Page 38 of The Eternal Choice

She winces and while her words are soft, they might as well be shouted out loud. “Leandro took his own life, but it was Nario who tried to take yours.”

Shock flows through me. Nario? My own damn brother was the one who tried, and almost succeeded in cutting off my head? I grit my teeth when I realize in a short fragment of time I lost both brothers. Well, one took his own life, but the other…Nario…who killed me will be dead soon. And yes, he did kill me, and if it wasn’t for Lilliana I wouldn’t be here right now.

Glancing up, I tell her, “I need to get up there and kill him.”

“Shift. I’ll be right behind you,” she states and takes a few steps back to give me the room I need.

I let my gaze find hers and suddenly realize, “You saved me twice. Once for coming after me, using your wings, and just now by bringing me back to life.”

She brings her hand up to cup the side of my face. “Anything for you.”

Fated mates for some means mere chemistry. An indication of finding the perfect mate to reproduce and share aprosperous life with. Some might not understand it at all, and I guess one can only grasp the meaning when it happens to you.

It happened to me and I’m still making sense of the overload of emotions my veins are washed with. Every second spent in her presence is given meaning, every pump of my heart beats in sync with hers, and it’s her who saved me, and the clan along with it.

Shit. Not yet. We need to get up there because Tony and his daughter are still there along with Nario.

“Don’t use your wings, get on my back instead,” I firmly tell her.

She purses her lips and I can see the defiance in her stunning eyes right before she says, “I don’t care about anyone seeing my wings. We don’t know what we’re gonna find up there, I’m not going to let you face them alone while I’m sitting defenseless on your back.”

I know she has a point and it’s why I huff, “Fine.”

The relief written all over her face is worth it and I take a few steps back to gain the space I need to shift. I let the air fill my lungs and bring my dragon to the front, allowing my body to change. The shift is fluid and it feels empowering to spread my wings and move them to catch the wind and lift my body into the air.

My magnificent mate releases her wings and does the exact same as she crosses her ankles. Her hand disappears into nothing and then she’s holding a sword. She must have grabbed it from the invisible bag she always carries around.

Instead of talking about who goes up first, we both shoot into the air and are ready to attack as we stare down at the scene in front of us. Leandro’s body lies lifeless on the ground, as dothe two guards beside him. Tony and Naryssa both have a sword pointed at their neck by Lucian and Creed.

The anger I feel switches to defeat when I see the headless body of Nario at Alrigo’s feet. My heart stutters against my rib cage at the sight of both brothers lost. How didn’t I see this coming? Their betrayal, their issues with me as clan leader? I can’t wrap my head around any of it.

“Everything seems under control,” Lilliana states, and inside my head it’s far from the truth. “You can land in the clearing and shift.”

I mindlessly follow her and when my claws hit the dirt I let my body fall to the ground in defeat. A gentle touch on my snout causes my eyes to open, not realizing I closed them.

“I know it’s a lot, love, and you deserve all the answers but there’s a possibility you won’t get them. However, we can press Tony for some information. Leandro must have given him reasons to work with him. Come on, shift back and then we’ll try to get some clarity.”

Slightly bobbing my head, she gives me a small smile and catches me by surprise when she gives me a kiss on the snout.

“Good boy,” she murmurs, making me growl.

She shoots me a wink and steps back to give me the space I need to shift back. Once my next step is barefoot, and my face normal, I’m hit with a bunch of fabric. Holding it out, I notice it’s sweatpants.

“Put that on. I don’t want you swinging your dick in the presence of my family, or that bitch Naryssa for that matter,” Lilliana grumbles.

I jerk my chin in her direction as I pull them on. “What else do you have for me in that bag of yours? Shoes? Cookies?”

“I have snacks, and shoes, but not in your size. I’ll be sure to add those later.” There’s a teasing tone in her voice as she steps closer and touches my cheek with the tips of her fingers. “Come on, let’s try and get some answers and make sure the war ends today.”

Wrapping my arms around her to pull her flush against me, I bury my face in her neck to breathe her in and take a moment to catch my breath. How quickly can life turn from havoc to hell and make you stand in the rubble of insanity to pick up the pieces? I know we have to move on, and the woman in my arms, giving me her strength, is the driving force I need to make that happen.

Pulling back, I take her face in my hands and murmur, “You’re my winged protector, the bringer of life and love in a time where catastrophe threatens to end all we believe and strive for. Where I thought my blood had my back, it’s our new bond that saved me while the betrayal of my brothers almost ended my life. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you, and it’s something I will never forget.”

The corner of her mouth twitches. “Pretty sweet words, babe. I kinda like you too.”

I snort and the twinkle in her eyes lets me know it’s why she gave the sassy response. “You love me, admit it.”

She pats my chest. “Let’s not go overboard. We just met, and I saved your life so you’re all mush in my hands. Give it a few days for us to share the same space and you’ll get annoyed with my quirks, I’m sure.”

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