Red Hot Dragons Steamy 10 Book Collection

by Lisa Daniels

  I took no offense to this as I agreed. “Experience points to that being false. Every time shifters appear in the city, you take women away.”

  “Are you still harping on about that? Not that I can’t fathom why you want to know, but really, that is something that only the women who leave here get to learn.”

  “Is what happens to them so bad you don’t want word to get out?”

  He simply laughed and avoided answering my question.

  Annoyed, I grabbed the bars of the cell, “She isn’t the only woman to get in trouble because of your visitor. Another woman is now in the dungeons for having allowed the first to become the shifter’s slave. Two women in a single day condemned because of your attempt to leave.”

  He frowned, “Who else was imprisoned? And why?”

  “Does that matter?”

  “It does to me. I need to understand what happened.” His eyes bore into mine, and his look was dead serious. “I have to know so that no innocents are harmed by our actions.”

  With a mirthless laugh, I shook my head. “Oh, please. You kill innocents all the time.”

  “Your understanding of shifters is as poor as the understanding men have of women in this city. We kill fighters, not bystanders.”

  “Let’s just say that you don’t have to worry about the other woman because one of my guards kindly offered to take care of her.”

  “And you let him?” The shifter’s voice sounded incredulous.

  “After the tale he told me about how she reminded him of his wife, I felt that I could trust him.”

  “Are you really that bad at judging characters? Or are you really indifferent to women?”

  I ran my tongue along my lips, wondering for the first time if that was a well-deserved criticism. Thinking about it, I answered, “He mentioned that his wife had visions, or something like that, and he—”

  “Wait,” the shifter leaned forward, an unsettled look on his face. “Say that again.”

  “He mentioned his wife had visions, and—”

  The look on his face was a mix of anger and concern. “Are you fucking kidding me?” He ran a hand through his hair. “Of all the gods damned…”

  Suddenly the look of the guard coupled with his words made sense. “Braxton’s one of yours, isn’t he?”

  The shifter looked up at me, then began to pace in his cell. “I can’t stay here now. Gods damn him for coming when I specifically told him to stay home. Now instead of—”

  “You aren’t going anywhere,” I cut in, feeling like he was barely aware I was there anymore.

  His head snapped to the side, “You couldn’t stop me if you tried.”

  “Why do you care that another shifter is here?”

  “Because he is a suicidal bastard who is only here to find his death. When his wife died, that was pretty much it for him. He has no will to continue, and he is constantly looking for a way to follow her into the next life.”

  I frowned, “Did he really care that much for his wife?”

  The shifter suddenly grabbed the bars and stared into my eyes. “You heard him mention her, and it convinced you to let him take care of her. Does that not strike you, someone who has learned to be suspicious of everything, as odd?”

  I shifted on my feet, the discomfort I was feeling growing at the turn of the conversation. “It was clear he loved her, but… why would he want to die?”

  “We do not take our mates as easily or with as little regard as humans. It means something much more to us. He was fortunate enough to find his mate when he was young, and when she died he lost his reason to live. It’s that simple.”

  “It doesn’t make any sense.”

  He ran a hand through his hair. “Where is she? I need to find him before—”

  The sound of footsteps approaching caused both of us to turn and look. Strolling toward us was the shifter himself. He gave me a quick bow. “Apologies for the deception.” He then turned and bowed low to the prisoner. “Hello, Leland. I figured I should stop by and let you know that I was here. It sounds like my trip was unnecessary. I had not expected Falmen to bring me up in conversation. After all, there was more than enough for you two to discuss without me.”

  I was now facing two shifters with no help who could hear me scream, let alone reach me in time.

  “Don’t worry, we aren’t here for you,” the prisoner said.

  I closed my eyes. “How did this day go this wrong? Three shifters? There are three shifters in the city, and one is running around freely.”

  “You need not worry about me, sir,” Braxton said. “I was serious that my interest is in protecting the woman, and I will get her out of here in about a month’s time.”

  “Do you swear that, Braxton? Do you swear that you will not seek your death while you are here?”

  “I may have lost everything, but she at least gives me a purpose for now. She does not belong in this city, so I will ensure she makes it to another country or somewhere that might understand how to help her.”

  “You are changing the subject, Braxton. I need you to swear to me you won’t die. I couldn’t possibly face your sister if that happens.”

  “I make no promises, but I swear that it is not my intention. You need to focus on your princess to see if she will be what you need instead of getting side-tracked.”

  “How can I not worry about you? Everyone knows you aren’t about to take a mate, so what could you possibly plan by protecting a woman in such a perilous predicament?”

  “If you will forgive my saying so, but the woman I am protecting is in far less peril than your princess.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “Falmen hasn’t told you?”

  Two pairs of gorgeous eyes turned to look at me. “I am having a hard time following what you two are saying.”

  Braxton smiled while the prisoner looked annoyed. Holding up his hand toward the prisoner, Braxton said, “Leland, it isn’t Falmen’s fault. I suppose it is good that I arrived when I did because this conversation would have turned out very differently if I hadn’t. Princess Jada has been locked in her room. Your time is running out.”

  “Right now, you are my biggest worry. I will visit her later to discuss our plans.”

  “So it was you,” my voice cut into their conversation now that they were talking about something that I could understand.

  Leland looked at me, “It was me what?”

  “The princess had hidden daggers in her dress this morning and I saw her sneaking around. I figured she was planning on leaving. I had no idea she was planning on leaving with a prisoner.”

  “And why wouldn’t she?” Braxton asked.

  “Before today, I would have said that her life was too easy to give up.”

  “And now?” Braxton pressed me for more information.

  “After her actions in the courtyard, I am starting to think that there is more to her than I had thought. She may not be quite the pampered brat I have thought her for years.”

  Leland smiled, “That was my first impression of her, too. But I realized a lot quicker that there was a lot more to her. When she stole up here to visit me, I offered to help her escape a future that no one should have to endure.”

  “And why would you do that for her?” I asked.

  They shared a look, then Leland smiled while Braxton said, “Because it is the right thing to do. I realize that you have low expectations for what men want with women, but as I said earlier, we are taught to have a very different opinion. Contrary to what you believe, we do not abduct them. They always come willingly, with no strings attached.”

  “I don’t understand,” I frowned.

  “That’s because you have become so cold and callused that you can’t believe anyone would do the right thing simply because it is the right thing.”

  Leland groaned, “You really should not be telling Falmen all of this.”

  I held up a hand toward him as I pressed Braxton for more information, “Are you tell
ing me that the women who leave with shifters are not turned into slaves or sacrificed or something?”

  Braxton’s gorgeous faced cracked into a half smile. “Never. We set them free. And if we decide that they are right—”

  “Don’t say another word, Braxton,” there was a low growl in Leland’s voice.

  Braxton’s eyes went toward Leland’s, then he looked back at me. “I think that we have all had the same thought about Falmen.”

  “You haven’t,” Leland said, almost in a pout.

  Braxton laughed, “Even I did. For a moment.”

  “Liar,” Leland said as he leaned against the bars.

  I bit my lip for a second, then looked at Leland. “If you are really going to get the princess out of here, then I will do what I can to help.”

  “You will have to forgive me if I am skeptical of what your help means.”

  I gave a shrug as Braxton said, “She still has the daggers that she took this morning. Falmen didn’t take them despite having found them. Everyone is capable of a change of heart.”

  “You have to have a heart for it to change,” Leland half muttered.

  Deciding that there was nothing else I could do, I turned to Braxton. “If you will get her out of the dungeon, I will let you roam free.”

  His smile was beautiful. “Thank you, Falmen. You must forgive Leland for his stubbornness. That is the nature of his beast.”

  “Then you must be something very nurturing and kind.”

  He gave me a shrug as Leland chuckled, “Look at you two complimenting each other and being so wrong in your assessment of each other.”

  “You sound jealous, Leland.” It was my final farewell to him. “Braxton, if you would please accompany me for a few minutes, I have a couple of concerns about the woman in the dungeon.”

  “Her name is Arabella.”

  We turned and left Leland to his own musings. He muttered something but I chose to ignore him and focused on Braxton. “The woman you plan to save?”

  “Yes. I do not know who the other woman is, but I trust Bryce will take care of her.”

  “You are certain she will not come to harm?”

  “She may end up broken-hearted when he isn’t interested in her, but other than that, I’m sure she will be fine.”

  “You think he won’t be interested in her?”

  “It is more likely that he will eventually take a mate than that I will take another, but I do not give that event good odds.”

  “Why?”

  “I would rather not discuss Bryce, if you don’t mind.”

  Braxton looked unhappy about the topic, and I didn’t want to press him. “Is there anything you need from me to get… what was her name?”

  “Thank you, but no. I can take care of her myself. Actually,” he stopped for a moment. “If you could keep your men from going down there as much as possible, that would be very helpful. I do not want to have to kill anyone to protect her, if possible. That will attract attention and remind people that she is there.”

  “I think I can largely manage that. There will almost certainly be men who go to see her, I can’t entirely stop them, but I can minimize how many go down.”

  “Thank you, Falmen. And my offer to help you is sincere. If there is anything I can do to help, I will.”

  “It seems strange, but I actually believe you.”

  He reached out and patted my shoulder. “You have spent too much time hardening yourself against the world. Not everyone is your enemy.”

  “That has not been my experience.”

  He took a deep breath and the sad look in his eyes wasn’t quite pity. “I can fully understand your approach to life. But you will need help because there are rumors spreading about you. It is only a matter of time.”

  I bit my lip and looked away. “I know. Leland and the other shifter haven’t exactly helped.”

  Braxton gave me a sympathetic look. “I know. I’ve felt that way for far longer.”

  For the first time in a long time, I laughed. Braxton smiled at me before patting the top of my head. “I have to go now. Take care.”

  Allowing him to slip out, I waited for a few minutes before leaving the dungeon. Leland may not have wanted my help, but with some idea of what was going on with the princess (and a bit of guilt at how I might have been wrong about her), I was going to make things easier for her.

  Before opening the door, I shouted out to Leland, “I ask only that you don’t kill my men.” There was no response, so I shouted, “If any guards die, they may take it out on the princess.”

  There was a begrudging “I already know that” in response.

  With that, I headed back to my desk to process the strange events of the day.

  Chapter 3

  An Eventful Week and the Punishment for Mistakes and Lies

  The week was a blur of activity, but I made sure that I had time to complete the tasks that I was convinced were necessary to correct my failings that one morning.

  The morning following the event, I headed to the kitchen to speak to Mrs. Teasdon. There was no doubt that she had already heard rumors of what had happened, and I was going to make sure she heard my side. It was as close to the truth as I could offer.

  As soon as she saw me at the bottom of the stairs, the cook bustled over. Crossing her hands over her chest, she glared at me. “This should be a fine explanation.” Her voice wasn’t exactly cold, but it was the same voice she used with her staff when they had upset her.

  I bowed low, “My abilities in fulfilling your request are unforgivably lacking. The poor woman had no place with me, and now she is locked in a prison.”

  Mrs. Teasdon glowered at me, “Just what happened?”

  “As I tried to warn you, a woman like that had nothing to do that could help. Trying to keep her by my side to protect her caused her to try to find some way to be helpful. When she witnessed a woman nearly get crushed while we captured a shifter, she wanted to save that woman. Arabella did not have a clue what would happen when she pronounced the woman to still be alive, so—”

  “Did she tell you her name?”

  “What?” I looked up, confused.

  “I never mentioned her name, and I know how terrible you are with names. How did you learn her name in less than 24 hours?”

  “Having made such a mistake, learning her name was one of the ways to start to make up for it.”

  She let out a humph, but didn’t say anything else.

  “The woman that was harmed is now the possession of the shifter who saved her. Had Arabella taken my cue to keep her mouth shut, it would not have happened. Whatever problem you were dealing with here, her problems were compounded by those few minutes of ignorance about the city.”

  Mrs. Teasdon pursed her lips. “Another one, huh? Another woman will be stolen from her life, and we are complicit. You should have stopped her.”

  “And how would I have done that? We were in the courtyard with a large audience watching the spectacle.”

  “You shouldn’t have taken her with you.”

  “Are you suggesting it would have been better to leave her without any explanation so close to the guards’ quarters?”

  “Why can’t you control your men better? Isn’t that your job?” Her accusation was unfair, and she knew it.

  I realized that she was having trouble blaming Arabella for what had happened, but there was no denying that Arabella’s actions had condemned a woman. Or so I had believed earlier. Now I was not so sure, but I could not say anything without compromising Braxton and the princess. Keeping silent about that, I addressed the accusation, “I am trying, but there is only so much I can do. I am one person and cannot be everywhere all at once.”

  “I find this unacceptable, Falmen. Absolutely unacceptable.”

  I bowed again, and kept my eyes on the floor. “I understand, and you have my sincerest apologies. I will try to set it right. One of my guards is taking care of her as we speak—”

  “And how do y
ou know you can trust him?”

  My eyes shifted to look at her. “He has not said anything of my secret. I trust him.”

  Mrs. Teasdon gasped, then pursed her lips. “It seems incredibly risky.” Her posture shifted a bit.

  “I am certain he will find a way to get her out once everything dies down. My apologies that you have lost—”

  She vehemently waved a hand at me, “I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about someone else knowing about you. How in the world did you let anyone know? After all this time?”

  “There have always been rumors. A few of my men are actually perceptive. They are also not the kind to talk.”

  “Do you mean that more than one of them knows?” Her voice was bordering on hysterical.

  “Not at all, my dear Mrs. Teasdon. Just the one. The others aren’t quite so… advantaged. He’s different, and that is why I trust him. She will be fine, but I am sorry that you have lost such a good worker.”

  Mrs. Teasdon popped her neck. “Just yesterday I was grousing about the work here. Now it looks like things are even worse.”

  I gave her a quick smile. “Maybe it is time to leave.”

  “What would happen to everyone else?”

  I grinned, “Screw ‘em. You don’t owe them, and how many people here do you actually like?”

  For the first time since she had seen me, the cook smiled. “Are you trying to distract me from what you did?”

  “Maybe a little.”

  She wiped her hands on her apron and turned around. “I think you might be right. Without Arabella, I don’t think I am willing to go back to the workload I used to manage. Maybe I should leave. I could do less work for my family and spend more time with my grandbabies. Now if you will excuse me, I need to get to work.”

  “Take care of yourself. And if you decide to leave, I wish you the best.”

  “Oh, you make it sound like we won’t talk again,” she looked over at me.

  “With as busy as we are going to be, I doubt either of us is going to have time to talk. In case I don’t see you before you retire, remember, they are just kids. Don’t treat them like your underlings.”

  She wrinkled her nose at me, “Oh, go on, you old softie.”

  “If I’m old…”