Page 82 of Marked Dragon

I can’t do this,Thorn connected.I don’t feel anything.Frustration wafted from him.

Remember what it was like when you felt the magic at the chateau and when you changed me?That was all that I could think of to help.Remember the emotion and hold on to it.

Okay,he replied as he closed his eyes tighter.

A strangling emotion surged through me, reminding me of when he’d been desperate to reach me. His hands glowed as his magic swirled inside him. My eyes widened.

Tyson gasped as the connection between Thorn and me grew hot and vibrant. Something swirled between us, a sensation that I’d felt once before, as if I could feel the brush of Thorn’s magic.

The intensity increased, and Tyson whimpered, “It’s gone.”

“Give me a second,” Thorn rasped as his eyes opened and focused on me.

The air around us buzzed. Not quite like the connection of our fated-mate bond but more like a warm hug brushing over my skin.

Pupils slitting, Thorn stared into me, and something inside me tugged as if he could see my soul—which wasn’t far-fetched, given he was my other half. Air sawed through my lungs as my body thrummed and warmed in ways that had never happened simultaneously.

That night, when I saw you fall down the incline and hit your head, I was devastated and crazed,he connected, and a shiver ran down my spine.Now I understand why. My dragon recognized you despite you being human. He refused to allow you to die and, by doing so, created our fated mate. When I made you a dragon shifter, there was so much blood I feared I couldn’t save you. But you are strong—the strongest person I’ve ever known—and I’m so damn glad you decided not to reject me as your mate. I doubt I could’ve survived that hurt.

I could never reject you.I inched closer, needing to be next to him.Even when I was human, I didn’t want anything bad to happen to you. Hell, even the night I first saw you in your car outside Drake’s bar, your eyes captivated me.

When you marched into that bar, I almost raced after you, wanting to protect you from him,he confessed. His hands dimmed, and the strange buzzing in our connection lessened.

For a minute, Thorn and I couldn’t peel our eyes off each other.

Finally, my mind cleared.What was that for?

You said to recreate what I felt the night I changed you, so that’s what I did.He smiled shyly.And I think it worked.Pride swirled through our bond, and my chest puffed out for him.

I gulped as my body tingled. Now we’d find out if Thorn could heal dragons that were impeded. “Tyson, how do you feel?”

He jumped to his feet and faced Thorn and me.

I expected him to show joy and relief, but his face was a shade paler than normal. He whispered, “Something’s not right.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX

My heart thuddedagainst my rib cage, and Thorn frowned. Our connection became frenetic as concern replaced the pride he’d felt.

“What do you mean something’s not right?” I asked, touching Thorn’s arm. This time, my touch didn’t have as much of a calming effect. He barely relaxed.

I winced. I was the reason for this, but I couldn’t take it back.Before we panic, we have to hear the facts.

It’s been the same since I was a child—I’m cursed. No good can come from my magic,he replied as our bond heated with his anger.This was a mistake. I shouldn’t have tried. I should’ve known better.

The urge to hang my head and close my eyes surged through me. Instead, I forced myself to stand tall. If I crumbled, I suspected Thorn would only struggle more.

Tyson stared at his hands as if they would reveal the answer. With each second that ticked by without an answer, Thorn’s emotions became more turbulent.

“Please, Tyson,” I said softly and leaned toward him. “Your explanation doesn’t have to be perfect. Just tell us how you feel.”

“Different.” He dropped his hands, and his forehead wrinkled. “It’s like it’smydragon, but not.”

I tilted my head. “Does it feel different or react differently to you?” At least, he had a dragon that was somewhat familiar.

“It’smostlythe same, but I don’t recognize it completely. It feels weird.” Tyson rubbed his hands together. “Like when you get bandaged or something.”

“Gods, Tyson.” Thorn’s voice broke, and his shoulders sagged. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve known better.” Heartache penetrated our bond, and I damn near collapsed to my knees.

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