“You left over a week ago. How are you back so soon?”
“Your father didn’t tell you?” he asked. “He gifted me a pair of dragons, and I fused with one of them.”
My eyebrows nearly flew off my face. “No. He didn’t mention that to me.”
“Scion said he wanted to explore a new place with his mate. So they voluntarily chose to join me—and fuse with me. It’s made traveling much easier, and it’s allowed me to remain in contact with the Southern Isles.”
Scion was a dragon covered in deep purple scales. He was a really beautiful color, and his mate had scales that were pink and iridescent.
“I was afraid of what they would think of the snow. They’ve never seen it before, but they seem to have taken a liking to it,” he said. “Now we’re trying to figure out a way to keep them comfortable from the elements?—”
“Sorry, why are you here?”
Another slight smile moved on to his lips. “Straight to the point, huh?”
“You’ve been away from home a long time, Viper.”
“Your father mentioned you were going through a hard time. Just wanted to check on you.”
“My father told you?” I asked in disbelief, surprised he would share my personal life with the man I didn’t choose.
“Yes. But before you get angry with him, you should know I asked him to let me know if things between you and Callum went…awry.”
“What happens between Callum and me is none of your business, Viper.”
Now he had no smile. “Callum and I had a conversation in the courtyard. He told me that he had something to share with you that could impact your relationship. He also said that if you couldn’t find your way back to each other…that I’m a worthy replacement.”
I couldn’t believe that Callum would basically give a rival his blessing, but based on the way he kept his distance from me, it seemed plausible.
“Not much of a fighter, is he?”
“He knows he doesn’t need to fight for me.”
“I don’t know a single woman who doesn’t want a man to fight for her.”
“I didn’t say I didn’twanthim to. He just doesn’tneedto. You really think you can just show up here and steal me away?” I asked incredulously. “That my heart can change its allegiance as quickly as a traitor betrays his king?”
“I don’t expect anything from you, Lily,” he said calmly. “I just wanted to be here for you?—”
“I’m not stupid. You didn’t come here to comfort me but to try to poison me against Callum.”
“I don’t need to poison your thoughts,” he said. “Not when he already did that work for me. He’s the only thing standing inmy way to you, and yes, I’m an opportunist. I’m not ashamed of taking a shot when that shot presents itself. But I’m not here to prey on your despair or your vulnerability. I just want to remind you that you don’t have to continue a relationship with a man who causes you so much grief. You have other options—like a hot, powerful vampire general who knows exactly how to fuck you.”
I took a step back and shook my head. “You’re unbelievable?—”
“In bed, yes, I know,” he said as he attempted to keep it lighthearted. “But if all you want from me is friendship, I’m happy to be your friend. To give you unbiased counsel. To share a glass of wine with you while you pour your heart out to me. Maybe even be a nice rebound, if things don’t go the way you want them to.”
“Did my father tell you what he did?”
He shook his head. “Must be pretty bad, though.”
“Viper, even if it doesn’t work out between Callum and me, I wouldn’t just jump into your bed and move on with you. Even if I can’t forgive him, it would take me a really, really long time to even consider someone new. So, regardless of how this turns out, it’s not a good use of your time.”
His slitted eyes regarded me with depth. “I think any time spent with you is a good use of my time.”
I let myself into my parents’ chambers without knocking.
My father was seated on the couch in front of the fire, reading a book, with my mother lying on him, her head resting on his thigh like she was about to take a nap. He was shirtless and dressed casually like he didn’t expect visitors in the evening. “Lily, you can’t just walk in?—”
