Page 56 of Dragon Touched
“Don’t be a nuisance today.”
Stretching his neck, the dragon let out a squawk and hopped onto the tall, wooden perch near the window.
Fin tilted his head. “No, I won’t stop pacing. I’m thinking.” He ran a hand through his hair. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this.”
Two golden-yellow eyes studied him.
“Stop looking at me like that.” He tossed a piece of beef jerky into the air, and Cyan caught it between his sharp teeth and gnawed. “The spell demanded royal blood to activate the family crest.” He held the glowing ring to his face, running a forefinger over the upraised pea. “I wasn’t supposed to fall in love.”
Gulping, Cyan swished his tail and released a high-pitched squeal with several puffs of steam.
“It’s notfunny.” A scowl pulled Fin’s mouth at both corners. He pointed a finger and released a short burst of fire near the dragon’s feet. “Keep that up and I’ll ensure you never get another taco for as long as I live.”
Love—that’s not what this is, though, right? It’s just the guilty aftereffects of being a total cad to someone who had needed help.
Cyan snorted, then turned his attention to the space between a wing and his chest, cleaning with short, furious licks of his tongue.
And what had the great Finley Marin done, in his moment of triumph and vengeance? He’d pushed away the one person who’d made him feel like he mattered. She was right—hewasscared to step out of his comfort zone, to become part of this world, and her words had hurt.
“What was I thinking?” Shaking his head, he rubbed his neck. “You’re a twit, Fin. You sacrificed happiness for vengeance, and now look where it’s gotten you. In one night, that lovely, sassy woman saw what has taken you six agonizing years to see. Youarea coward who’s afraid of the world seeing your scars—your flaws.”
It wasn’t just about getting back at Vito, though. He’d also focused on returning home and proving he was the better man.
But am I? By giving up Sacha, am Ireallya better man, or did I doom myself?
He walked to the window, ignoring Cyan’s little grunts and licks, and released a streak of lighting into the distance.
Now that the ring restored his full power, he had to discharge several times a day when thoughts of Sacha needled their way into his brain. If he’d been in his world, it wouldn’t have been an issue. His planet thrived on magic and would’ve leeched it from his skin.
Leaning his body against the window frame, Fin sighed and scanned the horizon.
I’m an imbecile, he thought to himself.I should’ve taken her and opened the portal with the ring. Instead, I acted like a grumpy sap and pushed her away, along with my chance for freedom.
Finished with his bath, Cyan floated onto Fin’s shoulder and nudged his ear.
“Sod off. I know you don’t care about my state of mind.” He shrugged an arm to dislodge the dragon, but sharp claws dug into the robe and soft skin beneath.
Pushing his snout next to Fin’s cheek, Cyan released a short burst of high squeaks.
“What?” Fin furrowed his brows. “Spyon her, again?” He tapped a finger against his chin. “Don’t think it hasn’t crossed my mind. Alas, as much as I yearn to see her face, I can’t. I’d not be any better than her twat of a father.”
He trudged to the desk and sat.
Cyan rubbed Fin’s hair, then snapped a few pieces between his teeth. The pale blond locks tumbled to the floor.
“I have to give her what she needs.” Fin absently smoothed the side of his head where the tufts stuck out, then stroked the dragon’s head. “Freedom isn’t just being unrestricted, it’s deeper. True liberty comes from being able to choose—and to live with the choice.”
He blew out a breath in a long exhale.I’m a pathetic, lovestruck sap just like my father.
Downstairs, the sound of the front door closing made his heart skip a beat. Maybe Margaret had good news.
He stood and forced Cyan to his perch, then marched to the threshold. “Margaret.” Unwilling to wait for her slow ascent, he headed down.
His voice, magnified by the narrow stairwell, bounced against the dark, stone walls. A torch flickered in passing, and his shadow wavered on the opposite side.
Her little gray bun and hunched body, covered in its customary gloomy dress, appeared at the bottom of the staircase. “Yes, dear?”
“Did you check the mail?” He knew he sounded anxious, and the knowing look on her grinning face irritated him to no end.
