Tattered Freedom: Urban Fantasy Dragon Mystery (Jaws, Claws, and Fire Book 2) by Reily Garrett

Author:Reily Garrett [Garrett, Reily]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-12-13T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Talia

Jonah looked over his shoulder for the hundredth time. His obvious interest for mother and daughter obliterated the lines of friendship and slid far into infatuation.

Their return flight, minus the selkies, had been quiet and thick with the weight of concern. Silas’ occasional snort of blue flame combined with frequent side glancing signified telepathic communication with his smitten teammate not going well.

The fact he could exclude Talia from their talk frustrated her to no end. “They’ll be fine, Jonah. You’ve got a link with Caitir and can track her anywhere.”

“Yes, but I can’t fly fast enough to help them if they get into trouble over there. I don’t trust the sirens. To top it off, I’m susceptible to their song. Thank the crimson tides you’re not affected by them.”

Never had she seen him more disgusted with himself. “Silas and the others are also vulnerable, but we figured out how to break that connection. There’d be no reason, no benefit for them to hurt those under their protection.”

“No, you broke the trance. The rest of us would’ve been finished if not for your intervention. I could see what she was doing, could even feel it. I just couldn’t resist.”

For a young man who prided himself on self-discipline and formality, the incident continued to take its toll.

“That doesn’t make you weak.” Her words failed to penetrate the cloud of self-recriminations surrounding her ward. He wouldn’t even look at her.

It was his turn to snort. “I see the shifters are awaiting our return. I wonder how Milo’s getting along? Probably stuffing his face.”

“I hope he uses the time to strengthen his connection with his peers. I want him to have friends.” It was every caring mother’s wish to see their children thrive.

A crowd had gathered at the palace gates, either waiting for the visitors to exit or to see the dragon, vampire, and unspecified being arrive.

Flying overhead, each heard the buzz of conversation. There existed an air of expectation with word having spread about the group’s mission to help them.

Guards escorted the team inside without asking them to first remove their weapons. Silas’ facsimile of a smile might have fooled those gathered, but not Talia. He didn’t like crowds.

Crimson in Jonah’s cheeks reminded her of his post-feeding appearance. Awkwardness at being the center of attention manifested in less grace and surreptitious glances over his shoulder.

Inside the palace’s council chamber, a feast fit for dozens covered the table where the king and queen met with the rest of their squad.

“Hey, Silas. I see you were successful.” Milo forked a bite of meat into his mouth. “Have a seat. You have things to learn.”

King Eldrick’s head reared back. “You’d speak to a dragon in those terms?”

Silas held up his hand to stay the king’s further comments. “Sir. Whatever you know about the Paxamant clan, I am not them. Each member of my family has equal standing.”

“So, I see. Well, now, it seems I too have things to learn.” His chuckle elicited a smile from his wife.

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