Page 26 of To Match A Dragon's Fire

Ember let out an outraged gasp as she stared up at me with big hazel eyes. “Keep wishing, buddy. This is my house, so get out.”

She pointed to the door.

I had to physically force myself to take a step back. This was insane. I didn’t engage in arguing—with a human, no less.

Even Lucan couldn’t rile me this way. There was a reason dragons came to me for advice. I kept a level head. Yet this woman was making me crazy.

I could snap her like a twig, but she acted as if I wasn’t a threat. How did she not sense the predator within me? Did she have any notion of self-preservation? Or manners, for that matter?

She’s frightened so she lashes out.

My beast sensed the primal element behind her actions and the tension in my shoulders eased a bit. There was no need to get us both so riled up.

A noise from the vehicle drew my attention.

This close, I could see through the windshield. My throat dried as I took in the audience I hadn’t seen before. Two human women and a small female child, eyes wide with fear and exhaustion.

They all gave me a tentative wave.

I turned back to Ember. “I think we got off on the wrong foot.”

“Take the rest of your shit and leave.” Ember panted and her quads were flexing as she struggled to pull the stack of crates outside.

“Be careful with that,” I hissed, feeling my heart beat in strange ways as my dragon’s protective worry surged.

Ember stood up straight and scowled. “What is in here? It’s heavy as rocks.”

I reached out to stop her, feeling the intensity of her fury as my hand landed atop hers. The warmth shot through me, almost burning despite my cold blood, and I pulled my hand away.

“Don’t.”

She opened the crate anyway.

“Books?” Ember arched an eyebrow.

“I’m surprised you know what they are.” I slammed the lid shut and picked up all three crates at once, feeling a little prideful at the look of shock on her face.

“I’m surprisedyouknow what they are,” she called from behind me, hands planted on her hips as she marched into the yard. “And you better not come back here again, trespasser.”

Did she mock us?My dragon chuffed.

I didn’t share his humor at the situation.

I told you this wasn’t fate.

9

Ember

Cobwebs and Dust Bunnies

“How long are we supposed to let her stay in there?” Riley asked.

“Should we do a welfare check?” Willow was quiet for a moment. “We should’ve checked on you more often. I wish I’d forced you to move in with me when Ember did.”

“Can we please not focus on my problems?” Riley groaned. “Ember is the one hiding in her old childhood bedroom.”

“You know I can hear you guys, right?” I leaned my head against the door. That was the problem with small houses. There wasn’t anywhere to escape. “Give me a minute and I’ll be out.”

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