Fire Breather

43.

MY heart rate kicked up in speed as I cooled my features to stay calm and collected despite the fact that Colonel Aetos just clearly insinuated that he would kill us.

"Well, lucky we're not keeping secrets then," Garrick retorted. "Though, if you were implying a threat, then do keep in mind that Blaine is excellent at melting brains with only a look."

"Are you threatening a colonel?" Varrish fumed, straightening his posture.

"A threat?" I raised my brow, linking my arm with Garrick's. "You misunderstood what he implied. It was a promise," I stated and then stayed silent, walking past the pair with Garrick.

"Do be careful who you share your war stories with, Riorson! I'm sure you would hate for your friends to join your inevitable end."

"Keep walking," Garrick warned me, placing a hand over mine holding his arm. "If you kill him now, then someone could witness it."

"I don't fucking care if someone witnesses," I snarled as we walked into the courtyard where we came to a stop. "It's only fair if I kill him before he kills me."

Gently, his hands cupped my jaw when I unlinked my arm with his, making me look up at him. "I promise, one day you'll kill him, and I'll happily have your back, sweetheart. But for now, keep your head down and stick with the others."

I leaned into his right hand, closing my eyes at his warmth. "You're really leaving," I whispered. "Our dragons will only have hours together."

"I know," he sighed, and I opened my eyes, looking up at him. "They're pissed. Pretty sure I felt my bones vibrate when Nim roared."

"Gods, I thought my head was going to explode," I admitted with a small smile that quickly died on my lips. "We'll only have hours to pass information."

"That would be their idea. They'll split you and Violet from me and your brother for as long and as often as possible." He paused for a moment, rubbing his thumb under my eye. "Which is why Xaden's leaving you in charge of everything happening here at Basgiath with the movement."

Instantly, I pulled my face out of his hand hands, my back straightening as I sobered the hell up. "When was this decided? Why was I not told sooner?"

"Because he's testing you, cousin," Bodhi said, walking toward us with an amused look in his eyes. "You're a part of the Assembly now which means more responsibility...and I have great news for you."

"Colonel Aetos just mysteriously died?" I asked, arching a brow.

My cousin's eyes rolled before he clasped a hand on my shoulder. "The announcements came out and you're the—"

"Iron Squad's Executive Officer!" Rhiannon cheered and then her arms were around me and the ground rushed for us.

When we both landed on the gravel ground, I groaned but hugged her back, blinking up at the night sky. "I'm guessing you're our squad leader?"

"Hell yeah she is!" Ridoc started cheering before he landed on the two of us. "My two girls are leaders!"

"Your two girls?" I pushed him off us before sitting up on my elbows with Rhiannon beside me.

"One of them is mine," Garrick stated, crossing his arms over his chest while sending Ridoc a look.

"Hey, you get Blaine when you see her," Ridoc countered, brushing dirt off his legs when he stood up, turning to Garrick. "I take care of her whenever you aren't around which is going to be often now."

In all honesty, I was waiting for Garrick or Bodhi to hit Ridoc over that comment. But I was fucking shocked when the three of them laughed with each other.