The presenters finished their talk, and when the teacher asked the students to give them a round of applause, almost every child did so.
He noted the few who didn't. Rhydian didn't want to keep a list of possibly problematic children, but for Rian's sake, he had to.
Once the students had all filed out—Rian included since he'd asked earlier to go back to class and Rhydian had agreed—he made his way over to the group from Stonefire and Lochguard. He didn't waste time finding Kai, motioning with his head for the Protector to follow. Once they reached the far side of the room, Rhydian asked in hushed tones, "Do you have a few minutes to talk about our project before leaving?"
Kai grunted. "I promised my mother I'd take everyone to her place. But once I do that, we can talk."
"Good. If Delaney can go with you to Lily's, then I'll be in my office finishing a few minor things for the plan."
"Of course. I'll escort her to my mother's."
With that, Kai headed back toward the group and Rhydian went to Delaney.
As soon as he reached her, Holly smiled and left them alone. He murmured, "Can I pull you closer and hold you for a few seconds before you go with them?"
Delaney placed her hands on his waist and closed the distance between them. "Does your dragon need to do a little claiming in front of everyone?"
"While he always wants that, it's for me. I couldn't stop staring and noticing how beautiful you are."
Running her hand up his back, she lightly stroked as she replied, "I would kiss you right now if I could." She glanced over her shoulder at the other group and back again. "I hope with Kai here you'll figure out exactly when I can do that."
His dragon growled. Tomorrow, if I have any say in the matter.
I wish, dragon, but it'll be a few more days than that.
He focused back on his mate-to-be. "Me, too, love." He leaned over to nuzzle her cheek, inhaling her lovely scent of summer and sunshine. "But since we can't, if Rian can stay at his friend's house for dinner, we can at least have a few hours alone. Although I won't be eating much food when something much tastier is right in front of me."
She lightly slapped his back. "Rhydian, stop. They can probably hear you."
He leaned back to meet her gaze. Relief flooded him when he saw she wasn't angry. He was slowly learning what he could do, while she was also slowly learning to trust him and realize he wasn't her former bastard manager. "All of them are either mated or wishing they were. What I just said is tame compared to what many other dragon-shifters would say about their females. I'll save the dirtiest for when we're alone."
The corner of her mouth ticked up. "I can't wait to hear the non-tame version of Rhydian Griffiths."
He brushed a section of her hair back from her face. "You'll definitely meet him when my dragon half comes out during the frenzy. I'll never be able to outdo him in that department." He paused and quickly whispered, "You're not afraid of him, are you?"
She hugged him tighter against her. "He's a part of you, so of course not."
"What I wouldn't give to kiss you right now, love."
As they stared into one another's eyes, his heart raced as his body heated. Rhydian hadn't wanted someone so much it hurt for n
early two decades. While it hadn't been all that long, he no longer could imagine a life without Delaney at his side.
His dragon grunted. We do whatever it takes to keep her. She's our mate. She belongs with us.
Only when a whistle came sailing through the air, combined with a "Don't worry, we've shielded the bairns' eyes from the free show" from Fraser did it break the spell.
He sighed at the same time Delaney giggled. Turning his head over his shoulder, he growled, "Mind your own business, MacKenzie."
"Why? You wanted to get to know us better, and this is who I am. Most learn to love it. And if you're not one of them, I'll just pretend you are."
Tristan sighed. "Can we visit Kai's mother now? The more annoying MacKenzie brother should behave better in front of her."
Rhydian reluctantly released Delaney. "Go ahead. But if you drive Lily mental, then I'll have a chat with your leader, MacKenzie."
He swore he heard "Good luck with that," from Fraser. But Delaney's voice quickly banished the thought from his mind. "Come find me when you're done. I learned some things from Holly, and I have some questions."
"Of course, love." He dared to kiss her cheek, lingering to taste the saltiness of her skin before adding, "I'm glad you've made a friend."