Raj’s mouth twists. ‘It’s a distinct possibility, yes. At this point their M.O. seems to be to weaken a shifter’s immune system with a supposed accident, then kidnap them either immediately or at a later date. Presumably the weakened immune system makes it harder to fight back because any fresh injuries won’t heal, giving their kidnappers a greater advantage. Your presence threw a wrench in their plans.’
I scent Raj’s neck the way he likes, needing to touch him and mark him while my heart threatens to beat its way out of my chest. I may have made it more difficult for them to get to him, but he’d never have been in their sights if not for me. It’s my faulthe’s in danger. I’ll never forgive myself if something happens to him.
He leans into my touch, his eyes intent on me, then kisses me. I expect it to be soft and tender, the same way he strokes my dragon’s scales when I lose control, but instead it’s deep and intense, his mouth taking exactly what he wants.
I love it when he kisses me like this. It’s more than reassurance; it’s possessive and claiming, and I can’t get enough.
I match his intensity and then some, using my body to convey just how much he means to me. I’m falling in love with my treasure, and although I don’t think he’s ready to see the words on my hands yet, I want him to know he’s everything to me.
It’s not just because of my dragon’s reaction to him, or my complete obsession with him since we met. It’s the big things, like the way he gathered his entire pack and flew half way across Europe to rescue me, but it’s also the small things, like the way he loves cooking for people, and the way his hands grip me like he never wants to let me go.
I’m more sure than ever that he’s my fated mate, but I have no idea where he’s at beyond knowing he cares about me. Is he ready to learn my theory? Or would that be pushing him too far, too fast?
He pulls back, his lips puffy, his eyes flashing the amber of his tiger. ‘Go fly with your brother. You mentioned Ayo’s ready to test the shield charm, right? I’ll volunteer as his test dummy. I’ll be completely safe within the wards.’
I frown, not convinced by his logic. ‘I should stay here to help, see if it works.’
The look he gives me can only be described as fondly exasperated. ‘Ayo can handle it, but I promise you can help when you get back. Come on, Milo will be here soon.’
He takes my hand and leads me out into the crisp air. I still think I should remain by his side, although he’s right that the wards here will protect him as long as he’s within them. I supposeI can relent and fly with Milo for a short time. And if the shield charm passes Ayo’s tests, I might even be able to let Raj out of my sight at work.
We head for one of the frost-covered fields, our breath fogging in front of us and the scent of sheep in a nearby field reaching my nose. Raj shivers slightly so I increase my heat output to warm the surrounding air for him. He shoots me a grateful smile, but it quickly disappears as he begins chewing on his lower lip.
‘What’s wrong?’ I ask as we arrive at the centre of an empty field that’s perfect for take-off. Milo’s approaching in the distance, but we still have a few minutes before he reaches us.
Raj’s hand movements are firm. ‘Be careful, okay? I know the attack on you was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but you’re barely healed and now that the kidnappers have failed with me, we don’t know what they’ll try next.’
My dragon shifts restlessly, irritated that our treasure thinks any fae could get the better of us just because a bunch of Polish dragons did, and my instinctive reaction is to tell Raj not to worry. That he’s the one who needs protecting, not me. But truthfully, my dragon and I were scared up on that mountain. Alone and in pain, our healing not kicking in, unable to fly or shift, there were moments we wondered if we were going to die up there.
Since then, it’s been easier to worry about my treasure’s safety than to dwell too much on what would have happened if Raj, his pack, and Doc P hadn’t come to save me. I don’t plan to change that strategy now, especially because Lance wasn’t behind the attack on me.
‘I’m not ignorant of the danger, but no one at Far Out Freight is going to be stupid enough to attack two airborne dragons in broad daylight.’
‘Don’t forget that we don’t know what sort of weapons they’re shipping. They could shoot you out of the sky without risking exposure to themselves.’
That style of attack doesn’t fit with what I know ofthe fae as a species, especially because it would risk exposing the supernatural world. ‘Bear in mind that they tried to kidnap you, not kill you. It’s extremely unlikely that Milo and I are going to be dodging deadly projectiles on a quiet Sunday.’
Raj’s shoulders rise and fall as he takes several deep breaths, visibly trying to calm himself. I cup his cheek and press a kiss to his forehead, giving him the time he needs. He touches the tiny tracker and camera clipped to my hoodie, his index finger on his other hand hooked in my belt loop.
The shadow of Milo’s dragon passes over us. Raj releases me, managing a tight smile before backing away. After I shift, I can’t resist leaning down until my head is low enough for him to reach. He takes the hint and rubs my snout, his features relaxing and his scent softening.
I still don’t want to leave him, but Milo’s circling overhead and my treasure really is safe within Ayo’s wards, so I back up and launch into the clear blue sky.
Milo and I circle the estate, mainly to give Raj some reassurance, before heading out over the Cheshire countryside and beginning the training routine my brother planned for today. The weak winter sunlight casts a golden glow on the frosty landscape—the opposite of my snowstorm nightmare.
Despite the different flying conditions and our bravado in the face of Raj’s worry, my dragon and I struggle to focus on our training. I keep checking my surroundings, half expecting small green dragons to suddenly appear in the cloudless sky, and it makes my flying more cautious than usual.
It’s fine. It’s just a temporary setback. Fae can’t hurt me in this form, and I’d see any dragons approaching from miles away. I might need a few uneventful clear-weather flights before that sinks in, though.
I’ve managed to muddle my way through most of today’s routine when a winged dot appears on the horizon, causing me to dip slightly as my dragon has the abrupt urge to fly in theopposite direction as fast as possible. I ignore Milo’s concerned glance and remind my dragon that the Zbrodnia Smoka aren’t likely to be all the way over here in the UK. Besides, there are two of us this time, no shipping container to worry about, and only one dragon heading our way.
My dragon reluctantly lets me regain position, breathing out a relieved puff of smoke when the approaching dragon becomes large enough to recognise the ruby-red scales of our sister.
What the hell is she doing here? She’s got something clutched in her talons, although I doubt whatever it is will have been enough of a reason to break dragon law like this.
Milo breathes out fire as we turn and head in her direction, landing in a field of cows near the massive white Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank before shifting back.
‘You sure you’re okay?’ Milo asks while we wait for her to reach us, his brow furrowed.
