Coal snarled in the direction of the group. Several males averted their eyes. Good. He was on the verge of roasting their orbs right there in their sockets.

The closest male put his gaze back on Julie’s chest. The prick was working on Coal’s last nerve. “She is mine!” He roared. They all backed away. Three left the room at a speed.

“Leave.” He snarled again. Smoke blew from his mouth as he spoke. The lessers scuttled from the room and his temperature went down to bearable levels.

“Was that really necessary?” She raised her brows.

“Yes.” He couldn’t help but to growl. His blood temperature was still elevated. “They were looking at you. We are going out.”

“Out where?”

This female. He looked down at her and took in her flushed cheeks and wide eyes. He followed her tongue as it slipped over her bottom lip.

She choked out a laugh. “You’re thinking about sex. Again.”

“It cannot be helped. You are a beautiful female. You should not wear such clothing.” His eyes drifted lower. “I can see your breasts.”

She hit him again. Her hand made a slapping noise as it connected with the side of his arm. “No you cannot. I’m completely covered. I even put a tank top under my shirt so my… boobs would be properly covered. What the hell is wrong with you? You’re acting all jealous.”

Jealous.

No.

Never.

Maybe. Just a little bit. Fine. He was very jealous. Just the thought of those others looking at his female made him angry. “You are mine to protect. It is instinctual, not emotional.” Was it? Of course it was. “It would be easier to do so if you were more covered. Maybe naked in my bed would be the best.” He moved towards her.

“No.” She put a flat hand on his chest and kept him at arms length. “You said we could go out. I feel like it. Are we going to fly?” Her eyes widened.

Coal felt pride surge. “Yes. I like going to… come, I’ll show you.”

Her expression turned serious. “No more of this jealous shit.”

“I will do my best.”

“Fine,” she huffed. “We are also going to discuss your brother, more to the point, what your brother said. What the two of you discussed.”

His heart raced. He didn’t want to tell her about his task or the ultimatum put forward by Blaze today. She would be mad and it would hamper any chance they might have. No. He would tell her as much as he could and no more.

****

Her heart leapt wildly in her chest as they swooped down. The view was amazing from up there. The descent was faster than she would’ve liked, yet at the same time, it was exhilarating. After watching him fly the other day, she knew it was a damn sight slower than it would’ve been if Coal were alone.