Page 30 of Second Shooter

Atil shook his head. “No, aside from your recently healed damage, you have a very youthful face.”

“Thanks for the observation. I can’t believe it took four dragons unloading on me in a group to get the job done. Like a fire bukkake.”

Wellyn blinked twice and then started a slow, rolling laugh. Atil looked astonished. “What?”

“I was kneeling naked with four different dragons pouring fire over me. What would you call it?”

“I think we missed that. Did anyone get any video?”

She snorted.

“There were quite a few videos taken.” Keres and May came over. “Where are the cookies?”

Win paused. “Oh, right. Oren asked me if he could romp in my memories. I said yes, and he has regrets. He’s probably eating the cookies.”

Keres blinked and headed for the kitchen.

Win smiled and caught the scent of cookies. It was light, and there was a hint of chocolate in the air. All she got was the hint. Over the years, she had learned to fake enjoyment of food, and she had it down pat.

She looked back at Wellyn and Atil and said, “Go brush your teeth.”

They paused, and Ymer said, “This way to a guestroom.”

She watched them go and drifted past the others as the cookies were consumed. She got to the couch where the Elite had been, and he was gone.

Brexel said, “We moved him to the first bedroom on the left. I didn’t want him down here when the boys came home.”

“Of course. May I go to see him?”

“Please. He won’t notice.”

She snorted. “Right. Of course not.”

Win headed up the stairs and found his energy signature behind the door Brexel had directed her to.

She paused and opened the door, heading for sleeping beauty on the king-sized mattress. He was wearing the white leathers of the Elite and the last thing she remembered seeing him in. She sat next to him. “Hello. I never did get your name.”

He breathed in and out slowly. The long column of his braid was draped over one shoulder and went down to his knee.

“It’s been nearly thirteen years. I am all grown up now. My power and I have made friends.”

She felt Wellyn and Atil come in.

“The magic said you were mine. You helped me, and you saved me, and when I came back, it nearly destroyed you. Sorry about that.” Win looked at him and sighed. “I don’t know what I am supposed to do with you. You look like an iceberg. Like you should be in the end of a sword and sorcery movie.”

Atil moved up next to her and said, “Do you want to wake him?”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to leave him here, and I don’t have room in my apartment unless I turn him into my sofa.”

Atil snorted. “Kiss me, kiss Wellyn, kiss him.”

“This isn’t a fairy tale.”

“I know. If you want to jump-start him, our energy will do it. If he wakes angry, we will be here to restrain him.”

“Aw, it’s cute that you think I need help there.”

He smiled. “If you want him awake, kiss us.”

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