“I love you, too,” I whispered back. “For the rest of my life. However long that is.” It was amazing sometimes, how quickly she could make me forget. Forget the war, and the Order, Talon, everything. Outside this room, Riley and Wes plotted how we were going to sneak into another Talon facility; the organization was up to something big, and I had no idea what was going on in my own body. If I should be worried about the constant sensation of molten fire in my veins. But, much like in Crescent Beach, nothing seemed quite as urgent when Ember was this close. I could let go of the perfect soldier’s discipline and be myself, the Garret I’d had no idea existed before I met her. And I could say things I never would have considered a year ago.

I met those emerald eyes and gave a rueful smile. “We might not have a lot of time,” I said quietly, and ran my hands up her arms. “But however long we have, I’m not going anywhere. I’m yours, dragon girl. I always have been.”

Her eyes went a little glassy, and she kissed me again. I leaned back against the headboard and closed my eyes, feeling the inferno flare between us once more. It flickered and pulsed, like my blood was boiling on the inside, and Ember was the fire that ignited it. But rather than wanting it to stop, it pushed me to continue, to drag the girl closer until nothing separated us. Until the flames rippling under my skin burst free and surrounded us, burning but not consuming. Ember’s fingers dug into my shirt, the echo of a growl rumbling in her chest, and I felt something inside me respond.

A crash from the living room made us freeze. Both our hearts were pounding wildly, and the tiny space between us almost shimmered with heat as we listened to the muffled voices through the wall, ready to rush out if there was trouble. But after a moment, it appeared that nothing was wrong; someone had just dropped a mug on the hard wooden floor. Wes was applauding someone—probably Riley—who growled at him to shut up. Ember gave a small smile and drew back.

“I wish we could stay here,” she said, her voice a little breathless. “But I guess we should head out and see what the others are planning, huh? Before Riley comes banging on the door.” She winced. “Or...through it.”

I echoed her wince. I wanted to stay here, too, but angry dragons in log cabins seemed like a bad idea. “You ready for this?” I asked, and she nodded.