Page 71 of The Mating Quest

A preternatural stillness came over him and his blue eyes suddenly blazed with power. “There is a rumor amongst my people that I am weakened and can be taken out and the one who does so will gain my powers. This dragon has been spreading lies through the clans, and he may attempt assassination, perhaps even forcing Lacey to become his mate. This will never happen. I would give my immortal life over again to saveLacey.”

Ilana shook her head. “I never understood why some Others want absolute power. It tends tocorrupt.”

“Absolute power does not corrupt absolutely.” Drust splayed his fingers on his knees as his eyes returned to normal. “If one uses that power forgood.”

“But how? How can you keep fighting evil if it keeps repeating?” Ilana recalled the battles waged over the years she’dfought.

“You need an anchor. Someone to encourage you, love you, keep you fighting that good fight. Someone to come home to atnight.”

She side eyed him. “I was hoping you’d tell me somethingsimpler?”

“Like taking a magickpill?”

“Sorta.”

“The pill Lacey gave you had an extra coating on it, to protect you more than the others. To keep you from falling into the deepsleep.”

Ilana suddenly knew why Drust’s powers were diminished. “You put extra magick intoit.”

“Yes.”

“Because you need that dragon scale sobadly.”

Drust’s eyes flared brilliant blue, glowing with his power. Ilana backed off andwinced.

“No, Ilana. Chloe would have retrieved the scale. It was in her destiny. But it was your destiny to sacrifice yourself for her.” Drust put a hand on her shoulder, his eyes normal now and she was thankful. “Thank you forthat.”

She shrugged. “Just doing my job. But a question… why is that scale so powerful? Tristan’s wolf peltwasn’t.”

Drust’s mouth twitched. “The sacred dragon scale was offered by the first dragon Danu ever created, thousands of years ago. The dragon surrendered it as he surrendered his life after infusing it with all his magick, and a spell to increase the scale’s magick over the years. Danu took that offering and hid it to be used in the future should dragons need it during dark times. It was originally not intended for a wizard until I was made the ColdfireWizard.”

“Oh. Like a building’s fire extinguisher. Do not break glass unless there is anemergency.”

He laughed. “An odd analogy for dragons, but yes, you arecorrect.”

The dragon wizard studied the rushing river. “I trust you, Ilana. I will tell you why my magick is diminished. I gave it to Lacey, to empower her in case something happens to me … she will beprotected.”

Thinking of how much Lacey loved Drust, Ilana felt sorrow at the thought of the wizard perishing. “We can’t let that happen! Want me to fight foryou?”

Drust smiled. “You have a true warrior’s spirit, my dear. No, you need to reserve your strength. I will ask, though, if the unthinkable happens and Lacey is left without me, that you will be her friend. You may have a warrior’s spirit, but you have a gentle heart aswell.”

“Of course. Anything I can do tohelp.”

She felt a touch of pride the powerful wizard entrusted her, until he added, “I am giving Ethan the dragon scale to carry in the ceremony. And he is Chloe’s family. It is important to have a family member dothis.”

Familiar hurt filled her.I have no family. I’m allalone.

Drust gathered her hands into his and said fiercely, “You are not alone, Ilana. Of this, I can say no more. Now, go inside, eat and drink. I made you breakfast and it’s in the kitchen. Lacey has laid out the ceremonial gownsupstairs.”

Suspicion filled her. “I’m going to have to wear a dress to thisparty?”

Laughing, he stood and kissed the top of her head. “Yes. And you will lookdevastating.”

After he vanished, she went inside. The others were waking up. Ethan saw her, and was instantly awake, rubbing his eyes. “Hey, are you ok?” heasked.

Her breath caught. Damn he was a fine looking wolf, his light brown hair rumbled, his gaze sleepy but growing alert. His muscledbody…

“Fine. Ravenous. Drust left us breakfast in the kitchen. Hope it’s not raw venison or something else you wolves relish.” Ilana dragged herself upstairs to check out thegowns.