Page 32 of Dragon's Code

I would burn down the world for her. She’s the best person in my life. It’s crazy, I’m aware. It’s why I kept my distance. I killed a bunch of humans because they hurt her. I helped her dad find financial and social ruin. And I smiled like a fucking maniac the whole time.

She’s everything. She’s the best person. She’s all I fucking care about, outside of my family.

Then I remember she has a dragon mate. I didn’t even tell her that part. I don’t want to tell her. I don’t want to tell her that there was a dragon out there that was made for her. I don’t want her to be taken from me.

I hate that she’s supposed to be a part of this crazy world. I don’t want her in danger. She’s had enough in her life. Her being part of my world…now?

I rest my head against the tile. I’m putting her in life-and-death danger just being near her. Whatever Grey’s next play is, he’s already going after human mates. He’s got something big up his sleeve, I can tell.

My dragon is pissed and pushing against the barrier of my skin trying to take over. He wants to go back to Athena. The fool thinks she’s our mate. It can’t be true. Dragons get desperate for their mates sometimes and with all the turmoil in the dragon world with female dragons becoming less and less, more and more dragons find themselves at risk of the craze.

It just can’t be true. She deserves better.

I get out of the shower after my fingertips are pruney and I’m cooled down enough to go back to work. To do what I came here to do.

Athena’s adjoining door is closed. I try not to take it personally. I’m the one who freaked out on her. She’s allowed to put distance between us if she wants to. She’s allowed to do whatever she needs to so she feels safe.

I just hope that doesn’t include running from The Dragon’s Lair and disappearing from my life forever.

She has the tech savvy, she could do it. And I wouldn’t exactly blame her for it, even if it killed me.

I get dressed and head down to the main ballroom where Jerrick has set for us all to meet together. Everyone has arrived at last.

I check my emails. I’ve got one from Ash telling me that things are set on their end. He’ll tell me when it’s over.

The ballroom is buzzing with conversation when I get there. Jonathan is standing guard. With Jasmine snooping around, it’s not surprising that Jerrick put his best at the door to make sure that we’re all protected as we can be with a snake in our presence.

Jerrick and his mate are the first I approach. I met the Carmine brothers’ mates shortly after they all discovered just how much we’ve been lied to. Anya’s hand rests on her pregnant belly. I’m not sure how far along she is, but she looks like she’s ready to pop any day now to me.

“Kashton, how are you?” Anya and I shake hands.

“I’m good. How are you doing? I’m surprised you’re allowed to be on your feet.”

Anya rolls her eyes. “He wanted me to stay in bed. The doctor says I’m doing great and bed rest isn’t necessary. I’m just waiting for him to offer to carry me everywhere.”

I chuckle. “I’m sure he would if you gave him the chance.”

“Wait until it’s you, Wystan. You won’t like her wandering around either.”

Anya rolls her eyes again. “Oh my god. You act like I’m going skydiving. This is important and I’ll be damned if I’m going to miss it.” She gestures at me. “I don’t want to be a pest looking for the tea, but Penelope told Jerrick about your friend being a dragon mate. Does she even know anything?”

I blow out a breath. “I just told her what I am tonight. She took it better than I thought.”

Jerrick nods knowingly. “I wondered when you asked about the roof. Did you shift for her?”

I nod. “She asked to see my dragon. Felt I owed it to her.”

“She didn’t freak out.”

“No. She has a bunch of questions, but she always has a bunch of questions when she learns something new. I have a lot more to tell her. I haven’t gotten around to her being a dragon mate yet. I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I need to keep her safe.”

Anya gives me a warm smile. “You care about her a lot.”

“She’s my best friend. There’s not much I wouldn’t do for her. She’s…” I don’t finish the thought out loud.

“None of this is easy. Finding your mate doesn’t automatically mean everything gets easier. Do you think there’s a chance she’s your mate?” Anya’s words are slow and careful, I can see the hesitation in even verbalizing the question.

I shake my head. “She can’t be mine. I just have to keep her safe. Maybe it’s a mistake. I can’t imagine her being brought into this dangerous disaster right now. We’re on the border of having a fucking civil war, while we’re fighting a psychotic vampire and his army. She’s been through more than enough, just being human. She doesn’t need to be dragged into dragon politics too.”

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