Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 89222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
I don’t hesitate to nod my compliance unafraid to lend my body to the greater good of protecting not just dragons but all shifters.
“Genie Gene,” she hums out at the same time she motions for me to lower my frame for a neck injection. “Sterilized swab.”
Our house servant prepares what’s asked while I continue with the briefing. “A.D.”
His hazel stare swings away from his Fated Mate’s ass and over to me.
“You?”
“Package retrieval.” Irritation is impossible not to hear. “Which I think is bullshit. I’m the second biggest-”
“We’re the same fucking size, dragonhole,” Ehette immediately reminds.
“That better not be my baby’s first word,” Dae snips under her breath.
“And I’m faster than all of you!”
“Debatable,” Z grumbles his objection.
“Putting me in the back of the closet is dragonshit, P, and you fucking know it.”
“No one is putting you in the back of the closet, Auran.” My Awaker-in-law jams the needle into my neck causing me to momentarily pause my statement. “Yes, you are large in size and talented in flight, but you are by far the most charming fucking being among us.”
Truth.
Hence why I said it, Platinum.
“You’re not tasked with retrieving the package because I don’t value you in a fight. You are tasked with something that only your specific skill set can accomplish. Sending you guarantees minimal blow back and the highest probability for success.” I thank Dae for the stabbing with a polite nod and kick my chin the direction she needs to return before my baby brother suffers a droke. “And while bringing my Fated Mate home is at the very top of the list of urgencies, do not fool yourself into believing for a second that the safe acquiring of that package is not directly underneath it, A.D.”
To my surprise, Auran not only abandons his tantrum, he looks honored to have the assignment.
“What exactly is in the package?” Dae asks upon her return to Z’s side.
“Respectfully, Almost Dr. Draak,” my gaze momentarily finds hers, “that is not your business at this time.”
She lets a small smirk stretch across her face and fiddles with the edge of her braid.
Shifting my frame to tend to Dai’s ropes is done in tandem to asking, “Ana?”
“Simple. My job is to ensure that Griff maintains visual contact on the situation at all times even if I have to use force.”
The statement momentarily halts my tying to meet her gaze. “I don’t recall saying that last part.”
“And I don’t recall you explicitly expressing that I couldn’t.”
Wise.
No, the word you want is tricky. Which is why her crafty ass is perfect for A.D.
Yes.
“The true warrior is not opposed to accomplishing their win by using any force necessary,” Dai casually states to Ana.
“Please, do not encourage her,” I grouse during a sharp pulling of the rope.
“Do not exclude yourself in this briefing, Master Draak,” Gene unexpectedly pushes as he takes his place off to the side of the dragon pad. “Inform your brethren of your planned intentions.”
“I will fly the DUV closer to their property with Ehette lying in the trunk concealed under a blanket and Dai in the backseat bound.”
She attempts to yank her arms in opposite directions, pleased when she finally can’t.
“I will land it and drive the remaining stretch. Upon our arrival at the gate, I’ll be met by a member of security for the exchange. Depending on their requirements for the theoretical swap will determine what I do next; however, Ehette will slip out the back, transform—hopefully buying me time to do the same—and assist first in the clearing of a path to rescue Cami and second in the rescuing of any other shifters that can be located. Dai will have invoked Blood Rage by that point, broken her binds, and distracted as well as dismantled all of security.”
“So much shit could go wrong, P,” Z resumes his previous griping. “I feel you’re actively ignoring that.”
“I am.” My professing is presented with a stoic expression. “And I have to. The only two things that matter right now are saving my mate’s life and keeping you all alive to be the father’s you’re meant to be.”
Mouths twitch open yet shut when I continue.
“I was fortunate enough to help raise the two of you.” I allow my stare to swing back and forth between my brothers. “If Fate doesn’t gift me the chance to continue our lineage with Pint-Size, then so be it. I know you haven’t always loved me being there for you, but I’ve always loved it. Felt it was…an honor to step in when Mom and Dad couldn’t.” Backing up to the dragon pad, I conclude my speech with a brotherly smile. “You were my dragonlings as much as you were theirs.”
The goofy grins they display are followed by a proud nod from Gene.
“Genie Gene,” my informal labeling instills a glower, “could you please escort Dai and Ehette to the DUV. We have a half-orc to bring home.”