Page 86 of Scales ’N’ Spells: Volume One

Dieter smiled at him in return. “We only want your happiness.”

“I will not discuss Cameron, and you can inform everyone else who is concerned about my happiness that we are not to be a topic of castle gossip.”

Dieter bowed his head, his smile still not disappearing. “Of course, Eure Majestät.”

Not that Alric believed for a second the gossip would end right there. The appearance of three mages after so many years was of great interest to everyone. The only thing of more interest was who would prove to be their mates. Alric wasn’t letting himself think about that issue any longer. He only wanted to enjoy the time he had with Cameron while he could.

Those moments were growing more and more precious to him with each passing day. It wasn’t just the incredible sex or the fact Cameron didn’t give a damn about his scars. Alric had seen and felt quite clearly that Cameron was attracted to him.

No, it was waking up this morning wrapped in his arms, their naked skin pressed together. It was being lucky enough to see Cameron’s very first smile of the day and knowing he’d caused it. He was allowed to see Cameron naked, skin flushed with desire and joy. His hair had been perfectly disheveled, and those wide brown eyes stared only at him. For just a few minutes, he’d been Cameron’s entire world, and it had been heaven.

Was it greedy to want to start every morning the same way?

Probably.

But it wasn’t greedy to want Cameron safe and secure at all times.

Unrealistic maybe, but not greedy.

Alric’s phone started ringing, and he nearly jumped out of his skin, he’d been so deep in thought about Cameron. He pulled it out of his pocket and answered the call, immediately switching it over to speaker when the caller ID came up as Gunter.

“Where are you?” Alric immediately demanded.

“Getting the hell out of that town,” Gunter replied. He sounded out of breath, which was strange since he was supposed to be in a car and not running around the town in question on foot.

“What’s going on? Were you attacked?”

“No. Worse.”

Alric looked over at Dieter, who only shook his head, a matching look of confusion on his face. Calm, collected Gunter wasn’t making any sense at all.

“Gunter, what’s going on? What happened?”

“We found out who’s after Cameron and all the mages. It’s the Jaeggi.”

Alric’s mouth fell open as his brain locked up at that single word. He’d never thought he’d hear it again. Alric locked his eyes on Dieter’s wide grey ones, willing him to say something that would prove Alric had misheard Gunter. But his old friend was no help. The dragon was pale and shaking his head as if in denial.

“Gunter, can you repeat that? I think we misheard you. Did you say Jaeggi?”

“Yes. Jaeggi. The clan that destroyed our lives. That killed thousands of dragons. The bastards who wiped out nearly all the mages. The Jaeggi are living in that town. Their bloody name is scrawled on dozens of business signs.”

“Dieties preserve us,” Dieter whispered in horror-filled tones.

“Were you spotted?” Alric demanded.

“I…I don’t think so. We weren’t exactly cautious about entering the town, but we quickly turned around as soon as we spotted the signs.”

Alric nodded. “Get back here as quickly as possible. I’m sending out dragons as an escort. Don’t stop for anything. Do you hear me? Don’t stop.” Alric stared at Dieter, and his advisor was already nodding and starting for the door. “Baldewin and his people will be in the air in a matter of minutes.”

“Thank you,” Gunter said, breathing a heavy sigh of relief.

“Be careful, my friend. I’ll see you soon.” He hung up and told Dieter, who’d paused at the door, “Get Baldewin. I’m going to call Rodrigo. He needs to know what we’re up against.” Dieter nodded once and then disappeared out the door. In all likelihood, Gunter and Melissande had gotten away safely, but Alric would take no chances.

Pulling up the Ice Clan king’s number, Alric winced for only a second as he pressed call. It was after midnight where Rodrigo was, but the ice dragon would understand the urgency.

The first sound he heard was Rodrigo’s snort when the call picked up. “We do not speak for fifty years, and now I have you calling to whisper sweet nothings in my ear as I fall asleep.”

“I almost wish that was the reason for my call, Rodrigo,” Alric murmured.