Page 57 of Scales ’N’ Spells: Volume One

Cameron jumped and quickly moved over to stand beside Alric so that their shoulders bumped into each other. Alric loved the crooked smile on Cameron’s lips, but it was the low “ooooo” that drew Alric’s eyes to the phone Cameron held out in front of them both.

Cassie Park was adorable with large brown eyes and short, bright blue hair. Her face was similarly shaped as Cameron’s but a little narrower. They were clearly siblings with the same nose and same mouth. And definitely the same animation when they were excited.

“Oh my, you are scrumptious. And I’m not just saying that. Men do not turn my crank in the least, but my god, if they did, I would be all over you like a monkey on a jungle gym. No wonder Cameron was happy to move into your castle.”

There was no stopping the blush that seared Alric’s cheeks, but he was more amused by the horrified noises coming out of Cameron. The mage jerked the phone so Cassie could only see him on the screen.

“What the hell!” Cameron screeched. “You said you were going to behave.”

Cassie snorted. “As if. We both know I was just saying that so you’d let me see him. Now turn that camera back. I see your face all the time. I want to see the pretty dragon.”

Cameron growled at his sister, while Alric sidled back up to Cameron. He carefully wrapped his left arm behind Cameron’s back and rested his hand lightly on his hip. With his right, he lightly gripped Cameron’s wrist, turning the phone so that they were both visible to Cassie. The mage was now practically wrapped in his arms. The sweet, floral smell of his shampoo mixed with hints of his soap and the wonderful heat of his body left Alric wanting to nuzzle his face into Cameron’s neck. But he locked his focus on Cameron’s sister.

“Yes, Cameron. Let your sister see the pretty dragon,” Alric teased in a low voice, his lips just inches from Cameron’s ear.

A muffled sound sort of like a whimper left Cameron while Cassie made more ooo-ing noises.

“You two are so cute together. And Cam, your face looks like you’re about to⁠—”

“Cassie!” Cameron’s face became bright red, and his eyes were wide as he stared at his sister.

“I’m just saying⁠—”

“No! No, you’re not saying anything.”

Alric chuckled. He definitely liked Cameron’s sister. “Cassie, it is an honor to meet you. Your brother has told me a great deal about you.”

“Anything that wasn’t positive, don’t believe. He’s a liar.”

Alric smiled at her. “All positive, I assure you.”

Cassie clucked her tongue. “Sexy and charming and a king and a dragon. You’ve just got it all.” She suddenly leaned close to the camera lens so her face filled the screen. “Are you sure you don’t have a sister?”

“No, no sister. I’m sorry. But you are welcome at Burkhard Castle at any time. I would be happy to introduce you to my clan.”

Cassie let out a high-pitched squee and bounced a little before looking at her brother. “Cam?” she prodded before biting her bottom lip.

Cameron sighed loudly and dropped his head to the side so it rested on Alric’s shoulder, his hair brushing against Alric’s. This. He never wanted Cameron to move from this spot. Couldn’t they just spend the rest of their lives exactly like this?

“Cass,” he sighed. “You know I’d love to have you here. I’m just worried about your safety and Halmeoni’s. We’re still trying to figure out who grabbed me and why. We need to settle that before you come, I think.”

Alric tightened his hand on Cameron’s hip and then winced at the small pain that shot up his arm at the gesture. He wasn’t sure if Cameron saw or felt the wince, but his head popped up immediately, worried eyes flashing to his. Alric relaxed his hold and smiled.

“You know we would do whatever it takes to keep your sister safe,” Alric murmured.

Cameron turned to face Alric, his hand coming to rest over Alric’s rapidly beating heart. They were so close right now. He’d need to lean up only a few short inches to claim Cameron’s beautiful mouth, but the worry in Cameron’s large brown eyes kept him perfectly still.

“I know, but everyone is already working so hard to keep me safe. I don’t want to cause you and your people more trouble by bringing Cassie and Halmeoni here.”

“It would be no trouble. We would be honored to protect you and any member of your family. You’re so precious, Cameron. I…”

Alric had no idea what he was going to say. His mouth was clearly operating outside the control of his brain. Luckily, Cassie’s voice interrupted.

“Wow. I seriously don’t know whether to swoon or gag. You two are so cute together.”

Cameron growled again in the back of his throat, and Alric was sure it was the most adorable sound he’d ever heard.

They both looked back at the phone to find Cassie resting her chin on her hands in front of her, a wicked grin on her lips.