Page 68 of Scales ’N’ Spells: Volume One

Cameron shook with a soft chuckle, eyes crinkling up. “Is that what you thought? That I was pulling your leg?”

“Well, I could tell you were trying to joke with me and ease my tension. I didn’t put much stock in anything you said.” And he’d been trying to hide just how desperately aroused he was the entire time.

“Damn. I was afraid of that. I was being serious with you, on that at least. I don’t like dating men my age. They’re immature for the most part, and I end up wanting to strangle them. It’s frustrating. Every time I’ve dated an older man, it worked better. And honey, I have to tell you, the first time I laid eyes on you I wanted to seduce you so bad.”

Part of Alric’s unease fled. Cameron had told him several times that he found Alric attractive. Alric appreciated it on many levels as honestly, he needed that reassurance. And he liked hearing it, seeing the truth of it in Cameron’s face. “I’ve always found you stunning.”

“Yeah?” Cameron lit up in a smile that stretched from ear to ear. “You like geeks, huh?”

“I apparently do. I took one look at you and suddenly realized I had a type.”

This delighted Cameron, and he laughed outright before kissing him, quick and sweet. Alric loved it, loved that he could make Cameron happy like this. He mentally kicked himself for not trying harder before to win Cameron over. His own insecurities were at fault here. But Cameron had seen the worst of him and still was here, warm and solid in his arms, and that spoke volumes.

Still, he wasn’t sure if Cameron had really thought all of this through. So much had happened, in such a short amount of time. And Cameron hadn’t really seen what Alric’s life was like, how much the demands of his clan pulled at him. He didn’t want to blindside the man with that knowledge later.

“Cameron, you do understand that whoever choses me, choses to be co-ruler of the clan as well?”

Cameron stopped laughing, but his eyes were warm on Alric’s. “I know. Well, I can’t just say that because I honestly have a very limited grasp of all that entails. And I’m not sure if I’m what anyone would choose as a co-ruler. I’m the youngest by far in this clan, after all.”

That was true. By several hundred years, no less.

“But dating is all about two people figuring out how compatible they are.” Cameron nodded, confident with his own opinion. “And we can’t do that if we don’t even try.”

“I’d love to date you, love to try,” Alric confessed. “I don’t want you to be blind to the burdens and responsibilities that come with me, either. I feel that would be a disservice to both of us. Perhaps sit with me from now on, at least watch and observe as I work. It will give you a better idea of the scope of everything.”

“See? This is why I like dating older men.” Cameron’s fingers carded through his hair again, his touch gentle. It sent pleasurable tingles along his scalp. “Because you don’t irresponsibly think ‘it’ll work out’ and leave it up to fate. You do whatever you can to make sure it works out. I have a serious weakness for competent, smart men.”

Alric didn’t particularly think of himself as either. He relied far too much on people like Dieter, Gunter, and Baldewin to keep things progressing within the clan. But he did like that Cameron viewed him as such.

“I don’t know much about you,” Cameron admitted, and he frowned at the words. “There’s too much I don’t know about you.”

“I can say the same for you but…well, would you like to learn something about me today?”

Cameron blinked at him hopefully. “Yes? What would that be?”

“Get your mind out of the gutter, young mage,” Alric mock-scolded him. In truth, he was a little too pleased by how obvious Cameron’s desire for him was. “I meant my hoard.”

That derailed Cameron’s lecherous thoughts completely. “Wait, dragons seriously have hoards? That wasn’t just myth?”

“Oh, we have hoards,” Alric assured him. “We have many rules about our hoards, too, as otherwise, with this many dragons in one place, the hoards would take over the castle.”

“I can totally see that. Dragons who can age hundreds of years would have too much time on their hands to collect stuff. I mean, I’m twenty-three, and the amount of stuff I have is just ridiculous. So, what’s your hoard?”

“Come and see,” Alric said in a low voice.

“Said the spider to the fly.” Cameron slid off his lap, reaching for his glasses. “It’s ridiculous how much I trust you. I always seem to be following you somewhere.”

Alric knew that. And reveled in it.

They left the bedroom, Alric reaching for Cameron’s hand. He could remember each time he’d held Cameron’s hand, and no matter the number, it always felt special. Cameron’s hand wasn’t entirely soft—it had some calluses here and there—although it was a little cool. He looked down at their linked hands in concern as they reached the hallway. “You’re chilled?”

“I always am,” Cameron answered ruefully. “I have no blood, or at least that’s the running joke in the family. I’m always colder than everyone else.”

Alric frowned at him in concern. “But the castle interior is never particularly warm.”

“Trust me, I know,” Cameron responded dryly. “And I really didn’t pack anything for cooler climes. That wool blanket that you bought me has become my best buddy.”

“Really?” Alric’s heart skipped at the thought.