Page 27 of Wild Fire

“And the wench?”

Warrick growled, and Dani stepped between them. “The ‘wench’ is Detective Danica Morris of the Seattle Police Department. We were after the same group of men. They had Warrick bound in iron manacles and chains and every few days came and cut chunks out of his hide and doused him with seawater. It’s a miracle he still lives. He still isn’t fully recovered.”

The other man sniffed the air. “She isn’t drakaina. You’d best teach her some manners.”

Warrick laughed. “I’d be careful Sobek. She packs a SIG, is an excellent shot, and does not lack for courage. But should you try and test my mate, rest assured I will answer any challenge. Were it not for Dani, I am not sure I would be alive to cross words with you. I was in a pitiful state when she found me and instead of turning away or turning me over to the authorities, her spirit to protect and serve made her free me and get me medical attention.”

“Warriors of the Phantom Fire do not take mates.”

“No, but we do recognize our eternal flames, and Dani is mine. We have recently begun to examine if the old ways still serve us best. I will not be parted from her.”

“Uh, Warrick, we haven’t discussed this,” she said, moving away.

“We have. You just have yet to admit what we both know,” he growled low, pulling her back against his body. “Fate sent you to me that night. You are my eternal flame, and I’m too damn tired to argue with you about it.”

Another warrior joined them, accompanied by a beautiful and very pregnant blonde. The warrior grasped Warrick by the forearm as Warrick did the same. “Warrick, you are returned to us. Welcome home, brother. We had begun to worry about you.” He turned to Dani. “I am Falkor, and this is my mate, Kessily.”

“You both must be tired. Falkor, why don’t you and Sobek save the interrogation for tomorrow and let Warrick and Dani get settled. We took the liberty of ensuring that your yurt has fresh food and firewood. We’re just getting ready to go for dinner with the others.”

Sobek nodded. “You and your mate are welcome to join the others.” Sobek reached out and grasped Warrick’s arm as Warrick returned the gesture. “Forgive me old friend, my concern for your well-being made my tongue sharp.”

“As I am sure mine would have been were the situation reversed,” answered Warrick, the tension seeming to fall away from his muscular frame.

“Could someone help me get him to his yurt? He was severely injured, and I’m afraid the past few days have been rather exhausting and haven’t given him much time to heal.”

“Of course,” said Sobek. “I would be honored to help my brother. Should I send the healer?”

“No,” grumbled Warrick.

Dani rolled her eyes, making Sobek laugh. “I think that would be good. I don’t know enough about dragon physiology to make a good assessment on my own, and he isn’t much help.”

“I do, and I’m fine.” He tried to shrug off Sobek’s help but couldn’t manage it.

“In case you missed it, your mate does not like to admit he isn’t impervious to pain or injury. He is of the opinion that being immortal means he can never die.”

“Doesn’t it?” Dani asked.

“No. If you cut off his head or cut out his heart, he will die. He will recover from anything else, but that doesn’t mean it won’t take time and healing medicines.”

Sobek began to help her get Warrick up a set of flagstone steps carved into the earth that led to a large yurt overlooking the camp.

“I’ll help you get him into bed and get the central fire lit. Let me have the kitchen send you up food. I’ll send the healer, as well.”

“We’re fine,” growled Warrick. “I am recovering, and I can care for my mate.”

Neither Sobek nor Dani paid him any mind. As they made their way to Warrick’s yurt, Dani was quite sure she heard a young dragon humming Queen’s ‘Another One Bites the Dust.’

CHAPTER 13

WARRICK

Over the next few days, they fell into a companionable and comfortable routine. Spending time with his brethren and seeing how quickly Dani fit in was a relief to him. She and Falkor’s mate, Kessily, seemed to hit it off and held similar opinions about many things, although they took different routes to get there.

Warrick had never considered himself possessive, jealous, or territorial, but found he struggled with all three where Dani was concerned. More than one dragon was treated to the sharp side of his tongue for doing nothing more than speaking with his mate.

“It is sometimes difficult to remember that these are your brothers and are no threat to your mate,” said Falkor as he walked up to stand beside Warrick, who was glaring at two dragons who were speaking to Dani about her exploits as a cop.

Nodding, Warrick said, “I know, and I trust them with my life. I also know Dani; she would never play me false, but still…”

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