Page 21 of Ember's Dragon
“Where did they all go?” I asked, finally noticing most had disappeared and those who remained acted like they weren’t watching us, but totally were.
“I sent them away,” he replied simply. “They have to respect my space, so when I couldn’t find you, I had to do something.”
“Thank you,” I mumbled, feeling a little silly from walking away.
“You come first, Ember, and I’m sorry for once again failing to keep you safe.” I felt his guilt through our bond, thick and strong. He was actively berating himself as we walked through the cobblestone streets.
“I guess I’ll just need to warm up to crowds.” I needed him to know this wasn’t all his fault. I’d been the one walking away from him, after all.
“Or,” he said, smiling at me. “We need to plan our outings so people know to keep their distance more. Now that I’m mated, I won’t be comfortable with any unmated alphas who get too close to you.”
“Does that mean that omegas won’t be close to you either?” I asked, already feeling calmer by the thought alone.
He laughed, tugging me into a side hug. “No one gets close to me except for you and my brothers.”
“Promise?” I grinned, returning his hug.
“Promise.”
Chapter Seventeen
River
I was used to people wanting to talk to me, but never before had I hated it as much as I did this evening. Ember had been lost in the masses and I’d felt my heart beat out of sync as I tried to find him. It wasn’t until I told them all to give me some room, blaming my dragon on feeling suffocated. Thankfully, they’d listened and backed off, well most of them had. I’d spotted Ember immediately once they’d dispersed and my poor heart was still hurting from the sight of him hiding all alone and scared.
The happiness that flowed through our bond now was a soothing comfort as we walked hand in hand down the street. Many gawked at the clear display of our claim on one another. I’d never touched an omega in public before and neither had my brothers. My claim on Ember was therefore evident as we continued to stroll towards my favorite tavern.
The Dusty Lusty came into view. The flower beds outside were blooming with vibrant red begonia flowers. The wholestone front was covered in ivy, reaching all the way up to the third floor.
“This is it,” I declared, gesturing excitedly to the tavern.
“It looks so cozy, even from the outside,” Ember gushed, clearly picking up on my happy emotions.
“It’s wonderful inside, too,” I added, opening the front door and scenting the amazing aromas.
“River!” Dusty cheered, the big alpha skirting around the bar to greet us. “I thought you’d died!”
I scoffed. “Way to be dramatic about it.”
He just beamed. “Well, you did stay away for over a week, I thought you’d found another tavern to please with your charming looks.”
“I would never!” I gasped, making both him and Ember laugh.
“Oooh, who do we have here?” Dusty smiled, holding out his hand to Ember. “I’m Dusty, River’s oldest friend, and you are?”
“Ember,” my mate replied, shaking Dusty’s hand. “I’m his omega.”
Dusty’s eyes widened and then a full-blown grin took over. “It’s a true pleasure to meet you then! I can’t believe River is finally a taken man!”
“You better believe it,” Ember grinned, his gaze meeting mine with a claiming sort of intensity.
“This calls for a celebration!” Dusty declared, running over behind the bar. Dusty truly was my oldest friend. I’d grown up leaning on him. He was a bear shifter, and his human formmatched it, with his huge build and hairy chest and arms. He was also the kindest alpha in town, offering safe housing for omegas in heat. It was what the third floor was primarily used for. He had alpha friends he trusted and called to help the omegas if they wished for it. It was one of the biggest reasons for my weekly visits here. I wanted to support his tavern as best as I could and the food tasted amazing, so no complaints from me.
“Is he okay?” Ember whispered as we both stared at Dusty scrambling around behind the bar. We heard several glasses break before Dusty returned with fae wine and two crystal glasses.
“Follow me!” he declared, shaking his hips as he narrowly made his way between the seated guests who were all eating happily. I was thankful my favorite table was free, the one with a clear view into the back garden. It was a booth type of seat, making it private and cozy, the sconces turned low to create ambiance as well.
“Thank you, Dus,” I said, squeezing his shoulder. “We truly appreciate it.”
