The (Not) Satisfied Dragon - Colette Rhodes Page 0,103

they wanted me to have it was being given it, knowing it angered them to do so.

“If that’s all over and done with, perhaps we could discuss Nerio’s attempt to poison me?” The Scribe called out from the edge of the floor.

He had such a flat tone of voice, it took the Councilors a few moments to grasp the magnitude of what he’d said.

There was an outraged roar, and a panicked shuffle as Nerio’s flight stood like they were going to leave. The Enforcers hesitated like they weren’t sure if they were supposed to do anything or not. Their fellow Councilors didn’t hesitate though, clambering over seats or pulling off their shirts to release their wings, boxing them in. I startled, leaning further back against Ezra who tightened his grip comfortingly on my hip.

That they’d even tried to run baffled me. Did they really think they’d get past the hundreds of Councilors, Enforcers and spectators crowded onto the outcrop? Nerio’s flight must have a median age of at least 95. They weren’t going anywhere.

“I’d heard the Scribe had been given brulic, and we know you visited him to look into Shira’s non-existent death record. I already had concerns about your behavior recently. We could have had a civilized conversation about the Scribe’s accusation, but since you decided to run…” Ilia tilted his head thoughtfully, though it really seemed like he was just toying with his food.

“Chuck ‘em in the holding cell until the trial. I’m sure Flight Mentrus will be happy to arrange your defense, given their dedication to… what was it you called it? Justice dispensation?” Ilia added drily.

Jason looked like he was about to wet his pants.

“Cheer up, Jase. Now you can run for your dads’ old seat,” Hiram yelled, grinning like he’d just uncovered a cavern of rubies the size of my head. He was such an asshole, and I loved him so much.

//We love you, Shira,// Levi shot back instantly, startling me.

//You started projecting,// Seff added apologetically. //Your emotions are running high.//

//I can’t believe you think I’m an asshole,// Hiram said with mock outrage, grinning at me cheekily. I’d called him an asshole to his face plenty of times. //Jokes. Love you too, babe. Ready to ditch this godsforsaken hunk of rock?//

Chapter 22

Everyone wanted us to celebrate. We’d freed our mate. Overcome our adversary. Won a place on the Council. Apparently, those things warranted a party. Having our family here had been great when we needed to get Nerio off our case. Now, it was a huge inconvenience.

“You’re not going to invite us back to your den? The youngest den to sit on the Council and the first gold, and you’re not going to invite us back to celebrate?” one of Hiram’s older brothers asked incredulously.

“Were you not here for the part when our mate was in prison for two days?” Hiram grumbled, wrapping an arm around Shira’s waist and glaring at his brother. It was strange to see him looking so serious.

I clenched my fists at my side to stop myself shoving Hiram out of the way and wrapping Shira up, keeping her to myself. We still hadn’t consummated our mating bond. I would wait as long as she needed, but the urge to claim her was making me irrational.

Why did Hiram have to touch her so much, anyway?

“Hiram,” Ezra hissed. “Share.”

Hiram’s eyes slid to mine, and he gave me a sheepish grin before pulling his arm back. Shira looked up at him before following his gaze to me. She didn’t hesitate to close the distance between us and tuck herself into my side. I wasn’t sure if she was feeling the mating urge as potently as I was, but she was more affectionate than usual. Maybe after two days apart, she was just willing to be more affectionate with all of us.

I pulled her in close, reveling in the feeling of having her in my arms again. I’d missed her so much. Shira had carved out a piece of my heart and she didn’t even know it. It bled for her, and only her.

Xander pushed his way through the crowd towards us, his flight hanging back at the edge of the floor, watching him. Shira’s eyes lit up, and though I could tell she wanted to go to him, she didn’t leave my side.

“Xander,” she breathed, reaching out to grab his hand. “You shouldn’t have done that, I was so worried.”

“Remember what I said about putting yourself first and not making sacrifices for everyone