Page 70 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
“Get there and back as quickly as you can,” Aidan said, then melded his mouth to mine. The kiss was hot and passionate. More than anything, I wished I could have sunk into it and never let go.
Precious minutes later, he finally drew back. I took a long look at him, noting how he’d grown a couple of inches taller and become even more muscular than before. He’d likely gained at least thirty pounds in human form. It was hard to wrap my head around how his ties to the Taugud and other dragon clans had actually altered him physically. He was still heart-stopping handsome but also somehow…more. Power leaked out of him like a nuclear reactor that couldn’t be contained.
It blew me away that I was the primary object of Aidan’s affection—a slayer. He was a pendragon now and leading a largedragon army, yet I was the one he wanted most in this world. The intensity of his love both frightened and exhilarated me.
I watched him draw a deep breath, straighten his shoulders, and harden his features. My tough mate had returned, and all traces of his emotions wereerased. He placed a hand on my lower back and guided me to the bedroom door. I loved that he still found a way to touch me.
We met the guards in the corridor, who followed us as we made our way out of the castle and toward the fortress gate. The others would be waiting there. A million thoughts came into my head. I wanted to remind him to bathe our son tonight and read him a book before bedtime. Of course, he already knew that.
I’d said my goodbyes to Orion after an early breakfast. Not wanting to worry him, I’d kept it casual. This time, he didn’t appear to know what his mother was about to do, which relieved me. Aidan and I had briefly discussed his seer abilities, but we’d have to wait until a better time before figuring out how to handle the issue.
Maybe I should have taken extra time with him and looked for answers, but there was always something more pressing. For now, the looming war frightened me the most. Every living being relied on our success, and the odds were stacked against us even with all our preparations.
The Kandoran had never lost a warandwere a truly diabolical enemy.
Aidan and I held our heads high as we entered the field beyond the fortress walls. Verena stood there, wearing a black camrium shirt and pants. I didn’t think I’d ever seen the sorceress wear such clothing, but she needed it for today. Galadon was there, frowning at Rayna—big surprise. We alsohad Titan, Eliam, Conrad, and Freya. We were all strong, proven fighters. Technically, Verena wasn’t a warrior, but she had powerful magic that made up for a lack of physical skills. She was crucial for this mission. Everything would have been much more difficult without her, probably impossible.
I went to stand with my group. Aidan ran his gaze over us, only pausing on me for an extra moment. “The more masks you can get, the better, but do it quickly. If you’re not back in two days, I’ll send a team to get you.”
“Not to worry, pendragon,” Verena said in her Irish lilt. “I’ll make certain they return safely.”
He gave her a stern look. “I’ll hold you to it.”
With that, he spun on his heels and walked away. His two guards followed closely behind him. I wanted to reach out to him one last time, but we didn’t have that luxury. At least Aidan would have plenty to keep him busy while I was away.
“So,” Rayna said, a hand on her hip. “Who is riding with who?”
“I’ve got Bailey,” Freya said. Since my return to Oklahoma, we'd become friends, and I doubted she wanted to carry anyone else.
Eliam worked his jaw. “I’ll take the sorceress.”
“Oh, you’re too good, dear,” Verena said, sidling closer to him. I bet she loved not worrying about shifters burning her anymore since the fireproof potion came along.
I wondered if there had been some arrangement beforehand for Eliam to volunteer for the duty. Maybe they drew straws?
“Titan, can you take me?” Rayna asked, giving him a smile. “I’d hate to torture Galadon for the journey since he loathes me so much.”
“Of course, that’s…” he began.
“I’ve got her,” Galadon growled.
Rayna and I both gave him incredulous looks.
“Guess I’m with you, Titan,” Conrad said.
The male shifter had a martyred expression, wanting to carry a male slayer even less. It probably didn’t help that Conrad was brand new and hadn’t had his tolerance for dragons fully tested. Sure, he could stand near them without resorting to violence, which was far better than most slayers, but being carried in an “enemy’s” arms was another matter.
Titan no doubt looked forward to being our guinea pig. There was nothing quite like flying in the sky with someone who might try to rip your head off any second to make you thrilled for the journey ahead. Conrad remained untested.
Rayna, at least, had proven she had restraint in that regard.
“It’s settled,” Galadon said. Then, he marched to the take-off/landing pad.
The rest of us followed.
A few minutes later, the four shifters had transformed into their dragon bodies. Galadon grabbed Rayna so fast she squealed, and then they launched into the air. Freya and I were next, with the others close behind. We flew southwest for an hour and a half. Nothing eventful happened during that time—to our relief. It was about two in the afternoon when we stopped well inside Kandoran territory.
The shifters transformed into human forms, and we took a break under a large oak tree. Despite the milder weather of the past few days, it had gotten hot today and had to be in the low nineties. I gulped down water, grateful my magical canteen kept it cold.
