“The Elder dragon doesn’t like females, but she has a weakness for pretty boys,” Solomon answers. “Your chances of getting the mirror increase a tiny bit if you and Vivi aren’t there.”
I swallow hard. “When you say the Elder dragon likes pretty boys, you mean she likes to hang out with them, right? Not eat them?”
Ryker cocks his head. “That depends.”
“On what?” Saxon asks.
“On whether you piss her off or not.”
Aurora crosses her arms. “I don’t like this. I say we should all go. We can wait by the foot of the mountain.”
“I don’t advise it,” Ryker replies. “The Elder dragon is not the only dangerous thing living in the area. It helps no one if your boyfriends have their attentions split.”
“It’ll be okay, Rora.” Saxon steps in front of her and cups her cheek. “We’ll be back before you know it.”
“Vivi and Aurora will stay,” Lucca says, his tone hard, which means that’s his final word.
Man, he doesn’t know what he’s doing. When Vivi gets angry, you don’t want to be in her line of fire.
“I didn’t agree to that,” Vivi replies through clenched teeth. “I’m no longer a damsel in distress who needs saving. I can handle myself.”
“I’ll go alone,” Karl says.
“What? Karl, you can’t go by yourself. It’s dangerous,” Vivi retorts.
“Manu ismyproblem. If anyone has to risk anything, that person is me.”
“You’re forgetting that she’s my sister,” Lucca cuts in.
“I’m not. But you’re needed here. If something goes wrong and you get hurt…”
If Lucca gets hurt, we’re cooked. Jacques won’t stop until he has control of the vampires, even if that goes against what Tatiana wants.
“Take me with you, Karl, for backup,” I say. When he looks like he’s about to reject my idea, I add, “I have nothing to lose, and no one needs me here.”
A total lie. I have Sophie, and my mom and sisters. But I already choked once by not crossing the portal to Ellnesari. I want the chance to prove to myself that I’m not a useless idiot.
“Vaughn, that’s not true.” Vivi looks at me with kindness.
I shrug. “I know I’m a complication you didn’t ask for. Who has time to train a newbie bloodsucker when the world is about to blow up in your faces?”
Ryker studies me for a moment. “It’s not a bad idea to bring the young vampire. He’s attractive enough. He can distract the Elder dragon with his pretty looks.”
I grimace. I so don’t want to know how he thinks I can distract the Elder dragon.
“Fine, Vaughn can come,” Karl finally agrees.
Ryker nods once. “Let’s go, then. I’ve lingered here long enough, and I don’t remember signing up to be at the vampires’ beck and call.”
“You can’t open a portal inside my home, so shoo.” Solomon makes the motion with his hands.
Ryker quirks an eyebrow. “Shoo?” He then grabs the male by the back of his collar. “You’re coming with us.”
Solomon struggles against Ryker’s hold. “The hell I am! Let go of me, you brute.”
The warlock ignores Solomon’s protests and drags him outside. Damn, things escalated fast. He turns, and with just one look, I know he wants Karl and me to step closer.
“What about us? How are we getting back to the house?” Saxon asks.
