Page 76

They were right.

I claimed her without explaining.

I let my instincts lead.

Let the need consume me.

And Casey, hell—she’s a human. A normal.

No clue what she stepped into.

I gave her fire and wings when she was still walking on solid ground.

I called her several times. Left a message.

She didn’t pick up. Didn’t call back.

But then, yesterday, she texted me.

Petals

Can we talk? Maybe have dinner tomorrow? Take it slow?

Take it slow.

My Dragon had snarled at the word, wanting to throw fire at the idea of delay.

But me? I held on to that tiny line of hope like a lifeline.

Because she still wanted to talk.

That had to mean she didn’t hate me.

Wasn’t rejecting my claim.

So now I’m parked outside her school like a damn stalker.

Only a few more minutes until her shift ends.

My palms are sweating, which is ridiculous, considering I can walk through fire without blinking.

She steps out.

And fuck me—she’s beautiful.

Hair tied back, soft curls escaping, her curves hugged by the cutest little pair of scrubs she’s wearing.

Are those cartoon dragons on them? Fuck. Yes. They are.

My heart pounds.

She’s radiant in a way that slams right into my chest.

She sees me, smiles—a small, nervous thing—and walks over.

“Hey,” she says.

I nod. Can’t trust my voice just yet. I feel her uncertainty and don’t want to scare her off again.