EMMA

I wipe my watering eyes as I flip a pancake over the makeshift grill set up in the kitchen. The smell of my rose perfume seems exceptionally strong today, and it’s so bad that it’s destroying my sinuses. I used a lot of it. A hell of a lot. I can’t afford to run into Azar and have him suspect anything, and if Zohr’s right and my scent is off, Azar’s sure to notice.

The other ladies give me weird looks in the kitchen as we work. Carol’s doing her best to stand far away from me, and when I hand her the plate of food and ask her to take it out to Azar, she looks relieved to get out of the kitchen and away from my stench.

That’s all right, though. Let them think I’m stinky. I have other things to focus on. Zohr’s still in my head—I don’t know if he’ll ever be out of my head, to be honest—but he’s being quiet, and I wonder if he’s sleeping. 

Just observing.

Guess not. We need to think about a plan to get you out of here. How is—

Carol returns a moment later, a troubled look on her face. “Hey, Emma? Azar said he wants to see you.”

“Me?” The word comes out as a squeak. Sometimes I bring Azar his food, and sometimes I let the others do it. He’s never asked to see me specifically, though, and I’m a little worried. “Did he say what he wants?”

“No.” She moves to the sink and begins to wash the dishes busily, as if making eye contact with me will get her in trouble.

Well, shit. Do you think he knows? I ask Zohr.

That we are mates? If he cannot smell it on you, I do not see how. Should I connect my mind to his and—

No, I tell him quickly. Sasha was very adamant about keeping Dakh away from Azar, and even though I don’t know a lot about dragon communication, I’m guessing that if they connect minds, it’ll be a bad thing. Just talk to me, okay?

That will be a pleasure. Come sit with me, if you cannot free me. I wish to see your face.

I want to, but I have to go see what Azar wants.

Tell me if he touches you, comes the startlingly possessive thought. You are mine, and if he even tries to sniff you, I will rend him limb from limb.

I thought you were going to do that anyhow? I tease, trying to keep the mood light instead of bloodthirsty.

I am. I am just curious if I need to do it fast or slow.

I laugh, because for some reason, his wry response makes me smile. I have very few things to smile about lately, it seems. I’m still smiling when I exit the kitchen and head into the dining room. The moment the door swings shut behind me, though, it feels as if all the air is sucked out of the room.

Azar sits alone. He stares in my direction with cold, narrowed eyes, and I feel goosebumps crawl up my spine. No sunglasses today. I wonder if that’s a bad sign? I’m too far away from him for my scent to carry, aren’t I? I keep the calm, take-no-shit expression on my face, but inside I’m freaking out.

Shall I come for you? Say the word!

No! Just…let me handle this! I can’t think with the dragon bearing down on my thoughts. It’s confusing, and I stumble as I move forward.

I feel Zohr mentally back off, and bite back my sigh of relief. Thank goodness. I can only concentrate on one thing at a time, and I can’t worry about filtering his thoughts out of mine. “Hi, Azar,” I manage, trying to sound cheerful and tough at the same time. “You called for me?”

He gestures at the seat pulled at the table next to his. “Sit.”

I move forward, wondering absurdly who moved the chair there for him, since I don’t see him as the type to do it for himself. I pull it out, trying to put as much distance between us without making it seem like I’m retreating, and then gingerly sit down. My hand goes to my belt, and I realize too late that I don’t have a knife with me. Shit, shit, shit.

If he touches you…

Shhh! I need to think!

I give Azar an attentive look. “What’s up?”

His nostrils flare, and for a moment, I panic. “You…smell different.” My heart hammers in my breast as he tilts his head, regarding me. “What has changed?”

“I w-was sick?” I stammer out. “Old Jerry gave me some meds, and I didn’t have time to bathe this morning, so I put on a bit of extra perfume to cover the sweaty smell. Is it bad?” I lift an arm and sniff one of my pits, then glance over at him.

Azar’s lip curls at the sight of me and my crude actions. “Sick?”

“Yup, the flu. Don’t worry, I didn’t sneeze on your food.” I smile brightly, hoping he thinks I am stupid. Everything’s easier when people think you’re stupid.

He clasps his pale, pale hands in front of him, taking time to lace his fingers together, as if he wants to make sure he gets it right. It’s bizarre to watch, but it just confirms my suspicions that he’s a dragon.

Salorian, Zohr returns. There is no doubt in my mind. And he is not drakoni. We are not the same.

I’m surprised by his vehemence. It’s an insult to be the other in his eyes? You sure? He’s got that same weird coloring you do, but you carry yours a lot better.

I can tell by your thoughts you found my coloring pleasing. His thoughts grow smug and sultry all at once. And if you do not believe that he is Salorian, I can touch his mind, find out—

Noooope, I cut off Zohr immediately. Nix that thought.

His mental chuckle feels warm.

Thought you were going to butt out?

This is your mate, pushing out his butt.

It is the hardest thing in the world to not laugh in that moment. I choke a little and then cough into my hand, as if I’m not quite over my cold. 

“When I heard you were not responsible for my meals yesterday, I grew curious if you had decided it was time to leave, now that your brother is gone.” The question is put to me with a delicate tone, but there’s steel behind it.

“I can leave if I’m not welcome,” I say quickly, but I’m distressed at the thought. If they boot me from camp and Zohr’s still here—

I will find you, comes the firm reply in my mind.

For some reason, that calms me. I’m able to focus on Azar and his response.

“On the contrary. I wish for you to stay. It would upset me greatly if you were to try to leave.” He gives me a thin smile that’s probably supposed to be comforting and is anything but.

I’m pretty sure this is a veiled threat. “I’m grateful that Boyd and the others made me so welcome here. It’s hard out in the After for a woman alone.” I give him my dopiest stupid-girl smile and lie. “No plans on leaving.”

You act like you are not clever. Do your males believe such things? Zohr asks, his thoughts both scathing and shocked at once.

I ignore him. I have to, because Azar’s speaking again.

“I am glad you will remain. After all, I would hate to lose the one that makes my meals for me.” Again, the thin disingenuous smile. “I wanted to make sure we were clear. I regret the loss of your brother, but I wanted to make certain that you knew your place was here.”

Yup, definitely a threat. “I know where I stand.”

“Good. In my eyes, you are irreplaceable.” I freeze a little at that, but then he picks up his fork and begins to eat with tiny, measured bites.

Oh. He’s talking about the cooking and I’m being a spaz, imagining the worst. ”Thank you.”

He nods, picking at a bit of soggy fruit cocktail with his fork. “You may leave.”

Jeez. How did he ever get a bunch of followers with that shitty, superior attitude? Of course, I’m an idiot because I managed to get sucked in to his group, though not entirely of my own making. With the tight smile on my face and a silent curse at my dumb brother and my even worse luck, I sidle out of the dining room and back into the kitchens.

I do not like this, Zohr tells me. I do not trust him.

Me either, but I’m low on options.