Origin (Scales 'n' Spells 1)

“When Gunter and Melissande saw the name Jaeggi, they immediately retreated. We can’t take any chances. We don’t know how many there are or why they are after other mages. Are they simply seeking to keep them away from the Burkhard dragons? We need more information.”

“What we need is a drone,” Cassie announced. “Something to swoop in and spy on them all stealth and ninja-like.”

“Stealth is the optimal word,” Lisette grumbled, and Alric could easily understand the worry drawing lines on her face. “The Jaeggi Clan were renowned hunters among our people. They were exceptional at all forms of stealth and cloaking spells.”

“Shame you didn’t bring your drone with you from the States,” Cameron said. He was looking over at his sister, but still leaning some of his weight against Alric, as if he didn’t want to be physically separated.

Cassie shrugged one shoulder, her frown deepening. “Yeah, but we need more stealth than a drone. They’re fun, but you still hear it buzzing over your head. It’s still going to draw attention.”

Lisette tapped her lips with one finger, and Alric loved the calculating look in her eyes. “I think I have a few interesting spells that might work. At the very least, they will give us a closer look at the town without one of us actually walking down the streets.” She paused and then nodded as if she’d made a decision. “When Melissande reaches the castle, I’ll call the other mages together so we can discuss a plan. I think even our newest mages will be able to help with this one.”

Alric nearly chuckled to see Cassie and Ha Na’s faces light up at the promise of doing magic. “Good. Come see me when you have a firm plan in mind. We’ll work out the timing and any further assistance you might need.”

Stepping away from Cameron, he bowed his head to the gathering and then hurried from the room. He needed to find Dieter, see if he knew how close Gunter and Melissande were to the castle—

“Alric!” Cameron said in a harsh whisper.

Alric halted sharply and turned around to see Cameron slipping out the door. He closed it and hurried over to Alric, slipping his hands around his waist. “Are you alright?” Cameron asked.

Carefully wiping his face of all fears and worries, he smiled at the young mage. “Of course. I’m fine.”

Cameron narrowed his eyes and cocked his head to the side. “Yep. There it is.”

Alric stiffened but didn’t pull away from the man whose hands were starting to slide up his back. “What?”

“You, your sexy highness, are a horrible liar.” Alric gasped and started to jerk away, but Cameron tightened his hold on Alric. “What? Gonna tell me you’re not a horrible liar? That you’re an excellent, accomplished liar?” he teased.

Alric attempted to glare at Cameron. He was damn good at glaring even if he wasn’t spectacular at lying. At least, he’d been good at glaring prior to meeting Cameron Park. Now all he wanted to do when he was near the man was smile like a besotted idiot.

“You’ve outwitted me again, young mage. What would you have me say? The potential appearance of the Jaeggi means I failed to protect my people and wipe out this threat like I should have.” Alric felt that failure to the quick. Like the knife was already pushed in to the hilt. No one needed to twist it further.

“No, it means the bastards are sneakier than anyone thought. Did any other dragon think they were still around?”

Alric huffed, but Cameron had a point. Rodrigo had been as shocked as Alric. They’d all thought the Jaeggi had been eliminated. If he’d known they were still around he would have kept hunting.

“And even if they are still around, this is the first you’ve seen of them in five hundred years. I’d say you did a hell of a good job beating them back.”

There was no stopping the smile that lifted the corners of Alric’s mouth as he stared up at Cameron’s brightly shining eyes. He looked at Alric with such pride and confidence, as if fate herself whispered in his ear that Alric could do whatever Cameron believed of him. His people looked at him similarly, but Alric had always told himself he’d just inherited what his father created.

But not Cameron. The mage had never known his father. He knew only Alric, and for some reason, Cameron believed in him.

Lifting his hands, he cupped the side of Cameron’s face. “How did I ever get through my day without you?”

Cameron’s cheeks flushed and he chuckled. “I imagine with a lot less laughter and fewer distractions.”

“Very true.” Leaning in, he captured Cameron’s mouth in a sweet kiss, dragging it out until he got that blissful hum of pleasure. He lived for that sound from the man, needed it more than air. He pulled away and brushed one last kiss to the tip of his nose. “Go learn magic. We’ll talk more soon.”