Page 41 of The Mountain King
Maddugh sighed. “My son. It seems work calls.”
Kailigh lifted her head, placed a kiss on his chin. “It always does, draco.”
She slid off him and packed up the basket as a dragon landed nearby, the sapphire of his scales glittering in the sunlight. The dragon shimmered, contracting in the bone-crunching, muscle-popping contortion that caused an unashamed shudder.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that,” Kailigh said.
Maddugh eyed her sideways. “Will it be a problem?”
“No. I just won’t ever get used to it.”
He shrugged and Amnan strode forward. Leaner than his father, and darker, a litheness to his steps that, shifter or no, implied a certain youthfulness.
“There will be trouble from the humans,” the son said, glancing at Kai.
“I’ll go—” she began and Maddugh raised a hand, silencing her.
Amnan shrugged. “I gather Gaston is planting the seeds of a rebellion.”
“Of what kind?” Maddugh asked.
“I don’t know. A strike? Maybe. Something less peaceful? We’ll have to wait and see.”
Maddugh sighed. “I hate waiting. Can you encourage things to move along?”
“Precipitate the situation?” Amnan’s brow rose, then his mouth pursed. “If I hasten Gaston’s timeline, it could backfire.”
“Hmm. If an enemy plants a bomb, make sure—”
“You’re the one to set it off.” Amnan backed up, shifting. “Father. Lady.”
She watched him gather his weight and launch into the air, powerful forelegs powering his thrust. It occurred to Kailigh that she would be his stepmother if she accepted the Lord’s suit. Huh.
Maddugh turned to her. “I want you and the girls to stay in the castle for the time being.”
“What?”
“I’m handling a situation and I don’t want you caught in the crossfire.”
Kailigh shook her head. “I understand, but I have my own business to deal with.”
“The trafficker. Allow me to take care of that nuisance as well. I have been remiss, after all—it ismytown, no matter what illusion the humans live under.”
Was the man mad? “Absolutely not.” If she had her own fire, she’d be puffing breaths of brimstone as well. “If you think I will sit back and watch my ass spread while—”
He grabbed her shoulders. “Kai, be reasonable. You’ve already been outgunned once—killed if I hadn’t stepped in.”
And wasn’t he a gentleman to remind her of that? “I’ve lived in this mountain town nearly all my adult life, and had several almosts. I won’t stop taking care of business just because of a few kisses between us.”
His expression darkened. “Not a few kisses. A vow.” His hand slid from her shoulder to bunch the fabric right over her heart. “You’re mine—I won’t see you harmed.”
The sentiment was sweet, if impractical. And she was also sure that the sweetness would wear off, in time. Kailigh stepped back. “If you try to chain me, then I’ll run. Vow or no, and take the consequences. My daughter was shot—this is a matter of honor and my reputation. I will not allow anyone to think they can get away with violence against my household.”
They stared at each other, fire flickering in Maddugh’s eyes. “Stubborn female,” he said and stepped back. “And you sound just like one of those damn Fae. I’m fully convinced that is the source of your blood.”
He turned on his heel and strode away. “Leave the basket,” he shouted over his shoulder.
She sniffed, unperturbed by his temper, and picked up the chocolates, following him in a more leisurely pace.
