“Why weren’t they returned to Terra?” That seemed the logical choice.
Shock widened Moira’s eyes. “And tell of our people? Use their weapons against dragons in the human world?”
Good point. “But why do you hate them? Seems to me dragons were in the wrong.”
“I don’t hate them. I fear them. I’ve heard what they can do. Our people signed treaties to leave them alone and leave them alone I shall.”
“But no one has tried to hurt us since we’ve arrived in Terra.” Except for a few would-be muggers Moira didn’t know about. “Don’t you think it’s time to let old prejudices go?”
Moira released an exasperated sigh. “Easier said than done for an old dragon like me, set in her ways and traditions.”
“Then shouldn’t we give them a chance? There’s good and bad in any group. We don’t have to like them all.” Just Elouan. “You’ve always taken care of me. Why don’t you two relax and let me take care of you?”
Radomir threw his hands in the air. “We cannot let our guard down for even a moment. Humans are one thing, but if other dragons find out you’re here, they might harm you. Your brother has enemies. Our court has enemies.”
Jules might as well forget trying to suppress his angry reactions. “The brother I don’t remember? How do I even know he exists, and it’s not just something you told me? How do I know he’s not dead, like the rest of my family?”
Moira reached out. “Jules—”
Jules stormed out of the cabin, unwilling to listen anymore. When they returned to the city, he’d stop turning down invitations to study together or play frisbee in the park. When Elouan couldn’t meet him, he’d invite classmates to lunch. He’d start living for something other than a someday less likely to come with each passing moment.
He’d seek out other dragons, have someone to discuss unique issues with, and fly with them. He’d learn more of their kind than Moira's and Radomir’s stories.
And fully embrace his circumstances, no longer a dragon prince but a human.
Most of all, he’d stop hiding his relationship with Elouan.
Moira and Radomir had gone to bed when Jules returned to the cabin. The omega in him wanted to apologize, bow to their wisdom like he’d always done, but no. No more. He deserved a life. Love. A future.
He had no cell signal, but he typed a message to Elouan, anyway.I think I might be falling in love with you.He might never send the message, but it made him feel good to admit facts to someone, even his cellphone, so basically, himself.
He'd let Elouan know face-to-face as soon as he returned home, and he’d let life take them where it would.
Chapter Sixteen
Elouan didn’t see the pretty gold dragon again, which saddened him more than it should. Though what would he have done? Courted the omega? Until he found out the full story of Jules, and if he was indeed the gold dragon, he wouldn’t turn to a strange omega simply to have a dragon mate. That wouldn’t be fair to either of them.
As much as Elouan had longed for a weekend in dragon form, Monday couldn’t happen quickly enough. Not quick enough for the local elk, either. He took out his frustrations by hunting.
Darkness hid his bulk among the trees. In the open, an accumulation of softly falling snow might show his silhouette. There, a few yards away…
The elk lifted its nose, bugling a warning. Elouan pounced after the fleeing creature. He flapped his wings, going airborne, only to crash down from above, taking the hapless prey to the ground.
His dragon reveled in the kill, though the human side of Elouan preferred not to hunt alone. Once more, he pictured the beautiful golden dragon.
Elouan cleaned the cabin as promised, packed up his meager belongings, and hiked to the meeting place where the helicopter waited.
He remained sullen during the return trip, thoughts springing from Jules to the golden dragon. Jules had left to spend time in a mountain cabin. He had to be the golden dragon.
The pilot didn’t even question Elouan. The beautiful surroundings and cozy cabin stayed behind. Elouan took memories back with him.
Elouan flopped onto the couch the moment he returned to the apartment and texted Jules:You're back?
Yes. Couldn't wait to come homeappeared on the screen.
Elouan smiled, warmth spreading in his chest.I missed you.
I missed you too.
