Chapter 49

FORTY-NINE

T he evening strategy session had dragged into its third hour when Asher’s tablet fell from her lap. Talon caught it before it hit, his reflexes enhanced by constant awareness of her. She’d been pushing herself too hard, running on coffee and determination.

“That’s enough,” he said quietly, but with enough authority that the room fell silent. “We’ll reconvene tomorrow.”

For once, Asher didn’t argue. That worried him more than anything else. As the guards filed out, she leaned against him, allowing his strength to support her. He sensed her bone-deep exhaustion warring with her driving need to finish the preparations.

“You know what’s coming,” she murmured once they were alone. “We’re running out of time.”

His arms tightened around her. “I know.” The words were rough in his throat. His dragon paced restlessly, already agitated by what tomorrow would bring. “But you won’t help anyone if you collapse.”

“Says the dragon who worked through three centuries without a vacation.” She turned in his embrace, reaching up to trace his jaw. “Pot, kettle, extremely attractive black.”

He couldn’t help smiling, even as his heart ached. “Come on. You need food and rest.”

“Are you going to carry me if I refuse?”

“Do I need to?”

“No.” She stretched up to kiss him softly. “But it’s fun to make you think about it.”

They made their way to his private quarters, his arm mantling protectively around her as they walked. The space had become theirs over the past weeks - her research papers mixed with his ancient texts, her tablet charging beside his ceremonial weapons, her coffee cup collection slowly invading his kitchen.

“Shower first,” she decided, heading for the bathroom. “I smell like neural shield components and anxiety.”

“Anxiety has a smell?”

“According to your dragon nose? Absolutely.” She paused in the doorway, her expression turning thoughtful. “You know, I should really document the enhanced olfactory capabilities of dragon shifters. For science.”

“Later.” He guided her toward the shower. “After you’ve rested.”

“You could join me,” she suggested, eyes sparking with mischief. “Help me collect data on water conservation methods.”

His dragon rumbled appreciatively. “That’s a terrible excuse for shower sharing.”

“But is it working?”

Of course, it was. She knew exactly how to blend scientific terminology with seduction in a way that drove him crazy. Ten minutes later, as steam filled the bathroom and Asher’s clever hands traced his chest, Talon decided water conservation was a vitally important environmental concern that deserved thorough investigation.

“Your scales are showing,” she murmured against his throat, fascinated as always by his partial shift response to her touch.

“Your fault.” He lifted her easily, pressing her against the shower wall. “You and your scientific method.”

“Mmm.” She wrapped her legs around his waist, electricity crackling between them. “I love when you talk methodology to me.”

Later, tucked in a warm bed, Talon kissed her then, pouring everything he couldn’t say into the contact. His fear of losing her, his pride in her strength, his absolute faith in her abilities, and above all, his endless love for this brilliant, fearless woman who had changed his world.

Their bond sang between them, emotions flowing freely. His dragon stretched toward her essence, memorizing every detail - the way her heartbeat quickened when he touched her, the soft sounds she made when he kissed that spot behind her ear, the perfect way she fit in his arms as if designed specifically for him.

“I love you,” she whispered against his lips. “My overprotective, absolutely ridiculous dragon.”

“I love you.” He held her closer. “My mate.”

They stayed like that for a long time, trading soft kisses and gentle touches. Tomorrow could bring danger and separation, but tonight was theirs. Tonight they could just be Talon and Asher, two hearts beating in perfect synchronization, their bond humming with love and trust and unshakeable faith in each other.

When exhaustion finally claimed her, he tucked her against his chest. She murmured something about “gathering nocturnal data” that made him smile even as his heart ached. His dragon kept vigilant watch, treasuring every peaceful breath, every small movement as she cuddled closer in her sleep.

In the quiet darkness of their room, Talon allowed himself to simply hold her, love her, and thank whatever twist of fate had brought this remarkable woman into his life.