Page 58 of Devoted to the Dragon

“Can you just give her this?” I reach into my pocket and offer up a bag. I’d planned to give her these memories with context while we got to know each other, but if I’m not going to see her, maybe this will help bring her back to me.

“What is it?” the wolf asks, letting me hold the thing out awkwardly.

“It’s a gift for my dragon.”

His eyes flare with his wolf, and his growl is filled with deadly intent. I might’ve been too hasty in using the wordmy.

“Her name is Randi.” He grabs the bag and passes it to the witch, glaring at me.

She takes it and inspects the bag, eyes closed and hands moving as fast as her lips.

“Is it a weapon?” the wolf asks.

Ouch.I may not have the best reputation but damn. “I’m not here to hurt her.”

“Too late.” His hold on me tightens, his face so distorted with anger and so close to mine that I’m sure I’m about to get spit on. “You bonded her minutes after capturing her in the woods. I don’t trust you, and you won’t get the benefit of the doubt. Until she says you’re clear, everything you do is suspect.”

“I understand.” I put my arms up in surrender. “Tell her they’re like the fang. They won’t hurt her. I’m not here to cause her more pain, and I’m prepared to wait.”

The witch tosses the wolf the bag. “It’s clear. I’ll meet you at the lake.”

Looks like I’ve escaped with my neck.

Chapter 28

Gunnar

The planning meeting finally lets out, and people clear the room. I wait along the perimeter for Randi while she finishes speaking to the human representative, eyeing how those spike-heeled boots and short dress make it look as if she has legs for days. The thought of burying myself between them makes my dick hard, and my fists squeeze in frustration.

At least before, when I wasn’t having an orgasm, I had the comforting weight of the cage. I never thought I would say it, but I miss it. I guess I could jerk off in the shower, but whether they’ve made it a rule or not, I don’t want to come without their permission.

It’s been almost three days since we’ve been back. We cuddle at night, all of us together in her bed, and I fucking love it. What I don’t love is how Randi keeps treating me as though I’m made of glass, as if I didn’t make it back.

I insisted on going when the serpent arrived yesterday—no way was I missing that shit—but they argued with me about coming today. I’m fine. Sexually frustrated maybe, but healed. My dragon is the one I’m worried about.

The uncertainty surrounding the wolves and the territory lockdown means my mates have an excellent reason to burythemselves in work. I’ve realized this is why the two of them spent a lifetime circling one another. They let work take over, and the world is going to shit, so it’s a totally valid excuse.

I know part of this is about her anxiety over the bond and what to do about the Thunder. She’s torn up about Knox. I don’t want her to bond with the asshole, but that may be a done deal from what I’ve gathered. All the options suck right now. I mean, ask me what I would do if the wolves who killed my sister showed up and said I was their mate. They wouldn’t be saying that shit for long.

It’s not the same, of course. He wasn’t actually there when that shit went down so long ago. But Randi has a valid reason for being leery of serpents, and Knox didn’t help himself by being Team Shady Wolf King. Way to reinforce an impression.

Is it forgivable? Only she can decide. I can’t be certain because she’s doing that thing she does where she runs from emotions, but if I had to guess, she craves him and it’s pissing her off.I think of what it would be like to walk away from her and Fennik, but even the thought is repulsive.

Randi signals for me with a curl of her finger. “You smell frustrated, pup. What’s up?”

Fennik is still talking to someone in the corner; otherwise, we’re alone.

“I think I’m madly in love with you.”

She lifts an imperious brow. “And that has you frustrated?”

“Absolutely.” I nod.

“Would it help if I told you I’m also madly in love with you?” She’s teasing, but her eyes are sincere.

My heart and belly flutter.I can’t believe she’s mine.

“It would make it worse.” I sigh, keeping the teasing going.

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