Page 56 of Burned

“You don’t understand. They won’t stop. Death before surrender, that’s what we were taught.”

“Lord.” One of his brothers, the one with the redheaded man beside him, cuts in. His voice is steady, but even I can hear the underlying fear in it. “What the fuck is going on?”

Chapter

Eighteen

LORD

“Oh gods,” Alrick groans as the seriousness of our predicament becomes clear.

I have to remind myself to breathe as words I had hoped to avoid finally break free.

“It’s a long story but…” I glance at Alrick, squeezing his hand for comfort. “Alrick is—” I stop short, unable to admit the awful truth to my brothers.

“Lord?” Hemingway says, his voice soft and fearful. “Talk to us.”

Alrick straightens his shoulders. “I was raised as a hunter.”

Nico roars fire, lunging forward while Lake does his best to grab him and I step in front of my mate.

“Stand down, brother.” My tone is dark and protective, enough to stop Nico in his tracks, but the betrayal is written all over his face.

“What the fuck?” Arson whispers.

“And I thought being a demon mate was hard,” Montrose muses.

“Ditto,” Draydon adds, holding on to Arson.

“I’ve never harmed a dragon,” Alrick continues. “I never will. I’ve been at odds with my family’s teachings my entire life.”

Nico scoffs, folding his arms over his chest. “And we’re just supposed to believe you?”

“Does your brother look injured? I’ve been alone with him for weeks.”

“Maybe you’re playing the long game,” Tino says, his eyes narrowed. “You’ll wait until he takes you back to our compound and invite your family in.”

Hurt, guilt, and even anger twist through our bond. It’s time for me to step in.

“I admit this isn’t how I intended for any of you to find out, but…” I glance at Alrick, hoping he accepts this very public explanation. “I found Alrick wounded on the forest floor hundreds of miles from our home. I don’t think I need to explain how I was guided to him.”

Lake gasps, clutching his chest. “Your dragon knew.”

I nod. “He was moments from death, and at the time, I had no idea why I needed to keep him alive. I breathed my fire into him.”

Alrick’s mouth falls open in awe. “Your dragon found me?”

“Yes. Once it became clear what you were, I tried to convince myself that my dragon was confused or simply longing for what my brothers had found, but the more time we spent together, the clearer it became.” It’s time I accept what’s been obvious for some time. “My dragon chose you because fate did first.”

“All the gods,” Nico complains. “Fate must be very bored these days.”

“What does that mean?” Alrick asks.

Draydon stands. “I’m a wolf shifter. Dragons and wolves aren’t exactly buddies.”

Montrose swings his crossed leg, leaning his head back against Tino’s belly. “I’m a demon who was hunting their younger brother. Not a great first impression.”

“Well, I’m absolutely perfect for Nico,” Lake says, smiling, causing Arson to cackle.

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