Page 48 of Miles

19

Savannah

“We’re here.”

My eyes snapped open at the sound of Gate’s voice, and I sat up with a start. “I didn’t know I fell asleep.”

Miles winced, rubbing his shoulder. “Trust me. You did. I didn’t know how right I was when I thought of you as hard-headed.”

“Ha, ha,” I snickered. “I’ll have to keep that in mind the next time I fall asleep near you.”

“No, you don’t have to.” He nuzzled my neck, nibbling my ear before whispering, “You can fall asleep on me anytime you want. So long as you allow me to exhaust you beforehand.”

“We’re not deaf, you know,” Martina snorted from the front seat.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Are you a bit put-off by our affection? Does it make you uncomfortable? Do you want to tell us to get a room?” Miles winked at me, and we both chuckled. “How does it feel?”

“All right, message received,” Gate smirked before getting out of the SUV.

I took a deep breath before following him and the others. We were home. For good.

It didn’t look like much from the outside, that was for sure. A cave. Not exactly the sort of place I was accustomed to living in—which, naturally, made it all the more inviting. I didn’t want anything in my new life to resemble what I’d left behind. I would’ve gladly moved into a tent and stayed there, if need be.

Of course, I wouldn’t have to. From what Miles had told me, the cave would hardly require us to rough it. I could hardly wait to get inside and explore, not to mention the chance to meet the others.

I had my chance to get started before we entered.

I gasped, hands over my mouth, when a dragon swooped low overhead and landed only feet from the mouth of the cave.

Miles slid a protective arm around my shoulders.

“That’s Smoke,” he announced, holding up a hand in greeting. “It’s his turn on guard duty. I’m sure he’s glad we’re back.”

The dragon lowered his head as if to agree.

Martina and I exchanged a single glance—what were we getting into?

I reached up and patted Smoke’s shoulder, smiling as genuinely as I could. The sight of a dragon was still surprising and slightly unnerving, but I was getting better with it.

“It’s good to meet you. I can’t wait to get to know you better.”

Miles squeezed my hand, and I knew he was pleased.

The walk into the cave was a long one, with Gate and Martina behind us.

The tunnel seemed to stretch on forever.

I understood how important it was to keep the living quarters far from the outside world, but it was still surprising.

“Gate! Miles!” The sound of a little boy’s joyful voice floated toward us, and moments later he became visible as he hurtled down the tunnel.

It warmed my heart to see how happy it made him to see his friends again. He threw his arms around Miles’s waist, then moved on to Gate.

“Martina, Savannah, this is Tommy.” Gate ruffled his blond hair, and the little boy shrugged it off while laughing.

“Aunt Cari said you can teach me about writing,” he said, eyebrows raised in hope.

“I sure can, if you want to learn,” I offered.

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