Page 29 of Lyric

“It's all temporary," I said.

And I meant it. The injuries, the crutches, the threat of Colt.

But as for having Jinn as my guest, living with me in my home, I couldn't help but echo Lyrican’s hopes that that part of the deal might not be as temporary.

12

Jinn

Out in the middle of nowhere, with no hope left, I never imagined being rescued, let alone rescued by a powerful athlete celebrity.

It was all like a dream and I wasn't waking up. Maybe I was unconscious and dying, still out there in the dark woods with Colt circling overhead making sure no one got to me except him.

Maybe I had already died and this was the afterlife.

The pathway leading to the front door had no steps, for which I was grateful. Getting used to crutches looked easy but wasn't, especially when my other muscles were all still so raw.

Lyric opened doors for me, hustled me straight to a first-floor guest room with pretty blue curtains, and helped me to the bed. I desperately wanted to see his house, but I wasn’t in any shape for a tour.

He plumped my pillows. Got me water. Showed me to the door to the bathroom.

I leaned back on fluffy pillows. The bed was cool and soft. I shut my eyes. It seemed like only a moment, but when I opened them Lyric was coming through the door with a tray that held orange juice, a sandwich and a bowl of fruit.

He saw I was awake and said, nodding to the tray as he set it down, “Just in case.”

“Thank you.”

“If you need help with anything, you let me know.” Then he set a cell phone next to me. “It’s brand new. I programmed my number into it so you can call or text when you need me. Just until we get your own things from your place.”

“You’re doing too much,” I protested.

He wrung his hands. “I wish I could do more.”

“You don’t need to worry about me so much.”

His mouth opened. His face became darker. “You didn’t see yourself when I brought you up to the roost. I would never have left you like that. You look much better now, but Colt is still out there. If anything happened to you, I’d never forgive myself.”

I looked away, almost embarrassed but more—flattered? “You didn’t sign up for this.”

“I did. The moment Lyrican hid you.”

“Lyrican.” The name sounded like a song. “He’s a great dragon.”

“He feels responsible for you.”

I started to turn away.

Lyric held up his hand. “In a good way. Protective. That sort of thing. He’s been discontented lately. It gives him purpose other than racing to have helped you. And I can’t deny I don’t share his feelings.”

I couldn’t help but wonder if it was because I was a rare omega and he was an alpha. But then I remembered how Lyrican fought and bled to protect me. Deep inside, my omega instincts sparked to life. He’d risked himself to protect a stranger. It mademy blood rush. I was grateful for my life. And to see another dragon care enough to make sure I kept my life was, well—it was hot.

“It’s not that I’m not grateful. I am. But it’s all so much. I don’t know what to do with all this kindness and generosity.” My eyes heated.

“Maybe think of it this way. You’re giving to us, as well.”

“How?”

“You give us something to do other than focus on racing. Lyrican was tired.” Lyric sat on the edge of the bed, glancing up at the ceiling. “Please don’t tell anyone, but he has been refusing to race anymore.”

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