A Fifth Daughter [Book 2: The Dragon Warrior]

Chapter ~ 3

[Dedication]: for love, love, loving my books

~ Chapter 3: Smoke Can't Break Anyone Out of Jail; Sinder on the Other Hand... ~

Cai engulfs me in the best hug he can offer; wrapping his talons around my waist and taking off once again.

I laugh against his warm chest. "I missed you too, but we really need to work on your ways of affection."

He lands, releases me and then proceeds to push me to the ground. His large head drops on my lap basically covering up my legs. He closes his eyes. "Better?" One blue eye opens to watch me. He has that same frightened look he had the first day we met; like I might disappear if he doesn't stare long enough.

So, for his sanity and mine, I answer; "Yes, much better." I run my hands over his rough scales and take pleasure in the warmth he produces. With a sigh I rest my head on his, he closes his one eye and I close both of mine. This is what I wish could happen all the time.

"We need to break this guy out, soon."

"Smoke, you're running on fumes, I can feel it. You need to rest. You've got until midnight tomorrow. Take a little break. He'll still be there tomorrow."

I want to do just that. I want to relax and let the exhaustion take over, but I can't.

"Smoke." Cai's voice gets stern. "Eaton and Astrid should be here soon. We don't need to be in the middle of breaking some random guy out of jail and miss them or you suddenly fall over from exhaustion. They'll only stay here as long as no one is asking questions. Once any indication that they've been recognized or any threat is thrown out there, Eaton will get Astrid out and they'll disappear to Lunashield. You need Astrid in Folklore, Smoke, which means you need to meet them, which means you can't jail break someone out, which means you can rest."

"Are you sure you're my dragon? When did Cai get so smart?"

"Well, you're definitely my Smoke; lazy, fat, predictable, a little tired."

I smack behind his ear, but there's no threat in it. I really am too tired to even hurt someone. "You're rude."

Cai doesn't answer, just moves his head; moving me to be tucked against his warm chest. "Sleep Smoke. I'll wake you when they get here."

He doesn't have to tell me twice.