Page 101 of Meet Your Maker: Part One

“So,” I say, leaning forward on the tailgate, “does she know you’re in town? And, uh, how exactly are you still alive? Can’t imagine her other mates were good with it.”

Silas shakes his head, dreadlocks brushing his shoulders. “Yeah, I don’t think I’m welcome at the mate-group potluck,” he says dryly. “I slipped away before the pitchforks came out.”

I nod slowly, fighting the grin threatening to break through. “Song as old as time…”

That earns me a real laugh—short, rough, but genuine. He scrubs a hand over his face, his expression softening just a fraction.

“I’ve been trying to get a message to her. I know she probably won’t forgive me easily, but, Colt…” He pauses, his dark eyes locking onto mine, and for the first time, I see the cracks in his mask. “My dragon is incon-fucking-solable.”

I blink, caught off guard by the rawness in his voice. Silas shakes his head, his fingers flexing against the truck bed like he’s steadying himself. “It’s not good for dragons to find their mate and lose them,” he whispers. “You can’t… It doesn’t just go away. It doesn’t get better.”

He doesn’t need to finish the thought. I can fill in the blanks just fine.

I lean back, exhaling slowly, trying to process everything he’s just dumped on me. “Okay,” I say finally, my voice quieter. “So what do you want me to do about it?”

Silas looks at me, something almost hopeful flickering in his eyes. “I just need a chance, Colt. One chance to talk to her. To explain.”

I hesitate, the weight of his request pressing down hard. No matter how much I like Silas, no matter how much truth is in his words, he’s asking me to put my sister—my family—in the same room as the guy who tried to kill her.

I’m not sure I can do that.

Silas watches me, reading the doubt on my face. He sighs, straightening up and brushing his hands over his jeans. “I know. I don’t expect you to help me.”

There’s no bitterness, just quiet resignation. He steps back, glancing at his Jeep. “Oh, I have something for you. It’s in my Jeep—let me grab it.”

I track him as he walks across the parking lot. The crackle of my gift runs hot over my skin. He’s telling the truth. Mostly. But there’s something else—a simmering layer of anger beneath it all. Not aimed at me, but there, sharp and faint like a splinter under the surface.

He reaches his Jeep, pops the tailgate, and rummages around. His movements are deliberate, shoulders tense. After a moment, he pulls out a bottle, holding it up to catch the light as he heads back over.

“Shadowfire,” he says, handing it to me like it’s a trophy. “Smuggled it in from Dae.”

I whistle low, turning the bottle over in my hands. The dark glass is etched with swirling patterns that shimmer when they catch the sunlight. I know exactly what Shadowfire is—Silas and I shared more than a few bottles of the stuff back in Dae. Burns like hell going down.

“Oh, man, this is nice. This is real nice.” My grin stretches wide as I clutch the bottle to my chest, already halfway to forgiving whatever sins Silas has racked up.

He doesn’t answer, just watches me with an expression I can’t quite pin down. But I’m a sucker for a good present. Before I can think better of it, I step forward and pull him into a quick hug.

Silas stiffens, muscles locking up like I’ve handed him a live grenade. He doesn’t hug me back, but he doesn’t shove me off either. Progress. When I step back, he’s staring at me like I’ve grown a second head.

“Why don’t you give me a number?” I say, still clutching the bottle like it’s made of gold. “I’ll talk to Sunday. She’s getting engaged tomorrow, so she’ll be in a good mood.”

Something flickers in his expression—quick as a flash—but I catch it. Jealousy. Or maybe envy. Hard to tell. My gift buzzes faintly, warning me.

“Oh. Oh, that’s great,” he says, his voice hitching just enough to sound off. “Tell her congratulations.”

The words feel sincere enough, but there’s a jagged edge to them, something bitter hiding beneath the surface. I chalk it up to Silas being Silas—complicated, broody, and probably jealous as hell.

“Will do,” I say, offering a lopsided grin. “And thanks for this.” I hold up the bottle for emphasis.

“Yeah.” His voice is distant now as he backs toward his Jeep. “Take care, Colton.”

I watch him climb in and drive off, the lingering hum of my gift crackling until he’s out of sight.

Whatever Silas is planning, whatever he’s hoping for—it’s not gonna be simple. I need to talk to Sunday.Preferably alone.

Chapter Thirty Nine

Code Name- Dumbass

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