Page 21 of A Dragon's Miracle (Fires of Fate)

Ryan

Itooka plane off the island before the sun even rose the next morning. I had to act before I could get scared and change my mind again.

I made it to Jin's place around noon, and, steeling myself, I knocked on the door. It took a while before Jin answered, which was how I knew he hadn't been expecting me. Not this time.

Part of me wanted to yellSurpriseas he opened the door, but my throat was so tight it was difficult to say anything at all. I could just so mumble a greeting as he looked at me with raised eyebrows.

“Back so soon?” he asked while stepping aside to let me in.

I shrugged, trying to display more confidence than I felt. “We have to talk.”

“Do we?” He led me into the living room, where he put a hand on my shoulder. I knew exactly what he was doing--assessing damage, judging just how desperately I needed his help.

“I'm not going to steal from these people anymore.”

“Oh?” He shot me a skeptical look. “Have you been growing a conscience? Or do you simply not want to live anymore? Because you know how our deal works.”

I pressed my lips into a thin line. “I know exactly how our deal was supposed to work until you changed the rules on me.”

He laughed. “Oh, but I didn't change the rules. The rules have always been you do what I tell you to and then you're happy with whatever reward I choose to give you if you want me to keep your sorry ass alive.” He pushed me back against the wall, momentarily knocking the wind out of me. “Are you not happy with our rules anymore?”

I glared at him with all the courage I could muster—which admittedly wasn’t much because I was exhausted and I hadn’t even slept the night before. “You need me too. You need me to do things for you. I can still do that. I just don't want to--“

“I don't care what you want,” he hissed. “You're going to do whatIwant, is that clear?” He grabbed my chin and dug his thumb almost painfully into my jaw.

“Let me go!” I tried to push him away, but he was a dragon, and I was a mere human with failing health. I never stood a chance.

“I think you need to be reminded of your place, omega.”

I gave him the most hateful glare I had.

He smiled.