Page 53 of Second Shooter

Wellyn said, “Come for a walk with me.”

She looked at him and nodded. He helped her out of her chair, and they left the dining room and walked to the roof space. He stopped and turned her toward him, stroking her back. “Why don’t you demand him?”

“People aren’t things to be demanded. The Elite demanded me, and I fought hard. I am not going to trap anyone in a similar situation. I also don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, especially his.”

She pressed her forehead against his chest. “He doesn’t even know me. There is no reason for him to understand.”

The door to the roof swung closed softly. Alexi’s voice said gently, “Explain it to me then. Why do Niko’s memories have my tattoo on you?”

“Because I drew it, and when you helped me back to my group at the eclipse trip, I gave that drawing of the eclipse to you.”

He stared. “No way.”

“Yes way.” She looked at Alexi from the comfortable place in Wellyn’s arms. Niko and Alita were behind him.

Alexi stared at her and blinked. “There you are. Black hair, pony tales on either side of your head, huge dark brown eyes, and a small birthmark on the hand that you were using to draw. You were wearing black high tops there as well.”

She blinked. “Um, I like to be comfortable.”

“As for the other, I don’t know you, but Niko’s dragon is keen to have a connection.”

Her heart sank. “I am not buying you or even renting you.”

Alexi blinked and smiled. “Oh, that isn’t it. I can’t seek out another connection unless he agrees. He agrees. You are good with me and Niko and Alita?”

“Of course. They are your den.”

“But would you like to go on a date?”

She paused. “What?”

“Your smaller form so that I can feel like a big man, but yes.”

She chuckled. “Sure. Lady Fen got me a bunch of clothes. The rest of my stuff is at Lyric’s. You have already seen my one dress.”

He laughed. “Just the one?”

“Yeah. It was all I needed.”

“Well, would you go on a date with me?”

“Because your dragon wants it?”

“No, because he allows it, and Niko allows it, and Alita asks me what the hell is wrong with me.”

“What do you want?”

“To go for walks with you, taking photos of brooks and rocks and seeing how you see them and how I see them and comparing.”

She leaned back from Wellyn. “That sounds like fun.”

He smiled and stroked her cheek. “Your life has been particularly short on fun. Go on the date.”

“You know what is going to happen.”

“Yes, and his dragon is all for it.”

Alexi paused. “What are you talking about?”

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