Without moving his blue gaze from hers, the leader stood up and said, “My name is Bram Moore-Llewellyn.”
The man’s bearing was so regal she barely resisted the urge to curtsy. “Melanie Hall. Just Hall, I don’t have a double-barreled last name like you.”
The fierce man didn’t even crack a smile. Were all dragon-shifters so serious?
Bram said, “Let’s sit down.” He then motioned to a set of couches on the far side of the room.
Bram took the couch across while Tristan sat down next to her, careful not to touch her. Mel folded her hands in her lap, unsure if she should speak or wait for one of the men to speak.
When all they did was stare at her, she decided enough was enough. Since any time she talked with Tristan she said whatever came to mind, she focused on Bram. “Sir, Bram, Mr. Moore-Llewellyn? I’m honored to meet you, but if there is nothing else to discuss, may I go? I’d really like the chance to settle in and get to know my surroundings.”
Tristan drawled, “More like go back and spy on the young dragons practicing.”
She looked over at him. “I think that falls under the ‘getting to know my surroundings’ criteria.”
There was a grunt from Bram’s direction, and she looked back at him and he said, “Melanie, you can get to know your surroundings tomorrow since tonight will be busy.” He waved toward Tristan. “Tristan will take you to your quarters. Some of the human women will visit with you and prepare you for tonight.”
“Tonight?”
Bram nodded. “Yes, tonight. I’m not surprised Tristan didn’t tell you about the welcoming ceremony because he hates group gatherings, but you two will have one all the same. It’s a chance for the clan to get to know you, and for us to wish you two a fruitful pairing.”
Mel’s cheeks flushed at the thought of “pairing” with Tristan.
Bram continued. “While I wanted to meet you, there is another reason I asked Tristan to bring you to me. If for any reason you are scared for your safety or are being mistreated, come to me. I trust only a few people more than Tristan, but it’s important for you to know you’re not alone. You are part of Stonefire—at least, for now—and I do everything I can to protect my clan. Remember that.”
At the fierceness in his eyes, she believed him. She nodded, but as the silence dragged on, she said, “Is there anything else?”
Bram eyed her for a minute before he said, “One last thing. If you betray my clan, you will be punished. Some human females in the past have tried to steal dragon’s blood or other secrets, and are now serving life sentences in prison. I know this is all forbidden in the fine print of your contract, but I’ve found a straightforward reminder helps to lessen the number of offenses.”
She wondered if just taking notes would fall under the category of stealing secrets. She’d have to talk with Bram about that soon, just in case. “I understand.”
Bram stood up. “Good. Now, Tristan will take you to your assigned cottage where you’ll live for your time here at Stonefire. I’ll see you again tonight.” He put out a hand and she took it to shake.
She felt a hand at her elbow. She looked to her left and saw Tristan standing next to her. She hadn’t even heard him stand up.
He tugged at her elbow. “Let’s go. The females are probably already waiting for you.”
Bram released her hand. With a nod, Tristan turned her around and guided her out the door.
As he urged her toward the biggest collection of houses she’d seen so far, some of Mel’s bravado faded. Meeting with some of the human women would give her a glimpse of how her life would be here. Given the two males she’d met so far, she didn’t have high hopes everything would magically get better once she settled in.
Chapter Four
Tristan couldn’t get Melanie to move fast enough. He wanted to drop her off and get a small reprieve from her incessant questions, and her oddly addicting scent.
Carrying her on his shoulder had been a mistake. The instant her full, plump breasts had pressed against his back, his cock had gone hard. Sliding her down his body had only made him harder.
If that wasn’t enough, her scent told him she was nearly at the fertile time of the month, and his inner dragon had screamed at him to throw her on the ground and fuck her. Even now, with Melanie at his side, his dragon was impatient, not understanding why he would give another male the chance to get her with child ahead of him.