Page 52 of Burn for the Dragon

But Hawke only squeezed her hand beneath the table and told him, “It’s either that, or I will have to challenge you as Master of this coven.”

Kohl sat back in his chair, the look of disbelief on his face almost comical. And Everly knew it had nothing to do with Kohl being a dragon and a lot to do with their relationship. “You’re gonna fight me?”

“No. I won’t have to.”

“It’s the law, Hawke. If you challenge me, it’s a fight to the death.”

But Hawke shook his head. “Not if it’s a matter of lineage.”

Kohl frowned.

Hawke pushed his hair back from his face. “I’ve never told you this before. Hell, I’ve never told anyone, except for Everly.” His chest rose and fell on a deep breath. “Our previous Master was my half-brother. His blood runs in my veins. I can challenge your position without a fight. There are still some older vampires in the area who remember when I first came here, and they’ll back me up. The coven will be mine to run as I choose.” He glanced over at her and she smiled. “And I choose Everly.” He turned back to his friend. “But I don’t want to do that, and I really hope you don’t force the issue. Any children that happen between you and Devon or Everly and I, it won’t be the same as when you were born. Think about it, man. They’ll grow up with us, in a family who cares about them. They’ll be safe and protected.”

“And a target for anyone who finds out about them,” Kohl finished.

But Hawke shook his head. “They’ll be safe. Hell, with a hybrid for a father or a dragon for a mother, anyone in their right mind would run in the other direction. Besides, who says we have to have kids?” Again, he ran his hand through his hair. “I don’t want to challenge you, man. You know I’ve never wanted this. But I will if that’s what it takes.”

Kohl got up and walked away from the table. Everly could see his indecision, and she honestly couldn’t blame him. Growing up in foster homes had left her with a similar sense of not belonging. And she’d learned to live with it. But now, she’d found her home, and she wanted to stay.

Getting up from the table, she went over to him. “I will understand your decision, Kohl, whatever it might be, and I respect where you’re coming from. But I want you to know that I truly care about Hawke. I would never purposely hurt any of you. I just want to be with him. And I think you can understand that. What would you do if someone tried to come between you and Devon?”

His gaze clashed with hers, but he said not a word.

She shrugged. He didn’t have her fooled. She’d seen the way he looked at her. “I just want to be with Hawke, that’s all. I’m not trying to come between your friendship. I truly don’t want that.”

Kohl narrowed his eyes, and she was worried she’d taken things too far. But then he suddenly smiled. “I have a better idea.” Striding back over to the table, he said something to Hawke.

As Everly approached, Hawke was looking at him like he’d lost his mind. “Two Masters?”

“Yes,” Kohl told him as she retook her seat. “Why the hell not? If we’re changing rules, who says we can’t change that one, too? You’re way better at this than me, Hawke. We both know it, and honestly, I’m really getting sick of saying it. The coven looks up to you, and they respect you. But they also want me, or rather, the dragon, to protect them.”

Two Masters? They were going to co-Master the coven?

Hawke shook his head. “No. No way, man. It won’t work.”

“Why the hell not?”

“It just…won’t. There can only be one Master.”

Kohl threw up his hands and rolled his eyes. “Fine. It’s yours. I concede. Everly here is my witness.”

“You concede?” Hawke threw back his head and laughed. “You son of a bitch. You planned this all along, didn’t you?”

Kohl grabbed his hand and they shook. “Nah, man. It just came to me. But, seriously. We both know you’re the right vampire for the job. It’s in your blood. Quite fucking literally. And I never wanted this.” He looked at Everly. “I only wanted Devon, and did what I had to do to protect her. Just like you’re doing right now.”

Hawke stared at Kohl, who stared back with one brow lifted in challenge. Then he scrubbed his face and looked over at Everly. His eyes softened. “Fine. I accept your forfeit.”

Everly grinned at Hawke. “Does this mean I have to call you Master in bed?”

He gave her a naughty smile. “Only if you want to stay on my good side.”

Kohl rolled his eyes again. With a wave, he left them alone as Hawke stood and took her into his arms.

“Let’s go home,” he said.

“Yes, Master.”

Everly grinned as he flashed his fangs.