Page 98 of Primal Dragon

Quinn crossed her arms over her chest and stared out the window. Tears stung her eyes. She had been stupid. Her impatience and lack of control had gotten the better of her when the smallest of windows opened, and she thought she could save James. She should’ve known better. She was just a stupid human.

“Don’t let Nash get to you,” Sebastian said quietly.

Nash snarled. “She needs to listen to someone. She certainly didn’t listen to her mate.”

Quinn whirled around. “I get it. I fucked up. I don’t fucking need to hear it from you, asshole. Henrik is my mate, whether you think it’s right or not. I have his heartstone. Henrik is mine,” she growled.

James chuckled weakly from behind her. “I should’ve known you’d end up with someone who made you even more overprotective and ferocious.”

Sebastian laughed too.

Nash remained his cranky, growly self.

The safe house was quiet when they arrived. Most of the women were sleeping or doing something quietly in different corners of the house.

Sebastian secured James on the couch. Nash searched the house. “They must all still be at the golf course.”

Quinn’s brow furrowed. “Golf course?”

“They were trying to get the vampires out of the club, so we could rescue you.”

Quinn’s eyes fell to the floor in shame. She’d caused more problems than she even considered. She’d been so busy worrying about James and thinking Henrik would just stay asleep, that she’d be able to save James and come back home without him noticing. Like she was some sort of superhero.

If she hadn’t been feeling like such a fuck-up, the idea of Henrik being her Lois Lane might’ve made her laugh.

The rumble of an engine approaching caught their attention. After a couple of minutes, a man Quinn didn’t recognize came in with Henrik over his shoulder. Then Warren came in with a woman. Quinn did a double take. It was Rebecca.

Syrena was the last one in the door.

Henrik was unceremoniously dropped on the floor in the living room.

“You’re back.” Syrena’s tone was sharp.

“I’m sorry.”

Syrena held up her hand. “I get it. You wanted to save James. You have an unclaimed dragon. Let me tell you exactly what that means. It means that you’re connected enough he could sense you were in danger and it woke up his dragon. He tried really hard to trust that you would get out of there and be safe, but unclaimed dragons go crazy without their mates, especially when they’re in danger. I mean literally crazy. If the dragon fully takes over…he’s lost forever.”

Quinn frowned, trying to fight the tears that wanted to spill. She’d screwed up. She wanted to be haughty. She got James out. They were both back safely. But she knew everyone was right. She’d taken a bad risk.

“What happened to Henrik?”

“We had a precaution in place if he started acting nutty. It’s a heavy sleeping spell. He’ll come out of it by morning. Hopefully in control.” Warren said leaning in the doorway.

“You’re my brother’s mate?”

Quinn tried to remain calm. Brother? This was Henrik’s family’s first impression of her?

“Brother?” she murmured.

He nodded. “Levi. I’m the older one who isn’t king.”

Quinn covered her mouth. “I’m so sorry.”

Levi chuckled. “Oh please. This is nothing. Henrik’s always been a pain in the ass. Honestly, Ash made a bunch of mistakes where his mate was concerned. No one is perfect. Don’t worry about it. It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you too. I’m Quinn.”

“So I’ve heard.” Levi’s eyes dropped around her neck and then down to her hands. “You have my brother’s heartstone?”