“I know what you’re thinking and it’s a fascinating idea. But to my knowledge, no female has ever survived the Guardian ceremony.”
“I’m hard to kill, just ask the backers.”
“As far as I know, there is only one vial of blood left in the world. Once it’s gone, Guardians will be extinct, just like dragons. I can only use the ancient blood to create my successor, which hopefully will be our son.”
“But what if two Guardians could create a new race of dragon-shifters?” She let the possibility hang in the air between them, fascinating and tempting. “Wouldn’t that be worth a couple drops of the ancient blood?”
“One step at a time. I think we should use my blood for your definition and see how your body reacts.”
“I’d be a Therian raptor?” She wasn’t sure why she was disappointed. The possibility of becoming a raptor had thrilled her before she’d realized there was something even more powerful to covet.
“My bloodline is old and powerful even without Guardian abilities. And being defined by my blood will increase the chances that we can conceive.”
“Will I be able to fly?”
“I honestly don’t know. Each person develops differently. My father could manifest wings. My mother could not. But I had a sister who was able to fly.”
“I didn’t realize you had siblings.”
“I had seven. Three brothers. Four sisters. I’ve kept track of their descendants, though we don’t really interact.”
“None of your brothers became a Guardian?”
“I was firstborn, as was my father. Guardians are created one at a time. When I create my successor, my life cycle will resume. I will grow old and die as would any other Therian.”
“Wow. That would make me reluctant to have children.”
He shook his head. “I’m not afraid to die. I’ve already lived far longer than I was meant to live.”
It saddened her to know that the tragedy surrounding Esmah had made him so gun-shy he hadn’t opened his heart again.
“Until now,” he reminded her, his tone growing sleepy.
The phrase made her smile, even though he’d responded to a thought, not a comment. So many changes and so many possibilities. It was still a little dizzying.
She relaxed into his embrace, content for the moment to contemplate all that life had in store for them.
* * * * *
A warm breeze caressed Devon’s face and she closed her eyes, savoring the gentle scents of spring. She’d been in her teens when her parents bought this house, but it still made her feel nostalgic. She detected freshly mowed grass and her mother’s beloved lilac bushes, then the wind shifted and smoke from the grill Ian was tending overshadowed the lighter scents.
“Can I sit down?” Kyle intruded on her reverie.
“I’m sure you can.” The corners of her mouth quirked as she opened her eyes.
He stood beyond the shade of the large patio umbrella, sunlight gleaming in his dark blond hair. “May I join you or would you rather be left alone?” The round table sat at the opposite end of the patio from the grill.
She motioned toward the empty seat across from her. “Where’s Ava?”
“She had plans with Carissa.” Kyle pulled out the chair and sat. The tension in his expression made it obvious he wanted to clear the air, but she wasn’t ready to indulge him.
“Carissa’s her sister?”
He nodded. “We need to—”
“This feels amazing.” She spread her arms and smiled. “Nothing like a month in a cage to make you appreciate fresh air and sunshine.”
“I had no way of knowing—”
“I don’t blame you for my kidnapping.” Maybe she was ready after all. “But surely you understand why I’m pissed.” She glanced toward the other end of the patio. Ian was pretending he wasn’t listening, but doubtlessly he could hear every word. Her mother must have gone back into the house for something. At the moment she was nowhere in sight.
“You feel betrayed.”
“Of course I feel betrayed.” She scooted to the edge of her seat and placed both hands on the table. “You claim to support the rebel cause yet you were willing to sell out your own sister.” The cool glass beneath her palms did little to soothe her raw emotions. “It wouldn’t have surprised me coming from Dad, but you are supposed to be one of us.”
“It wasn’t like that.” His chin came up a notch and frustration hardened his features. “It was a negotiation. Lokesh made an offer and I asked if you would consider—”
“Would you have proposed the match to Ava?” She couldn’t believe he was defending his actions. All she’d wanted was a heartfelt apology.