Chapter 27

TWENTY-SEVEN

G olden rays of morning light spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Talon’s penthouse, warming the scattered clothes that marked their path from the bedroom to the living room.

His dragon purred contentedly as he watched Asher sleep beside him, her dark hair fanned across his chest. Tiny arcs of electricity danced across her bare skin where it pressed against his, occasionally sparking against the silver scales that had emerged along his forearms during the night.

“My dazzling mate,” he murmured softly, pressing a kiss to her temple. The possessive endearment felt right on his tongue, acknowledging both her incredible mind and their deepened bond.

Her eyes fluttered open, revealing those captivating light brown irises flecked with gold. A slow, satisfied smile spread across her face as she tilted her head up to meet his gaze. “Mmm, morning,” she murmured, voice still husky from sleep. “Please tell me there’s coffee somewhere in this ridiculous palace of yours.”

He pressed a kiss to her temple. “Anything for my mate.”

The peaceful moment shattered as his secure phone buzzed with Levi’s distinctive alert tone. Tension immediately coiled through Talon’s muscles as he answered, though he kept one arm wrapped protectively around Asher. “What is it, Levi?”

“We have a situation.” His friend’s voice carried the sharp edge of urgency. “Dimitri’s forces are heading toward the sanctuary. It appears they’re planning a direct assault. Revon’s enforcers.”

She sat up, instantly alert, though she stayed within the circle of his arms. Her quick mind engaged even as she absently traced the scales along his forearm. “Sanctuary?”

“It’s where our ancient treasure is kept. Gemstones as large as a dragon’s eye and enchanted artifacts humming with power. Generations of wealth and history. If Dimitri’s forces get inside...”

“Hey.” She turned in his embrace, cupping his face. “We’ll stop them.” The fierce determination in her eyes made his dragon rumble with pride.

They dressed quickly, though he couldn’t resist pulling her close for one more kiss before duty called. She smiled against his lips. “Focus. You can ravish me again after we save your sacred site.”

His eyes darkened with promise. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Within thirty minutes, they’d relocated to DragonTech Industries’ secure conference room. He stood at the head of the table, and she naturally took position at his side. Her presence steadied him, even as her fingers occasionally brushed his under the table, sending little sparks between them.

Levi began the briefing, though his eyes flickered knowingly between them. “Our scouts report that Revon’s forces are equipped with devices capable of disrupting the protective wards.”

“They’re striking at the heart of our clan’s legacy,” Harlynn added, grinning at Talon.

“Something amusing?” Talon growled at his sister.

“Just nice to see you so... distracted,” Harlynn teased. “Though maybe save the googly eyes for after we handle the crisis?”

A faint blush colored Asher’s cheeks, but she didn’t pull her hand away. Instead, she redirected the conversation with practiced ease. “If the sanctuary is so crucial, why hasn’t Dimitri targeted it before?”

Mallory spoke up, her quiet voice carrying surprising authority. “Perhaps he’s still testing our defenses. By attacking the sanctuary, they believe they can destabilize Talon’s position as leader.”

The dragon within him snarled at the threat, but Asher’s gentle squeeze of his hand helped him maintain focus. He channeled his protective rage into strategic planning. “Levi, coordinate with security. Harlynn, evacuate any non-combatants. Mallory, assess the wards.”

He turned to her, his expression softening. “Will you stand with me?” The question carried layers of meaning beyond just this battle.

Her eyes met his unflinchingly. “Always.” The single word held the weight of a vow.

“Get a room, you two,” Levi muttered, then quickly held up his hands at Talon’s glare. “After we save the sanctuary, of course.”

“Be cautious,” Mom interjected, though her eyes sparkled with approval as she watched them. “The sanctuary’s ancient magic can be unpredictable.”

As the others moved to execute their assignments, he drew her close, uncaring of any audience. His hands framed her face as he pressed his forehead to hers. “The sanctuary is more than just a location. If something happened to you there...”

“Hey.” She cut him off with a quick kiss. “Together, remember? Besides, I have some theories about using my electrical abilities to disrupt their tracking systems.”

“Of course, you do,” he murmured fondly. “Already plotting to science your way through this.”

“You love it when I talk data to you,” she teased, then grew serious. “We’ve got this.”

They moved to the building’s secured roof deck for transformation. The shift came naturally now, their dragons emerging in perfect sync. His massive form dwarfed hers, but her sleeker build promised speed and agility. Lightning crackled along her scales as she spread her wings, the sight making his heart swell with pride and possession.

He couldn’t resist nuzzling her neck before they took flight, inhaling their mingled scents. She butted her head against his chin affectionately, a small chirp of happiness escaping her.

They soared toward the remote mountain range together, wings beating in natural rhythm. He found himself constantly aware of her position, though he forced himself not to hover too protectively. She was his equal partner in this, not something fragile to be coddled.

The sanctuary came into view, ancient stone structures rising organically from the rugged landscape. They landed in a protected clearing, shifting back to human form. He steadied her with hands on her waist as she regained her balance, using it as an excuse to pull her close for a moment.

“It’s beautiful,” she breathed, reaching out to trace a particularly complex glyph. Her other hand remained intertwined with his, maintaining their connection.