Page 57 of The Soul of the Dragon

His expression darkened and his eyes flared with anger. “And how is it you think you got out of stepdaddy’s little dungeon. On your own, with no magic?”

She gasped. “You helped me? Why?”

“I always knew you were special. And the last person in this realm who deserves anything special is him.”

“But he’s your uncle. You’ve supported him through everything.”

“There’s a difference between support and loyalty.”

“What did you mean when you said I’m fae enough?” I said, interrupting their discussion. My concern for Kitra had taken top priority at his appearance so it had taken a few minutes for his words to sink in. But now that they had I wanted some answers.

“You are half fae, on your father’s side. Although you must already know that since there was only one way you could have gotten here. Your father must be dead.”

My blood ran cold at Magnus’s words. There was so much in that statement I didn’t know where to start. My father’s stupid idea to sacrifice himself for this amulet still made me angry when I thought about it so I’d pushed it out of my mind.

“My father was a dragon shifter.”

“Dragons are born of fae,” Kitra said quietly. “They are rare, but in certain bloodlines they do exist.”

I shook my head, unbelieving. “He would have told me.”

Magnus laughed. “You are a fool to believe that. No male fae shares all of his secrets. Not with anyone.”

“Then you’re lying. This is just some kind of tactic to stall us until what? The King’s guard arrives to haul us back to his palace?

Magnus’s laughter died and anger marred his already scarred face and twisted his lips into a grim line. “If I wanted you back at the palace, I don’t need the guard to assist me. I’d simply do it myself.” His eyes changed to the slits of his dragon as he called his animal forth, forcing me to do so in kind.

Kitra stepped between us, and I growled at her. “Get back behind me.”

“Don’t tell me what to do.” She didn’t wait for a response and immediately turned to face Magnus. “What do you want? I’m not going back. I’ll die first.”

Dragon scales erupted across my skin at her words, the idea of one hair on her being harmed enough to set off the dragon inside me.

“Kitra,” I warned on a nearly unintelligible growl.

“Keep your dragon in your pants,” she hissed and Magnus snickered, which drew her attention back to him. “I wouldn’t laugh if I were you. Isaac here would just as soon kill you as talk to you. And I’m the only thing standing between you and that fate.”

“I’d like to see him try.”

“Done,” I said, pushing Kitra to the side. The dragon ripped through my bones, skin and clothes.

“No,” Kitra screamed. She jumped in front of me and grabbed my arms before the dragon could fully emerge. I snarled deep and fought against my own mind, as the scent of her fear filled my head. Thankfully the dragon and I both understood the importance of Kitra and what it would take to keep her safe.

I grabbed her back and stared into her eyes to keep myself focused on what meant the most. Keeping her safe. The dragon snarled in my head but we both knew what we had to do as the magic washed over me and the scales disappeared and I was left standing with her in my arms panting for air.

“I could have hurt you.” My words were not kind, but the fear of what could have happened to her stepping in front of me like that still seized my heart. “You can never do that again.”

“I can’t make any promises.” Her fear had receded, but it still lingered on the air. “Especially not when you are acting like a possessive child.”

Magnus snickered behind her. “I see she’s already got you wrapped around the balls. Nice job, Kit.”

His mocking tone and familiar nickname with my mate pushed against my restraint.

“Shut up, Magnus. If not for me, his dragon would have ripped you to shreds.”

“If not forme, he would have been dead. The King wants his head on a spike, and I’ve let the both of you slip away more than once. Enough is enough. And don’t even get me started on what the sick son of bitch will do to her if he gets his hands on her again. As much as she deserves better than you, the two of you need to go through that portal and not come back.”

“You arrogant son of a bitch. I’m not dead because you know you’re outmatched. Fuck you and fuck the king who leads you around on your pretty little leash commanding you what to do. Me and my omega will leave when we’re good and ready.”

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