Cowl
Despite the newfound tension between them, Andria didn’t fight him when he said they were remaining closed and heading home early. She was still shaken up over everything that had happened, and readily agreed.
The entire ride home he was constantly watching the streets, the cars, and the people on the sidewalks. Any one of them could be this Malkin character’s goons, come back to finish the job. Cowl didn’t need to be up to speed with modern society to know those types. They killed first and didn’t ask questions. That was nothing new, and he’d dealt with it a thousand times over.
“How can you be so confident about dealing with Richard?” It was the first time she’d spoken to him since they got in the car, and they were nearly at her house.
Cowl thought about what answer to give. In the end he went with the truth. It was just easier that way. “When I was younger, my brothers and I each ruled over one of the three towns at the base of our mountain. We were fair and just, as much as could be expected back then. Our towns flourished, and people came to take them away from us.”
“What happened?” It was clear she didn’t believe him.
Cowl didn’t care. She would, soon enough. “We didn’t let them.”
It was the simplest answer, the one least devoid of details about how he’d had them killed or worse. That they’d fought together, and there were few things harder to kill than a trio of ice dragons. More than once others had tried, though their often snow-covered lands were not appealing to most of the other dragon races. That didn’t prevent some from coming anyway, just to prove themselves.
Cowl and his brothers hadn’t let a single one walk away. They protected their people fiercely, and in return they had been respected, though not beloved. That wasn’t required however—only respect and obedience to the laws they set down. Laws that helped the towns grow until that fateful day Cowl had buried them all in the snow and flung them forward six hundred years into the future.
They were quiet as they entered, but it turns out they needn’t have been.
Andria’s roommate Violet was still up, lounged out on the couch watching something on the television.
“Violet,” he said politely as he entered the house first, testing the air surreptitiously, ensuring that there were no other scents in the house.
It was clear. He smelled popcorn, the overwhelming scent making his stomach rumble loudly that both women heard him.
“Want some? I made too much.” Violet pointed at a plastic tub on the table next to her.
“I would love some.” He locked the door behind them.
Violet watched him approach. This would be the first time they’d really engaged with one another. Once before they’d exchanged polite nods as she emerged from her room and left for the day, but other than that their schedules didn’t line up.
“Not going to work tomorrow, Vi?” Andria asked, coming up and snagging some of the popcorn from the bowl without asking, the left side of her face turning up in a smile when he looked at her as if to say “Excuse me?”
Cowl didn’t want to say anything to ruin the sudden change in her mood, but he couldn’t help but wonder what it was. He sat on the couch and Andria sat next to him, closer than he’d expected from her.
Violet’s eyes flicked back and forth between the two of them, and suddenly Cowl got it. He wondered if Andria was even aware of the fact that she was effectively marking her territory, making it clear to Violet that Cowl was hers and to keep hands off. Not that he had any interest in Violet or her hair dyed to match her name. She had lovely brown eyes, and she seemed nice, but she wasn’t his mate.
That was that as far as Cowl was concerned. Andria didn’t have to worry at all, but there was something satisfying at seeing this side of her peek through. Especially after the hardships of what had happened earlier. It gave him hope that in time she would come around and let him completely into her life. For now, he was satisfied with the signs she was giving off. He might not be let in entirely, but she was making it clear that she still considered him a part of it. That was all that mattered to him.
Violet either didn’t notice, or didn’t care. She’d been staring blankly straight ahead since Andria had spoken to her.
“I got fired.”
Andria was up from her seat in an instant, going to comfort her friend. “Oh no. What happened, Vi?”
“They said I wasn’t working out. That was it. Nothing more, no explanation. Just that I wasn’t working out.” Violet sighed heavily. “I guess I’m just not fit for a desk job, Andie.”
Andie. He’d never heard anyone call Andria by anything other than her first name. It was cute, he liked it, and wondered if she was okay with the name.
“What are you going to do now?”
He watched the byplay between them. Andria was genuinely concerned for her friend. Violet was the only friend he knew about, and it was good to know that this friendship, at least, seemed alive and well. What had happened to any of the others he wasn’t sure, but Cowl knew that he would have to ensure this one lasted.
“I don’t know. Maybe move home with my parents? I’ve got enough money for two more months of rent, but if I don’t figure out what to do or find a job I can keep, then I’m not sure what my other options are.”
Andria rubbed her friend’s arm, got up, and moved to one of the cabinets in the kitchen. She pulled down two glasses and a bottle of wine, pouring hefty portions for both of them. She returned to her seat next to her friend, all while Cowl watched the interaction carefully, effectively forgotten by the pair. Glasses clinked and the pair of them drank.
“What about opening that cupcake shop you’ve always talked about?”
Now he perked up. A cupcake shop? He’d had some of those on the base one day during his orientation lessons. Cupcakes were delicious. The soldiers had gone crazy fighting for them, and many of them had been upset when supplies ran out too early.
He munched on some more popcorn as his stomach reminded him—as it did constantly—that he was still hungry.
“I don’t have the money for that, Andie, or I would. I really would.” Violet drank some more. “I just want to get drunk and forget my sorrows. But I’m tired.” She finished the glass of wine in one gulp. “Thanks.”
Andria moved back over to her spot next to Cowl as Violet got up. “Night, guys.”
Cowl waved farewell as she retreated into her room, leaving just him and his mate.
“I think I’m going to go to bed too.” Andria yawned to emphasize her point, finishing her wine as well.
“Goodnight. I hope you sleep well.”
She looked up at him, green eyes warming for the first time in hours, her golden-blonde hair messy and falling out of her bun as it was wont to do at the end of a long day. Cowl longed to be able to tuck it back behind her ear for her, but he refrained.
“Thank you, Cowl. You’re a good person. Much better than I am.” She got up, resting one hand on his shoulder for a moment, and then wandered off into her room.
Cowl sat on the couch for a long time, relishing the sensation in the shoulder she’d touched, the tingles from her hand lingering on for many minutes.
There was still hope yet. He hadn’t lost her.