My hand falls to my side, letting out a loud sigh of exasperation. The bitter wind carries my breath away in a streamy plume, biting deep at my skin without his warmth. I stare after him, disbelief turning to exasperation.
Unbelievable.
I shake my head with bitter disappointment. It’s infuriating, actually. I’d never entertain such a slight back home.
Can’t he see how hot I am?
Fine, whatever. He’s different—like a special project, all wrapped up in that big silly head of his. I mean, he’s lucky I like him, because I’ll find a way to untangle this murderous virgin.
Arawnoth give me strength!
Chapter 41
Alexandra
Descent
Itrudgethroughthecrushedsnow, sticking close to Dracoth’s trail. Steam still rises off him, curling through the icy air, with streaks of green and white inky blood marring his armor, looking like one of the more interesting modern artworks. I almost wish there were another threat—just so he could carry me in his strong arms to feel his heat again... ah, glorious warmth! I let out a sigh, knowing I can’t get enough, especially in this frozen wasteland.
My thoughts churn like over-stirred coffee, my hands trembling. Could be the cold, or maybe the shock of nearly becoming dinner for those raptor-dogs.
Who’s to say?
Wouldn’t it be wild if I could post this craziness on social media? People would think it was the best special effects ever—back on Earth, I mean.
As the adrenaline begins to wane, the excitement draws away, leaving behind... embarrassment and cringe—lots of cringing. It’s almost enough to wander off Dracoth’s trodden path to sink into the huge pristine snowdrifts like a beautiful snow angel of regret frozen forall eternity.
That crazy laugh—those insane words I yelled at Dracoth.
“Tear their heads off.”What was that?
Crazy psycho shit, that’s what.
Even now, I feel it, that dark part of me that relishes the control, the power in seeing those creatures suffer, especially after they dared attack us, as if they had the right! Just like with Ignixis. I could’ve killed him, smiling deathly sweet doing it.
I might be mad—just a bit. Okay, maybe a lot mad.
Ugh, and now Dracoth knows, no doubt feeling it through our bond. Tightness seizes my chest, and I fight the urge to escape, to push him away.
He knows far too much already, and it’s only going to get worse.If only life were like a game of Pokémon, where I could just restart. “Hi, I’m Lexie, totally not a freak. Promise.”
My treacherous feet veer off-course, toward the massive snow mounds. Apparently, a part of me likes the idea of becoming a frozen monument of cringe. But then Todd, the little rascal, squirms safe and warm, burrowed beneath my furs, giving me pause. He’d fought hard not to become a popsicle like his friends. He deserves better.
“Princesa,” Dracoth’s deep voice grumbles as he turns with that familiar frown, somehow sensing me drifting. “Come,” he says, holding out an arm.
Even though the giant bore keeps calling me that stupid name, I can’t help but smile, longing to be carried by my massive red taxi man.
“My name’s Lexie,” I call back, sounding way too happy for my own good.
I glance up at him, grinning expectedly as he scoops me up like I weigh nothing more than a slightly scuffed, frozen doll.
“Your mind is clouded with regret and shame,” Dracoth growls, plowing through the deep snow with me cradled in his left arm. His body radiates heat, the warmth seeping through my skin, straight to my bones.
Ahh, bliss.
“Does your fragile human heart weep for the beasts?”
I snort at his bluntness, and how absurdly wrong his assumption is. Surprising, too, the fact he’s asking me questions rather than grunting and barking orders. But panic holds my tongue, unsure what to reveal. How much does he know? I mean, he’s the biggest psycho of them all—maybe he’d understand. Or worse, expect me to be all fluffy-cute as the woman.
