“It would have killed me if I’d had any plans to use it.”
“It won’t kill Auri. He’s a master demon.”
“I’m not worried that he’ll die, I’m worried about why he wants it. What’s he gonna do with it? Will he use it to harm someone? I’m not sure I could live with that.”
“Oh, I understand now. You don’t know Auri like the rest of us do.” I shift so that I’m next to him. “Mac, you have to trust Auri. He’s not as evil as he likes to portray himself. In fact, he’s been nothing but kind and generous to me. Why do you think we all stay? We have an amazing home, anything we could wish for, plenty of freedom, and a pretty posh job. I don’t know why Auri wants the amulet, but I’m positive he won’t hurt anyone with it… at least, no one who wouldn’t deserve it.”
Mac exhales slowly, scratching the dark stubble on his chin. “You’re absolutely positive?”
“I’m absolutely positive.”
Mac nods, reaching for my hand and playing with my fingers. “I trust you.”
Warmth and affection flood the bond between us, and my breath catches.
“I can’t believe all of you did so much to help me. Especially the others. They don’t even know me.”
“That doesn’t matter. You’re one of us. Besides, we’re all supes. We can read intentions and yours are good.”
Mac smiles. “Good point. Even Cassius has a soft spot he doesn’t like showing.”
“The softest, if you ask me.”
We both laugh as I cuddle up next to Mac. He wraps his arm around me, nuzzling his face into my hair, then kissing one of my horns.
“How often do you get assignments?”
I shrug. “Time is so hard to describe, but I’ve had three since I joined. I don’t know how long that is.”
“Right.”
“Sometimes they take a long time. Roman was gone for two years on a mission once. Auri told us it was that long. All I knew was that I hadn’t seen him in ages, but I was sure he was okay.”
“How?”
“I’m not really sure. It’s like a sense, I guess. A tie between us that Auri put there.”
“Like a bond?”
I lift my head to meet his gaze. “Not like our bond.”
“Nothing is like that.”
“No. I imagine the longer you’re here, the more you’ll feel it between the others too.”
I feel the ping of his insecurity and nerves, but it’s gone quickly, replaced by his dragon’s purring affection. I place my hand in the center of his chest, smiling when I feel the vibration.
“I know the way you got here and the way we mated wasn’t exactly what you had planned, but I’m glad it all happened. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Mac’s gaze softens and he brushes his thumb across my cheek. “I’m glad we met too.”
Could he learn to love me? I think he could. If he decides to leave, well, I guess I’ll have to leave too. Wherever Mac goes, I’m going too. I hope he knows that.
“As much as I’d love to spend the evening cuddling on the couch, I think I should go see Auri and hand this over. The sooner it’s out of my possession, the better.”
“Good idea. Do you want me to come?”
“No, I have to deal with this on my own.” He sits up, glancing at his hands before turning to me. “Thank you.”
