“You aren’t poisoned by nevving female venom,” I respond.
“Poor excuse, Dalox,” the voice says. “I’d have thought by now your hide would have been impenetrable, given how ancient you are.”
“Deus?” I turn my head, although it sends my vision spinning.
“Were you expecting anyone else when you came looking for my ship?” Deus growls. “I tried to warn you…and all you did was go into shadow mode.”
The great warrior is darker than ever, his long hair unkempt, his scales covered in something which dulls their shine.
“I wasn’t expecting you, given the last time you were seen, it was escaping your brother’s captivity.”
“Darax,” he snarls. “You are all as guilty as each other.”
“And yet, here you are, freeing me.” I rub at my wrists, which feel slightly numb, although so does the rest of me, as there is a snap at my feet and those around my ankles are gone too. “Guilty or no.”
“Can you stand?” Deus growls, towering over me.
I attempt to push myself to my feet but fall back onto my ass and laugh at the effort.
“I guess not,” Deus says, reaching down, grabbing me by the scruff of my neck, and hauling me to my feet.
I fall against him. He stinks of smoke and accelerant.
“Time to get out of here before the females come back.” He pulls my arm around his shoulder as I attempt, and fail, to put one foot in front of the other.
“We can’t leave.” I push past fangs which are randomly lengthening. “My mate.”
Somehow I’m on the ground again, lying on my back, looking up at the canopy.
Deus’s scarred face is in mine.
“Mate,” he says, his voice gravel being dragged over metal. “You have a mate?”
“Is that such a strange concept?” I chuckle as I stare up at him.
“The nevving venom has addled your brain,” he growls. “Get up.”
“I’m not going anywhere without my mate.” I flop my arms out to the side because it feels good.
“You don’t get to mate,” Deus snaps. “Not after…”
“That’s not how it works, Deus.” I raise myself up on my elbows, noting more of my strength is returning. “I am mated, after all this time, and the females have my mate. I’m going to get her back.”
I roll over onto my stomach and push myself on all fours.
A foot slams into my back, sending me down again and pushing the breath from my lungs.
“You don’t get to take a mate,” Deus snarls.
This time, I flip myself over and release the very short burst of flame I’m able to emit. He dodges me easily.
“Everyone gets to mate, Deus,” I retort. “Regardless of whom you believe is worthy.”
“I lost my mate.” He drops down over me, pinning my wrists to the ground, his face close, his breath hot on my scales.
“So, no one gets to mate ever again, is that it?” I glare at him, more angry at myself because I can’t break out of his hold.
“You don’t get to mate. Not when it was your fault.”
