Page 45 of Marked Dragon

We can’t let either of them out of our sight,Thorn connected as he followed Peter.And we need to go. Warriors will be here any second.

I stepped in front of Peter, blocking the stairs. “We have spare clothes. You two will be fine.” I connected,Can you come here? He’ll try to go upstairs as soon as I move to get my keys.

Peter’s hands clenched. “Get out of my way, Everly. This ismyhouse, and I’ll do as I want.”

“Can’t you trust me?” Every time we got near each other, he treated me as if he resented my presence. It wasn’t enough to prevent me from coming around, though, since the twins were my half-siblings. He did seem to care about them, but ever since Mom had gotten sick, he’d channeled his malice toward me. Whenever I’d visit to keep my promise to Mom about taking care of my siblings, I’d avoid my stepdad as much as possible. Inevitably, he’d treat me like I was scum he merely tolerated. “We’re trying to keep Eva safe.”

He snorted. “You’re trying to keep her safe? Then where the hell were you when Drake came for her? You left to protect her, yet she was taken anyway. You’re selfish, even if you pretend you aren’t.”

His words stung because they were true. I had failed my mom and Eva, but not on purpose. But I sure as hell wouldn’t fail them again.

Our connection grew uncomfortably hot from Thorn’s rage. Hands fisted, he marched over to Peter and growled, “Clearly, you didn’t understand, and I will not tolerate your disrespect.”

“You listen—” Peter started and spun back toward the living room in time for Thorn to punch him in the side of the head.

Peter hit the back of his head on the stair rail and dropped, crumpling onto his side. Elliott yelped.

I blinked, trying to comprehend what had happened. Then a deep, hearty laugh shook my shoulders. “That’s one way to shut him up.”

No one talks to my wife and mate that way.Thorn’s eyes softened.You deserve the world, and I intend to give it to you and beat anyone who hurts you or stands in your way. That asshole was doing both. He’s lucky that’s the worst he got.

Though Thorn and I had met under less-than-ideal circumstances, I wouldn’t change it for the world. It had gotten ushere, and if I died today, it would be while knowing what it felt like to be truly loved and accepted and what loving someone unconditionally felt like. Many people didn’t get to experience that in an entire lifetime.I love you.Even those words didn’t seem momentous enough for how strong my emotions for him were.

And I love you.He smiled.We’ll have to continue this discussion when we get back to the cabin.

I winced. Here I was, standing around like a lovesick schoolgirl, when our enemy would be beating down the door at any second.

Enemy.

Wow.

If someone told me a month ago that I’d be in the middle of a supernatural drama, I would’ve taken them to seek help.

“I’m ready.” Elliott lifted the gaming system and controllers. “As long as I’ve got these, I’ll survive. Just don’t punch me like dad.”

The sad thing was, he meant it. “Don’t run your mouth like him, and we won’t have a problem. Besides, we’ll ensure you have deodorant, soap, shampoo, and a toothbrush. Basic hygiene is a must.”

He tilted his head and held out the gaming system to me. “Says the sister who’s standing in the house with blood in her hair and running down her face and splashed all over some gaudy gold dress while barefoot.”

I jerked back. He had me there. I touched my face, and sure enough, I felt dried blood. Vomit inched up my throat, but my dragon hissed at my human theatrics.

Where are your keys?Thorn asked as he lifted Peter and tossed him over his shoulder. His muscles rippled, and my body warmed.

Right. Keys.

I shook my head, refocusing on the threat and not my mate’s tantalizing body, and hurried past the sofa into the kitchen and grabbed my keys from the basket on the counter.

My chest ached. This might be the last time I saw the kitchen that Mom and I had decorated shortly after she’d been diagnosed with cancer, but I pushed the memories away. I dangled the keys from my finger. “Let’s roll.”

Opening the door, Thorn rushed outside. I waved Elliott on, wanting to take up the rear. I pressed the unlock button, so Thorn could get Peter situated in the vehicle, while the two of us were slower coming out.

With each step Elliott took, parts of his gaming system jostled, causing him to slow even more. I bit the inside of my cheek to prevent myself from snapping at him. Maybe allowing him to bring the system hadn’t been smart. If we got caught because he was too slow, my good intentions would lead to disaster.

When we stepped onto the long porch, Thorn was shutting the back passenger side door of the Audi. Elliott shuffled down the stairs, and I locked the door and replaced the key under the mat. Though I doubted it would make much difference, I didn’t want whoever came by to think we were frantically on the run, even though we were.

Thorn slid into the driver’s seat, which somehow didn’t annoy me. I liked to be in control, but with him, being a passenger didn’t bother me.

Ten years later, we finally reached the car. Yes, I was being dramatic, but damn, it sure felt as if it had taken that long. I opened the back driver’s side door, trying to get Elliott to hurry, and as soon as he swung his feet into the car, I slammed the door shut and ran around to the front passenger seat.

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