Page 30 of Emergence of Fire

“There could be someone else and that’s why you haven’t shifted.” Torin says as she pulls away from him and me. I want to grab her and hold her to me. The absence of her warmth is making me regret this conversation already.

“How long?” She turns to me. When I don’t answer right away her Dragon pushes through, changing her eyes is a flash. Big, golden, orbs with violet lightning strikes running through them burn holes in the side of my face as she stares at me. Her eyes are spectacular, and if she wasn’t upset I would move closer to her and get lost in them.

“How long have you speculated this?” The way she air quotes speculated, and places her hands on her hips, I can’t help but be turned on by her. We all look at each other, not sure how to answer without her being furious. I can practically see the steam rising from her hands.

“Since the day you saw us in our Dragon forms.” Gale finally answers and the look on her face is one I don’t ever want to see again.

Betrayal. Hurt. Anger.

“Explain. Now.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR

CORDELIA

Why am I so angry? I look at each one of them and I can see the regret and apology in their eyes. Yet, I am pissed. My rational mind is telling me to sit down and let them explain it all to me. My Dragon rages inside of me, demanding that they pay for lying. Did they lie? It sure as hell feels like it.

“Cordelia. I can honestly say we had no idea initially. I thought this was just another delay in your Emergence,” Torin says to me, and I can’t help but purse my lips in my displeasure.

“Yes, that you told me,” I say through gritted teeth. I am trying to calm myself down but I am finding it difficult.

“I told them to tell you.” Gale raises his hands in surrender. I round on him and get in his face.

“You are so good at blurting shit out, Gale. Why didn’t you ignore these assholes and just tell me. You’ve had plenty of opportunities where you could have. How many times has it just been the two of us? Your need to fuck me was more important! I needed honesty more than I needed your dicks!” I shout. I know I wasn’t being fair, and by the look on his face I know that it didn’t go over well. I want to stop myself but I can’t.

“That goes for you two as well.” I turn and point to Torin and Adrian.

“Look, Cordelia, baby, calm down. I didn’t say anything because you belong to us. The thought of someone else in the picture at the time freaked me the fuck out. Is that what you want us say?” I look at Torin and smile. Finally.

“Truth. I believe that. Thank you for your honesty, Torin.” I applaud him. I am sure I look really crazy right now, hell, I feel it.

“Gorgeous—”

“Nope. Let me stop you. One. I don’t belong to you. It’s the other way around. You belong to me. You’re my mates, assholes. Two. No more gorgeous, beautiful, or baby until we get this shit straight. There will be no pulling on my heartstrings. Understand?” I can tell he is angry that I cut him off and I don’t give a shit. My rage is starting to feel warranted.

“So, I need all three of you and this mystery person to finally shift. Is that correct?” I ask. All three of them nod their heads yes slowly and I feel like I’m going to be sick.

“Next question, do you think this mysterious mate is the presence that you’ve been trying to protect me from? Simple yes or no.” I wait for them to answer as they look at each other in hope someone else will speak up first. I huff. You would think they would be more forthcoming now they see how upset I am. Guess not. Maybe I’m not angry enough.

“Yes, we did consider that as well.” Adrian stands and slowly walks towards me. I can’t have them close to me right now. My heart will relent and I will allow them to soothe me. I don’t want to be soothed—I want to fucking scream.

“So, you all held that back as well.” I don’t wait for them to answer. I back away as Adrian continues to approach me, his hands are up with his palms facing outward, as if I am some wounded animal. I’m wounded alright.

“I need a minute. I know you may think my response to this is irrational.” I stop myself from what I was about to say.

“Do you know how inadequate I’ve felt? Like there was something wrong with me.” I hit my chest, a little too hard to be fair but I don’t let the pain show. “I have relied on the three of you to guide me. I haven’t been a Dragon my entire life. You have. I needed complete transparency. Instead, I’ve gotten half truths. I’ve pushed myself every day in the hope that I would eventually shift like you said I would.” I deflate then. I don’t want to talk anymore. I know they didn’t intend to hurt me, but they have. I turn my back on them to leave.

“Cordelia, baby, please,” Torin pleads, but I can’t give in to the sentimentality of his words. I want to. Gale can’t even look at me, his eyes are downcast to the floor and I feel bad for what I said to him. To all of them.

“I need to take a walk,” I say softly. I’ve spent most of my adult life on my own. Now, they are in my constant orbit. It’s been a wonderful feeling but right now I need time alone to think.

“You can’t go alone,” Adrian says. Damn it, Adrian. His words only make things worse.

“What part of I don’t belong to you do you not understand? I will go wherever the hell I please.” I can’t get a handle on my rage, so I close my eyes and hold my hands up for him to stop. All I can think about is being anywhere but in this room with the three of them. Something cold washes over me, chilling me to the bone. I feel a nauseating tug in my belly as if the floor is falling from under my feet. I open my eyes to find myself standing in the middle of a pitch-black forest with just the moon shining down on me for company. The chill I felt is the extreme difference in temperature between our room and the cold night air.

“What the fuck?” How the hell did I manage to teleport myself out of my room? I close my eyes and try to make myself go back but nothing happens. I guess I can’t force my intentions, because I was desperate to get out of that room. “This is new.” I mumble to myself in an attempt to stay calm. There is still so much I don’t know about myself and the magic I possess. This could come in handy if I can figure out how I did it. I glance around the tall trees surrounding me, it’s relatively quiet except for the sound of rushing water in the distance. The pale silver moonlight gives off just enough illumination for me not to completely lose my shit. I’ve never been afraid of the dark but with everything going on anyone could be out here.

“Pull it together, Cordelia,” I whisper. I have to remind myself that I am my own protection. If I want to be independent and have some semblance of my life back, I better start using my resources. I focus on my right hand and flames dance around my fingers. I smile because it’s taken me days but I have finally gained control over my fire erupting hands. My night vision kicks in as my Dragon pushes forward and my senses sharpen. I almost whoop in celebration, then I remember where I am and who could be listening.

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