Page 69

Flame in flesh.

Blood of power.

twenty-two

FINE

When I wake, Cole is slumped over the bed near my legs, his hand still clutching mine. His eyes flutter open and closed, his lashes kissing his cheek with each dragging blink.

As I shift under the sheets, his eyes fly open.

He pulls up closer to me, cupping my face with a hand. “How are you feeling?”

My head is a little fuzzy as I swim back to my memory. “I’m okay, I think?”

“Daeja?”

“I’m here. I was so worried something happened to you, are you okay?”

“I’m okay. I’ll try to come see you tonight.”

Cole’s staring at me. “You didn’t hear a word I just said…did you?”

He knows me too well and takes my hesitation as confirmation. “Look, this is getting far too risky, Kat. And the rebels aren’t going to let up. They’re going to keep attacking us.We are too close to their borders, and I can’t keep risking your life. Not to mention if someone catches wind we have a full-grown dragon. You should let Daeja go on her own before you get too attached. You could go back to Padmoor where you will be safe.”

“That’s not your call, Cole.”

“I’m the captain. Of course it is.”

I glare. “Don’t you pull that captain card on me. I have to get Daeja to the Dragon Lands. You said you would help me—”

“You almostdiedat the hands of a rebel last night. If it weren’t for Archie, I would be mourning you all over again—” He pauses, his chest rising and falling. Finally, he grits out, “I can’t do this, it’s too dangerous, Kat. I can’t lose you again.”

“Then if it’s so dangerous, why don’t you train me to defend myself?”

He snorts and shakes his head.

I try again, “If you are so worried about me, then train me.”

“I was supposed to protect you, and I—” He swallows.

He doesn’t have to continue for me to know what word comes next.Failed…I relate to it too much.

He continues, “I’m supposed to protect you.Me.I should have been the one to save you. I would have done anything, given anything just to make sure you were safe…” he looks down at our clasped hands as he blinks back tears.

I rub the back of his hand. “Cole, you can’t be the one to save me all the time.”

His watery eyes meet mine. “Gods, but I want to.”

I smile softly. “I know you do.”

A heavy, defeated sigh escapes his lips as he diverts his attention back down to our hands. He shakes his head again, as if he already knows he’s in trouble for asking. “You think that’s what we should do? That’s what you really want? To be trained?”

“Is that so awful of me to ask?”

“No…but…I guess now I’ll have to be scared you’ll kick my ass when you’re pissed at me.” He flashes me a subtle, handsome smile.

We both laugh.