Page 47 of The Forsaken Vampire

HUNTLEY

Storm lowered his neck and his powerful eyes met my own.

I removed my glove so my skin could feel his scales, so the connection between us could burn like the touch of hot coals.

His eyes closed, and a quiet breath escaped his large nostrils.Much time has passed since I’ve seen your face.

I know. I need your help.

Anything for my king. His eyes opened again, and he regarded me, his head rising.

Trouble may be stirring in our lands, threatening the peace we won decades ago.

Then I’ll burn it with my fire. Break it with my teeth.

I know you will.I stood back, regarding the mighty dragon as it stood outside HeartHolme, the beauty of his scales highlighted by the torches.

How are your hatchlings?

They aren’t hatchlings anymore.

Then what are they?

I struggled to find the right word so he would understand.They’re dragons now.

Ian walked up behind me. “Ready for tomorrow?”

I turned away from Storm to face my brother. “Yes.”

Ian stared at me, needing information he refused to ask for.

“I’m sorry.”

His eyes immediately dulled in disappointment, the light leaving his gaze as the clouds blocked the sun. In the bar, he’d protected his emotions behind walls, but now those walls were gone.

“I’ll try again—”

“It’s okay.”

“I know Ivory will have better luck.”

“There’s not enough luck in the world. Not after what I did.”

My hand went to his shoulder, and I gripped the armor that he couldn’t feel. He avoided my gaze, staring at the cobalt dragon before him. “We will fix this.”

“If Avice were your sister and not my wife, you would hate my guts, and you know it…”

I withdrew my hand. “I don’t think I would.”

His eyes shifted back to mine.

“I wouldn’t tell you to fight if I thought the battle was lost.”

“Yes, you would—because no battle is lost to you.”

“No battle is lost when we’re the soldiers. We’ll prevail, Ian. Like we always do.”

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