I nodded, shooting a glance at Liz. “After breakfast. We were just about to eat.”
Zarek continued to stand there, looking as if he were waiting for an invitation. The awkward silence stretched for a few seconds before Liz cleared her throat.
“Would you like some pancakes, Zarek?” She gestured to the tall stack on the counter. “There’s plenty.”
My dragon perked up, approving of her hospitality despite the tension. She was trying, and that meant something.
Zarek’s eyes widened slightly. He looked at the pancakes, then at Liz, then at me. For a moment, I thought he might actually accept.
“No,” he said finally, his voice clipped. “Thank you,” he added, almost as an afterthought. “I’ll wait outside until you’re ready to leave.”
He turned and walked out, closing the door behind him with a quiet click.
Liz let out a breath. “Is he always this intense?”
“Pretty much.” I slid my arms around her waist from behind. “But he’s trying in his own way.”
“Trying to what? Intimidate me out of town?” She leaned back against me, and I pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
“He’s just protective.” I hesitated. “He doesn’t trust easily.”
“I’ve noticed.” She pulled away, grabbing plates from the cupboard. “He looks at me like I’m going to rob you guys blind.”
“Well, technically you have our knife.” I couldn’t help but grin.
She smacked my arm with a dish towel. “I found it in my tent after some naked weirdo ran through my campsite.” She forked several pancakes onto a plate. “Come on, let’s eat before your friend out there gets even grumpier.”
“He’ll come around. And if he doesn’t, I’ll beat him up for you.”
“My hero,” she said dryly, but her smile was real.
I landed carefully, stretching my wings wide to slow our descent as the rocky ground approached. My dragon rumbled with satisfaction at having our mate on our back, especially while flying to our most sacred place.
Zarek swooped down beside us as Liz carefully dismounted. She found her footing a lot easier this time.
I shifted immediately, and Zarek did the same, his massive form condensing into his human shape.
We walked to a crevice between two boulders where a waterproof storage bin sat tucked away. I grabbed two pairs of shorts and tossed one to Zarek.
I pulled mine on and turned to Liz, who was politely averting her eyes despite our earlier activities. I reached for her hand, lacing my fingers through hers. “Ready to see where dragons keep their treasure?”
Her eyes lit up. “More than ready.”
I guided her through a narrow passage in the rocks, one that would look like nothing special if anyone managed to pass by. I grabbed a flashlight from another hidden niche and clicked it on.
I swept the beam across the narrow path ahead before handing it to her. “Stay close and let me know if you need a ride.”
Zarek grumbled behind us, and I moved Liz to the side so he could pass by. He was too impatient, even though I’d bet my share of the hoard that he had been recently.
It was in our nature to check on our hoard, but even before the evidence of someone lurking had been found right outside, he came more than the rest of us.
Liz squeezed my hand as we began navigating the uneven ground. The air grew cooler the farther we walked, and I breathed in the scent of stone.
“It’s just after this bend, behind the giant slab.” I let go of her hand and pressed my hand against the small of her back as we slipped through the narrow entrance.
Liz inhaled sharply as Zarek lit the giant fire pit in the middle of the cavern. The hoard stretched across the massive cave, piles of gold coins, jewelry, antique weapons, gemstones, and artifacts.
Zarek turned and gave Liz a stern look. “You are not to touch anything without permission.”
