by Leela Ash
“No, it isn’t. Or, well, life doesn’t have to be like that.”
“I suppose it could also be extremely short and end beneath a Dragon’s claws.”
“True. Or you could join us. Take a stand against the Fangs. Help us defeat them. At least, then, you wouldn’t be alone.”
“Savannah…,” he sighed. Once more, his habitual melancholy enveloped him.
“Listen to me.” She squeezed his knee, a gesture that won her a bemused smile. “People deserve a second chance.”
“Not Worms. You don’t understand. My Shifter soul is dead. It killed itself.”
That wasn’t right, was it? “I thought Worms had Worm spirits. Sort of like insane, speechless Dragons.”
“Most do, yes,” he grumbled. “Mine simply died.”
She didn’t know what to think about that. Even more reason to drag him to meet other Shifters. People who knew so much more than a mere Kin woman. “Look, I’ll vouch for you. I’ll tell them how kind you were to me. How much it upset you when Lara was murdered. As Nemo, you’ve given us a lot of help. And… hey! Don’t you know people who work with the Shifters of the Aegis? Ghost and Griffin?”
“Ghost, no. Griffin…,” he grimaced, “yes, but I doubt he’ll give me a good word. I’ve screwed him over several times.”
Maybe – but the mention of Griffin gave her an idea. “If anyone understood the importance of second chances, it’s Griffin. Did you ever think that Shifters would tolerate a Chimera?”
“No,” he admitted. “Though, most Chimeras are murderers and cannibals. Griffin’s pretty unique on that score.”
“Like you’re unique on the Worm-score.”
“I’m hardly unusual.”
“Didn’t you just get done telling me that you don’t have a typical Worm soul?” She didn’t believe that it could truly be dead. She wouldn’t have imagined him as a dragonfly if she did.
Yet, even her best logic couldn’t sway him. Jordan shook his head. Years of darkness and despair had sapped his will, and reason wouldn’t make him budge.
Well, reason wasn’t the only weapon in her arsenal. Savannah scooped his hands up – and felt a flash of delight at the startled pleasure on his face when she touched him. “If you really want to leave, then look me in the eye and say it. Tell me you don’t mind being alone, forever. That you’re happy living on the run and in exile. If you can look me in the eye and say that, I’ll drop this.”
“I…”
Flustered by her touch, by the warmth of her soft skin, he stared out at the traffic.
“That’s what I thought. You don’t want to ‘live’ like that. Deep in your heart, you know that’s not life. It’s existence.”
He swallowed, still unable to face her, and she knew she’d won. All she needed was his consent. “Dare. Try to find a path out, a road to a better life. A true life. One with friends and comrades. I know there’s good inside you. You’ve been trying to do good for years now. You just don’t know how. But I do. Let me help you. Let us help you.”
Surely, he would bend? The lure of friendship, of kindness, would tempt him?
“All right,” he murmured. Words of surrender not hope. “I’ll go with you. They’ll probably kill me, but you’re right: It’s not like I’m really alive anyway. Why shouldn’t I let a Dragon put me out of my misery?”
Not the reaction she’d hoped for.
But it would do. He’d agreed to come.
Now, it was up to her to save him.
Chapter 10.
Things went about as badly as Jordan expected.
Their arrival at Sedona triggered a small panic. The first woman who spotted him immediately Shifted into a Hare. She stomped a quick warning, then spun around and charged directly into a wall in blind panic. Eventually, Danielle LePierre, the Queen of the Warren, emerged, pale faced. Despite Savannah’s pleas, she sent them away to a park, where they were to await representatives of the Shifters.
Those turned out to be Dragons. Two of them. Kind of flattering that they feared him that much. Finn Donnelly, from the First Flight, was an old warrior, his spirit a hulking white Dragon whose scales bore the scars of many battles. A smaller black Dragon accompanied him, with the distinctive curled horns of the Flight of the Snows. Casey Briggs.
Living proof that two feuding Dragon Flights can get along when they face a common enemy.
Unfortunately, that ‘enemy’ was him.
Jordan’s ‘bodyguards’ took him and Savannah to a house on the edge of town. A bright, airy ranch with miles of scrub around it.
The Worm wasn’t fooled. It was a prison, no matter how pretty it might be. They wouldn’t allow him to leave until his fate had been decided. The four of them settled in and waited for his jurors, senior members of the local Shifter community, to arrive.
The sofa was plush and comfortable, the view over the desert was serene.
Jordan was content. This wasn’t a bad place to die.
No, the person he pitied was Savannah. So hopeful. So foolishly optimistic. The Dragons’ grim vigilance didn’t dim her spirits at all. She chattered, she joked, she teased, fighting valiantly – and vainly – to take the chill from the room. Briggs joined her, half-heartedly. Donnelly paid her no more mind than a playful puppy. With fixed, unwavering attention, he watched Jordan, tense as a coiled spring. A fox hound, just waiting for its master’s order to tear its prey apart.
When the time comes, he’s the one who kills me. That other Dragon’s a bit too civilized. Donnelly’s a thug.
Probably a good thing. A person who spent a lifetime killing knew how to do it quickly and painlessly. Jordan didn’t expect to be tortured and at least Donnelly would make sure he didn’t suffer.
And so, they waited. Savannah fighting to make people comfortable, Jordan waiting to die.
Around dusk, the others arrived. The roar of motorcycles filled the air as three Wolf Packs arrived: Sand, Sage, and Big River. Only their Alphas came inside for the trial, though. The others took up outside and entertained themselves, racing and doing wheelies on their bikes.
None of the Wolves looked happy to be here. Aaron King, the Sand Pack’s leader, scowled at the white Dragon. “This trial shit better not get to be a regular thing.”
“We’ve only had two,” Donnelly grumbled back.
“That’s two too many.”
Genuine irritation lit the big man’s eyes. “There’s no pleasing you, is there? If the First Flight decides on its own, we’re tyrants. If we share the decision with you, you still piss and moan.”
Most Shifters knew better than to annoy a Dragon. But King was an Alpha, and he didn’t back down from anyone. “Sharing? What the hell do you think you’ve got to share with us? What gives you the right to decide a man’s fate?”
“Power,” Donnelly snapped. “We have the power to change things, so we are morally required to decide. Even choosing not to choose is a decision.”
“So, choose already. Don’t drag the rest of us into your squabbles.”
“Our fight against the Fangs of Apophis isn’t a squabble. It affects all of you, not just the First Flight.”
Jordan leaned back, pursing his lips. This was why decent Shifters hadn’t managed to wipe out the Fangs. Old feuds and new arguments constantly ripped the ‘Shifter community’ apart.
Briggs rose to his feet, hands joined in front of him, and bowed politely to the irate Wolf. His calm, level tone broke through the budding fight. “Aaron King, Alpha and father of my Mate. Hear my words, I ask you. As Wolves, you and the other Alphas are guardians of freedom. I understand why these trials grieve you, and I respect your honor.
“If you wish to take no part in these proceedings, you are free to go. I will inform the others of your choice.” Donnelly opened his mouth to object, but the black Dragon raised a hand. “However, I remind you that this man, Jordan Beaumont, has harmed many. Perhaps, members of your own Packs. Do you not wish to hear his words and decide if he has wronged you?”
Not a word passed between the three Wolf Alphas – but they seemed to come to some silent agreement, an agreement that King voiced. “Well, when you put it that way… yes. But this shit has to stop. That’s all I’m saying.”
Donnelly rolled his eyes, earning another glare from the Wolves. Briggs, ever polite, bowed. “I hear your concerns and will honor them.”
Yeah, he is definitely not the guy who’s going to execute me.
Other judges straggled in. Danielle LePierre, Witch Queen of the Sedona Warren, breezed through the door and immediately took the seat at Donnelly’s right hand. She offered the Dragons courteous greetings… and ignored the rowdy Wolves completely.
That’s a lady who won’t ask why she’s here. She knows she’s ‘worthy’ to decide a man’s fate.
Finally a wizened old woman in Army fatigues slunk through the door, closely followed by a Bear in a polo shirt and jeans.
SueSue Mint, the elder of the local Rats. I’ve seen her picture. So that Bear must be Rex Fairburn, the guy who found the Aegis. First one bound to it.
In Fairburn, Savannah finally found an ally. He alone joined her in her small talk, radiating a calm, friendly cheer. Between them, they managed to dent the cold, funereal air of the room.
Now, all five Kinds were represented. Yet the door opened again to admit another face he knew from photos. Griffin Davis, Chimera. As ‘Nemo’, Jordan had worked with him, on and off, for years – though, they’d never met in person. Craggy and tall, the Chimera looked even more uneasy than the Wolves. Again, no surprise. That first trial King bitched about? That was Griffin’s, to decide if the Shifters were willing to give a Chimera a chance to prove that not all of his Kind were monsters.
The two of them went way back… but it wasn’t all good history. Griffin held himself aloof, away from Jordan. Cool and wary. “So. Nemo. We finally meet.”
“Griffin.” He waited for more, but the Chimera jammed his hands in his pants. “Trying to decide whether to punch me or shake my hand?”
“Basically. Yeah. Think I’ll just take a seat.” As he did, Griffin peered about the room. “Am I blind, or is Nemo’s Shifter spirit hidden?”
“Jordan Beaumont is his real name,” Donnelly said, “and no, it’s not hidden. Apparently, it doesn’t show up for some reason. He says it’s dead.”
Throughout all the introductions, Savannah had held her peace. Jordan understood. She was Kin, not Shifter. Fairburn was a friendly guy, but most Shifters didn’t consider Kin their equals. Smart mortals learned to keep quiet around them.
Still, the woman carried herself with confidence and grace. She knew her worth, and he was pleased to see it.
She probably still thinks she’s got a chance to save me, which is ridiculous.
The door opened one last time. Another Bear entered and, this time, his secretary cringed.
That gesture, subtle as it was, put Jordan on immediate alert. He tensed, eyeing the Bear, seeking the danger that Savannah sensed.
Or was he a threat? A second later, she rose and walked over to the newcomer. To Jordan’s shock, the stranger pulled her into a fierce embrace and kissed her, passionately, on the lips.
Hot anger roared through him. Who was this man to touch her? His secretary! His woman! His…
…mate… a soft voice whispered in his mind.
Donnelly leaned forward, coiled menace ready to strike. That movement tore a rift in the mist of protective fury that clouded Jordan’s vision.
What the hell was wrong with the Dragon?
Then he felt it. The hint of power flowing through his body, an echo of his long dead Shifter soul.
When it stirs, my eyes glow with power. Almost like I was still a Dragon. Donnelly probably thinks I’m about to attack someone.
He forced himself to look away from Savannah. That must be Todd Manning, her handler. Her lover. A man who had every right to kiss her. Unlike him.
Jealousy stirred his dead soul once more, but he swallowed it. His eyes dimmed; the Dragons relaxed…
Until Manning broke the kiss and shook Savannah so hard it startled a squeak of pain from her. “Don’t ever hang up on me again!”
That was too much. Rage bloomed within Jordan, sweeping away all thought of his own safety. He rose, ignoring the Dragons who leaped to their feet as well, and thundered, “Unhand her, or I will snap your neck.”
Claws sprang from Donnelly’s fingertips as his Dragon began to seize control. But before he Shifted, Briggs caught his arm. All eyes turned toward the startled Bear and the squirming woman he still held.
Quicker than anyone else, King spoke up. “Hey, asshole! Get off that woman! Now, or I beat the shit out of you.”
Manning gaped at the Wolf but let go of Savannah’s arms. She immediately took a step back, out of reach. “It’s okay. She’s my, uh, girlfriend.”
“No, it’s not okay.” King stepped closer, forcing the Bear to retreat. “Can you not tell when a woman doesn’t want you mauling her?”
The chivalrous gesture brought bitter bile to Jordan’s throat.
I should be doing that. I am the one who ought to protect her.
Fairburn joined King, his pleasant smile fading away. “Not a good time for this, Manning. Why don’t you step outside and let us get this done?”
“I’m Savannah’s handler,” he protested. “You’ll need my testimony.”
“Wait outside then,” LePierre ordered. At her feet, her Hare glared at Manning, its teeth grinding softly. That was about as aggressive as Witch Hares got – a sign that the Bear’s behavior angered her as well.
“Fine.” He edged around the scowling Wolf but paused in the doorway. “Come on, Savannah. We need to talk.”
“Not now.” Arms folded across her chest, she backed away from him. “I need to be here.”
Her loyalty to him made Jordan’s heart sing.
The impact on Manning was the exact opposite. “Come, now!” he hissed.
That was the last straw. Once more, that power, almost forgotten, swept over him. Jordan rose, eyes blazing, and howled, “She is not your dog! You will not speak to her like one!”
Why did those words sound strange? Hissing, sibilant, like a threat from an angry serpent?
His teeth! With a shock, Jordan realized that his teeth had transformed into long, sharp fangs. Scales flashed down his arms, burying them beneath thick, protective armor.
I’m… Shifting? How…?
As soon as he noticed it, the changes stopped. In fact, the scales and teeth began to melt away, returning him to his human form.
Not before the other Shifters noticed, however. “Your ‘dead’ Worm is getting pretty rowdy,” Donnelly said. Briggs kept quiet but he studied Jordan, lips pursed.
And Manning? He took the hint and fled as the three Wolf Alphas closed, ready to carry out their threat to beat him senseless. They chased the Bear out the door and paused, yelling insults after him until LePierre cleared her throat.
“May we get started? Please?”
Satisfied that they’d run Manning off, the Wolves returned to their seats. Savannah pulled her chair close to Jordan’s side. Her presence, the shy, delighted glances she sent his way, quickly soothed his anger. Scales softened until he was fully human once more.
Then, the trial began.
And his secretary’s smile disappeared.
Completely.
Hours passed. Jordan was honest; he’d committed a lot of sins. Strange, the pain of confessing far outweighed the pain of committing them. Perhaps it was because Savannah was there. Each admission, each statement of guilt, chipped away at her faith in him. He could see her wilt, slowly but steadily, as the minutes ticked away.
Yet she never despaired. When Donnelly summed up the account, long past sunset, Savannah was ready.
“So, robbery… fraud… embezzlement… blackmail…”
“Bad, but they hurt no one,” she interrupted.
The Dragon gave her a cool stare. “Physically,
no. Blackmail’s nasty, though. Plus, Mr. Beaumont admits to a couple dozen killings… that he can remember. Probably more.”
“None in cold blood, though.” Trust her to see the good side of everything, no matter how small it was. “He isn’t a murderer. He was a… a soldier. For a very bad cause.”
Even Briggs sighed at her unflappable cheer. “Ms. Dare, it is clear that you wish this man pardoned.”
“I do.” She held her hand out to Griffin, who’d been very quiet. “You got a second chance. Why not Jordan? Is a Worm so much worse than a Chimera?”
The Chimera shook his head. “The difference is, I hadn’t actually done anything wrong. Beaumont has.”
Tough to argue against, Jordan had to admit. But bless her if Savannah didn’t try her damnedest. “He’s also done good things. He’s changed. He’s working to put things right. Doesn’t he deserve a chance to do that? To fix what he broke?”
Mutters and grumbling met her words, until, once more, Briggs’ gentle bass quelled the noise. “Perhaps, then, you would best persuade this court by explaining. What has Jordan Beaumont done to convince you he still has good in his heart, despite the fact that he is a Worm?”
“Well, personally, I haven’t known him long. But he was kind to me. The Fangs allow their executives, the ‘masters’, to abuse secretaries like me. Rape them, even, if that’s what they want. Jordan was always a gentleman. When another secretary was possessed by a Darkborn spirit, he fought to save her. He would have succeeded too, if her master hadn’t shot her. When he did, Jordan attacked him – even though he was the head of Ormaz Corp.”
No one looked horribly impressed, and he couldn’t blame them. Weighed against the people he’d killed, that was a small benefit.
“Anything else?”
Frustrated by their lack of support, she nodded. “For years, he’s spied for us. How many Shifters have received tips and help from ‘Nemo’?”
Now, she got her first help. Aaron King cleared his throat and nodded at Briggs. “He helped my daughter figure out who stole from the Flight of the Snows. Seems to me, you kinda owe him. Hell, we all do. Nemo told us where to find the Aegis when the Fangs stole it from Lucas Clay. Without him, we wouldn’t have any tool against Nemagorix.”
