“Your fucking adage screwed with my head,” Race growled. “Useless talent.”
The warrior laughed and strode out, the door shutting behind him.
“Ass.” Race met Michael’s gaze and shook his head. “Don’t ask.”
“Not going to,” he muttered, picking up a scroll and studying its contents. “Gaia’s given you leave to oversee what you must.”
“Thanks.” Race pushed away from the jamb.
“Wait.” Michael set the scroll aside, picked up his pewter dagger from the desk, and tossed it on the shelf behind him. Then he looked up, and his fractured blue eyes swirled, making it hard for Race to read him. Hell, no one could anyway, not unless he wanted them to.
“If you need help, send one of your kin to the abbey. Dag can reach me. They have all offered to step in.”
Race looked down at his booted feet, his chest tight at the knowledge that his brethren stood behind him.
Race?Ash mind-linked with him, her soft voice edged with worry.
I’m fine, heart-fire.He rubbed his knuckles over his chest, and Michael’s gaze followed the movement.
“I’ll keep it in mind,” he said. “If I do, it’ll be Koal.” He removed the glittering, gold-speckled blue gem from his pocket and held it out. “You know anyone who can get this stone on a chain—something that won’t break? It’s for Ash. To keep her unnoticed.”
“Themorvaenstone?” Michael studied the gem. “Hard to come by these. They remain unseen, unless you’re pure of heart.”
Race nodded. “An old retainer, part of the Resistance, told us so. He gave it to Ash.”
“I’ll see to it.” Michael pocketed the jewel. “When do you leave for Lemuria?”
“I was planning on tomorrow night, after we return from England. But—” Race exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I can’t think only of myself. Ash needs more training before we go. If something happens, and I’m not there, she needs to be able to protect herself.”
“Makes sense,” Michael said as they left the study.
“You know…” Race eyed the leader he’d known for millennia, and still didn’t know beyond the job. Not that he ever tried to. “You’re going to need a bigger place. Your study is like a hive.”
Michael shot him a bland look. “Why would I change things, make life easier for all of you?”
Race snorted. “There’s that. Good thing I’ll be back in Romania when I return from Lemuria.”
Michael cast him a quick look but remained silent.
Race frowned. There was something Michael wasn’t telling him. He could feel it like an itch down his spine.
Before he could ask, Ash’s warm voice coasted through their link, caressing his senses.Are you joining me for the evening meal, or do you plan to hunt down a cow?
A smile tugged at his mouth.The only dinner I want is you, my mate.
Race could almost feel her blush. Then she added,Can’t wait.
He chuckled under his breath.
Michael snorted, a wry smile appearing. “You’re the last to cave to the mating bond?—”
“Actually, it was my dragon who took notice of Ash first,” he corrected. “I was slow to catch up.”
“Nothing unusual there,” Michael drawled. “The others were just as bullheaded.”
Race shook his head and slipped his hands into his pockets. “Guess after millennia in solitude, it’s hard to believe something better is out there for the likes of us.” He glanced at Michael as they headed for the kitchen. “Don’t you wish for the same?”
“You all have hearts for brains,” Michael rumbled. “You find a mate, then look at me as if I’m lacking? I might have lost my wings, but I’m still an archangel, with too much shit to oversee.”
