Page 67 of Born in Fire

“Good to know,” Caleb says, clearly not thrilled. “Right,” he addresses the group. “Take a few minutes to prepare yourselves. We’ll leave in fifteen.”

As the clan disperses, Caleb gravitates toward Juno’s scarf. He picks it up, running the fabric between his fingers.

“Interesting choice of decor,” he comments.

I feel a strange protectiveness rise in me. “Belongs to a friend.”

“Juno from the coffee shop, isn’t it?” He raises an eyebrow.

I meet his gaze evenly. “You always were observant.”

“Does she know about us?”

The question carries weight beyond the obvious.Usencompasses everything—dragon shifters, ancient blood feuds, the violent world we inhabit.

I shrug. “She’s… open-minded.”

Caleb sighs. “Just be careful. We can’t afford more exposure.”

“Noted,” I reply, letting a hint of irritation color my voice. Three hundred years of lectures is about two hundred ninety-nine too many.

He drops it, focusing instead on the mission. I do the same, though Juno lingers in the back of my mind like a song I can’t stop humming. I should call her. Tell her to lock her doors tonight.

“Caleb,” I say quietly, stepping closer. “We’ll get her back.”

He nods, but doubt shadows his eyes. “We have to.”

It’s not just about the clan anymore. It’s about the woman who’s somehow become his center of gravity. I recognize the look—it’s how Dad used to look at Mom in the portraits. How he looked at his mate.

We join the others, who are arming themselves with blades forged in dragonfire. Ancient weapons for modern problems. Some things never change.

“Remember,” Caleb addresses the group, “our goal is to rescue Elena and stop Malakai. We move swiftly and strike hard. No unnecessary risks.”

Daniel approaches Caleb hesitantly. “Caleb, there’s something else.”

“What is it?”

“Malakai… he’s not alone. I was just one of many. He’s rallied others to his cause. They won’t let her go without a fight.”

Caleb’s expression hardens. “Then we fight.”

Daniel swallows. “Understood.”

We move out into the night, a silent force of predators blending into the urban landscape. Seattle’s underground awaits—a labyrinth of forgotten tunnels and hidden dangers.

As we descend into the dark, I cast one last look back at my apartment. At the scarf draped over the chair. At the glimpse of a life I tasted before reality came crashing back in.

Tomorrow, if we survive, I’m calling Juno. Life’s too short, even for dragons.

Chapter 19

Juno

I can’t stop smiling. I catch my reflection in the polished chrome of the espresso machine—cheeks flushed, eyes bright, lips curved upward without conscious effort. For the third time this hour, I force my expression into something more professional, only to find myself grinning again moments later.

Dragons are a real thing. My boyfriend is a dragon shifter. And somehow, impossibly, we’re connected on some deeper level. I don’t know how, but I just know it.

The afternoon lull at Grind & Bean gives me too much time to replay this morning’s revelations. I wipe down the counter with extra vigor, my movements infused with an energy that makes even routine tasks feel like dancing. When the café’s playlist shifts to a song I like, I catch myself swaying slightly, humming under my breath.

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