Chapter 27 #2
“Listen, Drake,” I say. “We have to work together. We need to be able to talk. We need to get along with one another, or this isn’t going to work.
I’m sorry, okay? I’m sorry for getting into your business.
I should never have even brought up Amelia and what she told me.
Can we please move forward like adults now? I don’t deserve your anger.”
His jaw ticks, but after a long moment, he nods.
“I’m not angry with you.” He turns his eyes on me, and I feel the weight of his stare.
“I’m fucking pissed at my ex-riding partner, a person I considered to be my friend.
I’m glad you brought it up, though. It’s a good thing.
If we’re going to get along, then we’re going to need to be open with one another.
I want open honesty between us. No bullshit.
My apologies if it seemed like I had a problem with you.
I don’t! I’m not a fan of small talk, that’s all. ”
“I agree about being open and honest,” I say. “But you need to speak to me. You can’t go all ‘grumpy dragon shifter’ on me.”
His mouth twitches. Drake sighs. “You’re right.
I’ll speak up next time.” He opens his door but pauses before getting out.
“Understand that we need to work together, but we don’t need to be friends.
That’s not how this is going to work, Harlow.
It’s clear to me that being friends within a rider-dragon relationship is not conducive in any way. ”
Why does he have to be a jerk? His words sting. I’m not like Amelia, but he’s painting me with the same brush anyway.
“Of course,” I say. I need to pretend he doesn’t affect me, that his asshole behavior doesn’t upset me. “You do realize that I’m not Amelia,” I blurt out, holding back a wince.
“I know that.” He looks at me like I’m crazy.
He starts to open the door, but then slams it shut.
“Here’s the thing, Harlow, we’re attracted to each other. I’m just going to say it like it is.”
“We are?” I say stupidly.
“Don’t play dumb. It isn’t a good look on you.”
“You don’t have to be an asshole.”
“I’m being straight with you, and all I ask is that you’re straight with me too. We are attracted to one another. I’ve caught you staring.”
“You were looking at my ass yesterday,” I blurt because I’m mortified that he’s noticed.
“You were wagging said ass in my face.”
“I was uncomfortable.”
“It doesn’t matter, Harlow. I looked at your ass. You’d better believe that I looked at your tits, too. Do I want to bend you over and fuck you until you can’t remember your own name? Absolutely.”
My mouth has fallen open. I make a squeaking noise.
“Will I ever actually do it? No, I damned well won’t. Not ever.”
“You already told me this yesterday. If I recall correctly, you got mad. You don’t fuck Tributes…blah…blah…blah. I get it.”
“I’m glad you do. Given time, the attraction will fade. We’ll be just fine as long as we keep things aboveboard at all times. Have you got it?”
“Yes…sure.” I nod too many times. “I got it.”
“Good.”
Then we climb out of the vehicle and head toward the field. The other Tributes and their bonded shifters are already spreading out across the open space. Several dragons circle overhead before landing at intervals around the perimeter, riders sitting tall on their backs.
Drake and I walk to our spot in silence. When we’re far enough from everyone else, he stops and turns to face me, still looking angry. At least I know it’s not directed at me…I think.
“I’m sure Jordyn spoke with you about what’s going on between her and Grim. About how they are trying to bolster their bond,” he says, his voice tight. “Do you know what’s going on with them?”
I nod. “I know. She told me.”
His eyes narrow. “I thought so. I want you to know that I disagree with the course of action.” His voice is tight.
“I don’t think they should be having sex to strengthen the mind-bond.
I voted against it, but I was outvoted by most of the other Council members.
It would seem they’re desperate enough to obtain mind-bonds that they’re resorting to ridiculous efforts like sex. ”
Like his opinion on this is anything new. It isn’t.
“Jordyn is committed to becoming a rider,” I tell him, choosing my words carefully. “She’ll make a fabulous addition. They’re both adults and can decide the way forward. Surely, it’s up to them both?”
“They’re fucking, Harlow. That’s tricky. I disagree. If they can’t form a bond without sex, then Jordyn shouldn’t be here. The end. It’s that simple.”
“Life isn’t always black and white, Drake. They don’t have feelings for each other. What harm can it do?” I shrug.
“If anyone were to find out, there would—”
“Why would anyone find out about it? There are very few of us who know about it.”
He nods. “You know my opinion on this. It muddies the waters. It’s—”
A loud screech cuts through the air.
My head snaps up, as does Drake’s. All of the dragons that were standing on the outskirts moments before are taking to the air, their movements sharp and aggressive.
“There’s a problem,” Drake says, his entire body going rigid.
There’s more screeching; it’s growing closer.
“There are dragons approaching,” Drake tells me. “I don’t think they’re friendly.”
I hold my breath.
Then I see them. There are several dragons approaching fast.
“Reds,” Drake growls. His eyes seem to glow.
I swallow thickly. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” he growls just as their red markings become visible to me. Four of them dive toward the field at terrifying speed. There is another one in the far distance, but I can’t tell if it is a Draig Dragon giving chase or another Red.
Drake grabs my hand. “Run!” he shouts, already pulling me toward the nearby forest.
My legs move on instinct, pumping as fast as they can. Behind us, the sounds of battle ensue. There are screeches, roars, the sickening crunch of flesh and bone. I risk a glance back and immediately wish I hadn’t.
The Draig Dragons and the Reds are tearing into each other.
Blood rains down, spattering the grass in dark crimson streaks.
A dragon – I can’t tell if it’s friend or foe – plummets toward the earth, smoke trailing from its torn wing.
Another dragon catches it mid-fall, claws sinking into scales, and they spiral together in a deadly dance.
We’re only halfway to the tree line.
Not fast enough.
A shadow passes overhead, and I look up to see a Red Dragon diving straight for us, its jaws open wide, revealing rows of dagger-sharp teeth. Its eyes lock onto me.
Drake releases my hand.
There are loud, tearing sounds. Drake’s leathers rip from his body as his dragon erupts. Before I can process what’s happening, his claws wrap around me.
My stomach lurches as we launch into the air. I’m dangling from his grip, the ground falling away beneath me at a dizzying speed. Wind whips at me, and I squeeze my eyes shut, trying not to think about how far I’d fall if he dropped me.
A roar from behind makes me open my eyes.
The Red Dragon is giving chase, its crimson-marked wings beating the air as it closes the distance between us. Its eyes are fixed on me. I’d scream, but terror freezes my lungs.
Drake banks hard to the right, and I swing wildly in his grip. I bite back a scream, my fingers instinctively reaching up to grasp at his claws, even though there’s nothing much I can hold on to.
The Red is almost on us when another Draig Dragon slams into it from the side. They collide mid-air with a sound like thunder, claws raking, teeth tearing. Blood sprays in an arc across the sky, and I feel droplets hit my face, warm and wet.
The Draig Dragon latches onto the Red’s neck, its jaws clamping down. The Red thrashes violently, its tail whipping around like a spiked club. The tail connects with the Draig Dragon’s wing, tearing through membrane and bone. Both dragons screech in agony.
Drake doesn’t slow down. His wings beat with powerful, steady strokes, carrying us away from the field, away from the battle, away from the screaming and the blood and the death.
I dangle from his claws, my heart pounding so hard I can feel it in my throat. The leather of my tank top digs into my skin where his talons grip me, but I don’t dare move. Don’t dare breathe too deeply.
Another screech echoes behind us, but it’s growing fainter now. More distant.
Below, the jungle rushes past. I catch glimpses of clearings, of streams glinting in the sunlight. I wonder when Drake will land. Will he take me back?
At least this time I know he won’t hurt me.