Baelfire's dragon chuffs, sending hot, dry air at us as it narrows its gaze on me.
I arch a brow. “Are you going to give me my mate back anytime soon?”
It makes a whining, growling sound that definitely meansno.
“Brat,” I mumble.
Brigid laughs and turns to smile at me and my quintet. “I would like to show you all something tomorrow. If you're up for it.”
Silas frowns. “Please tell me it isn’t another gods-awful fourteen-mile hike through the mountains. I recall you tricking us into that when I was eight.”
“Oh yes, the hike from hell,” Crypt nods. “It was quite fun to watch from Limbo.”
“I had blisters for days,” Everett grimaces.
Brigid snorts. “It was character-building for you spoiled little legacies, but this is better than a hike. I think it will be beneficial.”
She gives me a meaningful look, which tells me it has something to do with me freeing the humans. I nod, unsure how she could help with a complex plan she knows nothing about.
Brigid says good night and leaves me to admire my dragon. The rest of my quintet talks quietly, occasionally arguing, as usual. Meanwhile, the dragon rests its great chin on the edge of the deck, turning it so it can watch me better out of one eye.
“I like looking at you, too,” I grin, stroking the warm scales on its snout. “Such a handsome dragon.”
It rumbles happily low in its throat.
“Is it growling at you?” Everett asks, glaring at the beast.
“That’s called purring.”
Except now, my dragon has turned its attention on the others and bares long teeth, hissing in warning.
“You guys should go inside. My dragon is territorial and fussy right now.” I pet it again, loving the warmth of these sleek, gleaming scales. “Aren't you? Yes, you are.”
Silas gives me an exasperated look. “It is not a puppy,ima sangfluir.”
I look over my shoulder at him. “You're right. It’s a twenty-five-ton, fire-breathing monster with razor blades for teeth that might fry all three of you. I want to get Baelfire back, and your presence isn’t helping.”
I can tell they aren’t happy about it, but Silas and Everett return to the house while Crypt slips into Limbo. I can still feel him nearby as I continue to pet and soothe the beast. Its undivided, intense attention is entirely on me again.
I lean forward to press a light kiss to the top of its snout. “Listen. I like every part of Baelfire. Since you are one of those parts, that means I’ll always like you. I mean, you are a mythically terrifying paragon of deadly beauty. What’s not to like about that?”
The dragon rumbles louder, nuzzling me now.
“But Baelfire ismine. You aren't going to take him away from me,” I warn seriously, still stroking his scales. “Ever. Got it?”
The massive beast huffs.
“Don't test me. I want him back.”
To my surprise, Baelfire's dragon shudders and begins to morph, shrinking and unshifting so quickly that I almost stumble when Baelfire staggers against me. He's smeared in dirt and very disoriented, judging by the way he blinks at his surroundings.
He focuses on me and seems relieved, but I'm preoccupied with checking out the gorgeous naked legacy in front of me.
Damn. Muscles on muscles. He’s like a wall of golden strength.
And that cock. I want to lick it.
Baelfire huffs a laugh, still getting oriented. “Should I pose so you get a better view? You're more than welcome to take pictures, Raincloud—as long as I get to take some of you, too. Also naked.”
