I know that voice. Sue-Ellen popped her head out of the living room in time to see Remiel slump to the floor, courtesy of her brother’s right hook.

“What did you hit him for?” she squeaked.

“I told you he wasn’t getting you back.” Brandon glared down at Remiel.

“That’s not Samael; that’s Remiel, his brother, you idiot.” Moving quickly to Remiel’s side, she dropped to the floor and placed his head on her thighs. She brushed his blond hair back and shot a look at her brother. “I can’t believe you did this.”

“Don’t you give me that attitude. I’m your big brother. It’s my job to protect you, and don’t tell me you didn’t need protecting. He obviously assaulted you. He’s wearing your scent.”

“Because we were kissing.”

It wasn’t just Brandon who gasped. Others were listening, as well.

Let them eavesdrop. Then they’ll know he’s mine.

“You kissed him?”

She angled her chin. “So what if I did? I’m a grown woman now.”

Brandon shook his head. “Wrong. You’re my little sister. As in no man will ever do dirty things with a boy’s little sister. Thus it is my duty to kill him before he defiles you.”

“Don’t you dare.”

“I have to. It’s in the Big Brother Rule Book.”

“There is no such thing, and besides, you seem to keep forgetting that this is Remiel, not Samael.”

“Don’t care. Neither of them is worthy of my baby sister.”

Her lips quirked. She hadn’t realized how much she missed her big brother until now. “You do realize by calling them unworthy you just insulted the entire Golden line.”

He winked. “They’re not the only Gold around.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” Brandon said, helping her to her feet as Remiel’s body was carted off by too many willing hands, “that there is more than one Golden dragon who can make a claim to the throne.”

“But the prophecy talks about the one foretold.”

“They do, and until recently, everyone assumed it spoke of Samael. But does it? I mean, we’re talking about some old words. Words spoken by someone probably enjoying an epic drug-induced hallucination. Think of it. How can having a certain color of Sept make a person a leader?”

“If color isn’t most important, then what is? Brains? Wealth?”

“Actually, I was going to say balls, but yours are good answers, too. But probably most important of all is who has the bigger power base. Speaking of which, I think it’s time you met my wife.”

Brandon’s wife? The Silvergrace daughter herself. Sue-Ellen felt a nervous urge to check her hair. What if her new sister-in-law hated her?

What if, after just being reunited with Brandon, his wife never let them see each other again?

What if…

“It’s about time I got to meet my new sister.” The arms attacked out of nowhere and hugged Sue-Ellen with bone-cracking firmness. They also lifted and shook her. “Look at you. You’re tiny. Wait until Adi gets a hold of you.”

“Who’s Adi?”

“My sister.”

Sue-Ellen’s feet hit the floor, and she was finally treated to a peek at her brother’s wife. She’d seen her once before from afar. A silver-haired beauty with the most amazing amethyst eyes, eyes that could freakishly glow with green fire.

If I’m really dragon, will mine glow like hers, too?

“You’re Deka’s cousin.” She could see the resemblance.

“I am, but you’re my new sister.” Aimi clasped her hands. “How long until you make me an aunt?”

“A while. I’m not mated.” And she never would be at this rate. Remiel wouldn’t be happy with her brother.

“Really? I heard you claimed the newest Golden.”

“No.”

“In that case”—Aimi’s lips curved—“you won’t mind if I tell my unwed cousins.”

“Remiel is free to be with whomever he chooses.” If it was anyone other than Sue-Ellen, they’d die.

What?

Her inner self had only a cold chuckle as a reply.

“Speaking of Remiel, where have they taken him?” Sue-Ellen asked. She kept trying to act as if she didn’t care, and yet, he consumed her thoughts constantly.

“They took him to Aunt Xylia’s lab. While he’s unconscious, she’ll probably want to run tests on him.”

“Tests as in taking blood and stuff?” Sue-Ellen’s eyes widened. That wouldn’t go over well. “I gotta go.”

She’d better move quickly. She followed a trail that weaved through the mansion. It wasn’t one of scent but more of instinct. She just knew where to go, as if a thread bound her to Remiel and she simply followed it back to the source.

She didn’t move fast enough.

The floor underfoot trembled.

Uh-oh.

She ran faster.