Page 20 of Ashborne Forged

I glared at him for another breath, then pushed off, releasing his throat.

He choked a little, pitching forward to brace his hands on his knees as he sucked deep, heaving breaths.

Furious and trembling, I reached for Kham through the link ‘Why didn’t you tell me he was coming?’

‘You were no longer mating. And he isn’t a threat.’

‘You said you would guard against interruptions!’

‘I said we wouldn’t interrupt you…’

I would have gaped at him. But I had a brother to murder.

I stood over Gil. “This isn’t a joke. Go. Now. I’ll explain later. Just get the fuck out of here. Say nothing. And don’t come back.”

I turned away, about to reach for the branches and climb back up, when he croaked from behind me.

“I came because I was worried you might be losing your mind. Clearly, I’m too late.”

I turned on him again, but he was ready for me this time and his chin dropped. Despite his reddened eyes and continued rasping, I knew it wouldn’t be so easy if I laid another hand on him.

“Leave.”

“You’re sleeping with her? What are you thinking!?”

“She’s my mate!” I hissed. “I’ve been resisting. I can’t do it anymore, and neither can she, so you can just fuck right off and—”

Gil’s brows shot up and he whistled. “I knew it,” he croaked. “I fucking knew it. Holy shit, Vos. Holy shit!”

It was still raining, though lightly. Gil and I sat side-by-side, our backs to the trunk of a massive, broadleaf tree with branches so heavy with leaves that the ground under it remained dusty-dry all year round. It was two trees away from the treehouse, so Grace wouldn’t hear what we said.

“Don’t get me wrong,” Gil said, his voice still a little hoarse. “It’s hilarious. But, I’m worried about you, bro. How the hell did you wait through a dragon’s heat?”

Now that I’d tasted her, had her, could remember the feeling of her… God, even thinking about those days turned my stomach. “I don’t know. But, I can’t leave her alone anymore. I won’t.”

Gil rubbed a hand over his face, his brows still high with shock. “I mean, I guessed, but I didn’t really believe it. You know what I mean?”

I nodded, because I did. It still seemed unreal.

Gil looked at his hands, dangling as he rested his elbows on his bent-up knees. “What does Grace think about being mated to you?”

I grimaced. “She’s happy—at least, that’s what she says. I don’t know. I haven’t handled the situation well.”

“Shocking.”

“Shut up, Gil.”

Of course, he continued. “No, really, Vos. I am astounded. I cannot fathom you navigating such a delicate situation without ease and grace.” He cut off, snorting. “Grace.”

“You made your point,” I muttered.

But he wouldn’t let it go. “Make sure you remember what’s important here.”

I frowned at the dirt, but I nodded. “I won’t forget.”

“No, you won’t. I won’t let you.”

I shot him a look. “Trust me, I don’t need reminding to watch out for her—that’s the easy part.”