“That’s when you decided to get out?”

“They bloody kidnapped me.” Wes’s lip curled in a snarl. “Took away my freedom, my family, everything. I was a bloody slave to the lizards for five years. I’d be damned if I was going to stay there.”

“Getting away must’ve taken some work,” I said, amazed that the kid had pulled off something so risky, and that he’d avoided Talon even this long.

“Yeah, well, like I said, I’ve been planning this awhile,” Wes repeated. “I had to set everything up so that when I did leave, I’d be out of their systems forever. And I had to scrape together enough secrets and blackmail to keep my family safe. When I ran, I made it very clear that if they ever threatened my folks in an attempt to get to me, there are some very interesting files on Talon’s businesses that would go public.”

I smirked. “Playing dirty with Talon. I’m impressed.”

The human snorted. “Right. There’s just one small snag,” he said, lowering his brows. “I can’t do this on my own. I can hack my way through just about anything, but I don’t have the survival skills you do, the ones that will keep me alive and away from the organization. If I run, eventually, they’ll send someone to kill me, or drag me back. Some Viper will slit my throat in the middle of the night.” He shuddered, giving me a grave look. “Honestly, I’ve been waiting for someone like you for a long time now. When I heard that you went rogue, I knew it was my chance. I’d probably never get another one.”

“So you tracked me down hoping I’d protect you from Talon?” I shook my head. “I don’t need a human tagging along, slowing me down. I work alone, that’s how it’s always been.” His face fell, making me feel like an ass, but I hardened my voice. “Do you even know what you’re asking? What going rogue means to the organization? They’ll never stop looking for you. They will never give up, or forgive, or accept any compromise. And they’ll never forget, because dragons have insanely long memories and will hold a grudge forever. You go back now, sure, Talon will lock you away and you’ll live a very sheltered existence until you die of old age or boredom. But at least you’ll be alive. You come with me, and your life is going to be uncertain, violent and probably very short.”

His eyes narrowed. “I don’t think you quite realize the opportunity here, mate,” he said, making me frown. “I’m not just some stupid kid in need of protection. I can help you, too.”

“How?”