Page 37 of Blazing Reactions

“I’m analyzing complex magical energy patterns. This is practically bed rest for me.” She leaned back against his chest, smirking as his dragon rumbled in satisfaction. “Besides, your overprotective proximity is apparently better medicine than actual medicine.”

“Is that your scientific assessment?”

“Absolutely. I’d show you my data, but you’re very distracting when you do that.” She tilted her head as his lips found her neck.

Levi cleared his throat loudly from the doorway. “If you two are done being disgustingly cute, we’ve finally got movement on the sensors.”

The atmosphere shifted instantly. Talon’s arms tightened protectively around Asher as the tactical displays lit up with multiple incoming signals.

“These energy readings...” Asher straightened, scientist mode engaged despite her lingering weakness. “They’re using the same kind of cold iron weapons, but modified for handheld use. The resonance pattern is different.”

Talon’s growl vibrated through her back. “You’re staying in the secure room.”

“I can boost the wards from here.” She turned in his arms, eyes sparking with determination and a hint of electricity. “And before you go all alpha male on me, remember that I’m technically your boss at DragonTech.”

His laugh surprised them both. Even with danger approaching, she could make him smile. “Fine. But Harlynn and two guards stay with you.” His expression turned serious. “I can’t watch you fall again.”

She stretched up to kiss him softly. “Then don’t. Watch me win instead.”

“Multiple contacts,” Levi reported, his voice tight. “Two teams coming from the south, one from the east.”

THIRTY-FOUR

Asher’s fingers flew over the controls, electricity crackling between them. The sanctuary’s ancient crystals hummed in response. “Talon, watch the eastern ridge. The energy pattern suggests they’re herding something big our way.”

He sensed her determination warring with lingering pain. “Stay within the ward boundary,” he ordered, already moving toward the door. “Harlynn-”

“Yeah, yeah, guard your mate with my life or you’ll kill me yourself.” His sister took up position near Asher. “Go be heroic.”

The night air burned with power as Talon shifted, his massive form casting shadows across the moonlit clearing. Levi and four elite guards flanked him, their scales gleaming like polished metal.

Asher’s voice came through their mental link, stronger than before. “They’re trying to mask their approach with cold iron resonance. But I can track the energy displacement...” A pause. “Three o’clock!”

Talon’s flames lit up the night, forcing hidden attackers into the open. Smaller dragons scattered from their concealment, their dull scales marking them as more of Dimitri’s mercenaries.

“Is this getting repetitive to anyone else?” Levi launched himself at the nearest attacker. “I mean, same strategy, different day.”

“Less quipping, more fighting,” Asher chimed in. Her presence in their mental link suddenly sharpened. “Wait - something’s wrong. The energy readings are-”

An explosion rocked the eastern cliff face. Through smoke and debris, a massive dark shape emerged - easily twice the size of normal dragons.

“Well, shit,” Asher’s scientific detachment slipped. “They’ve been experimenting with enhancement technology. That’s... that’s not good.”

The mutated dragon’s roar shook the mountains. Its scales looked wrong - warped and twisted, with cold iron shards actually embedded in the flesh.

“Dimitri’s been busy,” Levi snarled, dispatching another mercenary with brutal efficiency.

“Talon.” Asher’s voice carried urgent warning. “Its cellular structure is highly unstable. If you hit it hard enough in the right spot...”

He banked hard, avoiding a blast of corrupted flame. “Where?”

“Base of the skull, where the scales pattern changes. But be careful - the cold iron fragments could-”

“Could what?” Levi demanded when she cut off suddenly.

A blast of pure electricity lit up the sanctuary’s dome. “Sorry, had to fry some uninvited guests. Harlynn says to tell you she’s fine, just singed.”

“That’s my mate.” Pride filled his mental voice as he dove toward the mutated dragon.

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