Page 64 of To Ignite a Dragon's Desire

Kieran wouldn’t let Ember get hurt, but what about Willow? It was only her and Harper there living at the cabin.

I should call for backup.

But I had to go alone.

Drew would make good on his threats if I didn’t.

I knew him. The minute he sensed something wrong, he’d disappear. And that was worse.

The thought of him angry and out there somewhere waiting to get his revenge—of always looking over my shoulder and watching for his next move—made my throat close up.

I refused to live walking on eggshells again.

It was better to face this head-on.

The road split with one lane veering right towards Christmas. I drove just past it. The hotel was five miles up ahead. I still didn’t have a solid plan. Drew was waiting, probably angry I was taking so long. He’d be frustrated. I didn’t have an excuse.

I slowed to a stop as my nerves got the best of me. My breaths came short. Lightheaded, I removed the helmet to suck in some fresh air.

Maybe I’m too old for this.

It’d be so easy to turn around and go hide somewhere. To let someone else handle my problems and take the reins. Twenty years later and I still wished I could call my parents to ask them what the right answer was.

“You’re not trusting your instincts…”

It was Lucan’s voice in my head that came to me in that moment and instinctually, I knew he was right.

I’d almost forgotten how fast my heart could beat, but I willed it to slow down. That numbness I used to sink into was still there, waiting at the edge of my consciousness like an old friend, but I purposefully made myself feel what was in this moment.

The sun on my skin. The wind in my hair. The strength of my muscles as they tightened and relaxed. Tears filled my eyes and I let them glide down my face, drying in the desert breeze.

I was strong enough to handle this.

I wouldn’t cower to that asshole anymore.

And I should at least let someone know where to find me.

“Willow is going to be so upset that I didn’t change my number.” I laughed to myself as I took another deep breath, letting life fill my lungs. I dug through my purse for my phone.

Ember was the one I needed, though. She came with fire at her call. I didn’t want to bother her, but I knew she’d kill me if something happened and I didn’t give her a heads up.

The lock screen showed a missed text.

Drew:Tick, tock. I’m tired of waiting.

I bypassed his text message, careful not to open it so it didn’t show as read, and sent a quick text to Ember letting her know where I was if anything went wrong.

Lucan hadn’t brought his phone when he flew after Malachy and I hadn’t missed any calls from him, so he probably still wasn’t home.

But I messaged him anyway.

Riley:I’m in love with you. Not sure if that’s the mate bond speaking, but I trust myself again. Thanks for believing I could. I’m glad you kidnapped me. Also, don’t be mad. But I have to do this.

Another text came through as I hit send and I saw the preview.

Drew:Time’s almost up.

I dropped my phone to the ground and slid the helmet back over my head.

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