by Mills, Julia
“It took us a while, but we’ve pieced together bits and pieces of what happened. There are still holes, but we are some tenacious sons of bitches. The one thing that all of our Elders and Leaders believe is that it will take at least one, if not both, of his ‘real’ brothers to bring him down. ‘A’ and Aaron take turns leading hunting parties tracking him, but even with our enhanced senses, the traitor has been able to hide from us. We think it’s another effect of the black magic. We also can no longer mind speak with him, and ‘A’ is positive that the traitor’s lost touch with his dragon. But I think his beast is coming back to him, especially after that shit at the hospital. There was a touch of dragon magic mixed in there, too.
“But Andrew didn’t stop there. He was there the day you were kidnapped and used the explosion to capture Grace in an effort to lure ‘A’ into a trap. Thankfully, Grace is one tough cookie and held on until Aidan was able to rescue her, but we almost lost her to a fucking spell.
“Taking Sydney to get to you was the last fucking straw. He is a spineless, useless coward that attacks women and children instead of coming right at us. I met Kyra out there on the mountainside and learned how he’d used and exploited her as well. So as far as I’m concerned if I have a chance to take him down, I’m doing it…to hell with the Tribunal.” He breathed deeply, and she could see and feel the incredible amount of anger he was keeping at bay. She rubbed his chest trying to soothe him and the beast she knew dwelled within her miraculous mate. She wondered what the Tribunal was but decided to ask another time.
After several minutes, he started talking again, but she could still hear the rage in his voice, “Then there’s ‘The Auctioneer’ and his band of idiots, who are responsible for your kidnapping. Killing that shit for brains will be too good for him. He needs to suffer.” She smiled at his righteous indignation for what she had suffered, and loved him more for it.
“I know that somehow, someway, Andrew, the leader of the wizard coven, and this asshole crime boss, are all connected. You should talk to Grace to learn all about the ‘The Auctioneer’. He was actually the State Prosecutor, her boss, until that day at the warehouse when she recognized him, and later exposed him for the dick he really is. She’s been researching and collecting information to put him in jail as soon as we catch him, and she can tell you anything you want to know. Please, tell me that’s all the questions for now, because I really have something I want to talk to you about.” He almost whined the last sentence, so even though she had other things she wanted to know, she let him off the hook for the time being.
“I’m done for now. What’s your question?”
He lifted his hips slightly and faster than she could track, retrieved something from his back pocket, and hid it in his front pocket. Amazed by how fast he could move, she looked for what he had gotten. She could see the outline of a small cylinder under the denim but had no idea what it was, and as soon as he started speaking, she was captivated once again. “Doc, I love you and you said you love me. I know that you’re the woman I’m meant to spend all my days with, in this life and the next, and I’m praying that you feel the same way.”
He stood with her in his arms, gently set her on the couch and knelt before her. For the first time since meeting him, she saw tears glistening in his eyes. She worked as hard as she could to keep her emotions under control, but knew he could see the moisture in hers as well. “Samantha Anne Malone, mo ghra’ ru’nda, my mate, solas mo anam, you complete both the dragon within, and the humble man before you. Will you be my mate now and forever, on this earth and in the Heavens, with the blessing of the Universe that made you for me and me for you?”
She didn’t know whether to jump for joy or cry from happiness, but she was sure sitting there dumbfounded was all she could do while she caught her breath. As if all he had said was not enough, he pulled out a golden velvet box. Her jaw dropped as he opened the hinged top and presented her with an absolutely gorgeous aquamarine ring. The brilliant emerald cut stone was such a light blue that she was sure when the sun hit it just right it would look colorless and shimmer like no other. The band had an intricate design that, the longer she looked it, resembled the scales she had seen on the tail of the amazing golden dragon that glided past her window all those weeks ago. She continued to stare as he spoke. “This ring was given to my mother by my father at their official mating ceremony two hundred and eleven years ago today. It was fashioned from his scales and the stone was one he found while tracking a specifically heinous pack of hunters in Brazil even before he knew she existed. He’d carried it with him for years and knew the moment he scented my mother that she would wear it as a token of his undying love for her. She, like you, was human by birth, and he wanted to adhere to as many of her customs as he could out of respect for his mate. Something I also plan to do.
“Mom gave it to me the day we received word that dad had succumbed to his forever death, and made me promise that I would give it to my mate, just as he had given it to her.” He paused, and she watched him battle his emotions before he spoke again. “I would be the happiest dragon that ever took to the sky if you would wear my ring and be my mate. He watched her for a minute, and then spoke again, “And happy birthday, mo chroi. Sorry I was out for the party.” He winked, and she wondered if she would ever get tired of his silliness. “So what do you say, Doc?”
All thoughts of residencies and careers, plans and goals flew from her mind. The only thing she knew without a doubt was that no matter how she’d fought it, no matter how much she had denied it, this man was a part of her, a part she could not and would not live without. They could figure out the rest. As long as they were together, everything else would fall into place. She tried to speak but only squeaked so she nodded her head. He smiled that beautiful smile that she knew was just for her. It lit up her entire being just as he had said she did to him.
Within the span of two heartbeats he had the ring on her finger, and she was in his arms spinning around and around. They were kissing and spinning, and moving across the floor, happy to have found one another. Her only regret was that her mom and dad would never know the man that had stolen her heart, but even that thought was driven from her head when her back touched down on their bed, and he gently landed on top of her. Their eyes met, and the love and adoration she saw shining down on her made all the years before fade away. He spoke, and his chest vibrated against hers, causing her already peaked nipples to rub against the lace of her bra. His lips were almost to hers. They shared the same air, and then she heard and felt him whisper, “I love you, Doc.” Their lips touched, and together they celebrated all that they were, and would be together.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Andrew waited outside the huge iron gate that resembled something out of a gothic novel. It surrounded the biggest, most ostentatious estate he’d ever seen. He sat in the nondescript sedan he’d rented early that morning, waiting impatiently to be allowed entry into the lair of ‘The Auctioneer’. It was the best case of hiding in plain sight he’d ever seen. He looked up the property after receiving the address via email. County records indicated it was owned by some drug lord’s ex-wife. The loser was rotting away in Federal prison. Not to mention his research had turned up that she had restraining orders against him in twelve states and eleven countries. He figured the boys in blue were not wasting much time monitoring the goings on at this address, and ‘The Auctioneer’ would’ve known about it from his previous job as State Prosecutor.
The meeting he was waiting to attend had taken so much posturing and pandering, and playing ‘nice’ by all parties, that there had been a time last week that he’d thought about killing everyone associated with any of the ‘alliance bullshit’, and dealing out his brand of justice. Fortunately, John had talked him off the proverbial ledge. After all, Andrew’s right hand man had been the one that was approached by a minion of Master Eaton’s after the fuck up on the mountainside. When the rogue had explained how important it was to build the relationships, eve
n if it was just to get to the next step before disposing of every idiot in the place and taking over himself, he’d had to agree. Neither had any idea what the other parties were after. Maybe it was just a way to draw them out, but ‘The Auctioneer’ and Master Eaton could be valuable and had connections that it would take Andrew years to forge that he didn’t want to waste. That all led to sitting outside waiting like a peasant to be admitted to a stolen residence.
He’d come alone, something John was not thrilled about in the slightest, but he really didn’t give a shit. The rogue wizard tried to convince him that he needed to be there to sense any magical traps that might be set. Andrew had laughed to himself, thinking that if the bastard knew who he really was, he would shit where he stood. During the time he’d spent in the company of Master Eaton, and then the rogue wizards, he’d learned that the fanatics had collected tons of information about the dragon shifters. Surprisingly, a majority of it was spot on, but the part that was complete bullshit was fucking hilarious. The shock of his hundred years came when he’d found an ancient text, written in the language of the mage, all about the Special Ones, and the information was frighteningly correct and enlightening. There had been things even he didn’t know detailed in the volume. He’d damn near had a heart attack, if dragons were able to have heart attacks, because it appeared the wizard had actually begun to translate the old language. The book had ‘mysteriously’ disappeared the next day. When John had asked him if he’d seen it, he simply shook his head. It would never be found. There was no way he was leaving that shit laying around. He was having a difficult enough time hiding his returning dragon senses and enhanced abilities. What the fuck would he do if the contacts he painfully stuck in his eyes daily to hide one amber eye and one blue eye fell out? The paranoid sons of bitches were already questioning him at every turn about his magical training and teachers. One or two might’ve ‘left without a word’ when they’d questioned him closer than he was comfortable with and those bodies had been a pain in the ass to dispose of without getting caught, and he really didn’t look forward to doing it again.
He’d already had a meeting with Master Eaton a few days earlier and figured from the questions he was asked that they were coming to him because of his use of white magic. Of course, he’d assured the Master he could deliver whatever they needed, and Andrew thanked the Heavens that he had done so much reading on the subject when searching for Kyra. He’d been incredibly convincing and that had gotten him to the next step. He made it clear to John that he would walk away if the assholes asked for things he couldn’t or wouldn’t deliver. If they knew the tiny, white witch’s location then he would definitely play ball but, other than that, he would set the terms, and they would deliver or they could kiss his ass. Thinking of Kyra, no matter how much he wished she was with these men, he was somehow sure she was with the dragons or they were protecting her. He knew she was a mate to one of them and had narrowed it down to either Royce or Devon but really had no clue and didn’t give a shit.
His cell phone vibrated on the seat next to him. A message from John appeared, Everything okay?
Pissed that he was being bothered when he’d left very specific instructions that he would make first contact after the meeting, he turned off his phone. Little bastard could sit and wait until he was good and ready to answer. Still fuming, he glared at the screen/touchpad gate control when it sounded, “Mr. O’Brien, I am opening the gate. Proceed to the fountain and park to your left. One of my associates will be waiting at the door to make sure you’ve followed my instructions and escort you in if all is as it should be.”
Andrew wanted to rage, and tell them that they could take their self-entitled bullshit and shove it up their asses. They were nothing but dirty black magic wizards and fucking thugs, not fit to lick the bottom of his riding boots, but that would not get him what he wanted and needed. Speaking in his most politically correct voice, he answered, “As you wish.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than he heard the whine of the hydraulics opening the gate. The huge gates were only about three-quarters open when he hit the accelerator and sailed through. All he could think was that this shit had better be worth it, or John would be finding his head separated from his shoulders, no matter how useful he had proven to be.
Getting into the house had been easy. Of course, ‘The Auctioneer’s’ henchmen had frisked him at the door, and he’d almost laughed out loud. What the hell did he need a gun for? Even if they didn’t know what he was, which he was sure they did not, they were assuming he wielded some seriously strong white magic, and if he had been, he could have conjured whatever he wanted with a single word spell, not even an amulet needed. Confirmation that they had no idea what white magic could or could not do. How incredibly short-sided of Master Eaton. First rule of combat…Know your enemy, and this was war. It seemed impossible, but the stupid fucking leader of the largest coven of wizards in the country had no clue what devastation his oldest and deadliest enemy could wreak on the world. Yes, they fought to destroy dragon kin, but all other magical covens sought to eliminate anyone that held the power of black magic, and the Master had to know that. How could he not know what each was capable of? An evil grin slid across his lips as he wondered if maybe he was not the only imposter in the bunch. Suddenly very interested in the meeting that was about to happen, he even felt a spring in his step.
Whistling as he waited in the chair he was assigned on the far side of a replica of an fifteenth century dining table, he took in his surroundings. Thankfully, Master Eaton, and his ass kissing followers came in first, and took up the entire side opposite him. There were ten of them in all, and he was positive it was the Master’s show of strength.
“Good to see you again, Andrew. I trust all is well since we last spoke,” the pretentious asshole gave a single nod in his direction, and then waited for his answer while he picked imaginary lint from his custom made suit. Bastard had come into some money recently, probably from his new partner. What a change from the ceremonial robes the wizard usually wore.
“I am wonderful,” he responded. “You look well,” he said, hoping he would just sit there and shut up, but of course that didn’t happen.
“Yes, things are very good as I told you when we met. I hope you thought about what we discussed and will be ready to give Mr. A what he wants when he asks.” The wizard raised his eyebrows in an attempt to intimidate. Deciding to ignore him, he rolled his eyes as he waited to see what the human criminal had planned for his grand entrance.
Thankfully, he didn’t have to wait long and wanted to laugh at the pomp and circumstance ‘The Auctioneer’, aka Mr. A, provided. Eight men in black suits and ties with white shirts, wearing sunglasses and smelling of gunpowder filed into the room, taking their places around the perimeter. The big boss continued to deal with military men making Andrew wonder if he Mr. A was ex-military himself. He then decided he didn’t give a shit. Mr. A entered the room and took the seat at the head of the table not sparing either Master Eaton or himself a look, opened the large file he carried, and began sorting papers. On his heels came two more men, dressed as the others but much larger that took up their posts on either side of his ‘king-like’ throne.
Finally the self-important bastard looked up, and spoke, “Thank you for coming, Andrew.” He nodded in his direction. “And you for making time in your schedule, Master Eaton.” Another nod at the other man followed.
“I have asked you here to see if we might combine our forces in an effort to more effectively and efficiently reach our personal and common goals. The fiasco in the woods was unfortunate, and quite frankly embarrassing. I have dealt with the ones in my employ responsible as I hope each of you have, as well.”
Andrew wanted to laugh out loud. No one from his camp had done anything wrong. In fact, they’d been the ones that had actually accomplished something. He was still waiting to hear, but he was almost certain that Lance had received his forever death when he fell onto the pile of silver. His spies had rep
orted that the unmoving Guardsman was carried from the field with a sword through his chest. The dragon within, stirred every time he thought of what had happened, grieving for one of his own. Fucking dragon traits! If he hadn’t gotten so painfully low on black magic, and used white magic on top of it, he guessed the damn things would have stayed at bay. But as it stood his dragon was awake, and not looking to be put back to sleep any time soon.
He nodded his agreement as Master Eaton prattled on about the changes within his ranks. Obviously bored, Mr. A spoke over him, “Here is my proposal.” He slid a stack of papers towards both men. “Take a few minutes to look over the sections that apply to you personally while I have lunch brought in.”
As if he had telepathic powers, the door at the rear of the room opened and in came three young women pushing carts piled high with food. He could smell everything from fresh fruit to many different kinds of cooked meat and wondered exactly what the ploy was. Heavens knew this glorified thug did nothing, even lunch, without an angle. He declined food, but did accept a glass of Bushmills single malt whiskey. It had been years since he’d had a taste of his homelands. As the warm amber liquid slid down his throat, he reviewed the document before him. It was just as he had suspected, they thought it was he that had learned to wield white magic or someone in his group which was true up until the mountainside incident. Time to lie like the snake he had become. Based on the terms he was reading, the alliance would definitely provide the things he needed to move forward.
