Breath of Flame and Shadow by Ophelia Bell Page B

to stop for breaks.
    Trevor climbed off Roka’s back a day later, cursing when they finally stopped in a secluded section of woods. He stalked off toward a nearby road, the two dragons hurriedly shifting and clothing themselves before running to catch up.
    “Haven’t you guys heard of airlines?” Trevor asked a little later when they returned to their secluded landing spot. Rafe and Roka waited while Trevor smeared on more sunscreen and adjusted the odd-looking goggles he’d just bought at a makeshift sporting goods store in a small beach-side town in Indonesia.
    “It’s unnatural for a dragon to pay someone to fly them places,” Roka said, the sneer in his tone reflecting Rafe’s feelings on the subject.
    “Whatever, dude. It’s clear you’re not used to having a regular rider. I get that we’re in a hurry, but she’s not that far ahead of you.”
    “All you knew was that she said she was going home,” Rafe said. “At full power, she can fly non-stop for about a week. Even with your link to her leading us like a beacon, we can’t afford to keep stopping, and if we don’t stick to the open air, we risk flying off course, losing her trail.”
    “She’ll have to stop in a week, though, right? I’ll muscle through it, but I’ve gotta have an hour a day. That’s all I ask. Tie me on or knock me out…do what you have to in between.”
    “It’s better if you remain conscious. It’s your desire for her that’s the strongest path to finding her,” Rafe said, ashamed at the bitterness in his tone. He’d been grateful to find someone who’d forged such a strong connection with Rowan, but the idea of her connecting on such an intimate level with any other male occasionally grated on him.
    “Listen, Rafe,” Trevor said, clenching his jaw and stepping threateningly close, “if you want her so badly, why can’t you follow your own fucking desire ?”
    Rafe held Trevor’s gaze for a moment, then looked away, trying to hide the hurt and embarrassment he felt over being such a fool as to let her go. “It’s been nearly three months since we were together. My link has faded too much. Her trail is still there, but it’s nothing more than a series of breadcrumbs. Your link to her is still as strong as if she’s marked you. You’re drawn to her like a moth to a flame, whether you know it or not. So, I’ll follow you, since you’re our best chance at catching her sooner, even if we stop for an hour a day. I just hope she stops to rest soon—perhaps we can catch her then.”
    “Alright,” Trevor said. He fiddled with his gear a bit longer. He’d bought a bundle of climbing ropes and a small cargo net so he could ride longer and stop for shorter durations. The excess fidgeting and distinct lack of eye contact worried Rafe. Trevor cursed and grew still while Rafe watched. Finally, Trevor spoke again.
    “Do you need—ah—more? Of me, I mean.” He cleared his throat, glancing between both Roka and Rafe.
    Rafe started to answer, but Roka beat him. The Guardian took two strides to get to Trevor, clutched the back of the human’s head with one large hand, and pressed his lips against Trevor’s mouth. Trevor went rigid for a second. When Roka refused to release him and continued assaulting his mouth, Trevor moaned and gripped the sides of Roka’s head, clutching desperately.
    “You’re terrifying him,” Rafe projected to his friend.
    “Is that all I’m doing?”
    Rafe chuckled. “No, he’s lit up like the sun right now.”
    “Ohh, fuck,” Trevor gasped when Roka finally released him. “Was that a yes? I was hoping you’d say no, but it seemed polite to offer.”
    “No,” Rafe said. “But I appreciate your willingness. Expect me to take advantage of it.”
    “Yes, actually,” Roka said. “We know it pays to be cautious on long trips like this. Take a friend, or stop frequently to replenish. I’ll wait until you’re finished with what you’re doing.”
    Trevor barked out an awkward