Page 20 of Blazing Reactions

Tonight, he would tell her everything—about Dimitri’s true plans, about the dangers ahead. But for now, he would simply hold her, marveling at how perfectly she fit in his arms.

His mate. His match. His brilliant, sarcastic, completely unexpected destiny.

NINETEEN

The training room’s reinforced walls loomed around Asher as she entered, her skin still tingling from last night’s kiss. DragonTech’s state-of-the-art facility hummed with latent energy, but all she could focus on was Talon’s tall figure by the sparring arena and how desperately she wanted to kiss him again.

“Your control’s improving,” he said, voice rough as his eyes tracked her movement. She sensed his own careful restraint wavering.

“Is it?” She couldn’t help smirking as she stepped onto the mat. “Because my dragon is currently listing all the ways we could put this training room to better use.”

Heat flooded her cheeks as she realized what she’d said. His eyes bled to gold as he moved closer, cedar and amber wrapping around her.

“Care to share those suggestions?” His hands found her waist, drawing her closer than the training stance required.

“Wouldn’t want to compromise your professional reputation.” But she pressed closer, electricity dancing between them. “Though I think we crossed that line somewhere around our first kiss.”

“Worth it.” He demonstrated a blocking move, though his touch lingered longer than necessary. “Now focus.”

“I am focused.” She spun through the sequence, letting lightning arc around her. “Just not on training.”

His growl sent shivers down her spine as he caught her mid-spin. “Dangerous game, mate.”

“Who’s playing?” She met molten eyes as power crackled between them. Before he could respond, she struck first with lightning, initiating their first real combat sequence.

What followed was the most intense training session of her life. Talon pushed her harder than before, teaching advanced moves while fighting his own instincts to protect rather than challenge. Each victory brought them closer, every block turning into a barely concealed caress.

“Again,” he commanded after she missed a block. But his hands lingered as he repositioned her stance, thumbs stroking bare skin where her shirt had ridden up.

“Distracting me on purpose?” She arched into his touch sensing his satisfaction when his breath caught.

“You started it.” His voice deepened as she executed a perfect defensive spin that brought them chest to chest. “Though your form is improving.”

“Just my form?” She watched his eyes darken at the display.

The training room door swung open before he could respond. Levi strode in.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he managed, “but we have updates on Dimitri’s movements that?—”

A stray bolt of lightning shot past his shoulder, scorching the wall.

“Oh god!” Asher clapped a hand over her mouth. “Levi, I’m so sorry!”

“Maybe a warning system,” he suggested, straightening his jacket. “Before I end up extra crispy.”

“The report?” Talon’s hands hadn’t left her waist, his touch steadying her crackling powers.

“Dimitri’s forces are moving north. And...” Levi hesitated. “He’s changing patterns.”

The playful atmosphere evaporated. Asher sensed Talon’s instant shift – the warrior emerging beneath the lover. Her dragon responded instinctively, power humming beneath her skin.

They moved to the tactical screens, though Talon kept one hand at the small of her back. Every brush of contact sent sparks through her system, making it hard to focus on the data.

“Here.” She pointed to an energy signature, trying to ignore how his warmth pressed against her side. “The frequencies are shifting. He’s not just watching anymore.”

Before anyone could respond, alarms blared through the building. Security feeds showed armed figures breaching the laboratory level.

“Time to test your training,” Talon’s voice held steel beneath the heat. “Ready?”

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