Page 83 of Red Marked

I keep going, eating up the miles, my senses on high alert. After a time, the jungle thins until it’s just grass up ahead. I stop whenever dragons fly overhead. Then I pause at the edge of what’s left of the trees to catch my breath.

I wait and wait some more, my strength slowly returning. A group of three dragons flies past, and then another soon after.

This is it. I have to be quick, but I can’t be careless.

I drop down onto my belly in the long grass and leopard crawl as quickly as I can. I am only just under the cover of the trees on the other side when another patrol flies past. I stay completely still.

When it is safe, I pick my way through the scrub and bushes. When a patrol comes, I hide and wait. When they’re gone, I’m on the move. There are far more patrols on this side of the boundary. They’re actively hunting ferals.

I have to be careful. There are fewer and fewer of them the closer I get to Mistveil City.

The sun climbs on my left, turning the hills gold. I keep going, mile after mile, until I reach a river. Flint mentioned the river. This means I’m far enough away from the boundary. I go and wash off and drink my fill.

Then I shift and take to the sky. It feels so good to have nothing but air underneath me and the wind hauling at my scales. I’ve missed being in my dragon form.

I follow the river until two silver threads meet and become one. The ridge sits above the fork, and on the ridge stands the dead fig tree.

I fly a somersault when I don’t see Flint. I knew I would beat him. Sure, I had a couple of hours on him, but I covered most of those on two legs, whereas he has been in his scales.

I land and shift, and I can’t stop grinning. I spread out on a patch of grass and enjoy the midday sun on my naked skin.

I’m on the verge of dozing off when something blocks the sun. Gray-green scales glint against the rays.

I grin, jumping to my feet.

He circles once, then lands, drops the pack he’s carrying, and shifts. He’s a little down the ridge, so I bound toward him, jumping from rock to rock and then jogging the last bit.

This time there’s no doubt. His eyes go down the length of me and come back up slowly, and by the time they reach mine they’ve gone dark. He’s breathing heavier than he should. He swallows and picks the pack up, holding it in front of him.

Holy shit.

What the heck?

Heat spreads through me. I suddenly feel achy and needy, which is normal since I’ve missed sex a lot.

This isn’t about Flint, and even if it were, we have to work together. He’ll be my boss. Then there’s Jett.

I don’t even know if he’s moved on or not. I wouldn’t blame him if he has. A big part of me hopes he did. I would hate for him to be sad and lonely.

Is that the only reason?

I don’t know. It’s confusing. I need to find him first. It’s hard to move on with so many loose ends.

Then, of course, if I find him happily mated, I still can’t have sex with my boss.

Nope.

Why am I even thinking about sex with Flint?

Shit!

I need to stop.

“Are you okay?” He’s frowning at me.

“Yeah…sorry,” I mumble.

“I’m glad you made it.” His voice is rough.