“Tindera was hatched in that Nest. She was … precocious.” I can’t hold back my smile. “When dragons fully bond with their riders, they share memories. I can see what a troublemaker she was.” I wink as I add, “Nearly as bad as my little rabbit.”
Sifa’s lips twitch up for a split second just before she drops her gaze to the ground. When she looks up, her eyes are a little clearer. “What would you do without a few females around to keep you on your toes?”
“Sleep a little better,” I respond with a laugh. “But you do make life more interesting.”
“I think you’d rather have interesting than sleep any day.” Her fingers squeeze mine. I know I should pull my hand away, but I can’t bring myself to do it.
“She often strayed from the Nest, curious about the caves they’d set aside for the hatchlings. She wanted to see the sky, but dragons aren’t allowed such freedom until they’re fledglings.”
“Why?” Sifa shakes her head, her expression shifting to one of confusion.
“That’s a story for another day.” I don’t add the real reason—that it’s not something riders can share with those outside of dragon society. “Tindera spent a lot of time alone, searching for the stars. One night, she found a tunnel that carried her to them. It’s hidden well, and she never saw another soul use it.”
Sifa nods, knowledge filling her eyes. Maybe she used that tunnel for her own escape. It still doesn’t explain how she got out of her cage, but it’s one piece of information. “You’re sure we can get in and out through the tunnel?”
“Positive.” That much I know.
“But you may need help inside, diverting the guards, picking the lock?” Sifa’s head tilts to the side as she asks the question, a small smile playing on her lips.
“Yes, I’m hoping that’s why Bevin sent you. That your spying skills can get us through the guards and the door.”
“I may have a way to get Thyra out. If we get lucky. And what will you be doing while I’m taking care of that?”
“Beating the shit out of anyone who threatens you.” My tone is harsher than I intend.
“I don’t need you to protect me, Fhord.” Her voice is as soft as her eyes. Warm. Inviting.
This is why I pushed her away—why I manipulated her emotions when our paths first crossed, planting danger and a warning about me in her psyche. I know what a mating bond does. How hard it is to resist. We have to hate each other. There’s no other way.
Right now, though, I can’t hate Sifa. After we’re done, I’ll find those feelings again. Sitting here with her, the tension that’s been building within me since we met is finally starting to go away. My heartbeat is calm, measured. My savage is soothed. I need a few minutes of peace with my mate.
“I know you don’t.” I rub my thumb along the fingers I still hold. “I’m going to do it anyway.”
“Stubborn male.” I don’t miss the emotion in her tone. It washes over me in a wave, further settling the savage that craves this connection.
“You have no idea. The Ætt could tell you stories of the trouble my obstinacy has gotten us into over the years.”
“Not that I’ll ever see them again,” she reminds me. “Because we hate each other, and we’re going our separate ways when this is done?” It’s a question, not a statement.
There’s only one answer I can give.
“Maybe not hate. Not anymore. But we are going our separate ways when we’re done.”
Sifa pulls her hand from mine and lifts it to rest against my cheek. “I’m sorry I’ll never know your stories, Fhord.”
My hand moves up to cover hers. I wish I could hold it there forever. “I am too, Sifa.” I pause, resisting the urge to taste her lips. “I am too,” I add after a moment.
“Good night, Fhord.”
She stands, facing me as she stretches her back, lifting her arms high into the sky—because she’s not going to stop taunting me—and then smiles before she strolls toward the tent.
While I head into the forest to jack off.
Chapter twelve
Sifa
Worse than the Last One?
