Page 27 of Her Silent Knight

Chapter Eight

SHE’S OURS,his dragon roared.

There was no arguing that. She was indeed his. He’d found his treasure. Right now, all he wanted to do was free himself so he could check on his mate who was passed out at his feet.

“Hurry,”he rushed his beast. “Use your fire to weaken the chains.”

The heat of his dragon’s roar filled him, literally. It soared through him, strengthening him. Strengthening his muscles, his resolve, his determination to help his mate. Why hadn’t he thought of this?

Instead of smiling smugly at her, angering her further, he should’ve been trying to stop her. Why hadn’t he remembered that mates couldn’t harm one another? It was physically impossible.

And when they tried to do so, they only ended up hurting themselves. That was why his witch had passed out. He refused to blame his actions on the fact that he’d been here so long, with no hope of finding a mate, that he’d forgotten the mating rules.

That may be true. It still was no excuse. His mate, the woman he was charged to protect for eternity, was lying at his feet. She’d experienced pain, because of him. She’d cried, because of him.

Kaede’s roar joined that of his dragon’s. He didn’t care who heard. He’d destroy any creature who came near this cabin again. Smoke billowed from his nose with each exhale. He could feel the chains loosening.

He inhaled deeply and with one final roar, he pulled his arms free. He knelt down and ripped the chains from his legs. Free, he scooped his mate up in his arms and held her against his chest.

Mine.

“Yes,”Kaede responded, staring down at his witch’s beautiful tear-stained face. “And look at what we’ve done to her.”

Didn’t mean to.

No, he hadn’t meant to. That was no excuse though. He’d never forgive himself for this. Never. Kaede lowered his forehead to hers. Mine. He was holding his mate. His arms were wrapped around his mate.

He couldn’t recall the last time he’d felt this much joy. Now, he just needed to wake her up and apologize. Kaede carried her over to the couch and gently laid her down. Beautiful. Smiling, he kissed her forehead.

We are blessed.

“We are.”

For so many years he’d yearned to have his voice back. He’d yearned for a mate to come along so he could get his voice back. Now he had her and he had his voice. He should be screaming at the top of his lungs, just to hear the sound of his own voice.

He wasn’t. He didn’t want to speak. Not until she was awake. He wanted his first real conversation in over sixty years to be with her. If only she’d wake up, he’d go to his knees and beg her forgiveness.

She will be okay,his dragon told him. She only punched us. She didn’t do any real harm. Had she actually managed to hurt us, the outcome would be worse.

“I just want her to wake up,”Kaede told his beast.

Squatting beside the couch, he watched her chest rise and fall with every breath she took. Kaede stared down. At least he wasn’t hard anymore. He returned his gaze to his mate. Seeing her pass out had quickly put an end to that. His mind was now consumed with protecting her.

We can’t sit here forever. We have to dress.

Oh, right. Clothes. Though he knew he needed to dress, he didn’t want to tear his gaze from his mate. She truly was the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen. Her curves would fit nicely next to his as they slumbered every night.

Now that his dragon was awake, his body temp would naturally run high. Far higher than others. His mate was a fire witch. That meant she could handle his heat. They were perfect for one another.

Dress!

Reluctantly, Kaede stood, eyes still on his mate. He needed to find the clothes she’d stolen from him. His lips lifted in a slight grin. She was the perfect mate. She’d managed to kidnap him and she’d stripped him naked.

She’d even planned to torture him. His mate could handle her own. She was just what he needed. The Fates had truly gifted him with a fine life partner.

Now, who’s the one that’s tame?

Kaede growled. “I’m not tame. I’m just appreciative.”