Chapter 7 #3
The photographs and paintings were always just there, so Cam rarely paid attention to them.
However, the painting of his five-times great-grandfather showed his dragon form behind him and his human form in front, with the both of them near Stirling Castle.
“There used to be a dragon clan close to Stirling in Scotland, and it’s where most of my dad’s family came from. ”
She pointed to the daguerreotype picture of his maternal great-great-grandmother. “Who is she?”
“My mother’s great-grandmother.”
“And where is her family from?”
“From Ireland originally, before they came to Scotland a hundred or so years ago. I don’t know a lot about them since they disowned my mum after she married my dad, but she loved her great-grandmother before she passed.
That’s where she got her love of dragons from, although my great-grandmother was forced to marry my human great-grandfather instead of a dragonman she fancied. ”
For a few beats, they stood in silence, and Cam wondered if he’d overshared. Not that he usually revealed his family history to just anyone, but he couldn’t seem to hold back where Emily Davies was concerned.
She finally spoke again. “Humans and dragons have so much in common, even when it comes to biology. However, so many on both sides label the other as ‘bad’ or ‘inferior,’ and it’s heartbreaking.”
He stared at his many-times-over great-grandfather’s painting.
“It’s easier hating a common enemy than trying to understand someone a little different from you.
I’m not saying I think that’s a good way to live, but rulers and leaders have used united hatred for centuries to hold on to or obtain power. ”
Emily shook her head. “Well, I don’t accept that’s the only way to live. Dragons and humans lived equally once, many years ago, and I want to see it happen again.”
“Aye, and how do you plan to make that happen? I’m not poking fun, but I’m just curious.”
She met his gaze again, a steely glint in her eyes.
“Doing what I can to help bring down the dragon hunters is a major step. There’s already proof that disbanding the Dragon Knights has lessened human fear about dragon-shifters a little.
If we take on the bigger organization and dismantle it?
There might be a chance, given the current DDA director. ”
The DDA—Department of Dragon Affairs—was the UK department that coordinated between the humans and dragons.
Until recently, they’d mandated what dragon-shifters could or could not do, with little input from the dragon clans.
However, once the current human in charge, Rosalind Abbott, had taken over, she’d made an effort to coordinate and work with both parties on major decisions.
They were still a long way from true equality, but Cam knew change took time.
He asked, “So is that why you started focusing on crafting serums for us? To help bring down our enemies?”
“Well, I had dabbled a bit before with them in some of my research. Although my colleague, Dr. Trahern Lewis, asked me to join him on Stonefire and it became my main focus. I’d like to return to other dragon DNA and mRNA research one day, but for now, I’m determined to do my part to take down the dragon hunters.
I’ve seen what they do to both humans and dragon-shifters, and they’re monsters that need to be stopped. ”
His dragon’s sleepy voice filled his head. I told you she’s different from her.
Cam glanced at Emily and watched her face as she scanned the various pictures on the wall, until his gaze finally landed on her mouth.
If only he knew whether she was his true mate or not, he’d kiss her.
Wait, what? No, there definitely wouldn’t be any kissing.
Clearing his throat, he turned toward the door and opened it. “Come on. We both have early starts tomorrow and need to get home.”
After lingering one more second to stare at the pictures, Emily turned toward him and smiled.
The sight sent a rush of longing through him as he imagined her smiling at him every day.
Or, most days. No doubt he’d unintentionally upset her sometimes.
Although he rather enjoyed her displays of fire, too.
Not that she was his in any way, or that he’d get to see her for longer than she was on Seahaven.
His dragon snorted. Maybe she’ll never leave.
Ignoring his beast, he said to Emily, “Shall we?”
With a nod, she replied, “You’re right, we really should get going. I can walk tonight, though. There’s no need to carry me.”
Pushing aside the flash of disappointment at not feeling her soft body against his again, Cam grunted and gestured out the door.
Once they were on the path, he picked up his pace, putting just enough distance between them to avoid the temptation of tugging her against him, but close enough that he could still protect her.
As she struggled to keep up, he knew he was being an arsehole and should slow down. And yet, the more time he spent with Emily, the more he started to imagine the impossible.
Once they were home, he ensured she made it to her room before going to his. Standing at the window, he stared at the moon peeking out from behind the clouds.
His dragon spoke up. Why are you fighting so hard when Emily is a clever, bonnie lass that could be ours to claim if you tried to woo her a little?
Tired of making excuses, Cam remained silent. And as he stared at the moon, he wondered the same thing.