Aspen (The Dragon Kings #2)(7)

Ella mopped up the milk. “Are you sure things are over? Sid’s totally smitten with you. Maybe she just took him by surprise.”

Tori piped up. “He didn’t leave Skye’s side all day, unless they didn’t have the same class. Trust me. Things are over.”

“This seems out of character for him.” Ella started the espresso.

Aspen clenched her fists. “Whatever. I can’t work with him.”

Ella handed over the mochas. “Don’t worry, hun, I’ll change the schedule. But I think you should talk to him.”

Ella’s words lingered in Aspen’s mind. She had to admit this wasn’t normal for Sid. Aspen didn’t say much on the way home. When she got out of the car, she found Rowan on the porch. He waved to Tori, and she ignored him.

“You are pathetic. You know that, right? Tori’s never gonna notice you.” Aspen said and sat down next to him. “It’s freezing out here. Why aren’t you inside?”

“Mom and Dad are fighting.”

Aspen grimaced. Rowan couldn’t stand it when they fought. It didn’t happen very often, though, and it usually dissipated quickly. Aspen thought they were probably safe to go back inside by now.

“So you figured you’d wait out here and get a glimpse of your illusive crush.”

Rowan shook his head. “I don’t really like her anymore.”

“That’s new.”

“Yeah, so don’t wig on me, but I’ve found someone more interesting.” He dropped his eyes and picked at his fingernails.

“Why would I wig?”

“It’s Skye.”

“You mean the bitch who just stole my boyfriend? Why on earth would you do something like that? Not to mention the fact that she is way out of your league. Tori was top of the school pretty. Skye is hotter than most women in Hollywood. She knows how to flaunt it too. How on earth do you think you even stand a chance with her?”

“I told you not to freak out.” Rowan’s voice had gone very soft.

“Deal with it.” Aspen clenched her fists. Why did everyone love this girl?

“Fine, I thought you might actually be pleased. For one thing, if I win her over, Sid will be left alone.”

Aspen laughed. “I love you, bro, but you know that’s never gonna happen.”

“Well, she talks to me. Tori never did that. If you help me, I may actually have a shot.”

“How could I possibly help? Wait, what do you mean, she talks to you?”

“I met her at Sid’s party. She also sits by me in world civ, and we had a whole conversation. She’s probably the nicest girl I’ve ever met.”

That’s where Aspen had seen her before. She’d bet her entire collection of dragon pics that Pearl was behind this. Aspen couldn’t believe this was happening. A girl showed up today looking like a Victoria Secret model, stole the love of her life, and everyone thought she was a saint.





Sid stormed into the theater room when he got home, Skye on his heels. He couldn’t help but talk to her during the day. She was comfortable, like coming home, and besides, this wasn’t her fault. He found both Theo and Pearl sitting there.

Pearl grinned at Skye. “Was it as awesome as I told you it would be?”

Skye giggled and collapsed onto the couch next to Pearl.

Sid narrowed his eyes at both girls. “What are you talking about?”

Skye looked at him with her eyes dancing. “Kissing. We definitely have to do that again.”

Fury burned in his chest. Pearl had set this all up.

“No, we don’t. I have a girlfriend. Thanks to your kiss, she’s not speaking to me. If you’ll excuse me, I have to go figure out how to get her to forgive me.” He pulled out his phone.

Pearl frowned and snatched his phone out of his hand. “No. You. Don’t. Grow up, Sid. This isn’t just some silly high school relationship. You sealed yourself to her. You cannot take the chance that she’ll seal herself to you. You’re risking your entire kingdom. Hell, you’re risking our entire existence.” He reached for his phone, but she buried it in the couch.

“How’s that?”

“I know you’ve been here having your human experience, but you being named king sent a small ripple through the dragon kingdom. You’re well loved by most of the dragon races. But you managed to piss off the one dragon race who has never liked the royal dragons being in charge.”

“The arctic dragons?”

“Yes. They are livid. The entire council flew up there to discuss your appointment. Most want you dead. I expect it is because they want a king they can control. Now, we know Prometheus and Raja would be good kings, and they support you, but Kingston has been spending a little too much time up north.”

“If the council finds out about your sealing, they’ll kill you, and Kingston could be the next king. There are no guarantees. Then what? You can’t risk that. Not for any stupid girl.”

Sid sank onto the couch, Aspen forgotten.

“I didn’t know that Kingston had betrayed us.”

“He hasn’t yet, but it sure looks like he’s doing the arctic dragons’ bidding. If you die and he becomes king, we’ve essentially given them control over all of us.” Pearl stood up. “I have to go. Do me a favor and make sure I don’t have to show up here again. If I do this much more, the council is going to get suspicious. They had to approve Skye, so they are already on alert. Skye, keep an eye on him.” Pearl pointed at Sid. “Obsidian, stay away from Aspen. I mean it.”