Page 65 of Burned

“It was like the ingredients had their own mind. I’d add a leaf, and it would somehow end up on the table again. As you can see, it’s a very active potion. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Where did you get this recipe?” Tino asks me.

“Dragon mage,” I mutter.

“Another thing that makes sense. As soon as the potion was complete, the paper I wrote the recipe down on shriveled up and burned itself out.” She grins. “It was pretty cool, not gonna lie.”

“Fascinating,” Dempsey says.

I huff with frustration. I should thank Dahlia for her efforts, but I can’t be agreeable to something so at odds with everything I am.

“Where is the mate?” she asks, causing another searing pain to stab my chest.

“He went home,” Nico explains.

“No,” I growl. “This is home.I’mhis home.”

Everyone falls silent for a few seconds until Tino speaks up.

“He went to deal with his family.”

“About what?” Dahlia asks.

“Okay, here’s the rundown,” Lake says. “Lord’s dragon led him to the woods where he found a fatally wounded man. Lord used his fire to save him, which as we all know, bonds them together as mates. Unfortunately, the object of his Lord’s affection turns out to be a dragon slayer.”

“He’s not a slayer,” I growl.

Lake raises his hands in surrender. “Correction. He’s part of a dragon slayer family.”

“Holy hemlock,” Dahlia says.

“His mate has plans to return to Lord.”

“If his father doesn’t kill him first.” Simply speaking the words leaves a bitter taste on my tongue and has bile rising in my throat. “How can I sit here, useless, when my mate might need me?”

“Trust your bond,” Arson says softly. “Use it.”

Closing my eyes, I search the bond, but I’m met with fear and anger. “He’s hurting.”

“But he’s alive, right?” Arson asks. “He’s strong and he’s got your fire in his veins.”

His words only help slightly. The special weapons taunt my thoughts, but I have to hold out hope his own father wouldn’t use them on him, and a regular sword would do nothing to harm him.

“Why don’t I put some steaks on the grill,” Nico says. “Get our minds off the situation for a few hours until Alrick comes back. He’s gonna come back, Lord.”

I nod. I’m positive I won’t be able to eat, but at least I can surround myself with the love of my family.

I get to my feet, but just as I do, I’m dropped to my knees by the most intense pain in my gut. My dragon thrashes, and a stream of fire burns through my throat.

“Oh gods. They’re hurting him.”

ALRICK

My mouth fillswith blood as Digby lands another punch to my jaw. He’s bound my arms, making it impossible for me to fight back. Viggo lies on the ground, taking kicks to the gut from our dad.

So much for talking.

I should have known better. Calm, logical discussions have never been a thing in our family. I was a fucking idiot for thinking I could change that. I was an idiot for thinking I could changehim. I spit out the blood welling in my mouth and glare at Digby.

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