Dragon Me to Your Lair: A dragon shifter story (Dragons of Emberside Book 1) Read Free Page A

Well, plenty of caves here to enjoy this summer, and maybe beyond, if you stay, lass.” Niall smiled at her as he saw the question in her gaze. He wanted to pull her close and kiss her.
    “Excuse me!”
    He jumped a step back at the voice, releasing Skye's hand. It was Morighan. Blast that dragon woman!
    “Did you see the sign? You know this cave is closed to the public.” She shot daggers through both of them with her icy blue stare as she came into view, pulled up to full height, golden blonde hair trailing down her back, her nostrils flaring.
    “I'm sorry. I'm not from here.” Skye sounded distressed.
    That pissed Niall off even more than Morighan's interference had. “As you know, I am. The weather's terrible out there. We needed shelter before we were struck by lightning and killed.” He heard the razor sharp tone in his voice. Niall didn't care.
    “Well, you need to be leaving soon. I'm doing a survey of the cave—for the government.” She cleared her throat.
    Sure you are, you lying fire breather.
    He gave her a sardonic smile. “We'll clear out soon.”
    “Thank you.” Morighan turned on her heel and disappeared into the black center of the cave.
    Niall wanted to punch the wall, but that wouldn't be a good idea with Skye here. He would give Morighan a talking to later. How dare she?
    But she did dare. She was his betrothed and had every right to breathe fire when she saw him holding a human woman's hand. He had no rights in the matter. All he could do is tell her it was over, and damn the consequences.
    “I think it's slacked up a bit. Are you ready to go?” Skye cleared her throat. She tapped her foot impatiently.
    The spell between them was broken, and he led the way to her cottage in sad silence.
     
    * * * *
    “Well, here we are. Thank you again. I'm glad I didn't brave that for hours trying to find my way back.” Skye laughed as she opened her front door.
    Niall followed her inside, desperate to be with her. The last thing he wanted right now was to return to the cave and to what was waiting to be done.
    “Any time. I'll be 'round tomorrow to do some weed trimming and the like. It won't be too early, though, and I'll try to keep the noise down so you can write.” He studied her flushed cheeks and full lips.
    By Zeus! She's pretty.
    “That would be great. Hey...” she trailed off and bit her lip as if thinking. Niall waited, not wanting to push her. She was like a skittish yearling dragon, unsteady and not trusting of anyone—at her core.
    “Would you like a cup of tea and a scone or two? It's the least I can offer. I noticed my cabinets were stocked for me when I arrived.” Skye shrugged and inclined her head.
    “Of course. Thank you.” Niall eased himself into one of the kitchen chairs. “Can I help with anything?”
    “No. I just have to find everything.” Skye shrugged. “New place and all. I'm still opening the wrong cabinet just to find a cup.”
    “Right. So...what kind of novel are you writing? I'm sorry to ask when I'm sure you get the same question all the time.” He stared at her shapely form as she reached high to get to the tea bags.
    “Oh, it's a romantic suspense novel.” Her cheeks grew pink.
    “Does that embarrass you?” He gazed into her eyes as she took the tea bags down.
    “No. Why should it?” Her tone was curt.
    “You blushed.” He grinned, enjoying putting her on the spot.
    “No, I didn't.” Skye went to the sink and then slammed the teapot down on the burner.
    “Yes, you did. But maybe it's just because you're shy.” He wriggled his brows.
    “I'm not. I didn't blush. I'm like most writers—neurotic about my work and worried the next novel won't be any good. The first was a bestseller.” Skye dug for something else in the pantry. “I know there are scones in here somewhere. I saw them earlier.”
    “Wow. A bestseller. That's great. Congratulations.” He watched her rummage for a moment. “Hey, I know where they are.” Before she could