by Aaron Henley
Becca’s jaw dropped in shock. “Mom! That’s incredible! I didn’t know you did that. Could you afford it?”
“Becca, for what he did for us, it was a small price to pay. Remember dear, I’ve been around since the concept of money. We’re pretty well off. Besides, it’s only money. Nothing is as valuable as the life he gave for me. But still honey, what’s eating at you? Is it Steve? Because if it is bothering you that much, just tell him that you want to be with him sexually and that it’s okay to spend the night together if that’s what you both want.”
“No Mom. We both want to wait. As much as I complain and bitch about it, it is what I want deep down. We’ve waited this long and it’s only going to be a few more weeks, maybe a month or two, when Daddy recovers.”
Kiera sighed. “I know you want him there baby. I do too. From the time you started playing “Family”, we both pictured him walking you down the aisle. But, that may not be possible. He wouldn’t want you to put your life on hold for his sake. Your happiness means more to him than anything.” Becca started to interrupt but Kiera hushed with a finger to the lips. Don’t decide anything right now but think about this. If we get home and there’s no improvement, will you agree to having the wedding soon? Steve won’t mind; he just wants your happiness as well, especially if you explain it to him. I can see it’s tearing the both of you apart. So think on it, please? For me?”
Becca nodded. “It’s not just Steve Mom.” She looked over at the mirror. “I’ve been stuck like this for so long, I’m starting to forget the real me.”
Kiera nodded silently. “Come here sweetheart. Stand with me in front of the mirror.” Becca let herself be dragged over and the two women looked into it. “Please. Tell me what you see. Be honest. I promise that you can say anything you want and I won’t be upset. Okay?”
Becca nodded and was silent for a few minutes. “All I see is a monster Mama. A winged freak with a bad sunburn. I thought it was cool at first you know? A big, badass dragon lady! Spitting fire and kicking ass! But having to live like this,” she waved her arms to indicate the bedroom, “completely isolated from everyone. I hate it Mom. I hate not being able to go out and watch TV in case Emily and Marisol pop in unannounced. I hate not being able to go outside and watch my fiancé work out without a shirt on. I hate not being able to be home with Daddy. I haven’t even seen him since the rehearsal dinner. I’m scared Mom. I’m scared that when I get back, all I can do is say goodbye. Knowing everything I do for work doesn’t help me, it just makes it worse. I know what can go wrong. I know the odds. But you know what scares me the most Mom?” She paused for a moment to take a breath. “The same thing that is scaring you too. We both have to tell him and show him the whole truth. What terrifies me is that when he sees me like this, he’ll run away too. I love you so much Mom but right now, right this instant, I wish I had died so I wouldn’t have see myself like this.” She hung her head down. “I just wish I knew who I was now,” she whispered.
All Kiera wanted to do was embrace her daughter, to pat her on the snout and tell her it would be a week, two at most before she could resume her human form at will. But that wasn’t what she needed right now. Fortunately, Kiera had the answer.
“Becca, close your eyes.” Kiera ordered.
“What Mom?”
“Do it. There’s something I want to show you.”
Becca closed her eyes and waited. She expected to hear fabric rustling so her mother could shift. Instead, she heard Kiera rummaging through something and felt a coldness wrap around her neck. “Mom---”
“Don’t open your eyes. Trust me Becca.” Kiera then stood beside and held one claw in her hands. “Okay Becca. Open your eyes.”
She did and gasped in surprise. What she saw in the reflection wasn’t a dragon hybrid but her. Her long auburn hair resting on her shoulders in waves, her small button nose that drove Steve crazy, everything back to the way it was. Her eyes traveled down and she saw she was wearing her EMT uniform. The bright blue uniform shone in the afternoon sunlight. She couldn’t believe her eyes. The only thing strange was a small locket hanging from the end of a golden chain.
“Mom? How---What?”
“That necklace you’re wearing dear. I originally had it made for you to wear on your wedding day. Kurt pulled a few strings with the Seattle Wizard’s Guild office and we had it enchanted. It’s only a glamour, you’re still quite red and scaly right now. It was so you could go and do what you were born to do until the transformation is complete. This is who you are Becca. This is what your father and I see everyday and we couldn’t be prouder dear. The glamour is only temporary and you still need to watch where you swing your wings and tail. It’ll wear off long after you can shift on your own. However, the enchantment is permanent.The chain will stretch or shrink no matter if you’re human or dragon. Here, let me show you what’s in the locket.” Kiera pressed the latch on the top and the locket sprang open in two halves. In each half was a picture of her mother and her father. “This is so you can always keep us close, no matter what the future may hold. There’s an inscription on the back dear.”
Kiera turned it over and Becca read it out loud. “To our beloved daughter. You are the best of us, now and forever. Dad and Mom.” She swallowed a little. “Mom...I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay sweetheart. You just needed a little kick in the pants that’s all. Now come with me, we’re going outside for a nice long walk. Anyone asks, you’re my emergency caregiver.” Becca laughed so hard, the knick-knacks shook on their shelves.
“Whoops. Better watch that roar of mine.”
“Oh, it’s not so bad dear. It works to scare off thugs and bullies, and, from what your grandmother told me, can drive a mate wild.”
“Oh? How wild?”
“Done right dear, he’ll last the whole night and then some.”
“Really?”
“That’s what your grandmother told me. If anyone knew about mating, it was her. You think I’m bad? You should have seen her! My scales didn’t start out as crimson. It took her constant and quite vocal badgering to mate with every male in sight to do it! I’m pretty sure my scales changed due to the permanent blush I had back then. At least I’m not badgering you for grandchildren every thirty seconds. I swear I learned how to control my cycle purely out of self-defense!”
Becca howled again, she couldn’t help it. She finally found out there was someone who had gotten under her mother’s skin! She didn’t that was possible! “I wish I had met them.”
“Me too Becca. You would have loved meeting your grandfather. He was the loudest and angriest dragon you could ever meet on the outside and full of cotton on the inside. You’d have him wrapped around your finger in no time. I know I did. They’re still alive as far as I know but we just aren’t able to meet with them anymore.”
“Why Mom?”
“It’s a long story but we can talk about it on the walk. I’m not keeping anything from you anymore.”
“Considering all we’ve gone through, that’s an understatement.”
Chapter 30
Everyone spent the day of the raid getting all the final preparations ready. Gear was checked and double-checked. The bikes were fueled. Lexi was particularly busy with her equipment as Bob stood near her like an overprotective bulldog. She was the most important piece of the raid and so no one dared disturb her. Kiera and Becca helped by preparing meals for everyone; Kiera getting rave reviews from the bikers for her cooking. Steve mainly was tasked with grunt work as Kurt and Ayla ordered him to one task after another. Evening fell. Everyone rolled their bikes out to the courtyard. They were all dressed in the same black leather that Steve had seen the night of the first raid. Lexi had told him that it was a modified kevlar she had come up with. Everyone gathered in a circle as Kurt waved them over.
“Let’s go over the plan one more time. Everyone knows what to do but we can’t afford any screw-ups.” He didn’t look at Steve but the young man still winced and bowed his head. �
�According to Bob’s outside recon, they’ve added a lot more guards and beefed up their equipment considerably. We aren’t dealing with nightsticks anymore. Expect serious firepower. When we breach the perimeter, Ayla and I will go first. We’ll take out the patrols and give the all-clear. Lexi, expect them to have bumped the locks to more than a simple tumbler. You got the gear you need?” The gnome nodded and patted the large knapsack lying at her feet. It was too big for her so Bob would be both guard dog and pack mule. For her, he wouldn’t have it any other way. “We head for the mainframe like last time, through the offices, the garage, and then to the server room. It’s the straightest shot and we can’t afford to waste any time. Once we hit the server, everyone guards Lexi like she’s the President got it?” Everyone nodded. “Mark, Michelle, you provide support as you can. Cub, once we’re inside you stick to me or Ayla like white on rice. Got it?” Steve nodded, his face grim. “We get in, get the data, get out. Quick and clean. Any questions?”
“About the guards---”Michelle let the rest of the question speak for itself.
“Non-lethal. These are just regular joes working for a paycheck and we’re the criminals. They don’t know what’s really going on.” Kurt let out a deep breath. “That said, if they press the issue, I don’t want to bring home a corpse. Clear?”
Everyone nodded.
“All right. Just one thing left to do then.” He turned to his lover standing to his right. “Ayla?”
The elf nodded and stepped forward. “Steve. When you first met us, you were a stranger. Since that time, you have proven yourself to be a friend and ally. As such, we offer you an invitation to join the Dragon’s Bane. You would become more than friend, you would be family. If you need us, we would answer the call. Do you accept?”
Steve’s eyes widened in amazement and he took a step back in disbelief. He couldn’t believe it. He didn’t think he was worthy of the trust being offered him.
Rex was spinning in circles. You earned it Steve. I already know what you’re going to do next. Just do it.
A boyish grin split his face, “Yes. I do. Thank you.”
Ayla smiled. “Then hold out your hand Steve.” As he did so, she drew a knife from a sheath on her hip and Kurt stepped forward his hand outstretched as well. She continued, “Blood binds family and so we now bind ourselves to you as you bind yourself to us.” She ran the knife’s edge over both the men’s hands drawing a thin sliver of red. She stepped back and Kurt took Steve’s hand in a strong grip and then backed away. She then cut her own hand and repeated the handshake. The rest of the gang did the same. Becca and Kiera were watching the whole proceeding and there were tears in both women’s eyes. They knew just how much the gang had come to mean to Steve and to them. Yet one of them knew something more.
That wasn’t just some blood oath they took. Kiera thought. Those words she used. I haven’t heard that since the time of the Rebellion. I can feel the slight twinges of magic as well. They really are binding themselves to him. If they need him or he needs them, nothing in the world would stop them. There’s much more to this Dragon’s Bane than a simple motorcycle gang. I think I need to have a talk with Kurt later.
Once the gang finished, Ayla put her knife away and announced. “Welcome to the Dragon’s Bane, Steve Harper, friend and brother.” She resumed her original place next to Kurt and everyone let out a howl and cheer of praise. Everyone came up to congratulate Steve, hugging him or slapping his back in welcome. Afterwards, they returned to their original spots. “Now there’s just a few more things to take care of.” She looked to her lover. “Kurt?”
The old werewolf stepped forward once more. He held a very large wrapped package he had gotten from the garage as everyone was welcoming Steve into the gang. “This is for you Cub. Wear it with honor and pride my brother.” He handed it to Steve.
Steve opened the package. The first thing he saw was a brand-new motorcycle helmet painted the same scarlet as Becca’s scales. He held it in his one hand, amazed at just how light it was. He knelt down and gingerly set it to the ground. Under the helmet, was a black leather vest like the rest of the gang was wearing. Ayla came over and offered to hold the box so he could put it on. The jacket had some weight to it due to the body armor but it wasn’t constricting or bothersome at all. Ayla placed the box down in front of him so he could pull out the final item and show it to everyone. It was their colors, the snarling dragon wrapped in flame with the gang’s name encircling it on the back. He flipped it over and saw a name patch sewed on the right breast.
“Cub,” he lightly chuckled. “Guess I’ll never grow up now.” He slowly folded the vest and put it back in the box. Tears ran down his cheeks and he wiped them away. “Thank you all. I wish Pops was here to see this because this is the greatest thing to ever happen to me.” He then glanced over to Becca and smiled even wider. “Well, second greatest thing.” He shrugged his shoulders. “No offense.”
Kurt laughed hard and everyone joined in. “None taken Cub. None at all. Just make sure we get those wedding invitations alright? Bob’s been going nuts to see the dress. He doesn’t trust anything he hasn’t sewn to be right and she deserves the best.”
“They’re already in the mail. Wait. Bob sews?”
“Who do you think did the embroidery on your vest?” Steve shook his head in disbelief. An orc that sews. Will wonders ever cease?
“I see Bob and I have a lot in common then Kurt.” Kiera and Becca walked over to the group. “I still don’t think it’s quite right and would love his input.” Both the orc and her grinned at each other. She went over to give her son a large hug. “Congratulations dear.” She stepped back and let Becca walk over. She had taken off the necklace as Ayla and Lexi had asked her to even though she wasn’t sure why. Kiera had fashioned a rough loincloth and breast strap for her daughter out of a few bed sheets to keep her daughter’s modesty intact.
“You look amazing baby. I’ve never seen you look so handsome and rugged before.”
Steve didn’t answer. He just grabbed the sides of her snout and pulled her head down to his lips. He slowly pushed his tongue into her mouth and ran it over the forks of her own. She returned the kiss just as hard and fierce. He had never tasted so good before. I guess there are some advantages to this lizard tongue of mine after all. They eventually broke away and he gazed up at her eyes. “I love you Becca Daniels.”
“I love you too Steve Harper.” She nestled her snout on the flat of his head. “Come back to me safe.”
“I promise.” He bent down and picked up his helmet. The rest of the gang had already mounted their bikes while the two lovers said their goodbyes. Steve walked over to the bike Mark and Bob had spent the day fixing up. He’d wondered why at the time but now he knew. He threw his leg over the side and looked back at the two women. Kiera was holding the box with his vest and Becca had one arm around her mother’s waist. The other she pressed to her lips and pointed at him. Steve nodded and did the same. He then put on the helmet and looked forward to where Kurt held the lead position.
Kurt started his bike and everyone else soon had their engines started. The purring motors sounded like warhorses softly knickering, waiting for the call to charge. “All right!” Kurt called out. “Let’s go!” Engines revved and the gang roared down the courtyard like knights charging into battle.
Chapter 31
The phone in his breast pocket rang and Edward Morris answered it. “They’re on the way sir. They just hit the freeway.”
“Excellent.” He hung up and dialed his mistress. The line connected. “Phase 1 is commencing.”
“Make it convincing.”
***
“How’s the helmet,” Lexi’s voice came over the built-in microphone.
“This thing is amazing Lexi! It’s like something right out of sci-fi!”
The gnome chuckled. “Thanks for the compliment! The communicator and heads-up display are only some of the basic features in your helmet. You’ve also got night vision and therma
l selections you can toggle using your tongue on those switches above the mouthpiece. There’s a couple other little tricks in there but don’t try them until you’re on solid ground first. I’ll walk you through a tutorial while we wait for the all-clear. Better not mess with the vision features either. Your natural vision should do fine until we get everything fine-tuned back home. I based the settings on Kurt’s but everyone's a little different, even werewolves.”
“Copy that.”
He heard Lexi chuckle again. “Someone feeling a little bit like a fighter pilot right now?”
“Just a bit. Wolfman clear.”
Lexi burst out laughing and didn’t stop until Kurt called out, “Cut the chatter. We’re only a few minutes from the depot. Engage silent running. Steve, that’s the large switch next to your throttle.”
Steve flipped it with his thumb and the roar of the engine died to a soft murmur while all the headlights switched off. “Lexi, you’re a genius,” he said quietly. The service road used earlier had been barricaded with a guard post installed so they had to stop before reaching the depot and walk the bikes into a grove of trees. They had a bit of a hike ahead of them but it passed quickly.
A second perimeter fence had been installed in front of the original with only a gap a couple feet wide separating them. As if that wasn’t bad enough, spotlights shone rotating beams of light while armed guards ran regular routes across the depot yard now. The gang waited in a drainage ditch as they watched a patrol approach. They pressed their bodies as low to the ground as they could to keep out of the guards’ line of sight.
Place looks like Fort Knox.