[The Dragon Kings 01.0] Obsidian

by Kimberly Loth

Pearl turned and swept down the stairs with Raja following.

  “Sid, what the hell was that all about? Is there some dragon waiting for you?”

  Sid pressed his lips against hers. “Who she wants me to end up with, and who I’m supposed to be with are two different things. Don’t worry about it.” He pulled away. “But I do need to take Theo to her so she’ll stay out of our hair. Wait for me. I’ll be back in a few.”

  Aspen turned and saw the spider woman scuttling across the floor. Her stomach churned. No, thank you. She made her way down the spiral staircase to the second floor. Aspen could barely get through the hallway. People were everywhere. She figured she could wait by the fire-eaters. They were far more entertaining than spider woman.

  Easier said than done. The crowd wouldn’t move. At the end of the hall, Aspen saw the fortuneteller talking to Tori. Aspen’s heart twisted. How she wished Tori would talk to her again. Determined to make up with her, Aspen pushed her way through the crowd and found herself in the middle of several kids yelling “trick or treat” to a harried midget who was trying to control the line for the fortuneteller. Aspen found a chair and waited for Tori.

  A short way down the hall stood Rowan. Next to him, laughing, was the most beautiful woman Aspen had ever seen. She had shoulder length platinum hair waved and curled to frame her heart-shaped face. Her smoky blue eyes never left Rowan’s face.

  The woman smiled, revealing perfectly straight, bright white teeth. She wore a blood-red strapless dress that revealed a tiny waist and flared out to her calves. And of course, the requisite three-inch black pumps. Aspen could never get away with wearing something like that. But women like her, women who belonged in a Victoria’s Secret catalog, could. Why was she talking to Rowan? Probably waiting for a boyfriend or something.

  Aspen was so enthralled with the Rowan/Hottie show, she nearly missed Tori when she came off the dais. Tori had gone with a traditional sexy French maid costume. A little cliché, but that was Tori.

  “Tori, wait.”

  She spun around. “Oh, it’s you. You’ll have to excuse me. The fortuneteller didn’t say anything about back-stabbing best friends, so I suppose we have no future.”

  “I’m sorry, and I miss you. Please talk to me.”

  She cocked her head. “No, I don’t think so. A real friend wouldn’t have done what you did. Excuse me. I need to find my date.”

  Tori disappeared down the hall, and Aspen watched, debating whether to go after her. She wondered who her date was. Probably a guy from Bozeman. Aspen wandered down the hall and decided it would be a good time to find Sid. She hadn’t seen him since he went after Pearl. Aspen guessed his sister was giving him a hard time.

  She stopped in front of the sword swallowers juggling their weapons. If she asked nicely, would they show her how to do it? Probably not, but she could talk to Vicki about it later. A finger traced the tattoo on her back. Aspen shivered. Then the hand lay flat and circled her belly drawing her back. It had to be Sid. But the smell was different. Vodka and sweat instead of cedar. Aspen’s snake slithered out from her hair and hissed at her groper, who was probably one of the creepers Vicki hired. His hand slipped, and she moved away from him toward the swords.

  Aspen didn’t want to see who it was, because being violated, even mildly, reminded her too much of Marc. What a way to complete the horrid night. Not only had Sid’s sister yelled at her and Tori still wasn’t talking to her, now she had someone who thought they could put their hands all over her without invitation.

  Her groper grabbed her hand and pulled her back. “Aspen, it’s been too long,” his slimy voice slurred in her ear. “Who knew I’d find you here? At my cousin’s party no less. And looking like you want your clothes taken off. Come with me. Maybe you’ll enjoy it this time.”

  Aspen froze. It was Marc. How was this possible? She thought it was just some creepy carny.

  She took deep calming breaths and focused on her aikido training. Go with the attack, don’t fight it. Go with the flow. Against her better judgment, she let Marc pull her toward him. When he had his arms wrapped around her, she adjusted, and he laughed thinking she was trying to get closer to him. But her adjustment was for her benefit, not his, since she’d have an easier time getting a grip on him this way. Aspen was shocked at how clear her mind was. Maybe Sid was having a good effect on her.

  Marc moved her into a clearing with less people. Grabbing the hand that held her, she ducked and flipped him over her. He landed with a crash, and she ran. Aspen weaved through the crowd seeking one thing. The swords. Marc wouldn’t assault her again. She’d kill him first.

  Aspen saw him making his way toward her. She jumped onto the stage and waited. The sword swallower was still juggling. She waited for a sword to come close to the ground and grabbed it. She ran before he had a chance to stop her.

  “Hey,” he yelled. “Hey, get back here. Those are dangerous.”

  But Aspen didn’t listen to him. Marc was close. As she shoved through the crowd, people muttered. Marc was yelling her name. Stupid oaf. As long as she could hear him, she could avoid him. Especially since he was obviously drunk. No way she would let him get close. The stairs were tricky. She didn’t want to hurt anyone, but she needed to put space between Marc and herself. And she needed to find Sid, Theo, or Vicki. Marc wouldn’t dream of attacking her if she were with someone. Though he didn’t think twice over grabbing her in the crowd. Who knew what he would do.

  Aspen kept the sword down and close to the wall as she wove down the stairs. “Aspen, Aspen. I see you.” His voice rang out above the crowd. Once she was downstairs, it would be easier. Sid was down there. And her mom and dad. Thinking about it now, she realized how stupid it was for her not to tell them what happened. If she had, then she wouldn’t be in this mess right now. He would be in jail.

  The stairs gave way to another huge group of people. Aspen hurried into the entryway. She could no longer hear Marc yelling behind her. That was scarier, though, because she had no idea where he was. The smell of corn dogs and candied apples made her stomach turn.

  “What’s with the sword?” asked Vicki, who was standing near the front door.

  “I stole it from the sword swallower. Don’t ask.”

  Vicki opened her mouth to stay something, but another family walked in. She probably wouldn’t be Aspen’s best protection. The hallway cleared, and she saw Sid on the far side of the great room. He was arguing with his sister, but now Theo and Ella were with him, although Ella was busy playing with the cotton candy machine.

  Aspen sighed from relief and made her way toward him. Sid wouldn’t let anything happen to her. When she passed the stairs, a hand grabbed her arm. Marc pulled her into a cubbyhole under to the steps. She struggled, but the space was too tight, and she couldn’t get the sword around.

  “You can’t even scream, because all the little kids are screaming. No one will think anything of a scream. This will be fun.”

  He placed a grimy hand on Aspen’s stomach and slid it downward. Breathe and think. The sword was too big to bring up but she could drop it. She’d have to adjust a little more, which involved moving her body closer to the creep. Aspen moved her hand behind her and leaned into Marc. Then she thrust the sword down, hard. Marc howled. Target reached. She hoped she cut off a toe.

  She pushed her way out of the cubby, ran down the hall and into the crowded living room. This time she didn’t even look for Sid. She just ran. When she made her way around the crowd, Sid still stood there with his sister.

  “Sid,” Aspen hollered, grabbing his arm. “Sid, he’s here.”

  “Who?”

  “Marc. He’s chasing me. Do you have security?”

  Pearl brought her eyebrows up. “Is she talking about Marcellus?”

  “Yes. And he’s here. Theo, go with Raja and find him. Don’t let him leave. Kill him if you have to but don’t let him leave,” said Sid.

  “Sid, wait. You don’t have to kill him. We can just call the police. Seriousl
y. I don’t want you guys going to jail.”

  She met his eyes, comprehension dawning. Marc was a dragon. That’s what he meant by cousin. Unbelievable.

  Sid put his hands on Aspen’s shoulders. “Nothing’s going to happen to us. But we are not letting him get away. I promise you.”

  Raja spoke up. “Where did you see him?”

  Aspen pointed toward the cubbyhole. “I left him there. But he’s probably disappeared by now.”

  Theo and Raja took off.

  Sid dragged Aspen and Pearl up the stairs and into the empty theater room.

  “You two wait in here. I’m going to go help Raja and Theo. We’re going to catch this bastard.”

  Sid kissed her and ducked out of the room. Before the door shut all the way, Pearl’s eyes widened.

  “I have to put out my own fire. I’ll be back in a second.” Pearl grabbed the door handle.

  “Please don’t leave me,” Aspen whispered.

  “I told you that you were in over your head. You have no idea what’s going on. Now I have to go, or things are going to get worse.”

  The door clicked shut, and Aspen walked to the couch and sank into the cool leather. A hand gripped her ankle, and she froze.

  “You’ve got a mighty big secret here. One I think Obsidian wouldn’t want coming out.”

  She jerked her foot out of his hand. “I don’t know what you are talking about,” she said.

  Marc pulled at the leather band, and it came right off. “I saw you come in tonight.”

  Aspen looked into Marc’s creepy eyes. He pulled himself up, wincing.

  “You did a number to my foot. I can’t walk very well. Imagine my luck when I remembered your little secret. I thought I was a dead man, but you may have just given me the ability to stay alive.”

  Aspen moved away from him.

  “What do you mean?”

  He laughed. “You mean you don’t know? That tattoo means Obsidian has to die.”

  Aspen’s heart clenched. Was that true? Obsidian had always said they had to be careful, but she didn’t realize it meant he would die. On the off chance Marc was right, she had to play nice, or he would spill the beans.

  “What do you want?” Aspen asked.

  “I see you understand. First, I need you to get me safely out of here. Then I think you’ll need to stay with me for a little while. Someone needs to nurse my foot back to health. Then my spirits will need lifting.” He winked, and Aspen gagged.

  He tried to put weight on his foot and winced.

  “Come here.” He waved her over and put his arm around her shoulder. It was all Aspen could do to not punch him in the nose. But he knew about their secret, which meant she had to cooperate. Plus, she was terrified to be alone in a room with him. Maybe out in public Sid would see them and take care of him.

  “Wait,” Aspen said and lightly pressed down on his foot with her own.

  “What?” he growled.

  “I’ll go with you and help you with your foot, but we are not sleeping together again. If you even so much as try to touch to me, I’ll break every one of your fingers. I learned how after our adventure in the woods. I could probably blind you too. Do you understand?”

  Aspen pressed down a little harder, and he whimpered. “Okay, yes. Just get me out of here. If Sid and Theo catch me, I’m a dead man.”

  Aspen had no doubt about that.

  He leaned on her as they wove in and out of the crowds. There was no sign of Sid, Theo, or Pearl. Aspen looked everywhere for them. That was her only hope. She didn’t know what she would do if they made it outside.

  As soon as they were clear of the door, Marc pointed to a black Mustang and handed her the keys.

  “I can’t drive,” he said.

  “Fair enough.”

  Aspen climbed into the driver’s seat and took two deep breaths. She should run now, find Sid, and he could get Marc. Especially if Marc couldn’t drive. Marc climbed into the passenger seat, pulled something out from underneath his seat, and pointed it at her.

  “I figured you might need some additional persuading.” Aspen didn’t know much about guns, but that one looked scary.

  “Where are we going?” she asked, her palms sweating.

  “Into the park.”

  Aspen nodded. They drove about fifteen minutes and came to a large clearing.

  “Here’s good. Pull over and help me out.”

  Aspen did as he said, and he leaned on her while limping into the field, the gun still held in his other hand.

  “Okay, stand back.”

  She backed up, and he collapsed on the ground. A few seconds later his body began to transform.

  His arms became golden wings, his neck elongated, and he grew a long tail.

  He looked down at her.

  I should take you with me.

  Aspen crossed her arms and backed up a little bit. How do I know you won’t spill the beans on Obsidian?

  He snorted, and gold colored smoke came out of his nostrils.

  With you here, Obsidian will hang himself. I don’t have to do that for him. Don’t worry, though. After Obsidian is dead, I will come for you, and we’ll spend a lot of time together.

  He spread his wings and lifted off. Out of nowhere another golden dragon swooped down and drug his claws through Marc’s wing. Marc roared, golden flames shooting from his mouth, and dropped to the ground.

  Obsidian flew in from the other side and landed in front of Marc. He never looked so fierce before. He turned to look at Aspen.

  This isn’t safe. Get out of here.

  She grabbed her phone and hid in a small stand of trees. She’d be able to get good pictures of whatever was about to go down.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Obsidian looked at the despicable creature in front of him who lay in a heap. He knew what he had to do, but that didn’t mean he wanted to.

  Your days are numbered, he said to Marc.

  Marc snorted. I could say the same about you, foolish king. That girl is going to be the death of us both.

  Don’t blame Aspen for your crimes.

  My crimes are minor compared to yours.

  Good thing mine can be kept a secret.

  No, I’m going to the council. They’ll pardon me after I tell them about you.

  Obsidian couldn’t believe Marcellus actually thought he’d get away. He crept closer to Marcellus.

  You aren’t going to make it through the night.

  Marcellus looked up at him, his eyes showing fear for the first time since Obsidian arrived.

  Are you sure you want to kill me? I’m defenseless. I thought you were better than that. This isn’t a fair fight.

  This isn’t a fight. This is me taking my position as king. I’m rendering judgment, and you’ve been found guilty.

  Marcellus snorted. What’s my crime?

  Forcibly mating with a human girl.

  Not a crime worth death.

  It is actually, but that’s not all. You’ve also been preying on innocent humans in Yellowstone. We do not eat human flesh. It’s an abomination.

  Wait? What are you—

  Obsidian clamped his jaws around Marcellus’s head, and with a powerful jerk, tore it from his body.

  He dropped the head and backed away. He had to finish the job. Marcellus was dead, but he couldn’t leave the body there. No dragon deserved the disgrace of decay, even wretched ones like Marcellus. He turned to Theo, who had been watching from the side.

  Will you help me?

  Of course.

  They both opened their mouths and released the hottest fire they had. Obsidian’s black flames mingled with Theo’s gold. Within a few seconds all evidence of Marcellus’s life was reduced to a pile of ash.

  Obsidian turned to Theo.

  I’m going to find Pearl and let her know that Marcellus has been taken care of. Do you mind going home?

  Whatever you want. Good luck with Pearl. It’s a good thing it’s dark tonight.

  Theo nod
ded toward Sid’s ankle.

  I’ll explain later, said Sid.

  Of course, Your Majesty.

  Chapter Forty

  Aspen waited until both dragons had disappeared before she crept out of her hiding place. She’d taken enough pictures to prove to the world that the dragons could police themselves. Now that Obsidian had killed Marc, she knew there would be no more dragon killings. It was a little terrifying seeing Obsidian attack Marc. She had to remember not to anger him while he was in dragon form.

  She walked out to the middle of the field. Marc’s glittering ashes were scattered around the grass. Aspen thought about touching it but just took pictures of instead. She didn’t want to touch any part of Marc.

  She heard a whoosh of wings behind her and looked up. In the moonlight the scales of a gigantic golden dragon sparkled. He flew low, and she adjusted her phone to capture him. She snapped away, but the setting wasn’t quite right. She made a small adjustment on her camera and searched for him again. He was closer, maybe twenty feet away, and headed straight for her. At first she couldn’t believe her luck, but as he got nearer, fear snuck into her heart. His jaws were wide open.

  The End

  Want More?

  Read on to learn more about book two...

  Death came with one snap of the jaws...and suddenly everything changed.

  Sid thought the deaths would end when Marcellus died.

  But he thought wrong.

  Reeling from the loss of those around him, Sid sets off, not only to avenge the deaths of those he loves, but also to find a way to save his own life.

  But the closer he gets to answers, the more people he puts in danger.

  Only Sid has the power to end the killer's reign. But it might cost him the one thing he holds most precious.

  Download now to find the answer to the one question everyone’s been asking:

  Is Aspen Alive?

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