Page 86 of Marked Dragon

Thorn’s hurt slammed into me, and I marched forward. No one made my mate feel that way.

I’d bring Theron to his knees.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN

Hurt and angerrolled from Thorn, adding to my rage. Even when Thorn proved his magic could be used for good, some scared dickhead made him feel as if that wasn’t good enough.

I strode to Theron and pressed my finger into his chest. The older man blinked several times.

“You want to condemn Drake for hurting the weak, but you’re as bad as he is.” I lifted my chin as my dragon inched forward. “You’re letting the opinions of others, and what youthoughtyou saw, paint a picture of mymate, a man who’s a million times better than you, because you’re allowing your fear to control you.”

Theron’s pupils slitted as his dragon peered through. I couldn’t blame him; I was being aggressive, so naturally, his dragon would sneak out.

He sneered. “They’ve replayed the wedding several times, and you can’t say he didn’t steal those warriors’ dragons.”

Everly, let it go,Thorn connected, warmth spreading through our connection.We need to leave before the warriors get closer.

If he thought I’d let this asshole say what he had without putting him in his place, Thorn would soon learn better. I continued, “Of course, he did! Because Drake manipulated me into giving myself up, supposedly to save my sister, Saphira, and Thorn’s parents. Drake wanted me to be his breeder, but instead, when he realized Thorn and I had completed our fated-mate bond, he decided to make me his wife so Thorn would expose himself to save me. What wouldyoudo if your mate was taken against her will and forced to be with someone else?”

“I know I’d be going crazy,” Vlad interjected from behind me. “And I would’ve done worse than Thorn. He didn’t kill the warriors. He just took the dragon of anyone who attacked him when he was trying to get to his mate.”

Something unreadable passed through our connection, but I didn’t have time to focus on what Thorn was feeling. I had a threat to put in his place.

Theron looked over my shoulder at the group behind me.

“If it’s any help, I didn’t trust or like Thorn at first,” Saphira said and moved to my side. “But after a short time, I realized he wasn’t what the king and Drake had portrayed. I’m the daughter of the king’s most trusted advisor, and Drake threw me in a jail cell because I’d sided with Thorn. He promised Everly, in front of me, that if she handed herself over, he’d release the four of us, but when she did, he went back on his word. He said he was above the law. After seeing what a difference Thorn made to my cousin”—she gestured to Tyson—“if I were you, I would let him help your son. That’s the only sure way to protect him.”

Theron yanked on his hair. “I… How do I know you’re telling the truth?”

“The king asked me to help his son, Thorn, to save his fated mate before Drake could force her to marry him.” Errol strolled to Saphira’s other side. “He trusted me, especially after what Drake did to my daughter. I wouldn’t be here if I believed Thorn was the real threat to the kingdom. I willingly left the king’s side to protect my daughter and obey the king’s command. You have a son. You should understand this completely.”

“And you know my dad,” Vlad added.

Theron sighed. “Let’s say maybe I was overreacting, and I’m open to the possibility of Thorn helping my son.” He turned to my mate. “Is that something you’re willing to try and can do?”

I swallowed, waiting for the inevitable no from Thorn.

Our bond fluttered, and Thorn replied, “Yes, on both counts.”

My chest expanded, and I looked at him and asked,Really? I thought you didn’t want to.

I don’t, but you’re right. If I don’t help, we’re sentencing an innocent dragon shifter to death just because he’s different. And after Vlad, Saphira, Tyson, and Errol backed me, I don’t really have a choice.Thorn winked as our connection heated.And you telling him off was hot. Besides, if I help his son, we can stay here longer. Then we’ll have more time for lovemaking, which I desperately need.

I smiled.I’m always open to sneaking away to spend time alone with you.As long as he’d decided to help on his own, I was here for it. Obviously, he did care; he was just jaded, and I couldn’t blame him for that. I believed that with each positive thing he accomplished with his magic, he would see things differently.

His pupils slitted, and my dragon purred. Thankfully, only internally.

“Okay.” Theron exhaled and nodded. His irises glowed. “My wife will find Sol and tell him to meet us at the edge of our thunder’s territory. It’ll be best if only Thorn comes, so we can remain undetected.”

“I need to come too.” The thought of Thorn heading to a thunder alone, when the warriors were nearby, didn’t sit well with me. Theron’s focus would be on protecting Sol, not my mate.

“And me.” Vlad tensed. “If the warriors come, we can’t leave Thorn there by himself, and he ismy son.”

“Fine, but no more.” Theron rubbed a hand down his face. “I’m only agreeing because I understand those bonds, but we need to move. We have a couple more days before the warriors appear, but I’d rather try it now, while it’s less risky.”

Why don’t you stay here?Thorn frowned.It would be safer.

If I were heading off somewhere, would you stay behind?I arched a brow. I already knew the answer, but I needed to hear him say it.

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