Even with a week to get used to the idea, Kiyana sometimes forgot a little half-dragon-shifter was growing inside of her. Especially since she had zero pregnancy symptoms so far. Layla suggested maybe it had to do with the dragon blood injections Kiyana was receiving every few days. Regardless, the doctor had assured her many times over she was still pregnant.
Kiyana touched Alistair's bicep. "I know. And Finn promised you could go back to teaching once you were fully recovered. But having the knowledge and not using it, well, that seems a waste."
"I know, I know." He stopped to take her hand. "I just missed so much whilst I was unconscious, and I want to get up to speed as quickly as possible, especially when it concerns you, love."
She squeezed his hand in hers. "And I'm here, willingly going to dinner with your entire family. I think that's a fairly good way to get to know my mate."
Even though they still hadn't had a formal mating ceremony, they had both accepted it in their hearts.
No, Alistair hadn't said he loved her yet, but she was sure it would come with time. Especially since she was more than halfway there herself.
And while some might think dinner with his family would do the opposite, Kiyana was sure it'd bring her even closer to her dragonman.
The only lingering question she had concerned her mother. Kiyana wasn't yet sure if she wanted her mum to try to stay on Lochguard permanently or go back down South. And as much as she wanted her mother to stay, Kiyana wouldn't decide it for her. Even though Kiyana's childhood home reminded her mother of her late husband, her friends and family lived there. Uprooting her life would be a massive step.
Meg's voice drifted into the air, interrupting her thoughts. "Och, now, hurry yourselves up. Everyone's here already, and the food will go cold if you dally much longer."
Alistair muttered, "We're fifteen minutes early."
Meg replied as if he'd shouted it on the wind. "And in our house, that's as good as late. Now, come on. Your poor mother is waiting to spend some quality time with her youngest son."
Kiyana did her best not to laugh. Meg had visited her son every day, without fail.
She lightly squeezed Alistair's hand and released it. "We're coming, Meg."
"Don't encourage her," Alistair murmured low enough
that only Kiyana should be able to hear it.
"Hey, I'm the human entering the dragon's den. I have to pick my battles, and this is one where I can side with your mother. Hamish told me that dinners at your mum's house are entertaining, and I'm looking forward to seeing if he's right or not."
Alistair grunted as he walked once more. Or, hobbled might be a better way to describe it. "You talk about Hamish quite a bit, and my dragon doesn't like it."
She rolled her eyes. "He's kind enough to donate blood to help me and the baby. Not to mention he's happily mated. Stop being silly."
Alistair fell silent, and she mentally kicked herself. The tests were still inconclusive as to whether Alistair could father more children or not—his body was still adjusting to the foreign human's blood, and Layla didn't know exactly what to expect. However, the one thing the doctor knew for certain was that Alistair's blood was still too tainted to give to Kiyana and improve her chances of surviving childbirth.
Sensing her dragonman was going to turn moody if she didn't intervene, she continued, "I picked you, Alistair Boyd, and no one else. Can't that be enough?"
He met her gaze and his pupils flashed. Merely picking him wasn't quite enough, even for her, but she wasn't going to force love from him. Bloody hell, Alistair had nearly died a few times over the last three months. His health was more important than her dreams of a solid, stable relationship with a clear happy ending in sight.
They reached the front door, which was still open, and entered. Noises came from the dining room, but after closing the door, Kiyana stopped Alistair and pulled his head down for a kiss.
Soon enough she retreated and whispered, "That should motivate you. Because if the dinner goes well, I may have a few surprises for you later."
He kept his voice low as well. "But you're sore, love."
"Only a little, but not enough to keep me from craving more."
His pupils flashed and he kissed her again. "I would capture the moon for you, lass, to claim your reward. But I can't make promises about being on my best behavior. My eldest brother knows how to get under my skin at times, not to mention my mother."
"Ah, but remember, my mum is there too. Between her and I, it changes the dynamics. Maybe even to your favor."
He smiled slowly. "I like that possibility."
She laughed. "I thought you would. Now, let's go."
~~~