Page 46 of Dragon's Code

He lets out a frustrated breath. “Please don’t leave. Not yet. Give me some time.”

“Some time for what?”

“I need to see where they’re sending all of the potential dragon mates. Even if we thwart your ex-boyfriend, we still have to worry about Grey sending someone to kill you. He’s nothing if not determined. He’s been trying to wipe us out for a couple of centuries now.”

“Vampires are immortal?”

“Yeah, or just longer life cycles than shifters. Fae might be too. We’re not sure.”

“How long do dragons live?”

“A millennium is not out of the question. Are you going to stay?”

Her full lips form an “O” of surprise.

“Fine, I’m going to shower and wash this day off me.”

“I’ll order some food.” I back away into my bedroom, bringing the door almost all the way closed, leaving it slightly ajar. I don’t trust her to not run away, and I want to keep an ear out.

ChapterTwelve

ATHENA

He doesn’t trust me not to run away, I realize. Whatever. I hastily grab my toiletry bag and head back into the bathroom. I stare at myself for a long time in the mirror. I never thought my feelings were that strong for him. I never thought it was more than a crush. And when I’m lonely it’s so much easier to crush on the most amazing guy I’ve ever met. Except, when I saw Jasmine touch him and her heartstone light up, it’s hard to deny that he’s not made for me. It’s hard to deny the anger, the jealousy, the crushing defeat that flooded me.

Is there really another dragon out there for me? Could he be as wonderful as Kash? Anything’s possible, but now that I’ve had a taste of Kash, I don’t know if I want to go back or find someone different.

I would’ve never thought so in the past, but now that there’s a possibility that he might have feelings for me too, I can’t help but hope that’s the case.

But then again, am I just setting myself up for heartbreak? Do I only want him because I know he’s safe? Except, I’m not sure he is where my heart is concerned.

I don’t know what to think anymore. I need to clear my head. I wrap my hair in a towel and then get into a hot shower. My body feels like a live wire and has since he kissed me. When I woke up in his arms, with his hand wrapped around my throat, I all but gushed and ruined my panties for the day. It felt amazing for him to be holding me like that.

Every time he touches me, I get desperate for the next time. I’ve never felt that with another man, never craved his touch. He didn’t give back my locket, I realize. It’s the first time I’ve been without it since I was fifteen. I rub my chest where I usually feel the weight of it on my skin.

I take a deep breath. I need to get a hold of myself. Maybe I need to fight for him. I certainly can’t let that Jasmine chick win. I don’t like her or her attitude.

I’m not going to lie, I’m a little thrilled that she’s locked away. That way she can’t put her hands on Kash for a while.

The shower helps ease the tension in my body. I feel refreshed and calmer by the time I’m exiting the steamy room and heading for my re-packed bag. Jonathan had to buy luggage on my behalf, just to handle all the new clothes I bought. That Kash bought for me.

Just as I’m about to drop my towel, a voice chimes behind me.

“Flower, you’re looking lovely as ever.” The deep, familiar, and unsettling voice is directly behind me.

Gooseflesh rises all over my skin, causing me to shiver. I slowly turn around praying that I’m dreaming or imagining things.

Raphael stands there in all of his otherworldly beauty. His attractiveness always made me uncomfortable. He’s so pristine and perfect. His blonde hair never out of place, his perfectly carved jaw line, and his tall, muscular structure, is all Hollywood perfect.

“What are you doing here?” Not even going to bother to ask how he got in, past the door lock, the door alarm, or my best friend in the other room.

He’s got a malicious smirk and arched eyebrow. “I’m here for you. For once, your paranoia isn’t for nothing.”

“Are you a fae?”

He pauses like he wasn’t expecting me to ask that particular question. “I guess your boyfriend and the other dragons aren’t as foolish as I once assumed. I’m a techno fae.”

“That’s what they suspected,” I say.

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