Page 60 of So I Dared a Dragon

I had no idea how he could remain so positive, but he’d dealt with far worse than a cursed mate. He’d spent centuries living with the regret of making the wrong decision. And he was doing just fine now. I needed to bring the pity party to a screeching halt and learn something from this ancient beast.

“I’m excited to see what you have planned.”

We were quiet for the rest of the trip through the windy mountain roads. Judging from the snow, the altitude was high. There was light ahead, and Bjorn parked in front of an adorable A-frame cabin.

“Where are we?” I asked as Aarix opened the sliding door.

“Our own private cabin for the night.” He leaned in and pressed a kiss against my forehead. “These accommodations will be more luxurious than the last time we spent the night together.”

“Do we actually get it to ourselves?” I’d barely been alone since I moved into Bibi’s spare boudoir. “I don’t have anything with me.”

Not that I cared. We were in our own personal winter wonderland, a snow globe, where no curse or bad guys could touch us.

“Don’t forget who you’re dealing with.” Marissa chuckled. “Bibi made sure an overnight bag was packed with everything you could possibly need. It’s in the back.”

Bjorn had already grabbed it and slung it over his shoulder, along with another bag that probably belonged to Aarix. The airwas crisp and cold, and it was so quiet up here. Aarix’s hand was warm in mine as we walked into the adorable cabin.

It was all wood tones with overstuffed leather furniture with plaid blankets thrown over the back. A fire roared in the fireplace, and there was an open, cozy-looking kitchen. The bedroom was in the loft, with only string lights illuminating the big, fluffy bed.

“It’s perfect.” Except for one thing. “The walls are all windows.”

“The views are breathtaking during the day,” Marissa said.

My heart pounded. “But that means anyone can see in.”

“We’ll be staying in the van. Security is on the lookout. Not close enough that they’ll be able to see how you spend the night, but they’ll make sure no one else does, either.” Bjorn crossed his arms. He hadn’t unloaded his camera equipment. We’d left the museum so fast it was probably still there.

“As long you’re all set, we’ll head out,” Marissa said. “Have a wonderful night. If you need anything, we’re only a message away.”

“Relax, sunshine,” Aarix said once the door closed behind them. “I won’t let anyone hurt you, as long as you’re with me.”

“This is thoughtful and amazing and I’m absolutely thrilled to spend the night with you, but it doesn’t take away the fact that bad things still happened when we were together at the museum,” I said. Aarix had to know I was absolutely terrified. “Someone’s trying to hide something form us.”

He nodded. I wished he didn’t agree. That he saw it differently from everyone else. “We can’t ignore your power anymore. Especially since our enemies are one step ahead of us.”

“We’ll probably never be allowed in the museum again. All the answers could be right there, and we’ll never know.” I sighed. “I’m worriedI’mthe curse. I’m making these things happen.”

“They won’t be able to get Luca out of there until he’s absorbed every last detail. I’m sure he’ll text me when he gets back to the chalet.” Aarix motioned for me to take a seat on the couch. Once I did, he settled beside me.

For a moment, I imagined that we had a normal life. That this was our house. That we didn’t have to run and hide anymore.

“Wait, you can text Luca?”

He grinned and pulled a phone out of his pocket. “Production gave us these. Luca and Magnus might have, how do you say it, a doomscrolling addiction? They can’t get enough. There’s so much information available literally at our fingertips. They’ve been competing with each other to find the most interesting facts on the internet.”

“That’s adorable.”

He took my face in his hands. It took everything I had not to rip his clothes off. “It doesn’t matter what someone’s trying to hide from you. We have all the power we need.”

“You keep saying that, but I’m so scared to disappoint you.” I stopped myself before I saidlike I’ve disappointed everyone else.There was no hiding how upset I was about what happened at the museum. When the words disappeared from the pages of the old books, it didn’t quite sink in thatIwas causing it. But now that priceless, physical items had dissolved into nothingness, there was no denying that I was responsible.

“The power is in you. Between us.” Aarix took a deep, shaky breath. His plan was held together with pure faith, and he didn’t have anything to base it on but a feeling.

I trusted him, because I needed to believe in something bigger than myself.

His lips were on mine, a quiet confirmation that started as a spark of a flame and would quickly grow into a wildfire. Thescales on my arm burned, and I wanted nothing more than to melt into Aarix. Become one with him.

And just like that, he lifted me without a word, putting me over his shoulder, primal and hot as fuck, as he carried me up the stairs. His thick arm wrapped around my thighs, and my dress rode up.

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