by Zoe Chant
Roy couldn’t help the feeling of triumph surging through him – hitting the water and the bottom of the river that hard had to have damaged Roy’s wings, and the fast-flowing water would impede his movements.
I can get him. I can beat him. And then –
STOP RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE.
The booming voice from behind Dante jarred his mind mid-thought. It was almost as if the blood seemed to freeze in his veins, his muscles seizing up mid-flight. It took several seconds for his wings to flap again, for the command to relinquish his hold on him.
Dante shuddered back to life, turning in shock. He knew what had happened: another dragon had used a Voice on him, a strong magic that only powerful dragons could use to compel others to obey them. But the only dragon Dante knew who was powerful enough to use a Voice command was Stefan.
And why would Stefan...?
As soon as he could move, Dante twisted in mid-air, looking for the source of the Voice. Now that he could think again, he realized it hadn’t sounded anything like Stefan.
So who was it?
It was then that he finally sensed it – the presence of several dragons, fast approaching. His mind had been so clouded with fury before that he must not have noticed them earlier. But now, he could sense them, clear as day.
Six. Six of them. They must be allies of Roy’s.
Snarling, Dante prepared himself. Six against one wasn’t great odds, but he’d do it if he had to.
To protect my mate – to protect Mercy –
Turning in the air, Dante prepared to meet the new dragons head on.
Bring it on, assholes, he bellowed, sending the message loud and clear.
I told you to stay where you are, came the immediate response. My name is Officer Declan Shaw of the Shifter Patrol Corps. You move one more time and we’ll make sure you won’t do it again.
Dante paused, confusion racing through his brain.
The Shifter Patrol Corps? What the hell is that?
There was absolutely no way Dante was going to listen to a command from a dragon he didn’t know, representing an organization he’d never heard of – not even if they were powerful enough to use a Voice.
He snarled, preparing himself to fight.
In his mind, he could hear Officer Declan Shaw – whoever the hell he was – sigh in exasperation.
Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The Voice ripped through him once again, pinning his wings to his sides. He dropped onto the riverbank, helpless against the magic that bound him.
Dante – what’s happening? I –
Mercy’s voice rippled through his mind. She sounded panicked, and he didn’t blame her. He wasn’t sure how it worked, but she could probably sense the Voice through their mated bond. Certainly she’d be able to sense he was in trouble, the same way he could sense when danger threatened her.
We’re coming for you, Dante.
It was Stefan’s voice he heard next, deep and stern.
I know I told you this was your fight, but things have changed.
That was putting things mildly, Dante thought as six large dragons dropped to the earth around him. None of them looked particularly friendly.
I’m sorry I had to do that, but you were warned, the largest of the six dragons said. Dante’s mind was still slightly foggy from the effects of the Voice, but he recalled that this dragon had identified himself as Officer Declan Shaw. Dante glowered at him, before glancing around at the dragons who surrounded him. They weren’t attacking – yet. Between them and Roy, he knew he couldn’t let them get the drop on him. But they had him surrounded, and he didn’t know where to start...
What is the meaning of this? Stefan’s booming voice cut through the air like a thunderclap, a moment before he landed with an almighty THUD on the riverbank beside Dante. I am Stefan Novak, the leader of the Novak Clan, and this dragon is a member of my family who is defending his mate. Why have you stopped him? Who are you?
The large dragon seemed to pause, regarding Stefan through narrowed eyes.
The leader of the Novak Clan?
Dante could see Shaw considering this information.
I’m with the Shifter Patrol Corps, Shaw said after a moment. We received a report of a fight, involving a wanted criminal. That’s why we’re here.
Dante bristled. Had the past he thought he’d left behind come back to haunt him yet again, despite the fact he’d done his time and had tried to leave that life behind?
“No!”
Dante started at the sound of Mercy’s voice, ringing clearly through the air. He looked down to see her striding forward without any fear, staring up at Shaw’s massive form.
“You aren’t going anywhere with Dante! He was only fighting to protect me.” She pointed to where Roy was crouched furiously in the water, his wings too battered to fly and escape the dragons who surrounded him. “He’s the one you want. He tried to kill me. He sent men to threaten me and intimidate me into selling my restaurant. He’s been bribing local police and who knows who else. Dante hasn’t done anything except try to defend me!”
Even as Dante willed Mercy to stay quiet and not put herself in danger, he couldn’t help but admire her bravery and spirit. She was tiny compared with Shaw and the other dragons – and yet, here she was yelling at them and trying to convince them of his innocence.
My mate. My brave, strong mate.
Again, Shaw seemed to hesitate, looking between Mercy and Dante. Clearly, he was the type to think first and speak later, wanting to weigh things up before he continued.
Ha. Roy’s laugh was sudden and cold. Your lies won’t wash here, human. Do you have any idea who I am? Do any of you know who I am?
At that, Shaw’s head snapped toward him, his yellow eyes narrowing.
In fact, I do, he said, his voice little more than a low, dangerous growl.
Dante frowned, his head turning toward where Roy crouched in the water, his strange, patchy fur sodden.
He could see the muscles of Roy’s shoulders and hindquarters bunch with tension, his eyes narrowed. His eyes seemed to flitter from Shaw to the other dragons who surrounded him, before finally landing on Dante.
Something about the sight of him seemed to enrage Roy, and he reared back, baring even more of the long, shining teeth that protruded from his mouth.
This isn’t over, he suddenly snarled out, his voice crazed. You think you can take me – any of you? None of you can – none of you –
All of a sudden, Roy surged forward, his teeth gnashing, red eyes wild.
Dante barely had time to react before he was on him, claws digging into his sides, teeth snapping a bare inch from his face.
No!
He heard Mercy’s panicked scream, but he could barely turn his head to check that she was out of harm’s way. All his focus was on Roy, who was obviously trying to bury his fangs in his throat.
Get him – !
He heard Shaw’s command a moment before Roy’s claws raked into Dante’s side, making him roar in pain. And then, Roy’s jaws closed around his neck, long teeth sinking into his throat. Pain exploded through Dante as Roy’s jaws held him tight, crushing his windpipe, making it impossible to breathe.
Dante could hear all hell breaking loose around him, hear Mercy crying out his name as he clawed at Roy’s sides, trying to break free, but every movement he made just seemed to make Roy hold on tighter and tighter, until Dante’s vision began to fade to black.
He heard the boom of a Voice as both Stefan and Declan Shaw commanded Roy to free Dante’s throat from his death grip – but it was too late. Dante could feel the darkness rushing up inside him, the thud of his heart loud in his ears, his muscles burning from exertion and lack of oxygen...
Dante!
Mercy’s voice was the last thing he heard before he at last slid into oblivion.
Chapter Thirteen
Dante
The first thing Dante was aware of when he began to come to was the warmth of Mercy
’s palm against his.
He blinked, his head pounding, feeling pain all throughout his body – but it was nothing compared to the softness of Mercy’s hand, nor the comfort he felt as he looked into her eyes, wide and worried though they were.
“Oh my God, Dante,” she breathed, relief flooding her expression. “I was so worried about you – well, I still am. I didn’t know when you’d come back to me.”
“I’ll always come back to you,” Dante said, raising his hand to touch her face. “Always, Mercy. Nothing could keep me from you.”
Mercy blinked, tears filling her eyes. She opened her mouth as if she was about to say something, but then she simply leaned forward instead, pressing their lips together, kissing him.
It was easy to forget about the pain in his body as he opened his mouth, his tongue twining with Mercy’s – her scent, her warmth, her everything filled his senses, driving out everything else. For the moment, he was totally focused on her.
But even that couldn’t last. When she drew back, her dark eyes looking down into his, Dante could see that the worry still hadn’t left them.
“You’ve been unconscious for about an hour and a half,” Mercy told him. “I was so worried after they pulled Roy off you that – that –” The tears that had been brimming in her eyes finally spilled over. “Stefan explained to me that it was just a dragon’s way of healing, that it was better for you to be asleep so that your body could focus all your energy on recovering. It didn’t make it any easier sitting here, though.”
Dante swallowed, pain slicing through his chest. “I’m sorry, Mercy,” he said. “I’m sorry I caused you such worry.”
Mercy shook her head fiercely. “Don’t you apologize!” she said, voice firm. “I don’t want to hear it. The only reason you got injured was because you were trying to protect me from Roy. He’s the only one to blame in any of this. That piece of shit! I wish I – if only I could –”
Dante couldn’t help but let out a low laugh at Mercy’s frustration. Her eyes darted to his. She looked annoyed for a moment, but then the expression melted away and she began laughing too.
“I suppose I must sound ridiculous to you. Wanting to beat the hell out of a mythical creature.”
“Not at all,” Dante replied. “You sound amazing. And if anyone could beat the hell out of a mythical creature, it’d be you, Mercy.”
She squeezed his hand, shaking her head. “Yeah, well. I mean it. I wish I could.” Mercy frowned, looking down at him, her eyes roving over his body. “You’re looking better already. I guess this is why you were fine five minutes after getting stabbed that first time you stumbled into my kitchen, bleeding everywhere.”
Dante nodded. “Yeah. Dragons heal fast. But it’s faster still because you’re here – the mated bond gives a dragon even more strength.”
“The mated bond,” Mercy said slowly, as if trying the words out. “I’m still getting used to that idea. I can’t really say I understand it. Holly’s explained it a little to me, but she said it was a conversation that it would be better for me to have with you.”
Dante nodded. “I want to tell you everything. And I mean everything, Mercy – about dragons, about the bond, about myself and where I’ve come from.” He paused. “But right now...”
“I’ll definitely have a lot of questions for you,” Mercy said. “But you’re right. Right now, we have bigger fish to fry.”
Dante sat up, groaning. Despite Mercy’s presence sending warmth through his veins and speeding his healing, his body was still battered and bruised, and his broken ribs would need at least a couple more hours to heal completely.
He looked around, for the first time taking notice of his surroundings. They were still outside, amongst the trees that grew alongside the river that he and Roy had crashed into. He could still hear the sound of the water, though, and beyond that, the sound of voices.
“Stefan brought you over here after they pulled Roy off you and you passed out,” Mercy explained. “He didn’t want you to be disturbed. He said he’d sort things out with... with the officers who arrived.”
Dante nodded. That was Stefan all over. He’d only had a chance to get to know him a little, but he was exactly the kind of clan leader the Novaks needed: quiet, judicious, stern, and extremely protective of his family.
“Where’s Roy?”
Mercy hesitated. “He transformed into a human again after they managed to restrain him. I think they forced him to. I don’t really know what’s going on with that – but they got him in cuffs. That officer said he was under arrest.”
Dante frowned. “He’s the one they were after?”
“I... I guess so,” Mercy said. “But I don’t know why, or what else has happened. I’ve been here with you. I didn’t want to leave you.”
Grimacing, Dante slowly got to his feet. He needed to know what was going on. Roy had threatened his mate, and he had promised her he’d protect her from him. And besides which, he could think of about a hundred other questions he had.
“Take it easy, Dante,” Mercy said as she slipped an arm around him, helping him as they made their way back toward the river.
Stefan looked up as they approached, and Dante could see relief in his green eyes. Mercy hadn’t made a bad guess when she’d called Stefan his brother – they looked very much alike. They both had the dark hair and green eyes of the Novak Clan, a trait that was also shared by Stefan’s younger sister Darklis. Anyone who looked at them could instantly see they were related.
Stefan’s mate Holly stood by his side – she was shorter than him by more than a head, and her eyes were a brilliant blue, her hair a tangle of golden curls. They had two children together, Dante knew, a boy and a girl, Calla and Firth. The first in a new generation of Novaks after the blood feud that had almost wiped them from the face of the earth.
Holly came over to them, slipping her arm through Mercy’s. Dante wasn’t surprised: Holly was generosity personified, and she was always ready to help anyone who needed it.
Glancing around, Dante’s gaze finally fell on Roy. He was kneeling on the riverbank, his hands cuffed behind his back, just like Mercy had said. He was surrounded by a group of five men and women, all of whom had their arms crossed over their chests, faces grim. Clearly, they meant business.
The man who Dante recognized as Officer Declan Shaw stood a little apart from them, but he was no less grim than they were. In human form he was just as impressive as his dragon: he was as tall and broad as Stefan was, and Stefan was the most powerful dragon Dante knew. He regarded Dante with a steely gaze, his gray eyes hard.
Dante stared back at him, feeling his dragon’s hackles rise. This man had said he was an officer of the Shifter Patrol Corps, and that he was looking for a criminal. Despite the fact he wasn’t sure what the Shifter Patrol Corps was, Shaw was clearly some kind of law enforcement. None of those things filled Dante with any confidence that he was going to be friendly toward him.
“Calm down, Dante.” Stefan’s low voice cut through the tension. He’d clearly sensed Dante’s unease. “Officer Shaw has explained his situation to me, and I’ve explained ours. I think we understand each other.”
“We do,” Shaw said, his voice low. “I understand you were only engaged in this fight to protect your mate, whose life and safety had been threatened. As far as the Shifter Patrol Corps is concerned, you’ve done nothing wrong there. Your clan leader has vouched for you, and that’s good enough for me. We’ve found who we came here looking for.”
He turned to look down at Roy, and for a moment, Dante saw an expression of undisguised disgust cross Shaw’s face.
Dante stared down at Roy where he knelt, sneering, on the riverbank.
All at once, his dragon reared up inside him, spitting fire and fury.
This is the one who hurt our mate! He tried to kill her! He has to pay!
Mercy pressed her hand against his arm, glancing up at him. Clearly, his rage was obvious.
With effort, Dante forced
his dragon back down. Shaw didn’t seem like the type who’d be impressed by him attacking Roy now that Mercy was out of immediate danger. So instead, he settled on asking a question.
“Why did you do it?” he asked, his voice little more than a low growl. “What the hell were you planning? And what are you, anyway?”
He’d never seen anything like Roy before, and he knew there were some pretty bizarre and rare shifters out there – griffins, unicorns, pegasi, wyverns, even a basilisk or two. But nothing like Roy.
In answer, Roy only spat on the riverbank. “You expect me to tell you anything? Fuck you.”
“He’s half-manticore, half-dragon.” Shaw’s voice cut in harshly. “One of only a few. You know that dragons and manticores are natural enemies. So obviously, Roy’s kind are very rare.”
Dante blinked, startled. Half-manticore, half-dragon? He’d never heard of anything like that – much less thought it was possible.
It would explain everything, though – the scorpion’s tail, dripping venom. The ability to breathe dragonfire. The fact that he had been completely unable to sense what Roy was, even if he’d known there was something strange about him.
“He’s wanted for murder – three murders, actually,” Shaw said. “It took a long time for us to get the evidence we needed – you’re slippery, Roy Wilmore, I’ll give you that.”
“Murder? He’s a murderer?”
Mercy’s voice was quiet and shocked. Dante could feel her weight as she leaned against him, as if she was feeling faint. Dante could understand how she felt – she’d been very close to Roy at one time, after all. It must have been shocking to hear he was capable of such things.
Shaw glanced at her, his gray eyes perceptive. Perhaps he guessed why she was so shocked, because next time he spoke, his voice was gentler.
“Yes. You don’t need to know the details. But I dare say it’s normal when you grow up in his family. I don’t know who his mother is, but his father is Goddard Hellner.”