“Come along, ma—” He stops abruptly, and I feel the pang of hurt through our bond.
I’m such an asshole. I can’t hurt a guy like Drax.
“I’m sorry for how I acted earlier,” I blurt. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I was overwhelmed.”
He nods happily. “I understand.”
No, he doesn’t, but that’s not his fault. I have to try to be nicer so I can get through this nightmare I created. Once Auri gets his precious amulet, maybe I can reason with him, break the bond, and Drax can go on to find the mate who was truly meant for him. He deserves that much.
“To the library?” Drax holds out his hand.
I take it, smiling as warmth bounces along our bond and my dragon purrs with contentment.
“To the library.”
DRAX
Mac holdsmy hand as I lead him through the hallways back to the library, both of us forced against a wall as Grim comes bounding down chasing after a ball.
“The puppy is cute,” Mac says, looking over his shoulder at him.
“Very. He’s sweet too, but watch his bite. He doesn’t have much self-restraint yet.”
“Noted.”
We enter the library where the other mercenaries have gathered. I wanted to tell Mac more about our odd little family, but it’s not up to me to divulge everything about the guys. I learned through experience and so will Mac.
I glance at him as we take a seat at a long table, across from Roman and Atlas who are huddled over a manga novel. Cassius floats above our heads, perusing the books on language, his favorite section.
Atlas glances up, nodding in acknowledgment, which gives me an idea. He’s a gargoyle. He’s seen things.
“Hey, Atlas, ever hear of a mage named Rune?”
“Rune.” He taps his heavy fingers on the table. “Doesn’t sound familiar. What century?”
“Ooh, I don’t know. I assumed this one.”
“Lot harder to find if you don’t know his origin.”
“What does that mean?” Mac asks.
“A longer search, perhaps,” I say.
“What do you need a mage for?” Roman scratches his beard.
“He stole something Auri wants.”
Both Roman and Atlas cringe as Cassius floats down in front of us.
“I might have some avenues for locating a tricky mage,” Cassius says.
“Aren’t they all tricky?” Mac mutters.
“Yes,” Cassius says. “What do you know about him?”
“Just his name and that he has an amulet he took from a very old witch, so he must have some unique or powerful abilities since no one else has been able to for centuries.”
“I’ll ask my contacts. They’re witches, so they may know.”
