tell him honestly.
The side of his mouth twitches. “Is that all, little Aida?”
Ugh. “No. I wanted to make sure my people made it to the caves alive.”
He leans forward and rests his brow upon mine, moving his hand from my chin to cup my nape. Shivering, I give in.
“There is nothing for you to worry about,” he says softly. “Nothing at all.”
“Halt! Aida and dragon, the elders demand to see you! Do not fight us. Lay down any weapons you hold.”
I wince—the tribe comes to collect us. Our time together ends.
“What if my family doesn’t accept us?” I ask, hurriedly.
“Then we will run away together.” Zaeyr doesn’t let go of me. Instead, his lips brush my ear. “You have already proven yourself tenfold. If they do not see that, they do not deserve you.” He lifts away and turns from me. It’s all I can do not to whimper from the loss.
The scouts on the beach move closer, eyeing us with suspicion.
“We will come willingly,” he tells them. “We carry no weapons.”
A tear slides down my cheek, and I swipe it away at once. My strength returns. Moving to stand beside my dragon, I stare down my female tribemates before us.
17
Accusations
Walking through the village at twilight, no one comes near us, and those who escort keep their spears trained on Zaeyr. Whispers abound, but none that I can make out.
It’s not the reception I expect. I expected a fight with Delina, my mother, perhaps the elders. But this? It’s so much worse. I tighten my hold on Zaeyr’s hand, glimpsing his face.
Unlike me, he doesn’t look the least bit worried.
When we reach the elders’ hut, I release his hand and enter first, he follows immediately after.
Father, Stagie, Nata, and Drea are sitting around a low table, talking. Mother is there as well—and Leith. Between them is a weeping Delina. Her eyes lift to mine and she cries louder, burrowing in our mother’s outstretched arms.
Leith shoots Zaeyr a look of murder. “What is he doing here?” He stands, points, demands.
“Sit, Leith! It is not you who decides who is allowed entry when the elders convene,” Tabach snaps. He turns to me and Zaeyr. “Aida—daughter—and Zaeyr, yes? Please sit and join us.”
Leith growls but lowers back to Delina’s side.
Zaeyr and I join them at the table. Those on either side slide away, rearranging so no one sits directly next to us.
“He attacked me,” Delina cries out. “He tore off my coverings and pushed me to the ground! I was so scared.”
I gape, staring at my sister.
Finally, I realize what is happening.
“Liar!” I hiss. Betrayed again, by my own family this time.
“Enough,” Tabach bellows. Delina sniffles, turning now to Leith. I glare daggers.
A terrible, foreboding noise emanates from beside me. We all look at Zaeyr as he rises back to his feet, muscles strained, eyes blazing. He’s focused on Leith, and only Leith. “You,” he rasps.
Leith cowers but stands, face going hard. “Do you want to fight, inhuman beast?”
Father tries to settle us again, but his words go ignored.
I’ve never seen Zaeyr look more savage and predatory. It’s not how he looks at me in heat or when he rams himself between my legs—no, he reels with fury. Only fury. Grabbing his wrist, tendrils pulsate beneath my fingers. His fury enters me.
“Zaeyr, don’t,” I beg, confused. He hates Leith with such passion.
“You, male, I know your smell! It was on Aida!” he roars.
The next instant, he’s across the table on top of Leith, pinning him to the floor. He’s twice the size of boyish Leith, twice the size of me! He could break him in two.
Screams ring out, the elders jerk back, and guards surge into the hut to press their spear tips to Zaeyr’s back. His tail swipes them away.
The kiss, I realize. He knows of Leith’s kiss. My stomach pits.
“See! This is what he is,” Delina shrieks. “A beast!”
“Let go of Leith!” one of the scouts shouts.
“No!” I scream, jumping up and throwing myself between him and the scouts, flinging out my arms. They scowl at me.
Unhindered by the chaos, Zaeyr growls. “I tasted you on Aida’s lips. Why?” A hush falls over the group. Everyone is poised to make another move but afraid to follow through. Zaeyr’s deep voice commands that much intimidation. “Why!?”
Smoke plumes the air.
Rasping sounds come from Leith’s throat.
“Do something!” Delina wails. “He’s killing him!”
“Don’t you dare,” I warn the scouts nervously shuffling. Turning to Zaeyr, I place my hand on his shoulder. “He kissed me. That’s