Page 51 of Cole's Command

“There.” Lifting her closer to his head, he cradled her like a child against him. “That’s where we’re going.”

Tentatively, she raised her head as he dove toward his destination, landing on the designated platform by the outside veranda.

“Go inside.” His voice resonated around the snow-covered peaks. “The door combination is four, two, six, eight.”

They had used to keep the lodge unlocked, knowing no one else could access the property, but since the run-in with Oliver Monroe’s chimera, Balthazar had grown concerned about security. The control-panel style lock resolved the issue. Only the Vaughn’s and those they trusted knew the passcode.

Releasing her onto the decking, he glanced around just in case. Cole had promised to keep Eden safe, and didn’t welcome the prospect of any sudden Monroe attention, but the coast was clear. She staggered away, glancing around warily at him before she reached the door and fumbled with the lock.

A moment of concentration was all it took to morph the dragon back to the man, and jogging toward her, he watched as she opened the door and slipped inside.

“Wait!” he instructed as she slammed it closed behind her and initiated the lock. He could have just inserted the code again and gained entry, but Eden doggedly blocked his admission. “Move out of the way.”

Pressing her nose against the glass, her gaze scanned his nudity as she shook her head. No way, her thoughts told him as her eyes narrowed. You can fucking stay out there, asshole!

“Eden!” he barked, hammering his fist against the glass door as he lowered his voice. “Just you wait, little girl.”

Fury simmered in his veins at her defiant expression. His dragon genes meant he could survive in the freezing temperatures far longer than most people, but she had no way of knowing that. Eden was playing with his welfare, and he did not appreciate the game.

“Go away!” she shouted, forcing her weight against the door. “I don’t want you in here.”

“Well, well, well.” Draco appeared from behind Eden, an astonished grin rising to his face as he surveyed the scene. “I see I have guests.”

“Who the hell are you?” Leaping away from the door, Eden’s attention flitted between both men with large, frightened eyes.

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking that?” Draco’s laughter met Cole’s ears as Cole punched in the code and stepped inside. Grabbing an abandoned pair of joggers, he slid them on, fighting for composure. If it wasn’t for his heightened sense of hearing, Cole wouldn’t have been able to make out any of his brother’s words from outside, but slamming the door closed, he heard them loud and clear. “One of your friends, I assume, Cole?”

“Yes, this is Eden.” Meeting Draco’s gaze, his thoughts told his brother everything Draco needed to know. ‘She just found out I’m a dragon. She’s scared, and yes—I’m going to deal with her.’ “I didn’t realize you were here, Draco.”

Smirking, Draco nodded. “Yeah, I went for a fly and stopped in.” His gaze traveled to Eden, who resembled a deer in the headlights moments before a car struck.

Oh, God. Her breathing was labored. There’s two of them and the blond is another fucking dragon!

“Can you leave us to it?” Cole’s focus slid to Eden, his anger bubbling as she avoided his gaze.

“Sure.” Draco’s leer grew as he wandered toward the door. “Unless you need me here?” ‘I wouldn’t mind dealing with her myself.’

“No, we’re good,” Cole insisted. “Thanks, though.”

“No worries.” Draco suppressed laughter as he approached the door. “Good to meet you, Eden.” ‘Have fun, little brother.’

“Y-yeah,” she stammered. “Bye.”

“Let’s give my brother some privacy, shall we?” Cole gestured toward the small hall that led to the bedrooms. “He’ll need to shift and fly back.”

“O-okay.” Shuffling in the direction he suggested, she moved into place but never took her huge, anxious eyes off of Cole.

What’s he going to do to me now?

It was a good question, and an oppressive hush passed over them as Cole mused on the answer. He gave Draco time to leave, shift, and fly away before he steered Eden back into the open plan living space.

“Sit down,” he ordered.

Blowing out a breath, she sank onto one of the couches, but he noticed how her gaze hardened. “What the hell just happened, Cole?”

“I would have thought that was obvious.” Digging his hands into his pockets, he glared at her. “I told you where we were headed.”

“And I told you I didn’t want to go,” she retorted.

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