He extended his wing, and Paul helped Skyler climb up onto the dragon's back. He'd provided a double saddle to make the night's travel more comfortable. She slipped into the saddle, her feet in the stirrups while Paul climbed up behind her, doing the same. His arms came around her.
"If you need to sleep," Paul said, "just lean back against me."
"Thanks," Skyler said. "I'm certain I'll take you up on that."
She had traveled through the air many times with Carpathians. Gabriel took her flying all the time, using various forms. She'd always enjoyed it. That was the start of her love of flying and her need to get her pilot's license. Flying had become almost an obsession, but Josef was young for a Carpathian and inexperienced in comparison to the ancients. She wasn't certain if he had the strength it took to keep the form of a dragon as long as he'd need to, as well as keeping Paul and her safe.
If you get tired, Josef, don't push it. We can find a place to rest.
Don't worry, Sky. I lectured you about pushing your strength too far. I'm not going to make the same mistake and give you a chance to say I told you so.
The cheery amusement in Josef's voice made her smile as the dragon lurched a couple of times, wings flapping as it stood on two legs. She held on tight as it began hopping along the ground, gaining more air with each hop. The dragon's great wings beat hard as he struggled to get off the ground. When they finally went airborne, Paul cheered and Skyler let out the breath she'd been holding.
Not particularly graceful, Josef commented, but we made it. I think the two of you need to lose a little weight.
Hey, now I'm totally offended. Skyler gave him her haughtiest, snippiest tone. It's all Paul.
Josef snorted.
To her shock, Paul dug his fingers into her rib cage, making her squeal. Thought you were safe, didn't you? Josef hooked me up with this telepathy thing. It's working rather well.
We should have done that a long time ago.
Well, of course my family and I can speak together, Paul admitted. It's weird that we never thought about it. It's just blood.
Skyler laughed. Isn't that funny how we both just say, "It's just blood"? We're human and that's such a taboo in our culture, but we've obviously been around the Carpathians far too long. I actually asked Josef to give me blood this morning, didn't I?
Yes, you did, but it did help you. Paul tightened his hold on her as the dragon's wings beat hard to take them higher over the mountain peak.