Scales and Flames

by Catherine Banks

  I fall back on my bed, a huge grin on my face. I need to take at least two changes of clothes, deodorant, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Everything else, I can buy when I get there. I can't carry too much, or my dad will figure it out.

  Knock, knock. I quickly jump up and open my door, praying it isn't my father. I sigh with relief when I see Sean’s face on the other side. He gives me a tight smile and walks into my room. As he walks pass me, he throws a Snickers bar my way. Oh, thank God! I’m starving and he knows this is my favorite candy bar.

  I rip open the package and start eating. Sean just shakes his head. “Dad brought us some food earlier but between him and Scott, they ate it all. Sorry sis, this was all that I could salvage.”

  “Don't worry about it. Thank you for this,” I answer as I scarf the rest down. Of course Dad and Scott ate all the food. That’s what they always do, hoping nothing is left for me. It’s surprising how my older brother acts as if he hates me. It surprises me how, even though Sean is three years younger, he still tries to take care of me. Dad barely tolerates him as well, so the two of us have to stick together.

  Sean sits down on my bed and runs his hand down his face. “Lee, I got to tell you something, but I need to know I can trust you.”

  I haven't heard that nickname since Mom died, and tears fill my eyes. I take a deep breath and nod my head.

  “As you know, Dad’s gone crazy… Ugh, I don't want to have this conversation,” Sean stutters.

  Warmth spreads through my heart, and I grab his hand. “I know. I actually heard the ending to the phone conversation.”

  Pain shines through his eyes. “I'm sorry. We won't let this happen. He just can't know that I'm involved.”

  “Don't worry. I already have a plan in place. I'm sending the deposit tomorrow. I don't plan on sticking around.”

  Four

  Brayden

  I head straight to the office this morning. I didn't sleep well for some reason, and I’m on edge. Something weird is going on with me.

  I walk into the building to see Jacob and Dave already there, sitting at the conference table, waiting on me.

  “Dude, are you sick, or get in a fight with your pillows or something? You look like shit,” Dave says as soon as he sees me.

  I smack him on the back of the head, hard, and sit down. “Dave, how many times have I told you? You can't talk to me like that, even though we’re brothers. I am the leader now.”

  Dave just rolls his eyes and mutters, “Says the guy who use to hold me down and fart on me.”

  Jacob cracks up laughing, and decides to join in. “It's technically called a Dutch Oven.”

  I ignore the morons and fire up my laptop, then pull up our company email and stare at a message in disbelief. “Who the hell agreed to rent out the house near our compound?”

  “Whoa, Brayden. We had it listed for rent. Someone inquired. What are we supposed to do?” Jacob asks carefully.

  “You tell them it's unavailable! What the hell is wrong with you? People are supposed to think it's a craphole!” I yell.

  “Well, you didn't tell us that. We purposely put God awful pictures up, and we never had someone inquire,” Jacob replies.

  “Tell her never mind! We can't have a stupid human living near us. We stay under the radar. We don’t need someone see us change and fly!” I rant.

  “Well, we aren't going to shift right in front of her, Brayden. And it's already a done deal. If you look at the most recent message, she's provided the tracking number and the check is in the mail. Her references check out,” Jacob responds, wincing.

  I am so angry, but for once, my dragon isn't upset. What the hell is going on with me? It's almost as if we are out of sync. I've got to get out of here; I'm starting to feel a little crazy.

  I head to my office, needing space. I dock my computer and then listen to my voicemails. I have five crews working today, and need to go check their statuses after lunch. That's the problem with humans. You constantly have to check on them and make sure they are doing what is expected.

  After some time, Gwen, the secretary, saunters into the office, making sure her girls are on display in her low-cut dress. Her red hair cascades down her shoulders, and she’s highlighted her jade eyes with her makeup, her lips made up purposely pouty. She is a very attractive woman, but my dragon stirs, disgusted.

  She drops the files on my desk and bends down, so I can see all of her cleavage. We have been doing this song and dance for the past two years, but nothing has ever happened. My inner beast makes sure that it doesn't.

  I grab the files and wave her away, completely dismissing her. She huffs and marches out through the door, as I roll my eyes. She's getting more blatant and persistent. I'm going to have to find a replacement soon.

  I grab my phone, needing to get out of here. For some reason, the house this girl is renting calls my name. I haven't stopped by there in a while. It might need some maintenance done before she moves in, so I head out that way.

  Five

  Leah

  Tomorrow, I turn twenty-one, and if I can't get out of here, my life and freedom will be over. There is no way in hell that I'm letting that happen.

  When I get to work, I turn in my notice and ask them to cut my last check. Leaving them like this breaks my heart, but my survival instincts have completely kicked in. I head straight to the bank to cash my check and close my account. I don't have much, but I will make do with what I have. Sean is meeting me at the bus stop with my extra clothes. If I go home, there is no getting away.

  I purchase my one-way ticket to a city close to Vixen Falls at the bus stop. The bus leaves in thirty minutes, so Sean better get his butt here.

  I walk over to a spot where I am hidden by trees. Paranoia is setting in and I'm expecting every person that walks by to be Dad. After a few minutes, someone comes up behind me, and I'm about to scream when I realize it's Sean. Thank God.

  Sean hurries over to me and hands me my backpack, along with a small cooler. He pulls me into a big hug. “I'm going to miss you so much, Lee.”

  I pull back and tell him, “If you ever break free, come find me in Vixen Falls. That is where I'll be.”

  The bus is starting to load, and I need to go. I give him one more hug and whisper, “I love you. Thank you for everything.”

  He nods his head and kisses my cheek, then I turn and get in line for loading. After a few minutes, I'm in my seat, and look out to see Sean giving me one last wave before turning and walking away.

  My heart aches, unease settling in my stomach, but I'm excited at the same time. The bus shifts gears and pulls out of the gate. Leaving the city limits alleviates some of the unease.

  It's been a long trip and I've celebrated my birthday alone. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way, due to the alternatives.

  Finally reaching my destination, I jump off the bus and head to the front of the station. My plan was to get a rental car for the remainder of the way, but I notice a used car lot across the street. There’s a small motorcycle for sale on the side of the road, right in front of the dealership. Surprisingly, it costs the same as a car rental, and would last a whole lot longer.

  I walk across the street and look the bike over. It seems to be in pretty good shape, just really old. As I’m bent over, looking at the tires, a salesman comes out and approaches me. “You seem to have your eye on this bike.”

  I glance up. “Does it run? The price seems awfully low, so I just want to make sure.”

  He tilts his head, examining me. “Yes, it's my son’s, and we actually aren't selling it through the car lot. Do you even know how to drive one?”

  My head snaps back in surprise. What a jerk! Of course I do. Whenever I ride, a sense of freedom overcomes me, and I almost believe I could fly, if I really tried. “Yes, my little brother has one and he taught me. May I test drive it?” I reply shortly.

  He tosses me the keys and I jump on the bike. I rev the engine and drive around the parking lot. It runs beautif
ully, and it’s in my budget. I’m so excited; this will be my first purchase by myself!

  I roll to a stop in front of the salesman. “I’ll take it.”

  He nods his head, walking toward the building. I follow and sit down in his office where he pulls out the paperwork, and we get it done quickly.

  On my way out the door, he whistles at me. I turn, giving him a puzzled look, and he tosses a helmet my way. I smile thankfully. “I appreciate it.”

  I start the bike and head toward my next stop: Vixen Falls.

  Six

  Brayden

  The past week has been miserable. My dragon is all wound up, and I have no clue why. I'm short, angry, and working almost nonstop.

  I walk into the office and realize Dave and Jacob aren’t in the conference room, like they usually are. They must be avoiding me. However, we have that blasted person checking into the house today; otherwise, I’d be happy to leave them to their own devices.

  I get settled in my office, knowing that Dave will run to Jacob as soon as he thinks I'm tucked away. After a few minutes, I hurry out and corner them.

  Dave attempts to act surprised. “Oh, I didn't know you were here.”

  “Bullshit! That's why you're here. Let's go do a final walk through on this house. I want us all to go, to make sure nothing gets overlooked.” I glare at him.

  Jacob looks shocked. “For you not wanting the house occupied, you are sure stressing out about it being in perfect order.”

  My dragon goes crazy at his reply, and I find myself growling and near shift. Why am I acting like this?

  Jacob jumps up, completely afraid that I may lose control. “Shit, Brayden. Let's go.”

  Dave looks at me strangely, but we all turn and leave quickly. My dragon starts calming as soon as we start heading in the direction of the rental. When we reach the house, I jump out.

  “What the hell is going on with you? You've been acting crazy the past month, but this week, it’s getting progressively worse,” Jacob says as he gets out of my car.

  “He needs to get laid. I've been telling him. It's not normal to be one-hundred and twenty-five years old, and still be a freaking virgin,” Dave starts.

  I completely lose it and have him pinned against a tree, my beast barely contained. “You will not say anything like that to me again. Do you understand?” I breathe deeply, trying to prevent the change.

  Dave looks at me, terrified, and nods his head. I make myself drop him, even though my anger is still pulsing inside. I try to calm down, but it's not working, so I walk in the house and start checking everything.

  My brothers walk in a few minutes later, and start looking around as well. They haven't been here since I started the updates a few weeks ago.

  “Brayden, you've redone everything. Did you do this all yourself?” Jacob asks.

  “Yeah, I haven't been able to sleep, so I've spent my time here instead. I just needed to make sure this place is up to par. Did I miss anything?” I inquire, turning to them.

  “Dude, can I live here, and her take my place instead?” Dave requests.

  My dragon roars at that comment, and I'm doing my best to hold my crazy in. “No, this is for our tenant you all had to let rent this place,” I answer.

  We all walk around, and they can't find anything wrong. However, I feel like something important is missing. Finally, they tear me away, reasoning we have crews that need to be checked on, and our tenant is supposed to pick up her key this evening.

  I take one last look at the place before leaving. I hope she finds this place comfortable.

  Seven

  Leah

  I love riding a motorcycle. The wind blowing past me makes me content and happy. I pull into Vixen Falls earlier than I had planned. I am starving, so I stop at one of the first diners that I pass by.

  I sit down in one of the booths and look at the menu. A cute girl with dark, brown hair and soulful brown eyes walks over to me. “May I take your order, please?” she says with a small smile.

  I grin at her and recite my order. As she walks back to the counter, I take in the small place. It is relatively small, and pictures of various people are hung up all over the wall. It has a “Mom and Pop” feel to it, and a laidback atmosphere. A few minutes later, the waitress comes back and sets my tea down on the table. “Homey, isn’t it? How long are you here for?”

  “Uh, I'm not sure. I'm renting a house here and just pulled up in town.”

  Her eyebrows rise until they were hidden underneath her bangs. “So, you're not a tourist? Do you have a job lined up?”

  “No, nothing at all. That's my first order of business. I used to work at a vet’s office, but am willing to do anything,” I explain.

  The girl smiles brightly. “Well, you're in luck. We are hiring! Want me to get you an application?” she asks excitedly.

  “Uh, sure,” I answer.

  She runs off and talks to someone. Before I know it, an older gentleman is heading my way with a piece of paper. He shakes my hand and sets the paper down in front of me, along with a pen. “Stephanie here tells me that you are needing a job. Is that the case?”

  I look him in the eye. “Yes, sir. I need one, and promise that I'll be a hard worker.”

  He stares me down, but I hold his gaze. “You're hired. Start tomorrow! We are in desperate need, and Stephanie says she has a good feeling about you. Be here at 7 AM,” he states and gives my shoulder a pat.

  Hmm. Guess I don’t have to worry about the application. Thank goodness. I can't believe how easy that was, and I’m so relieved that I have a job nailed down. Stephanie approaches me with my meal and sets it down. “So, how'd it go?”

  I smile at her. “I start tomorrow. Thank you so much!”

  She grins back. “I know. I get to train you. Now eat, and get settled in. Mornings are super busy here, and you'll need to get some rest.”

  I am content for the first time in a while. After finishing my meal, I look down and realize it’s close to 4:30. I told the landlords that I would be there at five to get the key. I hurry and take off on my bike, getting there right at five.

  I pull up to the building and walk in the entrance. There is a gorgeous redhead working the front desk. She looks up at me and snarls her nose. “How may I help you?”

  Her voice sounds nice, but I can read her face. Ignoring my annoyance with her, I smile and reply, “Yes, I’m here to pick up a key. I'm the new tenant for the house close to the Falls.”

  She giggles. “Oh, yes. That dreadful place. I guess only someone in need would want to live there,” she replies, as she grabs a key off her desk and hands it to me. “Here you go. Hope you are good at fixing things.”

  With that, she sits back down, clearly dismissing me. No “if you need anything, let me know,” or “do you know how to get there?” Brushing it off, I turn around and walk out. It's okay if I'm on my own. They've helped me enough just by letting me rent it.

  Eight

  Brayden

  Today has been a day. I'm irritable and on edge more than ever before. After tearing into the first round of employees, all the others must have heard, because they are working harder than ever before.

  I was trying to get back by five to meet this new tenant, but there was a problem on one of the houses that we had to deal with. After six, we finally make it back to the office and much to my surprise, Gwen is still there.

  Jacob looks at her. “Did our tenant for the house show up today? We were hoping we could meet her, but got held up at one of the sites.”

  Gwen scrunches her nose in disgust. “Yes, sure did. I guess I should have realized the type of person who would rent it. She sure looks hard up.”

  And there is the thing about Gwen; she is completely gorgeous, but a bitch. Trying to rein in my disgust, I ask, “Well, did you make sure she has everything she needs? Did she find the place okay?”

  “Of course, I didn't ask her if she needed anything. She looks like a homeless person. She needs everything.
She's renting that God-awful place, so she should just be glad to have a roof over her head. We aren't furnishing her rental,” Gwen responds, like my suggestions are crazy.

  “First off, she's renting a place from me and my brothers, not you. And lastly, some compassion might do you good. Lock up on your way out,” I say, walking out the door, but not before I catch the look of shock on her face.

  My brothers follow after me, and Dave starts laughing. “You sure told her. She's a bitch, but looks like a goddess on heels. Why haven’t you hit that? If I wasn't mated, I'd be on her like white on rice.”

  “Will you shut up?” I growl at him.

  Jacob shakes his head. “Dave, I don't know if you are that brave, or just that stupid?”

  “Let's head home. We are late to dinner. I'll meet you there,” I say to them, climbing in my car to drive back to the compound.

  It takes all the strength I have to not turn toward the rental home. What the hell is wrong me? I ignore it the best I can and finally pull up at home. At our gathering area, I immediately hit up the liquor table. I pour a double shot of whisky, and tip it back.

  Stephanie walks up and laughs. “Rough day?”

  “Yeah, and your mate makes it worse. It's a good thing you are destined mates, or I'd be questioning your sanity,” I grumble.

  “Oh, Brayden. Don't be overdramatic. Dave is a good guy and just wants to have fun. He looks up to you,” she replies.

  What’s up with these women? Just because Dave is a good guy, doesn't justify him being an idiot. However, I won't say that to her. Even if I am the most dominant here, you never talk ill of another’s mate without something going down.