Reaching out, Leortis wrapped his arm around Cardin’s waist and pulled him against his side. “It seems I have some explaining to do.” Then he returned his focus to Vicar. “When?”
“Immediately.”
“Damn.” Leortis rubbed his free hand through his dark hair. “Is Warzer awake?”
“Everyone is, Sire.”
Leortis nodded. “They’re giving me an entourage?”
“We don’t like the reason they’re challenging you,” Kazeem stated, striding toward them. The pale dragon—a water dragon who specialized in ice-works—was only in a pair of sleep pants. “If you don’t have a problem with it, we’ll escort you.”
“I’d be honored.” Leortis turned his attention to Cardin and threaded his fingers through his hair. “This is going to seem a little crazy to you, but we need to go for a ride.” Hoping and praying that what happened next didn’t send his mate running, Leortis added, “You asked what I meant about dragon fire. Well, now I will show you.”
With wide eyes, Cardin whispered, “We have to go somewhere?” Then he glanced between them and asked, “I knew I heard you called sire, but your majesty? What’s going on?”
“After you finish getting dressed, I’ll tell you everything.”
Cardin hadn’t believed Leortis, at first. That didn’t surprise him in the least. Most humans didn’t. Fortunately, Cardin’s friends—well, friend, considering all the other guys were new acquaintances—helped explain things and convince him.
When Cardin had learned that Leortis had bonded them without his permission... then he’d exploded. Good thing he’d had so many fabulous perks to share—increased healing, better health, long life. Leortis was pretty sure the fact that he was now devoted hopelessly to him and could never cheat or stray was the one Cardin liked most.
Of course, getting Cardin on Leortis’s back had been another test. His poor mate might have said he accepted that he was a dragon, but actually seeing him in his true form—a massive, pale-brown-scaled beast that stood over fifteen feet tall—that was something totally different. His sweet mate had fainted.
Good thing they were out by the pool. Stefan had splashed some water on Cardin’s face. His human had jerked and sputtered, then froze.
As a redhead, even in the dark, Cardin’s blush had been easily discernable.
Leortis decided that, after he’d taken out Ruldin, he would use their black-net blog to share how easing a human into the paranormal world was best done with the support of friends—if possible.
Spotting the huge meadow beside the mountain lake, Leortis focused on the matter at hand. He angled his wings and glided toward it, taking his time. Leortis swept his gaze over the occupants.
Recognizing them all, Leortis cataloged them so he could put trackers on all of them until he was certain they wouldn’t be a continued threat. Ruldin stood in front, flanked by his four close followers. Behind them were Misanrue—a hot-tempered, opinionated fire dragon—as well as Rivenger and Regaldin—a rare pair of dragon twins. They were pale yellow air dragons.
Leortis appreciated that he had a bigger entourage than just his two guards. While most dragons held following the rules in extremely high regard—they believed it was part of what set them apart from other shifters—the group before him weren’t quite so stringent. In fact, Leortis knew that Ruldin had done enough shady dealings attached to the underworld of humanity.
No way does dragon leadership need to be involved in that sort of shit.
The only reason Leortis hadn’t brought Ruldin up on charges was because he’d never been able to prove it. While his half-brother was underhanded, he was smart, too. He knew to never get his own hands dirty.
Now is my chance.
Leortis would never admit it out loud, but he looked forward to it. As he landed, he turned his head to peer over his shoulder at his mate where he sat near the base of his neck. “You stick close to Dagskon,” he reminded his mate, his dragon’s voice coming out low and growly. Leortis had already explained that the red fire dragon worked for him as a tracker and investigator. He trusted the male to watch over Cardin while he fought.
After Cardin slid off his back, he didn’t immediately head toward Dagskon. Instead, he strode toward his head. His steps faltered when he was a few feet away. Then he inhaled deeply and stopped next to Leortis’s huge head.
To Leortis’s pleasure, Cardin rested his hand on his scaled cheek. When he heard his mate’s words, he almost chuckled.
“You kick his ass, Leortis,” Cardin told him, staring into his one big, brown eye. “I’m too young to die, so