Lord of Destiny (The Dragon Demigods #6) - Charlene Hartnady Page 0,40

up,” Stephan says. He pushes out a breath. “I know you can’t help it, but you have to try. It’ll drive you crazy otherwise.”

“You’re right. It’s just that I wish I had done a better job of seeing her future. Stay away from horses,” I snort, feeling pissed off with myself for the hundredth time.

“You couldn’t have known. Your prediction was ultimately correct.”

“It was a half-truth. It was useless. The only consolation is that they both died that day.” I sniff. “I know that sounds grim, but I’ve never known love like the two of them had. Raider would have done anything for Mimi. He died for her.” I wipe my tears. “I sometimes wonder if she could have recovered from her wounds, as bad as they were. I think that maybe she chose to die when she saw his broken body.” I cover my face with my hand when it crumples. “I’m so sorry for putting all of this on you,” I say through my hand before pulling it away. I look his way. “We grieved, but we never talked of that night again. West goes ballistic if anyone tries to bring it up. He lost a piece of himself then. His brother was his only family.” I wipe my tears away. “He’s hoping to meet a half-brother amongst all of you. I’m worried he’s going to get hurt when it doesn’t happen.”

“I understand his…hang-ups better now.”

“He used to be a really good guy. Easy-going and sweet. Fun to be around. It’s hard to believe it now, but it’s true. After Raider died, that all changed. He went to a dark place. If I’m honest, we weren’t as close anymore before the incident with the centaurs. I think we would have broken up sooner.” I feel instant guilt. It’s like I’m putting West down. I don’t want to talk badly of him. “After that night…” I shrug. “I tried to be there for him. I tried hard to…be there. To help him. In the end, our relationship fell apart anyway. He’s convinced himself that we still belong together, but that isn’t true. He’s still in such a bad place.”

“I can’t imagine. Jarrod and I are close. If I lost him like that…” Stephan’s chest rises as he pulls in a deep breath.

“That’s the thing, I’m hoping one of your group is related to him.”

“You don’t know what his power is or who his father is?” Stephan asks.

I shake my head. “No. I think he expects to know his half-brother when he sees him…if he even exists.”

“I didn’t recognize any of his features on anyone from my group. Not like Barrett. Even your brother and Rage have their similarities.”

“I’m so sorry! All you did was ask about the first person I read, and it turned into a big old cry session.” I push out a small laugh.

“Don’t be silly. You needed to get that off your chest. I happen to be an easy person to talk to.” He gives me this cute grin, trying to make me laugh. It works.

“I did, and you definitely are.” I smile at him and then sigh. “I feel exhausted, but so much better.” I lean back against the car seat.

“Are you still up for flying?” Stephan scrutinizes me. “I’m thinking cherry pie would be a better idea. Pie and hot chocolate and then sleep. We could head out tomorrow night? Same time?” he quirks a brow.

“You and me?” I ask him.

“You and me.” That glint is back. This is a fine line we’re walking.

I nod. “In that case, pie sounds good.” I don’t want our evening to end, but at the same time, I’m shocked at how tired I am after talking about what happened to us. I feel hollowed out. I also feel lighter. Stephan is easy to talk to. I like him so much.

We smile at each other. Stephan’s gaze softens. “Thanks for trusting me.”

“Thanks for being such a good friend.”

“I meant what I said. You couldn’t have done anything any differently. What happened was not your fault…or anyone’s fault.” He leans forward, and the air seizes in my lungs. He even looks at my mouth for a moment before his gaze drifts back to my eyes. Then he gives me a half-smile. There’s definitely a whole lot of disappointment in his stare. I think he wants to kiss me. In fact, I’m sure of it. I want him to kiss me too. I want it so badly I have to make