~~~
Both the human and dragon halves of Rhydian wanted to find the fucking arsehole who'd hurt Delaney and teach him a thing or two about treating people with respect.
While he may make decisions for others at times inside his clan, he'd never barter someone's body or soul so easily, let alone for his own personal gain.
His dragon roared. He should die for hurting her. She's our mate and ours to protect.
Those words reminded him of how difficult it would be to rein in their protective instincts.
But for Delaney, he would try his hardest. She was worth it, and so much more.
Then she asked him if he would talk with her about decisions. After a few beats, he answered, "I will always try. I wish I could say yes, I'll always consult you, but sometimes there are split-second decisions when danger is involved. If hunters invaded the clan, for example, I would do whatever it took to protect you. However, there wouldn't be time to discuss it. For everyday things, I will. But I can't promise for everything, Delaney. Can you accept that?"
As she stared at him, Rhydian resisted the urge to pace. He had no idea why her answer meant so much to him. He'd known her a matter of days.
And yet, it fucking mattered. He wanted her, but he also wanted to lead his people to a better future. Not just for him or for some sort of posterity. No, children such as Rian deserved a safe, stable existence.
The only question was whether he could have both without making Delaney miserable.
His beast hissed. We wouldn't make her miserable. She will be treasured, consulted, protected, and so much more.
That's not enough in some cases, dragon.
Delaney turned toward him, standing a little straighter. "What about for the mate announcement going forward? Will you consult me on that? As well as how we get the clan on our side?"
He noticed she hadn't answered his question, but put it aside for the moment. Hope dangled in front of him, and he was going to try seizing it. "We can work together on that from here on out, I promise you. If you want a clan gathering, even after I lay out all the pros and cons, we'll do it. If you want to send a formal clan-wide email, we can do that, too. If you want to make me dance in front of the whole clan, holding you close to show how much I want you as my mate, I'll do it. But I can't promise I can do that sort of thing with everything that happens."
The corner of her mouth ticked up, and relief washed over him. Maybe hope would soon turn into reality after all.
She said, "I like the dancing idea. Beyond the fact I like dancing with you, I think it'll have a more lasting effect than someone merely reading words on a screen."
He risked a step closer, but the smile didn't fade from Delaney's face. He nodded. "Then we'll dance. Five times if need be."
"Maybe not that often. Although I know a thing or two about putting on a good show. Maybe we can work together and have a more informal gathering, with dancing and even some theatrics?"
Rhydian had never tried acting or entertaining for any role outside of being clan leader, but if Delaney had some ideas, he’d try his best to put on the show she wanted.
And while he wanted to keep talking about details with Delaney, maybe even make her laugh in the process, he couldn't ignore her lack of an answer to his question. Because her answer would determine everything. "And my truth about sometimes making decisions without you?"
She tilted her head. "I can't say I like it, but compromises should happen both ways, and I can't expect for you to be the only one to concede. I do think talking more will help, especially as we learn more about each other and the respective worlds we come from."
He put out a hand, palm up. "Then shall
we dance to seal our deal? Us both sharing more with each other, learning one another, to try to make this work?"
His dragon murmured, I want to know her better in all ways.
Delaney slipped her hand into his, her skin against his washing away the lingering doubt. She replied, "Teach me a few new dances, Rhydian. After all, we need to find the perfect one to show off to the clan."
He slowly pulled her close, loving how she fit perfectly in his arms. "And once you have the hang of the steps, we can talk some more, too. Maybe we can each take turns asking a question? No limits, just honesty?"
She smiled up at him. "I'd like that. Although I hope since I bared my soul a wee while ago, I get to ask the first one?"
He pressed a little more against her waist. "Of course, love. Ask me anything."
And so they danced and talked about small things, each of them trying to get to know the other without tearing up old wounds.
Rhydian definitely owed her more of his past as well, but he'd wait for the right time. After all, one gut-wrenching story a day should be the limit. Besides, as Delaney smiled and teased him, allowing him to guide her through the dance, he was a tad selfish. This, right here, was what he wanted. A future with a brilliant, brave female who wouldn't be his subordinate, but his equal.