Page 23 of Blazing Reactions

His growl vibrated through her as he pulled her against him, using the movement to shield her from incoming fire. “Like you don’t know whatyoudo tome?”

Power surged between them, their dragons responding to the admission. Each touch sparked new energy, their bond humming stronger with every synchronized attack.

“Your control’s slipping,” she noted as scales rippled across his skin.

“So is yours.” He nodded to where her lightning had carved intricate patterns into the ground. “Though I’m not complaining.”

They pushed forward through Dimitri’s forces, moving as one unit. Every strike flowed naturally into the next, their powers combining in increasingly devastating displays.

“This is new,” she gasped as their energies merged completely, creating a storm of fire and lightning that cleared the entire section.

“You’re new.” His voice had dropped to that dangerous register that made her knees weak. “Everything about this is new.”

She sensed exactly what he meant – how eight centuries of iron control meant nothing against their connection. How perfectly they fit together, in battle and everything else.

A blast caught her attention, forcing them to refocus on the fight. But Talon’s hands never left her, each touch sending fresh sparks through her system.

“We should probably talk about this,” she managed between strikes.

“About how you keep looking at me like that?” His lips brushed her neck as they turned to face new attackers. “Or about how much I want to kiss you right now?”

“Both?” Lightning danced between them, connecting with his fire in increasingly intimate patterns. “Though maybe after we deal with your brother’s impressive commitment to interrupting us.”

His laugh rumbled through her chest as they moved together, powers building toward something unprecedented. This – them – was worth any risk.

She found she completely agreed.

“They’re herding us toward the warehouse,” Asher realized as another explosion rocked the ground.

“Good.” Talon’s voice had deepened to a growl, scales now covering most of his skin. “Time to show you what real dragon combat feels like.”

Her own dragon surged forward at his words, power crackling across her body in new patterns. “You sure about this? I’ve only shifted once.”

His hands tightened on her waist. “Trust your instincts.” His breath ghosted her ear. “Trust me.”

They stopped together as the sun set over Manhattan. Dimitri’s forces had them surrounded, weapons humming with anti-shifter tech.

“Now?” She let electricity arc between them, feeling their dragons strain toward each other.

“Now.”

The transformation flowed easier this time, power surging through her as wings unfurled. Beside her, Talon’s massive form blocked out the remaining sunlight, his black scales reflecting hints of gold.

Her silver-white dragon form crackled with electricity, wings spanning nearly as wide as his.

Show off,she projected, testing their mental connection.

His rumbling laugh echoed in her mind as they launched into the air together.Says the one glowing like lightning incarnate.

TWENTY-TWO

They moved in perfect sync above the city, diving and weaving through enemy fire. Asher’s electrical attacks gained new power in dragon form, creating storms that lit up the darkening sky. His flames followed each strike, their elements combining in devastating patterns.

A larger dragon form rose to meet them – Dimitri, his dark gray scales almost black against the clouds. His forces fired from the rooftops, trying to separate them.

Stay close,Talon commanded as they banked hard to avoid a blast.

Wasn’t planning on leaving.She barrel-rolled over him, electricity chaining between their wings in a lethal display.Though you could try to keep up.

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