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 fromher.
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.
Chapter Eight
Cam regularly taught the young dragons flight maneuvers. Since Seahaven was so small, there were only two full-time teachers for the children, and so other clan members pitched in to help cover special areas.
However, as he waited for the students to arrive at the cliff overlooking the sea, his heart thumped harder than usual. He hoped everything went well today and that the students didn’t try to pull any tricks and get hurt in the process.
His dragon spoke up.Emily will enjoy it, regardless of what happens.
Maybe. But it’s the older students today, and they like to push boundaries.
You did the same, so you understand how to handle them.
There’s also Tor. He wants to try out his latest detection and vibration device for the first time.
You would never allow Tor to get hurt. But he’s nearly an adult now, and you need to start trusting him more.
I do trust him. But the new device is still in the developmental stage, and if something goes wrong…
Stop worrying. And look, they’re coming.
