Page 39 of The Dragon's Surprise
Before she could reply, Ethan’s head popped into her field of vision. “Lexi, are you okay? Did you hear me tell you to wake up?”
She smiled, wishing she was strong enough to sit up and hug Ethan. Her voice was still crackly as she replied, “I don’t remember, but I’m sure it made the difference. I’m glad you’re okay.”
Ethan patted her shoulder. “You helped them find us. You were brave and smart and I’m sorry they hurt you.”
She frowned and glanced at Kyle, and he answered, “Your information helped them form a better plan, according to Rio and Axel.” He cupped her cheek and caressed her skin with his thumb. “I’m glad you’re here with us now, love. We both are.”
It was the second time he’d used the endearment. Part of her yearned to ask what it meant, secretly hoping he still wanted her as his mate. But her head buzzed a little, and she wasn’t sure she could handle a complex or serious conversation right now.
Although she hoped they could talk about it later because during her escape attempt, she’d realized how much she yearned to return to Kyle, run into his arms, and never leave his or Ethan’s side again.
For now, she murmured, “Water and then tell me everything.”
Kyle frowned as he reached for the nearby cup. “You should wait until you’re stronger before we go over all that.” He lifted her head and placed the cup at her lips. “Here, drink this. Slowly.”
After she drank a little water and sighed with relief, she said, “Please, tell me. Is everyone okay?”
Once she settled back on her pillow, he said, “Yes. We rescued all the dragon-shifters and most of the attendees were handed over to ADDA. No one knows what will happen to them—no doubt some will make deals and give information—but I doubt they’ll use that location again for any sort of illegal activity.”
Ethan moved closer to Kyle. “I don’t want them to take me again.”
“They won’t. I’ll protect you. The entire clan will. I vow it, Ethan.”
As the boy snuggled into his father’s side, Lexi’s heart warmed. More than ever, she wanted that future.
However, before she accidentally blurted that, Dr. Alvaro came in, shooed Kyle and Ethan out, and then asked her a series of questions. By the end, the doctor told her it would take some time to recover. And even though she yearned to talk more with Kyle and Ethan, her eyelids drooped and Lexi fell fast asleep.
The next time she woke up, her sister sat in a chair next to her bed, typing something on a laptop. Lexi blinked. “Jennifer?”
Her sister placed the computer on the side table, stood, and took her hand. “Lexi! Thank goodness. I would hug you, but I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Not that I don’t love seeing you, but why are you here?”
Her sister arched a dark eyebrow. “You were drugged, kidnapped, and bashed over the head. Of course I came to see you.”
As she studied her sister’s face, she could tell Jennifer was hiding something. “What is it, Jen? It’s not like you to beat around the bush.”
Her sister sighed. “It’s not good news.”
Ignoring her pounding heart, she said, “Just tell me.”
“Well, you’ve become a major target of the League now, Lexi. They even have your picture posted all over the dark web, with an offer of a small reward for your capture.”
“What? Why?”
“You foiled the plans of a rather powerful alleged ally of the League, and he doesn’t like it. And so now your future will be one of two options—enter Witness Protection or stay with a dragon clan who can watch over you.”
Even though she knew the answer, she couldn’t help but blurt, “And my job with DOCS?”
Her sister shook her head. “I’m sorry, but the best they’ll let you do is help with clans in the area, if you decide to stay with a dragon clan.”
Lexi wanted to stay with Kyle more than anything. But she didn’t want him to feel obligated. Because the only way humans were usually allowed to stay on a dragon clan was to mate a dragon-shifter.
And yet, the thought of leaving him and never seeing him or Ethan again made her heart squeeze. Would he want her, even if she didn’t mention she had to make the choice?
Sitting on the side of her bed, Jennifer said, “I haven’t told Kyle about your options.”
“Please, don’t.”
