Finding Faith (Return 0f The Dragons Book 1)

by Grace Brennan

  The leash on his temper he’d been just barely holding onto snapped when Pops talked to Lindsey like she was nothing, like she didn’t matter. His grandfather had never given her feelings and opinions much weight, but he’d never spoken to her like this.

  Hell, he treated his dog with more respect than he did his own granddaughter.

  “You will not speak to her like that,” he spat, the anger in his blood and the heavy weight of his beast flaring hotter. “Talk to me how you want, but she’s to be treated with the upmost respect at all times.”

  “And just where is your respect for your elders, boy?”

  “You’ll get that when you earn it, old man, and not a moment sooner. And you’re delusional if you ever think you can make me do your bidding. You tried to force my father into that, and look what happened. He’s dead because of you. My mother’s dead because of you. Your so-called superior decisions bring nothing but death and destruction upon this family, and it ends with me, do you understand?”

  Chest heaving, he glanced at where his sister was staring with wide eyes. “I can’t stand to be in this house another minute. I suggest you leave, too. Spend the night at a friend’s house or something. Just get away from this conniving bastard. I’d rather you not be here while I’m gone.”

  Lindsey nodded swiftly, rushing out of the room and up the stairs. Ignoring his grandfather, he slammed his water glass in the sink, not caring when it shattered into a thousand glistening shards. Leaving it there, he stalked out of the front door, letting it slam behind him.

  He wouldn’t leave until his sister was on her way out too, but he couldn’t stand still, so he paced in front of his truck. Most of what his grandfather said was nothing he hadn’t heard before, in one variation or another. He always either ignored it or reiterated that he had no interest in multiple lovers, but this time, it’d been different.

  This time, Pops attacked not only Olivia, but his sister, too. And it pissed him off to no end, because neither deserved it.

  Lindsey flew out of the house with a bag hooked over her shoulder. Coming to a stop in front of him, she kissed his cheek. “Thank you for sticking up for me. I really appreciate it, more than you know, but don’t do it if it makes things worse for you. We both know his opinions on women. We’ve known since we were little. I’m not the one with a battle on my hands with him. You are.”

  Her smile was encouraging and sad, all at once, as she walked to her car and slipped inside. Starting it up, she gave him a wave and then backed quickly out of the driveway.

  Cody stared after her, long after her car disappeared, but he could feel eyes on him. Deciding the people watching had seen—or even heard—enough of a show already, he climbed in his truck and followed his sister out of the driveway.

  He still had time before he was due at Olivia’s, so he drove aimlessly for a while, his mind a jumbled mess of thoughts and emotions.

  He was still furious as fuck at his grandfather—both for the words he spoke about Olivia and Lindsey, but also at the way he was trying to force him into something he didn’t want. He’d always kept his cool with Pops, respecting his position in their family, and how much wisdom and life experience he could pass down.

  And since his father was gone, Cody had craved guidance from a male figure who’d gone through the same things he was.

  So what if they disagreed on a subject that became a major point of contention between them. That didn’t mean he couldn’t still learn from him.

  But he knew the truth now. Anything Pops could teach him was everything Cody wanted to stay away from. He didn’t want to learn how to treat women like they were less than men, and he sure as fuck didn’t want to be forced down the same path his father had taken.

  Like him, his dad hadn’t wanted anything more than one woman in his life. But he let Pops talk him into following the old ways, let him guilt him into it.

  And look what happened to both of Cody’s parents because of that.

  Cody wasn’t any of the things his grandfather accused his father of being. He wasn’t rebellious, weak, delusional, and he didn’t think he was better than his ancestors, or look down on them, because he wanted something different for himself.

  His dad hadn’t been any of those things either—the difference was, Cody refused to break like his dad did.

  He didn’t blame him for that, necessarily. He’d been the first of their people to buck tradition—or at least try to. He’d had no example to follow, or hell, even anyone to talk to about it who would understand his needs.

  His father had been an amazing man in most respects, but in that, Cody had no intention on following in his footsteps.

  And yes, maybe there were still things to be learned about leading a group of people like his. Centuries ago, two beasts blended together and created monsters in their wake, and while he felt like he knew enough to lead, he’d never been completely sure of his ability to do so.

  Because while he was a monster just as they were, his beast wasn’t even remotely the same as his peoples’. He barely understood himself most days, and that left him unsure of his ability to understand the others.

  But he had himself under control. He had no worries there. If he could do that, he could be the leader he was born to be.

  It was time to stop clinging to others because he was unsure of himself, unsure of whether he could get job done. He could do this.

  It was time to embrace his destiny.

  Unease coiled in his gut at the thought, but it wasn’t because he thought he couldn’t do it, or do it successfully. Once he put his mind to something, he didn’t fail. He’d just needed to embrace who he really was, and what he was born to do.

  The unease was because he’d finally found something—someone—that mattered more to him than anything else ever had.

  Olivia.

  He wasn’t blind to the pain and shadows in her eyes. From the moment he met her and felt that undeniable pull, he’d known he’d have to work to earn her trust. To make whatever haunted her, if not disappear, then at least not rule her life.

  To become the man she wanted by her side while she did that, and for every day that followed.

  And now, here he was, on his way to pick her up for a date. He was going to achieve those things, he could feel it. A future with her was right on the tip of his fingers.

  But now he had to acknowledge it for what it was, especially if he was embracing his destiny. That future with her, while right there, was also shaky and precarious, because his truths would send her running the moment she found out.

  And to live the life with her he wanted, he knew she would find out.

  It was inevitable, and there was nothing he could do to change that.

  Chapter 10

  Olivia

  Olivia was trying to concentrate on her book, she really was. It was damned near impossible, though. Cody was picking her up soon, and that was all she could think about.

  So much for the calming effects of a book, because her nerves and emotions were so high, they could touch the moon.

  Reaching up, she started to adjust her glasses before remembering she decided not to wear them. Well, decided wasn’t quite the word for it. More like, the other women forced her to leave them behind—just as they forced her to sit through a torturous hair and makeup session.

  The moment they all knew she was going on a date—their word, not hers—they’d been in a tizzy. Part of her was annoyed by it, and the unwanted attention and analyzation she was receiving because of it.

  But the other part felt warm and fuzzy inside. She’d never seen the dragons so relaxed and open, so excited and happy for something. There’d been moments of peace, moments of happiness they managed to snatch, but it had never been like this.

  The fact that she was giving that to them meant more than she could say. Maybe it wouldn’t last forever, or even very long—but in this moment, they weren’t thinking of how horribly wrong their lives had gone, or how damaged they thought they
were now.

  So, if they wanted to call this a date—even though it wasn’t—she’d let them.

  You’re a crazy bitch if you don’t think this is a date, her dragon said. You have to know that’s how Cody meant it. You’re just in denial.

  Frowning, she stared at the words on the page until they blurred. I think he’s just being nice to someone new in town, is all.

  Deeeeeenial. Everyone’s told you that man is attracted to you. It’s clear as day to everyone. You’re either seriously blind, or you’re refusing to admit the truth because it scares you. I think it’s the latter, but when have you ever been scared of anything? Quiet and lowkey, yes. Scared? Hell no. Get your shit together, human.

  Shit. Was that really it? Were the signs right in front of her face, but she was purposefully ignoring them because they scared her?

  Her gut said yes, and that truth stunned her as her mind quickly flipped through every interaction she’d had with him. How hadn’t she noticed? She’d been hyperaware of her surroundings, and every single person she came into contact with, since the kidnapping.

  To know she’d been so blind with Cody was worrisome on so many levels, she couldn’t even begin to count them. But what she knew for sure was that her heart was doing acrobatics at the thought that he liked her, too.

  Did that change anything between them, though? Now that she was acknowledging that he was into her like she was into him, did that change how she reacted to him, or the things she said and did?

  She wasn’t sure, and that wasn’t a thought she was comfortable with. She’d always been a planner, but since being kidnapped, she’d become OCD about it. She needed to know everything that was going to happen, and any and all possible outcomes.

  Not knowing was absolutely terrifying—but she’d be a liar if she said it wasn’t a tiny bit thrilling, too.

  If she thought her emotions were all over the place a few minutes ago, that had nothing on how she felt now. She was torn in so many directions, but one thought stood out.

  Maybe he’ll kiss me tonight. I hope he does.

  Shocked by the thought, she reached up to rub at the ache in her forehead, only to freeze at Sierra’s voice.

  “Don’t! You’ll mess up your makeup, and you look so fabulous, I just know you’ll knock him off his feet. Not that you don’t always look fabulous,” she added hastily.

  The shy dragon shifter was so reserved, always so worried that she’d say the wrong thing and make someone mad, that a lot of times she barely spoke at all. Not wanting her to think she was at all offended, she gave her a warm smile.

  “Thanks, Sierra. And thanks for the warning. I totally forgot I was wearing makeup.”

  Wishing for a mirror so she could check, once again, that she wasn’t too overdone, she glanced down. The dragons had dressed her too, allowing her to wear her ripped, dark wash jeans, but insisting she put on a black, off the shoulder top.

  Her slightly curled platinum hair gleamed against the blouse, and she had to admit, it made for a nice contrast. She’d fought them on the heels they wanted her to wear, though. She wasn’t ready to go all out, not yet. That was the one battle she won, and her feet were adorned with red flats, the color complimenting the minimal jewelry she donned.

  “How does it feel?” Sierra asked softly. “To take a chance and put yourself out there like this, after everything that happened.”

  “It’s terrifying,” she admitted, her voice just as soft. “But… it’s kind of exciting, too. To let go of the past enough to do something like this. I’ve never gotten a bad vibe from Cody, though. Not once. He seems like a genuinely good man. I wouldn’t have said yes otherwise.”

  “That’s good. That you can look forward instead of backward. And that he’s a good guy.” Giving her a small smile, she fell silent for a moment, her brow wrinkled in thought. “I’m not sure I could let go enough for that. I want to. But if I can’t even be in the same vicinity of a stranger, there’s no way I can do what you are. You’re so brave. I’ve always thought so.”

  “Give it time. After what we went through, half a year isn’t long enough for most to heal. Hell, it’s not enough time for me. I’m not brave, Sierra. At all. I’m just trying not to be defined by my past. Everyone moves and heals at different paces. One day, you’ll get there too.”

  Sierra gave her a smile that was just a bit forced, the corners of her lips trembling slightly. “I hope so.” Falling silent for a moment, she shook herself out of her thoughts and focused back on Olivia. “What are you doing just sitting out here? Are you that anxious to see Cody again?”

  Laughing, she shook her head. “I came out to read a new book I just got. I was hoping it would clear my thoughts and help calm me, but despite how good it is, I can’t seem to focus on it.”

  Sierra’s eyes lit up with curiosity as she walked closer. “Really? What are you reading?”

  Marking her page, she closed the book and held it up, showing her the cover. “This new book someone recommended to me. It’s a shifter novel, can you believe it? I didn’t even know they existed.”

  Steps faltering, Sierra stared at the cover, so many emotions flitting through her eyes so quickly that Olivia couldn’t catch them all. “Oh. Wow. That’s… awesome. Weird, but awesome.” Clamping her jaw shut as she started to ramble, she glanced at her watch. “I better get inside. Stuff to do, you know…”

  Watching with confusion as Sierra spun on her heel and quickly walked into the house before she could reply, she shook her head, brow furrowed. Glancing at her phone, she silently cursed as she saw the time.

  Cody would be here soon, and just knowing that sent so many emotions rioting through her that she felt dizzy.

  At least that explained Sierra’s actions. She was still too scared to be around strangers, and she didn’t want to let it show, so she took off before he could get here. Despite her attempt at subtlety, she hadn’t been at all successful.

  Putting her book on the porch swing, she stood, looking at the house with a frown. Her sister had been conspicuously absent—and not just while the others were primping Olivia, but the night before when everyone was abuzz at Cody asking her out, too.

  Concern welled up inside her. She and Fiona undoubtedly loved each other, but they had a long history of misunderstandings and clashing personalities.

  And that basically directly resulted in both of them being kidnapped.

  She didn’t blame her sister at all for what happened, but with her being so absent through all this, she couldn’t help worrying that the demons that chased her sister were back.

  History wasn’t about to repeat itself—was it?

  Panic and worry started to overwhelm her, and she was on the verge of calling the whole night off and finding her sister when Cody’s truck turned into the drive.

  Her panic instantly muted as he drove down the driveway, butterflies in her belly taking over. Excitement, nerves, anticipation—they all crowded inside of her.

  But none of the emotions she was feeling were negative, and that said so much.

  Just as he was getting out, Carlie opened the front door. “You’re gonna need this. Have an amazing time and do everything I would do in your position.”

  Catching the purse her friend tossed at her, she smiled wryly to herself. Carlie was trouble and that was the truth. There was probably nothing she wouldn’t do, so Olivia definitely wasn’t taking that part of her advice.

  Having an amazing time, though… that she was definitely hoping to achieve.

  Funny how once she let go and let her faith in life take over, she was so quickly on board with this.

  The sound of boots crunching on gravel met her ears, and she turned, her heart thumping in her chest as she met Cody’s warm brown eyes. Shaking herself out of her stupor, she walked down the steps to meet him.

  Stopping in front of her, he gave her that half smile she couldn’t resist, and she felt her knees weaken in response.

  So much for shaking herself out of
the daze she fell into the moment she laid eyes on him.

  “Were you waiting outside for me?” he asked, his smooth, slightly raspy voice twisting her insides.

  For a moment, all she could focus on was his voice and what it did to her—and then his question sank in.

  “W-what?” she sputtered, feeling her cheeks flush. That seemed to be a common occurrence with him. “No! I wasn’t waiting like a creepy stalker type, I swear.”

  The other corner of his lips lifted as his smile grew. “I never thought you were. I was just messing around.”

  Her lips tugged up even as she tried her best to give him a stern look. “Way to give a gal a panic attack,” she teased. She was a little rusty at joking or flirting, but dammit, now that she’d decided to try with Cody, she was really going to try. “For real though, I was passing the time by reading a book out here. It can get loud inside, so it’s hard to concentrate.”

  That was true, but it was only partially the reason she’d been outside. Still, a little white lie couldn’t hurt, right?

  He accepted her explanation with a nod, his eyes roving down her body and back up again in a way that sent tingles up her spine. “Understandable. You look amazing, by the way. I should have opened with that.”

  Her heart gave a little leap, and she was so flustered, she nearly came back with the whole, “Oh, this old thing?” line. Luckily, she bit her tongue just in time to stop the words from emerging.

  Instead, she followed his lead, letting her eyes trail up and down his body. Swallowing as her throat suddenly turned dry as dust, she hoped her voice didn’t come out in a croak. “Thanks. So do you, Cody.”

  He really, really did. His brown hair was a little messy, his stubble more filled it. He was wearing a light blue button-down shirt, untucked with the first couple buttons open, with dark wash jeans and shiny boots.