Dirty little . . . “That’s not what I meant. Soon she will face her brother, and I’m making sure she’s ready to do that. I won’t watch her die.”
“That’s admirable, brother. But I still don’t know why you haven’t told her the truth. Told her who you are.”
“Our power to shift is one of our most sacred secrets. Do you think I’m going to reveal it to some little girl?” He motioned to his sister’s scarred face. “You even kept our secret while they cut your face.” For a moment, even Fearghus believed that excuse. Morfyd however . . .
“Ha! That’s a weak excuse, brother. If they’d known what I was they would have killed me or at least tried to. And I’d rather not be like old Terlack with only one wing. And I’m sure she wouldn’t harm a hair on that big, thick head of yours. So why don’t you simply admit the truth?”
“And what truth is that?”
“That you’re afraid. Afraid that once she knows who and what you are you don’t stand a chance with her.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’ve seen how you look at her, brother. I’m not blind.”
“No, but you are insane. I have no interest in some human girl.” If he wasn’t careful, his lies would choke him. He wanted that girl more than life itself. He’d tried to walk away earlier, but he couldn’t. He just had to taste her again. And it took all his strength to stop himself from going further. From ripping off her clothes and burying himself inside of her until morning.
“You’re afraid that if she finds out her knight is really you . . . really a dragon, she won’t give you another look.” His sister stood in front of him now. Her blue eyes boring into his head. “You desire her, brother. And you don’t want anything to jeopardize that.”
Fearghus looked down at his sister. “Are you done?”
“Aye.”
“Then hear me well, sister. I don’t have to explain myself to you.” He leaned into her. “You just keep your mouth shut. I’ll tell her when I’m ready.”
“Fine. But you best hope it’s not too late, brother.” She punched him in the chest—hard—and walked away from him.
Fearghus sighed—he had too many damn females in his life.
Annwyl just started eating when Morfyd stormed back in. She stopped and looked at the witch. Watched her pace in front of her. “Is everything all right, Morfyd?”
Morfyd looked at her and Annwyl put her spoonful of food down. Based on the expression Morfyd wore on that scarred face of hers, Annwyl wanted to make sure she could sprint to the door if necessary.
“What’s going on with you and that knight?”
“What? Uh . . . nothing?”
Morfyd pulled a chair over, sat in it, and stared at Annwyl.
She’d always heard it was a bad idea to lie to a witch. “Well, he’s kissed me a few times.”
“And?”
“And nothing.”
“Nothing else has happened between the two of you?”“No.”
“But you want more, don’t you?”
Annwyl’s face got hot. A blast of the dragon’s flame couldn’t make it any hotter than it was at this very moment. “I . . . uh . . .”
“Annwyl.”
“Yes. All right. I do want more.”
“So why has nothing more happened?”
Annwyl shrugged.
“Are you afraid? I know he’d be your first.”
“No. I’m not afraid.”
“Is it because you might become with child? Because as long as you keep drinking the wine—”
“No. No. That’s not it.” Morfyd waited for her to continue, but she didn’t think she could speak the full truth. Not out loud. “You’ll never understand.”
“Annwyl, I’m a witch. I understand much more than you could ever conceive. Just tell me before you shred my nerves.”
Annwyl looked into those clear blue eyes as she found herself wringing her hands. “I . . .” she swallowed, “I feel guilty.”
Morfyd tilted her head. Her brows pulled together in confusion. “Feel guilty about what?”
Annwyl closed her eyes and rushed forward before she lost all nerve. “I can’t help but feel I’m betraying the dragon.”
Silence followed her admission. She slowly opened her eyes to find Morfyd still staring at her. But her expression of anger and confusion were gone. Instead, she smiled. A smile of such kindness that Annwyl felt her heart warm for the scarred witch.
“I want you to do me a favor, Annwyl.”
“Anything.” And she meant it.
“If you want the knight, take him.”
Annwyl blinked. That wasn’t the response she’d expected. Ever. “What?”
“I’m sorry. Was I not clear? I said if you want him. Take him.”
“But . . .”
“Do not worry about the dragon. Just promise me. If this is what you want, you’ll take him.” She reached out her hand and ran it along Annwyl’s cheek. “Trust me, my friend.”
Annwyl watched Morfyd leave. Her confusion continued to grow by the day. The minute. The second.
She pushed her chair away from the table, slowly standing on wobbly legs. She needed to see the dragon. The one calming thing in her life. He was what he was and she loved him for that.