Page 49 of Samuel
I ran a hand through my hair, a little sheepish.
“At first, I thought it was just the bond. Lust or infatuation because of the mate mark. But now… I think I’m falling for him. Really falling for him,” I confessed.
Finn gave a small, wistful smile.
“I’m envious. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for you. But I always thought we’d both be in this life together, hunting side by side.” Finn hesitated, his gaze dropping. “You managed to get out, and you found your soulmate. I’m glad for you, Blake.”
I was about to reassure him, to tell him that fate might have someone out there for him too, but I stopped.
The memory of the man Finn had loved—and lost on a mission five years ago—held me back.
I knew that wound was still raw for him, even if he never talked about it.
Our conversation was cut short by a brassy roar echoing from the distance. I froze, and Finn did too, his face instantly alert.
“That doesn’t sound like wolves,” he whispered, eyes darting toward the window.
“No, it doesn’t.” I moved to the window, looking out.
Finn joined me, his hand hovering near the knife at his belt.
“Could it be… the thing that burned the roadhouse down?” Finn asked.
“Only one way to find out,” I said.
The roar sounded again, closer this time. The ground seemed to vibrate with it, and I felt a chill race down my spine.
I turned to Finn, our eyes meeting.
His expression was calm, but I could see the tension in his body, every muscle coiled and ready for action.
Without another word, we slipped into our hunting roles, silent and swift.
I grabbed a rifle from the cabinet and handed Finn a spare handgun.
We moved as one, creeping through the cabin to the door, our senses heightened.
I could feel the prickling sensation of something malevolent nearby, its presence like a cold shadow stretching over us.
We stepped outside, and my heart pounded as I scanned the tree line.
The shadows shifted, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flash of bronze scales glinting in the sunlight.
My breath caught. It had to be the rogue dragon Samuel was hunting.
Finn and I exchanged a glance, and I knew he sensed it too.
“Stay close,” I murmured, tightening my grip on the rifle.
The rogue dragon’s roar split the air again, and I could hear the faint crackle of fire somewhere nearby.
The beast was here, stalking us.
“I’ve got your back,” Finn replied, his tone unwavering.
We moved forward cautiously, following the sound of the flames. My pulse was racing, adrenaline pumping as we drew closer.
I could smell the sharp tang of burning wood and feel the heat prickling against my skin.
