Scales and Flames

by Catherine Banks

  Once everyone was safe on the ground, Asyl and I shifted back. Amanda handed us our clothing and as we got dressed, the humans approached us. I looked them over, finally realizing that there were two men, a woman, and a child. I blanched at the thought that Abraham was willing to kill a child in his quest to kill us.

  “Thank you for saving us,” the woman holding the child said. She had ash in her dark brown hair and her brown eyes were filled with tears. “I can't believe you saved us.”

  I didn’t know what to say and looked down.

  “Of course.” Asyl bowed slightly. “We are not the monsters Abraham is claiming us to be. I apologize that you got caught in the middle of it.”

  Looking around the group I asked, “What will we do now? We have two dead bodies that we need to take responsibility for.”

  “No, you will not,” one of the men we had saved said. “My name is Officer Brown. I work for the police department here in town. This is my partner Officer Matthews. We were asked to go undercover to Abraham's sermons and assess if he was a danger. We know you were only defending yourselves against his actions. We will take care of those two for you.” Officer Brown then turned to the Succubus. “I'm sorry you had to go through everything you did. May I ask, was it true? Did you appear in a classroom?”

  The Succubus nodded. “One moment I was in my home servicing a client, then the next thing I know, and I was pulled up into the blackness over my house. I closed my eyes, fearing I was going to die. A moment later, I landed on a hard floor and I heard children screaming. When I opened my eyes, I was in a classroom I didn't recognize. Then there was sharp pain in the back of my head and I blacked out. When I woke up the next time, I was in a cage. Then Abraham showed up and took me to another cage.” Her low voice was sultry and it felt like silk running over my skin. I shook my head to clear the fog and went over to her and placed my hand on her shoulder.

  “Your voice still holds the power to mesmerize people.” I informed her, and her dark skin turned even darker as she blushed in embarrassment. “It's okay, just be mindful of it. What's your name?”

  “Selina.”

  “Hello, Selina. I'm Dyka, and this is Asyl, Mark, Amanda, Sam, Jeana, and Jeb.”

  She looked over at everyone as I listed them off. “You are Dragons. Which province are you from?”

  “We are from the Killaja Provence. My brother Asyl and I are the only ones we have found, other than our Fae friends here.” I smiled at Mark and Amanda. I turned to Jeb. “Is there any way we can give her a place to stay?”

  Jeb nodded. “Yes, she can stay with us.” Turning to Officer Brown, he said, “There should be a haven for these people to go until they figure out their next move. I already have a lot of acreage. I could have some houses built and turn my land into a haven for them. I already have two Dragons, two Fae and now a Succubus that will be living on the property.”

  “I think that's a perfect idea.” Officer Matthews stepped forward. “We can talk to the captain about seeing if there's any way we can work together with you.”

  One of the men kept looking up and down my body. I looked down to see what kept his attention and froze. The skater dress I was wearing was in tatters, exposing most of my body. How had I not noticed how revealing this was when I put it on? I felt exposed now.

  I glared at Jeana. “What the hell is this?” I motioned at myself, my shock written on my face. Everyone started laughing while Sam wrapped his arms around my waist.

  “I like it,” he purred into my ear.

  “Of course, you would,” I muttered as I turned into his arms while pulling him down for a kiss. The kiss was quick but when he pulled back, I could see the passion in his eyes, a devious smile on his face.

  Jeb started making plans with the police officers about going to city hall later in the week. He needed to talk with the officials about making arrangements for all the misplaced creatures. A smile formed on my lips as I watched everyone get along and forced myself not to think about how Abraham was still alive. Sam wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his head on top of mine, watching our two worlds conversing to make a better future.

  Epilogue

  ABRAHAM

  In her rush, Emilia got the coordinates wrong. She teleported us above the ground and we landed hard on the rocky cliff side, tangled in each other’s limbs. I shoved her away, pissed that not only did I lose the Succubus but also two Fae and two Dragons. I stormed off into the building that was embedded into the cliff face with Emilia following behind. Storming though the hallways, we came to the command room. Men and women were scurrying around like little mice around the four massive cages that took up the center of this enormous underground room. One of the men approached me from one of the computers along the walls with a clipboard.

  “Sir, where is the Succubus? We need her to calm some of the experiments.” Ignoring him, I walked into the center of the four cages and looked at my prize possessions, taking note of the name plates at the base of each. The first was Cirril. The massive Dragon that was held in the cage was sedated, but her scales matched those of that Dragon bastard that tried to kill me. I'd have to look further into that. Moving over to the next cage, I smiled up at the man trapped in there. Dezmond. He snarled at me, flashing his fangs before getting shocked and passing back out. The next held a very large timber wolf with black fur, and yellow eyes that promised death. Turner. The last cage was empty. I growled in frustration as I looked at the name plate, Selina.

  “Be calm, Abraham,” Emilia said soothingly. “We will catch Selina again. We didn’t know about the Fae before. I thought they were all wiped out.”

  I walked away, ignoring her as my second-in-command rushed over to me. “Sir, we have located more creatures. They are—”

  “No. I will be going back to Durham.” I stopped and looked over at the man. “We don't have any Fae in our collection and I know where two are. Save the files you have found, they will be useful later. Our main priority will be those Fae.”

  I entered a side room, motioning Emilia to follow me, and walked the long hallway down to my office. Screams, pleas, and wails followed me as I walked past the many cells holding my additional experiments. Emilia opened my door for me.

  Moving into my office, I noticed Mike was already there waiting for us. I sat down in my chair and looked at Emilia and Mike. They were siblings. Both had the same brown eyes and black hair. I knew Emilia was only two years older than Mike, but where Emilia was slender and haunting in her beauty, Mike had the cold stare of a man who had seen too many battles and caused too many deaths, and a muscular chest that tapered down into a small waist. He looked old for his age.

  “Mike, I want you to get our informant down here now!”

  He nodded and rushed out of the room. I sat down in my chair smiling, planning my next visit to that city.

  Once the door finally closed behind Mike, Emilia approached my desk, and lowed her voice. "What is our next move now, Father?"

  I looked up at my daughter and grinned.

  ABOUT T.M. DAVIS

  My name is T. M. Davis. I am a stay-at-home mom who was raised on the coast of Oregon but currently resides in Nevada with my husband and our beautiful daughter.

  I didn’t get to grow surrounded by books. I finally got to pick up my first book for fun at the age of thirteen and that was for A. R. Reading. I couldn’t believe what I was missing. From then on, reading was always my own personal escape from reality.

  I started writing at the age of fifteen and when I’m not writing I’m hanging out with my friends online, playing World of Warcraft, or enthusiastically talking to anyone who will listen about my favorite books and authors.

  DRAGON AWAKENED BY JEN L. GREY

  Dragon Awakened by Jen L. Grey

  Shifting is only the beginning.

  Leah is on the run from a family she has never belonged with; a father who cares more about his debts than he does her. Looking for a peaceful new life, she finds a place called Vi
xen Falls, known for its beautiful scenery and mysterious legends of magic and dragons.

  Renting out an abandoned house by the falls, she ignores the tall tales and starts her new life under the radar, but that is short lived. Soon, Leah meets an allusive and sexy stranger she is drawn to, and he leads her to so much more than just a whirlwind romance. Leah finds that some of the rumors about the falls are true, and that her destiny is entangled with them.

  To survive, she must step up to her fate.

  Dragon Awakened Copyright © 2018 Jen L. Grey

  All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Edited by All About the Edits

  Created with Vellum

  One

  Leah

  I hear my father talking in the other room, unaware I’m home.

  “You know she’s gorgeous. Your guys will go crazy over her blonde hair, blue eyes, and stunning figure… Yes, she turns twenty-one in one month… She’s all yours then. Just make sure I have the money up front,” he says, slamming down the phone.

  “Dad, are you sure you want to do this? Leah isn't made for that life,” my little brother, Sean, asks.

  Terror courses through my entire body. Please don't be what I think it is. My family wouldn't sell me, right?

  “Sean, shut the hell up. Don’t be any more pathetic than you already are. We need the money. We are so far behind on all the bills. We were barely afloat when your mother was alive. Her funeral put us completely under. I know you all are close, but our family must survive. Selling her is just a small price to pay.”

  No! My father couldn't be doing this. My mom isn't the reason for our debt; his gambling is. I quietly turn and leave the house, not wanting to alert them to my presence.

  It’s a bitter pill to swallow, thinking about the nice, big house and good neighborhood we used to live in. My father was a constant in our life and there for all activities; then, one day, he was assigned a huge client because of his accounting expertise. That was the beginning of the end for our family.

  He started hanging out with the owners and partaking in their ways. Some call it the mob, others call it the mafia, but it's all the same. Dad started gambling and staying out all hours of the night, leaving us all at home.

  Shortly after his abrupt change, Mom became sick. Dad didn't care, and we couldn't afford the medical treatment needed, so she died a slow and painful death. Watching her deteriorate has scarred me for life. It just proves that people can change at a drop of a hat.

  The man that used to kiss my booboos and protect me from the boogeyman is selling me into the sex trade. There is no way in hell that is going to happen.

  The veterinary's office was slow today, so I cleaned all the pens and took care of the boarded animals. I love working with the animals. You know what you are getting, with no false pretenses. I started working there in high school, taking care of the kennel side of the business. It was a blessing that I came home early, or I probably wouldn't have found out until it was too late.

  I walk up to the library and head inside. I need to do some research and work out my plan. I can't use the computers at home, or someone might realize what I'm planning.

  Sitting down at a computer, I pull up my checking account and see that, after all the bills I paid last month, I only have $1,000 dollars to my name. I might be able to save another $500 before I need to leave, but I can’t leave Sean high and dry. Wherever I go needs to be affordable, and not in an expensive area.

  I search for well-kept, budget-friendly locations and, after a little while, one catches my eye. The town is named Vixen Falls, and it has the most majestic waterfall I’ve ever seen. That's it! That's where I'm going to go.

  Suddenly a cabin close to the Falls popped up. The rent is super cheap, but it appears to have been vacant for a while and needs updating. Beggars can’t be choosers, so I email the address listed and sign out. I need to get home before Dad starts looking for me. I wish it was out of love, but I know now it’s only because I'm his investment.

  Two

  Brayden

  Could this day get any worse? After a long day at work, all I want to do is come home and relax, but my family just lets themselves in. That’s the problem with living on a compound with your family. They just come over whenever they want.

  “Please tell me you realize next week is five years since Dad’s passing,” my middle brother, Jacob whispers, so Mom doesn’t hear him.

  Oh crap! This is our planning session for his memorial. “No, I didn’t forget. It just slipped my mind,” I hiss at him.

  He shakes his head in disappointment. “Bray, you’re our leader now. Get your shit together. This is inexcusable.”

  “Remember who leads you. Do not talk to me like that again!” I push him a little harder than necessary, trying to reinforce my point.

  That’s the thing with dragons; you give one an inch and they take a mile, even if it is your family. Jacob looks at me and nods, backing down.

  “Look, this whole heading up the construction company is wearing on me. I wish we didn’t have to employ the humans, but I know it’s a necessary evil,” I say, rising out of my seat and heading into the living room to join the rest of the family.

  I walk over to Mom and kiss her cheek. Her eyes are filled with immense pain. My father had ventured too far from the Falls one evening, when he had heard someone crying out for help. A woman was being attacked by her boyfriend, and he swooped down and saved her. Exerting himself too much, he died saving a woman who picked a mate that beat her.

  I miss him terribly and wish he were around to provide advice. He was our leader, and now it fell on my shoulders, being the oldest and largest of his sons. I try not to show weakness in front of the family, but there are some days his loss tears me apart. Mom smiles tightly at me, patting my cheek. “You’re such a good son and leader. We just need to find your mate,” she says.

  “Oh, Mom. Don’t start that again. If I had a destined mate, I would have found her by now. I’m over one hundred years old now, so let's just drop it,” I sigh.

  “I know, dear. But maybe you’re the exception to the rule. Your father would be so proud of how you’ve stepped up to the plate,” she replies.

  “Speaking of Dad. How about we plan his memorial? I think we should all unite and have a clan dinner. His favorite was steak, so let’s serve that. At midnight, we will take flight and follow his favorite route,” I suggest.

  Mom nods and murmurs, “Perfect. Those were his two favorite things.”

  As usual, my little brother, Dave, arrives late and struts into the room. “Don't worry. I heard everything on my way in. Dad would love it. However, everyone is still going to ask why you haven't selected a mate, since you don't have a destined one. You’ve been a leader for a while now, and we all know a good leader has a mate by his side,” he goads, wanting to get a reaction.

  My dragon intensely growls. Even if my human side wanted to just choose one, my inner beast wouldn't allow it. There are only a handful of dragons that choose their mate, and have no problem.

  I ignore the little shit, and walk back into the kitchen to grab a beer. Mom follows me in and pats my shoulder. “Goodnight, son. I can see you had a rough day, so I won’t keep
you. Let me know if you want to talk… and be nice to Dave. He looks up to you.”

  I shake my head as I watch her leave. Now I've got to get the rest of the family out, so I can relax and watch some soccer.

  Three

  Leah

  I walk into the house and Dad is jittery, since I'm a few minutes late. “Where the hell have you been?” he yells.

  I take a deep breath. “Dad, I'm just ten minutes later than normal. It just took me a little while to leave.”

  He is annoyed; I can hear it in his tone. “Don't let it happen again. Do you understand?”

  I nod my head and look down. It hurts too much to look him in the eye. I walk quickly to the kitchen so I can grab something to eat, and find that the pantry is bare. It's too late to leave and grab something, so I'll go without. Again.

  I sigh and head to my room. I hate this house and miss the one we used to live in. I plop on my bed and pull out my phone to check my messages. Much to my surprise, the company with the house has already emailed me back.

  Hello Leah,

  We’re happy that you are interested in renting our house. It is available at the end of the month. Please just mail your deposit, along with your credit references, to the address listed in our signature.

  Let us know if you have any questions in the meantime. We will notify you if we run across any problems. Otherwise, we look forward to doing business with you.

  I squeal internally. Yes! The first step in my plan is done. I'll run by and get a cashier’s check first thing in the morning. Some of the worry falls off my shoulders. I’ve got this! I can make it on my own.