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Desmond huffed and slumped backwards in his chair, tugging Claire down onto one knee.
“Not well,” Desmond admitted. “Although I was a bit hot-headed in my reaction. My father admitted to knowing about the leniency the Council granted the witches. Apparently he benefited once as a young wizard over nothing serious but still.” Desmond winced. “Not my finest moment but I may have blown up at him in a manner much more like our grumbly dragon than my charming self. Because his actions and the Council’s have had rippling effects and now you’re in danger because of them.”
Claire smiled softly at Desmond’s frustrated look. “I’m sure Frederick will understand. And if not, I understand,” she comforted.
Desmond’s eyebrows arched and Claire laughed, leaning closer and pressing her forehead to his. “What? You don’t think you three have the monopoly on being possessive and protective? Don’t think I didn’t notice how you glared at any male Elf that got close to me.”
Desmond winced. “You noticed that?”
Claire laughed again. “I did. You weren’t exactly subtle. But my point is that I would also be furious if one person’s negligence caused any of you harm. It’s part of the bond I think.”
“I think it’s more than the bond,” Desmond said softly. “You, Claire, are an extraordinary person. And we aren’t the only ones who think so. Andy, Helene, Dorian, the Elves. You have an army building behind you.”
Claire bit her lip. “What if I don’t want an army? Anyone to sacrifice more than they already have?” She was already carrying so much grief. She didn’t know if she would survive adding to it.
“That’s the thing about great leaders,” Desmond said, his voice equally as soft. “They don’t even ask for the army but that’s what they get. Because every person behind them knows that the leader wouldn’t ask them to do anything she wouldn’t be willing to do. You have a natural aura about you that draws people to you. Don’t underestimate that.”
Claire frowned but nodded softly. She didn’t want anyone to sacrifice themselves for her but she knew Desmond was right. If it came down to protecting her Triad or her newfound family, Claire would sacrifice anything.
“Not that we will be letting you do any sacrificing,” Desmond said lightly, although his eyes were still worried. “Can’t have you losing any fingers or toes in the pursuit of justice.”
Claire accepted the change of mood. “What if I do have to lose a finger or even two toes?” She said with a dramatic gasp. “Would you still love me then?”
“For eternity, little butterfly, for eternity.”
* * *
“Alright,let’s get this show on the road,” Desmond said, his hand clasped in Claire’s as they descended the dormitory steps.
“He says that like he’s not been the holdup,” Malcolm fake-grumbled to Everett, shooting a wink at Claire who hid a smile.
“Me? A hold up? I’ll have you know it takes time to pack this much knowledge into a travel sized bag.”
Desmond patted the satchel hanging over his shoulder and Claire nodded. She had helped him pack a few more things into the satchel and she was still waiting for it to drop from Desmond’s shoulder, the straps ripping under the weight.
Malcolm handed Everett his pack attached to some longer leather straps and then stripped off his shirt, revealing his expansive golden chest with rock hard muscles.
“You’re drooling,” Desmond’s voice teased in her ear.
Claire rolled her eyes and smacked him in the stomach without even looking. Desmond let out a fake yelp of pain that had Malcolm’s eyes snapping their way. He smirked when he saw why Claire was distracted and his golden eyes glowed as his hands dropped to the buckle of his pants.
Claire shifted on her feet, insides heating. She was going to need to schedule more alone time with her sexy mates in between all this saving the Realm nonsense.
A hand covered her eyes as Desmond joked. “Sensitive eyes here, Malcolm, what has gotten into you?”
Claire growled at him and Desmond dropped his hand to roar with laughter. “She growled. She has been spending too much time with you, Malcolm.”
A huff of warm air caused Claire to look up. In her distraction by Desmond, she had missed Malcolm shifting. His gleaming red scales glistened in the sun as he dropped his big head in between her and Desmond, causing Desmond to scramble to avoid being squished.
“Have you gained weight?” Desmond asked, his voice muffled from the other side of Malcolm’s head. “You seem… bigger.”
Malcolm’s dragon growled, the sound vibrating through Claire as she stepped up to run her hands down his scales. The growl softened into a purr. “He’s right,” she whispered. “Not about the gaining weight part but you are definitely bigger than the last time I saw you shifted.”
She stepped back to get a true account of his size. He had grown from half as tall as the dormitory building to easily two thirds as tall. His length had also doubled. He was massive before but now he was a sight to behold, red scales shining brilliantly in the afternoon sun.
Everett frowned as he looked at the leather straps attached to Malcolm’s pack. “I don’t know if these will fit now.”
Desmond had stepped back and was studying Malcolm with a more critical eye. “All jokes aside, I don’t think you’ve grown since your coming of age.”
