Page 12 of Dragon's Revenge

“I don’t think that’s something to be proud of.”

“That’s where we differ in opinion, Mr. Hightower.”

Rhene sighed. “Call me Rhene. Mr. Hightower seems ridiculously formal under the circumstances.”

“As you wish, Rhene.”

“So what do your people have against the dragons anyway?”

His eyes flashed. “They’re evil. Pure evil. From the beginning of time, they have used their powers, their black magic, to hurt others. They abuse their own omegas, who have fewer rights than their pets do, and they harm or kill anyone who dares to stand against them.”

Rhene opened his mouth to protest, then closed it again, which did not go unnoticed by Duff. “I see you’ve experienced this firsthand,” he said smugly.

As much as he wanted to deny it, Rhene couldn’t. Not after what he’d seen at the Council. “There are certainly plenty of bad apples among them, I’ll give you that. And yes, I have seen evidence of that myself. My pack took in several Murphy omegas who were horribly abused by their alphas.”

Surprise flickered across Duff’s face. “You took in omegas from another clan?”

“Yes. Once we found out what was happening in the Murphy clan, we extended an invitation to all omegas who wanted to join us and let them know they’d all be welcome.”

“That’s…unusual. I didn’t think omegas were allowed to switch clans.”

“The Code permits it.”

“The Code.” Duff let out a huff. “As if that means anything.”

“It does to some.”

“They must be a minute minority. Every single dragon I’ve met has shown utter contempt for the Code and, with it, concepts like honor and justice.”

“I agree most dragons seemed to have veered far away from the very principles their ancestors once wrote down. But some seek a return to the old ways.”

“Some.” Duff cocked his head. “And by that, you mean your boyfriend?”

“He’s not my boyfriend. He’s mymate.” It came out sharper than might have been wise, but Rhene couldn’t help himself.

“What’s the difference?”

“The difference is that our connection goes far deeper than mere boyfriends. We were destined to be together. Fated mates.”

“Fated mates? An alpha dragon and an alpha wolf? I find that hard to believe.”

“Why?”

“Why? Because you’re both alphas and two different species, that’s why.”

Why the fuck did Duff keep repeating what Rhene was saying before answering? It was so damn annoying. “Why would it matter? We love each other. Isn’t that all that matters?”

“Don’t you want kids at some point?”

Oh, so Duff hadn’t heard about that little update. Should Rhene tell him? Duff had made it clear he wasn’t interested in the wolves, so why not? Maybe it would help him gain more sympathy and understanding. “I am a dad, actually. Through a surrogate, one of the omegas in my pack.”

Again, Duff showed his surprise, quickly followed by annoyance. “I see I need to get better sources.”

Better sources? Oh right. He’d said he was the last one left, so he must have help from others. But who? “Who’s your source?”

“Like I would tell you.”

Rhene shrugged. “I told you the truth. You didn’t know I had a son, and I told you.”

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