Something told me that wasn’t the answer he’d originally intended.
“You think I can’t heal his wounds?”
He turned his gaze forward, glaring at the road. “You cannot give him what he needs.”
What he needs? To treat him? Cryptic. So cryptic.
As we cleared a low ridge, the remains of Rottbarry Manor came into view. I sucked in a breath. Seeing the destruction from a distance was far different from witnessing it up close. Buildings lay crumbled. Porches, roofs, and possessions were now piles of ash. And the bodies. Tears welled in my eyes, and I dashed them away on the shoulder of my borrowed shirt.
“This way,” I said, voice an emotional croak, leading Thorne down a narrow trail that skirted the manor.
He hesitated to follow. “You said your supplies were inside Rottbarry. Understand that if you are up to some trick, I will—”
“Light me on fire and toss me off the mountain. Yeah, yeah, I know.” Outside of the stables, I dismounted, then tied my reins to a nearby post.
“What business could you possibly have in a barn?” Thorne climbed to the ground as well, securing his horse beside mine.
Fates, but the man was paranoid. “Healing business,” I tossed over my shoulder, heading for the stable doors with quick strides.
Firm fingers circled my biceps, a low voice growling, “Tell me what we are doing here, or I will haul you back to Pyrrhus right now. Medicines or not.”
“Fine.” I jerked my arm free. “If you must know, I’m here to collect some liniment and check for signs of Speck.”
“Liniment. Like the stuff they use on livestock?” His brows slid up his forehead.
“Yes. Alaric may be sentient and intelligent, but his body is that of a beast, not a man. I’ve never treated a dragon before and thought it could be useful.”
“Because you see him as a beast.”
“Don’t you?”
At this, Thorne snickered. “I suggest you don’t share this observation with him.” He hesitated. “On second thought. Tell him. Definitely tell him.”
I scowled. “Know what? I don’t get you. One minute you’re ready to slaughter anything you perceive as a threat to the dragon, the next you’re all too eager to antagonize him.”
“Maybe I like to live on the edge.”
“You’re on the edge, alright. The edge of insanity.” I backed away, headed for the barndoor.
“Serafina, wait.”
“I don’t take orders from—” My foot slipped out from under me, and I teetered on my heels. Arms pinwheeling, I took in the gaping hole in the ground that waited to swallow me.
Before I could plunge to my death, Thorne grabbed me, tugging me away from the dark abyss. Smashed against his chest, I sucked in a deep breath, filling my senses with his masculine scent, a fiery fragrance that reminded me of spirited celebrations and dancing around a roaring bonfire.
I tipped my head back, lungs seizing as I peered at my savior. Sky-blue eyes stared back at me, framed by thick lashes. My racing heart sped to an even faster pace, pounding beneath theintensity of his predatory focus. Those arresting eyes consumed me, scanning my face before settling on my mouth. I licked my lips, and his expression turned stormy. Something shadowy and primal flickered between us—hungry, yearning—making my pulse throb in places I didn’t dare acknowledge.
But as quickly as it surfaced, that darkness vanished, shuttered behind an icy mask that made my skin prickle.
“Little idiot.” He grasped my shoulders, giving me a shake. “Flitting about when you need to be cautious.”
Flitting? I’d neverflitteda day in my life. Was this how he saw me? Like some brainless dandelion dancing upon a breeze? Like Penelope.
The thanks I’d planned stuck in my throat. “What’s the matter? Afraid that if I die, the dragon will make you his dinner?”
He scowled in return. “I will lead from now on.”
“Suit yourself.”
