Free Dragon Blood 1: Pliethin by Avril Sabine Page A

heat in her hands.
    As she stepped out of the bathroom, Kade came to the kitchen doorway. “You might as well throw your clothes in the washing machine.”
    Amber gathered up her dirty clothes, holding them away from her body, taking her phone from her pocket before she dumped them in the machine. While she washed her hands at the laundry tub, Kade added washing powder and softener before he turned it on. Still remaining silent, Amber moved away from him to the back door. She opened it, surprised it wasn’t locked, then remembered the front door hadn’t been either. Dialling her mother’s mobile number, she waited for her to answer.
    “I was beginning to wonder when you were going to call it a night.”
    “Sorry, Mum. I forgot to ring you before we left. I’m already at Maira’s house.”
    “Did you have a good time?”
    Yeah, I was nearly eaten by a wyvern. She could just imagine what her mother would say if she said that. “I didn’t know anyone there.”
    “Amber-”
    “It was a waste of time.” But now I can throw fireballs. Yet something else she was going to have to keep from her mother.
    Donna sighed heavily. “Well, don’t stay up all night talking. You know how cranky you get when you don’t have enough sleep.”
    She doubted that would have been what her mother would have said if she’d told the truth. “Yeah, sure. I’ll be home some time tomorrow afternoon.”
    “Ring me when you wake up.”
    “Don’t go ringing me early to check on me. I’m not getting up before lunch.”
    There was silence for a moment. “If you’d give this place a chance-”
    She’d done that and look where it had gotten her. “Night, Mum.”
    Another sigh. “Goodnight, Amber.”
    Amber left her phone on the bench top of the cupboards that ran from the door to the laundry tub and stepped into the cool night air. She crossed her arms, wishing she had her jacket.
    “Will you be right while I have a shower?”
    Amber ignored Kade, listening as he moved towards the bathroom, after a moment, and closed the door. She stepped further into the yard. Large trees were scattered around creating deeper shadows. Breathing in, a scent caught her attention.
    Her head came up and her eyes narrowed. Anticipation raced through her and she slowly stalked forward, her feet sure and quiet. Her muscles tightened and she forced herself to keep moving slowly. The wind teased her with the scent and her mouth watered. Ever closer she came to the tantalising aroma. The shadows seemed to give up their secrets, lightening as if the moon had come out of hiding. She didn’t bother to glance up and see, all her senses where focused on one thing. Then she saw him.
    Head down, nibbling on the grass, the reddish brown coat sleek, the antlers rising from his head that suddenly lifted. He tensed, his head moved. Then he relaxed and went back to grazing. Amber, who had frozen at his movement, began to inch forward again. The stag continued to remain unaware.
    “Amber!”
    The stag leapt forward, tail up. Amber swore. She rounded on Kade to yell at him for scaring off her meal. Her jaw dropped as she realised exactly what she’d been thinking. Her hands came up to cover her mouth. “Oh my god! Oh no! Please no.” Her voice trailed off to a whisper.
    Kade reached her side in seconds, draping an arm around her shoulders. “What’s wrong? Talk to me.”
    Amber could only shake her head, trying to understand what had happened. She let Kade guide her inside, dropping onto the kitchen chair he pulled out for her.
    “Do you want a drink? Something to eat?”
    Amber shook her head. Her eyes widened as her stomach did somersaults. Clapping a hand to her mouth, she focused on breathing. She wasn’t going to throw up. And she wasn’t going to think about the stag.
    “Amber…”
    Holding up her hand, she shook her head, still unable to speak. She dropped her head onto the table and waited for her stomach to settle. As soon as it had, she looked up at