Page 52 of Hopeless Sacrifice
Chapter Fifteen
An Awful Plan
I wake to the startling sound of boots storming through the house. I shove up from my spot on the tiny couch. A sharp pain shoots through my neck and I wince from the uncomfortable feel of it.
My gaze drifts through the living room, finding it empty.
I fell asleep here. But my aunt no longer sits at my side.
I shove off from the couch and start pushing my feet into my boots as I follow the echoing sound of endless footsteps. My thighs tense in pain with every step I take.
Perhaps fantastic sex before war wasn’t my brightest idea.
But I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t choose the amazing mistake all over again.
Darrio’s hair is tied tightly back as he listens to Ryder speak in quiet tones. My lips part at the sight of him. My heart aches as if he’ll be ripped away from me at any moment.
Soldiers come in and out to speak with one another before racing out once again through the back door. I begin buckling my belt, securing my blade at my side.
Daxdyn walks toward me. The three of them are dressed in clothes of black leather. My fingers reach out to skim over the smooth material that’s sturdy beneath my touch. The inky color catches the sunlight, glittering oddly against the rays.
“It’s dragon’s leather. Strong but beautiful.”
My gaze meets Daxdyn’s iron-like eyes, his sharp features and the hint of a perfect smile on his lips.
Strong but beautiful.
“I had the guys dig one up for you too.” Daxdyn reaches behind him and grabs a cloth of glistening leather for me as well.
It isn’t armor. It’s more like another layer of clothing. But magic glistens over every dark scale.
Is it protected somehow?
It’s soft against my hands. Daxdyn keeps his close proximity with me, his fingers drifting down to rest on my hip.
“I—I heard what Ryder said last night.” His words are spoken quietly, and even though I hear him, I don’t look up. I keep my attention held on the dragon’s leather in my palms. “Everything’s going to be alright, Kara.” He leans in to press his lips to my temple but I tip my head up at the last minute. On the toes of my boots, I lean into him. His lips land lightly against mine, and I close my eyes at the calming feel of it.
Daxdyn was the first. Darrio might have been the first man I ever loved, but Daxdyn was my first real friend. He made me laugh when I thought happiness wasn’t real. He urged me to be more than just a simple human. He saved me when I thought I was dying.
Our friendship makes us stronger. And that’s how I know he’s the only person I can say this to.
We keep close together. His chest pushes against mine as our hair brushes slightly together. My fingers lace through his and I hold his deep and knowing gaze.
“If it comes down to him or me,” I pause, choosing my whispered words carefully. “Don’t hesitate to save him. Say you’ll keep him safe.”
The starry color of his eyes narrows on me. Everyone around us continues on. But only he and I are in this moment.
“You’re carrying our baby, Kara. And even if you weren’t, I’d never promise you something like that.”
“I’m not asking you to promise. A promise is an insignificant thing. Not reliable at all really. Nothing but words and whispers.” My voice cracks as I try to keep a quiet tone. “I’m asking for action. I’m asking you to choose your brother over me if you have to. I was only a thief when we first met. The world will not miss a thief.”
His gaze shifts calculatingly over my features.
“Ipromise. I promise I’ll save him over you.”
His words circle my mind.
They’re pointed and sharply spoken as if he has no intentions of doing that at all.
