Page 53 of Mad Dragon of Chaos

Haru released Adrian’s legs, carefully resting them on the bed before he collapsed on top of his mate. Adrian let out a weary laugh as he wrapped his arms around Haru, holding him close, not seeming to mind that Haru was nearly crushing him into the bed.

“Give me a moment,” Haru panted. He turned his face to nestle it into the sweaty crook of Adrian’s neck. “Once I catch my breath, I will kiss the bruises on your front half and fuck you again.”

Adrian shook with soundless laughter, but the shaking quickly stopped while his arms tightened. “You don’t need to. It’s enough to hold you.”

There was a catch in Adrian’s voice at the end that had Haru gathering Adrian up so he could roll them onto their sides. In this new position, it was easier to see his lover’s face, which now had a furrow digging into his brow.

“What’s wrong? Was I too fast? Did I hurt you?”

Adrian swallowed hard. “No. I guess it just hit me how we almost lost this. I was so scared of losing you. That I wouldn’t be able to make it to you in time.”

Haru lifted a hand and brushed his fingers across Adrian’s cheek, wiping away a droplet that could have been sweat or a tear. “But you did, and I am safe. The powers from the goddess are gone, and I am simply your Haru.”

“Haru, I…” Adrian squeezed his eyes shut for a heartbeat and screwed up his face as if he were gathering his courage. “Haru, I love you. I don’t know what kind of future we can have together. You’re a dragon and I’m a human. How the hell is that supposed to work? But I don’t care. You are my mate, and if we’re going to be facing down gods and magic, I don’t want to go another day without you knowing how much you mean to me. I love you.”

Static was the only thing happening in Haru’s brain for several seconds. He’d never expected to hear those words from Adrian so soon. He’d thought it would have taken years more for Adrian to fall in love with him. His eyes burned, and he blinked.

“Shh, Haru. It’s okay.” Adrian reached up and brushed a knuckle across Haru’s cheek, wiping away a tear.

“You love me?” Haru asked, his voice a rough whisper.

“So much. You drive me crazy, but I love your crazy. I love your kindness and compassion. Your strange way of seeing the world. I’ve felt more whole having you at my side than I have in all my life, and I don’t ever want that to end. You are my mate, and I love you.”

Haru swallowed, trying to find his voice. “And I love you, my Adrian. You will never have to be apart from me again.”

Even if he had to battle every god there was, he would keep Adrian safe and at his side for a very long time.

TWENTY

SHEY THRUDESH-VO

“Your Highness, you really should rest,” Luca advised, even as he laid another report beside Shey’s right hand. As if realizing what he’d done, the man winced and moved to grab a stack of papers.

Shey shot him a wry look as he picked it up. “I will soon.”

“That’s a summary of the initial casualties and damage to the city.”

Shey grunted and ran his eyes over the numbers. Since returning to the palace with an unconscious god and an equally unconscious dragon a day ago, Shey had been locked in endless meetings with advisors, generals, and other government officials. The queen was overseeing the relief efforts within the city for its citizens. Shey’s job was to oversee naval efforts against the Order and provide support to Fiona on the northern front.

Part of him ached to be in the middle of the fray like his sister, but that part was much smaller than he’d expected. He had admirals and captains far more experienced in sea battles. What more could he do that they hadn’t thought of?

And while he was an excellent fighter, Fiona appeared to be doing a fine job from every dispatch he saw. She didn’t need him there, muddying up the chain of command.

Plus, there might be another reason for him to remain in the palace.

“Have you heard anything from Tyche? Or our other guests?” Shey cursed himself for not including Haru and Adrian in his first inquiry. He was worried about all his friends. Not just Tyche.

Luca stood beside Shey’s desk with both hands holding his ever-present tablet in front of him. He rocked on the balls of his feet. “There was a note from the royal physician. He has confirmed that he believes Mr. Westergren has a concussion and should report to the hospital for a scan of his head. However, Mr. Westergren has declined to leave his companion’s side.”

Shey smirked at that as he finished flipping through the report in his hand. The only way they were getting Adrian to leave the palace for any kind of testing was to have Haru at his side the entire time, and even then, it was questionable.

“The physician told me to remind you that he still knows nothing about dragons, but everything appears fine on Omari Haru. He is awake, eating, and chatting. I believe he and Mr. Westergren paid a visit to Her Majesty today.”

Shey grunted and nodded. He had a feeling that Haru wished to apologize to his mother about the destruction and chaos he’d caused, even if it wasn’t his fault. Shey had already explained to her that it had all happened because of the explosion and the resulting kidnapping of Adrian. He shuddered at the memory of telling his mother that a royal guard from Erya had been kidnapped and a royal envoy from the Isle of Stone had been attacked. He’d thought she’d been about to have a heart attack. Queen Noemi would have been quick to reassure Haru that he was not to blame for anything.

Luca cleared his throat, and Shey glanced up to see lines digging into his brow. “Mr. Tyche woke late today and declined to see the physician. A maid also messaged me to say that he declined all food today.”

Shey sat back in his chair, frowning. “Did he take the coffee, at least?”