“Such as?”
“Orione. Aren’t you curious about the dragon?”
Something clicked deep in her mind. “You’re old. So’s it. Does that mean you know what it is?”
He smiled. This time, it reached his eyes and was way more than simply teeth. “Yes, I know what it is. At least, I think I do from your description.”
“Are you going to tell me?”
The smile morphed into a grin. “I was just waiting for you to ask.” His expression took on a somber hue. “Some knowledge must be requested. I believe Orione is actually Dewi—”
“The Celtic dragon god,” she gasped.
“You know about her?”
Aislinn nodded. “Yes. Mother used to tell me she’d protect me.”
“Turns out your mother was prophetic.” His eyes narrowed. “Did she ever say why the dragon would protect you?”
Aislinn drained the rest of her mead and held the cup out for more. He pulled a flask from a shirt pocket and poured. She tried to remember what her mother had told her, but nothing came. Finally, she shook her head. “No. I mean, yes, she told me some things, but I’m damned if I can remember a one of them.”
“Want to spend some time outside?”
She looked at him. “It’s night, isn’t it?”
“Aye, lass, and there’s a killer moon out there.”
“Maybe we can hunt with the animals.” She got to her feet and rifled through her pack, pulling on warmer clothes. In her hurry, the things she’d pilfered from the fishing lodge spilled onto the floor.
He came up behind her, scooped up a flimsy pair of blue thong panties, and looked at them. “Never would have figured you for the type. You’re more practical than this.”
She quirked a brow. “If you’re very, very nice to me, I may just model them for you.”
He made a grab for her ass. “Something to look forward to.”
His dark blue gaze drew her like a magnet. Somehow, she found her way into his arms. He settled his mouth over hers. Desire flamed bright as she kissed him back.
Before things got out of hand, she put her hands against his chest and pushed. “Outside,” she panted. “Let’s hunt. We can fuck later.”
“Tired of me already?”
She laughed. “No. That’s the problem. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of you.” She clapped a hand over her mouth, thinking she’d said too much.
He grinned. “I would hope not. We’re just getting to know one another. There are lots of things I haven’t done to you—or you to me. For example—”
Because she was afraid he’d start listing them and she’d be lost, she yanked on his arm. “If you don’t set the magic to get us out of here, I will.”
“You’re a hard woman.”
She snorted. “No, the problem is, you’re hard all the time. Come on, let’s get out of here.”
Fionn had been right. The moon was nearly full. It shone so brightly, she didn’t need her mage light. What a beautiful night. Cold and crisp, with a million stars lighting the sky. She wondered what it would be like to be hundreds of years old like him. To have seen the stars hundreds of thousands of times.
Rune found her within minutes of her arrival. He licked her hands, nuzzling them. “The hunting is good tonight. Little animals all love the full moon.”
“Have you fed well?” She ruffled the soft fur behind his ears, and he leaned into her.
Bella landed on her shoulder. The bird’s wings made a fluttery sound as she folded them against her body.
“You must really like her.” Fionn smirked. “My shoulders are broader.” He patted one.
“Hers are softer.” Bella smirked right back, staying put.
“Does Bella know?” Aislinn reached for Fionn’s hand.
“Does Bella know what?” the bird asked, her claws tightening on Aislinn’s shoulder.
“Of course.” Fionn ignored the raven. “Bond animals are mind-linked.”
“What?” the bird cawed. Her claws dug in so deep that Aislinn was sure there’d be bruises, if not actual cuts.
“Hey,” she protested. “That hurts.” The raven’s talons relaxed a little. “I was curious what you knew about your bond mate.”
Bella loosed another raucous cry and preened her feathers. “That’s easy, human. I know everything.”
Intuition that had nothing to do with magic burned in Aislinn’s midsection. “She’s been with you for a lot of your life?”
Though she’d asked Fionn, the bird answered. “Of course, missy. He and I have been together forever.”