Page 87 of Gryphon’s Fire

“I won’t argue that.” I’d been afraid Helios would end me just as quickly. “I’m not certain about telling Peaches or not. Peaches is technically Helios’s master, but he doesn’t act like one. I honestly doubt he’d do much more than ask Helios why he did what he did and since you and I can’t really fault Helios’s actions…” If I’d been able, I would have shrugged.

“Hmm.” Lazarus quieted until he asked, “What do you make of Helios’s fixation on Jima?”

I swallowed hard. “I’m not certain. It worked out this time, but I worry. Helios is volatile. I don’t think he means to be, but in many ways, his thinking is childlike. Helios is most likely older than all of us combined, but he’s lived those years as a djinn, unable to make his own decisions.”

“Perhaps. Perhaps not. It is my understanding that all djinn find ways to murder their masters. That would indicate some decision-making abilities.”

“I… That’s true. Maybe when it comes to other decisions then?” I wasn’t so certain. “All I know is that my few dealings with Helios and Aurelia indicate that they are naïve in the way of feelings and acting upon those feelings.”

Lazarus’s arm wrapped around me, pulling me a little closer. “I do not desire to dwell on such unsettling thoughts. Not today. Verona and Axios are no more. Jaakobah has been dealt with, and our family is safe.”

That reminded me… “I forgot to ask how Thalia took the news.”

“Relief,” Lazarus answered. “There was sadness there as well or perhaps regret. Either way, Thalia is grateful the threat has been neutralized and that Vi and Blu are safe.”

“And they are safe,” I whispered. I wasn’t certain if saying it out loud was for my benefit or Lazarus’s.

“They are. And we will do our best to keep them that way.” Lazarus twisted until he could press his lips against my forehead. “To do so, we need to rest and recover. And make no mistake, Keir, when we are both well enough, I plan on making you mine in every way, shape, and form. We have both waited long enough.”

I shivered with anticipation. As far as I was concerned, my body couldn’t heal fast enough.

Thirty-One

Lazarus

“Don’t you worry, none, Laz.” Henry sat on Blu’s back, legs splayed to either side. I had the distinct feeling they’d done this before and wasn’t entirely certain how to feel about that. Blu raised her head and let loose a puff of frigid, crystalline air. Vi smacked her head against Blu before both took off, Henry whooping and swinging his right arm like he was a cowboy riding a horse.

I watched them dart toward the door which opened just in time for the three of them to make their escape. I’d already made plans with Tabitha. She would watch Vi and Blu for the next three days. The magic filling the compound had already added a second fireplace to Tabitha’s quarters, allowing a place for Vi to settle in and rest.

I’d enlisted Martin and Grayson into my plans. Grayson claimed to have found a new piece of treasure that required Keir’s attention. Keir had left about thirty minutes ago. Long enough for me to get the roast in the oven and prep the potatoes, salad, and dessert.

With everyone gone, I went about setting the table. It was cliché, but I placed candles on the surface along with a vase of wildflowers. Our quarters smelled delicious and the magic had already dimmed the lights, adding to the general ambiance.

The bedroom was stocked with fresh water, fruit, snacks, and energy packets. I planned to make good on my promise. Once Keir entered that door, he wasn’t leaving for at least three days.

I was just pulling the potatoes out of the oven when I heard the door open and Keir walk inside. “I’m not really sure Grayson needed me for that. It was just another one of Henry’s… What’s all this?” Keir stood in the kitchen, his gaze darting between the candles flickering on the table and the pan of potatoes in my hands.

“Dinner,” I answered with a sly smile. “It’s always good to start a mating ritual with a full belly.”

“Mating… Oh.” Keir’s cheeks flushed bright pink and his gaze dropped. My heart followed that gaze.

Quickly setting the pan down, I went to Keir. “Am I wrong?” I’d been going on and on about how I wanted to mate with Keir. Was he not ready? I thought he was, but perhaps I was wrong and⁠—

“Stop.” Keir placed a finger across my parted lips. “I can see you spiraling.” Removing that finger, Keir ran it over my heart scale. “There’s nothing I want more than to bond with you. It’s just… It’s been a while for me.” Keir coughed into his hand. “I mean, a long while.” His gaze drifted off to the side. “I feel like your expectations are high, and I don’t want to disappoint you.”

“That is your concern? Your only concern?” I clarified, and when Keir nodded, I pulled him into my arms. “Then let me ease that concern. As long as it is you, then it will be impossible for me to be disappointed.”

Keir inhaled deeply, his breath catching. “You say that now, but⁠—”

“There are no buts. We have centuries to learn what the other likes and doesn’t like in the bedroom. And in the kitchen, and living room, and bathroom, and⁠—”

“I think I understand,” Keir interrupted, laughter filling his voice. Growing serious, the palms of Keir’s hands wiggled their way under my shirt, lying flat against my newest scars. “I dreamed of you. Maybe not you in particular, at least not before I met you, just…someone like you. Someone I could love and who would love me in return. Someone that understood my responsibilities and loved me because, not in spite, of them. Someone who cares about my family, about those who’ve bled and died to protect others. Some days I can’t believe you are real.”

“Vi and Blu could not have been more right when they chose you as their protector. Just as you cannot believe I am real, I have often woken, imagining meeting you to have been little more than a dream. Some days, I am afraid to wake and realize that’s all it has been.”

Keir laughed, snorting in the process and covering his mouth with embarrassment. “We’re a sappy pair, the two of us.”

“Since Martin is an oak dryad, that sounds like a joke Grayson would make.”