Page 24 of Surge of Ice

Evander’s the one who answers. “He’s the blue dragon.”

His words are met with silence.

Aydan looks at Evander, as irritated as the other man. “Aren’t you in charge? Get them to open the door.”

“I’d rather have them do it willingly than order them to do it,” he says, but there’s anger in his gaze.

Suddenly, the sleek door parts in front of us and Dr. Duncan and Dr. Abigail are standing in the elevator, with two security personnel behind them and Granger crammed in the middle of all of them. We step back as they exit the elevator, and I look at my guys, unsure of why things feel so tense.

Zane, on the other hand, is just staring between the elevator and the people who exited it with complete surprise. I can feel his mind working, but he says nothing. Which might be the smartest move he can make right now.

“This is the blue dragon,” Dr. Abigail says, studying Zane closely.

“His name is Zane,” I say, then decide to explain further. “He’s agreed to help us against the green and brown dragons. He’s also been teaching us a lot about being dragons and how to defend ourselves.”

Granger takes a step closer to the man, his eyes narrowed. “He’s helping you. Just like that? And he doesn’t want anything in return?”

I look away when Granger tries to catch my eye. “He helped us all day with nothing in exchange, and I think he’ll be a great asset to us moving forward.”

Granger reaches for my arm and tugs me closer. “Are you okay? Where have you been? What happened to being careful?”

“I’m okay. I’ll explain more later,” I whisper back.

When I study him, I can tell he doesn’t believe me, because his face is hard as stone, and his gaze is on Zane. It’s like he’s sizing up the other man, which isn’t a good thing. I don’t want Granger seeing Zane as a threat.

“Here’s the thing,” Dr. Abigail draws out slowly. “The staff is a little nervous about letting an unknown Sleeping Dragon into the base.”

“What is a Sleeping Dragon?” Zane asks.

Everyone looks surprised.Did they not think he could talk?

“A Sleeping Dragon is what we call dragons who wake up after sleeping under the ground, and Awakened Dragons are dragons like Evander, Aydan, and I,” I explain.

Zane smiles, seeming to understand right away. “Each time there are different names, but I think I like these the best.”

Dr. Duncan and Dr. Abigail exchange a look. I think just standing out here seeing that Zane is relatively normal and non-threatening, as far as dragons are concerned, is helping. Hopefully, soon they’ll open the damn door and let us eat.I hope there’s steak this evening. Steak sounds amazing.

“So, what is it that you want here?” Dr. Abigail asks, holding her clipboard to her chest a little more tightly.

Zane seems to consider that for a moment. “I want what I want each lifetime. To be close to Samantha. To protect her and love her. To spend time with my harem and bond. To enjoy a good life.”

“So, he wantsyou?” Granger asks curtly.

“Not like the other dragons want me,” I rush out.

Granger lifts a brow. “He doesn’t want to sleep with you then?”

And, damn Zane to hell, he smiles broadly, his dick noticeably hardening in the thin pair of boxers he’s wearing, and says, “Of course I want to bed my mate.”

Granger looks at Aydan like he’s lost his mind. “You allowed this?” And it’s like an accusation.

Aydan sighs. “It’s more complicated than that. We’re not letting him anywhere near her.”

Granger crosses his arms over his chest. “No. No, we’re not allowing this.”

Zane smiles. “Are you her human lover? She does not usually take a human lover.”

Granger’s cheeks heat. “I’m just a friend.”

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