"That's what I told her."
"You are wise."
"I'm experienced," I correct. "There's a difference."
He pulls me against his chest, his wings unfurling to wrap around me like a velvet cage.
"Come home," he says. "I have premium orange juice waiting."
I smile against his chest.
"Of course you do."
And as he carries me out into the night, I'm already thinking about Audrey walking into Valerius's office tomorrow.
About the moment he realizes she's not going to back down.
About the moment his ancient draconic instincts recognize something in her that he's been searching for across centuries.
She has no idea.
But she's about to find out exactly what it means to be wanted by a dragon.
And honestly?
I can't wait to hear how it goes.
THE END