The sound of a safety coming off a gun was one Payton knew very well. She sat bolt upright and was wide awake within a split second of hearing the sound. The beach was completely dark and deserted, it was night.
“Fuck,” Payton said. “You fell asleep, Payts. Crap!” Looking left up to the beach and then right the other way, she couldn’t see much even with the reflection of a half-moon on the water’s surface. Looking at her cell screen she saw the time was a quarter after seven. “Jeepers, Payts,” she scolded herself. “Way to take a four-hour nap.” The sound of sand squeaking with the weight of something or someone very large made her blood run instantly cold. Getting to her feet, she tried to do a casual sand brush off as her eyes were searching to see into the dark inky blackness of the night, wanting to reassure herself that what she heard wasn’t what it sounded like.
“That’s the mark, boys,” the voice said.
Payton bolted as fast as her legs could humanly take her, up the beach in the soft sand. It didn’t take long for the burn to hit her thighs. Adrenalin pumped as she heard the huffing and puffing of what sounded like a number of large men running after her, Payton just prayed she was faster.
Pumping her legs, left then right, she ignored the pain that screamed at her to stop—the voice in her head that screamed she was going to die was far louder.
Payton’s terrified squeal accompanied the thud of her body impact as she ran straight into a massive male chest. Large hands wrapped around her arms as she screamed and kicked her legs out. Her body twisting as hard as she could against the tightening vice-like grip that had her firmly in its grasp.
“Let me go you fucking bastards,” she screamed as loud as her small lungs could handle.
“Payton?”
Payton suddenly stopped and looked up, and up further, until she looked into the worried eyes of Volos. She burst into relief laced tears at seeing someone she knew, her knees shaking as he took her weight in his arms.
“What’s wrong?” he asked cautiously.
“Someone’s trying to kill me,” she said between sobs. “They called me the ‘mark’ and I heard a gun click off the safety,” she said shaking like a leaf caught in a strong fall breeze.
“When was this?” Volos asked.
“Just now…” She pointed back to the way she’d run and Volos looked up into the dark night. Unknown to Payton he had supernatural eyes and could clearly see five large men standing back in the shadows, they didn’t think he could see them, but they were definitely armed and had the intent to do Payton great harm. He couldn’t risk leaving her unattended to go sort these dick whistles out in case there were more lurking in another area. He couldn’t risk taking her home, as they would most likely know where that was, and as soon as he left she would be taken care of.
Volos shook his head as he was about to break one of his own golden rules, he looked down into this small fragile human woman curled up in his arms and felt the deep need to protect her with his very life.
“Do you trust me, Payton?” he asked quietly, keeping his eyes firmly on the dark dangerous shadows that were slowly moving further back, but not leaving, more like biding their time for a more successful assassination attempt.
Payton looked up into the eyes that had captivated her from the very moment they had connected. Going against everything her logical brain said, she listened to her heart and said, “Yes, but you’re still a rude oaf.”
Volos nodded with a grunt of agreeance. “Hold your breath.”
“What?” Payton’s eyes went wide with shock as the cold water hit her body.
Payton managed to take a large breath moments before Volos dove with her in his arms under the surface of the water. Payton looked over his back to see a set of wings burst forth from under his shoulder blades, two massive scaled wings extended and pulsated in the water around her. Payton turned her head left and right to fully see the enormous span these wings had. They were the exact hue of a tormented ocean, a rainbow of blue toned hues, marbled across the delicate surface. Her eyes were drawn to the gold flecks starting at the base of his wings and growing until the tips were completely coated in a golden shimmer.
She looked down at his chest and the soft blue scales were spreading, traveling up his neck to his chin and down his chest to his arms. He was not completely covered, but enough that Payton could see he was turning into a dragon.
I’m being held and dragged under water by a dragon!
Her eyes went wide and panic set in as she started to struggle, her fists clenched and pounding against the powerful arms that held her tightly to his chest. Volos grabbed her chin and firmly turned her head to look at him. He mouthed, trust me.
Payton looked into his eyes, the pupil having extended to a black slit encased in the glacial blue orbs that first caught her attention. Against every logical thought she had, she nodded and prayed she would live long enough to kick him in the balls.
Attor, hear me now, Volos commanded with his mind, directly to his brother.
V? What’s up, man? Attor replied instantly.
Bring me a breathing bubble, Volos’ tone was urgent and abrupt.
Ah… okay… Attor was confused but knew it was better to do and ask later. Where are you, bud?
Volos looked at Payton’s face, her lips turning blue as her eyes screamed silently for air. On my way from the beach. FLY brother, it’s Payton.
Attor grabbed the bubble, hit the switch in the release chamber. Hearing the words, it’s Payton, confused him. Why would she be with Volos? And why would he be bringing her down here? Shrugging away his questions, the door slid open and his wings exploded from his back, and he flew like a bullet through the water.
Within a few beats of his wings he could see his brother’s massive wings beating powerfully through the water and the small human wrapped in his arms. Volos’ face was barely concealing his own panic at her lifeless state. Attor nodded at him as they stopped, suspended in the water, Attor pushed the breathing bubble over Payton’s face like a balloon of air that when he pushed hard enough melted around her head and gave her effectively a small bubble of air for a short time under water.
Volos gave her small body a squeeze and waited, Payton suddenly took a massive mouthful of air, arching her back in his arms. Volos held on tight while she took a second to gather her bearings. Payton looked into his eyes, a mix of shock and amazement crossing over her face, while a movement to her left made her turn. Her body hitching against Volos’ tight grip as she reacted to seeing Attor, his midnight blue wings were extended to a similar huge width as his brother’s. The dark blue of his scales that speckled his body were placed similar to Volos’s, the main concentration was across his back, and then lightened as the scales traveled out to his arms and chest.
Attor grinned at her as he gently beat his wings, hovering a few feet away from her. With one firm pump of his wings, Payton saw Attor fly up so fast she struggled to follow him with her eyes. Twisting in Volos’ arms as she watched him spiral and turn in the water, circling them as he pulled up to a hovering stance once more.
Fucking show off, Volos grumbled.
Attor wiggled his eyebrows and grinned at them both.
Payton turned to look at Volos, her breathing was heavy, as she battled to control her rising panic. Trust me, he mouthed again. Something in the way he said it, the gentleness that flashed in his eyes made her nod her head in agreement and wrap her arms tightly around his neck. The smooth, cool, feel of his scales was magical under her hands. Tracing a small circle with her fingertip lightly across the edge of his wing made him shiver under her. Sorry, Payton whispered into the bubble, removing her hand from his wing, as she firmly held on tight and trusted a dragon with her life.
If she touches my wings again I’m going to drop her, Volos confided in his brother as they flew down toward the Oasis.
That good, huh? his brother replied with a laugh.
Like nothing I’ve ever known, brother, Volos replied honestly.
So, what no
w? Attor asked.
I’ll explain everything. Let’s get her to our living room. I’m sure you and her both have a lot of questions, Volos responded.
Attor nodded as they both firmly beat their wings and flew with conviction toward home.
Payton looked up, her arms still firmly wrapped around Volos’ shoulders as the water flushed out of the chamber. Her eyes widened as she saw both boys’ bodies shiver, the wings retracting smoothly back under their shoulder blades. The scales that had speckled each of their chests and arms were now invisible. Releasing her hand, she ran her fingers along Volos’ neck and felt nothing but smooth wet skin. Volos shivered again, making Payton snatch her hand back, the sharp movement made the bubble around her head pop causing her to jump tighter in his arms.
“Sorry,” she whispered at having touched him uninvited.
Volos turned his head and growled into her ear—barely audible, “Please don’t apologize, it’s just been…” he swallowed, “… a long time since anyone touched me like that.”
Payton pulled back slightly to look into his eyes, the clarity of the blue was exquisite, and at that very moment in time she wanted to dive into his ocean and never return.
Attor cleared his throat and smiled. “Hey Payton…” he waved awkwardly, “… welcome to the Oasis,” he said while handing her a towel to dry off.
Volos reluctantly relaxed his arms and lowered Payton to the ground, watching her take the large white towel and wrap it around herself. He was surprised at how envious he was of that piece of fabric, his arms feeling empty without her in them. Attor flicked a switch and with a whoosh the door slid open. Beyond the door Payton could see a large room that had an even larger set of doors on the opposite wall. Through the doors, Payton could see the green of trees, the blue of a sky and the brown of soil, her forehead creased with confusion as she looked back at Volos.
“I’ll explain everything.” His voice was soft and he extended his hand for her to take. “If you will come with me.”
Payton nodded slowly, her brain was struggling to take everything in, but she felt Volos was somehow important. She couldn’t name it with any clarity, only that something made her place her hand in his. Dwarfed by his huge hand, her small delicate fingers wrapped around his and she nodded again. “Okay.”
Volos led her through the large common room for travelers coming to and from the Oasis, and out through the open door that led to the courtyard. Volos watched her reaction as she grasped what her eyes were seeing. She was surrounded by a stunning circular brick courtyard, the tall trees that towered high into the sky caused Payton’s head to tilt up, her mouth ajar with amazement. Volos’ eyes locked on her soft plump lips and he had an immediate intense desire to kiss her so deeply her toes would curl. Payton turned her head and caught him looking at her, she smiled as Volos cleared his throat and stood taller, hiding his embarrassment of being caught staring.
“This…” she looked around, “… is beautiful,” Payton said as she took in the local vendors bustling around the courtyard. There was food and homemade goods being displayed for sale, as the sound of music caused a smile to shine brightly from her face.
“This is home,” Volos said softly. Seeing a human look at his home with such awe and wonderment made him question himself. Payton dropped his hand and walked closer to a small garden, she leaned down and smelled one of the yellow roses that were in bloom, the sigh of delight caused him to shiver again. Flicking her head back to him, her eyes sparkled brightly with exhilaration. A soft breeze caressed her damp hair, her finger coming up as she hooked it back behind her ear with a coy smile.
He knew right there and then that fate had it perfectly correct.
Like it or not, destiny had brought him his life mate—a small delicate human female named Payton Hunter.
“I have so many questions, Volos.” Payton walked over and wrapped her hand back in his, a light squeeze was returned and he nodded.
“I can only imagine. This way…” He led her to their private common room, Attor had gone ahead to give his brothers a heads up that they had a visitor coming, and if any of them stepped out of line they would have Volos to answer to.
Volos led her down a few different corridors, where they finally turned into a large living room. Payton looked around and spotted a pool table in the corner, a very large television hung on the wall which was circled by two long sofas. Across the room was a table and chairs near the small kitchen area and a desk that was piled high with papers and an open computer notebook. The stone floor was carved beautifully in its patterned dragon design. Payton was in awe of the beauty that Volos’ home possessed.
“Payton, let me introduce my brothers, who all seem to be here conveniently waiting to say hello,” Volos spoke through gritted teeth, an underlying threat of death was hinted in his tone.
“Brothers? All of you?” Payton asked.
“You know Attor… he’s the second eldest.” Volos pointed to the brother she knew and had just seen in all his winged glory.
“I do, and thank you for the air balloon, bubble or whatever that was, my lungs are most grateful.” A soft smile flashed to the brother which he nodded his acceptance.
Volos continued as he pointed to the largest of the men who had stood up from the sofa. “This is Ladon, my middle brother.”
Ladon nodded. “It’s a pleasure, Payton.” He looked up and smiled. “You like games?” He held up the game controller and wiggled his eyebrows.
Payton laughed. “I have been known to rock out some Mario occasionally. It’s nice to meet you Ladon.”
“Yes…” Ladon punched the air with glee. “I like this one, V.”
Volos tried to smile through a building anger at the thought of Payton spending time reclining on the sofa playing games with anyone else but him. Distracting himself from causing bodily harm to Ladon, he turned and pointed to the man sitting at the desk—he was tapping away madly on the notebook in front of him.
“That’s Wyvern. He’s our baby brother and one heck of a computer wizard,” Volos said, as Payton walked over to him.
“Hi Wyvern, it’s lovely to meet you,” she said.
Wyvern stopped what he was doing and looked up at the guest. “Payton Hunter, it’s nice to put a face to the name,” he said with a genuine smile.
“Pardon?” questioned Payton.
“It pops up a lot in regards to C.O.D.E.” He turned the screen for her to see, the application filed with the Ministry.
“You’re investigating me?” Payton asked as she took a step back from him.
“Oh… no, no, no,” Wyvern said trying to calm her. “Not you, just the company you’re working for. But I’m sure Volos will explain it all to you. Especially now you’re here. Can’t hide it anymore,” he said.
Payton looked back to Volos with confusion creasing her forehead. “You will explain it all, correct?” she asked. “All of it?” Her hand swirling in front of her as she included present scenario in the ‘all’ that she meant.
Volos nodded. “Correct. I will answer anything you ask.”
“I ask a lot, I’m a lawyer.” She laughed.
“I’d even let you lead the witness.” He smirked.
“Oh my goodness, did you just make a joke?” Payton faked her shock as she smiled widely at him, teasing the oaf might yet prove to be her new favorite pastime.
Volos snorted. “It happens occasionally.”
“My name is Josua, you can call me Jo, and I’m extremely pleased to officially meet the beautiful woman that ran into me in a dark hallway.” Jo walked over, took Payton’s hand in his and kissed the back of her hand. Jo grinned broadly as he heard the growl emanate from Volos’ chest. Letting go of Payton’s hand he winked. “Protective, isn’t he?” Jo stepped back from Payton still grinning like a Cheshire cat having stolen the cream.
Payton smiled softly as she studied the fourth brother. He was so different from the rest. While the other brothers had glacial blue eyes, Jo didn’t, his we
re a solid white. Jo’s hair was darker and he had so much ink on him that it was hard to see any bare skin. He certainly was different, if she were to put words to him, it would be dark and captivatingly dangerous.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Jo.” She smiled softly, taken in by his uniqueness. Volos cleared his throat and Payton turned to look at him. “And you would be?”
Volos bowed his head slowly, closing his eyes as he introduced himself formally. “My name is Volos. I’m the first-born son to the king, and in line to take the throne one day.” He raised his head just enough to look her in the eyes. “I’m a warrior for the Apalala Clan, and I am, as are all of us… a dragon.”
Volos let the last word hang in the air as he watched Payton’s brain process what he’d just said. He didn’t think it would be entirely shock-worthy as he’d just taken her on an undersea swim with his wings out. Although sometimes someone actually saying the words can confirm the reality of what was happening right in front of your eyes.
“Dragon…” Payton whispered. She let the word escape her mouth, it had been sitting there since she saw the wings extend from Volos’ shoulders, but she’d been fearful of saying it out loud in case she was wrong.
“Want a glass of water, Payton?” Attor asked as he watched the color drain from her face. A quick nod from Payton and he turned toward the kitchen. Volos followed his cue and took her by the hand, walking to the sofa, where she sat down heavily.
“Sorry, it’s just been a big day.” Payton made an excuse for her public display of weakness, she hated being seen as anything but fierce and independent. Attor appeared at her side with a tall glass of clear water and a few ice cubes floating on top. She looked up, struggling to smile as she reached for the water. Payton dipped her hand in it and wiped the cool liquid across her brow, and while closing her eyes she took a few large mouthfuls. Feeling the combination of cold on her face and down her throat seemed to be working, as she could feel the fuzz clearing from her eyes.
Payton opened her eyes and pulled back slightly at seeing all five brothers, staring intently at her with fully focused attention. “What?” She tried to sound light and jovial. “Never seen a girl swoon over being in the room with five of the most handsome dragons she’s ever seen?”
Immersion (Apalala Clan Book 1) Page 12