His lips landed on the side of my head, and my eyes almost fluttered closed at how good it all felt. “I’m ready to sign up for a lifetime of this.”
Kellan whooped, and then swept me into his arms. “Okay, baby. Let’s finish off with pool and sauna. Work out a few of those fighting muscles.”
Before I could protest, or remind him it was freezing outside, he took off running with me in his arms.
CHAPTER 38
TALON
We’d been flying for most of the day only to be able to eliminate two locations as possible hideouts for Jewels, Blaine, or any of their allies. I hadn’t expected it to be easy, knowing that witch always had plans upon plans. Her schemes were layered. Even if we unraveled one, we’d soon find ourselves battling the next.
This is peaceful.
Slade’s voice thundered in my head and my beast and I concurred with that feeling. Despite not finding anything useful yet, the only part of this day I really hadn’t enjoyed was crawling out of bed this morning and leaving Emme. The fact that she’d been attacked in her dreams right after was unacceptable. Constantine had better get his shit together and figure out how to protect her.
At least until we fucked that witch up.
It’s always peaceful up here, I said.There’s nothing that can compare to the freedom of soaring above the world like this. We’re as close to gods as any shifter could be.
Slade’s laughter was low and filled with fire.Couldn’t agree more, brother. The smaller animals of flight cannot reach our vantage point, so they only partly understand.There was a long pause, before he rumbled with more amusement.Emme would tell us we’re arrogant bastards, and she’s not wrong. But we can at least back up our arrogance.
Our mate loves us. Including our arrogance.
We might never have met another dragon, but there was no chanceany of our ancestors were lacking in confidence. We knew our place in the food chain.
Right at the top.
It’s nice to be on a mission for my pack, I told my twin.I spent a lot of time flying for Fletcher, but there was never any enjoyment in it.
Workingwithmy family changed it all. I had a choice now, and I chose to fight for them.
This is how it should have always been, Slade muttered as he released a small blast of fire.
It will be from now on. I’d never go back to who I used to be.
As we continued our flight, we checked in on Emme and the rest of the pack. She had us partially blocked, but we could push through it.
She’s training with Kellan.
Slade’s dragon’s rumble grew louder as he banked west to reach the third and final location.Yes, Kellan is very well trained in fighting, but especially weapon work. His father was quite an exceptional enforcer. Our brother might appear cheerful and laidback, but when he fights, even I am wary of his skill and lethality.
Kellan was the literal definition ofwatch out for the quiet ones. Though in his case, it was the smiling ones.
It was almost impossible to leave Emme this morning. My omega was never far from my thoughts, and not having her pretty face in front of me felt wrong. I might have every curve, feature, and all twenty-six freckles memorized, but that wasn’t enough.I’ve never had anyone in my life that I needed to see on a daily basis. I was alone at least ninety percent of my week. But now I feel adrift when I don’t have contact with you or Emme every few hours.
It was easy to admit my weakness to Slade. My twin felt like an extension of myself and my beast, and there’d never be any true judgment between us.
Yeah, it’s weird for me too, Slade admitted.I always had Hunter, and while he was essential to my survival and mental health, you and Emme are the other parts of my soul. Kellan and Finley sit only just below you three.
He didn’t need to justify his hierarchy to me; I completely understood. All of our brothers were important, but Emme was first, then my twin, followed by everyone else.
Beyond our pack, every other shifter is no more than an ant though. I care nothing for them.
Slade’s dragon nodded.Agreed.When he turned again, I followedclose behind.The third and final site is up ahead. His tone turned sharper as his beast focused.
Sending more of my dragon essence through my scales, I made sure to hide every part of myself. We were up so high that the tips of my claws had frost clinging to them, but there was no discomfort as internal fires kept my center toasty warm.
The first two sites were closer to Golden Claw, but all we’d found were a large-scale protest and a new, not-yet-registered commercial farm. This third site was near Silver City and had taken most of the day to reach. Since Slade expected Blaine would be near one of the cities, this was our most likely location.
