However, in some parts of the country, a foreign dragon-shifter entering their territory marked them as enemy number one. True, it was against the law to murder, but some dragon clans did a lot of things on the sly, uncaring about modern-day laws.
His dragon said softly, Amber would’ve known all that and still taken the risk. Maybe there was a reason she ran, we don’t know.
Tasha’s voice interrupted Brad’s reply to his dragon. “Ashley tells me all the time that I shouldn’t base my opinion on the actions of one dragon-shifter. Sure, the bastard ones end up in the news and then make everyone think you’re all murderers or thieves, or ‘insert criminal type here.’ But it works both ways, Brad. Maybe that human guy your ex ran off with made a rash decision, or was persuasive. However, it could’ve been a joint decision. Regardless, basing your opinion on all humans because one stole your girlfriend is a little stupid, in my opinion.”
He blinked. “Did you just call me stupid?”
She bobbed her head. “A little, yes. Oh, you’re really good at spotting troublemakers or noticing people about to act like idiots in the bar. I’ve never had a security guard as good as you. But in this one instance, regarding your opinion on humans? Yes, you’re an idiot.”
His dragon laughed. I like her even more, if that’s possible.
Considering she’s our true mate, I don’t think so.
But he had to give it to Tasha—she was right. Deep down, he knew she was. However, admitting it wasn’t the easiest thing. Especially since that belief had kept him together for the months after Amber had left, giving him someone to hate for his loss.
His dragon spoke up. It’s been a long time now. Maybe you should be more open-minded. Even knowing the risks, Tasha opened her bar to our kind. She, at the very least, deserves a chance.
Not wanting to answer his beast, Brad grunted. “Maybe I am biased. But it’s much more than my past that made me try to avoid you, Tasha. My dragon noticing how you’re my true mate makes everything complicated. Imagine being constantly drawn to someone despite what you’re feeling. And then if you accidentally kiss them, it starts off a sex marathon that only ends in pregnancy. So I have more than one reason for being cautious. I was protecting us both.”
She raised her eyebrows. “What century is this? I can—and have made—many of my own decisions, Brad Harper. Did you never think to share this with me and see what I say about it?”
His dragon muttered, I suggested that all the damn time.
Ignoring his beast, he replied, “If I had told you the truth, then what? Would you have instantly given up everything to move to a dragon clan? Mating a dragon-shifte
r means living with them on their clan. There’s no way around that in the US. And despite what you may think of me, I know how much your bar means to you. It’s hard enough opening your own business, but then to have it be profitable and stay that way? It’s a big fucking deal.”
Her furrowed brows eased a fraction. “Of course it’s important to me. And who knows how I would’ve reacted. But you still should’ve told me, especially given the whole sex marathon possibility.”
As Tasha stood in the mostly darkness, the light wind blowing her hair to the side, her eyes strong and determined, he forgot about his past for a second. Tasha Jenkins was fucking beautiful, strong, and would never cower before anyone.
She had the heart of a warrior, or better yet, a dragon-shifter.
His dragon spoke up. And she could be ours for more than a fake mating, too. If you tried to win her, even just a little.
Brad had spent so much time trying to avoid the human female, not wanting to betray his former love and his own stubborn ass. He was a Protector after all, and tried to be as honorable, strong, and loyal as he should be.
However, maybe he’d taken his loyalty to his former love, Amber, too far and had instead used it as a shield.
His beast snorted. And now look who’s becoming all soft and poetic.
He cleared his throat. “So now you know the truth. What will you do?”
Tasha shrugged. “That I don’t know just yet. While our little chat has helped me understand you better, I’m not sure one conversation will convince me to give up my entire life.”
He wanted to force her to stay so he could protect her. But he tamped down his urges and said, “I hate to say it, but if you don’t agree to David’s plan, you may end up doing so anyway. And possibly more permanently.”
She didn’t so much as bat an eyelash at his hint of being killed. “Maybe. But I need some time to think. Where’s your sister’s place? We can talk more in the morning, once I sort through some things.”
Ten minutes ago, Brad would’ve jumped at the chance to get rid of her.
And now?
Well, now, he was all confused about what to do with his fated female.
His dragon spoke up. Spending the night apart will help both sides.
And now you’re the rational one?