Free Dragon Me to the Flame (Dragons of Emberside Book 2) by Thalia Frost Page A

Everything was black, even with her eyes open.
    “You said okay. What did you mean?” Niall sat next to her, still in his underwear, as she was all too aware, even feeling as sick as she did suddenly.
    “I mean, I see what you're driving at. There's something that can't be explained away when I see your birthmark and mine. They're nearly identical.” She swallowed hard at the bile rising in her throat.
    “Hey, hey. It's alright. I swear.” He took her into his arms, smoothing her hair under his hands. Skye didn't fight him.
    They sat in silence for several minutes. Tears fell from Skye's eyes.
    “Hey, it's going to be okay. You've made it this far as a dragon shifter. You'll live past today. Actually, you'll flourish now that you know who and what you really are—besides a gifted woman and writer.” Niall brushed her tears with his fingertips, sending shivers through her.
    “Maybe. It doesn't seem like it, but it explains so much.” She sniffled.
    “I'm sure it does.” Niall cleared his throat. “Now that we have that behind us...I'm not sure you realize my full intentions here.”
    Skye stared at him. “I'm reeling right now.”
    “I know. I'm sorry, but there's no time to waste. I want you to be mine—my mate, my wife. I need you, Skye.”
    Skye laughed and slipped out of his arms, standing. “You barely even know me. I have many flaws.”
    “Right. You're standoffish, cold, and have a terrible temper. Did I get them right?” Niall grinned, his arms crossed.
    “Oh!” Skye stamped her foot.
    “Seriously, I want to get to know you. I hate having to rush you and...this. We just have to accelerate that process, if there's going to be a chance for us. There are a lot of clan tensions.” Niall sighed.
    “Not to mention your betrothed.” Skye spit the word out.
    “Skye, I'm so sorry. How could I have known I would meet you?” Niall stood, coming close to her again. “I didn't plan any of this. When I saw you, talked to you, met you...it just happened. Betrothal is just part of dragon clan life. Most of the time, though, it works out.”
    “And if it doesn't, as you're proposing, since you're going to sweep me off of my feet and drag me to your lair instead of Morighan?” Skye raised an eyebrow.
    Niall clenched his jaw. “There's usually hell to pay with the clan.”
    “Well, that sucks for you.” She walked over to the window, ignoring him again.
    “It won't. I promise. Give me a chance. Give us a chance. I'd like you to meet the clan.”
    Skye laughed, still not looking at him. “Really? Is that like meet the parents but with fire breathing relatives instead?”
    “Skye.” Niall sighed. “If they saw that you were a dragon shifter, it would make all of this easier.”
    “What if I don't care?” Her voice was hard now.
    “I want you to think about it—about meeting them within a week.”
    “Okay.” Skye drew the word out.
    “After you get to know me. After you know you want me for your mate, too.”
    Skye turned around then, smiling. “I might as well lose my virginity to a dragon shifter, right?”
    Niall sucked in a breath. “You're...” he trailed off, staring into her eyes.
    “Yes. I get afraid of how much I want...well, you know. I've kept my distance mostly with men.” She bit her lip. Surely he wouldn't want her now.
    “Then you're as smart as hell.”
    “What?” She gaped at him. “What do you mean? That's not...the usual perspective.”
    He laughed. “If you had mated, you might have killed the poor man unlucky or lucky enough to choose you. Dragon shifters are passionate, let's just say.” Niall winked at her.
    Her cheeks grew hot. “Er, right.”
    “I'm serious. I'm glad. That only makes you even more appealing to me. Not because I'm some kind of creep either.” Niall gave her a sheepish grin.
    She bit her lip. “A likely story.” Skye threw her hands up. “I just can't get rid of you. Can I?”
    “No, so just give in.” Niall folded his arms and raised one