Chapter 22

TWENTY-TWO

T hey moved in perfect sync above the city, diving and weaving through enemy fire. Asher’s electrical attacks gained new power in dragon form, creating storms that lit up the darkening sky. His flames followed each strike, their elements combining in devastating patterns.

A larger dragon form rose to meet them – Dimitri, his dark gray scales almost black against the clouds. His forces fired from the rooftops, trying to separate them.

Stay close, Talon commanded as they banked hard to avoid a blast.

Wasn’t planning on leaving. She barrel-rolled over him, electricity chaining between their wings in a lethal display. Though you could try to keep up.

His answering roar held equal parts exasperation and pride as they engaged Dimitri together. Three dragon forms twisted through the New York skyline, fire and lightning illuminating the battle.

Dimitri struck first, his attack aimed at separating them. But Asher and Talon moved as one unit, their wings brushing as they dodged. Her lightning met Dimitri’s dark fire midair, the clash lighting up Manhattan’s skyline.

Your left, Talon warned. She twisted instantly, letting him sweep under her as enemy fire peppered the space she’d occupied. Their synchronized movement brought them wingtip to wingtip, power crackling between them.

Not bad for a beginner, she teased, electricity arcing from her scale.

His rumbling laugh echoed in her mind. Says the woman who turned aerial combat into a light show.

Dimitri dove between them, forcing them apart. His larger form cast shadows through the storm clouds gathering above, his attacks growing more vicious with each pass.

He’s targeting you specifically, Talon noted as they regrouped, his massive wings creating cover for her smaller form.

Jealous much? She sent a bolt of lightning that caught Dimitri’s wing. Guess he doesn’t like that you found your mate.

Their opponent’s roar shook nearby buildings. Dark energy pulsed from his scales as he launched another assault, this one pure rage rather than strategy.

Now who’s showing off? She banked hard around a skyscraper, drawing enemy fire away from Talon.

Focus on the fight, he growled, though his affection colored the words. Less flirting, more ? —

More what? She rolled over him, their energies combining in a display that lit up half the city. Because from where I’m flying, multitasking seems to be working just fine.

A blast of dark fire from Dimitri cut between them, but they’d already anticipated the move. Asher rose while Talon dove, their dragon forms creating a perfect split that trapped their opponent between them.

Remember what I taught you about combining elements? Talon’s mental voice held a predatory edge that made her dragon purr.

You mean during all that “training” we definitely focused on? But she was already moving, her lightning weaving with his fire as they executed a perfect pincer attack.

The resulting explosion rocked midtown Manhattan. Dimitri tumbled through the air before catching himself, scales smoking from their combined assault.

That’s my mate, Talon’s pride surged as they circled higher. His massive black form sheltered her briefly from the wind, wings brushing hers in a caress that sent sparks flying.

Less preening, more fighting, she teased, though her own dragon preened at his praise. She twisted away from his touch to launch another attack, electricity illuminating her silver-white scales.

Dimitri’s forces opened fire from surrounding buildings, trying to ground them. But Asher had already learned to channel electricity through her wings, creating a shield that deflected their weapons.

Now who’s showing off? Talon’s amusement colored their bond as he unleashed a wave of fire that scattered the ground forces.

Please. She rolled under his wing, their powers connecting in another devastating combination. Like you don’t love it.

His answering roar held such possessive pride that nearby windows rattled. She felt his dragon’s satisfaction at her strength, her quick adaptation to aerial combat, her perfect synchronization with him.

Dimitri dove at them again. As one unit, they split the sky with lightning and fire, their combined attack driving him back toward the clouds.

He’s retreating, she noted as their opponent banked hard toward the harbor, his remaining forces falling back.

Tactical withdrawal. Talon’s mental tone darkened. He’ll be back.

Good. She let electricity crackle between their wings as they maintained pursuit. Because I’m just getting the hang of this.

As Dimitri’s forces disappeared into the storm clouds, Harlynn’s voice crackled.

Lori and I are on the secure roof level with supplies. Time to bring it in.

Talon’s protective instincts surged. Land on the west side. I’ll shift on the east.