Page 70 of The Mating Quest

“Much better than yesterday when I was throwing up enough spiders to scare anexterminator.”

Lacey smiled. “I daresay I wouldn’t want to know what that islike.”

Then her lower lip wobbled. Ignoring the grumbling in her stomach, Ilana steered her over to a nearby bench and made her sit. “What is it,Lacey?”

“Thank you for what you did in thecave.”

She shrugged. “Chloe completed her task. I didn’t domuch.”

“Because of you, the dragon’s scale is safe. Drust told me everything. How you fought the spider and distracted it from Chloe. You sacrificed yourself for everyoneelse.”

Expectations were funny things. She’d expected to do as much, and yet the others did not and thought her brave. Had she been doing this so long that was all she did with her life? Barely had she entertained the thought when Lacey’s eyes filled withtears.

“I apologize. Drust means so much to me. He is my world, my heart. I almost lost him to the Shadow Lands. And the thought of someone using that scale to cast him forever into shadow again… especially now when his magick isn’t aspowerful…”

Burying her head in her hands, Lacey softly wept. She felt horrible for her, not only because of the other woman’s distress, but because Lacey feared so much for her mate. Loved him so much she couldn’t bear to losehim.

That commitment of the heart was so foreign to Ilana, one she doubted she’d ever find or even want because her own heart had been shattered time and again. But she could offer comfort. She slid over on the beach and wrapped her arms around Lacey, offering a shoulder to cry upon. Lacey seemed so young, yet she wasimmortal.

Immortals were not invincible, itseemed.

“I tried to save him once before.” Lacey lifted her head and resolve filled her face. “I would kill whoever tried to harmhim.”

“Who would try to hurt an immortalwizard?”

Lacey’s expression tightened. “One of our people. We know this for afact.”

Ilana feltsick.

A soft pop of air, a shimmer of light and Drust appeared next to the bench. Ilana released Lacey. The Coldfire Wizard crouched down and touched his mate’s cheek. “My love, what is wrong? Why are you crying? Your tears called out to me over themiles.”

“I don’t want to lose you,” shesobbed.

Ilana got up and walked away. Drust took her place on the bench, holding his mate. “You won’t loseme.”

“For the ritual, all the dragons will be there and you’ll bevulnerable…”

“Hush.” He kissed the top of her head. “I have aplan.”

Sniffling, she sat up as Drust gently wiped away her tears. “Now, will you return to our home? Go rest. We have a big day today and I need you at myside.”

He kissed her, a long, lingering kiss that made Ilana look away to give themprivacy.

When Lacey vanished, Drust beckoned to Ilana. “Thank you for looking out forher.”

Ilana sat next to him. “She loves you somuch.”

“Yes. I love her equally. She is my world, and I would do anything for her. But though she is now immortal and knows of my power, Lacey is still worries.” He sighed and then looked at her. “I have a great favor to ask of you, Ilana. I have need of your sword. May I borrow it for theceremony?”

“Of course. But whatfor?”

Drust looked grim. “I have a task to perform and it must be one that sends a message to all the dragonspresent.”

A chill rushed through her. “You’re going to execute someone.George?”

“No. He begged forgiveness and in light of all his loyal years of service, I forgave him, and granted him a quiet, mercifuldeath.”

Ilana watched the dragon wizard, remembered Lacey’s fears and insight hit her. “Someone who wants to trysomething.”