Dragon's Claim

Chapter 3-3

RHYS WASN’T GOOD AT goodbyes. His body seemed stiff the entire time. Layla knew it was because the last time he’d said goodbye, their parents had died. Now, he was losing Layla, too. It wasn’t that she’d be gone forever. He was always welcome to visit.

She wouldn’t mind seeing Cairo someday, either. She’d even told him so; told him he wouldn’t last long without her, either.

The big dragon man wrapped his arms around his little sister, the woman who, in his eyes, had just been a girl up until weeks ago. Suddenly, she’d morphed not only into a woman, but into a skilled hunter. A dangerous thing.

Now, Rhys held her at arms’ length while he studied her face. His own eyes were glassy with unshed tears. She rolled her eyes and tried to crack a reassuring smile. She would be fine. As much as she didn’t want to leave her family, she would be fine.

She had to be.

There were no other options.

Layla pulled away. The American dragons were getting antsy. They were ready to go home, back to the States where they could fly free and cause as much mischief as they wanted. She knew that the dragon men had been holding back, especially after the couch episode.

She shuddered to imagine the trouble they caused at home.

Rhys’s hand fell on her shoulder and she paused, turning to look. He gave her a soft smile.

“You will always be a red dragon. No matter how far you travel. No matter what other families you join. You never lose where you came from, only gain more.”

She nodded. Rhys’s words were a nice sentiment, but she didn’t feel them. Snowdonia had always been her home and now she would have to leave it behind. She wouldn’t stand by Wesley while he grew into his new role. She wouldn’t see Rhiannon’s baby being born, see its little smile or babysit for the couple.

“Stop acting like this is a damned funeral,” Rhys suddenly said.

Layla’s head perked up. Was that how she was acting? Like she was dying?

She opened her mouth to argue. But, it was true. She felt like more of her was dying. She raked a hand through her hair. This wasn’t the end of the world. She wasn’t being exiled, only travelling. Home would always be here and she could always return.

She just couldn’t stay. Not right now. Not when she wanted to.

Rhys’s eyes moved toward the American leader, the dragon man leaning against the rental car that now had one less airbag. Rhys held the man’s gaze for a long moment, then a look crossed his face. One of happiness that Layla didn’t understand.

“Do I have to tell Farida you’re eyeing other men?” Layla half joked.

Rhys gave her a chastising look, his brows flat over his eyes. She couldn’t help but laugh.

“Don’t be silly. Do me a favor and put some trust in the American leader. I don’t think he’s that bad of a man. You know, when you push the American predisposition for oily cheese aside.”

Layla laughed and threw herself at her brother for one more, long hug.

“I’ll miss you,” she whispered into his shoulder.

“I think you might have your hands a bit too full to miss anything.”

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