Jacob muttered close by, “Jessa is the Pied Piper of dragons, that’s for sure.” And I knew he was not just referring to Braxton, but also that strange encounter when we first entered the sanctuary. I’d been steadfast in ignoring the red-dragon incident. I wondered how long I could hide from all the peculiar in my life.
I pulled back from Braxton, although some of my body was reluctant to part ways – wait, how did my leg get around his waist? Shit, I really needed to pay attention. He was dangerous for my concentration and awareness. While untangling myself I noticed Jacob had moved even closer, he was watching me and Braxton. Not in a creepy way, almost wistful.
“You okay with being the last one not in some form of complicated relationship, Jake?” We all knew Tyson and Grace were heading toward … something.
He shook his head, white silky hair stylishly tousled against his forehead. “Yeah, I’m all good with a little less complicated in my life. There are too many females out there for me to want just one. I’ll stay unmated for as long as possible, thank you.”
Jacob the jackass. It would probably be a sad day when he mated and some of his dick-like behavior disappeared.
I furrowed my brow a little. “Am I the only one who thinks it’s odd that two of the Compasses have discovered true mates here in the sanctuary?” I directed my question to the entire group. True matings were rare, so both brothers in such a short period was unusual.
Lienda answered, her expression wistful. “True mated pairs are works of fate. If you need to find them, you will.”
Jonathon linked his arm with Lienda. “The energy of the dragon king has started to return. We can feel his cold power leaking into the supernatural world. It has been there for some time now. He is preparing to rise and release his command. This is causing a shift in the great plan, and during moments of war, we always have more supernatural mates.”
Well, since fate decided to land me six-and-a-half-feet of beautiful, muscled dragon – it was Braxton Compass for freaks sake – I was not complaining.
Although, I did have a little something to say about this partial bond thing. Not cool, fates. Not freaking cool.
I was determined to eliminate the second mate sooner rather than later. There was no one else for me and I wasn’t running anymore, or hiding behind friendship contracts. I would no longer be wasting energy fighting the inevitable. It was now and always Braxton.
Louis brought our attention back to him and Mischa. “Prepare for the final release,” he said, his voice just a little strained. The glow from his hands increased as he neared what must be the last key to unlocking her power. All of my nerves rushed back to the forefront.
Then, in the same series of steps I remembered from my dragon bursting free in Vanguard, the light and power ricocheted outwards. I stayed on my feet only because I’d braced myself for it. Mischa dropped to all fours, her screams brutal. I wanted to rush forward and gather her into my arms, but Louis seemed to have thrown up some sort of barrier around them. Jonathon and Lienda were surging forward also.
“If she shifts, she will kill you,” Louis warned us.
I banged my hands on the barrier. “She won’t kill me, and trust me, the pain is a horrible bitch, so let me get to my sister.”
The barrier disappeared. Either I burst through the shield, or Louis allowed me to enter. I was the only one though. I hurled myself down, wrapping my arms around Mischa, whispering nonsense words, rocking her back and forth in the only way I knew how to comfort. She continued to scream. My dragon energy rose up from inside, and for the first time her power responded, as if the two energies had been separated and were now coming together.
With a crack, like lightning striking, our energies collided.
Chapter 14
Ouch. That fuc … freaking hurt.
The thought was not mine. It took me a few moments longer to realize it was Mischa’s. Right, so sure, whatever … we were just like chilling in each other’s heads. Because that is normal. Okay, it kind of was normal for me nowadays.
Surprisingly, I could not only hear her thoughts, but sense her energy connected to mine. It took no effort – almost like instinct – to communicate with her.
So you even censor your curses in your mind.
She froze, as if she was having trouble comprehending what had just happened.
Jess? You’re in my head! How the hell are you in my head?
I laughed out loud, which had all the Compasses staring. I have no idea, our power connected and now we seem to be able to mentally talk.
She was quiet again, then I sensed a sigh coming from her. The other twins have a mental connection. It sounds like we’re the same.