At Risk

by Gayle Parness

  “And your mother?”

  “Cheetah and demon.”

  The brothers glanced at each other, then back at me.

  Wyn sent out a burst of mind to mind energy and a ginger-haired male arrived. “This is Vantor.” The young male bowed and we nodded from our seats. “The First Treatise. Deliver it here.”

  “The First?” Vantor looked doubtful.

  “Yes.”

  “It may take some time to…”

  “Do what you must. Also, tell the chef we are ready for after meal and that our wine and ale need refreshing.” Wyn waved his hand and the remains of our dinner disappeared, leaving the large table clean.

  I rubbed my full belly. “Another meal isn’t necessary.”

  “I am afraid it is a nightly ritual. The rest of the residents will be here shortly. Be sure to duck.”

  Duck?

  “We’ll keep that in mind. Vantor is your youngest child?” I pointed toward the archway the young male had used.

  “He is my youngest sibling. We call each other brother or sister but few of us were born of the same hatching. Two or three matings every five decades is blessed with two eggs. We live a long time and only one egg in three survives on average. Wars have depleted our number, treachery also. Other dragon clans exist, but not in the three realms. One must travel through time and delve into darker magic to find them.

  “We raise our children in a hidden haven where they are protected until they reach an age and level of maturity which allows them to live as members of our adult clan. Vantor arrived two moon cycles ago. His actual nest mate is already with you.”

  “Is she a red dragon?”

  “Yes, as is Vantor.”

  Jay and Brina spoke at the same time. “Scarlet!”

  “That is not her name.”

  “We’ve named the Faerie dragons according to their colors. Names are something they don’t share often and they seem to like the ones we’ve chosen.” Jay grinned. “I’ve ridden the green dragon. Matomato.”

  Isaiah refreshed his drink while the rest of my group moved on to spiced apple cider instead of anything with alcohol. Better to have a clear head when ducking.

  Wyn led us to a long table laid out for a banquet. Twelve other dragons were already helping themselves to food at a buffet heaped with steaming platters of meat and fish. “Help yourself and sit where you like. But you should hurry. Dragons have enormous appetites.”

  “This is dessert?”

  “After meal.”

  So as not to be rude, we made our way to the buffet. It was like elbowing your way to the stage at a rock concert, but the large males and females seemed to be enjoying themselves. After most of them had taken what they wanted, we surveyed what was left. At one end a lone dinner plate heaped with root vegetables, a large bowl of wilted spinach and a tureen of lentil soup had been abandoned by the dragons. Our group took a small amount and Brina was able to find two seats together. We sat between a female who could have been an original shield maiden and a male so large I had to push my chair closer to Brina’s just so I could move my arm. Malek and Wyn sat directly across from us and not at the head of the table.

  Isaiah took a seat next to Malek. “Did you know Charles is also my nephew?”

  “Your nephew?”

  “His grandmother was my sister, although millennium younger. Mother murdered her, as she did all her children except for me. As you see, Charles has royal blood on both sides.”

  “My family is in danger. I’m planning on returning to Faerie with at least half a dozen dragons and your sworn promise to bring the rest when we ask for them.”

  “You’re taking my people to Faerie? I thought they would be going to your realm.”

  “I don’t have a building or a cave large enough to hold them in my realm. Also, hunting would be a problem. The human population would be alarmed if their livestock began to disappear.”

  “And you truly care about the human population?”

  “The humans I’ve come in contact with are just like us, beings afraid for the safety of their families. Willing to do whatever they have to do to protect them. The humans in power have non-magical weapons that could decimate our kind with a push of a button. Most supernatural species from my realm can’t use the lines. The thousands who survived a human war would be forced to abandon their homes and live in hiding.”

  “But by releasing such weapons, they would also be killing humans.”

  I shrugged. “It’s happened before. For the greater good, they’d say.”

  “And I believed we were coldhearted,”

  A corvo thigh bone sailed across the table. We ducked. It hit the guy next to Jay. That guy picked it up and threw it back at his assailant. As bones and plates began to fly to the background sound of shouting and laughing and hooting, Brina and I slid under the table.

  I took the opportunity to kiss Brina hard. When we came up for air, we were both smiling. The chaos continued overhead. “The dragons will hit it off with common demons, no problem.”

  “I must agree, mate.”

  For a moment I froze in place. “Bree, I…”

  “This is not the appropriate place to hold a discussion. We have a room, do we not?”

  “Lead on.”

  Dodging shuffling feet, we crawled our way to the end nearest the exit. A set of enormous legs and gigantic boots barred our way. Squeezing past would be a challenge.

  Fortunately, Isaiah was already beside the male. “Excuse me sir, but I think I may have dropped something on the floor next to your chair. Would you mind standing for a moment?”

  The dragon hissed but stood. We scurried out and rose to our feet, glancing back at the chaos. Metal goblets filled with wine or ale sprayed their contents on random diners. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the fun.

  “Minions are so difficult to keep track of,” Isaiah told the huge male while ushering us to safety.

  “Where’s Jay?” I asked.

  Isaiah sighed. “I believe he just bopped Malek on the nose with a bone.”

  “Jay!” I sent my mind to mind with a large surge of energy so he’d hear it over the din.

  “Okay, okay.” He stood, spreading his arms in a helpless gesture. “Sorry guys, I gotta go. Duty calls.”

  Several dragons protested with, No, it’s early, and We’re just getting started, but Jay ambled over to our group.

  “That was so awesome.” His brilliant smile was contagious, his eyes shining with joy. Bear shifters and dragon shifters had more in common than they might ever imagine.

  As we were leaving the room, Vantor passed us carrying a large volume.

  “We’ve found it, alpha!”

  Their leader stood and flicked a finger. The plates and bones disappeared like the food had earlier. “After Meal is officially at an end. Follow me,” Wyn said, moving toward the double door.

  A few dragons grumbled, but everyone rose and filed into the large room with the C-shaped couch. Vantor placed the tome on a podium that hadn’t been there before and Wyn moved closer, opening the cover and gently leafing through the pages. Wyn nodded when he found the page he wanted, then read out loud in Rux. I translated for Jay.

  “When the three realms bring forth an untried leader, Drakos and Drakenas will be tested.”

  “Well, that’s no help.” Malek leaned against the wall, looking bored.

  “There’s more, Malek.”

  “Then, please continue.”

  Wyn switched to the growly language and Isaiah shrugged. “No clue. Sorry.”

  Wyn closed the book and looked up. “That last part was concerned with trust, something that doesn’t come easily to dragons. Normally I’d say the passage was fairly vague, but with you talking of an alliance…” He looked to the wall where Malek had been a minute ago, only there was no sign of the male.

  “What is this book?” I asked.

  “The First Treatise, a record of our ancient history and much of our knowledge. This section involves the fu
ture of our clans and was written by a sage our forebears honored. He guided many clans to prosperity before meeting his end.” Wyn scratched at his beard. “You are untested and of three realms. You spoke of trust. It can only be you he has written of.”

  “A demi-fey also gave voice to a prophecy regarding Charles when he was still in his mother’s womb. I was there and heard it all,” Brina said.

  “Tell us.”

  “That’s not necessary,” I said, my cheeks heating.

  But Brina ignored me and restated everything Sinlae had said. Word for word.

  The vision of my future my demi-fey guardian had spoken of twenty years ago had hung over my head since I was a child. It was only recently I realized some of what she’d said was actually happening. My three magics could be blended together, giving me power unique in our realms. I’d chosen my second at the age of four and started to gather allies as a teenager, long before I’d set my mind to gathering allies.

  It took a grandfatherly king and a royal pain in the ass uncle to keep me on track, but I’d learned to take Sinlae’s message seriously.

  Wyn handed the book to Vantor. “I must contact the rest of the clan with this news. If you need anything at all, call for Vantor. He will hear.”

  I stood and bowed deeply in the way of the demon race. “I thank you for your hospitality on behalf of myself and my comrades. We only need water for washing and drinking and beds and blankets for sleeping. When do you rise?”

  “I fear we will not be sleeping tonight.”

  “I’ll be up at dawn,” I said.

  Wyn nodded.

  Vantor made sure we had everything we needed, but sleep was hard to come by, even curled beside Brina. At one point I yearned to reach out to my parents, knowing the psychic barriers between Faerie and the DR were forged of an ancient magic few could breach, but part of me still yearned for Mom and Dad’s support and encouragement. Like all the decisions I’d made recently, what was decided here could save lives.

  Was it right to trust these dragons? I sensed Isaiah wasn’t so sure and I usually listened to his advice.

  I rose quietly, afraid I might disturb Brina’s well-earned sleep and gently pulled the blanket up to cover her shoulders. She was beautiful in sleep, her blond hair loose, covering most of the pillow. I’d woken up many times in the past with strands tickling my nose and ears. I could crouch here all night just for the joy of watching her sleep, amazed every day that she had chosen me.

  My lifemate.

  We hadn’t used that word yet, or even spoken of love, but for me, she was the one.

  A cool, gentle breeze blew my hair from my face and plastered the soft shirt and breeches I wore against my body. It was refreshing after the heat of the long morning and the humidity of the storm. The gray and brown stone floor of the enormous high-ceilinged room made the toes of my bare feet curl, but I wouldn’t disturb Brina and go back for my boots.

  Isaiah stood on the landing ledge, leaning back against the rough façade, his expression grim. Not a dragon in sight.

  A perfect night to brainstorm.

  8

  Jackie

  The next morning, Garrett and I went to speak to the king. “We’re going home to take care of team business. If you need us, you can find us there.” I nodded formally in farewell.

  “You two should rest. Things will be heating up very soon, I fear.” Fin hugged us both, then turned away.

  We materialized in a heartbeat or two. Heinrich and Sasha were in chairs on the porch of the vamp villa, the house next-door we’d built for them and often put to use for guests.

  Sash had his feet on the porch railing. My grin must have spoken volumes.

  “Missed us?” Sash grinned back. Our resident Russian vampire was Garrett’s second in command.

  “Sure did. No place like home and all that.” I said.

  “Good. We missed you too. Where’s the kid?” Sash scanned the yard.

  “Causing trouble as usual.” I sighed. Garrett raised a brow about to speak, but I continued. “I sent him off in a hurry. The atmosphere in Faerie isn’t friendly these days. Especially for Charlie.”

  “For any of us,” Garrett said.

  “Sent him off where?” Sash asked.

  “Not sure.”

  “It’s better if we don’t know the details,” Garrett added.

  Rick shook his head. “Is the demon with him?”

  “Of course. Brina and Jay too.” Garrett smiled. Isaiah would probably be annoyed Charlie had brought the fae female and his best friend along on the journey. Anything that annoyed Isaiah was fine with Garrett.

  “Charlie has formed his own team. A team of troublemakers.” Rick laughed and we joined him. Muscles in my body that hadn’t relaxed in ages finally gave way.

  There really is no place like home.

  “Isaiah enjoys attracting trouble,” Garrett said, not quite as pleased as the rest of us. He and Isaiah had not always seen eye to eye, but lately they’d called a truce.

  Garrett accepted a beer before sitting. Sash pulled another out of the cooler along with a soda. I pointed to the latter. Although it was late afternoon and most vampires were still resting, Garrett and Sash were old enough not to have to rest until dusk. It also helped that their vampiric bloodline sprang from an ancient one. Rick was younger, but one end of the wraparound porch was enclosed on three sides so Rick could enjoy a beer with the rest of us.

  Rick had tested his stamina and found he could last about twenty minutes in cloud cover without ill effects. In another seventy-five years or so, he’d be able to walk in the sunlight for a few hours. Crescent City was foggy or rainy half the year, which was one of the reasons why Garrett chose it as a great place to settle.

  “Feel like talking about what happened in Faerie?” Rick asked.

  I sent to Garrett, “I don’t have the energy and you’ll explain things without getting angry. Could you please….”

  Garrett threaded his fingers between mine and told our two amazing friends and Rogues Team members what happened earlier today. Garrett had a way of making things clear when he spoke about them that I didn’t possess when I was stressed out or overly tired. He unwound the tangled weave of the experience and made it all sound straightforward. I’d have started pacing or maybe cursing, messing up the timeline completely.

  By the time Garrett finished his tale, Sash and Rick had all the info.

  “You’re handy to have around. I should let you speak for me all the time.”

  “Remember that the next time you’re shouting in anger.”

  “Yeah, no. You wouldn’t add the appropriate amount of drama in that instance.”

  “Definitely not.” He kissed my cheek, holding his soft lips against my skin a little longer than usual. A sigh slid from my mouth and his lips curled. “I suggest we spend a good amount of time together in the next few days. Preferably in bed.”

  “The bedroom isn’t the only place to converse.”

  He turned to Sash, who was used to our mind to mind moments. “Any messages I should know about?”

  “Three, but they’re all related.”

  “Tell me.”

  “A roaming nest has taken over a small Oregon town. Three leopards are presumed dead due to the amount of blood found at the scenes.”

  “Who called this in?” Garrett asked.

  Sash leaned back in his Adirondack chair. “Leopards from different families, although they didn’t want to leave names. Their pack is trying to stay off the vamps’ radar, but it isn’t easy to blend in when the population is only around four hundred. Most of the residents work in the lumber industry or teach at the elementary school or have jobs in the town shops.

  “The sheriff and his deputies are cougars and haven’t been all that helpful, according to one of the callers,” Rick said. “We left all the messages on the office machine so you could hear them.”

  “Did you return the calls?” I asked.

  Sash nodded. “Told them you wer
e out of town and they’d be our top priority when you returned. If I didn’t hear from you by tomorrow, I might have asked Farrell to take a trip to Faerie to give you a heads up.”

  Garrett pointed at the beer Rick was just about to open. “Put that back. I’m calling the team in for a meeting. I’ll take you both to the club so you can feed. You’ll call me in an hour for pick up.”

  Although Sash would be fine, Garrett didn’t want Rick out in the sun.

  “The fog’s rolling in. I’ll be fine both ways,” Rick said.

  Garrett glanced at the sky, then at Sash. “Stick with him. If you have any doubts, call me.” The clubs were only a few miles away and using vamp speed, they could be back at the house in two minutes.

  Rick rose from his comfy porch chair in the corner. “You’re having a team meeting without Charlie?”

  “We’ve worked without Charlie many times in the past.” Garrett grinned.

  “Yeah, but he makes catching bad guys easier.” Rick stretched, a Mack truck of a male with the heart of a puppy.

  “Roll up your sleeves, big guy. There’s work to be done,” Garrett teased.

  “Okay, okay. C’mon Sash. The big boss says we should feed.”

  “And no hanging out with the donors, Rick. I need you back here,” Garrett warned with a grin.

  “Okay, boss.” Rick grinned back and they took off using vamp speed. Rick was very popular with the ladies, so telling him not to dally was on the mark. Sash had already committed heart and soul to Elle, a fae female we’d all come to love. Like Rick he had regular donors who’d become friends, but he had no sexual interest in them.

  “You’re back!” Elle appeared with an enormous plate piled with cookies. She’d really gotten into baking since she’d decided to make her home with us, giving her a five-star rating as far as our team of hungry shifters, werewolves and fae were concerned. “Where’s Charlie? I need an opinion on this new recipe.”

  “I’m happy to be your first taste tester.” I stood and surveyed the platter. “Wow. These look amazing.”

  “Wonderful.” She pointed to a chocolate topped red, green and yellow layered confection that should be on the cover of a food magazine. “This one is a seven-layer cookie, or a tricolore cookie or a rainbow cookie. I guess it depends on where you live. I like tricolore the best. The recipe originated with Italian families living in the U.S., or at least that’s what the baking show host said.”