Page 91 of Cruel Daddy Dragon

“Yes, I will,” Milo says.

Evander looks among the rest of us and then nods at Cyrus. Our Alpha nods back at us all.

“All right,” he says, “If you’re all willing to lay down your lives like that, then I won’t force you all to leave.”

His gaze darkens.

“But in that case, we need to prepare ourselves for the fight,” he growls, “This is not going to be easy. One wrong move, and we’re all going to be killed.”

Chapter 29 - Sarah

Everyone’s in mixed spirits when we leave the cave. Cyrus leads in total silence, frowning hard as he walks. Lena and Julie have grouped together, in high spirits with the relief of being able to stay in their home. Kaius moves by their side, and while he doesn’t say anything, he seems to be in a good mood, arm slung around Julie’s waist and occasionally taking the time to lean down and plant a kiss on her hair. Evander, Orion, and Milo have clustered together, and while I’m not listening to their conversation, I get the impression that Evander and Orion have a grim outlook for the future—and while Milo is a little worried, he’s a bit more hopeful. Rufus is by my side, but I’m too busy observing everyone else to pay attention to him. Not until we get to the edge of the forest, which is when he stands in front of me.

“Hey,” he says, “so… are you going home, or are we going to Miller Mansion?”

“Oh.” I’ve barely thought about it, “I don’t know. If we think the danger’s passed, then home, I guess.”

Rufus looks over and calls:

“Cyrus!”

Cyrus looks over his shoulder, and everyone else pauses as well.

“Are we safe to separate to go home?”

He thinks for a second before he answers:

“I’d say so. After the battle yesterday, there hasn’t been a hint of Eclipse, so they’ve probably gone off to lick their wounds,” he answers, “Since we have a date for their next large attack, then I haven’t got many concerns, but keep in contact, Rufus.”

He looks among the others.

“That goes for all of you.”

Everyone nods. Rufus looks at me.

“Shall we go home, then?”

I smile.

“That sounds great,” I answer.

He then swoops down, and weightlessness takes me. I yelp, and before I know it, his arm is underneath my knees, the other around my shoulders, carrying me in his arms. Rufus spreads his wings and starts carrying us both home.

***

Once we get to my house, Rufus keeps carrying me and walks through the doorframe with me still in his arms.

“There we go!” he laughs, “That’s what married couples are supposed to do, aren’t they? Only you weren’t awake last time, so I don’t think it counts.”

I laugh back. He leans down and places me on the ground.

“Ugh,” I sigh lightly, “I’ve been at Lena’s since the attack the other day! I appreciate that you guys are trying to keep us safe, but I seriously need a shower!”

“Oh, do you, now?” Rufus purrs.

I didn’t even realize how that sounded until it was out of my mouth, but suddenly, Rufus is standing so close to me, giving me a wicked grin.

I know what that grin means, and a sweet heat starts beating in the pit of my stomach. I smile widely.

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