The (Not) Satisfied Dragon - Colette Rhodes Page 0,19

I could distinctly remember my mother giving birth to Alathea in the bath at home, and I had no burning desire to reenact that scene.

“My functioning brain and working eyeballs?” The Alchemist snarked, giving me a disbelieving look. “Plus, you succeeded in your goal. As discussed, you need to celebrate your victory. Five times over.” She gave me an entirely unsubtle wink and my brother gagged dramatically.

The Alchemist patted the hessian sack of Lover’s Leaf on the table. “I'll leave it here for you. It takes a week of regular doses to take effect, so I suggest you down that cup of tea.” She gave me a pointed look before turning to Levi. “Don't be an idiot about this and perhaps you'll earn your way back into my good graces. You used to be my favorite, you know.”

“Good to know,” Levi replied drily, eyeing the bag of Lover’s Leaf like it was poison.

The Alchemist left the room, humming happily off-key to herself, easily passing Levi and Xander who leaned away from her like she was the harbinger of death.

I twisted the cool cup of tea in my hands, trying to decide what to do. I trusted The Alchemist. She’d wanted revenge against Flight Milain for ripping her off, but she didn’t have to help me. She didn’t have to give me a bed to sleep in. She certainly didn’t have to send my mates to come and collect me. If she said Lover’s Leaf was safe, I felt like I could believe her.

In many ways, I’d been so unprepared for what life had thrown at me lately. I didn’t have any plans to pursue a mating bond with my mates. It was basically impossible at this point, but what if something happened? I couldn’t have a baby. What if someone had found out what I’d done? I’d be executed, and leave a motherless child in the world, and I knew from experience that I didn’t want to do that.

Ignoring my brother’s disapproving frown and Levi’s worried face, I lifted the cup to my lips and drank.

✽✽✽

I wasn't surprised when it was Oren who showed to take over Shira Duty as night fell. He was the only one I'd ever permitted to be in the room with me when I was asleep, and my mates had been respectful of that, even when they'd been less respectful of my other wishes.

“Shira,” he said with a nod, ignoring Levi and Xander completely. It didn't sound like a warm greeting, but Oren wasn't effusive by nature. However, there was a softness to his pale blue eyes that was reserved for me that gave away how he was feeling.

It had been an uncomfortable afternoon between the three of us since I’d opted to drink the Lover’s Leaf tea. I didn’t think Xander disapproved necessarily; he was more grossed out by the fact I might need it.

“Are you going to be okay?” Levi asked softly, giving me a small smile. I didn’t know if he’d told the others about the Lover’s Leaf or not. If he had, Oren wasn’t reacting to it.

“I’m exhausted. I’m going straight to sleep, and I feel fine,” I added to reassure him, since he was watching me like I was about to collapse at any second. Levi hesitated, like he wanted to touch me but wasn’t sure if he could.

Don’t get attached. Don’t get attached.

“Do you, er, shall we hug?” I asked awkwardly. Xander snorted as he left the room.

“I would love a hug,” Levi replied, giving me a slow smile that turned my insides to mush. I stepped forward, meeting him halfway and walking into his embrace. Levi wrapped his arms around my shoulders and I grabbed the fabric of his shirt at his lower back, feeling the bunch of his muscles under my fingers.

I turned my face up to ask him a question, but he leaned down to kiss my forehead at the same time. Our lips brushed together, and I forgot everything I was going to say. Levi’s lips were pillowy soft. They felt glorious against mine, and despite my silent chants not to get attached, I didn’t immediately pull away.

Neither did he. For a long moment, we stood intertwined, our mouths pressed together, not deepening the kiss but not stopping it either. It felt like a promise, though it couldn’t ever be anything more. This had to be it. It had to be enough.

“Sleep well, beautiful,” Levi murmured against my lips, before taking a reluctant step back.