Fire of Stars and Dragons Read Online Free Page A

insane, out of his mind, or gone mad, I’m adamant in this, but Theo rests one hand on my shoulder calming me, his touch desirable in its soothing effect.
    My request to live as an independent woman was a long shot, to say the least. And NDS is a worst-case scenario for someone in my position. This… I release a quiet exhale and nod in compliance. This is better than the alternatives. None of these men need the wealth or power of Hayden Holdings. I’m not a rung in their social ladder. Choosing between the king, Dante, and Theo Pendragon… I should be thankful, not insolent. Most women would kill to be in my designer shoes.
    “I apologize, Miss Hayden. This is the best way for now.” Cedric’s tone implies sincerity, though his wording is careful. “We are not asking you relinquish ownership of your home. Depending on your choice, in the end, you may return, as a matter to discuss with your chosen husband.” He says this as if it’s truly an option. Theo or Dante, well, I have no idea, but the king… I’d be a fool to believe he’d give it any consideration.
     
     
    *Theo*
     
     
    She presses the button to raise the privacy window between us and her driver Marcum once we’re in her town car, preparing to make what will be the last trip for quite some time to the penthouse apartment where her uncle raised her.
    “So can you call me Cait now?”
    I expected none of this: my reaction to her, the feelings she elicits, the intensity of my protective instincts with her—things I knew happen to dragons with female wards, but knowledge and experience cannot compare.
    “I believe under the circumstances, it would be quite appropriate. One does not court a woman in the formal manner these modern days as was done in the past.”
    Cait eyes me, waiting. “Do dragons really marry?” she asks, forthright, honest. Curiosity and confusion are etched in the features of her face, unaware, unable to yet understand.
    For a moment, I revel in the hum of the bond with her, the most pleasant and satisfying sensation of my existence, warm and welcoming, delightful.
    “Not for the reasons familiar to humans, such as love or romantic desire. Agtos Pendragon, Lord Regent of the Dracopraesi married Morgainna the Fae, daughter of the Fire Fae king, but it was an alliance more than a traditional marriage. I know of three other dragons who married, each taking their female wards as wives to better protect them.”
    “And that’s it? Of all the dragons in the world, only four ever married?” She focuses on her hands, anything but me.
    I can’t stop myself from grinning at her rather shocked expression, the flushing of her cheeks. “There are only three hundred and ninety-six of us, Cait, meaning 1.02 percent of us have married over the course of our lifetimes. You make it seem as though the odds are quite impossible. Humans are approximately 0.002 percent likely to suffer a lightning strike in their average lifetime. Do you not think the odds are quite more favorable toward your marrying a dragon given the disparity between those statistics?” I ask with a laugh, hoping to lessen the worry I sense from her as our eyes meet, intensity heightening.
    “Do you have any idea how damned frustrating you are?” Our eyes remain locked. I find her frustrating as well, but I am positive it is not for the same reason. “I’m guessing for me, the odds are skewed to be a lot more likely than average.” Her tone is sarcastic. Something deep within me does not want it to be so.
    “Indeed.”
    I say nothing of the many thoughts running, dancing, spinning in my mind, having a dizzying effect as I lower my eyes, intent on the sight of her lips, pink and soft, parting with such a tiny gap.
    “Wouldn’t marrying me be a problem though, I mean, with the clan being your wards or… however that works… you guarding them?”
    “No.”
    “Wow. Detailed answer. Care to elaborate a bit?” She’s rueful at my dismissive response, but the car is