“I will remain in complete control while in dragon form. I am an extension of my dragon and he of I. We are one and the same. You will be quite safe, I assure you.” He gently put her on her feet, keeping his hands on her hips.

Julie still wasn’t sure. “You plan on picking me up and carrying me up there?” She pointed to where the windows were. Way, waaaay up there. Eagles probably built their nests on the window ledges. It was crazy high.

Coal squeezed her hip. The gesture was strangely intimate. He pulled his lower lip between his teeth for a beat. “You do know that a dragon took you from up there to the drop-off point, right? You were up there just yesterday.”

“Oh.” Really? “I didn’t know. We were kept in a room with no windows. We were blindfolded and treated like prisoners.”

His eyes clouded and his jaw tensed. “I’m sorry. I will inform my king. Scarlet and Ash will pay for the lies they told you. I can’t imagine how afraid you must have been. No wonder you took such risks with your lives.” He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbed. “You are safe with me and will come to no harm.”

Julie nodded once. “Okay then.” Could she trust him? What choice did she have?

Coal released her hips. “I’m really big in my dragon form. I look fearsome but do not be afraid. Stand very still and I will pick you up in my talons. Do not panic. I will slowly ascend.” He took a step towards her. “I need to take you through the great hall as is tradition. There will be many males. You need to stay close. I may be challenged.”

“Why would someone challenge you?”

He looked solemn. “Females are scarce. Some of the males will be jealous and angry. They may try and take you for themselves.”

Oh shit! Her heart skipped a beat or two before racing. “I thought you said I was safe. I don’t want some asshole taking me from you.” Some jerk who wouldn’t be as considerate. Maybe some other guy wouldn’t have any reservations about forcing her.

“We are not without honor.” He put a finger under her chin and tilted it so that she was forced to look him in the eyes. Coal didn’t look worried. He also looked eager and as arrogant as ever. “You carry my scent. Not as much as I would’ve liked but it should be enough to keep them away.”

“Should be?” Julie didn’t like the sound of that. “That makes me nervous. How do we get more scent on me?”

“Rutting is the best way,” Coal stated, matter-of-factly.

Julie choked on her saliva.

“Touching, kissing, any type of contact.” He gave a one shouldered shrug. Like it was nothing.