Page 61 of Surge of Heat

Sounds good to me. But just there and back. No further. We don’t know how far the base defenses can reach,I say, consciously sending the words to both of them before realizing what I’ve been doing.

It’s interesting. We seem to be able to send our thoughts so just one person hears them, or so everyone hears them. I’m not sure I was aware of that until right now. Being a dragon certainly takes practice.

Together we fly out over the ocean, sometimes swooping low, sometimes soaring above the clouds. We move together like a pack, a pack who has done this a million times before, and I hate that it feels right. With Aydan, I’m less terrified of something terrible happening to Sam. I feel like I can enjoy this a little more.

I like this. Sam’s thought is pleased in our minds.

Like what?I ask, amused.

I like flying when I’m not constantly afraid of the green dragon.

Aydan’s voice is reassuring.We’ll never let anything happen to you.

I’m surprised by thewe’ll. It’s strange to have Aydan include me in anything, but I’m not kidding myself into thinking this comradery will last long. He and I are enemies, through and through.

Sam spins around Aydan, and then me. It’s playful. I smile. I spin with her too, and Aydan does the same. I get the strangest feeling that we’re dancing in the sky.

When Sam’s laughter comes in my mind, my heart soars. I love to hear her happy. I’d do anything to hear her laugh.

Do you think we’re far enough?she asks.

Probably, I say.

We fly until we’re in the closest thing to a straight line that we can do in the sky. Sam is in the middle. Aydan and I are at her sides. There’s anticipation in the air. And, to my surprise, a lightness that I hadn’t expected.

Ready? Sam asks.

Ready, we both say.

She begins counting down.Three, two, one…

We take off. Except, it’s more like Sam bolts away, disappearing from view. Aydan’s panic flows to me through a connection I didn’t even know existed, and we’re both chasing after her. Some part of me knows she’ll be fine, but another part of me would be happier close to her.

That big body doesn’t seem to go very fast, Aydan says, just ahead of me.

Well, it’s got to be big to haul around my big dick.

Please, he mutters,I’ve seen what you’re packing, and it’s nothing compared to the third leg I’m dragging.

I snort.Third leg? Please. Hairy balls don’t count for length.

He makes a little sound of disbelief.Not only am I thicker and longer, I can go all night.

I don’t remember you being there last night.There. What are you going to say to that, loser?

Silver is worse than gold. You’re second place, buddy.

Right, I get it, I’m silver and you’re gold.I hate this guy.

I’m pushing myself as hard as I possibly can. I’m out of breath as I slice through the air like an arrow, and he’s still faster. Always just ahead of me, no matter how hard I try.

Need to take a break?he asks.

I roar and flames explode.

Feeling a little hot, then?He’s laughing, and I hate it.

Up ahead, we see Sam. She’s just hanging out just beyond the finish line. I manage to push myself just a little faster, hoping to impress her. But still, Aydan crosses the finish line before I can.

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