Free Heroes (Eirik Book 2) by Ednah Walters Page A

Ironwood Forest?”
    “No, they didn’t. She was never there.”
    “Your grandmother told me she abandoned her in Ironwood Forest when she found out your sister didn’t have the dragon strain.”
    I sat up, resigned to discussing my grandmother. Despite all the great things she’d done for her clan, she was my family’s skeleton. “She never mentioned Ironwood Forest or dragon strain to me. She said she kidnapped Einmyria to punish my parents, bragged that she knows where the Norns took her, and plans to call her when she’s ready.” Celestia went pale. “Sorry. I really didn’t want to discuss her.”
    “It’s okay. So you think she bit your sister?”
    “Yes. That’s why I must find Einmyria before my grandmother calls her.” Or find my grandmother and make a deal with her. Somehow, I didn’t think ordering the old Jötun to tell me where my sister was would work.
    “If your sister is on Earth, do you think she’d respond to a call from your grandmother?”
    “I have no idea, but I hope not.”
    “Me too.” Celestia looked at her watch. “Oh crap! I completely forgot. We shouldn’t be talking.” She scrambled off the bed. “Your parents want you by their side to receive the guests. Man, I’m an idiot.”
    “No, you’re not. We have some catching up to do.” Going to the ball meant less time spent with her. “Come with me. You can meet my new friend, Karle. He’s a Jötun dragon shifter and the sappiest person I’ve ever met. You’ll probably like him.”
    Celestia shook her head. “I can’t. I left my cousin, Hayden, and Officer Sullivan at the club, and I don’t know how long Syn can keep them distracted. Just get dressed and make an appearance, Eirik. One hour and then leave if you hate it.”
    “Do you know why they want me to attend the stupid ball in the first place? And don’t start lecturing me about Mother being humiliated or people coming to honor me. Those are not the real reasons they are here.”
    She grinned, and just like that, the fog lifted. Karle was right. A smile from your girl packed quite a punch. And Celestia was mine even though she’d laugh in my face if I dare say it.
    “Your mother wants you hitched.”
    Okay, that wasn’t cool. She was supposed to be jealous, or at least pretend to be, not enjoy my predicament.
    “It’s not funny. You sure you don’t want to come? You’re going to miss out. You could help me choose my future bride.”
    “Get dressed, doofus,” she snapped and started for the door.
    I was in front of her before she reached the door. “Where are you going? What if I change my mind after you leave? You have to stay here and personally escort me to, uh, wherever they’re holding the party.”
    “I’m not holding your hand, Eirik.”
    “Then I’m not going. Stop by my parents’ quarters and tell them you failed.” Instead of going to the closet, I headed for the bed. “I can go back to sleep and dream. Like I said, you are much nicer in my dreams.”
    She groaned. “You are the most annoying guy ever.”
    “Bye. See you next time they haul you in here to manipulate me.”
    “Fine. I’ll wait here while you change.”
    I did a U-turn and walked toward her.
    “And FYI, this was a one-time deal. Next time, I’ll say no. Echo or no Echo.” Her arms crossed, she glared at me. Damn, she looked adorable when she pouted, and her lips were tempting. I moved in to steal a kiss, but she pressed a hand on my face and pushed me away.
    “No kiss, huh? Okay. At least, smile. You’ve done the impossible and gotten me to agree to this farce of a party. If I end up with a troll bride, it’ll be your fault.”
    The corner of her mouth twitched. By the time I entered my walk-in closet, she was seated on my bed.
    “So what have you been up to, Dimples?” I asked as if I didn’t already know.
    Silence greeted me.
    “Still pouting?” I called out.
    “I don’t pout.”
    “Then talk to me. What did I miss? Are you dating anyone? Is he