Children of the Moon 04 - Dragon's Moon

clans?”
    “I trust the Balmoral and Donegal with the safety of my people, but no others.”
    Again such arrogance, it was breathtaking, but Eirik’s sense of duty shone every bit as brightly. “You see it as your job to ensure the safety of your people.”
    “Aye.”
    “Your cousin was certain of his protector, that day in the forest. When I saw your dragon for the first time, I knew exactly who he had been referring to.” And she had been awestruck.
    “To protect and guide the Éan is my greatest honor and responsibility.”
    She had no difficulty believing him.
    “You gave up your role as sovereign to see to the safety and longevity of your race.” The selflessness and forethought of the act was so overwhelming, she could barely take it in.
    “I only followed the Faol to the clans.”
    When she should have been able to expect that arrogance again, she was met with humility. The man was a conundrum of a certainty.
    “But we came to the clans because of MacAlpin’s betrayal,” she reminded him. Far from a great personal and voluntary sacrifice like Eirik’s own.
    “Perhaps that heinous act was the event that made your leaders realize the futility of a way of life so separated from the humans, but they would have come to see what needed to be done eventually regardless.”
    “You give them a great deal of credit.”
    “I know what it is to have the burden of your people’s safety on your shoulders.”
    Somehow they had moved closer together, so their bodies almost touched. She wanted to close the distance, wanted to feel his lips on hers again, but that way lay madness.
    She took a deliberate step back. “So, you spread that burden among the clans without really relinquishing it at all. I think it takes a true servant to his people, to renouncehis position as king in order to allow those he calls his to swear allegiance to clan chiefs.”
    “I never accepted the mantle of monarch.”
    What? But that made no sense. She didn’t know as much about the ancient ways as he did, but Ciara was certain kings were born among the Chrechte, not chosen. “Why not?”
    He looked down at her sword still lying on the bed, a strange expression in his amber eyes. “Because I knew this day would come and if I had taken the oaths of a king, I could not have honorably instructed my people to give their allegiance to another leader.”
    “You are the kind of leader my father says a man should be. It is why he despises MacLeod so.” Even before Mairi had come to the Sinclair lands, rumors of the other laird’s selfish behaviors had abounded.
    “Why do you think I joined this clan?” Eirik asked wryly.
    “I’m glad you did.” As soon as the words left her mouth she wished them unsaid. “I mean, for your people’s sake and for my father. A pack alpha and clan laird can never have too many trusted warriors.”
    With a predatory expression, Eirik moved closer to her and she backed up until the stone wall prevented further retreat.
    He came so close, the salty musk of his skin overwhelmed her senses. “I think you are glad I am here for more than just your father’s sake.”
    She did not have it in her to lie, but no more was she willing to feed his ego with the truth. Pressing her lips together in firm refusal to speak, she looked up at him.
    Undeterred by her silence, Eirik smiled that rare smile she’d learned to watch for and lowered his head. “I too am glad to have joined this clan.”
    The kiss was like before, and yet different. Eirik explored her lips with his own, his tongue teasing along the entrance to her mouth. But he did not touch her otherwise.
    Both of his fists rested on either side of her head on the wall and his lower body was a breath from her own. She could feel his heat all through her but nowhere but their lips did they actually connect.
    Her hands pressed against the cold stone behind her, aching with the need to feel smooth skin over hard muscle.
    Before she could give in to it, he broke the kiss and stepped back. “We need to speak to your father again before we leave.”
    Continuing to lean against the wall, Ciara could do nothing but nod.
    “I will kiss you again.”
    Ciara started to nod again but realized what she was doing and shook her head quickly instead.
    Eirik’s smile was purely feral. “Gather what you need; we will leave after speaking to the Sinclair.”
    How did Eirik do this to her? Her brains had turned to mush, but she wasn’t about to let him see that. She