Page 28 of Surge of Storms

Is it working?Evander asks, as annoyed as Granger himself.

Does it look like it’s working?Granger fires back.

Zane flies close to me, brushing my wing with his own.Help him.

How?

Cheer him up.

Zane makes the answer seem so obvious, and maybe it was. I circle around to find Granger, his expression intense, flying while deeply focused on being happy. I’ve never seen anyone trying to force themselves to be happy so much.

I fly beneath him, skimming my entire body along his in the air.

Instantly, I feel his awareness of me, his need to be close to me. He follows quickly behind, hovering just behind me. The dragon within him wants to mount me.

Doing a spin, I end up behind him, then shoot underneath him again, rubbing myself against him. His claws try to catch me, but he’s trying to be gentle, so it’s not hard to avoid him.

The rain stops. The clouds part. I can’t help but smile as he continues to follow me.

That’s not fair, he says, but there’s a smile in his words.

Just trying to help.

You and Aydan, always so helpful.

I’m laughing.What are best friends for?

After a minute, he says,About that. When do we get to call you something more than a friend?

Honestly, I hadn’t thought about it.Like what? Girlfriend?

Granger hesitates.I was thinking fiancée.

Fiancée?I laugh.And will we all get married?

Why not?he asks.We’ve already done the impossible. We’ve become dragons. The five us getting married hardly seems to be a difficult task.

He’s not wrong there.It does have a certain ring to it.

Although wife would sound better, he says.

Agreed, Zane says.

I’m up for it. And Aydan sounds happy.

We’ll have to get her a ring first.Evander seems to be already picturing whatever he’s planning.

I laugh, then another thought occurs to me.Zane, do we have children?

Zane doesn’t even hesitate.Two fire dragon sons. Both chose to be Awakened Dragons like me.

So, there will be little baby dragons flying around here when they awaken?Aydan asks, concern in his voice.

Zane laughs.Oh, no. Our sons have lived multiple lifetimes. They are fully formed adult male dragons now. They will no doubt be searching for their own mates when they awaken, now that their youthful days are behind them. And they will be excited for any siblings that may come.

That’s crazy. We’re going to meet our kids soon, I say, shaking my head.

It will be wonderful!Zane exclaims.I have known them and watched them grow each lifetime since they were born. Just like the past lifetimes, they will remember all of us and will be eager to spend the time they’re not looking for a mate with us. You will be happy. They are good boys. Very handsome, like their fathers.

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