Page 15 of Resurrecting the Witch
“You’re being an ass is what you’re being,” Arch said, clearly reading my thoughts again that were currently wondering if Warren’s blood would match the color of the hair on his decapitated head when I had a chance to truly fight him.
“I agree with Arch, which I never thought I’d say,” Dominic added. The dragon directed the wrath always swimming beneath the surface of his skin toward Warren.
“I may be an ass, but I would be a better mate for Cliona than thisgobshite,” Warren said, and I lost it.
I launched myself across the circle and the scent of his blood as my fist connected with his nose was divine. I barely heard the shouts around me and only managed a few good hits before I was pulled away by strong green arms.
“Come back this afternoon for our solo session, Warren,” Dr. Luna dismissed him before the bastard left the room in a huff, as if he has any room to be mad. He’d clearly provoked me.
“I have to follow him to make sure he stays away from Cliona,” I demanded and thrashed against Grom’s grip on me. She was my only worry now and I couldn’t let her be wooed by him before I’d even had the chance to show her the pleasure my cock could bring her.
“You do not,” Dr. Luna said.
I glared at him in anger and his features softened as he continued.
“One, he isn’t actually interested in Cliona, Patrick. He was just getting a rise out of you, which I’d say he succeeded at.”
I felt my cheeks burn at the truth in his statement. I’d let him get the best of me. I shrugged Grom’s grip on me off and went back to my seat.
“Two, even if he tried, Cliona would chew him up and spit him out if he even got near her.”
I thought of my temptress and the well of magick so deep in her that it frightened me multiple times in the short time we’ve known one another. I smiled at the thought of her ripping Warren’s throat out.
“I think you’re right, Doc.”
“I know I am,” he answered.
The session continued and we discussed some reality TV shows about dating, which prompted an in-depth discussion on consent which we all scoffed at. As if any of our courting practices took consent away; that was a human custom we never understood. We could be demanding and controlling, but only when our mates wanted us to be. No one wants to force anyone. It was insulting to even suggest it.
But I’d also known othersídherealm warriors who didn’t hold the same sentiment and learned from the humans that you could just take what you wanted instead of earning it. The other alphas and I weren’t that way, and I didn’t think we’d have been let on the island if that were the case.
The meeting came to its natural close without any other issues, but I lingered a while longer and asked Dominic and Dr. Luna to stay behind as well. As soon as everyone exited, I started on what I hoped would be step one of making Cliona mine.
“I know you both are familiar with Cliona because I can smell her on you.” I paused and looked each male in the eyes.
I had recognized Dr. Luna’s scent on her almost immediately on our date. They were both council chairs and probably spent a lot of time with her. Grom and Drew had her scent on them too, but I hadn’t felt they were interested in some reason. I honestly didn’t think Dominic or Dr. Luna were either, but I had to make sure.
Dominic, I knew, as a dragon, hadn’t found his mate. Otherwise, he would have taken her away from here to breed with her as soon as he identified her. Dragons were fiercely protective of their mates, even more so than fae and were known for hoarding them away and never leaving them alone. So, I didn’t think he was interested in Cliona as a mate, only a friend, but in this weird town I couldn’t be sure of his instincts. Dr. Luna, on the other hand, was all over Cliona. It was half to blame for why my cock was so hard the entire group meeting. Her scent was everywhere in Town Hall, I was surprised I hadn’t noticed it before in all the times I’d been here.
“I want to accept your challenge for her affections before this goes any further so I can prove I am worthy of her. She ismine.” I might have unintentionally snarled the last part, but the message was clear all the same.
Both males stared at one another until I saw Dominic’s lip curve up into a sly grin. It was Dr. Luna who spoke first though. “I think I speak for myself, Dominic, and Cliona when I say she is not yours.”
I growled instinctually at the implication.
“However, I have no interest in her romantically.”
I felt my wariness ease.
“However.”
And then immediately go right back up.
“She is one of my best friends and everyone on this island owes her their life and ability to exist here. You won’t only have to persuade her that you’re her mate or lover or husband or whatever you want to call your feelings for her. You will have to persuade everyone in this entire town that you are worthy of her.”
I let the doctor’s words sink in and stared into his gray and blue eyes that stood out against his warm light brown skin and he did not balk at my gaze.
“I would ask one favor though,” he added.
