Origin (Scales 'n' Spells 1)

“Cass,” he sighed. “You know I’d love to have you here. I’m just worried about your safety and Halmeoni’s. We’re still trying to figure out who grabbed me and why. We need to settle that before you come, I think.”

Alric tightened his hand on Cameron’s hip and then winced at the small pain that shot up his arm at the gesture. He wasn’t sure if Cameron saw or felt the wince, but his head popped up immediately, worried eyes flashing to his. Alric relaxed his hold and smiled.

“You know we would do whatever it takes to keep your sister safe,” Alric murmured.

Cameron turned to face Alric, his hand coming to rest over Alric’s rapidly beating heart. They were so close right now. He’d need to lean up only a few short inches to claim Cameron’s beautiful mouth, but the worry in Cameron’s large brown eyes kept him perfectly still.

“I know, but everyone is already working so hard to keep me safe. I don’t want to cause you and your people more trouble by bringing Cassie and Halmeoni here.”

“It would be no trouble. We would be honored to protect you and any member of your family. You’re so precious, Cameron. I…”

Alric had no idea what he was going to say. His mouth was clearly operating outside the control of his brain. Luckily, Cassie’s voice interrupted.

“Wow. I seriously don’t know whether to swoon or gag. You two are so cute together.”

Cameron growled again in the back of his throat, and Alric was sure it was the most adorable sound he’d ever heard.

They both looked back at the phone to find Cassie resting her chin on her hands in front of her, a wicked grin on her lips.

“Let me think about it,” Cameron grumbled. “Maybe give them more time to figure things out.”

Cassie huffed. “Fine, but the countdown clock is running. Things are finally getting quiet at work, and I see a window to escape. And I’m literally dying over here. I want to meet dragons and learn magic and do the cool stuff.”

Cameron stepped away from Alric, and the dragon immediately felt the loss. He missed the warmth and feel of Cameron against his body, but he didn’t try to keep him close.

“I guess we should be going. You’ve got work to do.”

Alric opened his mouth that he was happy to spend more time with Cameron and his sister, but Cassie was already speaking up.

“Wait! Before we go, can I see your dragon? Please!”

Alric stiffened, and he noticed Cameron did the same. Alric rarely shifted anymore. He couldn’t fly. His left side was too weak to be of use to anyone in a fight. His dragon roared to be set free, to feel the sun on his hide, but Alric would not shift if he could help it. His dragon wanted to display and show off to a potential mate. But that wouldn’t end well, as Alric’s dragon form couldn’t move properly. He’d skip that potential disaster, thanks all the same.

“Um… he can’t. There isn’t nearly enough room in here, and shifting takes a little time and preparation,” Cameron quickly replied, saving Alric the need to make up an excuse. He chewed his bottom lip for a second, and then his face brightened. “But I can show you magic.”

“Oh! Yes! Show me magic! Do a trick.”

Cameron narrowed his eyes as he walked back over to Alric. “It’s a spell. Not a trick. I’m not pulling a rabbit out of a hat.”

“Well, I’m gonna magically put my foot in your ass if you don’t get on with the magic,” Cassie snapped.

Alric poorly covered up his bark of laughter with a cough, but the glare from Cameron showed he wasn’t fooled in the least.

“Would you?” Cameron asked, offering his phone to Alric to hold.

“Of course.” Alric accepted the phone with his right hand, keeping the camera trained on Cameron.

To his surprise, Cameron then leaned in and captured Alric’s lips in a sweet kiss. It was brief, and Alric froze in shock at the wonderful touch of those two soft lips pressed against his. Cameron’s sweet scent wafted around them, embracing him. There was only the slightest hint of Cameron sipping power from him, but it was nearly lost in the blaze of heat and need that swamped Alric.

Cameron broke contact but didn’t immediately pull away. He hovered so close, his hot breath caressing Alric’s parted lips. Those deep, liquid brown eyes were wide with surprise and something he couldn’t quite put his finger on. Hunger? Hope? Need?

But before Alric could close those couple of inches between them to claim another, more thorough kiss, Cameron flashed him a bright smile and backed away. He lit a candle on Alric’s desk, then securely held it arm’s length away from him before speaking the spell. “Vente anti gev adi.”