He huffed out a breath, wishing he could be anywhere but there. Wishing things could be different. Scarlet still wasn’t talking to him and maybe it was for the best. That chapter of his life was over. It was time to move on.

Another male stepped in beside him. He chuckled. “You look like you would rather be anywhere but here.”

“Is it that obvious?” Coal turned to face his longtime friend.

Flame was grinning from ear to ear. “Oh yes. I still don’t understand why you’ve never been on a stag run with the rest of us. You’ve been missing out.”

Coal shook his head. “I highly doubt it.”

“If you’re lucky, you’ll soon find out that I’m right.”

Coal raised his brows. “I will win a female but I highly doubt you’ll be right.”

Flame laughed. “It’s a great pity that our dragon shifter females have always been at your beck and call. If you would have been forced to seek out a human female… just once. I can assure you that there would’ve been no turning back.”

“My brother says the same, yet he hasn’t been on one of your stag runs in many years.” Coal folded his arms across his chest.

“I cannot speak for Blaze. My king will have my head.”

“Excuses, excuses. I’m pretty sure he found them lacking and decided not to go anymore.”

Flame cocked his head. “Could be that the opposite is true. You will have to ask your brother for an explanation sometime.”

“I have,” Coal said. “I’ve asked him on several occasions but he’s tightlipped about the subject.” He allowed his gaze to drift across the sea of males before spotting the water king. The air king was not in attendance. Blaze had banned him from taking part. Served him right. None of this would be happening if it weren’t for Thunder’s insolence. If Blaze had been allowed to take one of the fertile princesses, Coal would not be here right now.

Flame bumped shoulders with him, bringing his focus back to the conversation. “Like I said, I can’t speak for your brother but I can definitely speak for myself. I have enjoyed each and every stag run, each and every human female that has shared my bed. They love us, can’t get enough of us. And I can say without one ounce of doubt that I feel the same way in return.” His face had taken on a dreamy look. “I fucking love human females.”

Coal smiled. “Good luck to you, my friend.” They clasped wrists. “I hope that it does not come down to the two of us and the last female, because I will win.”

“It seems like such a waste.” Flame frowned deeply. “You don’t even want a human.” Then he laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Coal asked.