Hidden Flame: Bound to the Triplet Dragon Kings

**Avery** After my beach hang-out with Cassius, I fell asleep on the long drive hfrom the burger joint. I don't remember getting into my bed, so he must have putthere. I stretched as I woke up from a blissful sleep. I have never slept that well either. Maybe, I need to get out into the sun more. I began my morning routine. When I cout of my bathroom there was a knock at my door, but when I opened it there was only a box with a note. The note read; 'Puton. It will make sense after school.' It was signed by Conner. Well, it looks like Conner is going to be my babysitter later during our non-date. The silly concept makeslaugh, but it feels good to have friends. I put on the Xbox T-shirt that had sweird characters on it around the logo and jeans. I put my hair in low pigtails and apply slipgloss. I slide on my sneakers and head to the kitchen.

As the days prior, the Tis waiting for me. I sigh because this is starting to feel like a family. I decided to show them how to make breakfast burritos. At least when they find their mates, they can cook a few things for her even if it is just breakfast food. After we ate, Conner droveto school. Once he parked, I motioned for him to get out first but he shook his head. He madewait until he opened my door. He walked into the school withtoo. I wonder if something happened while I was at the beach or is he starting the non-date now? To my astonishment, my day flew by in a blur. I don't remember seeing the Hoity Hags once. If I did, I must not have let it bother me. I am proud of myself too. Each of the Tworked withduring our classes together. It has been such a good day. Conner was waiting foroutside of Mrs. Moore's class. Clint looked a bit sad when I told him bye. This isn't a competition of who can be the better friend. Each of them has qualities that I like. I just hope that they know that.

Conner drives us into the human world. We park at a convention center. He smiles, "Welcto Megatech, the world's largest gaming convention. Let's go blow sshit up." I laughed because this might be the outlet that I needed. I can picture the Hags' faces on everything that I kill. "Conner, this is great. I love it!" I do too. I will suck at most of them but the fun will be in watching the Hags burn. I look away from Conner to hide my immense amusement at that thought. I am not a violent person, but they just bring it out of me.

He smiled as he ledinside. There were huge screens set up everywhere. So many different types of games to choose from too. I have no clue how to play, but I am prepared to learn. We walked around. Sgames I just watched Conner play but others I tried. I sucked but it was fun.

Once we had our fill of games, we went back to his car. "What type of food do you want for dinner? You nit, and I will find it," he says with a grin. His eyes sparkle when he is happy. Food and games are his keys to happiness. Mine are books and tea. Cassius's seems to be the ocean and wildlife. I don't know what Clint's are because he tookto the cafe which is something that I like. I will discover his happiness one day soon too.

"What is it with dragons and food?" I ask jokingly.

He shrugs, "We like it a lot. But in all honesty, I prefer your cooking to restaurants." Enjoying the book? Don't forget to visit nov L5sfor the full experience. You won't find the next chapter anywhere else. Happy reading! He is being serious. I am a good cook, but I am not that good. There's so much that I still don't know how to prepare.

"Pasta, I want spasta." I smile because I am enjoying my newly found courage around The Trio.

He smiled as he drove us to an Italian restaurant. Their food smelled wonderful too, so much that my stomach rumbled in anticipation. I blushed and he chuckled. "Killing shit works up an appetite," he joked.

We sat down and ordered. I got a salad and baked spaghetti while Conner ordered nearly half of the menu. We shared a laugh at the team of servers it took to bring it all out. After we ate our fill we started the drive home. I put on the raand started bopping to a song.

Conner looks at me, "Do you know what this song is about?" "No, I just like the beat. What is it about?"

"Maybe it is better that you don't know," he says as he continues to drive. I make a mental note to En research all songs titled Unholy.

When we arrived at the palace, the rest of the Twas waiting for us. "So I am the only one that bores you to sleep?" Cassius teases.

"Your nerdy ass is a snoozefest," I taunt.

We all laughed before we went to bed. Their Grand Ceremony will be here before any of us knows it. I can't help but feel

sadness at the thought. All of my non-dates were great too, but they will likely end. Also, I have just made friends and the

moment their mates cinto the picture I will be pushed aside At least I will still have/Trisha until she turns eighteen, but by then I will be in college in the human world.

I lay in bed hoping sleep would come, but I kept running over the past few days. Each excursion with the guys was different and I enjoyed them all. I wasn't afraid either. That fortune teller was correct in the reading that she did for Cassius. What if she was right about mine too? I laugh out loud at the silly notion as I finally drift off to sleep.

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