Summer Heat - Charlie Richards Page 0,1

Sire.”

Warzer reached out the window, which he must have opened at some point, and in the next instant, a buzzer sounded.

A few seconds later, a tenor answered, “Did you forget your code again, Stefan?” The voice held a clearly teasing quality. “Maybe if you came around more often, you’d remember it. Give me a minute, and I’ll buzz you in.”

Turning his head, Warzer peered over his shoulder at him, arching one white-blond brow in silent question.

Leortis smirked as he lifted his shoulder in a half-shrug. If he had to guess, he figured that was Kristof, Agnoroth’s mate. He would have to remind the human that he should check the cameras—or at least ask who was there—before just opening the gate.

As Warzer started them forward again, he figured just their unexpected arrival would be warning enough.

Watching the mansion come into view, Leortis chuckled softly as he watched the front door close. Evidently, Kristof had been watching, and he must have realized his mistake. Leortis really hoped the human was getting Agnoroth.

Now I get to see his expression after all.

As Warzer pulled the vehicle to a stop, Leortis saw the door open once again. Agnoroth exited the house, and as soon as Warzer climbed from the vehicle, he called, “Who are you?” As was typical of an air dragon, his voice was pitched surprisingly high, easily hiding just how lethal the male could be.

With his superior hearing, Leortis heard Warzer reply as he walked around the SUV to the back door. “I’m Honor Guard Warzer. It’s good to see you doing so well, Agnoroth.” Then he opened the back door.

Vicar climbed out.

Leortis waited, knowing the dragon was peering around the space, not only looking for danger but scenting for it.

“Honor Guard Warzer.”

Agnoroth either repeated or greeted.

Leortis wasn’t certain which.

Then Agnoroth’s gaze strayed to Vicar and the SUV.

Vicar stepped aside as he banged the top of the vehicle twice—the signal that it was safe to climb out.

As if I couldn’t handle any trouble that came my way.

Still, Leortis understood and followed procedure. He climbed from the SUV and smiled at Agnoroth. To his mild amusement, he watched Agnoroth’s eyes widen and his lips part in obvious surprise. Then the air dragon dropped to one knee and bowed his head.

“King Leortis, it’s an honor.”

Gods, sometimes I’m such an ass.

Leortis shook his head as he lifted his hand and beckoned with his fingertips for Agnoroth to rise. “Hello, Agnoroth. I hope I’m not interrupting.”

Agnoroth climbed back to his feet as the door opened, and a black-haired human stepped onto the front patio. “You kinda are, actually.”

Even though the voice had come through speakers, slightly distorting it, Leortis realized this man had opened the gate. “You are Kristof, mate of Agnoroth.” He dipped his chin slightly. “It’s lovely to meet you.”

Kristof huffed softly as he crossed his arms over his chest. “And you’re the head dragon honcho, eh?” Cocking his head, he swept a narrow-eyed stare over him. “Agnoroth did his time. Whadda’ya want?”

“Kristof!” Agnoroth cried, clearly scandalized. As he grabbed his human and tucked him to his side, he lifted his free hand with his palm out. “I’m so sorry, Sire. I—”

Leortis chuckled, unable to contain his mirth as he waved away Agnoroth’s apology. “It’s perfectly fine. Refreshing, actually.” Smiling at Kristof, he replied, “I want to meet you and your friends, and I’d hoped Agnoroth would give me a hand in that.”

“Of course—” Agnoroth began.

At the same time, Kristof stated, “Then you’re in luck, because—”

Both were cut off by the sound of another approaching vehicle.

Kristof grinned widely. “And that would be Stefan. I thought you all were him.”

“We figured as much.” Leortis turned his attention to the approaching extended cab pick-up. It was an older model but sounded to be in good running condition. His keen eyesight helped him spot Kazeem behind the wheel. “Ah, we have crashed a gathering of some kind, haven’t we?”

“You’re always welcome here, Sire,” Agnoroth told him. Then he added, “But, yes. We’re having friends over for a pool party and barbeque. Kazeem and Stefan were the last to arrive. The others are out back.”

“Ah.”

Leortis nodded, then opened his mouth, intending to offer to return the next day. After all, he knew Agnoroth wouldn’t take the out. Then his attention was snagged by the sight of a slightly stocky redhead sliding from the truck’s back seat.

Knowing it wasn’t Stefan, since he was the dark-haired, toned guy who’d gotten out of the front seat, Leortis wondered who it could be.