Drake's form shimmered, the dark purple scales retracting and giving way to human skin. He stood tall, muscles stretching, his broad shoulders rolled, and a faint, almost imperceptible sigh of relief escaping him as he settled back into his familiar human form. He stood there completely unconcerned by his sudden nakedness.
I moved towards the sturdy chest tucked into a corner of the cavern, rummaging quickly. I pulled out a set of underwear, jeans, and a t-shirt that Aurelia had stored for him.
"Modesty, Drake." I tossed them to him, watching as hefumbled slightly to catch them, his mind still likely shaking off the last tendrils of the curse.
"Man, it's always better when you wake me up," he said, pulling on the clothes. He raked a hand through his auburn red hair, still disheveled from sleep. "I hate being the first one awake."
"Tell me about it." I cracked my neck from side to side. "I'm always super grumpy without someone else to take the edge off." Folding my arms, I watched him shake off the last vestiges of sleep. "It was a good thing I got to kill a guy when I woke up. Before I even shifted to my human form."
His eyes widened, surprise etching into his features as he stared at me. "Say what?"
"Long story. Fly with me to the manor, and I'll spill everything. I just have to stop and get my bike. "
I stopped and checked on the others, Chance’ shimmering silver scales, lay perfectly still, his massive body curled. His usual restless energy was completely subdued by the curse. Tyson lay next to him his deep, burnished bronze scales gleaming even in the dim light of the cavern. I could feel the immense, fiercely loyal power coiled within him even in slumber. Finally, Zaden, a sleek, deep green dragon, lay stretched out, his agile form resting in the heavy sleep. His usual quick-witted spark was absent, his features relaxed in the deep sleep, waiting patiently for release
None had reacted to my presence and were still sound asleep, so we stepped outside the cave. Without hesitation, Drake and I let our forms change, bodies expanding and twisting until we were dragons again. Our wings unfurled, powerful and ready.
As we took to the sky, the wind rushed past us, and I shared my thoughts with Drake, sending them directly to his mind.
I found my mate,I began, the name alone conveying volumes. Then I told him about Erin and how she was kidnapped, which led to my awakening and ending the fucker's life. She'd become my world even if she didn't know yet.
The excitement bubbled through the telepathic link as Drake soaked in every detail. His mental voice came back loud and clear, tinged with enthusiasm. That's amazing news, brother.
We soared higher, the world below a patchwork of greens and browns, the thrill of flight mingling with the gravity of my revelations. We stopped off, and I shifted to grab my bike. Then Drake flew over as I sped toward the manor.
His massive form cast shadows over the manor as he descended, the earth welcoming him back with a familiar solidity underfoot. With practiced ease, he shifted back to human form.
Skye was already there to greet us. She stepped forward, arms open, and Drake moved into her embrace without hesitation. They hugged, and I could see the genuine affection between them. It was like that with all of us. One big family even though we weren't blood related.
"I've missed you." Skye pulled back just enough to look at him. The sentiment was sincere, a testament to their deep bond.
"Missed you too," Drake said, his smile broad and unguarded.
The moment was cut short by a blur of motion from the door. Aurelia burst out; her energy infectious as she launched herself at Drake. "Brother," she exclaimed, though they shared no blood—only years of camaraderie.
"Hey, Trouble," Drake greeted her, catching her in a hug that lifted her feet off the ground for a second before setting her down again.
"Come in, come in." Aurelia ushered us toward the house, her voice bubbling with excitement. "You have good timing. Skye has news about the mafia."
Drake's eyebrow quirked upward, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh? Are we diversifying our portfolio into organized crime now? That's quite the pivot."
I chuckled, shaking my head at Drake's ability to find humor even in the face of danger. It was one of the things that made him invaluable when tension ran high. We followed the women inside, bracing ourselves for whatever Skye had uncovered.
We settled into the worn leather chairs in the big office we all shared, the walls lined with screens and monitors flickering with data. She clicked a few keys, bringing up images of two familiar faces—ones I'd last seen frozen in fear.
"Those are the guys I killed," I said, more for Drake's benefit. "What did you find out?"
"Lower to mid-level goons," Skye said as her fingers flew over the keyboard and she brought up more information. "They worked for someone with quite a reputation. The head of this branch is known for his brutality. Climbed the ladder by eliminating competition—permanently."
"Sounds like a charmer." Drake leaned back in his chair and stared at the screen with a critical eye.
"Charm isn't his weapon," Skye said dryly. "It's fear. He's good at wielding it."
"Any idea if he'll come looking for Erin?" I asked, my mind already racing through defensive strategies.
"No specifics." She shook her head slightly. "But lack of evidence doesn't equalsafety."
"Then I guess I'm on extended bodyguard duty." I couldn't suppress the smile that came with the thought of spending more time with Erin. "Not that I'm complaining."
