A Destiny of Dragons (Tales From Verania 2)

“Yeah, and whose fault is that? By the way, I’m pretty sure your knight shit himself silly when you jumped. You might want to prepare yourself for an epic ass whooping when we get back. If you want to repay me for saving your life yet again, you could let me watch said ass whooping. He’s got such big hands—”

Jekhipe roared again behind us.

“Godsdammit,” I said, looking back. “Even you weren’t this much of a pain in my ass.”

“Yeah, only because you won’t let me—”

“Not the time!”

“It’s never the time!”

“Where are we going?”

“Back to the island.”

And we were. Kevin had circled around and was flying lower and lower. “What! No! You can’t bring that thing back to everyone else. Kevin, what the hell!”

“You stupid idiot,” he said fondly. “We’re in this together. And that’s the way it’s going to be.”

And for once, I couldn’t think of a single thing to say.

We landed quickly, Kevin coming in and hitting the ground running as he held me up and away so I wouldn’t fall. He slid to a halt near the dome, kicking up the dust around us. I jumped off the board and could barely resist falling to my knees and kissing the sweet, sweet earth beneath my feet.

Instead I was manhandled into a hug by a pair of strong arms, a face mashed against my neck, breath heavy against my skin.

“I hate you so much right now,” Ryan Foxheart said hoarsely. “You have no idea.”

I hugged him back. “Would it help if I said sorry?”

He pulled back, a scowl on his face. “Sorry. You’re sorry. You… you… mothercracker.”

I grinned at him.

His nose wrinkled. “Why do you smell like vomit?”

“Annnnnd moment over,” I said, stepping out of his arms.

“Did you vomit because your tummy got sick?” Gary asked sympathetically. “He’s got a very sensitive tummy, in case you didn’t know. Yes. Yes, you do.”

“Shut up,” I muttered. “We don’t have time—”

The ground shook.

I turned.

Jekhipe slithered toward us, stopping a short distance away. It reared back. Its hood shook. Its teeth were bared.

Ryan stood to my right. Ruv was at my left. Gary stood behind me, head over my shoulder. Tiggy was next to him, pressing up against my back. Kevin towered over us, wings spread, snarling in anger.

“Oh my gods,” I whispered reverently. “I bet we look so fucking cool right now. Shit! I gotta say something witty!”

“Sam,” Ryan said, exasperated. He flourished his sword because he couldn’t not. “We don’t have time—”

“I got it!” I puffed out my chest and glared at Jekhipe. “I feel like playing dice, boys. I just need some snake eyes.”

Everyone groaned.

“What! That was good!”