Page 30 of Dragon's Code

Can’t help it sometimes. Riding isn’t common, but there are some who do it, yeah.

“Would you ever let me fly with you?”

I’d consider it. It’s not something I’ve ever done. Not sure if it’s safe or if you’d be comfortable. It’s not like I have the nice furry back of a horse.

I move back around to his head that is resting against the roof. His head is taller than I am. His big bright green eyes with flecks of black and purple, but a reptilian element as well.

“May I touch you?”

A shiver seems to ripple through his scales.

You may touch me.

I step up toward his snoot and gently place my palm on the ridge of his nose. He’s warm, almost hot to the touch. His scales are softer on his face, as I slide my hand back toward his long neck, the scales grow harder. They’re a defense, armor for him.

That feels really nice. I think the last time someone touched me as a dragon was my mother.

“Did they really die in a car accident? Do dragons die as easily as humans?”

No. They don’t. In fact, our lifespans are significantly longer. Do you mind if I shift back?

“No, of course not. Sorry, I didn’t mean to treat you like an exhibit at the zoo. This is just so incredible.”

I step back away from him, and the mass, as quickly as it arrived, dissipates leaving a huge empty space in front of me and a naked Kashton.

I blink at him. I force myself to turn away from him, but I didn’t want to stop looking at him. Not just because he’s beautiful, but because he’s my best friend and I just really saw him. Naked and a dragon, he hid nothing from me.

His hand on my shoulder gives me a sense of calm. I turn around to find him standing in a pair of jeans, the waist of his boxers visible. He’s still shirtless and I can’t help but admire his physique. I notice there are a couple new tattoos I didn’t know about. He’s got a full sleeve on his right arm now. I reach out and lightly drag my fingers over his soft skin and hard muscles.

“Thank you for showing me,” I say in a quiet voice, not wanting to ruin our intimate moment together.

He flashes me a wink, and a very playful smile. “You’re welcome. Thanks for not running away screaming and crying dragon.”

“Did you really think I would?”

“I honestly have no idea. It’s not like I’m telling you I’m a convicted murderer or that I am trying to rid the planet of pumpkin-spiced everything.”

I gasp and put my hand to my chest in faux dramatic fear. “Don’t say such horrible things. That’s a fucking nightmare.”

He laughs again. I liked it better in my head, but I still love to see him laugh.

“I’m a supernatural creature. I shapeshift into another creature. I have other abilities too. Not everyone is going to accept that.”

“You’re right. I understand that you’d be worried about it, but it doesn’t scare me. I trust you. You must be pretty invincible then, huh?” What an amazing way to be. To be strong, and able to turn into something so powerful. If I’d been a dragon when I was fifteen, I would’ve been able to…” I pause when I remember a detail from that awful time.

Kashton shifts closer to me. “Athena?”

“The guys who kidnapped me, they were all killed in a fire.”

Kash nods slowly. “Yes, they were.”

“Do you know anything about that?”

Kash’s gaze drops to the ground. He tucks his hands into his jean pockets. “I know everything about it.” His voice is low and has a dangerous edge to it. “I’m not going to apologize for it. Those fuckers deserved to die.”

My breath catches in my throat. “Kash, you were just a kid.”

His head jerks up. “No, you were just a kid. A kid that couldn’t even count on her fucking father to do right by her. He just left you with those monsters. I made sure he paid too.”

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