Page 15 of Surge of Storms

“Granger is the storm dragon,” I say, my words falling between us like stones as I squeeze Granger’s hand.

Three matching looks of disbelief flash across their faces. After a moment, Evander shakes his head, wrinkling his nose, Zane smiles, and Aydan stands frozen.

I clench Granger's clammy hand tighter. “The green dragon tried to kill him, and he shifted.”

“But the dragon took him before, and he didn't shift,” Evander argues, and I realize he’s in complete disbelief.

I look at Granger. I hadn't thought of that.

Even though he's paler than a sheet, he says, “I wasn't close to death then.”He's right about that.

Unexpectedly, Zane rushes forward and pulls Granger into a big hug, lifting him up with some effort. “You smell like a dragon now.” He pulls away, grinning. “I should have known. I should have suspected. You are everything the great storm dragon has always been. You are the missing piece of our harem.”

“Th-thanks,” Granger manages, eyeing the silent Aydan as Zane releases him, grinning.

“So this is seriously happening?” Evander asks, sniffing toward us again.

“Yup,” I say. “I saw him shift with my own eyes.”

After a moment, Evander groans. “You were already such a pain in the butt. I can't imagine… but fuck, at least I won't be the only one aware of your possessiveness of Sam. And God knows we could do worse.”

Everything quiets. Zane falls back to stand beside Aydan, but doesn't touch him or speak. Evander's gets an,oh shit, look on his face.

Aydan looks at me, but not Granger. “Did you two fuck?”

I tense, squeezing Granger's hand tighter. “You know what it's like when you first shift…”

“Have you fucked before?” he asks, an accusation in his voice.

“What? No!” I manage, glaring.

Then his gaze lands on Granger. “How long have you felt this way about her?”

It's foolish, but in that moment, I want him to lie. Aydan is jealous and possessive, he can't help himself, and this is already a lot for him.

Granger holds his gaze as he says, “I've always been in love with Sam, but you were too important to me, so I knew nothing would ever happen with her. Even though I couldn't bring myself to consider a future with anyone else, a future with her meant losing you, so I never even considered it.”

Aydan seems to take a minute to consider his words. “You've always loved her?”

“Yes.”

“And that's why you were never with other women?”

“Yes.”

“And you were just… going to let me have her?”

Granger doesn't even hesitate. “Yes.”

Aydan steps forward, and we both flinch, but he wraps his arms around Granger. “You're a really good friend… and I'm glad you're the storm dragon.” Then, he reaches for me and pulls me into the hug too.

I feel Granger relax. He sounds like he's on the edge of tears. “I thought you'd hate me.”

Aydan laughs. “You? Never. I'm just thankful we live in a world where we can both have the girl of our dreams.”

“You mean all of us!” Zane says, and then he comes flying into us, wrapping us in a hug too.

“Fuck,” Evander mutters, and then he's hugging us too. “Just thisonetime.”

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