Lord of Destiny (The Dragon Demigods #6) - Charlene Hartnady Page 0,26

stick their neck out for strangers.”

He looks guilty for a second or two, and then it’s gone. “It’s not often you run into your own kind.”

“That’s true. Thanks anyway.” I lift my cup. “My tea is finished, which means it’s time for bed. I enjoyed chatting.” I stand.

“I should get back to work.” He stands as well.

“Now?”

He makes a face. “Unless my working will keep you up, then—”

“No, I’m fine…really. And,” I give him a sidelong look, “I mean it about another reading. I would be happy to try to do it for you.”

His stance tightens for a moment, then he smiles. “You just want to touch me again…admit it.” He’s being flippant, but at the same time, I think he might be flirting with me a little…for real. His eyes are dancing.

I roll my eyes, and a giggle escapes. “You might be right about that.” I swallow down more flirty talk. It’s on the tip of my tongue. I turn serious because it is serious. “I really just want you to be okay. I didn’t like what I saw. I didn’t like it at all.” Memories of Stephan’s potential future roll through me. Two options and neither are good. We need to go. The sooner the better.

I see his Adam’s apple work. He doesn’t say anything.

I’m sure I can guess what he’s thinking. That we have no business touching. Touching would lead to more. More would be complicated. We just stand there, staring at each other for a while. Attraction like I’ve never felt before sparks between us. The air feels charged. It could be the perfect storm. Something short and sweet. Yet, intense and amazing. Over before we could begin anything. I don’t think I’m ready for a relationship. Stephan could be my rebound guy. I decide that he’s worth more than that.

“Good night,” I finally say.

“Good night.” His voice is thick.

Then I’m turning and leaving. My back prickles. I think it might be his turn to watch me. I feel his eyes on me the whole time I walk away.

8

Stephanus

“Today?” my brother asks. “As in today, today?” His voice is animated through my cellphone.

“When would you suggest?” I pace along the far wall of my property, walking away from the house. I took a walk after breakfast. Firstly, because I needed to stretch. I caught four hours of sleep and then got back to work. All the hours in the chair gets to me. I wouldn’t mind shifting, stretching my wings for an hour or two. There’s no time. A quick walk will have to do. Maybe I’ll hit the gym later. My muscles get tight when I’m working this hard, especially in my neck.

My brother sighs. “Today seems a little soon.”

“They leave in a couple of days. We can’t stall for too long. When would you suggest we get this over with? My vote is for sooner rather than later.”

Another sigh. “You’re right. Should we call him first, or should we tell him to come over and really surprise the hell out of him?”

“I don’t know! Fuck!” I run through the various possibilities. “We should check if he’s home first.”

“What, and just arrive and spring a half-brother on him? Rage is going to shit himself.”

“I know I would. No!” I push out. “That wouldn’t be fair. We have to give him a heads-up.”

“I’ll tell him,” Jarrod says. “Either Maddox or Rage needs to know upfront, or it might not go smoothly.

“See how he takes it and let me know,” I say.

“Okay, I’ll drop Zale and West off at your place for lunch. I’ll let you know if Rage is up for meeting Maddox once I drop the bomb.”

“With all of them here?”

“They all need to know. I know they’ll feel better if they are together.”

“That’s probably true,” I say. “I’d feel better. What about Forge?”

“Forge can be…difficult. He’s better since Ava came into his life, but…still. Let’s take this one step at a time.”

“You’re right!” I pace further along the wall. I hope I’m far enough away that my guests won’t hear me. I have several acres, so it should be fine. “Let’s start with Rage, see how it goes, and then we’ll break things to Forge. I agree; one surprise at a time.”

“If I run into trouble, I’ll let you know. Oh, and don’t cause shit with West while he’s at your place.”

“He’s the one with the problem, not me!” I quickly say.

“Don’t hit on his girlfriend, and everything will be okay.” I can hear