Page 118 of Smoke and Lure

“Disregard my brother, he frequently rises on the wrong side of his dragon, making him surly and cocky,” Aodh tossed out.

Liekki grunted, practically confirming his brother’s comment.

“I’m Aodh.”He did not extend his hand as his mate had.“Welcome to the territory, Avalore.Liekki shared some of what brought you to our lands.Tomorrow, I’ll have time on our journey to the preternatural council meeting to hear how you came to be unescorted beyond the wall.”

Damn it.His words confirmed she could not plead her case about not attending the meeting and leaving.

“Yes.The meeting.What time is the planned departure?”Maybe.

“Don’t even think about it, little lure,” he whispered.

Avalore did shoot Liekki a look this time before facing Aodh and Kai again.

How did the big ogre know I was thinking about getting out of town before they rallied to go?

“It all depends on whether Liekki’s dragon carries you there or not.”Aodh's smile was broad as she glanced above her head at Liekki.

“Liekki’s dragon—” Avalore swallowed and shook her head.“I’d prefer to keep my feet on the ground, thank you.And one run in with the blue beast was good for me.”

“Hmph,” Liekki interjected.

Avalore figured Liekki was probably thankful she’d freed him of taking on her burden.

Kai began, “Perhaps we can grab something to eat while Aodh and Liekki—”

Clank...Clank...Clank...

The sound of steel against steel was music to Avalore’s ears, and sent her nerves dancing down her spine.Unable to stop herself, she glanced past Kai to the trainees following Khuzaimah’s instructions.

Avalore’s palms itched again.

“Oh, look, Aodh, Eilidh is at practice.”Kai pointed toward a young female Drakh who resembled Liekki in a way the dragon leader did not.

“She hates sword practice, and typically avoids attending for the growing fields,” Aodh cupped the back of Kai’s neck, his fingers moving in a caress.

Avalore focused back on the field and ignored the envious feelings towards the couple.Unlike those in the district, it was evident Kai and Aodh weren’t only together to gain a year's stipend for having a baby as couples did in the district.No, there was genuine affection, if not love, between them.

“I guess she doesn’t realize how lucky she is to have a chance to develop such skills.”

Avalore wasn’t aware the words had slipped out of her mouth until two sets of eyes landed on her and Liekki’s fingers flexed into her ample hip.

“Oops...sorry, I—”

“Probably,” Aodh agreed.

“You should try your hand at it,” Kai declared.

“What?”Avalore waved her hands in front of herself and tried to step back but the imposing wall still hadn’t moved out of the damn way.

“Khuzaimah!”Aodh bellowed to the trainer to be heard over the clashing swords.

“No.It’s not necessary...I-I just like to watch,” Avalore stammered, trying to deny how her heart was racing with excitement at just the thought she’d be able to do it.

“It’s better to do,” Kai stated.“Besides, I bet you’d be better at it than you think.Probably better than me since you don’t have to maneuver around a baby bump.”

Khuzaimah broke from her trainees and jogged over to her leader's request.“Yes, Mckenna?”

“Do you think you could fit in one more trainee today?”Aodh asked.

---