Page 40 of Don't Fae With Dragons

The thought of not having Cory suddenly startles me, and I find myself thinking of how empty Port and I both felt only a few months ago. What would it be like without him? I don’t even want to know. Luckily, we found him. We’re a pack. He’s ours, and we are his. Simple as that.

CHAPTER 27: MILI

Idon’t feel as upset as I think I should, having seen two men killed brutally by Cory just now. I quickly wrack my brain: why am I so unbothered by their deaths? Why don’t I mind it, seeing Cory splattered with blood and bone? Why do I almostlikeit?

Then I remember that these men were here for Port and Max, here to hurt them, kill them, or take them away, and suddenly I don’t feel as guilty. Despite myself, too, there’s something about seeing Cory in action, all his prowess and his firm muscles clenching under his shirt, his vicious yell, his ferocious attacks –it’s strangely erotic in all its violence.

Realm’s Mother, what are these dragon shifters doing to me? I’m honestly exhausted with the work of keeping up with these three dashing men. At the thought of that, I accidentally groan out loud and bury my face in my hands.

In a moment, Max’s arm is around my shoulder, his face leaning into mine. “Mili! Are you alright? I mean, of course you’re not alright, who could possibly be alright after seeing something like that. I’m so sorry you–”

“Max,” I interrupt, pinching the bridge of my nose as I sit up to face him, “I’m fine. Promise.”

His eyes dart between mine, scanning for something – panic, maybe, or some sign that I’m lying –but after a moment he sits back, dropping his arm. He grins widely and claps me quickly on the back before leaping down from the tree.

“Well, then come on!” he beams up at me. Apparently, I’m not the only one energized by the fight.

I laugh at him, shaking my head, but hold my hands out for him to grab. I hold onto him as I jump down, feeling my wings finally fold in behind me as I relax.

“What a mess, huh?” Max whispers to me as we walk to Cory and Port.

I nod back, “Quitea mess,” and he throws his head back in another laugh.

Cory’s facing away from us, wiping his sweaty brow with the back of his hand. As we walk up to him, he pulls off his torn shirt. His massive arms along with his gorgeous muscled chest on display glistening with blood and sweat. I watch his nostrils flare as he realizes we’re close, then I watch as his eyes go wide as he whirls around to face us.

“Milica!” he cries out, running over to me and lifting me off the ground. His arms are tight around me, the first real contact we’ve had for days, and I feel my heart start racing at the touch. He pulls back and starts scanning me from head to toe as he says, “Godsdamnit, are you okay? Are you hurt at all?”

I shake my head, realizing we’re still half-holding each other, and he sighs with relief. I give his arms a squeeze as he pulls away, and he blinks at me in surprise. I smile shyly up at him, and he smiles back, then stands just a little taller than he was a moment ago.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Port and Max giving each other a curious look. I ignore their nosiness, then turn to face Port as I clear my throat.

“Port, are you alright?” I ask as I go to him, feeling Cory’s eyes burning into me from behind.

Port smiles at me and nods. “Yes, I’m uninjured, mostly thanks to Cory. Who knew you could fight like that?” he asks Cory, beaming incredulously.

Max rolls his eyes and interrupts before Cory can get a word in, “Oh, I’ve seen better.”

“Unlikely,” Cory shoots back sternly. Max winks at him in response, and I swear I could see a flicker of a smile pass over Cory’s lips. “We need to get back home, now. Or –to the volcano, I mean,” he adds with a glance in my direction.

Max, Port and I nod in response, and the three of them form a semi-circle around me on instinct. I arch an eyebrow as I turn to look at all of them and ask “A bit paranoid, are you all?” In response, Max rolls his eyes, Port simply smiles, and Cory’s eyes grow incredibly serious.

Cory replies, “I don’t want any more danger to befall you, today or ever.”

Even the forest seems to go quiet with the weight of his words, this man commands his environment like nobody else. Max and Port glance at him, then back to me. I’m torn between frustrated at his overprotectiveness and completely smitten with it, so I simply nod and wrap a hand around his elbow.

“Okay,” I say, just as Port offers me his elbow, too. I smile and accept, and Max jokingly slings his own hand through Port’sother arm. Port looks at him, seemingly surprised, and Max rolls his eyes.

“What?” he asks with a scowl.

Port smiles and winks back. “Nothing,” he grins. “Just surprised you’re letting me do the leading.”

At that, Cory lets out a loud laugh, and Max scowls even harder. I let myself break into another smile, and tighten my grip around both Cory and Port.

Port continues walking, roped into a minor argument with Max, but Cory looks down at me. I gaze up at him, feeling my eyes widen at the genuine affection written on his face. He quickly shakes himself off, and starts to look up, but I tug on his arm to get his attention before smiling softly up at him.

He shakes his head, but smiles back.

CHAPTER 28: MILI

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