Page 25 of Ancient Promises

He’d had one of his people watching the FSA database to see where his brother landed after leaving. He’d immediately gone to an exile-friendly town in Kentucky called Cider Falls, which meant he wasn’t king or alpha, and was instead under the thumb of another male. Which Zihndyr didn’t mind. He’d mostly been watching to see if his brother created a new nest, which he of course would have to take over and destroy if it got too big. He would not tolerate his brother having any power.

The female was pacing in the throne room, a mass of golden curls falling down her back. She was pretty but not beautiful, and a little skinny for his tastes.

“What brings you here, female?” he asked as he took his seat on the ostentatious throne.

She curtsied. “My name is Antina, my lord. I was in my home nest in Florida when my dragon was awakened by a mating call. I rushed to the location and found your brother, Eivross, living among hybrids and exiles.”

“And?”

She blinked rapidly a few times. “He said he has a mate, but she’s not been claimed in the way of our people. I believe he’s lying, and I thought you should know.”

Zihndyr hummed for a moment. “He’s no longer part of my nest. What did you think I would do with this information?”

“There’s a dragon making false calls. My king is furious.”

He knew of the Florida king. He was an old male with no real teeth, not a real threat to any other nest.

“Then have your king deal with him. He’s not my concern any longer.”

“My king thought since he was your brother…” Her voice trailed off.

“Again, I say that he’s no longer my problem. If your king wishes to avenge your honor, then so be it. You may leave now.”

“But—” she protested.

He waved his hand and the guards joined them, each grabbing one of her arms and pulling her away.

Zihndyr mused on the information once the irritating female was gone.

So his brother had found his mate but hadn’t claimed her? That was interesting.

Maybe hehadgotten under his brother’s skin after all. He chuckled.

It was time for a family reunion.

* * *

Diem hadn’t meant to fall asleep, but she’d been so exhausted from the lack of sleep over the last few nights, now coupled with the emotional drain of finding out that Eivross’s dragon had put out a mating call.

She woke slowly, the ceiling the first thing she saw.

Her beasts let out a little purr and she sat up, finding Eivross standing in the doorway.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I sent those females away.”

That was good news, but it didn’t change anything.

She repeated herself, and he sighed.

“I came to see if you were okay.”

She swung her legs around and stared at the floor. “Of course I’m not okay! Your dragon isn’t happy and put out a freaking mating call! You need to leave.”

She pushed up to stand, but he was in front of her suddenly, cupping her face and staring down at her. His eyes had gone all-dragon, yellow-gold with elongated pupils.

A metallic sheen appeared on his cheeks like scales.