

“Only because I’m challenging you.”

“No. I’m relatively confident it’s because you’re arrogant,” she barked. “No, no. Forget it, dragon. I’m not sticking my hand in your mouth.”

Sighing heavily, he sat up. “Fine. How about this then…”

Again she squealed as the tip of his tail unwound from her leg and suddenly appeared in front of her face. “Would you watch that thing. You’re liable to take off my nose or something!”

“Touch it.”

“Actually, I like my fingers attached to my hands.”

“Fine. How about touching my horns?”

“Well, this conversation just went horribly wrong.”

* * *

“You’re making this difficult.”

“I’m not sure what you’re trying to show me.”

Frustrated, Briec shifted to human and walked up to her until they were mere inches apart. “That you and yours are safe with us. You have nothing to fear. Nor does your daughter. And you never will.”

Her expression softened and a smile began to form on her gorgeous lips. Of course, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect for Éibhear to run past the forest entrance. Normally, not too odd. He was a young, playful pup. Yet it was the fact that he had Iseabail hanging onto his tail that had panic hitting Briec’s system.

“Uh…”

“What’s wrong? You just went more white than usual.”

Éibhear shook his tail. “Get off! Get off! Get off!”

Laughing, Izzy continued to cling to him.

“Is that Izzy?” Talaith turned to look behind her, but Briec grabbed her shoulders and forced her back to face him.

“You know how I feel about you Talaith,” he nearly yelled, desperate to keep her distracted.

“I do?”

“Of course you do.”

“Since when?”

“Since last night.”

She shook her head. “I don’t have time for this. I promised Morfyd I’d meet her over at the groves.” She again turned to walk down the path to the clearing, but Éibhear reappeared, this time slamming his tail on the ground, trying to dislodge an unrelenting Izzy.

Briec took firm hold of her shoulders and spun her back to face him. He had to think of something fast or all his “you have nothing to fear” work would be lost. So he said the first thing that came to his mind…”I love you.”

Both shocked at his words, they could only stare at each other.

Finally, she spoke first, “You what?”

Now that he’d said it, he realized something. “I love you. I actually do.” He grinned. Who knew loving someone would feel so wonderful?

“You love me?”

“Yes.” So happy about this, he barely noticed Éibhear taking flight and dragging Izzy through the trees trying to knock the girl off. “Now you say it back to me.”

“Pardon?”

“Say it back to me. Say you love me. Because we both know you do.” How could she not?

“Och!” She pushed his hands off her shoulders. “Do we now?” Reaching up, she grabbed one of his ni**les and twisted.

“Ow! What the hell did you do that for?”

“Accident,” she bellowed, then stormed off.

Stunned, Briec shifted to dragon. Which was good, because Izzy landed right on his back.

Panting from the exhilaration, she yelled up to Éibhear, “You’re being unreasonable!”

“Stay away from me,” Éibhear barked. Briec had never heard his brother sound so unnerved before.

“Your brother is a big baby.”

“For a dragon he actually is a baby.”

“What’s wrong? You sound sad.”

“I told your mother I love her and she walked away.”

Izzy scrambled up his back. “I wouldn’t worry about it. She’s simply frightened of her feelings for you.” The girl sat on his shoulders. “Give her time.”

“What if I don’t want to give her time?”

“Your risk. But I know she’s well worth the wait.” He knew she spoke more of herself than of anything else.

“I know she is.”

“Good. Now will you take me flying? Your brother is an unreasonable crybaby.”

“No. I will not take you flying.”

“Why?” she whined the question, but instead of irritating Briec, she got him to smile. Especially when she dramatically slumped down against his neck.

“Because your mother doesn’t want you flying anywhere. And I’m going to respect that. But I will walk you back to the castle.”

“Fine. Besides, I think I saw Gwenvael around.”

Briec had only taken a step when he immediately stopped. “Stay away from Gwenvael.”

“Why?”

“Because he’ll only get you into trouble. And no more bets with him.” He’d have to talk to his brother, too. He wasn’t about to take the risk Gwenvael would start having those long conversations he’d been known to have with young males Izzy’s age where he insisted on discussing adult matters.