Page 85 of Marked Dragon

“Ah, you were distracted,” he said and patted my arm. “Though it’s a hard lesson to learn, it was one best served here. Even when your fated mate talks to you, you have to pay attention to your surroundings and not get lost in your bond.”

“Believe me.” I gasped, but the pain began to recede. “I learned.”

“I’m so—” Saphira started.

I lifted my hand. “We were sparring. You didn’t do it on purpose.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.” Tyson snorted.

“Hey! No one was talking to you,” Saphira snapped.

I blinked, a few tears trailing down my cheeks.

Brenton and Errol shook their heads at each other, and Errol said, “And I thought these two were done acting like siblings.”

“Come on. I’ll help you up.” Vlad held out his hand.

I took it, my sides screaming as I straightened. It was a damn good thing I was a dragon shifter. I’d bet this would have taken days to heal if I’d been human.

“Cassidy said lunch will be ready in thirty. Let’s take a break and head in.” Vlad waved toward the barn but stayed next to me.

Tyson, Errol, and Brenton led the way, trying to get Tyson away from Saphira before he riled her up more. Saphira had a deep scowl on her face, feeling guilty for what she’d done.

“I promise. I’m fine.” I smiled. “Like Vlad said, it was better for me to learn this now instead of in battle. This way, I have time to lick my wounds before getting even with you later.”

Her mocha irises twinkled. “Oh, you think you’re going to get even? Please. Next time, I’ll kick your ass and not feel bad about it.”

Nowtherewas the Saphira I knew and loved.

“Let’s see what updates Theron has.” I headed for the barn, knowing the two of them would follow me.

Within minutes, we stepped into the clearing and found solemn faces…except Peter’s. He smiled as if he’d won the lottery.

“What’s going on?” I asked, picking up the pace.

“The warriors.” Theron placed a hand on his stomach. “Aiden alerted us that they’re at his location, which means my thunder is next. You need to leave, so I can bring my son here.”

“But he can stay here with us,” Thorn rasped as his neck corded. “I don’t understand why we need to leave.”

Theron bared his teeth. “If my son finds out about you, that will put him in more danger. I’d hoped the warriors would bypass us, but they’re getting closer, and I have to protect my son. I’m sorry, but you all need to leave.”

Theron and Thorn were reacting emotionally and not thinking clearly.

“If your son isn’t there when they arrive, they’ll ask questions.” Vlad lifted his hands. “I get the need to protect your son, but if the warriors realize something is amiss, you’ll only reveal to them that you have something to hide. I’m not saying I don’t sympathize, but that alone could place a target on his back.”

“There’s something that could protect both groups,” I said and glanced at Thorn. He’d healed Tyson’s dragon—maybe he could do the same for Theron’s son.

Theron laughed harshly. “Like what? It’s like you think I haven’t tried to find a solution.”

Everly, no,Thorn connected.I did that for Tyson to helpus.

You’re going to let a dragon shifter get marked for murder when there’s something you can do to save him?I asked, lifting a brow.Thorn, you can’t mean that.

Thorn flinched, my words hitting their mark.

Before he and I could finish our conversation, Tyson stood tall. “I had an injured wing, and Thorn healed me. I no longer have that issue.”

Mouth dropping open, Theron glanced from Tyson to Thorn. Then his face went red as he growled, “Oh,hellno. He’s not touching my son. I saw what he did to those warriors. Your group needs to leave.”

---