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Bain started a small fire and set the dragon meat on it to cook.
Kayley gave him a look of distaste, but turned her back.
"Is it okay to eat that in front of them? I asked.
Bain poked at the fire before adding more branches. "It's no worse for them than it would be for us. This is an animal, they're shifters."
"So it's okay to eat an actual wolf?" I asked.
"No." Bain glanced up at me and frowned. "Wolves are magnificent creatures."
I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Dragons are like giant chickens," he said finally. "Reptilian ones."
"Or crocodiles?" I suggested.
"Yes, exactly." He nodded.
I wasn't sure I agreed with him or his logic, but the meat smelled good.
"Just remember, it would have eaten us and not regretted it." Knox laced his fingers in mine and pulled me down to sit beside him on the ground.
"I would have regretted it," I said.
He smiled softly. "Me too." He licked his lips like he wanted to say something, but wasn't sure how to form the words.
"Are you all right?" I asked.
"Hmmm?" His brow creased for a moment. "Yes, of course. I mean—" He hesitated. "Viva, I wanted to—"
"Food's ready," Bain interrupted.
Knox grimaced at him. Or at least, his timing.
"Right. It can wait." He took one of the sticks Bain handed him and gave one to me. Meat was skewered all along its length.
"If it's important…" I blew on the top slice of meat a couple of times.
"Ah, no, it can wait." He tore off his first piece with his teeth and hissed at the heat.
I glanced over to see Kayley watching us, disgust on her pretty face.
If I was petty, I would take a bite while I was looking at her. I didn't want to make an enemy of her. Besides, from the sounds Knox was making, it was still as hot as Hades.
I looked away and waited, while I wondered what Knox wanted to say. I hadn't seen him look so worried before. No, not worried, nervous. Anxious. Like he wasn't sure how I would react.
I couldn't imagine what he might say that would upset me. Unless he wanted to let me down gently, because the brother of the Alpha couldn't be seen with someone like me. If he couldn't, then neither could Dex. Even Bain would come under scrutiny if we associated with each other.
With those depressing thoughts tumbling around in my head, I stared into the small flames while I chewed on the meat. Bain was right, it tasted like chicken, but slightly sweeter.
"Here." Slade tossed us a water gourd after Conor started to share them around. They were only enough for a sip or two, but it was better than nothing.
I'd kill for a coffee, but that wouldn't happen. I cursed my attackers and the dragon for keeping me from that. Didn't they know I'd eventually get stabby without it?
Okay, maybe now was a good time to wean myself off it. It wasn't like I had a choice anyway, really.
I passed the water on to Knox, who was looking regretful and sucking in cool air.
