Page 80 of Ensnared
Axel shrugs.
“Of course he doesn’t care about the humans,” Gideon says.
“I’ve been caring for my human,” Axel says, “and her annoying friend.” He frowns. “I think I’ve been more than patient and understanding.” He narrows his eyes and climbs off the bed, the muscles in his stomach rippling as he does it. Apparently dragons don’t really store body fat in either form.
“I thought you didn’t sleep,” I say. “But you were in here all night?”
His half-smile’s pretty lethal. “The best way to heal my human,” Axel says, speaking slowly and drawing out every word, “was to spend some time with her.” He pauses again. “Skin to skin.”
“Okay,” I say. “Well, I appreciate that.” I flex my leg and move both arms back and forth. “A lot, actually. I can’t believe you fixed everything. I thought I’d lost enough blood that?—”
“You lost blood?” Gideon sounds frantic. “What happened?”
“It’s a long story,” I say.
“You should have plenty of time to tell me, since he has to leave, right?” Gideon glares pointedly at Axel. “He has a convocation to go to alone.”
Axel frowns.
“I need to talk to him for a moment,” I say. “Can you give us a bit?”
Gideon nods. But he doesn’t leave.
“Now?”
Gideon blinks. “Wait, did you mean me?”
“Yes,” I say. “I need to talk to Axel.”
Axel’s watching us with a broad smirk.
“Oh.” Gideon bumps the doorframe with his toe. “Sure. I’ll go make some breakfast.”
“You do that,” Axel says.
“Stop,” I say.
Gideon’s hand squeezes the door so tightly that it turns white, but then he releases it and stomps down the stairs.
“He’s a real hothead.”
“You’re not helping.” I spin on Axel. “Can you just stop?”
“Stop?” He raises both eyebrows.
“Never mind,” I say. “I need a bigger favor.”
“A favor?” He takes a step toward me.
I swallow. “I know this is a big ask, and I know she was going to hurt you through me, and I know Azar’s mad too, but can you beg him not to kill her?”
Axel exhales.
“My mom?—”
“The woman who was hacking at you with a sword?” His brow furrows.
“How do you know?”
