Page 170 of Smoke and Lure

Now standing at the glass, she could see the difference between the rich, dense smoke that shadowed Morlie from her sight and the dark swirls of smoke filling the chamber, giving her no problem seeing through it to the bed.

Liekki and Avalore lay on the bed, she on her side, facing the door with her eyes closed and him spooned in tight behind her, his arms surrounding her while he threaded his fingers through her long waves.

When they first walked in, she wondered if she and Aodh were the ones about to get a show.For a moment, Kai thought the new mates may have been having sex, and questioned why Liekki would have invited them down.Yes, Drahks enjoyed sex and had no qualms about being observed, but they didn’t issue out tickets for viewers.

However, in the blink of an eye, she saw that Liekki may have been shirtless, but he was dressed in standard male Drahk apparel—dark pants and boots.Avalore, on the other hand, Kai couldn’t tell what she wore or didn’t, because the other woman was covered from shoulders to feet.

Why are you all here?Aodh leaned a shoulder against the glass, arms folded over his chest.He spoke mentally to his brother since the thick, clear wall made communication difficult without yelling.

Kai was grateful that Aodh opened a connection that allowed her to participate in the conversation.

Liekki glanced over his shoulder at them.He seemed reluctant to leave Avalore as he slowly uncurled himself and exited the bed.Come in.I need you to see something.

When Aodh pushed from the glass, Kai did, too.Ready to find out what was happening.

But Aodh stopped her with a hand on her shoulder.“You can’t go in the smoky room, Kai.”

She frowned.“Why not?I’m around your smoke all the time, and I’m not bothered.”

“True.However, you're still human, and we don’t know how such concentrated levels of Liekki’s healing smog will affect you, even with the little one.”Aodh stepped to her and kissed her temple before he went to the door.“Be back, love.”

“Fine.Go.I’ll wait out here.”When Aodh hesitated before opening the door, Kai gave him a small smile to reassure him.

It was evident his brother was very concerned about whatever was going on with Avalore, and Kai didn’t want to stand in the way of Liekki getting his brother’s support.

Once Aodh entered the chamber, Kai followed along the glass wall, trying to get a better look at Avalore.She took everything in about the other woman and tried to figure out the situation, but Avalore gave her nothing.Liekki’s mate lay on the bed, still, while the two men stood before each other, talking.

She thought about pressing her ear to the glass-room door to pick up their low tones.

Why the urgency, Liekki?And why is your mate here?

I’m unsure how to describe what’s happening.I’m hoping you can help.

Kai practically sighed with joy when the men’s thoughts came through.She knew Aodh ensured he and Liekki spoke along a familial path to keep her a part of the conversation.

Hmm.Was there an incident on the way back from the meeting?Did your mate get hurt?Aodh peered down at the woman in bed as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Liekki shoved one hand in his pocket while dragging the other through his long, dark strands.No.Avalore and I made it back fine from the meeting.A little unorthodox, but no issue.

Okay?Aodh’s brow was pinched.

It was after that that something happened.

After?

Liekki lifted his chin and met Aodh’s gaze boldly.After our claiming moment.

Both Aodh's and Kai’s brows went up.

She searched her thoughts to conceive what had placed such a worried expression on Liekki, Mr.Devil May Care.It always seemed that nothing could rattle the big blue dragon shifter.Something had.

Explain.Aodh lowered his hands.

It’s easier if I show you.

Aodh nodded.

Liekki moved toward the bed to Avalore and waited for Aodh to follow.

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