Page 61

“You having fun, Petals?”

“I just assaulted your friend with a volleyball. But yeah, this is the most fun I’ve had all year.”

“Hell yeah,” I say, eyes glowing as I nuzzle her cheek. “You’re lethal and adorable.”

She giggles and we get back into formation, ready to play again.

The next serve is wild—Arliss launches it like her life depends on it. I jump, block it, and slap it back with a satisfying splash.

Casey whoops beside me. “We are crushing it!”

“One game,” Kian mutters from across the net.

“Still a win,” I say with a shrug.

“Rematch!” he shouts, paddling toward Arliss, who immediately scrambles up onto his shoulders for some chaotic team boost.

The ball goes flying, we all dive, and somehow we all end up in a tangled, laughing mess underwater.

When I surface, Casey’s already swimming over to me, wiping water from her eyes. I grab her and lift her up effortlessly, settling her against my chest.

“You okay?” I murmur.

She nods, beaming. “I forgot how good this feels.”

“What, pool volleyball?”

“No. Being with people who make me feel happy.”

I tighten my arms around her. I don’t know why, but suddenly I’m mad as fuck.

Maybe it’s the idea of her being unhappy. Or the way her voice got so small when she said it.

Either way? Totally unacceptable.

Casey should always feel joy.

I can do that.

Bring her smiles. Make her glow.

Behind us, Kian lets out a yelp as Arliss dunks him again.

I chuckle, resting my chin on Casey’s head as we float together, wrapped in sun, water, and the sound of our crew being loud, messy, and perfect.

Yeah. This is what life’s all about.

And I don’t even blink this time when my Dragon grumbles inside my mind.

Es meus.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN-CASEY

The sun hangs low, lazy and golden, like it’s in no rush to leave this perfect day behind.

Most of the Crew are stretched out like satisfied cats—some floating in the pool, some lounging on deck chairs, bellies full and smiles soft.

There’s a contentment in the air that feels heavy in the best way. Like gravity has loosened its grip, just a little, and everyone’s just existing in peace.