Chapter 34
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
“You’re not fine, Maverick!” Isaac screeched.
It took way too long for him to realize Maverick was hurt. After their wild mating session, Maverick distracted him with kisses and explaining dragon matings. It basically reinforced the bond that Isaac had accidentally started, but it also connected them on a much deeper level. If Isaac was tired or his magic was depleted, he could borrow some from Maverick. They could also speak telepathically, which was interesting. And it explained why Maverick had shut down when they’d accidentally done it during the ritual the night before. He’d still been in denial and was worried about accidentally reinforcing the bond before he was worthy of Isaac. Silly dragon.
It was all fascinating, and he had a lot of questions, which was why he didn’t notice the pain until Maverick rolled a little and winced. It was at that point that he remembered that in order to beat him to this clearing, Maverick had to fly to do it, and he wasn’t supposed to do that until the scars were more healed.
Yanking on his sweats, he scowled at the dragon, who was grinning at him like an idiot. “What are you doing? Get dressed! We need to get you to a healer!”
Maverick shook his head, his smile turning indulgent. “No. I can’t have anyone near you right now. The salve will work fine. It’ll just take longer. Come lay back down.”
“Nope!” He knew if he laid back down, Maverick would somehow get him naked again. And as much as he enjoyed that, he refused to let Maverick hurt himself just to get off. He snatched the slacks off the ground and tossed them at Maverick. “Dressed! I’m at least calling the druid who treated you. If she thinks you need to be seen again, then we’re going. End of discussion.”
With a heavy sigh, Maverick stood and got dressed, tucking the bottle of lube in his pocket with a wink. It was like the mating released the pressure on the pot. Maverick was almost an entirely different person. He was flirty and playful, and the low rumbling sound coming from him was content instead of irritated. He dragged Isaac against him and that happy sound got louder as he buried his face against Isaac’s neck.
“You smell like strawberries. It’s my favorite scent now.”
Isaac’s heart melted a little. Now he was never going to be able to switch his body wash. That was too sweet. He blinked rapidly for a moment before pushing Maverick away.
“You’re distracting me on purpose!”
Maverick threw his head back and laughed. Isaac’s heart soared seeing such open joy and ease from the once grumpy dragon. And he was still getting distracted, damn it!
Grabbing Maverick’s hand, he pulled him through the forest. Most people would probably have gotten lost running like he had, but he was connected to the forest still. He only had to follow the pull towards home, his fingers interlaced with Maverick’s the entire way.
His body thrummed with happiness that was pouring in through the bond, overwhelming the frustration in his chest. He sighed, leaning his head against Maverick’s arm as they walked, letting him feel the happiness Isaac felt, too. When he took the job, he hadn’t expected anything like this. Hell, when he volunteered to help Maverick, he still hadn’t even considered it. Things were still turbulent, and they had a lot to deal with when they got back–
His footsteps faltered, and he came to a halt, shooting Maverick a horrified look. Maverick frowned, cupping his cheek. “What is it?”
“My classes. I was supposed to go to my classes. I didn’t even email them to say I’d be gone. Oh god, Mr. Larson’s class. He’ll fail me for the insult alone. I’ll have to repeat that class and he’ll only make things harder for me next time. I–”
“Isaac. Isaac! Relax. Dragon’s mates are allowed a certain amount of time off. It’s necessary because our animals are possessive. You won’t fail your courses,” Maverick reassured him.
“Really?” Isaac breathed.
“Really. There are legal precedents for all matings. Each is different and protected.”
The relief was dizzying, and he leaned heavily into Maverick’s palm before remembering his injury and jerking away again. Maverick chuckled, unbothered, and took his hand again, leading the way through the trees like he too knew the way without issue. Isaac let out another happy sigh, cuddling close when Maverick tucked him under his arm.
Making calls between realms was a pain in the ass and required a lot of magic. It was easier to send a courier. Fairies made their money by carrying messages between realms, and the one who worked in the area was happy to help when Isaac paid extra for it to be delivered right away. After he was sure it was delivered, he let Maverick drag him back to bed. He was newly mated. He felt like he should be forgiven for not waiting for the reply.
One hour and several orgasms later, he wandered back out to the living room, where the response was waiting. He’d left the tip on the coffee table, and the fairy seemed to know better than to bother them. Maverick had only growled a little when she showed up to carry the message, but it was enough warning for her. Isaac plopped himself onto the couch, plucking the note off the table.
Mr. Silverbreeze,
Assuming the flight was short and not using his top speeds, he should be fine. If you’re worried, once the mating period is over, he can return to the hospital for reevaluation. It will not hurt him to wait.
Let me know if you have any more concerns.
Doctor Crystalleaf
Another weight lifted off of Isaac’s shoulders and he slumped against the cushions. He’d been almost out of his mind with worry when Maverick admitted he was in pain. His reassurances only helped a little. Hearing from the doctor that he’d be alright and it wouldn’t hurt to wait and see was a huge relief.
They’d had enough stressful situations for the beginning of their relationship, thank you very much. For the next week, he wanted to think about absolutely nothing but his mate. Everything else could wait.
His family tried to demand a visit on day three. He took great satisfaction in turning them down. Maverick wouldn’t allow it. Dragons needed at least a week alone with their mates before they could be around people again. He knew he’d have to face them eventually, there was a ritual to bring Maverick into the family they had to do before they headed home, but Isaac liked that for a little while, it was just him and his mate getting to know more about each other. They hadn’t really had time to do that before. Like, he had no idea that Avery was Maverick’s favorite author too, or that smutty office romance was his guilty pleasure. And Maverick didn’t know that Isaac couldn’t be beaten at scrabble. Even going up against Maverick’s legal term knowledge, Isaac still won three rounds in a row before Maverick rewarded him with another romp. He made it a rule that sex was the prize no matter what game they played from then on.
While he wished he could hide away forever with his mate, he had to face the world eventually. Starting with his family. With a few quick cleaning spells to put the cabin back to how they found it, Isaac headed outside. He stopped dead in his tracks at the look on Maverick’s face and burst out laughing.
“You are not seriously pouting.”
Maverick scowled at him. “I don’t pout.”
Still snickering, he cuddled up to his grumpy dragon. Maverick had been smiling and happy this whole week. He’d been beginning to think the grump was just a figment of his imagination. He was glad to be proven wrong. He liked Maverick’s grump. It made putting him into a better mood more fun.
“You absolutely pout. Are you that unhappy about going back? Do we need to wait a few more days?”
While Isaac got glimpses of Maverick’s feelings through the bond, he couldn’t read his mind. Not unless they were speaking to each other that way.
With a sigh, Maverick tucked his face against Isaac’s neck. “I know we have to go back, but I’m reluctant. I don’t think it’s the mating, I feel more settled about that, but…”
But they’d left a hell of a mess behind them and now they had to face the music. Isaac nodded.
“I know. I feel the same way. But you aren’t facing this alone. I’ll be right there with you.” He laced his fingers through Maverick’s, giving him a reassuring squeeze. Maverick’s free hand cupped his cheek, and he leaned down to press a kiss to his lips.
“You’re right, my heart. Even if they decide to let me go, I’ll be fine as long as I have you.”
Ugh. Why did he have to be so sweet? He started in on that nickname the very first night of their mating and it melted Isaac every time. Adding in the sweet nothings just made it that much harder to resist him. And he had to if they were going to get things done. Like meeting his family before they came out here looking for them.
“We’re not giving up yet. Besides, you have to face my family first. One thing at a time. They won’t be happy that I mated without their permission first.”
A low growl rattled his throat and Maverick dragged him closer. “They’ll have to deal with it. You’re mine.”
Isaac pulled him down for a quick kiss. “You bet your sweet dragon butt I am. Now come on! I can’t stand the anticipation. I’d prefer to get it over with.”
Maverick chuckled, falling into step beside him. He offered to fly them, but Isaac had to say his thanks to the forest for helping him. Besides, he had a whole lifetime of flying with Maverick to look forward to. Perks of being his mate.
As they came closer to home and the house came into view, Isaac’s eyes narrowed. “Hey, Maverick?”
“Hmm?”
“You know how you said dragons are really possessive and will hurt people who get too close to their mates?”
He could hear the frown in Maverick’s voice without even looking up at him. “Yes? Why?”
“Let’s just say we share enough magic that I feel the same way. And if I catch my cousin hanging on you, I’m going to end up in jail. Okay?”
Maverick didn’t answer at first and Isaac’s head whipped around, his eyes narrowed in suspicion, only to find his mate fighting back a laugh, his lips twitching in an attempt to stay serious.
“Maverick!” Isaac complained, thumping his shoulder.
He chuckled, catching Isaac’s hand and kissing his palm. “There is no one in any of the realms who could pull me away from you, my heart. But if it makes you feel better, I will stay by your side and avoid your cousin at all costs.”
He’d never been a particularly jealous person before, but he’d never been mated before, either. He tried not to hold his bloodthirsty ideas against himself. Anyone who mated with someone as amazing as Maverick would act the same way. And Alder was asking for it if he came near him again.