Page 71 of Thorulf

In turn, present-day Jade rested her cheek against him and released a choppy sigh. “I think outside of meeting you for the first time, that was the best moment of my life.”

In full agreement, he kissed the top of her head. It had been the moment their friendship became something more. When they felt the first stirrings of how mates were supposed to feel.

“And it made us more vulnerable than ever.” Like him, Jade sensed another memory coming before it unfolded near where the first one had manifested. “But it all started with me, didn’t it?” She took his hand and drifted closer to the newest memory. “Because I didn’t listen to you. Because I followedher.” She sneered. “Followedit.”

She was little again and had just landed beside her new best friend, the purple dragon.

“See what I mean?” Little Jade rushed at Thorulf’s lodge only to be repelled. “It won’t let me in.” She shook her head. “It just won’t no matter how hard I try.”

“Well, that’s very strange.” The purple dragon tilted her deceptively pretty head in question. “Why do you think that is?”

“I don’t know.” Jade gazed up longingly at his lodge then hung her head. “Probably because I’m bad, and it doesn’t want me.”

“Oh, that can’t be true.” The purple dragon rested a supportive wing on her shoulder. “Why do you think you’re bad?”

“Bitch,” Jade ground out, not jealous in the least this time but seeing the monster for what she was. “She’s working me. I didn’t know it then, but I can feel it now.”

Thorulf frowned. “Working you how?”

“Wait for it,” she murmured, feeling it coming. “You’ll see.”

Sure as heck, hedidsee moments later.