Page 75 of Marked Dragon

Vlad kept reminding us to watch for our opponent’s tells, and this was the first time I’d picked up on a clue. I spun to my left just as she kicked. She hit air, and momentum kept her moving.

I spun back around and punched her in the stomach, bringing her to her knees. My dragon surged forward, urging me to kick Saphira in the face, but I aimed for her side. She caught my foot, lifting it upward.

The leg holding me up wobbled. I pushed off it before I lost my balance and made contact with her side.

She stumbled, releasing my foot, but I couldn’t right myself, so I landed on my back, pain surging through my body.

Everly,Thorn connected, his worry swirling through.

I didn’t have time to respond. He knew we were sparring. I jumped up just as Saphira caught her balance, her cocky smirk gone.

“I see someone finally learned something,” she spat. “It’s about time.”

She was trying to mess with my mind, but I wouldn’t let her. Instead, I lifted my hands, ready for her to attack.

Rushing toward me, she leaned to her left side again, but she didn’t put all her weight on that foot like last time. Instead, her right fist surged toward me. I ducked, then punched her in the stomach again.

As she stumbled back, I righted myself and pretended I was going to kick her in the stomach again. She lifted her hands to catch my foot, but I aimed for her ribs, like she’d done to me so many times. She didn’t have time to correct as I nailed her in the midsection, and she crumpled to the ground. She hissed as she stood and shook herself, ready to continue the fight, but electricity pulsed through the air.

“That’s it,” Thorn said, stepping from between two red cedars. His jaw was clenched, and his attention was locked on me. “Cassidy wants us back for dinner.” Our bond filled with rage.

“Fine.” Saphira sighed but winced. “I could use a break.”

I puffed out my chest. This was the first time I’d seen Saphira winded.

“Yeah, yeah.” She rolled her eyes but smiled. “You’re a quick study, but don’t get too arrogant. I’ll be kicking your ass again tomorrow.”

Vlad came over and patted my arm. “Everly did fantastic today. You progressed a lot faster than I expected. You’re a natural fighter, as if you were meant to be one of us.”

I beamed. Other than Mom, I’d never received praise from a family member, and that was what Vlad was quickly becoming.

Brenton and Errol both had black eyes, but they had smiles on their faces. Apparently, dragon shifters enjoyed a good brawl.

As the five of us started back toward the barn, Thorn gently caught my arm, holding me in place. He connected,We aren’t going back. I can’t. Not right now. Not after what I saw.

I lifted my chin, refusing to cower.We agreed I would train. There’s no reason for you to be angry.

“We’ll be back shortly,” he informed the others. At Vlad’s nod, he took my hand and led me deeper into the woods.

The connection between us sizzled as we picked up our pace. Luckily, my body was already healing, a nice side effect of being a shifter, and I didn’t struggle to keep up.

As the sounds of the others vanished, Thorn kept moving forward. After a few miles, he stopped and turned to me, his pupils slitting. He stepped toward me, gently pushing me against a tree trunk.

He growled, “I need to inspect you for injuries.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

The bark cutinto the back of my arms, and a knot of desire twisted in my stomach. First, we needed to address the tension hanging between us. “Why are you mad at me?”

“I’m not mad,” Thorn murmured as he leaned closer to me.I was concerned when I felt your pain, but then I saw the end of your fight with Saphira. My dragon and I approve.

He placed his hands on the trunk, trapping me, and focused on my lips. The sweet scent of his desire mixed with his usual minty amber, hiding the hint of sulfur. My breathing quickened as I stared at his strong jawline and full lips.

I became hyperaware that I was covered in sweat and reeked of body odor. I placed my hands on his chest, holding him back, the jolt of our connection pulling at my soul. I connected,I need a shower. I stink.

Smirking, he lowered his head.It’s fucking hot, and in a second, you’ll be sweating even more.

But the food…I tried to be sensible, but my dragon inched forward, and my body thrummed, needing the relief only he could bring. Still, if we didn’t show up, everyone would know why.

---