The Warrior King (Inferno Rising #3) - Abigail Owen Page 0,127
and she gasped silently, breathing through it. Something that had happened out of the blue several times since she’d learned of it.
She should have been here. She should have had a chance to say good-bye to him. Taking a deep breath, she focused on the promise she’d made herself. She might have no fire, no power, but she was going to make a difference. She wouldn’t sit to the side anymore.
A man walked away from the tables. Here, with the Black, Gold, and Blue Clans together, along with a handful of dragons from the White Clan who’d chosen to leave and pledge themselves to the cause, he didn’t stick out as much. His short white hair and broad shoulders on a frame still too slender after his captivity, however, stood out as a beacon to her.
Airk.
Without making the conscious decision to do so, she started moving on a course to intercept, already able to see that he was leaving. He didn’t like being around so many at once. She knew that from the way he only stayed as long as he had to.
In the hallway leading behind the city at the base of the atrium to the human tunnels that would take him up to his chambers, she caught up to him.
“Airk.”
As he turned, his expression gave nothing away, as usual.
“Angelika,” he acknowledged.
She licked her lips, suddenly nervous. “I have an…offer to make you.”
Hands clasped behind his back, he faced her more fully, gaze taking in her serious expression, not a single emotion in his eyes. Not even a flicker of curiosity. “Yes?”
“Have you decided what’s next yet?”
He cocked his head, but no confusion lit his eyes. He remembered their conversation. “It seems to me,” he said in his slow, even tones, “my clan needs help determining what is and is not true about the High King they currently serve.”
“They need a new king.”
He said nothing, but he didn’t deny it.
“I think I’d like to help you with that.” She pulled her shoulders back. “For my father.”
“And how do you propose offering this help?” Airk asked.
Damn, she wished she could read him better. “Well…I am the daughter of the previous king, and a phoenix.”
“With no powers.”
She crossed her arms and offered him a chipper smile.
He frowned slightly at her reaction. “Am I wrong?”
“No.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Though only a few are aware. We want to keep that a secret as long as possible. But I’m smiling because you’re wrong.”
“Wrong?”
“Yes. You seem to think powerless means I don’t have the ability to make a difference. Such a dragon shifter way of thinking.”
He glanced down between their feet, thinking, then raised his glacial eyes to her. “I still don’t see how that helps me.”
“If we were to mate…”
Airk’s eyes narrowed. The biggest show of emotion she’d seen from the man. “I see.”
But did he? “It could work—”
“No.” One word. That was it. A harsh rejection in a shotgun of a word.
In a jerking motion, Airk spun away from her, striding down the hall. Angelika, shock rooting her feet to the ground, let him go.
But she wasn’t giving up. That wasn’t in her blood. Even without powers, she knew she could matter in this war.
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Acknowledgments
No matter what is going on in my life, I get to do what I love surrounded by the people I love—a blessing that I thank God for every single day. Writing and publishing a book doesn’t happen without the support and help from a host of incredible people.
To my fantastic, equally dragon-obsessed readers (especially my Awesome Nerds Facebook fan group!), thanks for going on these journeys with me, for your kindness, your support, and generally being awesome. Meira and Samael’s story was one of heart and learning to believe in yourself, no matter your background or ability or, especially, what other people think. I stopped writing in my teens/twenties because other people thought it was weird, and I wish so hard that I hadn’t listened. That experience came out in this story. I hope you fell in love with these characters and their story as much as I did. If you have a free sec, please think about leaving a review. Also, I love to connect with my readers, so I hope you’ll drop a line and say “Howdy” on any of my social media accounts!
To my editor, Heather Howland…four years ago I said I wanted to write paranormal romance with you, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together!
To my Entangled family…everything you do is awesome!
To my agent, Evan Marshall…thank you for the ride!
To my author sisters/brothers and friends…you inspire me every day!
To my support team of beta readers, critique partners, writing buddies, reviewers, friends, and family (you know who you are), as always, a thousand thanks!
Finally, to my own partner in life and our beautiful kids…I don’t know how it’s possible, but I love you more every day.
About the Author
Award-winning paranormal romance author Abigail Owen grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. She loves to write witty, feisty heroines, sexy heroes who deserve them, and a cast of lovable characters to surround them (and maybe get their own stories). She currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own personal hero, her husband, and their two children, who are growing up way too fast.
Don’t miss the Inferno Rising series…
The Rogue King
The Blood King
Also by Abigail Owen…
The Mate
The Boss
The Rookie
The Enforcer
The Protector
The Demigod Complex
Shift Out of Luck
Bait ’n’ Witch
Try As I Smite
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