Page 40 of Red Fury (The Dragon Tributes #8)

S hadow

We walk through the airport that’s specifically for small aircraft owners and for chartered flights. It’s way quieter than the main airport, which is a relief since I don’t feel like dealing with crowds right now.

We’ve just left the ticket desk, and my boarding pass is clutched in my free hand. I’m pulling my overnight bag with the other. I pray that I will be able to return soon, hence only packing for one night.

I keep scanning the area, my eyes darting to every face, every movement. So far, there have been no incidents. There’s been no signs of Kozlov or his goons lurking around corners or pretending to read newspapers.

Maybe we actually pulled this off. Maybe Kozlov has decided to leave us alone.

The thought doesn’t sit right with me, though. A male like that doesn’t just let people walk away. We’re valuable to him. Perhaps Fury was right and he’s planning something, but we’ll be long gone by the time he has a chance to act on it.

At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.

I feel shitty at the thought of leaving, and I wish I could say it was for business reasons…for the right ones. It’s not.

I glance at Fury and my heart clenches.

My heart?

No.

I’m in deeper than I thought. Maybe over my head.

I don’t want to say goodbye to Fury. I might never see him again.

Actually, the chances are good that this is it.

Even though our islands are right next to each other, we may as well live in completely different worlds.

We’ll probably never see each other again, and that’s the reality.

I plaster a smile on my face and stand taller. I need to put on a brave face. I can do this. I have to do this.

Fury keeps turning to look behind us, his body tense and alert. He’s been on edge since we left my apartment, constantly scanning for threats. Even now, in this quiet terminal, he can’t relax.

“So, your flight is only twenty minutes after mine?” I ask, trying to keep my voice light.

He nods. “Yep. I’ll go to my gate as soon as you’re through.”

“At least you’ll get to see your family,” I say, forcing brightness into my tone. “I’m sure you must have people you miss back home.”

“I do but…I… My mother has seven mates,” Fury says matter-of-factly.

The words are so unexpected that I push out a laugh before I can stop myself. Then I immediately feel terrible about it.

“Shit! Sorry,” I say, pressing my hand to my mouth. “I wasn’t expecting you to say that.”

“No need to apologize.” He gives me a half-smile. “It’s a crazy household and a crazy situation. Let’s just say that I don’t visit as much as I should.”

“Siblings?” I ask, genuinely curious now.

“Four half-brothers, but they’re much younger than me and I don’t really see eye to eye with any of them.

” He pauses, and I can see him wrestling with something.

“My father was mated to my mother first. He was her only mate, but after he died, my mom made the decision to enter into an open mating with more than one male. I never really approved, and I let it show, which was wrong of me…I guess. It is what it is.”

“I can see how you would have a hard time, and I’m sorry for your loss,” I say softly.

“Thank you.”

There’s an awkward silence, and I scramble to fill it. “Friends, then?” I ask, trying to change the subject. “You must have people you’re looking forward to catching up with.”

He nods, some of the tension leaving his face. “It’s not like I’ve been gone for all that long, but yeah, I have a couple of those.”

We reach the security checkpoint, and the familiar routine of emptying pockets and walking through scanners feels surreal. Like we’re just normal people going on normal trips, when we’re anything but. The security guards are efficient and professional, waving us through without any issues.

He walks with me all the way to my gate, and when we stop, he turns to face me. “You all set?”

“I am,” I manage to say. I’m trying hard not to cry. I refuse to give in and show weakness. Not now. Not when I need to be strong.

“This is it then,” he says.

“Yes.” I nod.

We move toward each other awkwardly, and then we’re hugging. It’s quick and tight, but not nearly enough. When we pull apart, I force myself to look him in the eyes.

“Look after yourself,” I tell him.

“Be careful when and if you end up returning,” he says, his voice gruff. “I more than likely won’t be here. You’ll be on your own. I don’t think Kozlov will give up too easily. Watch your back.”

“Be positive,” I say, injecting false confidence into my voice. “I’m sure you’ll be able to convince your superiors that you’re still the right male for the job. I know you will.”

Something shifts in his expression, a look I don’t like. A look that says maybe he doesn’t agree about being allowed back. Like maybe he’s already accepted that his career is over.

Before I can say anything more, someone calls my name. I turn back and see one of the flight staff, a woman in a uniform I recognize. In fact, I think I’ve flown with her before.

“Ms. Douglas? The aircraft is done with refueling. The pilot will want to take off soon.”

I nod, my throat closing up. “This is it.”

We hug again, and this time it’s longer, closer. I breathe him in, memorizing the scent of him, the solid warmth of his body against mine. I squeeze my eyes shut.

When we finally let go, I have to force myself to take those first steps away from him.

“I’ll see you soon,” I tell him from over my shoulder.

He puts his hands in his pants pockets and nods, but doesn’t say anything.

I walk toward the waiting aircraft, taking big strides to get it over with quickly.

Why is this so hard?

Why did I have to go and fall for him?

Why?

I turn around, hoping to see him watching me leave, hoping for one last look at his face. But he’s not there. He’s gone, probably already heading to his own gate.

My heart clenches with hurt and disappointment, which is stupid. So stupid. What did I expect? That he’d stand there pining for me like some lovesick fool? Not hardly.

I turn back toward the waiting aircraft and let out a small sob that I quickly swallow down. A single tear escapes and rolls down my cheek, but I wipe it away, blinking hard to prevent more from falling.

This is for the best, I tell myself. It has to be.

The aircraft door looms ahead of me, and I take one last deep breath of the terminal air before stepping forward into whatever comes next.