Page 130 of Saving the Last Heir
“Remember when I told you I wished all the dragon healers hadn’t vanished?” I said.
“Yeah.”
I nodded toward Marquel and Cassandra. “She’s a healer. A healer who really likes your dad. She asked if I’d be okay with her using some subtle spell work and magic on him.” I winked at her. “He really likes thatspecialtea she makes, if you know what I mean.”
Shyanne’s head snapped around to see her father sipping from a mug. Her face tightened, her lips quivering slightly. When she looked at me again, her eyes were glossy with tears.
“Is…is he gonna be totally fine soon? Like, completely healed?”
Putting an arm around her, I pulled her into my side. “He’s gonna be fine. It also looks like he might have a new lady friend when this is all over.”
She threw her arms around me. I stroked her hair as she sobbed into my chest. While she released her emotion, I looked around. The scene was something I’d grown to believe I’d never see again. A house full of life, laughter everywhere, children playing, friends enjoying each other’s company. It was all I’d hoped for, yet I was about to lose it all again.
The call to Japan had given me some solid and real intel. There was a ninety-percent chance that I knew where the next orb was. My other research had given me solid leads in Britain, South Africa, and Brazil. The problem was, I needed to move fast. That Japanese drake might get wind of my search and move the orb.
My heart told me to stay. To bask in this love and joy, to have intimate moments with Shyanne, to get to know my little sister as she grew, and enjoy time with my parents, but I was an alpha. This was my responsibility, and I had to do what needed to be done.
“Can we go inside and talk?”
Sniffling and wiping her eyes, she nodded. “Sure. What’s wrong?”
Taking her hand, I led her into the house, waiting until we were in my room to break the news.
“I know where the Asian orb is,” I said at last.
Her jaw dropped open. “That’s great. Where is it?”
“A penthouse in Tokyo. Highly guarded. Lots of security. It’ll be dangerous, but it’s doable.”
Her face fell. “You’re going, aren’t you?”
Nodding slowly, I said, “Yes. My contact had to do some digging. If I don’t go soon, word may spread. This drake is deeply involved in the yakuza and the criminal underworld, the same way Joseph was. If he knows I know, he’ll move the orb. It might end up somewhere I can never get it. I need to go tonight. I told Mom and Dad already, but I wanted to let you know in private.”
Shyanne stared at me for several long moments, then gave a single nod of her head.
“Sounds good. When do you want to leave? I have my overnight bag in the car, but we’ll need to stop by my house to get my passport and a few other?—”
“Whoa!” I said. “What are you talking about? I meant I was going. Alone.”
She waved a hand through the air. “Not a chance. Zero percent. You need help. I’ve proven I can do what needs to be done to keep your ass from getting killed. I’m going. That’s final.”
“But…” I didn’t know what else to say. Then something occurred to me, a last-ditch argument. “What about your shop? Someone’s got to run that. I might be gone a couple weeks, maybe even a few months if we go straight after the next orb. Who’s going to manage everything?”
She cocked an eyebrow and gave me a knowing smile. “You just let the cat out of the bag. That magic dragon woman is healing my father. He will love to get back in the shop after not being able to help the last few years. And if anyone knows how to keep that place running smooth, it’s him.”
After a long pause, I let out a low chuckle. I was out of arguments. “Well, shit. I, uh, I guess we’re taking a trip?”
“You said you weren’t leaving me. I took that literally. I don’t want to be without you, even for a few months, not a few days.” She put a hand on my cheek. “Not even for a minute.”
She kissed me, and any doubt I had melted away. She was right. I didn’t want to leave her. No matter how much danger we endedup in, I’d die to protect her. If she was safe with anyone, she was safe with me.
Pulling away, I grinned at her. “You make a great argument. I guess we’re going to Japan.”
“Ahhh,” she cried in excitement and wrapped her arms around me.
I hugged her back, unable to stop my laughter. “Hang on, now. This isn’t a vacation. It’s a dangerous mission to save a race of magical beings from mystical imprisonment.”
“Andnopart of that sounds fuckingawesometo you?”
