It appears that I have finally found something that Freya’s soulmate isn’t good at.
I open my mouth to taunt him, but then, I stop.
Something is wrong with him.
My eyes narrow with worry. I am about to take a step forward, until I see Freya swing herself over the lip of the cave.
I hold myself back with difficulty.
All I want is to rush toward her, nuzzle at her neck and kiss her rose scented lips.
Instead, I hold my hands smartly behind my back, although my expression softens. “My Omega.”
My eyes widen, however, when she stalks toward me.
Her eyes are flashing with rage. “You dickless fool of a troll sucking dragon.”
“And I’m pleased to see you too.”
Freya pushes me against the cave wall, nuzzling against my neck. “Do you know the type of risk you just took?”
“I’m aware. It was my risk to take.”
“You’re a bloody idiot.” Daire pushes himself up, prowling to join Freya. His lavender eyes are piercing in the dark. “But you’reouridiot. Also, it’s the type of reckless, impulsive move that a rogue like me would pull. I’m rubbing off on you in the best ways. I salute you.”
I blink.
Is that a compliment or an insult?
Freya shoots Daire a dirty look. “Don’t encourage him.”
“Why not? I like the version of him without the stick up his arse.” Daire pushes his curls out of his face.
I suck in a shocked breath.
Now, I can see Daire’s battered face.
I reach out, gripping his chin. He tries to pull away.
“Stay still,” I command.
I turn his head side to side. Sparks spray from my horns.
An inferno is burning in my stomach.
“You have been choked,” I list clinically. “Several backhands too. Show me your wrists. I see. You were held down by someone more powerful and bitten by fangs…”
Unexpectedly, my powerful, golden wings burst out, ripping through my tunic. They flap, threateningly. Ash disintegrates from their flaming tips.
Freya grips my shoulder. “Calm down.”
Daire looks delighted, before he can shutter his expression. “Beautiful wings. I’m bloody honored that you care, when once you thought that pets like me deserved to be thrashed.”
“You’re not a pet anymore,” I say through gritted teeth. “You’re my fated mate and future King. And no one is allowed to hurt you but me.”
“I’m not sure that’s as reassuring as you mean it to be.”
I give a sharp grin. “Who said that I mean it to be reassuring?”
