Chapter Seven
The paperwork signing didn’t take more than ten minutes. And even with the few extra minutes waiting for David to show proof Tasha was mated to the police, thus giving them no legal reason to stay on StoneRiver, it wasn’t long before Brad sat on a couch inside his sister’s house, Tasha at his side listening to something Andy was saying.
Just as he’d predicted—bringing Tasha to Megan’s house gave Brad time to cool his lust and try to focus on how he’d resist his tempting mate when they were finally alone.
His dragon sighed. I’ve been restraining myself for months. I would think you could do it for a few hours.
Brad wanted to believe he could, too. But the mating ceremony had made it all the more real. And combined with the light weight of the ring on his finger, Brad took his duty to protect his female seriously.
Which included shielding her even from himself. He replied, Let her get used to everything a little more. Having the children around will help keep us both calm. And fuck knows I need calm if I’m going to convince her to stay on StoneRiver indefinitely.
So you do want to win her. You’d better get to it.
I’m working on it, he mentally grumbled.
Tasha waved a hand in front of his face and he finally zeroed in on what she said. “Hello, earth to Brad. Are you listening?”
He grunted. “What?”
“Well, despite the return of your grumpiness, Andy suggested we play a game. Are you on board with that?”
Megan jumped in. “While I’m sure it’d be fun, it’s already past time for Andy to get ready for bed. I think it’s best if you two head home for the night.”
His dragon stood up taller inside his mind. Yes, I like that idea. There’s lots we can do without starting a frenzy. Maybe Tasha will be open to some of it.
As Brad tried to think of an excuse as to why they should stay longer, Tasha stood up. “I could do with some TV time and then head to bed. It’s been a long two days, and I’m sure tomorrow will be even longer, if the League has their way.”
He spoke to his dragon. See? She needs rest. No funny business.
I’m not the one who needed to run to our sister’s house. You’re the one who’s going to have to be careful.
“Brad?” Tasha said with her brows raised. “I get talking with your dragon is a part of who you are, but it really makes conversations super slow at times, doesn’t it?”
Megan snorted. “Not for most people. Just my brother.”
He shot his sister a dirty look as he stood. “Some of us like to think things through, unlike you, Megan.”
“Oh, I think things through. But I don’t overanalyze them, like you do.”
Tasha placed a hand on his arm, and he stilled, her touch like a welcome rush of warmth against his skin. She murmured, “Come on, Brad. I won’t even tease you for the walk back if you want. But I’m being honest here when I say I’m exhausted. Can’t we go home?”
At Tasha calling his house home, a longing shot through him. One where she stayed with him forever, and maybe one day gave him a son or daughter, too.
His dragon whispered, Then be nice to her.
He took her hand and loved how she instantly curled her fingers around his.
If he wanted more than just lust and sex, he’d just have to work harder at taking care of her, like he was supposed to do as her mate. “Sorry, Tasha. We can go now. I might even have some popcorn we can eat while watching TV or a movie. I probably should find out what type of things my mate likes to watch, for a start.”
She grinned. “You may not like all the choices.”
“If you’re there, I won’t care.”
Tasha’s eyes widened a fraction, b
ut she quickly recovered. “Well, it does seem as if you’re full of surprises.”
Andy tugged on Tasha’s top, and both she and Brad looked down at the young male. He said, “You come for breakfast?”