Emma McKenzie believed the moon had chosen Callum McTavish as her true mate.
For three perfect months they loved in secret promising forever under the stars.
Then her father announced the alliance Callum would marry her obedient sister Kreiona instead.
Duty before destiny.
Callum chose comfort and pack politics over their bond rejecting Emma publicly while she stood broken in the shadows.
On the wedding night as the blood moon rose to bless their union everything shattered.
The moon’s light ignored the ritual circle and fell directly on Emma marking her before the entire gathering.
From the forest emerged Alistair Drummond Alpha of Alphas ruler of five territories who dropped to one knee before her and declared her his true mate.
He had searched for her for five years.
The moon had shown him her face in dreaMs. Now he vowed to protect her court her properly and prove he was the mate who would never choose duty over destiny.
I should have known something was wrong when Marcus kissed my forehead that morning.
He never did that.
Not unless he was hiding something.
Stay close to the group today he’d said his eyes not quite meeting mine.
The northern woods can be dangerous.
Dangerous right what a joke.
Now I’m lying in a ravine with a broken leg watching the sun sink below the treeline.
And the only danger was the people I called family.
The wolves who were supposed to protect me they pushed me.
All of them.
Even Sarah my so-called best friend who couldn’t look at me as Marcus gave the order.
She’s dead weight he’d announced to the council.
An omega who can’t shift who can’t contribute.
She’s draining our resources.
Resources that’s what I’d become.
Not Emma.
Not the girl who healed their children with herbs who kept their histories who loved them despite being different.
Just dead weight.
The fall should have killed me.
Maybe they think it did.
The snap of my leg echoed through the ravine like a gunshot and I’d screamed until my throat bled.
But they’d already gone.
I heard their paws thundering away.
Felt the pack bond severing like a rope fraying thread by thread until there was nothing left but empty air where family used to be.
I’m going to die here.
That’s not self-pity.
It’s just math.
No food.
No water nearby.
A leg bent at an angle that makes my stomach turn.
Night is coming.
The northern woods belong to something else after dark.
Everyone knows that.
We just never talk about what.
Temperature drops faSt. October in the mountains doesn’t mess around.
I drag myself against a boulder.
Every movement sending white hot agony through my leg.
My fingers are already numb.
My lips taste like copper and dirt.
This is it.
This is how it ends.
23 years old abandoned by my own kind dying alone in a ditch.
Close my eyes.
That’s when I feel it.
Impossible.
Searing heat rolling over me in waves.
My eyes snap open and I forget how to breathe.
A dragon.
An actual honest to God dragon is standing at the edge of the ravine staring down at me with eyes like molten gold.
Scales the color of midnight shimmer in the dying light.
Each one the size of my hand.
Wings that could blot out the moon are folded against a body that’s all muscle and ancient power.
Dragons are extinct.
That’s what everyone knows.
The shifters were hunted down centuries ago.
Killed off one by one until there were none left.
Fairy tales.
But fairy tales don’t have heartbeats that shake the ground.
Myths don’t make the air taste like smoke and lightning.
The dragon’s nostrils flare.
It’s scenting me.
Deciding if I’m worth the effort or just another dying thing in its territory.
Please I whisper though I don’t know what I’m asking for.
Death might be a mercy at this point.
The dragon’s head tilts almost curious.
Then it begins to shrink.
Bones crack and reshape.
Scales melting into skin.
Wings folding into the broad shoulders of a man who definitely shouldn’t exiSt. He’s naked.
Of course he is.
That’s how shifting works.
But I barely notice because his face is stopping my heart.
Sharp jaw dusted with stubble.
Dark hair that falls into those impossible golden eyes.
A body covered in scars that tell stories of survival.
And he’s walking down into the ravine.
Heard you wolf he says and his voice is gravel and smoke.
You’re dying.
Thanks for the update.
Even now sarcasm is my defense mechanism.
Are you here to help or just watch?
Something flickers across his face.
Surprise maybe.
Your pack left you.
It’s not a question but I answer anyway.
Yeah they’re not big on charity cases.
He crouches in front of me and I catch his scent.
Pine and ash and something wild that makes my broken omega instincts sit up and pay attention.
This close I can see the gold in his eyes isn’t just color.
It’s actual light burning from somewhere deep inside.
You’re not a shifter he observes.
Thanks for pointing that out too.
You’re really on a roll with the obvious tonight.
His lips twitch almost a smile.
You’re injured and you’re mouthing off.
We’re both having a weird day.
This time he does smile and it transforms his entire face.
He looks younger less like death walking.
I’m going to touch you now.
It will hurt.
Everything already hurts.
What’s a little more?
His hands are on my leg and it’s not pain.
It’s fire.
Literal fire burning through my veins.
And I’m screaming again but this time something is happening.
The bone is moving snapping back into place with a sound that’s going to haunt my nightmares.
The swelling is going down.
The pain is fading.
When he pulls away my leg is straight still bruised still tender but whole.
What?
How did you?
Dragon fire he says.
It heals among other things.
He stands offering me his hand.
I take his hand because what else am I going to do?
And the moment our skin touches the world explodes.
Not literally but something inside me tears open.
And I feel it.
The bond.
The mating bond snapping into place with the inevitability of gravity tying me to this stranger this impossible man who is supposedly the last of his kind.
His eyes go wide.
He feels it too.
No he breathes taking a step back.
No that’s not that can’t.
What the hell was that?
My heart is trying to escape my cheSt. We can’t.
He’s shaking his head looking at me like I’m a bomb about to explode.
You’re a wolf.
I’m this doesn’t happen.
Our kinds don’t mate.
Well apparently someone forgot to tell our biology that.
He runs a hand through his hair and I notice his hand is trembling.
This ancient powerful creature is scared of me of this.
I’m Kale he finally says.
Emma.
Emma.
He tastes my name like wine.
This is a problem.
Yeah I’m getting that impression.
Your pack will come back for you.
It’s my turn to laugh bitter and sharp.
No they won’t.
That’s kind of the whole point of abandoning someone to die.
When they realize you’re alive they won’t care.
I’m not pack anymore.
They made that clear.
Kale studies me for a long moment.
And I feel the weight of centuries in that gaze.
You have nowhere to go.
Nope.
No one to protect you.
Just me myself and my sparkling personality.
And now you’re mated to the last dragon shifter in existence which makes you a target for every hunter collector and council in the supernatural world.
Is this supposed to be a pep talk because you’re really bad at it.
That almost smile again.
Come with me.
Where?
My territory.
It’s not far.
He glances at the darkening sky.
The woods aren’t safe after dark.
Things hunt here.
Worse things than wolves or dragons.
And I should trust you because?
Kale looks at me.
Really looks at me and I see something raw in his expression.
Because I’m your mate now.
Whether I like it or not whether you like it or not that bond he touches his cheSt. It means I’ll die before I let anything hurt you.
That’s not a choice.
That’s just what is.
I should be terrified.
I should run.
But my pack threw me away like trash.
And this stranger this mythical impossible stranger just healed me and claimed me and is offering sanctuary when I have nothing left.
Okay I hear myself say.
Okay.
He nods once then shifts again.
The transformation is quicker this time almost casual.
The dragon lowers itself.
And I realize what he’s offering.
You want me to ride you?
That’s not we just met.
The bond doesn’t mean the dragon huffs and smoke curls from its nostrils.
Even in this form I can feel his exasperation through the bond.
Fine.
Fine.
I climb onto his back settling between his shoulder blades where the scales are smootheSt. But if you drop me the bond won’t protect you from my fury.
I feel the rumble of his laughter through his entire body.
Then his wings snap open and we’re launching into the air and I’m flying.
I’m flying on the back of a dragon who just became my mate leaving behind the pack that wanted me dead.
Heading toward a future I can’t begin to imagine.
My scream echoes across the mountains.
But this time it’s not pain it’s freedom.
Kale’s territory turns out to be a cave system built into the side of a mountain.
But calling it a cave is like calling a mansion a house.
These aren’t crude holes in the rock.
They’re chambers carved and shaped over centuries with smooth walls and natural skylights that let in moonbeaMs. Phosphorescent moss provides soft light.
And there’s actual furniture.
Rough-hewn but comfortable.
You live here I breathe turning in a slow circle.
Alone for the last 60 years.
Kale’s human again.
Now dressed in worn leather pants he pulled from a cheSt. Before that my clan lived here.
All of us.
What happened to them?
His jaw tightens.
Hunters.
The Council of Supernatural Order decided dragons were too dangerous to coexist with other shifters.
Too powerful.
So they hired hunters silver bullets for the wolves iron for the fae and dragon’s bane for us.
He touches a scar on his cheSt. I survived because I was young small enough to hide while they slaughtered my family.
The pain in his voice makes my chest ache.
Kale don’t.
He holds up a hand.
I’ve had decades to make peace with it.
Doesn’t mean I trust easily.
Doesn’t mean I ever planned to.
He gestures between us.
This taking on a broken omega with a death wish.
You don’t have a death wish.
He studies me with those unsettling golden eyes.
You have a survival wish.
There’s a difference.
No one had ever seen me that clearly before.
It was uncomfortable and comforting at the same time.
Why didn’t you shift?
He asked suddenly.
When your pack turned on you.
Why didn’t you fight?
The old shame rises hot and familiar.
Because I can’t.
I’m what they call a null.
Born to shifters but unable to shift myself.
No wolf form no pack magic just human.
Useless.
Not useless.
Kale crosses the space between us in three strides.
That bond we feel it only forms between true mates compatible souls.
If you were useless the bond wouldn’t exiSt. Maybe your dragon is broken too.
He laughs sharp and surprising.
Maybe but I don’t think so.
His hand comes up hesitates then tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.
The touch sends sparks across my skin.
The bond is already pulling at me wanting to protect you provide for you keep you close.
That’s probably just dragon instincts you know hoarding treasure and all that.
You think you’re treasure?
I think I’m a liability you got stuck with.
Kale’s expression softens.
My kind mate once.
One time one mate for our entire lives.
When they die we don’t survive long after.
The bond is everything.
His thumb brushes my cheekbone.
So no Emma you’re not a liability.
You’re the only thing in this world that could make me vulnerable.
That terrifies me.
But it also means you’re the most valuable thing in my existence.
I don’t know what to say to that.
How do you respond when someone tells you you’re their everything before you’ve even shared a meal?
I should clean up I manage.
I probably smell like fear and ravine.
There’s a hot spring in the back chamber.
I’ll bring you clothes.
The hot spring is heaven.
Natural mineral water heated by volcanic activity deep in the mountain.
Surrounded by more of that glowing moss I sink into it with a groan letting the heat work through my battered muscles.
My leg is healed but still tender.
The bruises fading to green and yellow.
I’m alive against all odds.
I’m alive and mated to a dragon.
The insanity of it hits me all at once and I laugh until I cry.
The sound echoing off the stone walls.
When I emerge dressed in clothes that are definitely Kale’s the shirt hangs to my knees.
I find him cooking.
Actually cooking over a fire pit with a grate.
The smell makes my stomach growl loud enough to echo.
When did you last eat?
He asks without turning around.
Yesterday morning maybe.
He mutters something in a language I don’t recognize.
Probably ancient dragon cursing and dishes up two plates of what looks like rabbit stew with wild herbs.
We eat in silence for a while.
I’m too hungry for conversation and he seems content to watch me with that intense focus.
Dragons probably evolved for hunting.
So I finally say wiping my mouth.
What happens now?
Now we figure out how to survive this.
Kale leans back against the wall.
The bond will strengthen over the next few days.
You’ll start feeling my emotions.
I’ll sense when you’re in danger.
Eventually it will be uncomfortable to be apart.
How romantic.
It’s not meant to be romantic.
It’s meant to be permanent.
His eyes find mine.
I need you to understand something.
Your old pack might not want you but there are others who will.
Dragons are thought to be extinct.
If word gets out that one survived and that he’s mated we’ll have every supernatural faction in North America hunting us.
Why?
Dragon blood is valuable.
Our scales can be forged into unbreakable armor.
Our fire can power magical artifacts.
Our hearts he pauses our hearts when consumed fresh supposedly grant the eater our strength and longevity.
The stew turns to ash in my mouth.
That’s barbaric.
That’s survival.
The strong prey on the weak.
Always have.
You’re not weak.
No but I am alone.
And now I have something to lose.
His gaze is heavy with meaning.
You.
The weight of responsibility settles on my shoulders.
I didn’t ask for this.
I didn’t ask to be abandoned or bonded or suddenly valuable.
But here I am.
Teach me I hear myself say.
Teach me what?
How to fight?
How to survive?
You said I’m not useless so prove it.
Make me useful.
Kale’s eyes light with something like respect.
You want to train?
I want to make sure I’m never weak enough to be thrown away again.
He’s quiet for a long moment studying me.
Then he nods.
We start tomorrow but tonight you reSt. Your body has been through trauma.
He shows me to a sleeping chamber his chamber I realize with a bed piled with furs and a view of the stars through a natural skylight.
Where will you sleep?
I ask.
I’ll keep watch.
Kale you don’t have to.
Yes I do.
His voice is soft but firm.
The bond is new.
My dragon is demanding I stay close.
Make sure you’re safe.
Sleeping in the same room while you’re vulnerable would be difficult.
Understanding dawned.
Oh.
Right.
He almost smiled.
Dragons aren’t known for their restraint.
Give me a few days to adjuSt. I should be insulted.
Instead I’m oddly touched that he’s trying to be respectful despite what must be overwhelming instinct.
Thank you I say quietly.
For saving me for bringing me here for not treating me like dead weight.
Kale steps closer and his hand cups my face with surprising gentleness.
You were never dead weight Emma.
Your pack was just too blind to see what you’re worth.
Then he’s gone leaving me alone with my racing heart and the feeling of his touch still burning on my skin.
I crawl into his bed surrounded by his scent and fall asleep wondering how my life became a fairy tale I never asked for but also wondering if maybe just maybe this is the beginning of something better than what I loSt. I wake to the smell of smoke and coffee.
An odd combination that somehow works.
Morning light streams through the skylight painting everything gold.
For a moment I forget where I am.
Then the bond pulses warm in my chest and I remember everything.
Dragon.
No going back.
I find Kale outside on a stone ledge that overlooks a valley of endless foreSt. He is shirtless going through what looks like a fighting form.
Fluid movements that are part martial art part dance.
His muscles ripple under scarred skin.
And I try very hard not to stare.
Fail completely.
You’re awake he says without turning around.
How did you?
The bond.
I felt you wake.
He finishes his form and faces me barely winded.
How do you feel?
Honestly confused overwhelmed terrified hopeful but I go with hungry.
That almost smile.
I brought back deer.
Can you cook?
Can I cook?
I practically ran the pack kitchen.
Someone had to make sure those idiots didn’t survive on raw meat alone.
Good.
You cook I’ll clean the kill.
Fair trade.
We fall into an easy rhythm.
He brings me the prepared meat and I work magic with the herbs growing wild around the cave mouth.
Rosemary thyme wild garlic.
Soon the smell of roasting venison fills the air and Kale watches me with undisguised fascination.
What?
I ask self-conscious.
You make it look like art.
The way you move tastes adjuSt. My mother used to cook like that.
Like it meant something.
The past tense lands heavy between us.
Tell me about her.
He’s quiet for so long I think he won’t answer.
Then.
She was fierce.
A warrior before she was a mother.
But she could also be gentle.
She used to sing old dragon songs while she cooked.
His voice roughens.
I haven’t heard those songs in 60 years.
I’m sorry.
Don’t be.
Pain means they mattered.
That they were real.
He stands abruptly.
Eat.
Then we train.
Training with a dragon shifter is nothing like training with wolves.
Wolves teach through pack mentality.
Group drills.
Establishing hierarchy.
Learning your place.
Kale teaches like I’m the only student in the world who matters because right now I am.
Wolves rely on their shift their pack bonds their numbers he explains circling me on the training ledge.
You have none of that.
So we build different strengths.
Speed over power.
Strategy over brute force.
Survival over victory.
Inspiring pep talk.
I’m not here to inspire you.
I’m here to keep you alive.
He tosses me a wooden staff.
Defend yourself.
I barely catch it before he’s attacking.
Not his dragon form.
That would be overkill.
But his human form is dangerous enough.
He moves like water like wind like nothing I’ve ever seen.
His staff cracks against mine and the impact rattles my bones.
Too slow he says striking again.
You’re thinking don’t think react.
Easy for him to say.
He’s had centuries of practice.
I got three minutes and growing panic.
His staff sweeps my legs out from under me.
I hit the stone hard enough to knock the wind from my lungs.
Again he says offering his hand.
We go again and again and again.
Each time I last maybe five seconds longer before ending up on my back bruised and frustrated.
I can’t do this I gasp after the dozenth fall.
You’re right.
You can’t.
He pulls me up roughly.
That Emma the one who believed what her pack said about her she can’t.
She’s too busy proving them right.
He gets in my face gold eyes blazing.
But the Emma who survived a forty foot fall who mouthed off to a dragon instead of cowering.
She can do anything.
That’s not.
Stop thinking.
He shoves the staff back in my hands.
Stop doubting.
Move.
He attacks and something in me snaps.
Not breaks.
Snaps into place.
I’m not thinking about forms or technique or keeping up.
I’m just moving.
The staff becomes an extension of my arMs. When he strikes high I duck low.
When he sweeps left I roll right.
I don’t win but I don’t lose as fast either.
Better Kale says and the approval in his voice warms me more than it should.
Again.
We train until my muscles scream until sweat stings my eyes and my hands blister.
Until the sun starts sinking toward the horizon and every part of me hurts.
Enough.
Kale finally says.
You did well.
I got my ass kicked for six hours straight.
Yes but you got up every time.
He offers me water from a canteen.
That’s what matters.
Not winning.
Getting up.
I drink deeply then splash some on my overheated face.
Is this what you did after your clan died?
You just got up.
I didn’t have a choice.
Dragons mate once.
My parents were bonded.
When my father died my mother he trails off but I understand.
She held on long enough to hide me to make sure I survived.
Then she let go.
God Kale.
It was a long time ago but the pain in his eyes says otherwise.
The point is I survived because I had to.
You’ll survive because you choose to.
That’s stronger.
I don’t feel strong.
I feel like a mess of bruises and doubts.
But I nod anyway.
That night I’m too sore to do more than collapse.
Kale brings me salve that smells like mint and magic and his hands are surprisingly gentle as he rubs it into my worst bruises.
This will help he murmurs.
Are all dragons this nice to their accidental mates?
I don’t know.
You’re the only one I’ve got.
His hand lingers on my shoulder.
The bond is getting stronger.
Can you feel it?
It’s like a golden thread connecting us humming with warmth and awareness.
I know he’s concerned without him saying so.
Know he’s fighting the urge to pull me closer.
Yeah I whisper.
I feel it.
It will keep growing.
In a few days we’ll be able to share emotions completely.
Eventually thoughts.
That sounds invasive.
It is but it also means you’ll never be truly alone again.
His thumb traces small circles on my skin.
For someone who was abandoned maybe that’s not the worst thing.
He was right.
The idea of that kind of connection of never being invisible again was terrifying and wonderful in equal measure.
What if I’m not enough?
The question slips out before I can stop it.
What if you get stuck with me and realize you deserved better?
Kale’s hand tightens on my shoulder.
Emma look at me.
I do.
And the intensity in his golden eyes steals my breath.
I’ve been alone for 60 years.
Watching the world change.
Watching other shifters find mates build families create lives while I hid in a cave waiting to be the last dragon to ever exiSt. I’d accepted that loneliness as my fate.
His other hand cupped my face.
Then you fell into my territory.
Broken and abandoned and so damn defiant.
I couldn’t look away.
The bond chose you.
My dragon chose you.
And maybe I’m starting to choose you too Emma.
So stop asking if you’re enough.
You’re everything.
The only question is whether I’m enough for you.
Before I can think better of it I lean forward and kiss him.
It isn’t graceful.
Our noses bump and I probably taste like sweat and venison.
But his lips are warm and his hand slides into my hair.
And the bond flares so bright I see stars behind my closed eyes.
When we break apart we’re both shaking.
That was he starts.
A mistake?
No.
His forehead rests against mine.
Inevitable.
Three days pass in a blur of training talking and learning to live with the bond.
Kale teaches me to fight with knives to read the forest to move silently.
I teach him that coffee exists and is superior to his bitter herb tea that laughing doesn’t make him weak and that he’s been alone too long.
The bond is a constant presence now.
I feel his moods like weather patterns the calm focus when he hunts the fierce protectiveness when I’m out of sight the simmering heat when we’re close.
He feels my determination my growing confidence and embarrassingly my increasing attraction to him.
We don’t talk about the kiss but we don’t need to.
It’s there in every shared glance every accidental touch every night when he stops at my doorway like he’s fighting the urge to stay.
On the fourth morning everything changes.
I’m gathering herbs near the forest edge when the bond suddenly screams danger.
Not words just pure primal alarm flooding through me.
Kale’s alarm.
Run.
I find him in dragon form on the main ledge wings spread in threat display.
Below in the valley are riders at least a dozen armed with weapons that gleam silver in the morning sun.
Hunters.
Well well a voice calls up amplified by magic.
The rumors were true.
The last dragon really does still exiSt. A woman rides forward tall blonde wearing armor that’s seen real combat.
Something about her makes my skin crawl.
And he’s got himself a little pet she continues her gaze finding me.
How adorable.
Tell me dragon.
Does she know what you are?
What you’ve done?
Kale’s growl shakes the mountain.
No.
Let me educate her.
The woman’s smile is poison.
Your mate there.
He’s not just the last dragon.
He’s the last dragon because he killed the others.
Liar.
I shout before I can stop myself.
Am I?
Ask him about the fall of the dragon clan.
Ask him who betrayed them to the hunters.
She pauses for effect.
Ask him about the gold he took in exchange for his family’s location.
The world tilts.
I look at Kale and through the bond I feel.
Guilt.
Old buried festering guilt.
Kale.
My voice breaks on his name.
The dragon shifts becomes the man and his face is devastated.
Emma it’s not.
She’s twisting the truth.
But there is truth to twiSt. My heart is breaking all over again.
Isn’t there?
They were going to find us anyway he said desperately.
The hunters had us surrounded.
I was sixteen Emma.
They caught me tortured me and said if I didn’t tell them where the clan gathered for the full moon they’d kill me slowly and find them anyway.
So you told them?
I told them.
His voice cracked.
I thought I was saving them.
I thought if I gave them the location they’d let me go and I could warn everyone.
But they kept me chained.
Made me watch through a window while they slaughtered my entire clan.
Men women children everyone I loved.
Tears stream down his face and through the bond I feel sixty years of self-hatred of survivor’s guilt of believing he deserved to die but being too cowardly to do it.
The gold was planted on me he continued to make it look like betrayal instead of torture so the other shifter communities would blame me instead of the hunters and it worked.
I’ve been alone ever since because I deserve to be alone.
The woman below laughed.
Touching story doesn’t change the facts.
You led hunters to your family.
You’re the last dragon because of your own weakness.
And now history repeats because we followed you here little omega.
We’ve been tracking you since your pack so kindly reported an abandoned wolf in the northern woods.
My pack.
They sold me out even in death.
We weren’t sure what we’d find the hunter continued.
But a dragon and freshly mated.
This is beyond our wildest hopes.
She raised her hand and her people aimed crossbows.
You can come quietly or we can take you in pieces.
Dragon parts sell for just as much either way.
Kale shifted back to dragon form placing himself between me and the hunters.
Through the bond his message was clear.
Run please Emma run.
But I had been running my whole life.
From my pack’s expectations from my own self-doubt from connection because I was afraid of being hurt.
I was done running.
Kale I said quietly.
You know those dragon fire healing powers you have?
His massive head turned slightly toward me.
Can you do that in reverse?
Make fire that hurts instead of heals.
A low rumble that might be a chuckle through the bond.
Yes.
Then stop protecting me and start fighting.
I didn’t train for four days to be dead weight again.
I felt his surprise his fear his desperate love through the bond.
And yes it was love now.
Raw and new and terrifying but also his pride.
The dragon roared.
And it wasn’t surrender.
It was a declaration of war.
Take them the hunter screamed.
All hell broke loose.
Kale launched into the air wings creating winds that knocked three riders from their horses.
Fire bloomed from his jaws.
Not the healing gold fire but red-orange destruction.
The hunter woman rolled aside barely avoiding being cooked in her armor.
An arrow flew past my head.
I dropped grabbed the knife Kale made me carry and came up throwing.
It took one hunter in the shoulder.
Not lethal but enough to make him drop his crossbow.
The second one was smarter more cautious.
We circled each other.
Then Kale landed between us his tail whipping around to send the hunter flying.
Through the bond behind you.
I spun blocked a strike from hunter number three.
He was stronger his blade knocking mine away.
For a moment I was defenseless.
Then Kale was there in human form catching the hunter’s sword with his bare hand.
His skin smoked but didn’t break.
Dragon scales beneath human flesh.
He ripped the sword away and punched the hunter hard enough to drop him cold.
You’re insane he told me breathing hard.
Learned from the beSt. Below the lead hunter was rallying her forces.
Dragon’s bane arrows now.
Dragon’s bane the poison that killed Kale’s family.
We need to go I said urgently.
Kale we can’t win this.
I’m not running again.
His eyes were wild.
I’m not losing someone else I love because I was too weak to fight.
You’re not weak.
You’re smart.
Fighting isn’t always the answer.
I grabbed his face making him look at me.
Listen to me.
You survived once by being clever.
Do it again.
We survive together or not at all.
The bond pulsed between us and I felt his decision before he made it.
Hold on he growled shifting again.
I scrambled onto his back as arrows whistled past us.
One grazed his wing and I felt his pain through the bond like it was my own.
We launched into the air.
Kale’s wings beat hard carrying us up and away from the cave from his home of sixty years.
I looked back and saw the hunters flooding into the caves tearing apart the only sanctuary he had.
I’m sorry I whispered against his scales through the bond.
Don’t be.
Home is just a place.
You’re what matters.
They flew for hours past the northern woods over mountains I didn’t recognize until the sun set and Kale finally landed in a dense forest clearing.
He shifted back immediately checking me for injuries.
I’m fine I assured him.
You’re the one who got shot.
It’s already healing.
But I could see the wound in his shoulder.
Smell the wrong scent of dragon’s bane working through his system.
He swayed slightly.
Kale I said panic flooding through me.
I’m fine.
Just need to.
He collapsed.
Panic flooded through me.
Through the bond I felt his pain.
His system trying to fight the poison.
No no no.
I caught him before he hit the ground completely.
Don’t you dare die on me.
We did not just escape for you to die in a random foreSt. His eyes fluttered open.
Emma run.
If the poison takes me you can still still what?
Go back to the pack that abandoned me.
Become a lone wolf with no protection and a target on my back.
I’m crying now pressing my hands to his wound uselessly.
You’re my mate you idiot.
The bond goes both ways.
I’m not leaving.
Stubborn he murmured but there was a faint smile.
You have no idea.
I didn’t know what I was doing but the bond was there glowing between us.
And I remembered what Kale said about dragon fire.
It heals.
What if the bond could carry that healing?
What if I could give back what he gave me?
I closed my eyes and reached for the bond.
Not just feeling it but pulling on it drawing it tight between us.
I imagined pushing my strength into him.
My determination my absolute refusal to let him die.
Emma what are you?
Heat bloomed in my cheSt. Not painful but intense like swallowing sunlight.
It flowed down my arms into my hands into his wound.
Through my closed eyelids I saw gold light.
Kale gasped.
The dragon’s bane poison burned away under the bond’s power.
It wasn’t his dragon fire.
It was something else.
Something that came from us being connected from two people refusing to let go.
When I opened my eyes his wound was closed.
Still scarred but no longer bleeding poison.
How did you?
Kale stared at me in wonder.
I don’t know.
I just couldn’t.
I couldn’t lose you too.
He pulled me down to him kissing me like I was oxygen and he had been drowning.
It was desperate and grateful and full of everything we hadn’t said yet.
When we finally broke apart we were both shaking.
We can’t go back to the cave he said finally.
They’ll be watching it waiting.
Then where do we go?
Kale looked up at the stars thinking.
There are other dragons.
Were other dragons.
If any survived like I did they’d be in hiding.
If we could find them we’d have allies.
We’d have family.
His hand found mine.
I’ve heard rumors over the years.
Sightings that were always dismissed.
A dragon in the Canadian Rockies.
Another in the Himalayas.
They might be nothing or they might be everything.
I squeezed his hand.
Let’s find out.
He looked at me really looked at me and through the bond I felt his awe.
You should hate me for what I did for what I am.
What you are is someone who survived an impossible situation and has spent sixty years punishing himself for it.
You were a child Kale.
A child who was tortured and manipulated.
I picked up his face.
What I should do is hate the hunters who broke you.
Not you.
But you.
I could never hate you.
I don’t deserve you.
Lucky for you I don’t care what you deserve.
I care about what you choose.
And you chose to save me.
Over and over you chose me.
Always.
He breathed.
I’ll always choose you.
They stayed there in the forest holding each other while the bond settled into something deeper than instinct something like choice like love.
Tomorrow they would start searching.
They would hunt for lost dragons and dodge hunters and figure out how to survive in a world that wanted them dead.
But tonight they had each other.
And somehow impossibly that was enough.
Traveling with a dragon shifter was weird.
They moved at night.
Kale flying them over territories in his dragon form while she clung to his back like a deranged bat.
During the day they rested in caves abandoned buildings anywhere that offered shelter from prying eyes.
They were heading north to Canada chasing a rumor Kale heard fifteen years ago about a dragon sighting in the Rockies.
It was thin evidence but it was all they had.
She had gotten better at reading the bond.
She knew when Kale was hungry tired or stressed.
He knew when she was scared which was more often than she’d like to admit.
Being hunted did that to a person.
They stopped at a small town to resupply.
Kale went in human form trying to look normal in worn jeans and a leather jacket.
She waited outside watching the streets nervously.
That’s when she saw her.
Sarah her former best friend from the pack.
She was coming out of a coffee shop laughing with another wolf.
She recognized Marcus’s brother Cole.
Her heart stopped.
She should hide.
She should run.
But before she could move Sarah saw her.
Her face went white.
Emma.
Sarah.
Her voice was ice.
She approached slowly like Emma was a wild animal that might bolt.
Emma oh my god you’re alive.
We thought Marcus said you were dead.
Marcus pushed me off a cliff.
So yeah I can see why he’d think that.
She flinched.
I’m so sorry.
I should have stopped him.
I should have.
You were there Sarah.
You watched them do it.
Old pain surged up.
You were my best friend.
I know.
Tears filled her eyes.
I know.
And I hate myself for it.
Marcus said it was pack law that the council decided.
The council decided I was disposable.
And you all agreed.
Cole joined them.
His expression guilty.
Emma listen.
Things have changed.
Marcus is dead.
That stopped her cold.
What?
Three days after after what happened to you.
The pack was attacked hunters.
They took out half the pack before we drove them off.
He swallowed hard.
Marcus fought them and loSt. The pack is scattered now.
Broken.
She should have felt vindicated.
Instead she just felt numb.
Good.
It’s not good Sarah said desperately.
We’re vulnerable.
We and the hunters Emma they’re looking for you.
They came to our territory asking about the abandoned omega who was last seen in the northern woods.
They said you’re traveling with something valuable.
My blood ran cold.
What did you tell them?
Nothing.
We don’t know anything but they’re offering money Emma.
Serious money.
And some of the pack.
She trailed off but Emma understood.
Some of the pack would sell her out for survival.
You need to run Cole said urgently.
Get as far from here as possible.
I’m handling it.
How?
You’re alone.
Powerless.
She’s not alone.
Kale appeared beside her so quietly even she didn’t sense him coming.
He was wearing his try-to-look-harmless face but his eyes were pure predator.
Sarah and Cole took an instinctive step back.
Their wolves recognizing danger even if they didn’t understand why.
Who the hell are you?
Cole demanded.
Someone who values Emma more in one day than her pack did in twenty-three years.
Kale’s hand found hers.
We’re leaving now.
Wait.
Sarah grabbed her arm.
Emma please.
I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness but I need you to know I never stopped caring about you.
I was a coward.
I chose pack over you and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
She looked at her really looked at her.
She was thinner sadder marked by the same violence that scattered her pack.
Part of her wanted to forgive her.
Part of her wanted to rage.
She did neither.
I hope you find what you’re looking for she told her.
A pack that’s actually worth the loyalty you give it.
Then Kale and she walked away leaving her old life standing on a street corner crying.
You okay?
He asked when they were out of sight.
Not even a little bit.
The bond pulsed with his concern.
But I will be.
That night they didn’t fly.
They found a motel room on the edge of town.
The kind that took cash and didn’t ask questions.
Kale checked every window every door.
His dragon paranoia in full effect.
We’re safe she told him.
We’re never safe.
But he relaxed slightly sitting on the bed with a weary sigh.
Seeing your old pack.
Was it hard?
Yes.
Well I don’t know.
Marcus is dead.
Pack is broken.
I should feel something about that right?
Justice or satisfaction or something?
What do you feel?
Empty.
Like that part of my life happened to someone else.
She leaned against his shoulder.
Is that wrong?
No.
That’s survival.
You’ve moved past them.
That’s healthy.
Have you moved past your clan?
He was quiet for a long moment.
I’m trying.
Meeting you helped.
The bond helped but some wounds don’t heal completely.
We just learn to live with the scars.
She took his hand tracing the scars on his knuckles.
Will you tell me about them?
Your family?
Not how they died but how they lived.
Kale looked surprised then soft.
My father was huge even for a dragon.
He used to let me ride on his back when I was young teaching me to fly.
My mother sang constantly.
Old songs new songs made-up songs about whatever she was doing.
My sister was only eight when he paused composing himself.
She wanted to be a healer.
She was always bringing home injured birds and trying to fix them with her fire.
She sounds wonderful.
They all were.
And I cost them their lives.
No.
She turned to face him.
Hunters cost them their lives.
You were a victim too Kale.
A child who was tortured and manipulated.
She picked up his face.
What I should do is hate the hunters who broke you.
Not you.
But you.
I could never hate you.
I don’t deserve you.
Lucky for you I don’t care what you deserve.
I care about what you choose.
And you chose to save me.
Over and over you chose me.
Always.
He breathed.
I’ll always choose you.
They stayed there in the forest holding each other while the bond settled into something deeper than instinct something like choice like love.
Tomorrow they would start searching.
They would hunt for lost dragons and dodge hunters and figure out how to survive in a world that wanted them dead.
But tonight they had each other.
And somehow impossibly that was enough.
Traveling with a dragon shifter was weird.
They moved at night.
Kale flying them over territories in his dragon form while she clung to his back like a deranged bat.
During the day they rested in caves abandoned buildings anywhere that offered shelter from prying eyes.
They were heading north to Canada chasing a rumor Kale heard fifteen years ago about a dragon sighting in the Rockies.
It was thin evidence but it was all they had.
She had gotten better at reading the bond.
She knew when Kale was hungry tired or stressed.
He knew when she was scared which was more often than she’d like to admit.
Being hunted did that to a person.
They stopped at a small town to resupply.
Kale went in human form trying to look normal in worn jeans and a leather jacket.
She waited outside watching the streets nervously.
That’s when she saw her.
Sarah her former best friend from the pack.
She was coming out of a coffee shop laughing with another wolf.
She recognized Marcus’s brother Cole.
Her heart stopped.
She should hide.
She should run.
But before she could move Sarah saw her.
Her face went white.
Emma.
Sarah.
Her voice was ice.
She approached slowly like Emma was a wild animal that might bolt.
Emma oh my god you’re alive.
We thought Marcus said you were dead.
Marcus pushed me off a cliff.
So yeah I can see why he’d think that.
She flinched.
I’m so sorry.
I should have stopped him.
I should have.
You were there Sarah.
You watched them do it.
Old pain surged up.
You were my best friend.
I know.
Tears filled her eyes.
I know.
And I hate myself for it.
Marcus said it was pack law that the council decided.
The council decided I was disposable.
And you all agreed.
Cole joined them.
His expression guilty.
Emma listen.
Things have changed.
Marcus is dead.
That stopped her cold.
What?
Three days after after what happened to you.
The pack was attacked hunters.
They took out half the pack before we drove them off.
He swallowed hard.
Marcus fought them and loSt. The pack is scattered now.
Broken.
She should have felt vindicated.
Instead she just felt numb.
Good.
It’s not good Sarah said desperately.
We’re vulnerable.
We and the hunters Emma they’re looking for you.
They came to our territory asking about the abandoned omega who was last seen in the northern woods.
They said you’re traveling with something valuable.
My blood ran cold.
What did you tell them?
Nothing.
We don’t know anything but they’re offering money Emma.
Serious money.
And some of the pack.
She trailed off but Emma understood.
Some of the pack would sell her out for survival.
You need to run Cole said urgently.
Get as far from here as possible.
I’m handling it.
How?
You’re alone.
Powerless.
She’s not alone.
Kale appeared beside her so quietly even she didn’t sense him coming.
He was wearing his try-to-look-harmless face but his eyes were pure predator.
Sarah and Cole took an instinctive step back.
Their wolves recognizing danger even if they didn’t understand why.
Who the hell are you?
Cole demanded.
Someone who values Emma more in one day than her pack did in twenty-three years.
Kale’s hand found hers.
We’re leaving now.
Wait.
Sarah grabbed her arm.
Emma please.
I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness but I need you to know I never stopped caring about you.
I was a coward.
I chose pack over you and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
She looked at her really looked at her.
She was thinner sadder marked by the same violence that scattered her pack.
Part of her wanted to forgive her.
Part of her wanted to rage.
She did neither.
I hope you find what you’re looking for she told her.
A pack that’s actually worth the loyalty you give it.
Then Kale and she walked away leaving her old life standing on a street corner crying.
You okay?
He asked when they were out of sight.
Not even a little bit.
The bond pulsed with his concern.
But I will be.
That night they didn’t fly.
They found a motel room on the edge of town.
The kind that took cash and didn’t ask questions.
Kale checked every window every door.
His dragon paranoia in full effect.
We’re safe she told him.
We’re never safe.
But he relaxed slightly sitting on the bed with a weary sigh.
Seeing your old pack.
Was it hard?
Yes.
Well I don’t know.
Marcus is dead.
Pack is broken.
I should feel something about that right?
Justice or satisfaction or something?
What do you feel?
Empty.
Like that part of my life happened to someone else.
She leaned against his shoulder.
Is that wrong?
No.
That’s survival.
You’ve moved past them.
That’s healthy.
Have you moved past your clan?
He was quiet for a long moment.
I’m trying.
Meeting you helped.
The bond helped but some wounds don’t heal completely.
We just learn to live with the scars.
She took his hand tracing the scars on his knuckles.
Will you tell me about them?
Your family?
Not how they died but how they lived.
Kale looked surprised then soft.
My father was huge even for a dragon.
He used to let me ride on his back when I was young teaching me to fly.
My mother sang constantly.
Old songs new songs made-up songs about whatever she was doing.
My sister was only eight when he paused composing himself.
She wanted to be a healer.
She was always bringing home injured birds and trying to fix them with her fire.
She sounds wonderful.
They all were.
And I cost them their lives.
No.
She turned to face him.
Hunters cost them their lives.
You were a victim too Kale.
A child who was tortured and manipulated.
She picked up his face.
What I should do is hate the hunters who broke you.
Not you.
But you.
I could never hate you.
I don’t deserve you.
Lucky for you I don’t care what you deserve.
I care about what you choose.
And you chose to save me.
Over and over you chose me.
Always.
He breathed.
I’ll always choose you.
They stayed there in the forest holding each other while the bond settled into something deeper than instinct something like choice like love.
Tomorrow they would start searching.
They would hunt for lost dragons and dodge hunters and figure out how to survive in a world that wanted them dead.
But tonight they had each other.
And somehow impossibly that was enough.
Traveling with a dragon shifter was weird.
They moved at night.
Kale flying them over territories in his dragon form while she clung to his back like a deranged bat.
During the day they rested in caves abandoned buildings anywhere that offered shelter from prying eyes.
They were heading north to Canada chasing a rumor Kale heard fifteen years ago about a dragon sighting in the Rockies.
It was thin evidence but it was all they had.
She had gotten better at reading the bond.
She knew when Kale was hungry tired or stressed.
He knew when she was scared which was more often than she’d like to admit.
Being hunted did that to a person.
They stopped at a small town to resupply.
Kale went in human form trying to look normal in worn jeans and a leather jacket.
She waited outside watching the streets nervously.
That’s when she saw her.
Sarah her former best friend from the pack.
She was coming out of a coffee shop laughing with another wolf.
She recognized Marcus’s brother Cole.
Her heart stopped.
She should hide.
She should run.
But before she could move Sarah saw her.
Her face went white.
Emma.
Sarah.
Her voice was ice.
She approached slowly like Emma was a wild animal that might bolt.
Emma oh my god you’re alive.
We thought Marcus said you were dead.
Marcus pushed me off a cliff.
So yeah I can see why he’d think that.
She flinched.
I’m so sorry.
I should have stopped him.
I should have.
You were there Sarah.
You watched them do it.
Old pain surged up.
You were my best friend.
I know.
Tears filled her eyes.
I know.
And I hate myself for it.
Marcus said it was pack law that the council decided.
The council decided I was disposable.
And you all agreed.
Cole joined them.
His expression guilty.
Emma listen.
Things have changed.
Marcus is dead.
That stopped her cold.
What?
Three days after after what happened to you.
The pack was attacked hunters.
They took out half the pack before we drove them off.
He swallowed hard.
Marcus fought them and loSt. The pack is scattered now.
Broken.
She should have felt vindicated.
Instead she just felt numb.
Good.
It’s not good Sarah said desperately.
We’re vulnerable.
We and the hunters Emma they’re looking for you.
They came to our territory asking about the abandoned omega who was last seen in the northern woods.
They said you’re traveling with something valuable.
My blood ran cold.
What did you tell them?
Nothing.
We don’t know anything but they’re offering money Emma.
Serious money.
And some of the pack.
She trailed off but Emma understood.
Some of the pack would sell her out for survival.
You need to run Cole said urgently.
Get as far from here as possible.
I’m handling it.
How?
You’re alone.
Powerless.
She’s not alone.
Kale appeared beside her so quietly even she didn’t sense him coming.
He was wearing his try-to-look-harmless face but his eyes were pure predator.
Sarah and Cole took an instinctive step back.
Their wolves recognizing danger even if they didn’t understand why.
Who the hell are you?
Cole demanded.
Someone who values Emma more in one day than her pack did in twenty-three years.
Kale’s hand found hers.
We’re leaving now.
Wait.
Sarah grabbed her arm.
Emma please.
I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness but I need you to know I never stopped caring about you.
I was a coward.
I chose pack over you and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
She looked at her really looked at her.
She was thinner sadder marked by the same violence that scattered her pack.
Part of her wanted to forgive her.
Part of her wanted to rage.
She did neither.
I hope you find what you’re looking for she told her.
A pack that’s actually worth the loyalty you give it.
Then Kale and she walked away leaving her old life standing on a street corner crying.
You okay?
He asked when they were out of sight.
Not even a little bit.
The bond pulsed with his concern.
But I will be.
That night they didn’t fly.
They found a motel room on the edge of town.
The kind that took cash and didn’t ask questions.
Kale checked every window every door.
His dragon paranoia in full effect.
We’re safe she told him.
We’re never safe.
But he relaxed slightly sitting on the bed with a weary sigh.
Seeing your old pack.
Was it hard?
Yes.
Well I don’t know.
Marcus is dead.
Pack is broken.
I should feel something about that right?
Justice or satisfaction or something?
What do you feel?
Empty.
Like that part of my life happened to someone else.
She leaned against his shoulder.
Is that wrong?
No.
That’s survival.
You’ve moved past them.
That’s healthy.
Have you moved past your clan?
He was quiet for a long moment.
I’m trying.
Meeting you helped.
The bond helped but some wounds don’t heal completely.
We just learn to live with the scars.
She took his hand tracing the scars on his knuckles.
Will you tell me about them?
Your family?
Not how they died but how they lived.
Kale looked surprised then soft.
My father was huge even for a dragon.
He used to let me ride on his back when I was young teaching me to fly.
My mother sang constantly.
Old songs new songs made-up songs about whatever she was doing.
My sister was only eight when he paused composing himself.
She wanted to be a healer.
She was always bringing home injured birds and trying to fix them with her fire.
She sounds wonderful.
They all were.
And I cost them their lives.
No.
She turned to face him.
Hunters cost them their lives.
You were a victim too Kale.
A child who was tortured and manipulated.
She picked up his face.
What I should do is hate the hunters who broke you.
Not you.
But you.
I could never hate you.
I don’t deserve you.
Lucky for you I don’t care what you deserve.
I care about what you choose.
And you chose to save me.
Over and over you chose me.
Always.
He breathed.
I’ll always choose you.
They stayed there in the forest holding each other while the bond settled into something deeper than instinct something like choice like love.
Tomorrow they would start searching.
They would hunt for lost dragons and dodge hunters and figure out how to survive in a world that wanted them dead.
But tonight they had each other.
And somehow impossibly that was enough.
Traveling with a dragon shifter was weird.
They moved at night.
Kale flying them over territories in his dragon form while she clung to his back like a deranged bat.
During the day they rested in caves abandoned buildings anywhere that offered shelter from prying eyes.
They were heading north to Canada chasing a rumor Kale heard fifteen years ago about a dragon sighting in the Rockies.
It was thin evidence but it was all they had.
She had gotten better at reading the bond.
She knew when Kale was hungry tired or stressed.
He knew when she was scared which was more often than she’d like to admit.
Being hunted did that to a person.
They stopped at a small town to resupply.
Kale went in human form trying to look normal in worn jeans and a leather jacket.
She waited outside watching the streets nervously.
That’s when she saw her.
Sarah her former best friend from the pack.
She was coming out of a coffee shop laughing with another wolf.
She recognized Marcus’s brother Cole.
Her heart stopped.
She should hide.
She should run.
But before she could move Sarah saw her.
Her face went white.
Emma.
Sarah.
Her voice was ice.
She approached slowly like Emma was a wild animal that might bolt.
Emma oh my god you’re alive.
We thought Marcus said you were dead.
Marcus pushed me off a cliff.
So yeah I can see why he’d think that.
She flinched.
I’m so sorry.
I should have stopped him.
I should have.
You were there Sarah.
You watched them do it.
Old pain surged up.
You were my best friend.
I know.
Tears filled her eyes.
I know.
And I hate myself for it.
Marcus said it was pack law that the council decided.
The council decided I was disposable.
And you all agreed.
Cole joined them.
His expression guilty.
Emma listen.
Things have changed.
Marcus is dead.
That stopped her cold.
What?
Three days after after what happened to you.
The pack was attacked hunters.
They took out half the pack before we drove them off.
He swallowed hard.
Marcus fought them and loSt. The pack is scattered now.
Broken.
She should have felt vindicated.
Instead she just felt numb.
Good.
It’s not good Sarah said desperately.
We’re vulnerable.
We and the hunters Emma they’re looking for you.
They came to our territory asking about the abandoned omega who was last seen in the northern woods.
They said you’re traveling with something valuable.
My blood ran cold.
What did you tell them?
Nothing.
We don’t know anything but they’re offering money Emma.
Serious money.
And some of the pack.
She trailed off but Emma understood.
Some of the pack would sell her out for survival.
You need to run Cole said urgently.
Get as far from here as possible.
I’m handling it.
How?
You’re alone.
Powerless.
She’s not alone.
Kale appeared beside her so quietly even she didn’t sense him coming.
He was wearing his try-to-look-harmless face but his eyes were pure predator.
Sarah and Cole took an instinctive step back.
Their wolves recognizing danger even if they didn’t understand why.
Who the hell are you?
Cole demanded.
Someone who values Emma more in one day than her pack did in twenty-three years.
Kale’s hand found hers.
We’re leaving now.
Wait.
Sarah grabbed her arm.
Emma please.
I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness but I need you to know I never stopped caring about you.
I was a coward.
I chose pack over you and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
She looked at her really looked at her.
She was thinner sadder marked by the same violence that scattered her pack.
Part of her wanted to forgive her.
Part of her wanted to rage.
She did neither.
I hope you find what you’re looking for she told her.
A pack that’s actually worth the loyalty you give it.
Then Kale and she walked away leaving her old life standing on a street corner crying.
You okay?
He asked when they were out of sight.
Not even a little bit.
The bond pulsed with his concern.
But I will be.
That night they didn’t fly.
They found a motel room on the edge of town.
The kind that took cash and didn’t ask questions.
Kale checked every window every door.
His dragon paranoia in full effect.
We’re safe she told him.
We’re never safe.
But he relaxed slightly sitting on the bed with a weary sigh.
Seeing your old pack.
Was it hard?
Yes.
Well I don’t know.
Marcus is dead.
Pack is broken.
I should feel something about that right?
Justice or satisfaction or something?
What do you feel?
Empty.
Like that part of my life happened to someone else.
She leaned against his shoulder.
Is that wrong?
No.
That’s survival.
You’ve moved past them.
That’s healthy.
Have you moved past your clan?
He was quiet for a long moment.
I’m trying.
Meeting you helped.
The bond helped but some wounds don’t heal completely.
We just learn to live with the scars.
She took his hand tracing the scars on his knuckles.
Will you tell me about them?
Your family?
Not how they died but how they lived.
Kale looked surprised then soft.
My father was huge even for a dragon.
He used to let me ride on his back when I was young teaching me to fly.
My mother sang constantly.
Old songs new songs made-up songs about whatever she was doing.
My sister was only eight when he paused composing himself.
She wanted to be a healer.
She was always bringing home injured birds and trying to fix them with her fire.
She sounds wonderful.
They all were.
And I cost them their lives.
No.
She turned to face him.
Hunters cost them their lives.
You were a victim too Kale.
A child who was tortured and manipulated.
She picked up his face.
What I should do is hate the hunters who broke you.
Not you.
But you.
I could never hate you.
I don’t deserve you.
Lucky for you I don’t care what you deserve.
I care about what you choose.
And you chose to save me.
Over and over you chose me.
Always.
He breathed.
I’ll always choose you.
They stayed there in the forest holding each other while the bond settled into something deeper than instinct something like choice like love.
Tomorrow they would start searching.
They would hunt for lost dragons and dodge hunters and figure out how to survive in a world that wanted them dead.
But tonight they had each other.
And somehow impossibly that was enough.
Traveling with a dragon shifter was weird.
They moved at night.
Kale flying them over territories in his dragon form while she clung to his back like a deranged bat.
During the day they rested in caves abandoned buildings anywhere that offered shelter from prying eyes.
They were heading north to Canada chasing a rumor Kale heard fifteen years ago about a dragon sighting in the Rockies.
It was thin evidence but it was all they had.
She had gotten better at reading the bond.
She knew when Kale was hungry tired or stressed.
He knew when she was scared which was more often than she’d like to admit.
Being hunted did that to a person.
They stopped at a small town to resupply.
Kale went in human form trying to look normal in worn jeans and a leather jacket.
She waited outside watching the streets nervously.
That’s when she saw her.
Sarah her former best friend from the pack.
She was coming out of a coffee shop laughing with another wolf.
She recognized Marcus’s brother Cole.
Her heart stopped.
She should hide.
She should run.
But before she could move Sarah saw her.
Her face went white.
Emma.
Sarah.
Her voice was ice.
She approached slowly like Emma was a wild animal that might bolt.
Emma oh my god you’re alive.
We thought Marcus said you were dead.
Marcus pushed me off a cliff.
So yeah I can see why he’d think that.
She flinched.
I’m so sorry.
I should have stopped him.
I should have.
You were there Sarah.
You watched them do it.
Old pain surged up.
You were my best friend.
I know.
Tears filled her eyes.
I know.
And I hate myself for it.
Marcus said it was pack law that the council decided.
The council decided I was disposable.
And you all agreed.
Cole joined them.
His expression guilty.
Emma listen.
Things have changed.
Marcus is dead.
That stopped her cold.
What?
Three days after after what happened to you.
The pack was attacked hunters.
They took out half the pack before we drove them off.
He swallowed hard.
Marcus fought them and loSt. The pack is scattered now.
Broken.
She should have felt vindicated.
Instead she just felt numb.
Good.
It’s not good Sarah said desperately.
We’re vulnerable.
We and the hunters Emma they’re looking for you.
They came to our territory asking about the abandoned omega who was last seen in the northern woods.
They said you’re traveling with something valuable.
My blood ran cold.
What did you tell them?
Nothing.
We don’t know anything but they’re offering money Emma.
Serious money.
And some of the pack.
She trailed off but Emma understood.
Some of the pack would sell her out for survival.
You need to run Cole said urgently.
Get as far from here as possible.
I’m handling it.
How?
You’re alone.
Powerless.
She’s not alone.
Kale appeared beside her so quietly even she didn’t sense him coming.
He was wearing his try-to-look-harmless face but his eyes were pure predator.
Sarah and Cole took an instinctive step back.
Their wolves recognizing danger even if they didn’t understand why.
Who the hell are you?
Cole demanded.
Someone who values Emma more in one day than her pack did in twenty-three years.
Kale’s hand found hers.
We’re leaving now.
Wait.
Sarah grabbed her arm.
Emma please.
I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness but I need you to know I never stopped caring about you.
I was a coward.
I chose pack over you and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
She looked at her really looked at her.
She was thinner sadder marked by the same violence that scattered her pack.
Part of her wanted to forgive her.
Part of her wanted to rage.
She did neither.
I hope you find what you’re looking for she told her.
A pack that’s actually worth the loyalty you give it.
Then Kale and she walked away leaving her old life standing on a street corner crying.
You okay?
He asked when they were out of sight.
Not even a little bit.
The bond pulsed with his concern.
But I will be.
That night they didn’t fly.
They found a motel room on the edge of town.
The kind that took cash and didn’t ask questions.
Kale checked every window every door.
His dragon paranoia in full effect.
We’re safe she told him.
We’re never safe.
But he relaxed slightly sitting on the bed with a weary sigh.
Seeing your old pack.
Was it hard?
Yes.
Well I don’t know.
Marcus is dead.
Pack is broken.
I should feel something about that right?
Justice or satisfaction or something?
What do you feel?
Empty.
Like that part of my life happened to someone else.
She leaned against his shoulder.
Is that wrong?
No.
That’s survival.
You’ve moved past them.
That’s healthy.
Have you moved past your clan?
He was quiet for a long moment.
I’m trying.
Meeting you helped.
The bond helped but some wounds don’t heal completely.
We just learn to live with the scars.
She took his hand tracing the scars on his knuckles.
Will you tell me about them?
Your family?
Not how they died but how they lived.
Kale looked surprised then soft.
My father was huge even for a dragon.
He used to let me ride on his back when I was young teaching me to fly.
My mother sang constantly.
Old songs new songs made-up songs about whatever she was doing.
My sister was only eight when he paused composing himself.
She wanted to be a healer.
She was always bringing home injured birds and trying to fix them with her fire.
She sounds wonderful.
They all were.
And I cost them their lives.
No.
She turned to face him.
Hunters cost them their lives.
You were a victim too Kale.
A child who was tortured and manipulated.
She picked up his face.
What I should do is hate the hunters who broke you.
Not you.
But you.
I could never hate you.
I don’t deserve you.
Lucky for you I don’t care what you deserve.
I care about what you choose.
And you chose to save me.
Over and over you chose me.
Always.
He breathed.
I’ll always choose you.
They stayed there in the forest holding each other while the bond settled into something deeper than instinct something like choice like love.
Tomorrow they would start searching.
They would hunt for lost dragons and dodge hunters and figure out how to survive in a world that wanted them dead.
But tonight they had each other.
And somehow impossibly that was enough.
Traveling with a dragon shifter was weird.
They moved at night.
Kale flying them over territories in his dragon form while she clung to his back like a deranged bat.
During the day they rested in caves abandoned buildings anywhere that offered shelter from prying eyes.
They were heading north to Canada chasing a rumor Kale heard fifteen years ago about a dragon sighting in the Rockies.
It was thin evidence but it was all they had.
She had gotten better at reading the bond.
She knew when Kale was hungry tired or stressed.
He knew when she was scared which was more often than she’d like to admit.
Being hunted did that to a person.
They stopped at a small town to resupply.
Kale went in human form trying to look normal in worn jeans and a leather jacket.
She waited outside watching the streets nervously.
That’s when she saw her.
Sarah her former best friend from the pack.
She was coming out of a coffee shop laughing with another wolf.
She recognized Marcus’s brother Cole.
Her heart stopped.
She should hide.
She should run.
But before she could move Sarah saw her.
Her face went white.
Emma.
Sarah.
Her voice was ice.
She approached slowly like Emma was a wild animal that might bolt.
Emma oh my god you’re alive.
We thought Marcus said you were dead.
Marcus pushed me off a cliff.
So yeah I can see why he’d think that.
She flinched.
I’m so sorry.
I should have stopped him.
I should have.
You were there Sarah.
You watched them do it.
Old pain surged up.
You were my best friend.
I know.
Tears filled her eyes.
I know.
And I hate myself for it.
Marcus said it was pack law that the council decided.
The council decided I was disposable.
And you all agreed.
Cole joined them.
His expression guilty.
Emma listen.
Things have changed.
Marcus is dead.
That stopped her cold.
What?
Three days after after what happened to you.
The pack was attacked hunters.
They took out half the pack before we drove them off.
He swallowed hard.
Marcus fought them and loSt. The pack is scattered now.
Broken.
She should have felt vindicated.
Instead she just felt numb.
Good.
It’s not good Sarah said desperately.
We’re vulnerable.
We and the hunters Emma they’re looking for you.
They came to our territory asking about the abandoned omega who was last seen in the northern woods.
They said you’re traveling with something valuable.
My blood ran cold.
What did you tell them?
Nothing.
We don’t know anything but they’re offering money Emma.
Serious money.
And some of the pack.
She trailed off but Emma understood.
Some of the pack would sell her out for survival.
You need to run Cole said urgently.
Get as far from here as possible.
I’m handling it.
How?
You’re alone.
Powerless.
She’s not alone.
Kale appeared beside her so quietly even she didn’t sense him coming.
He was wearing his try-to-look-harmless face but his eyes were pure predator.
Sarah and Cole took an instinctive step back.
Their wolves recognizing danger even if they didn’t understand why.
Who the hell are you?
Cole demanded.
Someone who values Emma more in one day than her pack did in twenty-three years.
Kale’s hand found hers.
We’re leaving now.
Wait.
Sarah grabbed her arm.
Emma please.
I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness but I need you to know I never stopped caring about you.
I was a coward.
I chose pack over you and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
She looked at her really looked at her.
She was thinner sadder marked by the same violence that scattered her pack.
Part of her wanted to forgive her.
Part of her wanted to rage.
She did neither.
I hope you find what you’re looking for she told her.
A pack that’s actually worth the loyalty you give it.
Then Kale and she walked away leaving her old life standing on a street corner crying.
You okay?
He asked when they were out of sight.
Not even a little bit.
The bond pulsed with his concern.
But I will be.
That night they didn’t fly.
They found a motel room on the edge of town.
The kind that took cash and didn’t ask questions.
Kale checked every window every door.
His dragon paranoia in full effect.
We’re safe she told him.
We’re never safe.
But he relaxed slightly sitting on the bed with a weary sigh.
Seeing your old pack.
Was it hard?
Yes.
Well I don’t know.
Marcus is dead.
Pack is broken.
I should feel something about that right?
Justice or satisfaction or something?
What do you feel?
Empty.
Like that part of my life happened to someone else.
She leaned against his shoulder.
Is that wrong?
No.
That’s survival.
You’ve moved past them.
That’s healthy.
Have you moved past your clan?
He was quiet for a long moment.
I’m trying.
Meeting you helped.
The bond helped but some wounds don’t heal completely.
We just learn to live with the scars.
She took his hand tracing the scars on his knuckles.
Will you tell me about them?
Your family?
Not how they died but how they lived.
Kale looked surprised then soft.
My father was huge even for a dragon.
He used to let me ride on his back when I was young teaching me to fly.
My mother sang constantly.
Old songs new songs made-up songs about whatever she was doing.
My sister was only eight when he paused composing himself.
She wanted to be a healer.
She was always bringing home injured birds and trying to fix them with her fire.
She sounds wonderful.
They all were.
And I cost them their lives.
No.
She turned to face him.
Hunters cost them their lives.
You were a victim too Kale.
A child who was tortured and manipulated.
She picked up his face.
What I should do is hate the hunters who broke you.
Not you.
But you.
I could never hate you.
I don’t deserve you.
Lucky for you I don’t care what you deserve.
I care about what you choose.
And you chose to save me.
Over and over you chose me.
Always.
He breathed.
I’ll always choose you.
They stayed there in the forest holding each other while the bond settled into something deeper than instinct something like choice like love.
Tomorrow they would start searching.
They would hunt for lost dragons and dodge hunters and figure out how to survive in a world that wanted them dead.
But tonight they had each other.
And somehow impossibly that was enough.
Traveling with a dragon shifter was weird.
They moved at night.
Kale flying them over territories in his dragon form while she clung to his back like a deranged bat.
During the day they rested in caves abandoned buildings anywhere that offered shelter from prying eyes.
They were heading north to Canada chasing a rumor Kale heard fifteen years ago about a dragon sighting in the Rockies.
It was thin evidence but it was all they had.
She had gotten better at reading the bond.
She knew when Kale was hungry tired or stressed.
He knew when she was scared which was more often than she’d like to admit.
Being hunted did that to a person.
They stopped at a small town to resupply.
Kale went in human form trying to look normal in worn jeans and a leather jacket.
She waited outside watching the streets nervously.
That’s when she saw her.
Sarah her former best friend from the pack.
She was coming out of a coffee shop laughing with another wolf.
She recognized Marcus’s brother Cole.
Her heart stopped.
She should hide.
She should run.
But before she could move Sarah saw her.
Her face went white.
Emma.
Sarah.
Her voice was ice.
She approached slowly like Emma was a wild animal that might bolt.
Emma oh my god you’re alive.
We thought Marcus said you were dead.
Marcus pushed me off a cliff.
So yeah I can see why he’d think that.
She flinched.
I’m so sorry.
I should have stopped him.
I should have.
You were there Sarah.
You watched them do it.
Old pain surged up.
You were my best friend.
I know.
Tears filled her eyes.
I know.
And I hate myself for it.
Marcus said it was pack law that the council decided.
The council decided I was disposable.
And you all agreed.
Cole joined them.
His expression guilty.
Emma listen.
Things have changed.
Marcus is dead.
That stopped her cold.
What?
Three days after after what happened to you.
The pack was attacked hunters.
They took out half the pack before we drove them off.
He swallowed hard.
Marcus fought them and loSt. The pack is scattered now.
Broken.
She should have felt vindicated.
Instead she just felt numb.
Good.
It’s not good Sarah said desperately.
We’re vulnerable.
We and the hunters Emma they’re looking for you.
They came to our territory asking about the abandoned omega who was last seen in the northern woods.
They said you’re traveling with something valuable.
My blood ran cold.
What did you tell them?
Nothing.
We don’t know anything but they’re offering money Emma.
Serious money.
And some of the pack.
She trailed off but Emma understood.
Some of the pack would sell her out for survival.
You need to run Cole said urgently.
Get as far from here as possible.
I’m handling it.
How?
You’re alone.
Powerless.
She’s not alone.
Kale appeared beside her so quietly even she didn’t sense him coming.
He was wearing his try-to-look-harmless face but his eyes were pure predator.
Sarah and Cole took an instinctive step back.
Their wolves recognizing danger even if they didn’t understand why.
Who the hell are you?
Cole demanded.
Someone who values Emma more in one day than her pack did in twenty-three years.
Kale’s hand found hers.
We’re leaving now.
Wait.
Sarah grabbed her arm.
Emma please.
I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness but I need you to know I never stopped caring about you.
I was a coward.
I chose pack over you and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
She looked at her really looked at her.
She was thinner sadder marked by the same violence that scattered her pack.
Part of her wanted to forgive her.
Part of her wanted to rage.
She did neither.
I hope you find what you’re looking for she told her.
A pack that’s actually worth the loyalty you give it.
Then Kale and she walked away leaving her old life standing on a street corner crying.
You okay?
He asked when they were out of sight.
Not even a little bit.
The bond pulsed with his concern.
But I will be.
That night they didn’t fly.
They found a motel room on the edge of town.
The kind that took cash and didn’t ask questions.
Kale checked every window every door.
His dragon paranoia in full effect.
We’re safe she told him.
We’re never safe.
But he relaxed slightly sitting on the bed with a weary sigh.
Seeing your old pack.
Was it hard?
Yes.
Well I don’t know.
Marcus is dead.
Pack is broken.
I should feel something about that right?
Justice or satisfaction or something?
What do you feel?
Empty.
Like that part of my life happened to someone else.
She leaned against his shoulder.
Is that wrong?
No.
That’s survival.
You’ve moved past them.
That’s healthy.
Have you moved past your clan?
He was quiet for a long moment.
I’m trying.
Meeting you helped.
The bond helped but some wounds don’t heal completely.
We just learn to live with the scars.
She took his hand tracing the scars on his knuckles.
Will you tell me about them?
Your family?
Not how they died but how they lived.
Kale looked surprised then soft.
My father was huge even for a dragon.
He used to let me ride on his back when I was young teaching me to fly.
My mother sang constantly.
Old songs new songs made-up songs about whatever she was doing.
My sister was only eight when he paused composing himself.
She wanted to be a healer.
She was always bringing home injured birds and trying to fix them with her fire.
She sounds wonderful.
They all were.
And I cost them their lives.
No.
She turned to face him.
Hunters cost them their lives.
You were a victim too Kale.
A child who was tortured and manipulated.
She picked up his face.
What I should do is hate the hunters who broke you.
Not you.
But you.
I could never hate you.
I don’t deserve you.
Lucky for you I don’t care what you deserve.
I care about what you choose.
And you chose to save me.
Over and over you chose me.
Always.
He breathed.
I’ll always choose you.
They stayed there in the forest holding each other while the bond settled into something deeper than instinct something like choice like love.
Tomorrow they would start searching.
They would hunt for lost dragons and dodge hunters and figure out how to survive in a world that wanted them dead.
But tonight they had each other.
And somehow impossibly that was enough.
Traveling with a dragon shifter was weird.
They moved at night.
Kale flying them over territories in his dragon form while she clung to his back like a deranged bat.
During the day they rested in caves abandoned buildings anywhere that offered shelter from prying eyes.
They were heading north to Canada chasing a rumor Kale heard fifteen years ago about a dragon sighting in the Rockies.
It was thin evidence but it was all they had.
She had gotten better at reading the bond.
She knew when Kale was hungry tired or stressed.
He knew when she was scared which was more often than she’d like to admit.
Being hunted did that to a person.
They stopped at a small town to resupply.
Kale went in human form trying to look normal in worn jeans and a leather jacket.
She waited outside watching the streets nervously.
That’s when she saw her.
Sarah her former best friend from the pack.
She was coming out of a coffee shop laughing with another wolf.
She recognized Marcus’s brother Cole.
Her heart stopped.
She should hide.
She should run.
But before she could move Sarah saw her.
Her face went white.
Emma.
Sarah.
Her voice was ice.
She approached slowly like Emma was a wild animal that might bolt.
Emma oh my god you’re alive.
We thought Marcus said you were dead.
Marcus pushed me off a cliff.
So yeah I can see why he’d think that.
She flinched.
I’m so sorry.
I should have stopped him.
I should have.
You were there Sarah.
You watched them do it.
Old pain surged up.
You were my best friend.
I know.
Tears filled her eyes.
I know.
And I hate myself for it.
Marcus said it was pack law that the council decided.
The council decided I was disposable.
And you all agreed.
Cole joined them.
His expression guilty.
Emma listen.
Things have changed.
Marcus is dead.
That stopped her cold.
What?
Three days after after what happened to you.
The pack was attacked hunters.
They took out half the pack before we drove them off.
He swallowed hard.
Marcus fought them and loSt. The pack is scattered now.
Broken.
She should have felt vindicated.
Instead she just felt numb.
Good.
It’s not good Sarah said desperately.
We’re vulnerable.
We and the hunters Emma they’re looking for you.
They came to our territory asking about the abandoned omega who was last seen in the northern woods.
They said you’re traveling with something valuable.
My blood ran cold.
What did you tell them?
Nothing.
We don’t know anything but they’re offering money Emma.
Serious money.
And some of the pack.
She trailed off but Emma understood.
Some of the pack would sell her out for survival.
You need to run Cole said urgently.
Get as far from here as possible.
I’m handling it.
How?
You’re alone.
Powerless.
She’s not alone.
Kale appeared beside her so quietly even she didn’t sense him coming.
He was wearing his try-to-look-harmless face but his eyes were pure predator.
Sarah and Cole took an instinctive step back.
Their wolves recognizing danger even if they didn’t understand why.
Who the hell are you?
Cole demanded.
Someone who values Emma more in one day than her pack did in twenty-three years.
Kale’s hand found hers.
We’re leaving now.
Wait.
Sarah grabbed her arm.
Emma please.
I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness but I need you to know I never stopped caring about you.
I was a coward.
I chose pack over you and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
She looked at her really looked at her.
She was thinner sadder marked by the same violence that scattered her pack.
Part of her wanted to forgive her.
Part of her wanted to rage.
She did neither.
I hope you find what you’re looking for she told her.
A pack that’s actually worth the loyalty you give it.
Then Kale and she walked away leaving her old life standing on a street corner crying.
You okay?
He asked when they were out of sight.
Not even a little bit.
The bond pulsed with his concern.
But I will be.
That night they didn’t fly.
They found a motel room on the edge of town.
The kind that took cash and didn’t ask questions.
Kale checked every window every door.
His dragon paranoia in full effect.
We’re safe she told him.
We’re never safe.
But he relaxed slightly sitting on the bed with a weary sigh.
Seeing your old pack.
Was it hard?
Yes.
Well I don’t know.
Marcus is dead.
Pack is broken.
I should feel something about that right?
Justice or satisfaction or something?
What do you feel?
Empty.
Like that part of my life happened to someone else.
She leaned against his shoulder.
Is that wrong?
No.
That’s survival.
You’ve moved past them.
That’s healthy.
Have you moved past your clan?
He was quiet for a long moment.
I’m trying.
Meeting you helped.
The bond helped but some wounds don’t heal completely.
We just learn to live with the scars.
She took his hand tracing the scars on his knuckles.
Will you tell me about them?
Your family?
Not how they died but how they lived.
Kale looked surprised then soft.
My father was huge even for a dragon.
He used to let me ride on his back when I was young teaching me to fly.
My mother sang constantly.
Old songs new songs made-up songs about whatever she was doing.
My sister was only eight when he paused composing himself.
She wanted to be a healer.
She was always bringing home injured birds and trying to fix them with her fire.
She sounds wonderful.
They all were.
And I cost them their lives.
No.
She turned to face him.
Hunters cost them their lives.
You were a victim too Kale.
A child who was tortured and manipulated.
She picked up his face.
What I should do is hate the hunters who broke you.
Not you.
But you.
I could never hate you.
I don’t deserve you.
Lucky for you I don’t care what you deserve.
I care about what you choose.
And you chose to save me.
Over and over you chose me.
Always.
He breathed.
I’ll always choose you.
They stayed there in the forest holding each other while the bond settled into something deeper than instinct something like choice like love.
Tomorrow they would start searching.
They would hunt for lost dragons and dodge hunters and figure out how to survive in a world that wanted them dead.
But tonight they had each other.
And somehow impossibly that was enough.
Traveling with a dragon shifter was weird.
They moved at night.
Kale flying them over territories in his dragon form while she clung to his back like a deranged bat.
During the day they rested in caves abandoned buildings anywhere that offered shelter from prying eyes.
They were heading north to Canada chasing a rumor Kale heard fifteen years ago about a dragon sighting in the Rockies.
It was thin evidence but it was all they had.
She had gotten better at reading the bond.
She knew when Kale was hungry tired or stressed.
He knew when she was scared which was more often than she’d like to admit.
Being hunted did that to a person.
They stopped at a small town to resupply.
Kale went in human form trying to look normal in worn jeans and a leather jacket.
She waited outside watching the streets nervously.
That’s when she saw her.
Sarah her former best friend from the pack.
She was coming out of a coffee shop laughing with another wolf.
She recognized Marcus’s brother Cole.
Her heart stopped.
She should hide.
She should run.
But before she could move Sarah saw her.
Her face went white.
Emma.
Sarah.
Her voice was ice.
She approached slowly like Emma was a wild animal that might bolt.
Emma oh my god you’re alive.
We thought Marcus said you were dead.
Marcus pushed me off a cliff.
So yeah I can see why he’d think that.
She flinched.
I’m so sorry.
I should have stopped him.
I should have.
You were there Sarah.
You watched them do it.
Old pain surged up.
You were my best friend.
I know.
Tears filled her eyes.
I know.
And I hate myself for it.
Marcus said it was pack law that the council decided.
The council decided I was disposable.
And you all agreed.
Cole joined them.
His expression guilty.
Emma listen.
Things have changed.
Marcus is dead.
That stopped her cold.
What?
Three days after after what happened to you.
The pack was attacked hunters.
They took out half the pack before we drove them off.
He swallowed hard.
Marcus fought them and loSt. The pack is scattered now.
Broken.
She should have felt vindicated.
Instead she just felt numb.
Good.
It’s not good Sarah said desperately.
We’re vulnerable.
We and the hunters Emma they’re looking for you.
They came to our territory asking about the abandoned omega who was last seen in the northern woods.
They said you’re traveling with something valuable.
My blood ran cold.
What did you tell them?
Nothing.
We don’t know anything but they’re offering money Emma.
Serious money.
And some of the pack.
She trailed off but Emma understood.
Some of the pack would sell her out for survival.
You need to run Cole said urgently.
Get as far from here as possible.
I’m handling it.
How?
You’re alone.
Powerless.
She’s not alone.
Kale appeared beside her so quietly even she didn’t sense him coming.
He was wearing his try-to-look-harmless face but his eyes were pure predator.
Sarah and Cole took an instinctive step back.
Their wolves recognizing danger even if they didn’t understand why.
Who the hell are you?
Cole demanded.
Someone who values Emma more in one day than her pack did in twenty-three years.
Kale’s hand found hers.
We’re leaving now.
Wait.
Sarah grabbed her arm.
Emma please.
I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness but I need you to know I never stopped caring about you.
I was a coward.
I chose pack over you and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
She looked at her really looked at her.
She was thinner sadder marked by the same violence that scattered her pack.
Part of her wanted to forgive her.
Part of her wanted to rage.
She did neither.
I hope you find what you’re looking for she told her.
A pack that’s actually worth the loyalty you give it.
Then Kale and she walked away leaving her old life standing on a street corner crying.
You okay?
He asked when they were out of sight.
Not even a little bit.
The bond pulsed with his concern.
But I will be.
That night they didn’t fly.
They found a motel room on the edge of town.
The kind that took cash and didn’t ask questions.
Kale checked every window every door.
His dragon paranoia in full effect.
We’re safe she told him.
We’re never safe.
But he relaxed slightly sitting on the bed with a weary sigh.
Seeing your old pack.
Was it hard?
Yes.
Well I don’t know.
Marcus is dead.
Pack is broken.
I should feel something about that right?
Justice or satisfaction or something?
What do you feel?
Empty.
Like that part of my life happened to someone else.
She leaned against his shoulder.
Is that wrong?
No.
That’s survival.
You’ve moved past them.
That’s healthy.
Have you moved past your clan?
He was quiet for a long moment.
I’m trying.
Meeting you helped.
The bond helped but some wounds don’t heal completely.
We just learn to live with the scars.
She took his hand tracing the scars on his knuckles.
Will you tell me about them?
Your family?
Not how they died but how they lived.
Kale looked surprised then soft.
My father was huge even for a dragon.
He used to let me ride on his back when I was young teaching me to fly.
My mother sang constantly.
Old songs new songs made-up songs about whatever she was doing.
My sister was only eight when he paused composing himself.
She wanted to be a healer.
She was always bringing home injured birds and trying to fix them with her fire.
She sounds wonderful.
They all were.
And I cost them their lives.
No.
She turned to face him.
Hunters cost them their lives.
You were a victim too Kale.
A child who was tortured and manipulated.
She picked up his face.
What I should do is hate the hunters who broke you.
Not you.
But you.
I could never hate you.
I don’t deserve you.
Lucky for you I don’t care what you deserve.
I care about what you choose.
And you chose to save me.
Over and over you chose me.
Always.
He breathed.
I’ll always choose you.
They stayed there in the forest holding each other while the bond settled into something deeper than instinct something like choice like love.
Tomorrow they would start searching.
They would hunt for lost dragons and dodge hunters and figure out how to survive in a world that wanted them dead.
But tonight they had each other.
And somehow impossibly that was enough.
Traveling with a dragon shifter was weird.
They moved at night.
Kale flying them over territories in his dragon form while she clung to his back like a deranged bat.
During the day they rested in caves abandoned buildings anywhere that offered shelter from prying eyes.
They were heading north to Canada chasing a rumor Kale heard fifteen years ago about a dragon sighting in the Rockies.
It was thin evidence but it was all they had.
She had gotten better at reading the bond.
She knew when Kale was hungry tired or stressed.
He knew when she was scared which was more often than she’d like to admit.
Being hunted did that to a person.
They stopped at a small town to resupply.
Kale went in human form trying to look normal in worn jeans and a leather jacket.
She waited outside watching the streets nervously.
That’s when she saw her.
Sarah her former best friend from the pack.
She was coming out of a coffee shop laughing with another wolf.
She recognized Marcus’s brother Cole.
Her heart stopped.
She should hide.
She should run.
But before she could move Sarah saw her.
Her face went white.
Emma.
Sarah.
Her voice was ice.
She approached slowly like Emma was a wild animal that might bolt.
Emma oh my god you’re alive.
We thought Marcus said you were dead.
Marcus pushed me off a cliff.
So yeah I can see why he’d think that.
She flinched.
I’m so sorry.
I should have stopped him.
I should have.
You were there Sarah.
You watched them do it.
Old pain surged up.
You were my best friend.
I know.
Tears filled her eyes.
I know.
And I hate myself for it.
Marcus said it was pack law that the council decided.
The council decided I was disposable.
And you all agreed.
Cole joined them.
His expression guilty.
Emma listen.
Things have changed.
Marcus is dead.
That stopped her cold.
What?
Three days after after what happened to you.
The pack was attacked hunters.
They took out half the pack before we drove them off.
He swallowed hard.
Marcus fought them and loSt. The pack is scattered now.
Broken.
She should have felt vindicated.
Instead she just felt numb.
Good.
It’s not good Sarah said desperately.
We’re vulnerable.
We and the hunters Emma they’re looking for you.
They came to our territory asking about the abandoned omega who was last seen in the northern woods.
They said you’re traveling with something valuable.
My blood ran cold.
What did you tell them?
Nothing.
We don’t know anything but they’re offering money Emma.
Serious money.
And some of the pack.
She trailed off but Emma understood.
Some of the pack would sell her out for survival.
You need to run Cole said urgently.
Get as far from here as possible.
I’m handling it.
How?
You’re alone.
Powerless.
She’s not alone.
Kale appeared beside her so quietly even she didn’t sense him coming.
He was wearing his try-to-look-harmless face but his eyes were pure predator.
Sarah and Cole took an instinctive step back.
Their wolves recognizing danger even if they didn’t understand why.
Who the hell are you?
Cole demanded.
Someone who values Emma more in one day than her pack did in twenty-three years.
Kale’s hand found hers.
We’re leaving now.
Wait.
Sarah grabbed her arm.
Emma please.
I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness but I need you to know I never stopped caring about you.
I was a coward.
I chose pack over you and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
She looked at her really looked at her.
She was thinner sadder marked by the same violence that scattered her pack.
Part of her wanted to forgive her.
Part of her wanted to rage.
She did neither.
I hope you find what you’re looking for she told her.
A pack that’s actually worth the loyalty you give it.
Then Kale and she walked away leaving her old life standing on a street corner crying.
You okay?
He asked when they were out of sight.
Not even a little bit.
The bond pulsed with his concern.
But I will be.
That night they didn’t fly.
They found a motel room on the edge of town.
The kind that took cash and didn’t ask questions.
Kale checked every window every door.
His dragon paranoia in full effect.
We’re safe she told him.
We’re never safe.
But he relaxed slightly sitting on the bed with a weary sigh.
Seeing your old pack.
Was it hard?
Yes.
Well I don’t know.
Marcus is dead.
Pack is broken.
I should feel something about that right?
Justice or satisfaction or something?
What do you feel?
Empty.
Like that part of my life happened to someone else.
She leaned against his shoulder.
Is that wrong?
No.
That’s survival.
You’ve moved past them.
That’s healthy.
Have you moved past your clan?
He was quiet for a long moment.
I’m trying.
Meeting you helped.
The bond helped but some wounds don’t heal completely.
We just learn to live with the scars.
She took his hand tracing the scars on his knuckles.
Will you tell me about them?
Your family?
Not how they died but how they lived.
Kale looked surprised then soft.
My father was huge even for a dragon.
He used to let me ride on his back when I was young teaching me to fly.
My mother sang constantly.
Old songs new songs made-up songs about whatever she was doing.
My sister was only eight when he paused composing himself.
She wanted to be a healer.
She was always bringing home injured birds and trying to fix them with her fire.
She sounds wonderful.
They all were.
And I cost them their lives.
No.
She turned to face him.
Hunters cost them their lives.
You were a victim too Kale.
A child who was tortured and manipulated.
She picked up his face.
What I should do is hate the hunters who broke you.
Not you.
But you.
I could never hate you.
I don’t deserve you.
Lucky for you I don’t care what you deserve.
I care about what you choose.
And you chose to save me.
Over and over you chose me.
Always.
He breathed.
I’ll always choose you.
They stayed there in the forest holding each other while the bond settled into something deeper than instinct something like choice like love.
Tomorrow they would start searching.
They would hunt for lost dragons and dodge hunters and figure out how to survive in a world that wanted them dead.
But tonight they had each other.
And somehow impossibly that was enough.
Traveling with a dragon shifter was weird.
They moved at night.
Kale flying them over territories in his dragon form while she clung to his back like a deranged bat.
During the day they rested in caves abandoned buildings anywhere that offered shelter from prying eyes.
They were heading north to Canada chasing a rumor Kale heard fifteen years ago about a dragon sighting in the Rockies.
It was thin evidence but it was all they had.
She had gotten better at reading the bond.
She knew when Kale was hungry tired or stressed.
He knew when she was scared which was more often than she’d like to admit.
Being hunted did that to a person.
They stopped at a small town to resupply.
Kale went in human form trying to look normal in worn jeans and a leather jacket.
She waited outside watching the streets nervously.
That’s when she saw her.
Sarah her former best friend from the pack.
She was coming out of a coffee shop laughing with another wolf.
She recognized Marcus’s brother Cole.
Her heart stopped.
She should hide.
She should run.
But before she could move Sarah saw her.
Her face went white.
Emma.
Sarah.
Her voice was ice.
She approached slowly like Emma was a wild animal that might bolt.
Emma oh my god you’re alive.
We thought Marcus said you were dead.
Marcus pushed me off a cliff.
So yeah I can see why he’d think that.
She flinched.
I’m so sorry.
I should have stopped him.
I should have.
You were there Sarah.
You watched them do it.
Old pain surged up.
You were my best friend.
I know.
Tears filled her eyes.
I know.
And I hate myself for it.
Marcus said it was pack law that the council decided.
The council decided I was disposable.
And you all agreed.
Cole joined them.
His expression guilty.
Emma listen.
Things have changed.
Marcus is dead.
That stopped her cold.
What?
Three days after after what happened to you.
The pack was attacked hunters.
They took out half the pack before we drove them off.
He swallowed hard.
Marcus fought them and loSt. The pack is scattered now.
Broken.
She should have felt vindicated.
Instead she just felt numb.
Good.
It’s not good Sarah said desperately.
We’re vulnerable.
We and the hunters Emma they’re looking for you.
They came to our territory asking about the abandoned omega who was last seen in the northern woods.
They said you’re traveling with something valuable.
My blood ran cold.
What did you tell them?
Nothing.
We don’t know anything but they’re offering money Emma.
Serious money.
And some of the pack.
She trailed off but Emma understood.
Some of the pack would sell her out for survival.
You need to run Cole said urgently.
Get as far from here as possible.
I’m handling it.
How?
You’re alone.
Powerless.
She’s not alone.
Kale appeared beside her so quietly even she didn’t sense him coming.
He was wearing his try-to-look-harmless face but his eyes were pure predator.
Sarah and Cole took an instinctive step back.
Their wolves recognizing danger even if they didn’t understand why.
Who the hell are you?
Cole demanded.
Someone who values Emma more in one day than her pack did in twenty-three years.
Kale’s hand found hers.
We’re leaving now.
Wait.
Sarah grabbed her arm.
Emma please.
I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness but I need you to know I never stopped caring about you.
I was a coward.
I chose pack over you and I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.
She looked at her really looked at her.
She was thinner sadder marked by the same violence that scattered her pack.
Part of her wanted to forgive her.
Part of her wanted to rage.
She did neither.
I hope you find what you’re looking for she told her.
A pack that’s actually worth the loyalty you give it.
Then Kale and she walked away leaving her old life standing on a street corner crying.
You okay?
He asked when they were out of sight.
Not even a little bit.
The bond pulsed with his concern.
But I will be.
That night they didn’t fly.
They found a motel room on the edge of town.
The kind that took cash and didn’t ask questions.
Kale checked every window every door.
His dragon paranoia in full effect.
We’re safe she told him.
We’re never safe.
But he relaxed slightly sitting on the bed with a weary sigh.
Seeing your old pack.
Was it hard?
Yes.
Well I don’t know.
Marcus is dead.
Pack is broken.
I should feel something about that right?
Justice or satisfaction or something?
What do you feel?
Empty.
Like that part of my life happened to someone else.
She leaned against his shoulder.
Is that wrong?
No.
That’s survival.
You’ve moved past them.
That’s healthy.
Have you moved past your clan?
He was quiet for a long moment.
I’m trying.
Meeting you helped.
The bond helped but some wounds don’t heal completely.
We just learn to live with the scars.
She took his hand tracing the scars on his knuckles.
Will you tell me about them?
Your family?
Not how they died but how they lived.
Kale looked surprised then soft.
My father was huge even for a dragon.
He used to let me ride on his back when I was young teaching me to fly.
My mother sang constantly.
Old songs new songs made-up songs about whatever she was doing.
My sister was only eight when he paused composing himself.
She wanted to be a healer.
She was always bringing home injured birds and trying to fix them with her fire.
She sounds wonderful.
They all were.
And I cost them their lives.
No.
She turned to face him.
Hunters cost them their lives.
You were a victim too Kale.
A child who was tortured and manipulated.
She picked up his face.
What I should do is hate the hunters who broke you.
Not you.
But you.
I could never hate you.
I don’t deserve you.
Lucky for you I don’t care what you deserve.
I care about what you choose.
And you chose to save me.
Over and over you chose me.
Always.
He breathed.
I’ll always choose you.
They stayed there in the forest holding each other while the bond settled into something deeper than instinct something like choice like love.
Tomorrow they would start searching.
They would hunt for lost dragons and dodge hunters and figure out how to survive in a world that wanted them dead.
But tonight they had each other.
And somehow impossibly that was enough.
Traveling with a dragon shifter was weird.
They moved at night.
Kale flying them over territories in his dragon form while she clung to his back like a deranged bat.
During the day they rested in caves abandoned buildings anywhere that offered shelter from prying eyes.
They were heading north to Canada chasing a rumor Kale heard fifteen years ago about a dragon sighting in the Rockies.
It was thin evidence but it was all they had.
She had gotten better at reading the bond.
She knew when Kale was hungry tired or stressed.
He knew when she was scared which was more often than she’d like to admit.
Being hunted did that to a person.
