Page 35 of Blazing Joysticks
A soft noise from the bedroom caught his attention. Keir turned, padding silently across the plush carpet. Cat stirred as he slipped back into bed, her eyes fluttering open.
“Everything okay?” she murmured, voice thick with sleep.
Keir gathered her close, breathing in her scent. “Everything’s perfect,” he assured her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Go back to sleep, love.”
As Cat drifted off again, Keir’s mind turned to the day ahead. Tonight, he’d introduce her to his family—or at least, the core members. His parents, Amelia and her husband and their children. It was a big step, one that filled him with both excitement and a touch of nervousness.
When morning came, Keir woke Cat with gentle kisses and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. As they sat at the kitchen island enjoying a breakfast of Scottish oatcakes and fruit, he broached the subject of the family dinner.
“There’s something I need to tell you about tonight,” Keir began, setting down his coffee mug.
Cat looked up from her plate, a flicker of concern crossing her face. “Is everything all right?”
Keir reached across the island, taking her hand in his. “More than all right,” he assured her with a smile. “I’ve arranged a special family dinner. Just my parents and Amelia and her family.”
“Oh!” Cat’s eyes widened. “That’s... wow. Are you sure they’re ready to meet me? I mean, we haven’t been together that long, and?—”
SEVENTEEN
“Cat,” Keir interrupted gently, squeezing her hand. “You’re my mate. My family has been waiting centuries for me to find you. Trust me, they’re more than ready.”
A blush crept up Cat’s cheeks. “I keep forgetting about the whole mate thing,” she admitted. “It still feels a bit surreal.”
Keir’s heart clenched. He knew the concept of mates, of a bond that transcended time and space, was foreign to her. Human relationships, even the deepest and most committed, paled in comparison to the connection between dragon mates.
“I know it’s a lot to take in,” he said softly. “But I promise you, Cat, there’s nothing to be nervous about. My family will love you.”
Cat nodded, taking a deep breath. “Okay. So, what should I expect? Any dragon customs I should know about?”
Keir chuckled, relieved by her willingness to embrace his world. “Nothing too outlandish,” he assured her. “Though my mother might try to feed you enough for three people. It’s a dragon thing—we show affection through food.”
“That explains a lot,” Cat teased, gesturing to the elaborate breakfast spread before them.
As they finished eating and began to get ready for work, Keir found himself constantly drawn to Cat’s side. He couldn’t resist stealing kisses as she applied her makeup, or running his hands over her curves as she buttoned up her blouse. His dragon rumbled with satisfaction each time she leaned into his touch.
The workday flew by in a whirlwind of meetings and last-minute preparations for the game launch. Keir marveled at how seamlessly Cat had integrated herself into the team, her brilliant mind and innovative ideas pushing the project to new heights. As they pored over schematics and testing data, he caught himself staring more than once, struck by the fierce concentration in her eyes.
As evening approached, Keir ushered Cat out of the office, ignoring her protests about unfinished tasks. “The work will still be there tomorrow,” he insisted, guiding her to the elevator with a hand on the small of her back. “Tonight is about family.”
Back at the penthouse, Keir changed into a crisp button-down and dark jeans while Cat disappeared into the walk-in closet. When she emerged, his breath caught in his throat. She wore a deep green wrap dress that hugged her curves perfectly, her hair cascading in soft waves around her shoulders.
“You look stunning, kitty cat,” Keir murmured, pulling her close for a kiss.
Cat smiled against his lips. “You clean up pretty well yourself, Mr. Dragon.”
The drive to his parents’ sprawling estate in the countryside north of the city passed quickly, filled with easy conversation and the occasional burst of laughter. As they pulled up to the grand stone mansion, however, Keir sensed Cat’s nervousness returning.
“Hey,” he said softly, cutting the engine. “Remember, they already love you. You’re the woman who tamed the eternal bachelor, remember?”
Cat rolled her eyes, but her smile was genuine. “Right. No pressure or anything.”
Keir led her up the sweeping front steps, his hand a comforting presence on her lower back. Before he could knock, the massive oak door swung open, revealing his mother’s beaming face.
“There you are!” Vivianne exclaimed, pulling them both into a warm embrace. “Come in, come in! Everyone’s waiting to meet you properly, Cat dear.”
As they entered the formal dining room, Keir couldn’t help but grin at Cat’s wide-eyed expression. The long mahogany table was set with fine china and crystal, elaborate floral centerpieces running its length.
“Good lord,” Cat whispered, “did you rob Buckingham Palace?”