Page 64 of Surge of Heat

Granger frowns. “What does that mean?”

“Well, to understand what that means, you also have to have the information we’ve recently concluded about how dragons work.” She hesitates for only a moment. “It seems that phoenixes and dragons have more in common than any other species, and what we’ve learned of the phoenixes is that their way of impregnating females involves tearing the wings of the female to ground them and make them entirely dependent on the male. But it’s more than that. The male phoenixes also work together to ground females, because they’re often more successful that way. Therefore, we’ve concluded that the green dragon is likely recruiting more male dragons to successfully take Sam as his mate.”

I stare.And stare. Are they saying what they seem to be saying?

Aydan takes my hand. “It’s okay. We’re not going to let that happen to you.”

Evander takes my other hand. “I’ll be there to stand between them and you. You’ll be safe.”

“I’ll be there too,” Aydan adds on, a little anger in his voice.

I struggle to find my words. “So, the green dragon is going to just keep coming after me, but not just that, he’s going to bring other male dragons to hurt me too?”

“Not with me here,” Evander reassures me.

“I’ll fucking destroy them,” Aydan says.

It’s weird. Their words aren’t making me feel any better. Evander has fought the green dragon and nearly died. How will the two of them handle Awakened Dragons that come for me?

“You’ve been researching dragons and their mating practices based on the phoenixes, is that correct?” Granger asks, and there’s something thunderous in his expression. A protectiveness I’ve only seen from him a few times.

“That’s correct,” Dr. Duncan answers.

Granger continues, “Based on your research, can Aydan and Granger take on two Awakened Dragons?”

The scientists exchange a look, but Dr. Duncan is the one to respond. “Based on our research? No. The Awakened Dragons simply have the knowledge and experience of fighting in the air that Aydan and Evander lack. They would easily be defeated in a fight, even though they both appear to be larger male dragons than any of the ones we’ve recorded.”

“Fuck it,” Granger says, standing up and staring down at Aydan and Granger. “I’m not a dragon. I can’t protect our Sam, but you two idiots can. So you know what you need to do? You need to becomebetterdragons. Instead of sitting here with your thumbs up your asses, you need to get out there and get used to being dragons, and then you need to start play fighting, so you learn something.” Then he turns to me. “You need to get out there in your dragon form and learn to protect yourself. You’re smaller, which means you’re faster. We need to learn how to use that to your advantage.”

We stare at him, not familiar with this take-charge kind of Granger. But, mostly, I stare at him.Has he always been like this?Usually, he’s so soft and gentle. I kind of like this side of him.

“Now!” he snaps. “Get up! Now! We don’t have a lot of time. You three are going to get in the air. We’re going to track you. Then we’re going to use that data to help teach you how to fight and how to defend yourself.”

We all look at each other, unsure about what to say. But the thing is, this idea is smart. We should’ve been practicing this whole time.

Granger rounds on the doctors. “What do you need to do to help me track them and compare their movements with that of the phoenixes? Whatever it is, get started.”

They go to work, and I’m left staring at Granger. He seems… different.

I don’t know why it troubles me.

TWENTY-FOUR

Samantha

I dive downfrom the clouds and see Aydan’s golden scales beneath me. In an instant, I’m on his back, trying to use my wings to disrupt his flight. It works. He starts dropping from the sky like a stone, but he bucks, and I fly off.

Dislodged, I know I have to get moving or he’ll catch me. I shoot away from him, but he’s gaining on me quickly. And then, as I glance back, I see Evander strike him from the sky. The two of them are so large that I’m grateful I’m out of the way as they go tumbling from the sky.

They manage to separate and right themselves.

I didn’t even sense you coming,Aydan says, sounding a touch impressed.

You untangled yourself faster than I would have thought.Evander’s trying to compliment him, and I think Aydan notices.

They continue fighting. Fire sprouts from their mouths. They use claws and teeth, but are gentle. This is practice fighting, not real fighting.

I fly away from them, diving toward the ground. At the last minute, I pull up, practicing a move I know will be important. From the edge of the cliff, I see Granger waving his hands. It’s time to be done. We’ve practiced enough for the morning.

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