Page 18 of Marked Dragon

Some of the weight rolled off my shoulders, and my lungs worked a bit easier. A fall wedding would give us plenty of time to determine a way out of this.

“Absolutelynot,” Drake rasped. “Everly and I will be wed in two days.”

“Twodays?” Queen Mira’s mouth dropped. “But darling, why? We need to have her dress made, and—”

I nodded, ignoring the black spots that crowded my vision. Here I was, thinking we might have four months to plan, and of course, he’d taken that away.

I shouldn’t have been surprised. He was all about claiming me and driving Thorn crazy, so he’d show up recklessly. “Drake, I’m here. Eva’s here. What’s the rush?”

As soon as his head snapped in my direction, I knew I’d said the wrong thing. He leaned toward me, the evil glint in his eyes bright.

I tried to lean back, but he reached over and squeezed my leg again, so hard a whimper damn near left me.

His intent was clear. If I kept doing things he didn’t like, he’d hurt me. I had no doubt he’d target my sister next.

Clenching my jaw, I held still as his mouth hovered over mine.

Thank goodness, I hadn’t eaten more than a bite. When his lips touched mine, my throat burned. His lips were warm but stiff and rough. They were nothing like Thorn’s, and internally, I recoiled. Though the kiss lasted only a few seconds, it felt like a lifetime. When Drake pulled away, I wanted to gargle with alcohol to disinfect myself.

Ev, what’s going on?Thorn connected, his worry exacerbating my upset stomach.

My eyes burned.He just kissed me.

Thorn’s rage exploded through our connection, and my ears pounded as his dragon bellowed.

He touched what belongs to me, he connected.I will kill him slowly and enjoy wringing out every ounce of his pain and making him squirm. No one takes my gem from me and tries to tarnish it.

His words should have upset me, but my dragon roared in approval. Unlike Drake, Thorn didn’t think of me as property but as someone who meant the most to him, like a treasure.I couldn’t stop him. I’m sorry. We’re with your parents, and he threatened—

You don’t have anything to apologize for,Thorn replied and pushed the warmth of his love toward me.He’s forced you into this, and I will avenge you.

Oh, I plan on being right there beside you.I didn’t want to kill Drake, but I’d be down for making him utterly powerless.

Always and forever,he vowed, and my heart beat once again.

Drake smirked, the power-hungry glare back in place.

He could tell that Thorn and I were connecting, and he was getting the reaction he so desperately craved.

We were playing right into his hand.

Interlocking our fingers, he placed our joined hands on the table.

Drake smirked, but he didn’t radiate happiness. He was as cold as an icicle. “I can’t be without her for another moment. I want to do this right and not take her before the wedding, so I’m sure we can make that happen in two days. I don’t care if all the guests can’t make it. We’ll figure out who is truly loyal to us this way.”

The queen nodded. “Of course, son. We can make that happen, but Everly and I should start planning immediately.”

My legs shook. I didn’t want to plan a wedding tohim, even though I prayed we wouldn’t actually go through with it. There wasn’t much I could do…except one thing. I smiled brightly. “Yes, we’d better. And I would love for Eva to join in on the planning. After all, she’s my sister.”

“That’s a good point. She is important to you and in your relationship,” Queen Mira said, her brows pulling together. “Drake, please have her brought into the living room to join us.”

Drake stood and helped me to my feet. “Of course, Mother.” Then he leaned toward me again, and I froze, fearing he was going to kiss me again.

Instead, he whispered in my ear, “One wrong move, and you will wish that Eva was only my breeder with what I’ll do to her. Now, smile and laugh.”

I obliged, but the sound got lodged in my throat.

He kissed my cheek and tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. “Don’t worry, love. I’ll be back soon.”

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