The terrifying scream of my son almost throws me off my feet.
Drakon is inside and he’s reached the children. I’ve never run so fast in my life. I race down the stairs to a location that should be impenetrable. I turn the last corner and slam into Cantor who is carrying Lex. I shove them behind me.
“Go to your mother, now.” I whisper into Cantor’s mind. He runs away from me as I race toward Ashrac. Two shifter bodies are in the hall, both burned beyond recognition. I rush through the door ready to shift and face Drakon in order to save my son.
Blood. I slide and fall to my knees. It’s everywhere but I only have eyes for Ashrac. I don’t even realize the scream in the room is mine at first. I don’t care that Drakon could still be in here. My vision tunnels and I only see my son’s glazed eyes staring upward. I wrap him in my arms and scream Bastian’s name.
Ashrac’s head is all but severed from his body.
***
Pepper
Cantor and Lex exit the underground tunnel before I can get to it. Roxy is right on my heels and Sierra behind her. Roxy grabs her children and pulls them into her arms.
“He wants the egg,” Cantor says. “I couldn’t protect the egg and my brother.” His lips tremble and even with the terror I feel, my heart breaks for him. I don’t have time to reassure him because Acasia screaming Bastian’s name sends additional terror through my heart.
“We will protect the boys with our lives,” Sierra says. There are two male bear shifters standing behind her. I see the look in Roxy’s eyes. She doesn’t want to leave her children.
“No, we finish this,” she replies before I can tell her to stay behind. She kisses her children on their heads. “You will be safe and I will return. Be brave my sons.”
I start running and Roxy is behind me a second later. The last hall is eerily quiet as we round the final corner. We advance into the room that held the children. I have trouble deciphering exactly what I’m seeing at first. Blood covers Acasia and Ashrac. She’s rocking him in her arms and keening. Her eyes are tightly closed and the sound leaving her throat is more horrifying than anything I’ve ever heard.
“Nooo,” whispers Roxy.
As horrific as what I’m witnessing is, I don’t see my egg and everything inside me turns cold as I fight the need to spew fire. Drakon killed Ashrac and he has my child.
“He’s still down here,” Roxy says.
There is nothing we can do for Ashrac. We rush from the room and continue running down the long hall that goes deeper into the belly of Sarn’s home. He killed a child, he killed a child runs through my mind with each second that passes.
He has my son.
***
Dmitri
I teleport to my alpha’s home. No one is here which is strange. I run outside and again no one is present. This is more than strange. There should be women or even a child or two. It’s deathly quiet. I send out a call to my bears. “Where the hell are you?”
“The… ub,” is Honey’s intermittent reply. Club must be what he said. Honey’s father is Alpha.
“Are you safe?”
“Yes.”
“Have we been attacked?”
“We… sure… father ordered us here… hour ago. Father… tearing club apart. H…” His voice cuts off and I’ve lost him. I waste no time blinking to the club.
Korep, Honey’s father is indeed smashing up my crowded club. It’s thankfully not packed with humans because there is no room. My entire clan is within the walls. I march over to Korep and knock him upside the head with my fist so he flies against the wall beside him. It’s the fastest way to end things when he’s in a rage.
“What the hell is going on?” I shout and everyone goes instantly silent.
Korep shakes his head and for just a moment I think he’s going to shift and attack. “What are you doing here?” he demands instead.
“You called and said we were under attack.”
“I didn’t call. My connection to you severed and I thought you dead. I brought everyone here to keep us safe until I knew what was happening.”
I would swear the voice on the line was Korep’s and if it wasn’t for him smashing up the club, I would think he wanted me dead. That was a bear for you—they never behaved as a normal shifter. Just the fact that the call came in on a phone line should have alerted me. I send my mind out to the bears left behind at Sarn’s home.
Nothing.
“Fuck, it’s the dragon. He’s interfered with our magic somehow.” I look around at my clan. “Remain here until I’m back. Trust no one until I tell you in person that all is safe. And most importantly don’t trust the phones or telepathic communication.” I teleport out before they have time to answer me.
***
Bastian
“Something’s wrong.”
“I feel it too,” adds Laryn.”
We’re flying low trying to avoid military’s radar. We’re sure random human phone calls are alerting the government to our presence but they will be scrambling to figure out if it’s a hoax. Calls of three large dragons; one red, one blue, and one silver will give us some time.
“We need to head back,” shouts Tahr, “I have no mental connection with Pepper.”
I try to contact Acasia too and feel the lack of connection. We turn back. Somehow I know we’re too late. Ten minutes out, that’s all, and it’s too long to change fate.
***
Roxy
There is only one place the bastard can be and it’s the last room at the end of the long corridor. I’ve tried sending a telepathic message to Laryn but there’s been no response. It’s just me and Pepper. I can’t think about Ashrac right now. Rage doesn’t help you keep your cool and defeat your enemy. I refuse to give into the overwhelming sorrow that waits when this is over.
“Ladies,” the whisper comes from behind us and we both jump a foot in the air. It’s the vampire, Dmitri. “I have your backs. Can you sense him?”
The vampire is a warrior like me and even though I’m not entirely comfortable around him, I trust him. “Only the smallest bit, something interferes with our magic.”
Pepper breaks into our discussion. “I must get to him before he harms my son. We must hurry.”
She charges the door and it flies backwards when her body slams into it. Dust flies in all directions when the door hits the cement floor. There’s movement in the farthest corner of the room.
Drakon sits with his back against the wall. The egg is on his lap as he caresses it and whispering soft words of endearment. His hair is a tangled mass and he’s naked. A cord is around his neck with a small bag attached at the bottom.
Strange.
Pepper moans and the egg lights up as the baby inside senses the nearness of his mother. Drakon looks up and smiles. That smile on his handsome face is scarier than anything I’ve ever seen.
“I’m explaining to my son that he will be the mightiest dragon ever born. He understands and he’s ready to take his place beside me.”
Drakon is insane. We all knew it but I suddenly realize his crazy is half a cracker short of a crayon box.
“He’s my son you bastard,” Pepper snaps. I grab her arm when she starts to move closer.
“I challenge you for the egg Drakon.” The words spill from my mouth because it’s our only chance. Pepper’s head jerks my way. I very subtly shake my head.
“You have no right to challenge me,” Drakon thunders as he gets to his feet.
We turn our full attention to him. “Are you afraid of a blue female dragon? I’ll fight you hand to hand as human you son of a bitch and you still won’t defeat me.”
His eyes go from me to Pepper and back to me. “This female with yellow eyes,” he cocks his head toward Pepper, “is unworthy to be my child’s mother.”
My hand tightens on Pepper’s arm to keep her from replying. “She’s a lover not a fighter. I’m a worthier opponent for someone as noble as yourself.” You need to die a horrible death you mother fucke
r, I think inside my head.
Drakon’s eyes sweep up and down my body. I’m solid, toned muscle. I train hours each day to stay this way. Drakon nods at the door. “She will remain over there until you’re dead. Then I will end her life and share her heart with my son after I open the egg and free him.”
“Hold it together Pepper,” I telepathically send into her head and hope she hears the message. Something is seriously wrong with our magic. Her body is tense but she steps backward to the door and doesn’t take her bright yellow eyes off Drakon.
He caresses the top of the egg then kisses it sending chills across my arms. Very carefully he sets it down on the cold floor but I don’t have time to worry about that. This room has a short ceiling making it illogical to shift to dragon. It’s perfect for me because even with his larger build and greater strength, I’m a worthy opponent in human form.
Drakon heads to the center of the room with his back to the egg. I want him as far away from Pepper’s son as possible. Drakon’s silver eyes give away his intent a second before he charges in low. I leap over him and turn. My foot is up and I land a solid kick to his back which sends him toward Pepper.
She’s ready and with his forward hunched over momentum, she’s able to land a hard blow to his nose with her foot. We need to get the egg out of here and into Dmitri’s hands. Drakon’s roar of pain is music to my ears. He focuses on Pepper as I grab the egg.
“Look what I’ve got you son of a bitch.” I yell.
He turns his back to Pepper and charges me again. I’ve kept the egg low. I pull my arm back and send it sliding across the floor a split second before Drakon rams me with his body and my back makes jarring impact with the solid stone wall. Then my head hits and I see stars. I’m just able to send a message to Pepper, “Get your son to Dmitri and tell him to get out of here.” Drakon’s fist plows into my jaw.
***
Sierra
Dmitri bursts through the door carrying the dragon egg. It’s shining brightly and my stomach flip flops with relief. The waiting has been the hardest part. I’m facing Dmitri and feel my mate behind me for the first time since this horror began. All four male dragons have returned.
Laryn takes a quick look around and heads up the stairs as I tell everyone that Drakon is below. “Don’t wait for me, get to your mates,” Laryn says as the others run past Dmitri.
A few moments later Laryn runs back down carrying a halberd.
I feel utterly useless. Dragon fire will kill a shifter and vampire. We are at a complete disadvantage and have no way to help our friends. The best we can do is protect the children with our lives. Dmitri hands me the egg.
“We need a secure room with a low ceiling. If that beast escapes the dragons we don’t have a chance if he shifts.”
The great room where we’re standing has a massive vaulted ceiling. If we head upstairs and Drakon incinerates the house we’re in trouble. “The refrigeration room off the kitchen will be the easiest place to defend,” I yell as I usher Cantor in front of me. He hasn’t released his baby brother.
The lock is on the outside of the walk-in refrigeration room but for safety reasons it can be temperature controlled and unlocked from the inside. I turn the unit off as Dmitri closes the door. The other two bear shifters remain in the kitchen which also has a low ceiling and they will defend from there. Drakon can still breathe fire in his human form. The bears know what they face. Cantor and Lex help me keep the egg warm by wrapping our arms around it.
We wait.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Laryn
Bastian’s cry moves everything into slow motion. I know his son or mate are gone, possibly both. I get just a touch of Roxy’s magic so I know she’s alive. This doesn’t ease my fear. I’m almost at the door where the children were kept when Bastian walks into the hall with blood covering his chest. I glance into the room and see Ashrac’s body.
Rage fills me. Bastian reaches the room at the end of the long corridor first with me at his heels. I take in everything at once.
My brothers and their mates surround Drakon. He’s actually hissing and lunging at each of them in turn. Roxy’s face is covered in blood but she’s up and ready to kill him. I catch her eye and almost throw the halberd her way. I meet Acasia’s gaze and without another thought toss her the halberd. In one motion she catches it and swings.
Drakon’s headless body slumps to the floor. Acasia goes to her knees and her wails are as heart wrenching as Bastian’s earlier scream. I’m surprised when Tahr, with no hesitation, runs from the room. Pepper looks at me and I can only shake my head. I have no idea where he is going.
“Roxy,” I whisper into her mind. “Are you okay?”
Without answering, she runs into my arms and I squeeze them around her as tightly as I can. My Roxy seldom cries so it makes the situation even more surreal. I can only hold her as she falls apart in my arms. “Our children are safe,” I whisper. I lift my gaze and meet Bastian’s grief-filled eyes. He’s holding Acasia.
“The Goddess,” shouts Pepper and she’s off running.
I push my mate back a bit and take her hand leading her to the door. I’m just in time to see Tahr carrying Ashrac as he races up the stairs with Pepper directly behind him. All of us start running.
The front entry door is open when we get out of the ground level of Sarn’s castle. Sierra and Dmitri have the children and the egg as they head to the door with us. I step outside into complete darkness when it should be full daylight.
The last time I saw this was the day my parent’s and baby brother died. Ashrac is lying on the ground with Tahr beside him on his knees. Tahr isn’t looking at Ashrac, his head is tipped up to the sky.
“Take me,” he yells. “I will serve you as a slave for all eternity if you take me instead of him.”
Everyone is outside now. I turn slightly and see Pepper place her egg within Acasia’s arms. “Raise him as your own and tell him I love him.” She walks to her mate and drops to her knees beside him. I look at my two children—more than treasure, there are no words to describe my love. Roxy takes Cantor’s hand and lifts it so his fingers wrap around Acasia’s. He’s holding Lex and I am so proud of him for keeping his brother safe. Roxy looks at me and I place my hand out. She walks forward and her bittersweet smile gives me courage. We join our friends as Sarn and Sierra do the same.
The three of you should bow in my presence and kiss my feet.
The words Tahr spoke thousands of years ago, before the curse, shoot through my mind. Dragons bow to no one. And here we are offering everything to the Goddess for a treasure greater than any other.
A child.
***
Tahr
Lightning strikes in front of us. I can’t help but remember the day my parents died. I loved them and they loved me. I turn slightly and gaze at my mate. A gentle smile forms on her lips. We sacrifice everything together. Acasia will care for our child. My brother’s and their mates kneel beside us and pride fills me. Not pride for myself but pride that I am not alone as I offer everything I am to the Goddess.
The lightning strikes once more and this time slams into Sierra and Sarn. They fly back and writhe on the ground. She will take us in pairs as is fitting. I want to go now with Pepper’s hand wrapped in mine. I’m at peace with our decision but I hate seeing my friends suffer.
“Damn you, take me!” I yell to the sky. Magic bursts behind me but I don’t look back. Lightning strikes again and hits Ashrac. His body is tossed high and I have hope that the Goddess has taken our offer and will save him. His dragon explodes from his human body with a burst of light that’s impossible to look at.
“Ahhhh, hell,” screams Sarn and the magic behind me bursts again.
I dare to glance back.
Sierra and Sarn are the most incredibly brilliant purple dragons. “What the hell,” I mutter.
“Mother,” Ashrac whispers into our minds.
Another streak of lightning followed by a loud boom of thunder sha
kes the ground as the dark clouds recede and the sun shines down upon us.
I feel different and it takes a minute to realize the weight of the curse is gone.
Pepper releases my hand and runs to Acasia who is still holding our son and pulling Cantor and Lex with her as she goes to Ashrac. Within a second all our children are in the arms of their parents.
“Mother, I don’t feel so good,” Ashrac says after he shifts to his human form. He vomits in the grass before bringing his hand up to his healed throat. “It hurts.”
Sarn and Sierra shift to human too and for the strangest reason we all start laughing. Then, the tears begin. I haven’t fully cried since the curse began but I cry now.
We all do.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Eleven months later…
Pepper
Betty stands above us on the stairs to watch as our son is born. It’s been several hours since the egg began cracking. Tahr is beside me as we behold our miracle. At first, a small claw working against the shell is all we see. Our boy is chipping away at the egg from the inside. The small chirp like noise our son makes warms my heart. The hardest thing to do is to keep from tearing the outer shell away and pulling him against me.
Roxy and Acasia warned me of this. As always they were right. The process seems to take forever and this impatient mother is barely holding it together.
It’s thirty minutes before our son lays inside only half of his egg and pushes the other half away. He’s beautiful. I lean in and nuzzle him with my nose sending my warm breath over him. Tahr’s rumble is sweet as he moves his own nose closer and sniffs our child to gather his scent.
Dragons Live Forever Page 14
