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I didn’t even look at the papers. “You trust a fire dragon report over your grandson?”
The air in the room stilled as we all turned to Tukaqu and held our breaths. My family disagreed, fought, and moved away from the mansion to start our own lives. But we always came back together. Because that’s what family did, we trusted each other.
Tukaqu sat heavily in his chair. “No. I suppose I don’t.”
I nodded. “Then trust me now.” I brought my hands together. “I’m sorry you learned about Jay from the fire dragons, but I’ve known this entire time. My mate told me, at the Social, she couldn’t have kids.” I smiled. “I chose her anyway.”
Our family advisors scoffed, and my dad blanched.
This couldn’t be what pulled us apart. “Jay’s complicated,” I said into their shock. “Until we figure out what’s going on, the family doesn’t need to get involved.”
I didn’t doubt. But Jay was adamant it was a curse tying us to her. If it kept my family strong, I could give them that. I sank back into my seat and found Jay still absent from our chat.
I didn’t make eye contact with anyone. “Jay thinks she’s cursed, and once she breaks it, I won’t want her anymore.”
Tukaqu released a relieved breath, which made me want to punch him. “That doesn’t sound like a bad thing.”
I clenched my fist but left it.
“In less than two days.” Tukaqu drew the table's attention again. “The Elemental Meeting commences. We’re breaking for an hour to give everyone a chance to read over the fire dragons’ report. Then, my grandson will bring us up to speed on his version of events, and we will work together.”
Nods went around the table.
My dad drew my attention. “I’ve been waiting for this moment, son.”
I furrowed my eyebrows.
“Every day, I’ve watched you grow into a better man, a strong dragon who sees the world differently than the rest of us.” He squeezed my shoulder. “I don’t agree with you, but I’m glad to see you finally taking your place at the table.”
I waited. My dad loved his easy life, his wives, and the small piece of the world he had absolute control over. His words might be true, but he only said them so whatever came out of his mouth next would have more meaning.
He clapped me on the shoulder. “Remember, whatever happens with your mate, your family’s here.”
He gave me an encouraging smile. ‘Whatever happens with your mate.’
He expected me to fail.
Jay’s smiling face filled my memory. What would she do if her dad said that to her?
She’d own his words.
“Family’s in the heart.” I thumped my chest. “Whatever happens, my family will always be with me.”
It was my dad’s turn to scowl.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
LUX
I’d woken up with Jay’s scent clinging to my skin and my dick painfully hard. My rut still hovered, and I made a rash decision. It wasn’t until I was knocking on her door that I realized what I was doing. Fortunately, she hadn’t been in. A cold shower later, I’d wrestled control of my brain from my cock, but still struggled to focus on anything other than Jay.
I brought Seven Wonders to her door at lunch, only to find her still out, which was odd, as she didn’t really have anywhere to be. Then again, she might be exploring or shadowing Aria. My beast didn’t like it. Every hour I spent away from Jay, he ate another chunk of the peace we’d found last night, bringing me dangerously close to losing myself to my rut.
Focusing on my students during my last two classes was almost impossible. The moment they left my charge, I rushed to Jay’s door. After knocking politely, my dragon surged forward and pounded it once with our metal fist. The sound echoed down the brightly lit hall. The smell of marble and dust filled my heightened senses. Only the barest whiff of Jay hinted that she’d ever been here. Either she hadn’t left the room at all, or she never came back to it.
Something was wrong.
The moment I admitted it, my dragon twisted inside of me. If the beast understood the concept of ‘I told you so,’ he’d be throwing it in my face. Adrenaline flooded my system with pure violence. My ears shifted without my permission, and my tail shot out of my backside, tearing the fabric of my robes. I clenched my fists, fighting against my rut. Losing my mind to pure emotion couldn’t happen here.
