Page 30 of Primal Dragon

“Suck up.”

“I mean it, but I also want you to know that I’m grateful. I know that me and my brothers aren’t always the most gracious or thankful.”

Syrena’s voice sobered a little. “You know, while that’s true, it’s also my job as the tourmaline witch to aid you guys when you need it or whenever the replacement king needs it.”

“Replacement king?” Henrik asked.

She sighed. “Things are getting sticky down here, Rik. The conclave doesn’t like how Ash is handling things. The tourmaline clan as a whole is split down the middle. There are those who are loyal, but Charles, that advisor of your father’s…he lost his son when Tristian attacked. He blames Ash and frankly the entire Wystan family, for not protecting your parents or the people. I think he’s trying to take the throne.”

“Fuck. Why am I just hearing about this now? Charles was one of my father’s most loyal clansmen. This is not good. He could sway the entire clan.” Maybe Charles would do a better job. There were seven Wystan siblings and none of them could protect against that attack. They tried but Tristian came in taking no prisoners. Not that it was Tristian’s fault either. Grey had controlled the dragon prince, and he had had intimate knowledge of the tourmaline palace. It would’ve been hard for any clan to stand against them.

“What are you going to do that Ash isn’t? Your brother is handling it with his mate. You need to focus on finding Grey. With Grey taken down, we’ll have a lot more power to say that Ash is the rightful king to sit on the tourmaline throne.”

“Does Ash still want to be king?”

Syrena chuckled. “Any good king knows he’d be a lot happier on a private island with his mate than ruling over the people. Being in charge is never easy, but he learned a lot from your parents, and he’s learned a lot just from everything that’s happened in the last year. He’s doing well and holding his own. Everyone should be proud of him. If he loses the throne, it won’t be because he didn’t work hard.”

“When all of this is over, I’m going to send you on a nice big vacation where you can sit on the beach and sip on your froufrou drinks on the beach. Maybe even find a mate of your own.”

Syrena’s laugh filled the speakers. “A mate? I’m not so sure. If I don’t turn into an obsidian dragon, I’m going to be very disappointed.”

“Being a witch isn’t good enough for you?”

She was quiet for a moment. “I’m glad to be the tourmaline witch, but I’m the daughter of dragon shifters and I’m not a dragon. It’s hard not to wish I didn’t have a dragon of my own.”

Henrik closed his eyes. His own dragon swirled inside of him. He tried to imagine what it would be like without that part of him. He didn’t like it at all. His dragon helped him feel whole. It was a part of him. “Yeah, I guess I can understand that. I don’t like thinking about being without my dragon.”

“I just wonder what sort of dragon wouldn’t want a dragon of his own.”

“Every dragon I know who has found a mate who wasn’t a dragon, let alone a shifter, has been elated.”

“Doesn’t hurt that their mates turned into dragons,” she muttered.

“I suppose that’s true. I don’t know. I found a human I quite like, and she doesn’t have a dragon.”

“Yeah? What’s her name?”

“Quinn. I like her a lot. My dragon likes her too. But how do I know if she’s my mate without my fucking heartstone?” He ended his sentence on a snarl.

“Easy there,” she murmured. “Your heartstone will show up. There have been dragons who never missed their heartstones. There’s nothing in the ancient writing that says you can’t find your mate without one. They’re a way to focus power and find your mate, yes, but they aren’t required.”

“Ash’s heartstone saved his mate’s life. They’re important.”

“I know they’re important, Rik. You need to trust me now. She’s close, probably closer than you think. And I’m willing to bet she has your heartstone or will acquire it soon. It worked with Ash; why don’t you think it won’t work with you?”

Henrik sighed. “That’s a question I’m not ready to answer.”

“Fair enough. You’ve got enough on your plate right now. Don’t worry about it. If you’ve found her, then you just have to hold onto her. If you haven’t found her, you’ll find out soon enough.”

“Yeah, I supposed you’re right.” Henrik pulled into his driveway. “I need to check in with Cillian and shower. I smell like vampire.” Though he could still smell Quinn on him too. He didn’t want to lose her scent, but he would see her again soon enough. His dragon would insist on it.

“Ew. Go shower. We’ll talk again soon.”

Henrik showered before he made any more calls. He needed to clear his head. Quinn kept sneaking into his thoughts, and she was becoming a distraction. What really bothered him was that he wanted her by his side. He didn’t want to fight the vampires without her. He was jealous of the partnership Ash and Finley had cultivated.

Quinn had no business being in the middle of his fight, but he selfishly wanted her there. That, he certainly couldn’t ask for. He would never willingly put her in danger. Females were precious and to be treasured.

His phone rang as he was drying off. He picked it up.

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