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“A Dragon, you say?” the innkeeper admonishes. “We’ve not had a Dragon in these parts, thank the gods, for the past five years, at least.”
“What about a human woman with red hair?” one of the men behind him asks.
I still, holding my breath as I wait for his answer while Aurdyn growls low behind me.
“Humans rarely come to these parts.” He gestures to the tavern. “As you can see, we’re mostly Dwarves here. But if I see a human woman, I’ll be sure to alert you.”
A relieved sigh leaves my mouth as I sag against Aurdyn.
The Mage glares at the innkeeper, and the Dwarf swallows hard, but remains still. “Anything else I can help you with?” he chirps. “Because if not, I’ve many things to do.”
“How much for lodging?”
“Ten shials a night per room, no more than two occupants,” he replies. “It includes an evening meal and a mead for each of you.”
The Mage slaps a sack of coins on the counter, and then he and the others walk toward a table. Everyone in the room giving them a wide berth and falling silent as they watch them pass.
The Mage turns and faces the room, his dark eyes traveling over the room. “We are searching for a human woman with red hair and a Dragon,” he announces. “Anyone who helps us find them will be paid handsomely for their efforts.”
My heart hammers, and I hold my breath, sure that at any moment one of the Dwarves will mention us.
A long minute passes, and they all remain silent. I’m surprised, but pleased beyond measure that none of them chose to say anything when I know several of them saw me last night.
It seems even the Dwarves do not trust Mages.
Another Dwarf quickly walks to the innkeeper and I immediately recognize him as the one who served us yesterday evening. Olmar—the innkeeper’s son. He leans in, whispering in his father’s ear.
I glance back at Aurdyn. He’s mentioned before that Dragons have good hearing. “Did you hear what he said with that superior Dragon hearing of yours?”
“He sent someone to our room to warn us the Mages are searching for a human woman with red hair.”
Another Dwarf rushes down the stairs to Olmar and his father, shaking his head. “She and that ugly husband of hers were not there,” he says loud enough that I can just make out the words.
“Ugly?” Aurdyn practically snarls in my ear.
Despite my nerves, I cannot help but tease him. “To be fair—” I glance up and down his form—”you are a bit homely in this disguise.”
Aurdyn narrows his eyes. “A good wife would never say such a thing to her husband.”
“Good thing we’re not married then.” I flash a grin before sobering again. “Let’s see if there’s a way outside from this hallway without being seen.”
He nods, and we start down the corridor.
Someone rounds the corner up ahead, and fear spikes through me.
Panicked, I grasp Aurdyn’s cloak and push him back against the wall, stretching up on my toes until my face is nearly level with his. “Quick,” I whisper. “Pretend to kiss me.”
Despite the darkness inside our hoods, his green eyes flash with surprise a moment before he wraps his arms around my waist.
I gasp as he spins us both so my back is now to the wall instead. His fiery gaze searches mine a moment before he leans in and crushes his lips to my own.
His powerful form is pressed firmly to mine, his warm smell of ginger spice surrounding me in a heady mix. My heart pounds, and I’m overwhelmed with sensation. I gasp as his sharp fangs brush lightly against my lips, and his tongue sweeps into my mouth, finding mine and curling around it.
He tastes of warm spice, and I’m completely lost as the soft ridges along his tongue stroke against mine, both demanding and giving all at once, stealing the breath from my lung. I’ve never been kissed before, and my heart pounds as I fist my hands in his cloak, pulling him even closer.
A low growl vibrates his chest, and he curls his tail around my ankle.
Panic shoots through me when I hear a horrified gasp.
