Chapter 19

NINETEEN

Samantha

Dahlia will be checked out soon. She’ll be okay. Deep breaths.

We pull into the parking lot at the compound and I spot Evander, Granger, and Aydan standing on the sidewalk, their arms crossed in front of their chests like identical pissed-off dads. I slow and drive past them, pull up as close as possible to the buildings, so we can get Dahlia to the medical floor as fast as possible.

I just have to deal with them first.

Putting the car into park, I sigh and look at Zane. “This is going to be unpleasant.”

“What?” he asks, looking confused.

“Aydan, Evander, and Granger. I don’t know if they’ll be more mad that I left, or that I left with you.”

He smiles, flashing his pearly whites. “The fire dragons are always mad. It is their way.”

I laugh, and it eases some of the tension inside of me. He’s right: the only way they’re happy is if I’m lying in bed with my legs spread. Anywhere else, and they’re too busy playing protective dragon lovers to let me have any fun. Unlike Zane who… just treats me like my own woman. Is that an ice dragon thing? I’m not sure, but it’s nice.

Unbuckling, I climb out of the car. Of course, they’re already there, glaring. Behind me, I can hear Zane struggling with the door, but I keep my focus on the three angry men in front of me.

“Hey–” I say, planning to tell them about Dahlia, but I’m cut off.

“You’re hurt!” Aydan exclaims.

I don’t know what I look like, but it can’t be too bad. “Just some fighting with humans. Nothing too serious.”

“Fighting with humans?” Evander repeats, sounding angry.

But before I can answer him, Aydan starts talking. “Where the hell did you go?” he asks, his jaw ticking.

“Dahlia called. She needed help after the trouble with the brown dragon and the riots. She was trapped and scared.”

She was right to be too. My mind flashes back to her hitting her head, and I flinch. We need to get her seen. Now . Not stand here and have me explain myself like an errant child.

“And you couldn’t take a few minutes to text or call me back that you were okay?” Granger asks, sounding upset.

Confused, I check my phone. Sure enough, it had died. “Sorry,” I say, flashing him the black screen. “But can we take care of Dahlia first and fight later?”

Evander gives me an incredulous look. Apparently not. “So when your friend called you, your solution was to drive across the city, right into danger?”

Zane’s door opens behind me, but I don’t look back. “The dragon was gone. I was fine. Besides, I took Zane with me.”

Yup, that didn’t help. Talk about adding fuel to the fire dragons.

“You barely know this dragon,” Aydan says, huffing. “You can’t just take off with him and trust that you’ll be okay.”

“Listen–”

“Guess what?” Zane calls behind me. I turn to look as he holds up the mess of the cat by the back of its neck. It’s snarling and very obviously not a cute and cuddly kitten. “I found this little girl. She is going to be my pet. Do you want to help me name her?”

I look back at the two men. “Yeah, he’s a dangerous beast. I was really taking my life into my hands by going out with him.” Don’t let him distract you. “But let’s focus on what’s important: Dahlia.”

Aydan’s blue eyes flash with anger, and then he does something I was dreading. He sniffs. And sniffs. And moves closer. “Why the fuck do you smell like him ?”

“My Samantha and I kissed,” Zane explains sweetly. “A lot. It was very nice.”

Aydan has that tick in his jaw again. “He left marks on your neck.”

I shrug and give a helpless look, letting whatever tumbles out of my mouth come out. “It’s a dragon thing.”

Yeah, that wasn’t the right thing to say…

“Dragons can keep it in their pants,” Evander says drily.

I can’t help myself. “I’ll remember that when you boys come knocking tonight.”

Both of them look ready for a fight. Their hands are clenched into fists, and they’re eyeing Zane, which is probably hard to do while he’s cooing at the cat that’s trying to tear off his face.

“Look,” I say. “Seriously, Dahlia got hurt. Can we just take her inside and get her checked over by the doctors and worry about the rest of this later?”

“We can do both,” Aydan says, giving me a look as he opens the back door.

Evander ducks in, and, more gently than I thought possible, picks up Dahlia. I think when the guys actually see her, it clicks with them that I wasn’t just talking out of my ass about her being hurt. Their movements become faster, their expressions more serious. Our group heads for the correct building, tension between us.

Zane puts the cat back in the box. “I also need to tend to my new pet. I don't know what my new cat needs in this house, but maybe you can help. She will need a place to feel safe before she starts trusting me… Oh, and to bathe. She smells… unpleasant.”

I look at Evander. “Can you have your people get him all the essentials for a cat?” Then I glance back at his sweet face. “And maybe some toys and stuff they can play with together?”

Evander takes a second, but then slowly nods. “But we’re not done with this discussion.”

“Understood.”

Focusing on the cat helps me to not focus on Dahlia’s pale face or the blood staining her hair. I should’ve been more focused on her. So much has happened so quickly that it just feels like I’m putting out one fire after another. I think I’m just overwhelmed.

And I am. But, fuck, I need Dahlia to be okay. She has to be okay.

We head for our building, then take the elevator down to the medical floor. The doctors instantly get to work on Dahlia, hurrying to get her head scanned, before another doctor checks over Zane’s and my injuries.

Zane gives a laugh when they start trying to clean out his wounds. “One shift, and we will be all healed. All of this worry is unnecessary.”

“Really?” Granger asks. “It’s that easy?”

Zane nods. “Small injuries are always healed with a shift. Bigger injuries take longer though, and injuries in our dragon forms are often much worse, since it takes more to hurt us.”

I force a smile at the doctors and get up. “You heard him. We’ll be fine.”

The five of us sit together in the waiting area, Zane with the box in his lap, while waiting to hear back from the doctors. Time ticks by painfully. I feel on edge, thinking about Dahlia’s pale face and the cut on her forehead. Will she be okay? She has to be okay. At last, one of them comes back out.

The doctor takes a deep breath, his expression one of a very focused man. “She’s awake. We don’t see a brain bleed or anything else to cause concern, just a moderate concussion, but we’ll want to keep her overnight to monitor her.”

I release a breath I didn’t even know I was holding.

“Can I see her?”

“Not right now. We want her to rest, but we’ve made it clear to her that you’re here, and that you’ll be visiting her in the morning.”

“Thank you, doctor,” Evander says politely as he stands.

Everyone else stands too, but I hesitate. “I really can’t see her? Even for a minute?”

“Not today, but she’s in good hands, I assure you,” the older man says, looking even more exhausted just from our conversation.

I feel like I could get Evander to make this doctor let me see her, but I know deep down it’s not in her best interest. If they think she needs to rest right now, then I should let her rest. Tomorrow. Tomorrow I can see her.

Evander offers me a hand. I smile and take it. He helps me to my feet. We head for the elevator, and without a word, Aydan hits the floor our rooms are on while Evander sends a text I assume is about the cat. Granger eyes Zane wearily, looking like he has a thousand things to say, but says nothing.

When the doors open, Aydan steps out and gives me a look. “Why don’t you go shower?”

I try not to shoot him a glare. I know him objecting to me smelling like Zane is a dragon thing, but it’s still irritating as hell.

When Zane exits the elevator, Aydan bumps his shoulder, and Evander gives him an approving glance. To Zane’s credit, he doesn’t seem to notice, but Granger definitely does, a small smile twisting his lips. Unfortunately for them, Zane’s just carrying the box like it’s a box full of rainbows he can’t wait to slide down.

We all separate and head to our various rooms. I instantly dump my clothes and take a long, hot shower. Not because I want to clean Zane’s scent off of me, but because the hot water helps me think.

Zane is sweet to his core, and definitely trustworthy. He’s also my mate. I know that too, although the way I feel about him is less fire and passion, and more… safe and comforted. Not like a friend, God no, because the things I want to do to him I’ve never wanted to do to another friend. Outside of Aydan.

I just need to get Aydan and Evander on board.

Reminding myself to be patient, I turn off the shower and dry off. It’s weird, we barely know Zane, so I’m definitely the one moving too fast by human standards. It’s not that the guys are taking forever to come around to this.

Except, technically, I was having sex with Evander within a day of knowing him, and within moments of him becoming a dragon. So in terms of dragon relationships, I’m taking it super slow.

That’s something. Isn’t it?

I dress quickly, and before I even know what I’m doing, I exit my room and head down the hall. Taking a deep breath, I knock on the door, then listen, already wondering if I made a mistake in coming here. Maybe I should turn around? If I go real quick, he won’t even know that I…

The door opens onto Zane in nothing but his boxers. In his arms, he’s holding a soaking wet, very angry-looking cat, all wrapped up in a towel. He holds the cat out to me like a trophy and grins, which is exactly when I see that his arms and chest are covered in deep, bloody scratches.

“Zane!” I exclaim, reaching out to gently touch beside one of the scratches on his arm.

He just keeps smiling. “They will heal. Come in. I want to let her down, but I do not want her to run out the door.”

Not sure what else to do, I step into his room and let the door close behind me.

He sits down on the floor and sets the towel in front of him before gently peeling back the layers until the orange mess leaps out from the fabric. She runs a few feet away from Zane, then starts to lick herself. I can’t help but laugh. With her long fur, it’s going to take forever to get it “right” again after her bath. But at least now I can see the beauty under the mess. She’s prettier when she’s not filthy.

“So, you like cats?” I ask, studying his innocent expression.

He smiles back at me. “I love them. Our home had many of them, and although you and the others only tolerated them at first, they grew on you. Over time, each of you would have your favorites. One would constantly ride on Aydan’s shoulder around our home, a smart little white cat with black and orange spots.”

I didn’t have trouble picturing Aydan and Evander warming up to cats, even if I didn’t completely understand the fuss about them. Wolves as pets made sense to me, but cats? Something about it just didn’t compute.

The door buzzes. Zane stands, looking like a gorgeous Greek god as he crosses the room and opens the door. I turn to see Aydan, Granger, and Evander in the doorway. They’re carrying supplies for a cat. It’s obvious they were just in the middle of a fun conversation, but their amusement dies on their faces the second they take us in.

“Why the hell are you half-naked?” Aydan asks.

Granger mumbles underneath his breath. “Maybe he couldn’t find his clothes.”

“And what happened to you?” Evander’s gaze is racking over his new injuries.

Zane smiles. “I was just giving my new pet a bath. What do you think of the name Miu?”

“Miu?” I repeat in confusion.

“It means she who meows,” Zane says matter-of-factly.

I laugh. “Well, that’s accurate.”

“So you two are really just in here talking about cats and cat names?” Aydan asks, and he sounds completely confused.

Zane cocks his head. “I was also wondering about the cat supplies.”

“Here,” Granger says, holding up a bag of cat food.

The guys crowd in and some of the tension eases. It’s like Aydan and Evander are looking for a fight, but Zane just won’t give it to them. It’d be funny if I wasn’t involved in it.

A pink water bowl and food dish are set up on the floor and filled, the food dish with wet food. The cat, Miu, instantly perks up at the smell and cautiously eases across the floor before eating, like a thief.

Zane’s eyes practically fill with hearts. “Look at my Miu. She is such a beautiful girl.”

Evander gives me a look.

I smile. “Apparently, Zane has always brought lots of cats into our homes, and we’ve always grown to love them.”

“Cats?” Aydan asks, wrinkling his nose.

“Cats,” I repeat, trying to hide the fact that I’m less than thrilled.

Granger goes across the room and starts digging in a dresser. A minute later, he tosses Zane some clothes. “Here you go. It looked like you were having trouble finding them.”

Zane looks away from the furry mess and his brows wrinkle. “I can find my clothes. I am just more comfortable in less clothes. I am most comfortable in no clothes, but society does not agree.”

Evander crosses his arms over his chest. “We’re just not exactly happy with you being half-naked around Sam.”

“Why?” he asks.

They stare at him. I realize he really doesn’t know.

“Because,” Aydan begins, picking his words with care. “You and Sam, well…”

“You see,” Evander cuts in. “It’s not appropriate for a girl with a boyfriend–”

“Two boyfriends,” Aydan adds, a possessive note in his voice.

Evander clears his throat. “Right, two boyfriends, to have a man in nothing but his boxers hanging around.”

“Why?” Zane asks again.

I sigh. “They think it’ll lead to us fucking.” When he still looks confused, I clarify, “You know, bedding one another.”

Realization dawns on the ice dragon’s face. “We will end up fucking whether I wear lots or a little clothes, so why worry about it?”

I can tell we’re about to have an argument. “Well, I’m going to have dinner sent to my room, and then I’m heading to bed. Why don’t you guys help Zane finish setting up all the cat’s stuff, and make sure you explain it to him too?”

As I head for the door, I get the sense that everyone wants to say something to me, but the second the door opens, I slip through and run for it. Maybe I’m being a coward, but I’m exhausted. The last thing I want to do is fight right now.

In the safety of my room, I order food from the kitchens and pull out a Kindle that’s plugged in on one of the nightstands. I download a book about a witch who’s forced to marry three wolf shifters, and sinks under the covers. It’s a fun read, but I don’t get into it too far before there’s a knock at the door. Dinner has arrived! Reading and eating slowly is just what the doctor ordered, and I’m feeling better by the time there’s another knock at the door.

Putting my plate at the little table in one corner, I open the door to find Aydan and Evander in the doorway. They both have an air about them… one that suggests they might still be looking for a fight. I force myself not to roll my eyes and gesture for them to come in, then wait for whatever they have to say.

“We don’t like how fast things are moving between you and Zane,” Aydan blurts out.

I lift a brow. “Evander and I were fucking within seconds of becoming dragons.”

He flinches. “Yeah, but–”

“The only reason Zane and I haven’t yet is because of you two, and maybe because things are a little less intense with an ice dragon.”

Now, it’s Evander’s turn. “That might be true, but we still don’t know if we can trust this guy.”

“Aydan was telling me not to trust you just a few days ago.”

Both of them look annoyed, but they can’t argue with the truth. The truth in this entire situation is that Zane and I are going to end up together, and we’re moving at a very reasonable pace for dragon relationships as far as I know them.

“You two know damn well that he fits into our little group like a missing puzzle piece. That’s why you haven’t knocked him on his ass.”

Evander sighs with frustration. “While even if it’s true we don’t feel as threatened or wary of him as we do of the other dragons, it doesn’t mean we just have to accept everything he’s saying as right.”

“Fine,” I concede. “But right now I’m doing the smartest thing I can be doing, which is that I’m getting to know him.”

“Through makeout sessions?” Aydan asks, glaring.

I feel my cheeks heat. “Hey, we could been fucking in his room earlier.”

“That’s nice to hear,” Aydan mumbles.

I roll my neck, hating the tense muscles there. “Listen, it’s been a long day. Hell, a long week. Can we talk about this another time?”

Evander shrugs, but says, “Okay, I guess we can head to bed.”

“I meant I was going to sleep alone,” I clarify.

They exchange a look, but Aydan is the one who asks, “You sure?”

“Yeah, I just need a night to myself.”

Aydan steps closer and runs his hand along my cheek, frowning. “Are you upset with me?”

I kiss his hand. “No, I promise. I’m really just exhausted.”

They linger for another minute, but then Aydan gives me a kiss, followed by Evander, and they head out the door. I watch them as the door shuts on their retreating forms and momentarily consider calling them back, but I don’t. I really do just need a night to myself before whatever tomorrow will bring.

It’s funny though. It took meeting Zane for those two to really bond. Maybe finding this storm dragon will be the thing to pull us all together.

I hope.