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“There are massive things flying around here. Like dragon shifters, wyverns, and insects as big as you and me. Even the birds here are huge. It’s better to stay low.” He took her hands off his chest but kept hold of one and started forward. He glanced over his shoulder, checking the road behind them.

A pebble caught her toe, and she stumbled off balance and the only thing that kept her from falling was Hel’s grip. She started laughing and said, “Can we go back and get more of that dragon ale?”

“Shhh.” Hel held a finger to his lips. “You might as well be screaming ‘Come and get dinner’.”

“Oh, and I make a delicious snack.” She lifted her shoulder to her chin and grinned at him then giggled, putting her hand to her mouth.

He deadpanned.

“But it’s dragon tongue you want all over you now. I hope that bitch is jealous you and I are here together.”

“Maybe the ale is stronger than I thought.” He walked even faster, tugged harder on her wrist.

“What do you mean? I’m fine. Sober as a sailor.” She brought her hand to her brow and saluted.

“That you are.”

She looked up at him. “Maker, you two look so much alike. The same bloody beautiful mouth, and dark hair and just,” she waved her hand in front of his face, “this. Different but similar. Why is that?”

“We’re related. Obviously.”

“But cousins don’t usually look like brothers.”

“Our parents were twins. We took after them.”

“Really? Was it hard to tell them apart?”

He looked down at her like she was absolutely ridiculous. Maybe she was. “My mother and his father, oh yes, so difficult.”

“I didn’t know they weren’t identical; you just said twins. Why are you being an ass? Never mind, don’t answer that.” She nibbled on her lower lip. “I hope Thane is jealous, too. How could he break up with me? After everything we went through. After he promised forever. He gave me his virginity. He waited for me. He killed his own father for me.”

“I’m really not the shoulder to cry on, love. Besides, War was far from a virgin when he met you. Maybe in this life but certainly not before.”

She considered that for a moment then went on. “How is it that if you and I are mates, he and I could, you know, do that and he does not die?”

“I implemented the infidelity clause in the mate bond I created. It doesn’t come with ours.”

“Bet that pisses you off.”

He gripped her wrist tighter and pulled her to a stop, jerking her close—inches away. “I have been patient with you given the situation, but if you don’t stop talking, you’re going to see the side of me you don’t like.”

She smiled and ran her thumb over his lips. “Who said I didn’t like?” She leaned in closer, felt the wisps of his hair brush her nose as she whispered in his ear. “I find your dark side sexy.” Her fingers trailed along the side of his neck. “It might be the sexiest thing about you besides the dimple on your cheek.”

She heard his heart beat faster; the slither of his magic enveloped her, thick and wanting. His hand was at her throat, his thumb, gently caressing her flesh up to her chin. “You’re lucky I feel like being a gentleman tonight because I think your broken heart would give me anything I want, but I won’t be your mistake, Valeen. If I’m ever going to have you again it will be when you realize that I’m the only thing you ever truly wanted, when your body begs for my touch, and you ask for more.”

The ground suddenly rumbled with what felt and sounded like something colossal landing. Hel’s arm wrapped around her waist and a hand clamped over her mouth and they tumbled into the tall grass.Don’t make a sound,he whispered to her mind.

He kept his hand over her mouth. His body was fully on top of her front, heavy and solid. A low grumble and stomps shook the ground. Layala tried to turn her head to see what it was, but the swaying grass blocked everything but the sky.

What is it?she asked silently.

A dragon. Fully shifted.

I can take down a dragon.

In this state, no, you can’t.

Can’t you just snap your fingers? Boom. Dead.