Dragonfury 01 - Fury of Fire

skipped a beat. Was he even breathing?
    Her pace slowed to a shuffle as she slid her hand past the fleece lining to touch his chest. He was warm and…thank God! His little ribcage expanded. Myst inhaled hard, more gasp than actual breath, and turned her attention to finding his pulse. The fast, steady beat reassured her. Okay, no need to lose it. He was still—
    “He’s all right, Myst.”
    Her throat so tight she could hardly breathe, she glanced up to find Bastian watching her. “I’m so afraid for him.”
    “He’s healthy.”
    “How do you know?”
    “Trust me.”
    And there it was again—the appeal—and despite everything, she wanted to trust him. Under normal circumstances, she would’ve given what he asked. But tonight wasn’t normal. And no matter how trustworthy he acted, she knew he could turn on her in an instant.
    So…no. Trusting him wasn’t on her to-do list.
    She forced herself to nod anyway—to play submissive to his dominant—and made herself follow him. Their footfalls echoed in the cavern, taking up space inside her head. Adjusting her raincoat around the baby, she studied her surroundings, paying close attention to the details…all the small things that might make a big difference later on. Things like the width of the cave, the number of stalagmites near the back, and the almost hidden ledge that hugged the side wall and met the landing platform. She measured its narrowness, followed its line as it disappeared into the tunnel leading toward the river. That could be a way out, but…
    She’d need a few things before attempting it. A flash-light, for one. A baby carrier, for another. Having her hands free would become a necessity among jagged outcroppings and slick rocks. What else? A waterproof jacket would be good: sturdy boots, warm clothes for both her and the baby. A compass, maybe. A few power bars for her, bottles and formula for him. Add some extra diapers and she’d be set.
    Yeah, that was definitely doable.
    Hope picked up her heart, lifting her mood. She chanced a quick peek at Bastian. About five feet in front of her, he stared at her over his shoulder: eyes narrowed, brows drawn tight, an unhappy expression on his face.
    Oh, crap. Had he read her mind on that one, too?
    Leather creaked as he rolled his shoulders. As far as statements went, it was an excellent one. It showcased his strength, put it up front along with the unholy light in his eyes. “Stop planning your escape. Once inside, there is no way out of Black Diamond.”
    Okay, so that answered the whole thought-poaching thing. “I asked you not to do that.”
    He raised a brow. “I’ll stop…when you start to behave.”
    “I am behaving.”
    He snorted.
    She huffed. “I’m following you, aren’t I?”
    He uh-hummed, and she wished she had something to throw at him. Like a crowbar.
    Stopping in front of a solid wall, he held out his hands. “Give me the infant.”
    “No.” The he’s mine went unspoken as she hugged the baby closer to her chest.
    “I’ll give him right back, bellmia .” The soles of his boots scraping against the granite floor, he pivoted to face her, expression full of understanding. “He is yours, but he will not survive the portal without protection. Look behind me.”
    Myst retreated another step as the wall behind Bastian became a wavy, indistinct blur. She swallowed. “We have to…”
    “Walk through it,” he said, finishing her sentence. “It will be hard enough on you, but the infant will not survive unless I am holding him.”
    “H-how—”
    “Magic…I’ll cocoon him in the equivalent of a human air lock.”
    “He’ll be protected?”
    “One hundred percent.” Stepping toward her, he held out his arms. “I’ll be gentle, Myst. He’s not the first infant I’ve had the privilege of holding.”
    The privilege . She bit her bottom lip, vacillating. As much as she hated to admit it, his sincerity convinced her. Still, as she handed over her angel—as she gave up his warmth—her heart beat triple time, fear and loss moving through her like poison.
    True to his word, Bastian handled the newborn with care, supporting his head, settling him gently in the crook of his arm. “Come, bellmia . Take my hand.”
    Taking a deep breath, she slipped her hand into his much larger one, flinching at the contact. Palm to palm wasn’t something she wanted to do with him. Touching Bastian was simply too intense…way beyond her comfort zone. And more than she could