Page 97 of Gold Sector

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

TALIANA

Heat overwhelmsevery inch of my being as my wolf breathes for the first time in what feels like years. My father always supervised my shifts in the past, his presence required as a guard.

But now I have Oros.

Only, he isn’t hovering over me in a protective manner the way my father usually would. Instead, he’s staring at me with a look of astonishment, like he can’t believe I exist.

I shrink back inside, terrified of what he’s about to say.

I warned him.

I told him I’m a wolf.

So he can’t be that surprised by my appearance.

But maybe… maybe he thought?—

“You’re even more beautiful than I imagined,” he whispers, causing me to freeze inside. “Flames, printesa mea.” He falls to his knees before me, his gaze holding mine. “I knew you would be majestic, but this…” He reaches out a hand, causing my wolf to instantly lean into him, eager for his touch. “Wow. You’reexquisite.”

My animal gives her version of a purr, dazzled by his praise. She might not understand his words, but she understands admiration. And she isverypleased.

Her eyes close, stealing my vision.

But I don’t care.

Because I can feel Oros’s touch as he explores my animal’s coat.

I can sense the truth in his words.

And for the first time in my life, I feel worthy. Not only that, but cherished and respected andwanted.

“Will you run for me?” Oros asks, causing my beast to look at him once more. “I flew for you. Now it’s your turn to?—”

My animal takes off before he can even finish, too eager to let herself fly.

His words were so contrary to the ones my father would whisper.

Be careful, Tali.

Don’t go too fast; I have to be able to keep up with you on two legs.

My dragon can’t stay that low to the ground in the forest.

My father meant well. I know that. But hearing him in my head now almost makes me slow.

However, a burst of golden light to my right has my wolf running faster instead. Because Oros is following us in dragon form, his speed matching ours as his wings beat through the sky.

My animal’s tongue lolls to the side, then she darts to the left, leaving the beach and heading straight for the trees ahead. They’re not thick here, or even that tall, allowing Oros to fly right along overhead as my wolf’s paws race across the earth.

It’s exhilarating.

Amazing.

Freeing.

My father would be growling right now, demanding that I stop.