Page 40 of Blazing Joysticks

The van rocked again as massive claws raked across its roof, peeling it back like the lid of a sardine can. Wind and debris whipped through the interior as the driver lost control, sending them careening off the road.

Everything happened in a blur of motion and sound. Cat felt herself flung about as the van rolled, coming to a bone-jarring stop against a tree. Pain exploded through her body as she was thrown clear of the wreckage.

Dazed and aching, Cat found herself sprawled on the ground several feet from the mangled van. She tried to push herself up, but a sharp, stabbing pain in her side made her gasp and fall back. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.

Through blurry vision, she saw her kidnappers scrambling to their feet, only to be confronted by the terrifying sight of Keir in his full dragon glory. His scales gleamed in the moonlight, eyes blazing with fury. Twin jets of flame erupted from his maw, engulfing the men. Their agonized screams pierced the night before abruptly cutting off.

In the sudden, eerie silence that followed, Cat became acutely aware of the warm trickle of blood soaking through her shirt. She blinked, trying to clear her vision as a familiar human form approached.

“Cat!” Keir’s voice was raw with fear and relief as he knelt beside her. “God, I thought I’d lost you.”

“Keir,” she mumbled, wincing as he gathered her carefully into his arms. The world spun alarmingly, and she fought against a wave of nausea. “Ayers... is he...”

“He’s safe,” Keir assured her, his touch gentle as he assessed her injuries. His face was a mask of barely contained rage as he took in the extent of her wounds. “Laura tried to call you to tell you something and when she couldn’t reach you she panicked and rushed back home. She found your phone and called me. She found Ayers too. He never even woke up.”

Cat sagged with relief, then tensed as a fresh wave of pain washed over her. “I think... I think something’s broken,” she managed through gritted teeth, each breath sending daggers through her side.

Keir’s face hardened, a muscle ticking in his jaw. “I’ve got you,” he said, cradling her close as he stood. “You’re going to be okay. I promise.”

As Keir carried her to safety, murmuring reassurances, Cat allowed herself to relax into his embrace. Despite the pain and lingering fear, she felt an overwhelming sense of security. The steady beat of Keir’s heart against her ear drowned out the chaos around them.

Whatever challenges lay ahead, with Keir by her side, she could face anything. As consciousness began to slip away, Cat’s last thought was of the future they would build together—a future that no one, not even those who sought to tear them apart, could take away.

NINETEEN

Keir paced the sterile hallway of the private clinic, his footsteps echoing off the polished floors. The acrid smell of disinfectant burned his nostrils, a constant reminder of where he was and why. His jaw clenched as he replayed the events of the past few hours in his mind.

Cat’s dislocated shoulder had been reset quickly, thank God. But the bruises mottling her skin, the way she’d cried out in pain when they’d moved her... Keir’s dragon roared inside him, demanding vengeance.

He forced himself to take a deep breath, trying to calm the rage threatening to consume him. Cat was alive. She was safe. That’s what mattered. But, damn, it had been close. Too close.

The door to Cat’s room opened, and Dr. Patel emerged, her dark hair pulled back in a neat bun. “Mr. Sharpe? You can go in now. We’ve got her settled and comfortable.”

Keir nodded, his throat tight. “How is she?”

Dr. Patel’s expression softened. “She’s tough, that one. The shoulder was the worst of it, thankfully. She’ll be sore for a while, but there’s no lasting damage. She’s lucky.”

Lucky. The word echoed in Keir’s mind as he stepped into the room. If he hadn’t gotten there when he did... if his dragon’s protective magic hadn’t already started to work on her...

Cat lay in the hospital bed, looking small and fragile against the white sheets. Her eyes were closed, her chest rising and falling in the steady rhythm of sleep. An IV drip fed into her arm, and a heart monitor beeped softly in the background.

Keir’s chest constricted at the sight. He moved to her side, gently taking her hand in his. Her skin was warm, alive. He brought her fingers to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

“I’m so sorry, love,” he whispered. “I should have been there. I should have protected you.”

Cat stirred, her eyelids fluttering. “Keir?” Her voice was groggy, tinged with pain.

“I’m here, love.” He stroked her hair, marveling at how even battered and bruised, she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. “How are you feeling?”

She managed a weak smile. “Like I got hit by a truck. But I’m okay. Really.”

Keir’s lips quirked up despite himself. “Liar.”

Cat’s hand tightened around his. “Did they... is Ayers okay?”

“He’s fine,” Keir assured her quickly. “Laura and Michael are with him now. He slept through the whole thing.”

The relief on Cat’s face was palpable. “Thank God.”

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