“You’ve taken excellent care of it,” Saul commented.
“Of course I have. I remember the day you offered this treasure to me in trade, desperate to provide Brigid with the one gift that would earn her affection.” Watatsumi chuckled and restored the blade to its sheath. “Now you wish to have it back to earn another woman’s favor. What price will you pay?”
Saul sighed. “I searched high and low for an adequate offer, but we both know that you have come with something in mind, Watatsumi. What do you desire?”
“To speak with your mate alone.”
Saul crossed his arms. “Absolutely not.”
“Do you no longer trust in me or the validity of our friendship, Saul? I would sooner swallow lava from your father’s volcano than harm this woman and damage my honor.” Watatsumi scoffed. His twin servants shrank back a step.
Chloe laid her hand on her husband’s arm. “Go ahead, Saul. I’m not afraid of him.”
Her husband balked, but once she convinced him to leave the library, she shut the door. A niggling feeling told her they’d need privacy.
“Excellent choice, Chloe. I am pleased you are willing to hear out my offer.”
“Let’s hope it was a good idea. What did you need to say to me that you couldn’t say with my mate here?”
The dragon chuckled. “I have known Saul since he was an impetuous cub, quick to respond with emotion. I wished to know your thoughts alone. After all, the child grows within your womb.”
Chloe’s hands went automatically to her small baby bump. “My thoughts about what?”
“An offer I have in mind,” Watatsumi continued serenely.
“And what offer might that be?”
“The baby. I will grant you the sword in exchange for your infant.”
“My baby?”
“Yes. Such a rare creature has not come into birth in centuries.” The dragon’s lips spread into a wide grin, revealing each of his sharp teeth. His human guise melted like a wax figure revealing hints of the true form beneath. According to Saul, his father’s old friend was an ancient being among the eldest of their kind.
And none of that mattered to her. “Get the hell out.” Indignance quivered Chloe from head to toe. She snapped her arm out, finger pointing at the door. “We’ll make do without your sword.”
“Are you not a young and fertile female? Saul is a virile male. Young. You can make another in time.”
“You think you can come in here waving your offer around in exchange for my baby? Well to hell with you. I’ll find another way because this baby is mine and I’m not going to just trade her off like a piece of meat at the market.”
“Will you not consider it? Sleep on it, as you mortals say.”
“Abso-fucking-lutely not,” Chloe spat. “Get out. Get out now.”
Watatsumi bowed his head in respect. “Saul has chosen his mate well. You are a courageous woman, Chloe.”
“Get the — what?”
“I admire your tenacity. In all of my years, few humans have stood up to me. You defend that little one, and yet there are many dragon mothers who might consider my offer to vastly expand their hoard. You put our female kin to shame.”
Chloe swallowed the hard lump in her throat. Pressure compressed her chest with each inhalation. “I don’t understand. What was this? Some sort of test? Why?”
“Your mate intends to sacrifice himself to save you and the child. He will murder Brigid when they next meet, and by doing so, violate one of our oldest laws. He has called Teotihuacan here to bear witness that his act comes without provocation from you or any other resident of this home.”
“That’s why we need the sword. So I stand a chance against her.”
“Do you know the tale of Ascalon’s original owner?”
“St. George? I know a little of the story from bible school as a kid,” Chloe admitted.
“Quite different from the truth scribed in our history. He was born of a union not unlike the love between you and Saul, his mother a dragon and his father a Roman officer. Like many storm dragons of her temperament, she dabbled in human politics and mingled through their society.”
“So, I don’t get it, if his mother was a dragon why isn’t it in any of the history books?”
“My dear, we write history as we see fit. My kind have done this for centuries to protect our secrets. The modern world is not ready to discover the truth.”
Chloe shivered. If the leaders of the world knew about shadowy draconic figures pulling their puppet strings, they did an excellent job of hiding it. “Did he really die as a martyr?”
“That he did. It broke Theia’s heart to lose her human lover, but the murder of her son at human hands became an unbearable pain. Centuries have passed and yet she still slumbers. Such is what occurs when one of our kind loses a loved one. We sleep. We dream of better days and time spent with them.”
“He was killed because he wouldn’t convert faiths, right?”
“Ah, so you are not completely ignorant to the old stories. What else do you recall of your Roman history?”
“To be honest, I think I know more about Greek than Roman. I, uh, binge-watch a couple of old TV shows when I can’t sleep.”
Watatsumi chuckled and gestured Chloe to a seat. “The eldest of us once chose divine guises among the mortals and inspired the very tales that grace your textbooks and television shows.”
“And movies,” Chloe mumbled. “But this doesn’t explain why Saul doesn’t believe in Ascalon and thinks this is all some kind of weird folktale for your people too. He told me he traded the sword because he doubted in its power.”
“You are part of our world now, Chloe, and you must understand one important aspect of our natures. We do not tolerate change well. When Theia birthed her son, many elder dragons sought to make an example of her. She hid him among the humans as a normal child.”
“But why?”
“She had a mate. A tidal dragon like myself, chosen for her in the same manner as Brigid was chosen for Saul. Of course he was angered by Theia’s perceived betrayal, and swore vengeance against the mortal who spoiled her.”
Chloe leaned forward on her seat. “This is as good as a soap opera.”
“Her son grew up among the humans but she always kept watch over him. When he came of age, she forged him this sword with a piece of her soul and a mother’s love. A means to defend himself. He proved its worth when a dragon sought him out and he slayed it in one-on-one combat.”
“The dragon from the legend?”
“No. That was only his first.”
Holy crap. Saul and Mahasti did say that he killed more than one. “So the one in the legend...?” she prompted when Watatsumi delayed to imbue dramatic suspense.
“Theia’s mate,” Watatsumi told her. “The rest is as told in your stories. In his rage, he dried the city wells and claimed the only remaining spring as his lair. The people pleaded and begged but he was not swayed. He demanded tribute for use of his water.”
Subtle changes differentiated the stories from what Chloe learned in school. “So that’s when George arrived?”
“And slew him, yes.”
Chloe eyed the sword in Watatsumi’s hands. It’s true. It’s all true... “Will you help us?”
“Ascalon is yours.” The Asian dragon bowed at the waist and offered out the sword on his upraised palms. Chloe accepted it gingerly. In its sheath, Ascalon felt weightless and featherlight.
“Just like that?”
Watatsumi’s grin spread wider, losing the predatory gleam that once traced ice down Chloe’s spine. Mischief lurked in his expression, like a child eager to one-up his betters. His chuckle eased her heart until eventually, a nervous laugh escaped her.
“Saul has offered me several tempting treasures in exchange.”
“I don’t know the first thing about using a sword,” Chloe whispered.
“Ascalon knows all that it must. Trust in it, and it will guide you, Chloe.”
One
effortless tug drew the weapon from the scabbard. Sunlight danced over the silver edge and inner luster gleamed through the metal as if moonlight were captive in the blade. Magic. A dragon’s magic given from the heart, turned against her kin and fellow wyrms. It felt right in her grip, as it if belonged.
A mother’s gift to her son. And now, another mother was destined to use it to save her own child.
“Watatsumi, will you arrange for the duel to take place tomorrow?” Chloe asked.
“It shall be done.”
***
“So now there’s three of them on the estate?” Marcy asked.
“No, Watatsumi is away with Mahasti arranging for the duel to take place tomorrow. He has to pull some strings with their weird dragon council.”
“So, it’s Saul and his friend. Is he hot? Do you think—”
“He doesn’t like humans much. I think he’s only tolerating me because I’m the magical baby oven.”
“Hopes dashed.” Marcy snapped her fingers and swore, “Damn.”
“Sorry to bust your bubble.”
“So where are they?”
“You can look outside and watch them recreate a scene from The Lost World if you want—” As Chloe spoke, Marcy’s face nearly turned green. “Or stay here and drink coffee with me.”
Marcy joined her at the table and poured black coffee into a mug. “I don’t know if you’re any better after what I just saw you eat. Raw meat, Chloe? Ugh. What is this child doing to you?”
“Ha ha,” Chloe said dryly. “Anyway, all kinds of dragons are supposed to begin flying in soon. Saul’s inviting the ones he trusts. Brigid may be able to force her way into the house, but she can’t stop him from having guests.”
“And if she tries to harm you beyond the rules of the duel—”
“It’s an insult to their laws, and they get to kill her.”
“Almost makes me wish she would try something,” Marcy muttered.
Chloe snorted. “Yeah, well, if everything goes to plan she won’t get the chance.”
Marcy pushed back from the table and crossed to the window where she dared a brief peek outside while she sipped her brew. “Looks like they’re done rounding up breakfast. I see them chatting in the driveway and... holy crap! Saul’s buddy looks like those hot Colombian drug lords in the movies. How the hell does he keep a white suit so clean when he was just snacking on goats in a field?”
Balancing her cup of herbal tea, Chloe left the table and joined her. “I know. It’s totally unfair, right? Saul says most dragons are power players in business and politics. I guess Teo owns a resort somewhere on some island in the south.”
Marcy whistled. “Do you think he’ll at least f—”
“Marcy. No. What happened with Antonio anyway?”
“That movie date I cancelled—”
“You mean the one I stole you from?”
Marcy grinned. “Yeah, that one. I was going to end things anyway. This just sped things up a little... he didn’t like it when I canceled.”
“How come?”
“Eh.” Marcy shrugged. “Turns out he’s a real mama’s boy and that woman, I met her when we were in Galveston, remember? Well, she is very opinionated and he always goes with what she says. It’s frustrating as hell when your boyfriend blows off what he promised you because his mommy says otherwise.”
“Oh no. Yeah, fuck that. I guess I won’t have that...” I can’t say that’s not a problem anymore, Chloe realized. If I was going to live a normal mortal life, I’d never have the chance of meeting Saul’s mom. But if I win this duel with Brigid, I’ll meet her one day... While Marce grows old. Fuck. The stark reality of her new situation took the wind from Chloe’s sails and cast a dismal cloud over her mood.
Unless, maybe...
A fleeting, improbable thought slithered through Chloe’s mind. Another glance at Teo dashed her hopes. He made his thoughts about humans and half-breeds clear. There wouldn’t be a magical matchmaking session in Marcy’s future.
“Let’s go greet them. A couple more dragons should fly in this evening. I guess they do most of their big moving at night. Some of them have to board planes to make it to the States, though.”
“Wait, what? Dragons are coming from other countries too?”
“Oh yeah. I guess news about the baby has brought them all out of the woodwork. The oldest ones haven’t seen anything like this in centuries, and the young ones like Saul didn’t know it was possible.” Chloe wiped her clammy palms against her pants. Saul didn’t know about her deal with Watatsumi yet, and she dreaded telling him that the timetable had been moved.
Please let everything go okay.
In hopes of softening her mood with some light conversation, Chloe changed the subject and led the way to the stairs. “How do you like that dress Mahasti picked out for you?”
Marcy scoffed. “It fits like I wished for it.” Marcy’s vintage-style cream sundress fit snugly at the torso, sporting a built-in corset that enhanced her already fantastic breasts.
“It looks great on you.”
As predicted, Teo barely acknowledged Marcy’s presence beyond a cordial greeting. Chloe frowned and allowed it to slide.
“I need to speak to Saul for a moment, Teo. Alone. Think you can handle this, Marcy?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Marcy’s frown deepened. Chloe reassured her with a smile before moving off a ways with her husband and leading him to the kitchen.
“Good hunt?” she asked, while guiding him to a seat at the cozy dinette table. She poured a glass of lemon water and pressed it into his hand. The pitcher and four glasses weren’t there a minute ago.
“I’d forgotten how much I enjoy sporting with Teo,” Saul admitted. “He is an expert hunter.”
A hilarious image surfaced in her thoughts. She pictured Saul and Teo, two enormous dragons, crouched down outside of the cow pasture and whispering in cartoon fashion. Two draconic Elmer Fudds. “It can’t be that hard to track your own livestock.”
“We ventured off for wild game. Now, what did you wish to discuss away from our friends?”
“It’s about my talk with Watatsumi...”
“He said nothing of what you discussed beyond accepting my bid for the sword.”
“Yeah. I asked him to let me give you the details.” Chloe sucked in a deep breath. “I asked him to use his clout with the Conclave to set up the fight. For tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? Chloe, have you lost all of your senses?” Saul shoved both hands through his tawny hair. “You are not prepared. You know nothing of wielding a sword.”
“We spoke about it and according to your laws, I’m the one challenged so I get to set the date. Brigid knows that and I’ll just bet you she expects me to wait until the baby is born. And in the meantime, she’ll be here, living in our home, trying to make us miserable. Trying to...” She swallowed and forced herself to say the words despite the pressure it exerted on her heart. “Mate with you. I’m not going to let her spend even one day here.”
“Chloe, no. I cannot be swayed and you have nothing to fear of me mating with Brigid,” Saul said.
“I don’t have a choice, Saul! If I don’t fight, I’ll lose you to her.”
“I’d rather die,” he hissed.
“And I won’t let that happen. I won’t let my child grow up without knowing you, and I won’t let a flock of dragons dictate my life. I won’t!” Chloe screamed. She swept the glasses from the table and rose from her seat as fragments scattered across the floor. “I won’t... I won’t let it end this way. As long as I succeed, we can stay together.”
Saul left his chair to place his hands on her shoulders. “I cannot watch you die, Chloe. Please... don’t do this to me. Brigid is brutal, and I do not trust in the power of this sword. I would rather lose you and know you are well than watch you d-die.” A choked sound, suspiciously close to a sob came from Saul, shaking his muscular shoulders.
Not once in all of their weeks together had Saul ever revealed so mu
ch emotion. Not when she rejected him in the cave, and certainly not when she returned. A surge of protective instinct prompted Chloe to hug her dragon tight. She kissed his cheek and smoothed her fingers through his golden strands. “I love you, and I’m not going to let anyone ruin our happiness. I’ll gut her before I let her take you away.”
“Now you are sounding like a female dragon.”
“I feel like one.”
Saul slid his hand down her side to rest his palm over her stomach. “He gives you strength.”
“What makes you think it’s a boy?”
“Or she,” Saul amended.
“Watatsumi says to trust in the sword and it will protect me. I have to place my faith in it, Saul. I have to. It’s the only way to keep you and our baby safe.”
A flurry of angry Spanish echoed down the hall, interrupting whatever else Chloe had to say. She and Saul exchanged looks then hurried out the door.
“You’re a pretentious asshole,” Marcy seethed from the main room. Her voice traveled despite the vast and open space between the entrance parlor and kitchen.
Chloe sped up to a jog and hurried into the foyer where she found Marcy stalking to the door. “Wait, what? What happened?”
“I’m going... fuck I don’t know, for a walk. To get away from your husband’s jerk friend.” Marcy stormed outside without another word.
Chloe and Saul both whipped around to stare at Teo. Nothing about his behavior seemed to imply anything occurred in their absence. In fact, he had withdrawn a tablet-sized phone and appeared occupied with swiping across the screen. “Teo?” Chloe asked.
“What?” he asked, looking up from the device.
“What happened?”
“I will go to soothe Marceline,” Saul volunteered.
Teo’s green eyes flicked to Saul’s retreating shape, clear disbelief apparent on his chiseled, handsome features. “He goes to comfort a human?”
Without hesitation, Chloe stalked up to him and put herself in Teo’s face. “What did you say to my best friend?”
Mated by the Dragon (Loved by the Dragon, #2) Page 15