The man handed Rowan several pairs of glasses. The first pair he tried on actually made it worse. The second made it so he saw different features of Skye’s face, but they weren’t clear. Three more pairs later, he found one that would work. They weren’t perfect, and he couldn’t see anything far away, but he could see Skye’s stunning smile.
“These ones.” He had no idea what they looked like on his face, and quite frankly, he didn’t care. He wanted to see again. The glasses pinched his nose a bit, and he already felt the strain on his eyes, but at least he could see.
“You sure?” The salesman looked at him. He was one of those pretty boys that Tori always liked. Rowan hated pretty boys. He wondered for a second if Tori still disliked him, or if she was milking his absence for all it was worth. He could hear her now in her raspy voice. “Oh, he was so in love with me. Now I wished I’d given him a chance.” She wouldn’t mean it of course. Everything Tori did was for attention. He was such an idiot. He wasn’t sure what ever saw in her in the first place.
“Yeah, I’m sure.” Rowan handed him his room key. “Thanks.”
Skye giggled as they made their way up the escalator. “I don’t have to lead you around anymore. I miss holding your hand.”
“I’m not stopping you.” Rowan was pushing it, but he couldn’t help himself. He’d been through hell, and he was done editing himself. Skye’s face fell, and he instantly regretted his words.
SKYE DIDN’T know how to respond to that. She hated it when he did those things. She’d meant it innocently. He didn’t. Though he had a point. She should be able to hold his hand.
“Never mind. I’m bushed. You ready to go to bed?”
He shrugged. “Not really. I’m still kind of wired. You want to go for a walk?”
“Sure. But only if I can hold your hand.” She didn’t know why, but she felt safer if she was touching him. That wasn’t fair to him, but now, she needed to feel safe. Plus, she wanted to show him that he hadn’t unnerved her when he suggested it.
He rubbed the back of his neck, then sighed and offered his hand. They intertwined their fingers and made their way out of the hotel and onto the strip. The lights nearly blinded her. People rushed by on the litter-strewn street. Skye kept her gaze on the enormous buildings. They made her feel so insignificant. The sheer number of rooms. There were so many more people than there were dragons. When the war started, if the people were against the dragons, they might actually have a shot at winning. That scared her. She didn’t want her race to disappear. Nor did she want to war against the humans.
She stuck close to him, and they walked to a large fountain and watched it dance.
“What’s on your mind?” he asked. Skye didn’t want to tell him what she was thinking about, so she deflected.
“I want to hear the story about why you are scared of dragons.”
He rolled his eyes. “No. I’m not telling you.”
Skye pouted. “Come on. Please. You’ve slayed a dragon who is thousands of years old. Surely something that scared you when you were a child doesn’t still haunt you.” But his fear was real. She felt it crawl across her stomach.
He let go of her hand and lifted up his shirt. He had a wide scar across his ribs.
“What happened?” She touched it lightly, and he jerked away. He pulled his shirt down and leaned closer to her.
“You know I lived in the Everglades when I was child, right?”
“Yeah, turns out I rescued Aspen from alligators once.”
Rowan laughed. “That was you? She didn’t shut up about you for four years after that happened. My story didn’t end nearly as happily.”
“Go on.” The fountain was huge and was changing with the music. Skye wanted to act like she was mesmerized, but truthfully, she was scared of what Rowan was about to tell her.
“I was out playing in a field near our house. Aspen and I never stayed close to home. Not when there was a whole park to explore. I found a box turtle that I was playing with. Anyway, a shadow appeared above me, and I saw this gigantic blue dragon. I realize now that sea dragons are small, but at the time, I was six. He was huge. This was before you rescued Aspen, but I had no reason to be scared of dragons.
“I lay on my back in the field and watched him soar above me. He was beautiful, and it was almost as if he were doing a show. He did loops and swoops.”
Skye couldn’t help herself. She giggled.
Rowan creased his eyebrows. “What?”
“Nothing, continue.” But dragons usually only did tricks for one reason. She had a feeling she knew where this was going. She’d be lucky if she kept it all together.
He frowned, then continued. “Then another dragon appeared.”
Skye laughed out loud. This was so bad. Poor Rowan.
Rowan glared at her and gripped the bar on the railing they were leaning against as they watched the fountain. “What the hell is so funny?”
Skye could barely get her words out. “I’ll tell you when you finish. I want to hear the rest of the story first.” She had to know. But she’d be very surprised if the story didn’t end like she expected.
“I’m basically telling you the scariest story of my life, and you’re laughing.”
She tried to pull herself together. “I know. I’m sorry. I’ll try to be good.”
He gave her a death glare, but continued anyway. “They started fighting mid-air. Slashing at each other and biting.”
Skye supposed it would look like fighting. She wouldn’t know, since she had never actually witnessed it, but from what she heard, it was sort of like a fight.
“Anyway, as they fought, they got closer and closer to the ground. I froze, terrified. I couldn’t move. They landed on top of me. I curled into a ball and covered my face, but they must’ve moved above me for a good half hour. Near the end, one of the dragon claws got me. I never went outside to play again.”
Skye knew this was a serious story. That it was the moment Rowan changed from a normal child to an anxious one, but she completely lost it. Laughed so hard tears were coming out of her eyes.
Rowan scooted away from her, and she tried to stifle her laughter. She moved toward him again and looped her arm through his. He didn’t pull away, but he wouldn’t look at her. They started the walk back to the hotel, with Rowan in a stoic silence and Skye occasionally bursting into giggles. When Skye felt like she’d be able to talk without giggling, she tried to explain.
“Rowan, I know that was a terrifying experience for you. I’m sorry I laughed. It’s just that. Well. Those dragons weren’t fighting.”
Rowan looked down at her. “Of course they were fighting. Why else would they attack each other like that?”
“Because they were mating.”
Rowan’s mouth dropped open. “You mean to tell me that when I was curled in a ball wondering if I would even survive, the two dragons above me were having sex?”
Skye nodded, not trusting herself to open her mouth. But she couldn’t fight her grin.
Rowan was quiet the rest of the walk to the hotel. The cold temperatures surprised Skye. She’d expected Vegas to be warmer, but she was grateful she’d worn a hoodie. Just before they got to their floor, Skye figured she should reassure him. “I won’t tell anyone. That’s one story that can stay between the two of us. But you have to admit it is funny.”
Rowan frowned. “No, it’s not. Not really. Hey, I might watch some Netflix or something before we go to bed. What’s our next move?”
Skye hated that he changed the subject like that. He never wanted to talk about anything serious.
“I don’t know. We need to talk to Kingston. I don’t want him going to Obsidian and telling him he saw us.” This whole thing was a mess. Skye didn’t know what to do next. Maybe she should go to Obsidian and let him help her figure it out. She’d already put Rowan in danger, and she was no closer to finding her role in all of it. Not to mention others were killing dragons like her. She’d be safer with Obsidian.
“Should we stay with him?” Rowan asked with raised eyebrows as they walked down the hallway. Everything about the hotel screamed extreme wealth. From the thick carpet to the sparkling mirrors that lined the hall.
Skye shrugged. “Kingston? I don’t know.” And she didn’t.
Rowan scanned his key, and they found Kingston watching an action movie on the enormous big screen in the living area.
“You guys up for a movie?” he asked, turning around.
“Can we talk first?” Skye asked.
“Sure,” Kingston said, muting the movie.
Skye sat down across from Kingston, and Rowan joined her.
“We’d like to go see Obsidian with you.” She didn’t know when she’d made that decision, but it was the only one that made sense. She didn’t know where else to go.
Kingston frowned. “What makes you think I’m going back to Obsidian’s?”
“Because you were spying for him, and surely you have information to give him.” Maybe Kingston wasn’t being totally honest with her.
“I already did. I sent him an eagle.”
Skye was immediately suspicious. “When?”
“A few minutes ago. It wasn’t hard.”
Skye was hoping to go with him. That way she didn’t have to turn into a dragon, and he’d offer extra protection for Rowan. She couldn’t have him getting hurt again.
“So what are you going to do next?”
Kingston snorted. “That’s none of your business. No offense. What were you guys doing out here anyway?”
Skye didn’t know how to respond. She rubbed her hands on her jeans, wiping off the sweat. She was at a loss of what to do next. He wouldn’t tell her what he was up to. But if he’d been spying, maybe he’d have information that would help her. She took a deep breath.
“Looking for Everett.” She watched him for his reaction.
Kingston creased his eyebrows. “Why?”
Skye dropped her gaze. “I can’t tell you that. But he can help me solve a problem I can’t solve by myself.”
Kingston looked back and forth from Skye to Rowan, and then he laughed out loud. “Does your problem involve your friend over there?”
Skye couldn’t believe he’d given her the perfect cover. She didn’t hesitate, and she moved closer to Rowan and snaked her arm around his waist. He tensed, but she didn’t care. This was better than anything she’d be able to come up with. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought of this before. “Yes. Please don’t say anything. We’re going to find Everett and have him help us out of this. You understand, right?”
Rowan opened his mouth, and Skye pinched his side. He squirmed, but didn’t say anything. She’d have to explain it all to him later. As long as he kept his mouth shut she’d be fine.
“Do you know where he is?” Kingston asked.
“No. But I’m going to find him.”
Kingston leaned back. “Can I help?”
“Why would you want to do that?”
He sighed and rubbed his face. “Because I don’t have any information for Obsidian that he doesn’t already know. I don’t want to tell him I was caught. Seems weak. I have a friend, Murdoc, in the woodlands who should know where Everett is. Let me help.”
Was it possible? Maybe. Skye had nothing to lose at this point. She had no leads.
“How do you know this?”
“Oh come on, rumors float around all the time about where Everett hides out. Everyone knows he loves the woodlands dragons. Trust me. Murdoc will know. I need to go there anyway to warn them about the canyon dragons.”
She supposed they could detour there on the way to see Obsidian. If Murdoc knew where Everett was, then he could help her. If not, it was one more day. As long as she stayed human, there was less of a threat. Plus, they had Kingston. That had to count for something.
“Okay. Let’s go see Murdoc tomorrow. I’m going to bed,” Skye said. Her head hurt, and she didn’t want to think about if she was making the wrong decision. She was in danger, and she was putting Rowan in danger, but she didn’t know how to fix that.
Rowan leaned back against the couch. “I’m going to watch the movie with Kingston. See you in the morning.”
She squeezed his hand. She’d have to act quick so Kingston didn’t think anything was up.
Can you hear me?
Yes.
Kingston thinks we’re sealed together, and we’re going to Everett to get it removed. Play along if he asks you about it. He can’t know about my scales.
Rowan gave a tiny nod, and Skye was grateful for his discretion. His face was blank, but she felt an edge of anger on him. She went to bed with her mind troubled. She’d made a huge mess of everything, and she didn’t know how to clean it up.
IT WAS RARE that Rowan got angry with Skye, but this was one of those moments. He couldn’t believe her nerve. Letting Kingston believe they were sealed. Rowan had known something was going on when she put her arm around him, but he didn’t realize it was that. Now he had to pretend like he was in love with her but didn’t want to be. This was impossible. He shook his head and tried to focus on the movie Kingston unmuted.
“What movie is it?” Rowan set his hands on the back of the couch and tried to tell if he’d seen it or not.
“One of the old James Bond flicks.”
Rowan sank down into the couch. It enveloped him. The comfort was nice, but it didn’t help his anxiety. He took a few deep breaths, trying to relax. It wasn’t working. He needed to work out or something. He had too much going on in his mind. Skye. The dragon he killed. That he was worrying his parents. Aspen. All of these things that were out of his control. Well, he supposed he could do something to ease his parents’ worries, but that might impact his other concerns.
“Does this place have a gym?” he asked.
Kingston muted the TV. “Yep. Private one. Mind if I join you? I thought the movie would help me chill, but it’s not working.”
Rowan found it odd that someone like Kingston couldn’t relax either. “Sure.”
The gym was small but well equipped. It smelled like any other gym he’d ever been too. Sweat and adrenaline. It was spotless, but those smells never went away. Rowan got on the exercise bike while Kingston took the treadmill. Kingston didn’t waste any time getting straight to the point.
“So let me guess, Skye wants to remove the sealing, but you don’t.”
“What makes you say that?” Maybe he wouldn’t have to pretend anything at all. That would make this easier.
Kingston shrugged. “I can tell by the way you look at her, and her you. Quite frankly, I’m surprised she’s sealed herself to you. She doesn’t act like it.”
Rowan shrugged. “I’m not sure how it happened.”
“Well, she definitely loves you. Just not romantically. Sealings get messed up that way sometimes. You don’t have to have it removed though. Obsidian won’t care. The old king would’ve killed her, but after what happened with Aspen, Obsidian’s not going to fault anyone for having a relationship with a human. I can help, you know.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I can help you figure out how to win her over.”
“Why would you do that?” Rowan couldn’t tell if he was messing with him or not. Kingston was hard to read.
“Because I can’t stand to see you give her those puppy dog eyes anymore. Seriously, she’s never going to go for you unless you make her chase you a little.” Kingston gave a patronizing chuckle.
Rowan shook his head. “I’m not going to play games. When Skye decides to be with me, it will be because we have something real, not some fabricated story.”
Kingston let out a laugh. “It never works like that. Sure, most people develop deep meaningful relationships, but they all start out with games. If you aren’t willing to play, then you’re never going to win.”
Rowan gripped the bars on his bike too tight. He didn’t know how to play games. He’d never had a girlfriend, and he’d never been good at flir
ting. Hell, he was normally too shy to even talk to girls.
“She already knows how I feel about her. Even if I wanted to play games, it’s a little late for that. I mean the sealing proves that.”
Kingston paused his treadmill and looked Rowan straight in the eyes. “Never too late, man. I’m more than willing to help you. Seriously. We’re all probably stuck together for a while. Finding Everett won’t be easy. We need to make sure she changes her mind about you before we find him. I was fascinated with the human courting system when I was a human, so I know exactly how it works. You saved my life. Let me help you.”
Rowan was working up a sweat on the bike. He felt his anxiety waning. He definitely needed the help. Not for the reasons Kingston thought, but he wasn’t going to turn down help to win over the girl of his dreams. He could at least hear what Kingston had to say.
“What exactly did you have in mind?” Rowan slowed the bike so he could concentrate on what Kingston had to say. If Kingston was as good as he said he was, maybe Rowan could actually have a shot.
“The best way is to make her jealous. But as we are unlikely to run into another woman who we will be spending a significant amount of time with, we should find another way. The most important thing you need to do is back off. Go cold on her. Keep her at a distance.”
“Why?” Rowan asked. He didn’t want to give her distance. This didn’t sound like good advice at all. Maybe he misjudged Kingston’s motivations.
“Because you need to give her the room to miss you. Right now, you aren’t giving her any of that. My guess is you didn’t give her much room before you went out on this little adventure either.”
Rowan sighed. Of course he hadn’t. Maybe he should listen to Kingston. But all these games seemed dumb. Skye would never fall for it.
“Okay, then what?” Sweat was beading on his forehead, and the knot in his stomach loosened.
“I’ll badmouth you to her.”
Skye: The Dragon Kings Book 4 Page 9
