Fangs of Vengeance (Fang and Flame Book 1)

by Aaron Henley

  ***

  “According to the database, the truck is scheduled to pass through Chesterfield on Route 120 on its way to Seattle. From there, it heads to Toronto. My guess for the Seattle stop is for Amethyst to look over the merchandise,” Lexi scowled in disgust, “to make sure it’s worth the trip to Canada. We can hit it a few miles outside town. 120 is pretty deserted so we can set up an ambush fairly easy. We hit it hard and fast with Ayla, Kurt, Bob, and Michelle. Once we free the girls, Mark and Becca will be checking them over in the truck Kiera was nice enough to rent for us with Steve driving. I’ll be here running things while Kurt has command on the ground. We get everyone home safe and then we start planning on a trip to Mexico.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Well, most of us. I have it on pretty good authority that a couple kids want to get home and hitched asap. So it looks like we’ll have to settle for the wedding photos because I’m not ending up a dragon’s lunch!”

  Steve looked over to Kurt. “You sure? Becca and I can stay until it’s finished.”

  “No Cub. You’ve done more than enough. Go home and get married. The only thing you should be worrying about is just how long it’ll take you to get her into bed after the ceremony. I’ve actually been surprised you haven’t already started screwing each other senseless already. I’ve seen the way you two look at each other so enjoy yourselves. We’ll let you know how it goes. Just don’t forget to tell Richard “Hi” for me.”

  “Thanks boss. I’ll send you all a postcard from Hawaii.” He smirked. “If we get out of bed long enough to make the plane that is.”

  Kurt nodded. “You’re learning Cub.” He turned back to Lexi. “Good plan Lexi as always. Anyone have any suggestions or comments? Now’s the time.” Everyone shook their head. “Okay. The party starts tomorrow at 2:30PM. Let’s make sure not to miss it.”

  ***

  The semi-truck rumbled down the road peacefully. The driver had years of experience and knew his rig well. When two motorcycles flew by him on the two lane road, he was upset but used to those hotdogs who thought their little crotch rockets gave them the rule of the road. When one of them twisted to point a shotgun at him and fired into the passenger window, he panicked. He slammed on his brakes, nearly jackknifing the truck, as he unbuckled his seat belt and threw himself to the side. The truck skidded from one of the road to the other leaving stinking trails of burnt rubber on the pavement. The cab bounced off the guardrail sending a shower of spark flying. Finally coming a halt, the truck groaned and creaked. The driver cautiously raised his head and saw in his side mirrors two more motorcycles and a large box truck approaching. He raised his hands in surrender as the first two riders approached his cab.

  One of them swung open the cab’s door and pointed a gun. “Hands on the wheel,” the helmeted biker commanded. The driver nodded and did as instructed. The man then zip tied the drivers wrists to the wheel. “We’ll send someone along to pick you up in a bit.” He hopped down and started walking to the back of the truck.

  Kurt joined Ayla, Bob, and Michelle and the big orc broke the lock on the container. They stood back and Bob threw open the door. Inside was only a single passenger, a man with dark slicked back hair and a striped suit. The only thing more odd was that he was barefoot.

  “Not exactly what we were expecting,” Ayla said.

  “No,” the man said. “I imagine it wasn’t. My name is Edward Morris. This may not mean much to you but my mistress has stopped aiding the cartel with their little trafficking operation. She got the funds she needed to complete her goals so she ended their partnership. Rather firmly I might add. However, she has been most displeased with the loss of equipment and manpower that you’re responsible for.”

  Kurt replied, “I know that voice. You were there at the depot. Why didn’t you stick around? Afraid to get your hands dirty?”

  “Oh no. I can assure you of that. In fact, you most likely will not like just how much I enjoy getting my hands dirty. It’s been so long since I had a good fight.”

  “I don’t like the sound of that,” Michelle muttered.

  “Oh, don’t worry,” Edward replied smugly. “You won’t live long enough to care.”

  The four bikers instantly assumed a combat stance as Edward Morris suddenly shifted into a coal black dragonspawn and leaped out at them, roaring with claws outstretched.

  As Steve watched his friends try to dive out of the way, he yelled behind him. “Shit! We’ve got serious trouble out here. There’s a dragon hybrid!”

  “Fuck,” Mark called. “Get out there pup and help! I’ll try to provide some covering fire for all the good it’ll do. Time to see just bulletproof dragonscale really is.”

  Becca climbed into the cab and watched in horror as the dragonspawn slashed at Ayla, the elf narrowly dodging the razor sharp claws. “I’m going too.”

  “Becca, I know you want to help but you’re not a fighter Red.”

  “Steve, I may be the only one who can actually hurt him. What choice do we have? Look!” She pointed as they saw Kurt leap onto the dragonspawn; slashing and tearing with all his might but his claws just skipped off the dragonspawn’s scaly hide.

  Steve nodded, his face grim. “Be careful Becca. We’re playing for keeps on this one. Understand?”

  Becca nodded, her face just as grim. “I know,” she whispered. The two lovers leaned over and kissed quickly then got out of the truck. Mark had already run up the side and was pumping round after round at the dragonspawn but the bullets just ricocheted off the scale.

  Steve shifted and charged straight at Edward. He barrelled into the dragonspawn and both went tumbling down the road. It gave his friends the chance they needed to get away and draw their weapons, for what little good they’d do.

  Both werewolf and dragon got up and started tearing into each other. A mess of claws and teeth struck at each other. Steve was taking brutal punishment but he knew he was just being a distraction. He had to keep his opponent from seeing the large mass of red scales running towards them. Becca was right that she was probably the only one who could hurt this guy. Steve was also right that she didn’t know how to fight, let alone at this scale. Steve overextended a slash and Edward ducked his head and sank his jaws into Steve’s arms. The wolf howled in pain and tried to slash at the dragon’s eye with the other arm. Just then, Becca reached them.

  She jumped onto Edward’s back, clawing and tearing at his wings and managing to draw deep gouges into his flesh. He released Steve’s arm as he roared in agony and tried to use his arms and tail to pry her off. She wrapped her legs around his waist, clinging desperately as she continued slashing. He slashed at her leg and she fell off, a trail of blood darkening her scarlet scales. Kiera collapsed, grabbing her wounded leg.

  Steve went ballistic, eyes glowing amber, and he tore into Edward once more. Kurt soon joined him and both werewolves tried to wrestle the dragonspawn to the ground.

  Edward wrapped his tail around Steve’s throat and flung him off the road while he turned his attention to Kurt. A bolt of lightning smashed into his back, scorching his wounded flesh. He spun and tore a large gash across Kurt’s chest, sending the wolf to his knees. He sprinted towards Michelle as she was beginning to cast a second bolt when a large sword knocked him off balance. Bob came charging in, not wasting the opportunity his blow had granted with Ayla right beside him.

  Michelle hurled more lightning while they tried to keep him off balance, their blades a whirl of steel. He backed up a step and then Steve was back on him, a large bloody hole in his chest. They managed to halt Edward’s attacks as all he could do was cover himself from their blows. Becca came storming in, claws swiping as hard and fast as she could move them.

  Edward was in trouble and he knew it. The only real damage he’d suffered was from that dragonspawn bitch. He’d greatly underestimated her, thinking she was no threat. As she hit his snout, tearing through his right eye, he realized just how wrong he had been. He roared in pain, hands reflexively moving to his injured eye an
d Becca took advantage of it. She tore into his chest while Steve and Kurt assaulted his back and wings, trying to dig Becca’s gouges even deeper. Dragonscale is incredibly tough, but once you crack the shell, they’re just as soft as the rest of us. Blood gushed down onto the pavement, Edward’s knees wobbling. He fell to one knee but the assault didn’t stop. They had him down and they couldn’t let up for a moment. Claws, fangs, and blades all tore at the dragonspawn. Finally, Kurt got Edward’s head into a lock and began pushing it to the side with all the strength he had. Muscles and tendons bulged and tore, but, finally, a large crack echoed and the dragonspawn went limp.

  Kurt dropped the body and went down to one knee gasping. Mark immediately rushed over to tend to the wounded, his hands already glowing. Steve limped over to Becca who ran to him. When she got close, he went down to the pavement. She pressed her hands against his chest to try to stop the bleeding. “Mark! We need you here!” The dwarf looked over to Kurt who nodded and ran over. “What happened baby?”

  Steve gasped. “That throw threw me into some trees. Branch went straight through. Hurt like a bitch getting it out. Probably should have left it in and just broken the damn branch.” Mark ran up and began casting. The blood pouring from Steve’s wound soon slowed to a trickle then stopped. “Good thing we got the truck. Would be a bit hard riding around town looking like this wouldn’t it babe? Though if you want to shift back, I won’t complain one bit.”

  Realizing that she was totally naked, both as a dragon and human, Becca blushed. She folded her wings over herself. “Just keep your eyes to yourself Balto.” She ran a clawed hand over his muzzle. “Some things are worth waiting for.”

  “Yes ma’am. I think I can handle the rest from here Mark. Go take care of the boss.” The dwarf nodded and ran over to their leader who was leaning on Ayla for support. “Help me up babe?” She put his arm around her shoulder and helped him to his feet. She tried covering herself with one wing but it was too awkward. She’d be able to once she was by herself, until then, she didn’t really give much of a damn right then.

  “That was a tough bastard,” Kurt growled. He looked over at Becca. “If you hadn’t been here, we wouldn’t have stood a chance.” His gaze softened. “How are you holding up darlin’?”

  “Right now, I’m fine. Ask me in about an hour. I’ll probably be a blubbering mess when the shock wears off.”

  Kurt nodded and Steve piped up, “I’ll be there Becca. Count on it.”

  Sounded better in your head didn’t it?

  You should know.

  Yeah. Hey, sorry about earlier. It’s just when I saw Becca hurt---

  It’s okay Rex. When it comes to her safety, do whatever you have to. Her life before ours.

  Always Steve. Always.

  The battered gang started walking back to their vehicles for the ride home. Edward’s corpse had shifted back to that of a naked human male so at least they wouldn’t have to hide his body. Ayla put in a call to the police to report a hijacking and murder. They just started their engines when Lexi came over the com.

  “Guys, we’ve got company! Help!” Before anyone could reply, the sounds of gunfire came over the com and then switched to the hiss of static.

  “Lexi,” Bob yelled. “Lexi! Alexis!” Nothing but static answered him. The orc gunned the throttle and his bike screamed down the road leaving the rest far behind.

  Chapter 33

  Kiera was in her bedroom folding some laundry. She had just finished checking in with Dr. Hooper. There still hadn’t been much improvement with him. Kiera thought about asking Mark to visit and try some of his healing spells to see if that might help. She dialed Richard to let him know what his grandson had been up to.

  After a few minutes of filling him in, he began, “So he’s joined Kurt’s pack then.”

  “I wouldn’t quite call it a pack Richard. There’s something---more---than that. I don’t claim to understand all the intricacies of werewolf social politics but I doubt magic is involved with any of them.”

  “Magic? What do you mean?”

  “This was a binding ceremony Richard. If any of them ask Steve for help, he has no choice but to aid them and vice versa. If he refused, he would begin feeling a pull to them that would grow stronger and stronger until he had no choice but to go.”

  Richard was disgusted. “So they tricked him into it? That’s low even for Kurt.”

  “I don’t think they realize it themselves, except maybe the twins. The currents of magic involved were very faint and only an experienced magic user would be able to feel them. I do plan on having a discussion with your brother about this though.”

  “Thanks Kiera. How’s your daughter doing?”

  “She finally finished the transformation process thank God. Though when it happened, it’ll make quite a story for the grandkids.”

  “Oh?”

  “Apparently it happened when she was alone with Steve. Though neither will say anything, when he came and got me his face was as red as my scales. I imagine he got quite the eyeful when her coverings slipped off.”

  Richard laughed for a good thirty seconds after that. “Nothing like a teaser before the movie starts. Surprised he didn’t take advantage of it though.”

  “I as well. He’s been quite gallant and firm about waiting. Becca on the other hand is practically climbing the walls. I have a feeling as soon as we get home the first stop after the hospital will be city hall.”

  “I don’t doubt it. In fact---” The back wall exploded next to her.

  ***

  Lexi’s heart dropped as she saw everyone’s helmet cams and the dragonspawn leap at them. Kurt’s went flying to come to a rest at an awkward angle as he threw it off but the rest of them kept her glued to the monitors. She didn’t dare interrupt, didn’t dare breathe even. All she could do was sit and pray. She was so transfixed on the helmet cams, that she completely missed the intruder alert on her side monitor. The obedient program then opened a window showing dozens of little dots circling the compound, steadily moving forward. One of the security cameras showed two carrying something toward the tavern.

  When the fight was over, Lexi heaved a sigh of relief. Then she turned her head and saw the alert. She grabbed her microphone and yelled, “Guys, we’ve got company! Help!” She saw the reflection of some troops in her monitor and dove to the side as they opened fire. The bullets tore across her workstation sending shards of plastic flying everywhere. Some of the shrapnel hit Lexi and tore into her. She screamed but she couldn’t worry about that now. She hid behind one of her server racks, hoping the equipment could provide some cover. She reached under it and pulled out the Baretta she had taped there never actually thinking she would ever use it. The fire stopped and she waited. That’s when she heard the explosion.

  ***

  Charlie had stopped by planning on cooking a victory dinner for his friends. Marisol and Emily wanted to help as well and the chef just couldn’t refuse them. He’d seen some of the worst humanity had to offer, but, when it came to thinking about the horrors Emily might have had to endure, his blood boiled. He always came running to the girls’ bedroom when Marisol awoke from the nightmares that plagued her. He would find the two of them holding each other tight and head to the kitchen to make something for them. Cooking helped calm him down, otherwise certain instincts would drive him into a killing frenzy over what had been done to the young woman. He fully intended to tag along with the rest of the Dragon’s Bane when they went to stop the ring at its source. He had a score to settle and he was getting quite hungry at the thought. The feeling of his fangs biting into one of them, his venom injecting itself--- Stop! Focus! He took a deep steadying breath. Emily walked over to him.

  “Charlie? Are you okay?”

  He forced himself to smile wide. “I’m fine my little chef. I’m just fine. Did you finish mixing the cake batter?”

  “Yep! It’s already for the pan.”

  “Excellent!” He turned over to Marisol working at the co
unter. “How’s the chopping going for the vegetables?”

  “Just about done Charlie.”

  “Wonderful! These are going to be some of the best kebabs you’ve ever had! Now, why don’t you take a little break and join Emily and me over by the cake pan. I’m about to tell you a little secret.”

  “What’s that Charlie?”

  He looked down at the little eight year old, his blue eyes shining. “After we pour the batter, all the chefs get to lick the bowl afterwards.”

  Emily’s face shone with a huge grin.

  “Of course my little chef. It’s a Charlie tradit---” the wall next to him exploded.

  He threw himself over Emily, trying to shield her. Dear God! One of the gas lines must’ve ruptured! I didn’t smell anything though! Doesn’t matter! Get the girls out first, questions later you old fool!

  He looked down at the girl in his arms. “Are you okay little one?”

  Emily coughed, her face stained with dirt and grime. “I’m okay Charlie. What about Mari?!”

  He looked around the shattered remains of the kitchen and saw a limp arm lying behind the counter. He prayed she was just unconscious. “I have to get you to safety first little one. Then I’ll be back for her.”

  “But Charlie---”

  He picked her up and ran before he had to answer the question, his heart breaking. He ran to Kurt’s office and placed her underneath his desk. “Stay here little one. I’ll be right back.” She nodded and he ran back to the kitchen.

  He reached Marisol’s limp body and pressed two fingers to her neck. Thank God. She has a pulse. The concussion must’ve knocked her out. As he lifted her in his arms, the smoke cleared just enough to let him see outside. He spotted armed men slowly walking towards the Howling Moon. That explosion wasn’t a gas line. I’m not going to have a choice. I only hope Kiera’s okay. Please don’t let Emily be frightened. She has enough nightmares without me becoming one of them.