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“That’s awesome,” I reassured him. “I’m not even sure what mine is, besides the elemental work. Not much use for magic out here. I spent a lot of years homeless before I found him, so the extent of my magical and battle training was keeping the occasional asshole away and causing a distraction so I could steal some food. West is pretty protective, so he handles most of our magic wards, and no one gets close enough for me to have to fight them off.”
“I also spent a few years on the streets. We’ve come a long way,” Levi said quietly. He wasn’t wrong. The girl who’d fought for her meals would be happy to see how far I’d come.
We shared a small smile, and he relaxed a bit. “I could see that—about West, I mean. If you need some help testing out magic, we’re more than willing to volunteer,” he offered.
“Yeah, he’s great,” I said simply. “Though he’s going to be even worse until this guy leaves.” I completely avoided his offer, knowing it would be a terrible plan at the moment. The change in subject seemed to do the trick, causing Niko to growl at the mention of our not-so-friendly guest.
"Speaking of that demon… I don't want you working alone. Levi will be in the kitchen, but Avi, Kane, or I will also take the morning shifts with you."
"Thanks," I said, genuinely grateful for them stepping in. I could handle myself magically, but the likelihood of outing myself was too strong. If they were willing to step in, that would keep me from having to do anything drastic that could blow my witch disguise. "I'm scrappy, but I'd be afraid if that man wanted a fight, he'd win."
"Not on our watch," Kane promised. Our eyes met, and this time there was a sincerity I had yet to witness. Apparently, there was more to my angry alpha than met the eye. Zehra was definitely right that I could trust them; even Kane made me feel safe and protected. Before I ever agreed to truly be their mate, to give myself over to them, I had to come clean. There shouldn't be secrets or lies between mates, something I took to heart from watching my parents.
But how do you tell someone that everything they know about you is a lie? That you're the last of your kind, a liability... Children were off the table for us since I was the only dragon around. My mom had always been clear that witches and shifters did not have children with dragons. Even if they weren’t, it wouldn’t be safe in hiding. Dragon’s laid eggs and protected them, and the babies stayed in dragon form until nearly a year old. It would be impossible to explain tiny flying dragons away. I was the worst possible mate, and when they found out, I wasn't sure how they would react.Gods, please let them understand. Don’t let them leave me alone like everyone else always has.
11
Farren
"Morning." Kane's mumbled word was barely audible, his eyes still red with sleep, and he was practically stumbling to the front desk.
Biting back a chuckle, I gave him a cheerful wave. He was on time, but I'd already downed my first cup of coffee that I'd mixed espresso into. He groaned at the cheerfulness and flopped against the bar.
"Why is it so cold?" he demanded, sending a fireball to the fireplace. It sparked and caught, flames flaring to life. Dragons were no stranger to cold, so West always prepared it but left it up to me if I wanted to light it early or before breakfast. I hadn't bothered to light it yet, but I wasn't going to complain as the lobby filled with a blast of warmth.
"Is this the most boring shift in the world?" he asked, eyeing me. Some of his sleepiness was fading, but I could tell morning shifts would not be his favorite.
"Sometimes," I admitted. "It's quiet, that's for sure."
Soft footsteps had us looking up. Angela was moving slowly, quietly. You could tell she was a woman who'd lived through something she never should have had to put up with. But I was so proud of the little steps she was taking. Seeing her out of her room was a good sign.
"There you are," I said, keeping my voice low. She offered a smile, looking relieved to see me. "I meant to tell you last time, but I forgot. My room is right down this hall if you ever need me, night or day."
"Thanks," she said, giving me a genuine smile. "Is that man gone?"
"Tomorrow," I promised. "But we can escort you to breakfast and get you safely back to your room if you don't feel comfortable."
She sagged with relief. "Really?"
"Of course. I'll take you. Come on," Kane said.
My entire body tensed at the offer, and my magic started to rise, prepared to defend our claim on our mate. It didn’t matter that he wasn’t officially mine yet. Despite knowing she wouldn't give him a second look, I still hated my mate offering his arm to another woman. Kane leaned back toward me, his lips brushing against my ear.
"Jealous?" he teased. "Don't worry, just say the word and I'll show you how I feel about you, little omega."
My cheeks flamed as they walked away. Biting my lip, I fought back a grin at his comment. The others had flirted, but Kane had mostly held back. With my final mate admitting he found me attractive, all my worries about my appearance fell away.
I felt it before I saw it, like the demon had been lying in wait for me to be alone. My heart pounded, a rush of panic hitting me as darkness descended on the lobby. The fire dulled from a roar to mere embers, and the lights flickered. It was in that moment I realized I'd left my phone across the counter and couldn't easily grab it—not that I had anyone but West on it. Before I could move and take my chances, he spoke up.
"Who would have thought that a dragon would be hiding here," he mused. My soul froze at his words. I tried to keep my shock at bay, aiming for hopefully believable ignorance instead.
"Dragons are extinct," I said evenly. "Are you feeling okay, sir?"
He laughed, though it held no mirth. "Don't lie to me. I know what you are. But I'm not here for you. I'm here for the little mouse who’s hiding from me."
Magic flared within me, my sight sharpening and senses heightening. "You won't touch her. Not on our watch."
"I'm not concerned about you or the supposed security you have in this place. I was paid to do a job, handsomely I might add, and I never fail to settle my scores. Her husband didn’t appreciate his treatment here." My stomach churned. Only the lowest humans paid for dark magic and assassinations.
