Lord of Destiny (The Dragon Demigods #6) - Charlene Hartnady Page 0,13

‘Okay-looking’ maybe.” She shakes her head. “Using the word good would be pushing it.” She picks up her burger and takes a bite, her eyes dancing with humor.

That’s interesting. Raven had already been born when Maddox was conceived, which means that something must have happened to her shifter father. I’m assuming.

West is tearing into his steak and chips like there’s no tomorrow. He doesn’t seem interested in the conversation.

I take another bite of my pancakes when I spot Jarrod talking to Avery. I already ordered his omelet. I told them to prepare it when he arrives. I’m sure he’s ordering himself a drink. Sure enough, Avery hands him a bottle of water. I see him grab the very top of the bottle, also trying to avoid touching her. Then he walks to us.

“My brother is here,” I announce.

Everyone looks across at him. He gives a wave as he gets closer. “Your car is with Forge,” he says as he pulls up a chair next to me. “He’ll call as soon as he knows what’s wrong with it.”

Maddox’s eyes cloud. West stuffs a huge piece of meat in his mouth, and Barrett grunts.

Jarrod gives me a look. He’s noticed the resemblance. “What did I miss?” he asks me.

“Um…” I say. “Raven is a dragon shifter, and the others are dragon demigods.”

Jarrod lifts his brows.

“Zale’s father is Zeus.”

“Zeus.” He swallows, nodding his head.

“Maddox is Raven’s younger brother. I mentioned who our father is and what our abilities are. That just about sums it up.”

Jarrod leans back in his chair. He uncaps his water and drinks.

“My father is Ares.” Maddox puts his fork down and wipes his mouth with a paper napkin.

I reach for the syrup, even though I don’t need anymore. I have to find something to do because I’m sitting across from Rage’s half-brother.

Fuck me!

I guess I can see the resemblance now that I know. It was the green eyes that put me off. That, and Maddox’s darker skin. Rage is pale with eyes like coal.

“The god of war,” Jarrod mutters. “You’re an easy-going guy for someone so closely related to Ares.”

“Don’t be fooled, he has one hell of a temper,” Raven says. “Having said that, I’ve only seen you lose it once.” She looks down at her half-eaten food and pushes away her plate.

West pushes his clean plate away, as well, taking a big gulp of his drink. “As much as I’m enjoying this riveting conversation—”

Jarrod’s phone rings. “It’s Forge,” he says, looking down at the screen. He gets up as he answers.

“Fuck!” Maddox runs a hand over his face. “I doubt it’s good news. Must be something major if he’s already found the problem.”

I frown, watching as Jarrod heads out of the diner. “We’ll have to wait and see.” I push my plate away as well. I’m not feeling hungry anymore.

Avery arrives with a plate full of omelet and a fresh coffee pot. “Where did he go?” she asks.

“He’s coming right back,” I say, touching the table so she knows where to put his plate. I move right out of her way.

Avery proceeds to fill up everyone’s coffee mugs. “Another soda?” she asks West, who nods.

She takes as many plates as she can balance and leaves.

Jarrod is back half a minute later. He smiles. “Good news! Your car isn’t as bad as we thought.”

“Really?” Maddox and Zale say in unison.

“It’s a quick fix and won’t cost much.” He shrugs.

“Fucking finally,” West says. “Something that’s actually going our way.”

“Well,” Jarrod widens his eyes, “there’s more. He doesn’t have the part he needs for the repair in stock. Your vehicle is an older model.” He winces.

Maddox pushes out a breath through his nose. “Older model is being too kind. How long before he can get the part?”

“A couple of days.”

“Fuck!” West growls. He puts up a hand. “Sorry for the French.” He’s looking to side.

I turn and see Avery. She’s holding onto a glass of soda like there’s no tomorrow, looking like she’s just seen a ghost. She pulls in a breath and nods. “No problem! I have two older brothers. I’m used to swearing. It’s just that you guys are…you’re huge. I don’t want to know how much you work out,” she says as she rushes over and deposits West’s soda in front of him.

“We’ll get the check,” I tell her.

She nods, grabbing the rest of the plates, and then she rushes off.

“Look,” Jarod turns my way for a moment, “why not stay with us while you wait for your