Page 127 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
The other guy who kept pace with them shuddered. “Hope we don’t see him there today.”
Rayna glanced at him. “He wouldn’t hurt you as long as you don’t bother him, but keeping your distance is best.”
“You got no argument from me there.”
They continued walking in silence, for which she was grateful. Time seemed to crawl as they made their way over high grass, falling fences, and numerous other things that aggravated her leg. It was a relief when the bunker appeared in the distance.
As they moved closer, a large male form came toward them from the side wall where he’d been leaning. Rayna cursed under her breath when she recognized him. No one else could walk with such strength and lethal grace.
“Is that him?” Cassidy whispered, eyes wide.
She swallowed down her pain, trying to hide it from her features. “Yes.”
“Why is he coming toward us?”
Before Rayna could answer, Galadon stopped before them and crossed his arms. “You’ve been hurt again?”
“I’ll be fine,” she said, glaring at him. Of course, he was back to his surly self, as she’d suspected.
“You’ve been burned by green fire,” he noted, staring at her leg.
Normally, she was the one to annoy him, but of course, he would take advantage of the situation. “Your powers of observation are impressive as usual, Galadon. I’ll be fine, and you can go away.”
The soldiers with her gaped. They didn’t understand that she couldn’t help herself around this shifter. Even when she knew better, her mouth got her into trouble. Rayna hated appearing weak in front of someone so powerful.
“At least you’re not near death this time,” he said, narrowing his flame-colored eyes.
She wanted to throw more sarcasm at him, but she supposed she should show some gratitude for what he’d done. “Thank you for saving me. I know you could have just left me to die, and I appreciate that you didn’t.”
The three soldiers were now glancing between them with rapt attention.
“For now, your impressive ability to kill my kind is useful,” he said flatly.
Honestly, the way he ran hot and cold drove her crazy!
She sighed. “Could you please move so I can go see your mother?”
More surprised looks from her companions. She had no doubt there would be many questions later, but at least it would be after she got healed.
“You two can let her go,” Galadon commanded, and they instantly pulled away. “I’ve got her.”
Before Rayna could argue or fall on her face, he scooped her into his arms.
She glared at him. “Are you serious?”
“It’s clear you’re in pain, so I thought I’d save you the trouble of walking any farther.”
Damn. She hadn’t hidden it well enough.
Cassidy followed close behind them. “Should we, uh, stay with you, Rayna?”
“Go get your food and rest,” Galadon ordered over his shoulder. “I’ve got her.”
A moment later, the three soldiers hurried ahead of them as if they’d been compelled by the shifter and had to obey immediately. Only Cassidy cast a worried glance in her direction. Rayna wantedto bury her face in her hands from pure embarrassment, but the male holding her was watching her reactions too closely.
“Did I embarrass you?” he asked, amusement in his expression.
She’d never seen him like this before, and it was even more awkward than expected.
