Page 26 of Leif

“And no one knows this about you?” I asked, touched he’d shared his secret with me. This was a pretty serious thing; if I were to tell someone who knew what would happen. Would he wind up on a table, cut open by scientists desperate to learn everything they could about him?

“A few people do. Only people I trust.” He looked down at me, and I smiled up at him.

“So you trust me?”

He tilted his head. “Eh. I just knew if I didn’t tell you, you’d figure it out. Then I’d have to deal with you becoming my own personal villain.”

I backed off with an offended sound, but he pulled me back into his arms. “Don’t take it like that. We both know you’re not one to quit when you have questions. That’s why you’re such a damn good cop.”

I relaxed into him, accepting the compliment with a smile. “Damn right. But you trust me; admit it.”

He leaned down and kissed my nose. “I trust you,” he murmured, then his lips met mine.

The kiss ended, and he smiled down at me as the forest came alive with the sound of life. Twilight began to creep up on us, and the frogs decided it was time to sing.

“So what’s with the colors? You’re golden, but Hitch was gray and black. Does it mean anything?”

He shook his head. “Nope, it’s like human coloring. Based on your parents, linage, and pureblood status. Purebloods are generally brighter, bolder, and more beautiful.”

“Purebloods?” I tilted my head, confused what he meant by this. There was nothing I didn’t want to learn, no question I’d let him leave unanswered.

“Offspring that are the result of two dragon parents.” He smiled down at me. “There will be plenty of time to learn. Are you ready to head back?” he wrapped me up protectively in his arms. “It’s getting chilly out here.”

“Sure.” With his arm around me, we turned back toward the house. “So, what now?” I wanted to know what he wanted to do next. He’d said I could stay with him, but it felt like a temporary offer. I wanted to know what he wanted, where he wanted this to go, and how he wanted to move forward.

“What do you want to do now?” He glanced down at me while we walked back. The thick scent of trees crowded in close, and I inhaled, even as the cold pressing in made my nose run a little.

“I’m not sure. I like you.”

“Well, Hitch and I are a package deal at the moment.”

“That’s fine.” I didn’t mind. His protective streak toward the teenager was actually kind of heartwarming. I had no doubt he was exactly what Hitch needed, and even that the teenager would be good for him too.

“Are you sure? It won’t always be pretty.”

I smiled up at him. “I know. And I’m not asking for forever. I just want to see where this goes.” I gestured between us as we stepped out of the woods and toward the house. Together, we walked up the steps and inside.

Hitch glanced up at us from the stove. “I’m making dinner. Did you kids get everything figured out?” A mischievous grin lit up his face, and I laughed.

“Maybe.”

“We’re going to have a conversation about privacy,” Leif said.

At that moment, the whole house disappeared, and the three of us stood amongst towering trees and overgrowth.

“You stop it, young man.” Leif’s admonishing tone seemed to be enough to stop Hitch, and the world returned to normal.

“How about we see you at my age?” Hitch said, a huge grin on his face. Suddenly, a very young, golden-eyed boy stood before us, talking to someone behind us in a soft voice.

“But I don’t want to go to bed!” The little golden-eyed boy stomped his foot.

Then the image faded as I stared at Hitch. “I guess he didn’t tell you,” Hitch said with a shrug. “I can show the past. Sometimes.”

“Wow. That’s pretty fantastic. So do you all have different talents?” I asked, surprised, and curious.

Leif nodded.

“Yeah, as far as I can tell, no two dragons have ever had the exact same talent. But I haven’t made it through all the history because—” His chin dropped to his chest, and he let out a loud snore.

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