Page 73 of Scales ’N’ Spells: Volume One

“Yes, and we shall do the same.”

“I also ask that you share contact information for your head researcher and head mage so that they can speak directly with their counterparts in my clan.”

“Of course, I will leave it to Thiago to arrange everything,” Rodrigo said, waving to the man behind his shoulder.

“As you wish. Happy hunting, King Rodrigo.”

“And to you, my friend.”

Rodrigo ended the call and Alric turned to look over at Dieter, one eyebrow raised.

Dieter chuckled. “Yes, I would say that went rather well, and Rodrigo is happy to call you ‘friend’ since you very likely saved his clan.”

Alric made a scoffing noise as he slouched a little in his chair. “Saved only if he and his dragons can locate some mages. And it has not escaped me that finding Cameron was pure chance. Ravi was lost in a sea of people at that festival, and he just happened to smell a mage. What are the odds of that?”

Dieter scratched the salt-and-pepper stubble on his chin. “Chance or not, we are all grateful that it happened. It has given us a new starting point and a new hope after so very long.”

“True,” Alric was forced to concede. “And with the Ice Clan watching for these rogue mages as well, we all have a better chance of uncovering the truth and saving the mages who have yet to find their way home.”

“Speaking of home,” Dieter drawled as he pulled his vibrating phone out of his pocket. “Lisette reports that the car bearing our two newest mages home has just pulled into the courtyard, and Ravi is at the head of the welcoming committee.”

Alric groaned and rubbed his eyes. That dragon was exhausting. But considering what he knew of Cassie after meeting her on the phone and the stories Baldewin had already sent him about Cameron’s grandmother, it was likely they would not be disturbed by the sight of a dragon acting like an overly excited puppy.

Cameron placed his hand over his heart. Was he having a heart attack? This was starting to feel like a heart attack. His pulse was racing, he was light-headed, and he smelled fresh-baked bread.

No, a heart attack was supposed to be toast. Or burnt feathers.

No, wait. That was a stroke.

Never mind, it wasn’t a heart attack, but the arrival of his twin and his grandmother was definitely feeling like a mistake.

Not that he didn’t want his family safe. He needed to know that Cassie and his grandmother were safe if he was ever going to sleep again. There was no question they’d be safe at the castle surrounded by what was starting to feel like overprotective dragons.

But living in the castle also meant they were going to be near Alric. Or more correctly, they were going to see Cameron when he was around Alric, and they would know. They would see Cameron acting like a tongue-tied, overly excited, peacocking idiot around Alric because he was mindlessly, hopelessly attracted to him.

Of course, Cassie would only encourage him because Alric was bone-meltingly sexy.

And Halmeoni would encourage him because Alric was sexy and a powerful king. She’d be telling him to put a ring on it before some other mage came along to claim him.

Cameron did not need that kind of tag-teaming pressure when it came to Alric. Luckily there wasn’t a whole lot of competition at the moment for the dragon, but it sounded like they were hoping Cameron and his family were just the tip of the mage iceberg. Soon, Burkhard would be crawling with mages, and Cameron would be beating the bastards off Alric with a stick…or maybe a wand.

Groaning softly to himself, Cameron rubbed his temples against the threat of a headache. This kind of thinking wasn’t helping. There was no question they were attracted to each other, but that didn’t prove a damn thing when it came to being actual mates.

How could Cameron even think of being Alric’s mate? He was the freaking king of the entire clan. He was calm, collected, smooth, and so damn controlled when it came to handling any situation he was thrown into. Alric needed a mage mate who was just like him, who could rise to the occasion and be the voice of reason to help him lead.

And Cameron was…well, he wasn’t that.

Which sucked because he really liked Alric. Liked his laugh. Liked the way he glared, because it was almost a dare. A challenge to get Cameron to make him laugh again. Everything about the man was a challenge. He wanted to show Alric that he really was strong and fierce when Alric saw himself as simply damaged and weak. He wanted Alric to finally see how loved he was by all his people.

What a freaking mess. Cassie and Halmeoni were not going to make things any easier.

“Everything alright, Cameron?”

“Eep!” He twisted around to find Alric standing beside him. “How did you sneak up on me?”

Alric laughed and shook his head. “Sorry. I didn’t think I was sneaking since I spoke to several people before coming to stand beside you.”

Cameron straightened his glasses and shoved his hair out of his face. The early evening sun had yet to disappear behind the mountains, and the castle courtyard was sliding into a cool chill. What summer warmth they had was dropping as the sun edged out of view. He absently wished for a long-sleeve shirt.