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Chapter 12
When one hooked up with a dragon, the traditional method of sex flew out the window. Who needed that when we’d freakin’ soared through the skies while he’d slammed into me, bringing me to orgasm? Nowthatwas going down in the books as a once-in-a-lifetime experience that had left me exhilarated, scared, and so turned on. Just thinking about it left me desperate for more. We used to have sex marathons when we’d dated, but never once had he taken me into the air.
After Gage had left the tower before dawn, I crashed and slept all the way through the day. No waking up sweating in fear. Now, night cloaked the land, the cool breeze washed through my short hair, and Gage said little as we strolled away from my tower and returned to the lion’s territory. His grip swallowed mine, and he looked my way with a sly grin.
I adored how passionate he was, but a niggling worry burrowed through me that I was leading him on. Not because I had any plans to hurt him. Far from it, and I still wondered how long it might take him to get bored with me. The real problem came down to whether or not I’d finally vanquish the gargoyle. If not, what would we do? Only get together at night? I couldn’t ask him to change his life for me. And then there was the whole attraction to Reed. His words last night had left me stunned and excited to have someone like him pursue me. So how was I supposed to deal with that on top of being with Gage?
Suddenly, that whole pushing everyone away thing seemed easier, far less confusing and painful.
And you were much more focused too.
Gage broke the silence and distracted me. “I’m thinking. I’ll fly you to the border near Wildfire to search for the collector’s hideout, and that way we’ll return before dawn. The tiger can run there and then show us where he lives so we can find the dagger.”
“That’ll be hard for Kahlo to cover such a distance in such a short amount of time. Maybe we arrange a time tomorrow where he can meet us somewhere in the woods, giving him time to travel.”
“Tigers are fast creatures. He’ll be fine.” Gage guided me over a gurgling creek, holding my hand to ensure I didn’t fall in.
“Let’s be civil tonight, okay?” I said. “They’re going through hard times.”
Gage cut me a curious look. We stalked through the open plain, making our way to the forest line where we’d been taken last night to meet Reed. I kept scanning the land, expecting his warriors to jump out, but they didn’t. Did they recognize us and now left us alone?
“Reed said something to you last night when you both went for a walk,” said Gage, “and ever since, it’s like you care about hurting his or Kahlo’s feelings.”
I scoffed and focused straight ahead. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” How could I explain emotions I didn’t understand? Reed didn’t know me, so how could he presume to claim me? Sure, it flattered me… unless that was how the whole mating thing in his pride worked. Find a partner, place your stamp of ownership on them, and take them by force?
“I can see it in your eyes when you speak of him.” His narrowing gaze teased me as his mouth curled upward.
“And? Do you see how my stomach flutters each time you touch me, how my world vanishes when you kiss me, how I crave nothing more than to lose myself in your life? But I’m terrified. Because if I can’t be free, I can’t be with you. That isn’t fair to you.”
I hadn’t meant to rant, and most of it had come from a place of worry. Most days my life felt like a magical spell gone haywire. Any moment now, it would rip me to smithereens. For so long, I’d tried to escape and every time I’d tried, I’d failed. So what made this time different?
Told you not to get your hopes high.
I bit my tongue and said nothing more.
Gage drew me to a stop and we faced each other. “We’ll find a solution.”
“That’s where we differ. All I can think about is how long it’ll be before things somehow get screwed up again.”
He threw an arm around me and kissed my brow. “All I was trying to say was that I want to be with you. If that means I see you only at night, then so be it.”
Just thinking of the situation hurt my head. I untangled myself from his arms. This wasn’t the place for deep conversation. “We better get a move on.” Together we crossed the strip of forest before emerging into the open meadow that formed the lions’ territory. Darkness fell across the barren landscape. No sign of anyone—while last night lions had filled the place. Now the wind whistled silently.
“Where is everyone?” Gage marched deeper into the field, scanning the area. “Bastards! They ditched us. Got our intelligence and ran.”
“No. They wouldn’t.” Not when I remembered the agony in their eyes, the mothers and kids. That hadn’t been fake. “There’s no reason for them to. Something happened to them.” An ache settled in my gut. “Maybe we should have gone with them last night.”
“Elliana’s right.” Reed’s voice came from behind us, and I spun as he and Kahlo emerged from the shadows. An excitement bubbled in my chest at seeing both of them. I waited, expecting more shifters to follow, but none came.
“What’s going on?” I asked. “How did last night go?”
“It went to shit!” Kahlo hissed, his eyes hooked on Gage. “A spell protected the fucking mansion, and we couldn’t enter the boundaries. You didn’t hearthatwhen you were eavesdropping on customers?”
“Nope.” Gage shrugged. “I told you everything I knew.”
“So what will you do?” I asked, uncertainty weaving through me. “And where is everyone?”Please don’t be captured.
Reed stepped over a patch of overgrown weeds, his face pale and his jaw clenched. “I’ve sent my pride to the Den. My warriors will keep them protected during the journey. My good friend Oryn, one of the three alphas ruling the wolf realm, will care for them. While they’re safe, Kahlo and I plan to destroy the fuckers who are attacking shifters. But I need your help once more.”
