Page 17 of Dragon's Code

Krystana joined the dinner, but she snuck off again before dessert was served. I know I should be keeping a closer eye on her, but she’s smart. She’s not going to get into more trouble than I could here in Vegas.

Instead of worrying about what my siblings are up to, I spend some time looking up the name Athena gave me, but I get nowhere with just a first name and a location.

I don’t have her hacking skills though. If I’m going to figure out how to get a hold of this guy, she’s going to have to give me more information. Information I plan on making sure I get.

I check on Athena before I head downstairs to the bar. She’s still out cold. I leave her a note and a text, just in case she wakes up. I won’t have her thinking I just abandoned her. I also leave the door to my room open, so she knows she can be in my space too.

The bar is closed to the public, just like the hotel for the weekend. Jerrick is probably taking a huge dive on profits, closing this place off and paying for everything, but he’s been around for a long time. Like most dragons, he’s undoubtedly got a sizable treasure trove to be able to dive into when needed.

Jerrick is standing at the bar with a couple of other men when I approach. I take my place next to Jerrick at the bar.

The man is decked out in a red and black three-piece suit. He looks like he just started his day, nothing out of place.

“Did your friend make it in all right?” Jerrick asks, not even bothering to look over at me.

The bartender slides my drink in front of me. Jerrick’s ability to be a flawless host is a little unnerving, but I’m certainly not going to complain. I take a sip of my old fashioned, not entirely surprised that he even knows to make it with my favorite bourbon.

“She did. She conked out pretty quickly into us relaxing. I think she’s exhausted.”

“She’s human?” Jerrick asks.

I nod once.

“Does she know about you?”

“Not yet. With the state of the world, I’m going to need to tell her sooner than later.”

“Please don’t do it here. The last thing we need is for her to have a hysterical breakdown or something.”

“That’s not Athena, but I understand. We don’t need the attention here.”

Jerrick gives me a slow nod and then takes a drink. “Have you met my brothers Braxton and Sterling?”

“Not yet.”

There are five Carmine brothers. All of them found their mates within six months of each other. All of their mates are human. They may not be royalty in the Garnet clan but they’re high up in the hierarchy. And their king doesn’t know yet. Most of the kings and all the Elders are in the dark about what’s going on with dragons mating with humans. It’ll come out sooner than later, and we need a plan.

We need answers.

I shake hands with both men. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You’re not mated yet, right?” Sterling asks.

“That’s correct.”

“Why did Ash send you and not one of your mated brothers?”

“I’m the human expert, for lack of a better way to explain it. He’s hoping I can help bridge the humans and the dragons.”

“You like humans?” Braxton asks.

“My best friend is human. She’s been my best friend since we were kids.”

“How does that work?”

“We email all the time. The benefit of being born in this century.” I give them a playful wink.

“If she’s your best friend why didn’t you tell her the truth about yourself sooner?”

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