Kai glanced at Aodh, who was poised at the top step, ready to descend, his expression unreadable.
She fixed her eyes back to the young man.“Why do you keep calling me Aguya?What does it mean?”
It was as if someone had stuck a candle up the guard’s backside, and his markings were so bright that small violet flames danced in his eyes.“Mistress of Fire.”
“Mistress of...what?”
“Fire,” Ladon confirmed.
Mistress of Fire.Seeing Aodh in her peripheral vision with his hands crossed over his muscular chest, he still had the same expression.Kai wondered why he didn’t correct the guard.“Why are you calling me this name or title?”
Kai wondered if it had anything to do with how she stormed into the council meeting and almost started a war.Perhaps they were mocking her.Thinking she was a stupid human trying to take on eight preternatural entities.However, she doubted Aodh would stand there silently and allow something like that to happen.No, Aodh would have this Drahk’s head and everyone after him who dared ridicule her in such a way.
Ladon glanced from her to Aodh, then back with a bright smile as he declared, “Because you carry the Mckenna’s offspring.”
She gasped, checking to ensure the heavy stone door to Morlie’s suite was still closed.Relieved, she stepped close to Ladon and whispered.“How do you know this?”
Angry, Kai shot Aodh a harsh look.It was only a few minutes since she’d requested they keep the baby under wraps.How had he told Ladon so quickly without her overhearing it?Was there a code of some sort she had missed?A hand signal, perhaps?
“All Drahks know, Aguya Kai.Drahks share a connection, a bond through the Dragon King.”
“Connected.”Kai wasn’t sure if the word came out or she thought it.
“Yes.The Great Spirit ensured through our mage traits that the Mckenna knows if one of us is ill, lost, or dead.When he claims his mate fully, all females of age can carry offspring.All the Thunder is overjoyed and sees a new day dawning and growth for our kind.”
“Enough, Ladon.”Aodh’s words were firm and authoritative but without anger.
“Yes, Mckenna.”Ladon stepped back and away from the door, a quiet presence awaiting his next orders.
Their short conversation seemed to come to her from a distance.Ringing.Kai could only hear the load ringing in her ears.Her heart beat so fast it felt like it would gallop right out of her chest.She took several breaths, not wanting to find herself passed out on the floor before Ladon.Shocked by everything the young guard stated, she glanced at Aodh, who had moved at some point.
He was closer now.Aodh stood beside her.
“Why didn’t you tell me this when I asked to keep it secret?”she whispered harshly.
“I tried, little flame.But you can be stubborn when your mind’s fixed on something.”He caressed her bottom lip with his thumb.
She wanted to knock his hand away.Kai was upset at him, but she refused to make a scene in front of his people.However, it was clear to her that he knew as soon as she came in contact with one of his people, they would bestow the honorific.
“But you could have—”
“Later, Kai.We will discuss it all later.”He rested a hand on her waist and drew her forward.“As Ladon stated, changes have occurred within the Thunder, and I must address them.”
“Okay.But this is not over.”She forced a smile on her lips.
“I know, mate.See your sister, and when you finish, come to the Mckenna building.”His hand stroked along her curves.
It was so hard for her to keep her anger when he touched her.“I will.Should I have one of the guards bring me or get Tana?”
Aodh smiled down at her.“Neither.You are their Mistress of Fire and have all the authority to move about my territory without fear.Everyone’s goal is to protect you and our offspring.”
Mine.
“Yes.I am.”This time, her heart did a little flutter.Until Aodh, she’d never had anyone looking out for her, and now she had an entire Thunder of dragons.Wow.“I will see you later.”
“Until then.”He captured her lips in a quick kiss before he turned and journeyed down the stairs.
Taking another deep breath, she glanced over at the guard.“Thank you, Ladon.”
