Page 59 of Draco's Defiance
“We’re always stronger when we’re together.” A fourth giant left the room Sebastian had come from, his gaze taking in the scene. This one had almost black hair with perceptive brown eyes. “You know that, Draco.”
“Balthazar, Sebastian, this is Moira.” Draco guided her forward, his hand shifting to the small of Moira’s back and holding her there as if, once again, he feared she would run.
“Moira?” Balthazar’s brow rose. “Well, hello. I wasn’t aware Draco was bringing anyone.”
“She’s not just anyone,” Draco corrected. “She’s with me.”
A swell of emotion stirred at his adamant tone. A part of Moira thought she should be unsettled at the way Draco had laid claim to her, but another part remembered the way he’d claimed her at his apartment. There was no doubt about it, she wanted a lot more of that, and she didn’t need to be a genius to work out she was a lot safer around the four brothers than she was on her own.
“With you?” Sebastian’s attention flitted from Balthazar to Cole.
“That’s right,” Draco snapped. “We’re together.”
“They met last week,” Cole explained. “But apparently, Moira has had her own run-in with Monroe. I think it’s better that she stays here with us for the time being.”
Balthazar’s gaze remained skeptical, but it seemed he too, trusted Cole’s word. She noticed the way his shoulders relaxed at his brother’s elaboration. “Why don’t Draco and Moira come inside?” He gestured to the doorway he’d entered from. “We can get to know each other better.”
“SO, YOU’RE ALL DRAGON-shifters, then?”
Moira hadn’t intended to blurt out the question quite as starkly, but standing beside them all, it seemed impossible to believe. Not only had she not yet seen evidence of the change Draco described, but the idea of all four of them morphing into mythological beasts? Maybe it was too preposterous, or just downright scary, but she couldn’t imagine it.
“Oh.” Sebastian folded his arms across his chest. “So, Draco told you about our family secret.”
“I hope you’re not making moral judgments, Seb.” Draco turned to him immediately. “After all, how long was it before you not only told Rebecca about your dragon, but actually showed her?”
“Longer than you, I’d wager.” Sebastian’s eyebrow rose, suggesting he was ready to have the battle, but predictably, it was Cole who interjected.
“Listen, we’re all guilty of the same thing.” He glanced around his brothers. “Every man here has told a woman he didn’t know that well about our hybrid status, so there’s no point arguing about it.”
“I’m sorry.’ Moira lifted the hand not clutching Draco’s into the air in an act of conciliation. “I didn’t mean to start a fight.”
“It’s pretty easy with these lot sometimes.” Cole chuckled. “You get used to it.”
“It’s easy with Draco, you mean.” Sebastian’s gaze narrowed, although she had the sense he was only jesting. “Draco’s the trouble-maker.”
“I find that hard to believe.” She suppressed her smile as she turned to face the man who had spun her world upside down. “Draco’s been nothing but a gentleman to me.”
She didn’t mention that her ass was so sore she was having trouble sitting down, nor that his dominance had inspired feelings she’d never known before.
“That doesn’t sound like Draco.” Balthazar smirked. “But I’m glad to hear it. Come in.”
Turning, they all complied and followed Balthazar into what transpired to be a light and convivial living space. There, scattered variously around the enormous corner sofas, were three women Moira had never met before, but she assumed were each dating one of the dragon-brothers.
“Everyone, this is Moira.” It was Sebastian who made the introductions. “She’s with Draco.” His confused tone might have riled her, but all she could do was gently laugh. Is Draco such a wild-child that no one can believe we’re together?
Hearing her question, Draco spun to face her, his expression conveying her answer: Yes.
“Hi, Moira.” The only other woman in a suit similar to hers stood and offered Moira her palm. “I’m Eden.”
“She’s with me.” Cole practically beamed at the admission.
“Hi, Eden.” Moira liked Eden’s calming demeanor. It reminded her a little of Cole. Moira could see why she and Cole would make a great pair.
“I’m Cherie.” The brunette across the room lifted her hand in a small wave. “I’m the lucky girl who gets to ride Balthazar.”
“Watch it.” Balthazar shot Cherie a playful look as Sebastian, Cole, and Eden burst into laughter.
“And this is Rebecca.” Moving toward the redhead, Sebastian placed a protective arm around her shoulder.