Page 9 of Marked Dragon

My vision blurred, and I blinked back tears. I didn’t need to break down, especially not in front of Drake.You have to. Go see your parents and learn everything you can from them. Then find a way to bring me back home where I belong—in your arms.

Damn straight you do,he replied.I’ll head back to meet up with them, but I won’t wait long to come back for you. I need you here with me.

Drake rushed to Uther and pointed at the door. He bit out, “Then why are you still here? Take every available resource and hunt those three down,now.”

Sticking out his chest as if he were unfazed by Drake’s words, Uther lifted his chin. “Yes, sir. I just wanted to apprise Falkor of the situation.”

“Actually, it’d be best if Uther stayed here.” Falkor held out his hand for his gun. “I’ll help hunt down the others. Ladon, Jessie, and I have worked closely together for years, so it’ll be quicker.”

“Good idea.” Drake nodded and gave the gun back. “If you need anything, say the word. If anyone can fix these mistakes, it’s you.”

The corners of Falkor’s mouth tipped upward, the first sign of a smile I’d ever seen on his face. Of course, it would be due to a psychopath’s compliment.

“Watch her,” Falkor commanded Uther and pointed at me. “She tried to escape earlier, so keep her close.”

At the smug expression on Falkor’s face, I wanted to take him down a notch. “If it hadn’t been for Drake getting your gun, I would’ve gotten away. Let’s not pretend otherwise.”

The warrior glared at me, his pupils elongating.

Mission accomplished.

“That’s enough.” Drake tisked and crossed his arms. “Falkor, head out and manage the search. Everly and I need to get some rest before a long day of wedding planning. It’s almost sunrise.”

My mouth filled with saliva, and I wanted to spit. The last thing I wanted to do was plan anything withhim, even though I longed for a dark room to get some relief from my pounding head. I worried about where, exactly, I’d be sleeping. Sharing a bed withhimwould send me over the edge.

Falkor exited through the back door, and I prayed that Thorn’s belief in his dad held true, and that the three family members would find one another.

“If these two disappear while I’m gone, there will be hell to pay, Uther,” Drake warned, leveling his gaze on the warrior. “She’s smart and will be my bride. If anyone threatens her, they will answer to me. Do you understand?”

The warrior shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Yes, sire. They won’t get away.”

“Make sure of it.” Drake turned to me, and his cruel smirk reappeared. “In three hours, I’ll be back here to take you to meet my father and begin planning. You better be ready. There are clothes your size in our closet.”

My skin crawled. Between him having clothes for me and referring to the closet as ours, I wanted to claw my eyes out.

He chuckled, watching my every expression. He strolled over to me and hovered his lips inches from mine. The closer he got, the more I wanted to vomit.

The thing was, I’d never be desperate enough to ever let him kiss me.

CHAPTERFOUR

He was soclose that his onion breath hit my face, making me want to gag. Any reaction would only encourage him, and I’d already done enough stupid stuff for the night.

I pressed my lips together so his breath couldn’t seep into my mouth. I didnotwant to taste it. The stench in my nose was bad enough. If I made it clear I didn’t want to kiss him, he’d probably force the issue.

Scanning my face, he smirked. “Don’t worry. Our first kiss won’t be tonight.” He placed a hand under my chin, tilting my face upward so we were looking into each other’s eyes. “It will happen when you’re clean and don’t smell likehim.”

Batting my eyes, I smiled sweetly. “Then you might have to wait a while.” If not bathing would get him to leave me alone, I’d happily become the stinkiest woman alive.

“Remember, I’m the one who has the power. If you want your sister to be well taken care of, you’d better behave,” he warned as he pressed the tip of his thumb into my chin, causing my entire jawline to ache and increasing the pressure in my head.

Dropping his hand, he sneered. “Goodnight, mypet. Sleep tight. Our first day together as an engaged couple is on the horizon, and I expect you to be polished when you meet the king.”

My heart raced, and I desperately wanted to hammer a hole into my head to release the pressure.

He turned and headed toward the back door. He paused beside Uther and steepled his fingers. “Make sure you watch them. When more warriors return, I’ll ensure there are several positioned around the house in case my bride tries to escape. But let me be clear—if she gets away, you know what will happen.”

Eva whimpered and shuffled back, putting more distance between her and the rest of us.

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