Shared Mercy Book 5 of the Guardians Saga

Prologue

The two story, Wedgwood blue, stucco house with cream stone accents on Carrollton Street in New Orleans had obviously been cut into four apartments. What no one would guess is that it housed three CIA agents, a woman with experimental neuro-electric powers and flying ability, and three humanoid dragons from another planet.

Alex bought another TV for their bedroom in the apartment. She figured that since she and Rile spent more time in bed, there might as well be one in there, too. They lay in bed together and she traced a lazy, glowing finger over Rile's chest. She sighed when she reached the burn scar and said what she always said, "Oh, your perfect chest."

"Don't get all weepy. I kinda like it," Rile replied.

"How can you say that? Oh, your perfect chest." She grieved over it every time.

"That's how I can say it. It's the only time you compliment me." His chiding was gentle and he lifted her chin so he could gaze into her eyes.

"If I compliment you, then you'll stop loving me." Alex made it sound like a completely rational statement and ducked her head, breaking eye contact.

"What kind of stupid reasoning is that?" Rile demanded, incredulous.

"Stupid and no reasoning at all. It's what my heart tells me." Alex mocked Hollywood's prattle yet again.

  "Your heart? What about that quote you love to say? 'The heart is desperately wicked, who can understand it'?" Rile asked.

Alex smiled crookedly at him. "It's from the Bible. It's a great book and Cale reads it to me now. It's like how I thought you hated me when we first met."

"It wasn't hate. More like resentment. You were one more wonderful thing that fell easily into Gabe's lap."

"You thought my relationship with Gabe was easy?" Alex asked, amazed.

Rile shrugged slightly. "At first I did."

"You didn't think I was wonderful. You constantly criticized me and beat me up!" Alex tapped his chest with a glowing fingers, sending golden sparks dancing across the bed sheets.

"Sparring, which you desperately needed. I knew you were special. Plus you adored Gabe, like so many other females."

"I heard you didn't have any problem in that department." Alex propped up on one elbow to look at him.

Rile brought his arms up and tucked his hands under his head. "Maybe not, but I could be had. I can't tell you how many females pined for the great, untouchable Gabe and settled for me."

  Alex chewed her lip as she regarded him until she finally said, "You showed them, though, didn't you? After a short time, you dumped them all. They learned the hard way that you couldn't be had very long."

"I never thought of it that way." Rile went still, obviously contemplating.

"Males rarely think in that area of their lives."

"That sounds like a comment. Anyway, it doesn't matter now. It's just you and me forever." He pulled her down to him.

"Or longer." Alex smiled and traced his hands with glowing hands.

  The only light in the room was her power. It was low and warm, and softened even the shadows, making them dreamy shapes instead of frightening ones, like a nightlight in a baby's nursery.

A/N

I honestly thought not a soul would be interested in book 5, then when I posted the introduction as a lark, I was shocked readers actually read it! I had to go to bed and I can't remember everyone who read it, so I'm sorry my dedication is incomplete. If anyone knows how to read the stars and find out who read what chapter, please tell me!

Dedicated to

yummy954

Red_Leasia

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