my chest. Asshole. What was so important that he had to pollute the world with that sound? To thrust upon people the fumes from his car that ate holes in the only world we’d been given?
Why were people so fucking selfish? I felt the red haze wiggle at the edges of my mind. Could feel it sliding over my vision. With a single flick of my wrist, I brought star shine into my palms.
He wouldn’t be sickening the world for long. No. He would be gone. His ashes swept to the four winds. His fi—
Tove grabbed my hand, pulled me into his body. He settled his mouth on mine as I thumped against his chest. All thoughts vanished from my mind as Tove’s flavor exploded on my tongue.
I curled around him, got lost in his scent. His taste. The feel of him against me. The three men in my life looked like exact copies of each other, but I knew each of them by heart.
His fingers dug into my hips as he nibbled at my lips. He pulled me harder against his body. Threatened to consume me by bites.
Thane cleared his throat. “And that’s enough of a show for the good people of Triport.”
Tove growled low in his chest. “Only because it’s me and not you,” he said, his lips brushing over my lips as he shaped each word.
My mouth ticked up at the corner. I pressed my mouth to Tove’s one last time before I stepped back. “As much as I love being in your arms, Batman, I’m not wanting to share your body with the women of Triport. If I keep kissing you, I’ll try to get you naked in no time flat.”
Tove smiled. “Batman?”
“My hero.” I tipped my head to the side. “Or rather that man’s who honked. I was ready to obliterate him.” Heat rushed my cheeks as I shook my head. “I don’t like the anger. It’s…heavy and thick. Makes me feel like I’m being consumed.” I laid a hand to my belly. “If for no other reason than to feel like myself again, I want to kill Merlin.”
“Then it’s a good thing that’s on the agenda,” Drace said as she joined us. “If none of your men are around, you just come jump in my arms, corcra. I’ll take your mind off everything.” She winked at me.
I studied her. “You mean that some other way than sex, but I don’t know how or what you’re talking about.”
Her head tipped back as she hooted with laughter. Once she settled herself again, she looked at me. “Good for you, babe. I knew you were a quick study. Double entendres can mean just about anything, really. It just depends on what the context is.”
I nodded, smiled. I was pretty proud of myself for not jumping down her throat or making a fool of myself. Maybe, with enough practice, I could be just as worldly as Drace. Just as carefree and fun.
“I believe we’re all here, garinion,” Ari said as she walked up. “I believe we should leave some people on the outside with a predetermined plan in case something goes wrong on the inside.”
Grumpy nodded. “I agree. I suggest we ask the Elders to appoint five or six dragons who are trustworthy. We all agree on a time that we should be back. If we fail to return, they will know to send more people in after us.”
I nodded. “That works for me. But what good are five or six dragons going to do if the rest of us are in danger?”
Ari smiled, nodded. “Excellent thought. How many would you suggest stay out here?”
I shrugged. “I have no idea. Strategy is not my skill set. I’m the power, not the thinker.”
Thane chuckled. “I’m pretty sure you’re more than just the power. But I say we ask the Elders and the visiting magical people. If they have any suggestions, it might be best to take them.”
I nodded, waved the appropriate parties over to us. Gave them our idea.
Esmerelda nodded. “Yes, we were discussing that on the way down in the elevator. If it’s okay with you, Hollyn, we will separate our people into three groups. We will make sure to have capable and seasoned fighters within each grouping.”
“That would be my suggestion as well,” Mason said.
Jeremiah nodded. “I agree.”
I smiled. “Wonderful, then let’s get it going.” I looked at the huge gathering of all of us. At least forty people were just milling around on the sidewalk outside