Page 84 of Dragon Unhinged

I don’t blame her. “I’m Malcolm.” I smile warmly with a hint of charm as I take the seat across from her before taking a long pull of my hot drink.

“Calliope.” She smiles, but she doesn’t extend her hand to shake mine.

I don’t extend mine either. Humans are weird about their germs, and especially in a place like this I’m not going to push it.

“Are you going to tell me why you’re really here?”

“And ruin this air of mystery and intrigue?” She winks and her beautiful smile grows a little more. “Does it matter? I’m here, you’re here, and I’m guessing neither one of us are leaving anytime soon, so surely there are more fun questions on your mind beyond why I’m in the hospital tonight.”

I grin, taking another drink of my coffee enjoying the hot liquid. “Touché. In that case, tell me something you wouldn’t share with anyone else.”

Calliope studies me for a minute, looking at me like she’s trying to figure out something, but I have no idea what that might be.

Finally, she says, “I don’t think the press, the websites, the hysteria going on right now with shifters, is warranted. I guess, if I were to meet one, especially a dragon… I don’t know, I think it would be fascinating. I’d want to know everything.”

“You don’t say.” My smile falters a little as I continue to play it cool, using my coffee as a distraction from my no doubt small hint of surprise at her words. Does she somehow know I’m a dragon already? “Why dragons in particular? Wouldn’t wolves, bears, some other animal be just as fascinating?”

She shakes her head. “No offense to any of those animals, and don’t get me wrong, the mere fact they can shift from a human into an animal is beyond amazing, but dragons…it’s not like I can see one of those at the zoo. They’re the stuff of legends, of myths. Are you telling me that, if you had the chance, you wouldn’t at least consider flying with one of them?” Her eyes sparkle, and her body amps up with excitement.

Instead, I say, “Dragons, wolves, vampires… I’m not sure I believe any of them exist. I know there was that footage or whatever, but have you ever seen one?”

She purses her lips. “Not in person, but wouldn’t you want to see one?”

I shrug passively and take another drink of my coffee, a little perturbed it’s almost gone. “If you ever find yourself in the company of one, you might just have to call me and let me know.”

Calliope chortles. “Is that just a not so clever way to get my phone number? Because I’m not entirely sure you’ve earned it yet.”

“Oh, I have to earn it?”

“Yep. Meet me here tomorrow night, same time, and we’ll see if you can’t get there.” She stands, leaning down to wink at me before she turns on her heel and strides away.

I don’t know if it’s intentional on her part, but as she leaves, my eyes stay on her sashaying ass and hips until she disappears from view.

No matter what Ash or Declan need from me, I’m sure as shit going to be in this cafeteria again tomorrow night, same time.

As soon as I have a fresh cup of coffee in hand, I wander my way back to Declan’s room, hoping he’s still passed out on the bed.

Better that, than the alternative.

Even before I get to the room, I know something’s wrong.

Sounds of crashing, banging, echo through the empty halls, and there’s no way any human’s making such noise.

I quickly reach out to him through my mind, hoping I can calm him down before I even get in there.Declan! Calm down. I’m coming in.

It’s easier to shout at him in his head, rather than risking waking other patients. If they haven’t already been awakened because of all the racket he’s making.

My mate! Now!

Great. Just what I need. A riled up, horny dragon who’s not even trying to be under control.

I throw open the door, letting my talons and fangs out. I’m sure my eyes have taken on a reptilian look too, as I let my dragon play close to the surface. “DECLAN! Stop. Now.”

My brother snarls at me, his own eyes looking wild, like dark swirling clouds over a black backdrop. He’s crouching onthe bed, but everything else in the room is a mess. Furniture overturned, sheets shredded, monitors smashed.

I really don’t want to have to put my brother out the hard way.

“Declan. Stop. I know you want your mate. We’re working on getting her back. But you shifting in this hospital isn’t going to be good for anyone. You need to let your dragon out, we’ll head to the roof again.” I move into his space, fully prepared for him to attack, and I shove him back against the bed. “You’re going to be a father, gods help us all, and you need to keep yourself under control so that you get to meet that kid. If you let your dragon take control, Ash is going to have to do what every king dreads they might have to. Don’t make your brother kill you.”

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