Page 66 of A Fate In Moonstone

A massive black dragon landed in the grass. Rune pulled his black sword out as I lowered myself to the ground.

I was scared, but not for the reasons Rune would assume. The dragon’s silver eyes swirled as he watched me. Then, the beast shifted in a flare of blinding light.

“Sapphira.” Rune grabbed my hand, ready to run or fight with me.

“It’s okay, Rune. He’s…” The word was there. Acceptance wrapped around me as I saw Desmire stretch his arms and flash us a smile.

“Your father,” Rune answered, his jaw slack and his eyes narrowed.

How did he know?

Desmire bowed his head to Rune then shot me a look. “His beast can scent us.”

Rune’s chest rumbled like said beast had something to say inside the Fae body. Desmire stepped closer, his hands raised with each slow movement.

“Your mate is safe in my presence. I will never harm my daughter. In fact, I’ve gone through the hardest lengths a father could to protect her wellbeing.”

All right, I wasn’t a fan of them talking about me like I didn’t get to decide how this interaction went.

“I’m not afraid. I need you by my side, not in front of it.” I gripped Rune’s hand and tugged, the movement caused him to break eye contact with the dragon. My mate watched me, frowned, then nodded once before sheathing his sword.

Desmire’s hearty chuckle echoed around the woods.

“You are so much like your mother. Don’t be too hard on him. It’s in his nature to protect his mate. More so than your standard Fae male.”

“Was it easy for you as a dragon to stand by without protecting your mate?” The words flew out and I wanted so badly to suck them back in. Rune looked at the sky and shook his head.

Desmire’s eyes swirled, and a surge of power shot through the forest.

“I’m sorr—”

“I protect her in other ways, and our fate is not why I came.” The kind expression he’d greeted us with was gone. Great first real impression, Sapphira.

“Your mother shared about your conversation, and now that you know the truth, I need to prepare you for the war ahead.”

Rune’s gaze shot from my father to mine. I’d have to update him on everything soon.

“I’m for that and all but…” My throat bobbed. “Can we just talk first?”

My father’s smile graced his face and the white tattoos flared like the fires beneath were tossed in dry tinder.

“I’d love nothing more than to spend time with you, Sapphira.” He held out his hand. Desmire the dragon, my father, waited with warmth radiating around him like the sun.

Rune released me before I took a step. He got me, and I loved him for it.

Feeling brave, I inched forward and gave my father a hug.

He was so warm, and it took a second before his massive arms surrounded me. His head pressed against the side of mine.

I wish I had better words to explain the feelings that locked into place. But all I could think of was home. The King and I never connected. I just assumed that was normal.

A bond settled inside me. Much like the mating bond but softer. I was safe, and protected, and loved. Even though I didn’t know Desmire’s age, or anything about him really.

I knew I was his daughter, and he cared for me more than I could imagine. It was all there in his embrace.

Even Rune smiled off to the side watching us. Could he scent the bond growing, solidifying between us?

Oh shit.