Dragon Heat by Charlene Hartnady

Chapter 25

“What did I tell you?” Fog smirked as soon as he caught a snoutful of her. “I was right!”

“Yes, you were right.” She smiled, feeling warm all over. Last night was amazing. She couldn’t get it out of her head. Couldn’t get this smile off her face.

Fog did a double-take. “Wait a minute.” He sniggered. “Is that what I think it is?” He pointed at her.

“Shhhhh.” She looked around them.

“Oh, my god. It totally is, isn’t it?” He narrowed his eyes on her neck before chuckling harder.

“Stop,” Azure said under her breath.

He laughed. “Seriously?” He lifted his brows. “Are you telling me that—?"

“Don’t!” she hissed as more and more of the males joined them. It was nearly time for them to leave. They were heading to the waiting SUVs to drive to a location where shifting and flying back would be less of a risk.

“I should be saying the same to you, only for the opposite reason.” She gave him a look. “What happened? I thought you liked that female you were talking to when I left.” She could scent that he hadn’t spent the night with anyone.

He shrugged. “She had a couple of nasty things to say about you after you left. I won’t have some female diss one of my friends.”

Azure smiled. “That’s sweet. Thanks. You could’ve picked someone else.”

“It was late. I was tired. I came back alone.” He shrugged. “And you?” He lowered his voice. “Is that what I think it is?”

She widened her eyes and gave a shake of her head. “No, it’s not.”

“Sure looks like it to me.”

“Drop it!” she hissed. Ice had just arrived. He stayed at the other end of the group, talking to Mist. The two of them hadn’t discussed it, but she knew he wouldn’t want word to get out that they’d spent the night together.

“What the hell happened to your neck, Azure?” one of the other males asked her, eyes narrowed. “That looks like…” He laughed. “Holy shit, I didn’t realize that human males enjoyed biting.” He laughed harder. “Does this mean you’re mated to one?”

Azure gave him a dirty look. “No, it does not mean that at all. I wouldn’t talk if I was you.” She looked at the remnants of the hickey still on his neck.

The male continued to chuckle. “I guess you’re right.” He rubbed the spot on his skin. “Definitely not mated…no way! I’m still too young.”

Ice had bitten her again…harder this time, leaving a definite mark that was still there this morning. He’d apologized again but didn’t elaborate. Last night had been surreal. It had been amazing. What now, though? Was that it? Was it a one-time thing, as Ice had alluded to?

Maybe she shouldn’t have left in the early hours of the morning. Azure hadn’t wanted anyone seeing her leave his room. What if it had been a mistake to sneak out? They probably should have talked about the next step – or if there even was one – before jumping into bed together.

Azure snuck a glance his way, but Ice was still in conversation with Mist. Then they were piling into the vehicles and on their way. Ice was in one of the other vehicles. It was several hours before they arrived back at the lair. Ice kept his distance.

They eventually landed on the long, wide balcony, one by one shifting back into their human form.

Sun was there, waiting for them. He ran over to her before she could even pull her dress over her head. “He’s here…Skarn is here. He arrived this morning.”

“He’s here?” Ice growled, stepping in next to her. “Where is he?” His eyes blazed.

“The male is with the healers.”

“Healers? Why?” she asked.

“Skarn was in a bad way when one of the patrols found him. He walked most of the way here,” Sun said, talking quickly.

“Walked?” Ice was frowning heavily. “Why would he have walked? That doesn’t make sense. Couldn’t he shift?”

“I heard he was battered and bleeding. There are guards posted outside his door. The Earth dragons are here, Granite included.”

Her heart was beating fast. “I want to see him,” Azure said.

“I’ll go with you,” Ice said, pulling a pair of pants on.

Azure nodded once before slipping her dress over her head. She smoothed her hair.

“I wonder what happened to him,” Fog mused. “He’s been missing for a week. That’s a long time. I’ll come too. I’d like to—”

“No!” both she and Ice said at once. They looked at one another, then Ice looked at Fog. “Stay out of it. We won’t be able to gather any information if a whole crowd of us arrive there.”

“The three of us are hardly a crowd, but,” Fog nodded a couple of times, “that’s okay. I’ll leave it to the two of you.”

“Find out all about it and give the rest of us the lowdown at work tomorrow.” Sun’s eyes were wide.

“This isn’t something to gossip about at work.” Ice kept his voice low. “Are the two of you middle-aged housewives or something?” Ice looked from Sun to Fog. Azure wasn’t familiar with the term, but she could guess what it meant.

“No.” Sun shook his head. “We’re interested…that’s all.”

“Thanks for letting us know. The two of you should head home. I’ll look after Azure,” Ice said.

“Okay…fine with me.” Sun put his hands up, stepping backward. “I know when I’m being dismissed.” He grinned to show that he didn’t mind.

Fog got this shit-eating grin. “I’m sure you will look after Azure,” he said, before quickly adding, “Since you’re her superior and all.” If they’d been sitting at a table, she would’ve kicked Fog in the shins for those comments.

“Exactly,” Ice growled, either oblivious to the undertones or choosing to ignore them.

The males left, leaving the balcony mostly empty. Ice’s whole demeanor softened as he turned to her. “Are you okay?”

She nodded. “I’m fine.” She forced a smile, her gut churning.

“Are you sure you want to see him?” Azure noticed how he bristled. His eyes narrowed and his jaw tightened.

“Yes.”

Ice nodded once, his eyes locking with hers. “You shouldn’t have left like that,” he said under his breath, taking a small step towards her, closing most of the space between them.

“Are you saying I should’ve stayed?” She cocked her head. “Left after the sun came up?” She raised a brow. This was unexpected. She didn’t want to get too hopeful, though. Didn’t want to read into this too much.

“You shouldn’t have snuck out.” He shook his head. “You could’ve said goodbye.”

“You were sleeping…snoring, actually.”

He choked out a laugh. “I don’t snore. I wouldn’t have minded if you’d woken me up.”

“You hadn’t been sleeping for very long. I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“You disturb me? Not possible.”

Her heart fluttered. By all that was scaled, this was headed in a direction she hadn’t expected. Was he flirting with her? He was being kind…so incredibly sweet. He pulled in a breath. “Are you sure you don’t want to wait until tomorrow to face this asshole?” His whole stance changed. His jaw tightened, and he seemed to grow taller.

“No. I want to get it over with.”

“Okay, then.” He nodded once. “I’m coming with you, Azure. Don’t try to—”

“I could do with the company.” She started reaching out to take his hand but stopped herself.

They began walking in the general direction of the healer’s wing. “Why do you think he walked?” she asked.

“He probably couldn’t shift.”

“He must have been injured badly,” she said.

“One can only hope.” There was a growl in Ice’s voice.

“I wonder what happened to him. Why they kept him so long?”

“I’m hoping torture was involved.” Another growl.

“I have to say, there was a part of me that hoped he wouldn’t come back. It makes me feel bad, and then feeling bad makes me feel like an idiot.”

“You’re not an idiot, you’re a good person. I’m sorry he’s back. The only reason I can find it in myself to be glad is so that he can be punished.”

“I’m with you there,” she said.

They arrived at the entrance to the healer’s wing. There were two guards posted at the start of the wing. Azure could see more next to a door down the hallway. Whether it was to keep others out or Skarn in was unknown.

“Sorry.” Both guards moved to block the entrance. From their markings, she could tell that they were Earth dragons. “No one is permitted to enter.”

“We just—”

“No! I have my instructions,” the male said.

“Who gave the instruction?”

“It came directly from our king…Granite. And until we’re told otherwise, you may not enter this wing of the lair.”

“That’s ridiculous!” Ice pushed out.

“They have their orders.” Azure touched the side of his arm.

“It’s bullshit. They have no say since this isn’t even their lair.”

“Even if they let you through,” a voice broke in as one of the males from down the hallway walked towards them. He was an Air dragon. “I wouldn’t be permitted to let you into the room. Orders from Thunder. No one goes in, and no one comes out.” He started back towards the door.

“What happened to him?” Ice asked the Air male.

“I’m not at liberty to say,” he said, taking up his place at the door.

Ice looked back at the Earth male. “I don’t know,” the male said. “Even if I did, I wouldn’t be permitted to discuss it.”

Ice cussed softly as they walked away. “We’re going to see the king, or Storm…anyone in the know. This is bull. You deserve to know what the hell is going on. You’re a part of this. You were there when he was taken. That male must answer to you. He must answer for what he did.”

She was shocked at the venom in his voice. It warmed her how angry he was on her behalf. They needed to talk, but the timing was all wrong. Azure didn’t want to get her hopes up that there was now something between them. At the same time, it was at the forefront of her mind. She was anxious to ask him, but not right then. Perhaps later.

There was a multitude of guards when they arrived at the royal offices. Both Earth and Air guards lined the hall.

Just as before, two males stepped in front of them. “You may not enter,” an Earth guard said.

“We need to see the king,” Ice said.

“Nope. That’s not going to happen. He and the Earth King are in the middle of a meeting.”

“What about Storm?” Ice asked.

“He’s in there too. I’m not sure how long they will be. Could go on all day.” The male shrugged.

“Would I be able to leave a message for the prince? Azure was with the Earth male when he was taken. We want an update on the situation,” Ice asked the guard.

“Who are you to this female?”

“Her name is Azure.” There was a menacing edge to Ice’s voice. “I am her direct superior. And as such, I’m responsible for her wellbeing.”

Direct superior. Ouch! He could’ve said he was her friend.

“We’ll come back later…or tomorrow morning,” Azure said. “It’s not like anyone is going anywhere. It can wait.”

Ice finally nodded once, and they turned to leave. “I’ll walk you to your chamber,” he muttered.

They walked in silence. Azure wanted to bring up their relationship, but something held her back. Something told her that if she pushed, she might lose what little they had before it was anything. Besides, she’d decided to stop chasing Ice. It was up to him now. If he wanted her, he could make his intentions clear, and if not, then that was his loss.

Her phone started ringing. She fished it out of the side pocket of her overnight bag. The caller ID told her it was Melina. “Hey.” Azure smiled.

“Hi! Where are you? I’m outside your door. There’s lots to talk about.”

“We got delayed,” Azure said. “We had to make a detour after arriving back.”

“We?” Melina drew out the word, clearly intrigued.

“Ice and me. He was…helping me with something.”

“Helping? Sounds interesting…” Melina paused, and Azure prayed she wouldn’t say anything since Ice would be able to hear. “I see. No problem. I wanted to see how you were after your trip, but if you’re busy—”

They rounded the corner to her section of the lair, and there was Melina, standing outside Azure’s door. Mel grinned and waved at them. She put her phone away, and Azure did the same. Azure found herself grinning right back. It was nice to see the human.

They closed the distance. “I’m so sorry. I’m intruding. I’ll just…” Melina started backtracking. “I thought I would… I can go if—”

“Don’t go on account of me,” Ice said. “I’m headed for home.” He gestured down the hallway. “I wanted to walk Azure to her chamber. Are you going to be okay?” he asked Azure, their eyes locking.

“Of course.”

He narrowed his eyes on hers. “You won’t be afraid or…”

“No. They’re guarding Skarn. He’s not going anywhere,” Azure said, looking at Melina. “That’s where we just came from, but they wouldn’t let us see him,” she told the other female. “The kings are in some sort of meeting, so they wouldn’t see us. We heard Skarn had to walk here. That he was pretty beat up.” She shrugged.

“That ties into with what Freeze heard from a buddy of his. His friend was one of the guards on patrol who found Skarn,” Melina said, looking up and down the hallway.

“What did he say?” Ice asked.

“This stays between us,” Melina spoke under her breath. “This buddy of Freeze’s was given instructions not to say anything to anyone. He broke a direct order by telling Freeze.”

“Of course we won’t say anything,” Azure said.

Melina’s eyes widened. “They’re saying that his wings had been cut off.”

“What?” Azure asked, her eyes wide. “He didn’t have wings?”

“No wings.” Mel shook her head. “That’s why he had to walk. His back was a torn-up mess, even in his human form. His feet were blistered and bleeding, so it all points to it.”

“Holy shit!” Ice muttered. “Who the fuck would do such a thing? Cut a dragon’s wings off… He did deserve it,” he muttered the last.

“Did Skarn say anything after they found him?” Azure asked.

“The guy was too out of it to talk. They spotted him collapsed in a ravine nearby. He didn’t regain consciousness. That’s if the rumors are to be believed. Freeze says that his friend can be trusted.”

“It makes sense,” Ice rasped, still deep in thought. “Hopefully, we’ll find out more tomorrow. Let me know if you need anything,” he told Azure. “I mean it.”

She nodded. “I’ll be fine. Thanks.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Azure nodded again. “I had a good time. Thanks.”

His mouth went up at the corners but didn’t quite form a smile. “Me too.” He looked at Melina. “Good to see you. I’m glad that Azure has such a good friend.”

“That she does,” Melina said.

They said their goodbyes and watched as he walked away. Melina widened her eyes but thankfully didn’t say anything until they were inside. “You guys totally did it,” she blurted as soon as the door clicked shut. “Don’t even try to deny it. You did the deed.”

Azure bit down on her lip for a second. “We did.”

Melina gave a soft shriek, jumping up and down a few times. “I knew it. I could see it from a mile away. There was so much chemistry between the two of you.”

“Oh, no! Is it that obvious?” Azure made a face.

“To me, it is.” Melina nodded.

“Don’t get too excited.” Azure held up a hand. “I think it might have been a one-time thing.”

“It wasn’t.” The other female shook her head. “He was alluding to wanting to stay with you tonight.”

“No, he wasn’t.” Azure shook her head.

“He so was. Are you sure you’re going to be okay? You won’t be frightened all on your own in this big lair?” Melina put on a fake voice. “I’ll walk you to your chamber so that you can invite me in for lots of hardcore sex.” Melina laughed. “That’s what he was hoping for. You didn’t get those huge hints?”

“No…just no. That’s not it at all.” Azure tucked some hair behind her ear.

“Of course, it is! You’re really not good at any of this. He’s totally into you. He was hoping you would invite him in. Or that maybe you’ll call him and invite him after I go. He left a door open for you with all of that ‘are you sure you’ll be okay’ nonsense.”

“Do you think so? Maybe he was genuinely checking if I was alright. He might not have had ulterior motives.”

Melina sniggered. “Oh, that man had some serious ulterior motives. If I hadn’t been here, he would’ve made his intentions far clearer.”

Could it be?Had Ice hoped to spend more time with her?

“How was it, by the way? The sex,” Melina whispered the last. “Was it everything you thought it would be?”

“Yes,” Azure said the word softly. She nodded. “It was amazing.” She closed her eyes for a few seconds. “Everything I thought it would be and more.”

“Oh, thank god!” Mel held her chest dramatically. “Sometimes, when we build something up in our minds, it can be a huge letdown. That wasn’t the case with you guys.” She was grinning, almost more excited than Azure herself.

“It wasn’t a letdown at all, not even close. The opposite is true. We also talked. It was so easy to be with him. The only problem is that I’m falling for him even harder than before, and…” She shrugged. “I have no idea how he feels about me. I know he’s attracted to me. I don’t know if he sees me as more, though. This might be a fun weekend for him and nothing more. That’s what I’m used to from dragon males.”

“I think he does see it as more. He wouldn’t have gone with you to find out about Skarn. He seems to genuinely care.”

“He told the guards he was there in his capacity as my superior.”

Melina snorted. “Don’t listen to what he tells the guards. It’s how he looks at you. How he talks to you.”

“You’re right. I need to relax and see how things unfold.” Azure pulled in a deep breath.

“Exactly. Try not to get too inside your own head. Just go with it. Have some fun. You can start by messaging Ice to tell him you’re feeling nervous all on your own.”

Azure rolled her eyes. “I’m not doing that. I promised myself I wasn’t going to run after him. I’m sticking to it.”

“You wouldn’t be running after him after he left you all of those hints. Give him a hint right back. I’m willing to bet my salon and this ring that he’ll come running.” She held up her hand and a radiant ring sparkled.

“Maybe. I’ll give it some— Wait just a minute.” Azure grabbed Mel’s hand. “You accepted Freeze’s proposal?”

Melina was smiling broadly. She nodded once, her eyes glinting. “I did indeed.”

It was Azure’s turn to shriek and jump up and down. “I’m so happy for you. For both of you.” She hugged the human. “I’m sure Freeze was thrilled.”

“He was so thrilled he nipped me when we had celebration sex,” Melina confided. “Oh my god, it was the best freaking orgasm I’ve ever had.”

“Oh, so he’s never bitten you before?” she blurted, feeling a little shocked.

“No, that’s reserved for mates. You know that.” Melina shook her head. “Apparently, when he really bites me – I’m talking hard enough to leave a mark – it’s going to be next level. I can’t imagine it being better than it was last night. I couldn’t talk for several minutes afterward.”

Azure nodded. “So I’ve heard,” she mumbled. Heard! Azure hadn’t just heard, she’d experienced it first-hand. Ice had been adamant that he hadn’t meant it in that way. He’d looked so shell-shocked she’d believed him. Although she knew it was reserved for mates. They both did. Every dragon knew. Casual rutting never involved biting. It wasn’t done. Freeze and Mel were living together. They were serious about each other, and yet he’d only nipped her for the first time last night. Azure shouldn’t be so shocked. She knew all of this, but still…

“I’m going to get out of your hair,” Melina said. “I wanted to fill you in about Skarn and check to see how your weekend went.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.” Azure still hadn’t heard anything from Summer. Not a word. It amazed her how the world worked sometimes. How those you thought were your friends don’t end up being friends at all, and people you never thought you’d get along with end up being intrinsically woven into the fabric of your life.

“You should call that hunk of a man. Tell him how afraid you are and that you’re not sure you can spend the night alone.”

Azure choked out a laugh, giving Melina a fake dirty look. “I’m not doing it!”

“You should,” Mel said as she walked to the front door.

“No! You taught me that males enjoy the hunt…the chase.”

Melina laughed. “I did say that. Like I said, you’re my best student. You’re probably right.”

Azure snort-laughed. “I’m your only student, and I’m definitely right.”