Chapter 19

NINETEEN

T he training room’s reinforced walls loomed around Asher as she entered, her skin still tingling from last night’s kiss. DragonTech’s state-of-the-art facility hummed with latent energy, but all she could focus on was Talon’s tall figure by the sparring arena and how desperately she wanted to kiss him again.

“Your control’s improving,” he said, voice rough as his eyes tracked her movement. She sensed his own careful restraint wavering.

“Is it?” She couldn’t help smirking as she stepped onto the mat. “Because my dragon is currently listing all the ways we could put this training room to better use.”

Heat flooded her cheeks as she realized what she’d said. His eyes bled to gold as he moved closer, cedar and amber wrapping around her.

“Care to share those suggestions?” His hands found her waist, drawing her closer than the training stance required.

“Wouldn’t want to compromise your professional reputation.” But she pressed closer, electricity dancing between them. “Though I think we crossed that line somewhere around our first kiss.”

“Worth it.” He demonstrated a blocking move, though his touch lingered longer than necessary. “Now focus.”

“I am focused.” She spun through the sequence, letting lightning arc around her. “Just not on training.”

His growl sent shivers down her spine as he caught her mid-spin. “Dangerous game, mate.”

“Who’s playing?” She met molten eyes as power crackled between them. Before he could respond, she struck first with lightning, initiating their first real combat sequence.

What followed was the most intense training session of her life. Talon pushed her harder than before, teaching advanced moves while fighting his own instincts to protect rather than challenge. Each victory brought them closer, every block turning into a barely concealed caress.

“Again,” he commanded after she missed a block. But his hands lingered as he repositioned her stance, thumbs stroking bare skin where her shirt had ridden up.

“Distracting me on purpose?” She arched into his touch sensing his satisfaction when his breath caught.

“You started it.” His voice deepened as she executed a perfect defensive spin that brought them chest to chest. “Though your form is improving.”

“Just my form?” She watched his eyes darken at the display.

The training room door swung open before he could respond. Levi strode in.

“Sorry to interrupt,” he managed, “but we have updates on Dimitri’s movements that?—”

A stray bolt of lightning shot past his shoulder, scorching the wall.

“Oh god!” Asher clapped a hand over her mouth. “Levi, I’m so sorry!”

“Maybe a warning system,” he suggested, straightening his jacket. “Before I end up extra crispy.”

“The report?” Talon’s hands hadn’t left her waist, his touch steadying her crackling powers.

“Dimitri’s forces are moving north. And...” Levi hesitated. “He’s changing patterns.”

The playful atmosphere evaporated. Asher sensed Talon’s instant shift – the warrior emerging beneath the lover. Her dragon responded instinctively, power humming beneath her skin.

They moved to the tactical screens, though Talon kept one hand at the small of her back. Every brush of contact sent sparks through her system, making it hard to focus on the data.

“Here.” She pointed to an energy signature, trying to ignore how his warmth pressed against her side. “The frequencies are shifting. He’s not just watching anymore.”

Before anyone could respond, alarms blared through the building. Security feeds showed armed figures breaching the laboratory level.

“Time to test your training,” Talon’s voice held steel beneath the heat. “Ready?”

Asher called power to her hands, electricity crackling in a deadly display. She felt his dragon’s approval mix with fierce pride.

The first wave of attackers met them in the corridor. Without discussion, Asher and Talon moved as one. Her lightning cut a path through Dimitri’s forces while Talon’s fire followed, their powers weaving together in a deadly dance that seemed choreographed.

“Show off,” she called as he took down three attackers with a single blast. His answering grin made her heart skip.

“Says the woman making lightning look elegant.” He spun her away from incoming fire, his hands lingering longer than necessary. “Though your form could use work.”

“Really?” She let electricity crackle over her skin, watching his eyes darken. “Care to demonstrate proper technique?”

His growl vibrated through her as he pulled her against him, using the movement to shield her from another attack. “You’re playing with fire, mate.”

“Good thing I like heat.” She twisted in his grasp to strike at approaching enemies, her back pressing against his chest. She sensed his dragon’s satisfaction at their perfect synchronization.

A blast caught Asher’s shoulder, spinning her backward. Talon’s roar shook the building as he caught her, scales rippling across his skin as his dragon surged forward. The temperature skyrocketed around them.

“I’m fine,” she assured him, though she didn’t pull away from his embrace. She felt his rage war with concern. “Though your brother really needs to work on his hospitality.”

“He’s not my brother.” His voice dropped to a dangerous growl as he checked her wound. “And he’s about to learn what happens when he hurts my mate.”

The possessive declaration sent heat coursing through her that had nothing to do with injury. Lightning arced from her hands, dropping half their remaining attackers in one devastating wave. “Like I said – I’m fine.”

His eyes blazed as he pulled her back to him, fire joining her lightning in a devastating display. “More than fine.”

They moved through the remainder of the battle in perfect sync, powers complementing naturally. When the last attacker fell, Asher could barely catch her breath through the electricity dancing between them.