Lucien: Dragofin Mated: Book 2 (Dragonfin Clan Mated)

by Mychal Daniels

  Quinn bent down, picked up a few of the larger pieces of gravel rocks and hurled them at his back. Her aim wasn’t the best. The rocks hit both him and the woman in the back. As if on cue, they both stopped and turned. Craig remained still, looking at Quinn with a mixture of disgust and annoyance. That woman stalked toward Quinn and Wren. She flashed a glint of something in her eyes that sent a shock of terror through Quinn. Covering the distance before Quinn had time to react or run, the woman grabbed her by her arms.

  “Don’t you ever do that again. I’m not someone you want to fuck with, you little fat, black bitch,” she almost spat in Quinn’s face. Not bothering to allow Quinn a chance to say anything else, the woman shoved her so hard, Quinn flew through the air. Her back clashed with a large tree.

  “Oomph!” Quinn landed face down on the rough gravel.

  With the wind almost knocked out of her, it took a moment for Quinn to get her wits about her. But it took less than a nanosecond to know all her attraction to Craig had been lust or a mirage of her love of the idea of him. All delusion that he’d ever wanted her had and shriveled up and died.

  Stings from cuts started to smart when she attempted to get up. Wren was by her side in an instant. By the time Quinn sat up on the ground, there was another woman there helping her as well. Craig’s new girlfriend loomed a few feet away throwing shade at them with a menacing look. It was a blur how Quinn made it back onto her feet. There looked like the new woman gave Craig’s girlfriend a strong signal to back off. From the vibes, the new chick threw off, that had been pure wisdom on the part of Craig’s THOT to keep her distance.

  “Are you okay?” the new woman asked, almost single-handedly lifting Quinn up to stand.

  “I’m okay. Need to get to a restroom and clean up,” she managed to get out. “I feel like I lost a schoolyard fight before it got started. Too bad, I didn’t get her name before they left, or I’d be forced to call her out and whup her ass.”

  “So you say,” Wren said, relief evident in her voice.

  Both Wren and the new comer focused on her cheek that was on fire now. “What is it?” Quinn didn’t like how large their eyes were.

  “It’s not that bad, promise.” Wren stepped closer to pick tidbits of gravel out of the cuts that burned her cheeks. “Once we get some antiseptic on this, you’ll be fine.”

  Wren’s assurances came fast and full of too much optimism. Quinn knew when Wren was trying to make light if something. This was one of those times.

  “I’m fine, more embarrassed than anything. I’ll go back to the ladies room in the Diner and get it cleaned up.”

  Quinn looked over to see Craig and that woman had made it back to the front of the Diner, and were going in.

  The new woman at her side spoke up. “That may be so, but you’ve got dirt and gravel in those cuts. Let’s get you all over to the gym over there and get you cleaned up. She pointed to a copse of trees. “No use going back in there and running into those two again. I promised my mate I’d be on good behavior for the new year. Wouldn’t want to make myself out a liar by killing them. I hate when people gain up on others.”

  Quinn instantly liked and admired her. The new woman was tall, curvy and a woman of color like them and was no one’s punk. Yeah, Quinn wished she could stick up for herself better than today. Sitting on her busted ass for the world to see wasn’t her best look. This day wasn’t going to knock her completely out. Shaking off the incident with a shrug, she decided to push onward to the next plan. No meant next. There had to be another way to get the money she needed.

  Wren turned her attention to the woman and extended a hand, “Thank you for coming to help. My name is Wren Douglas and this is my friend, Quinn Bradford.”

  “Nice to meet you,” the woman said, extending her hand out to shake each of theirs. “And my name is Hildy Newton. Pleased to meet you. I saw you from across the street. When that woman and man ganged up on you two, I had to come over and see if I could help.”

  This time Quinn spoke up, liking the woman. “Thanks for doing that. I didn’t expect our conversation to degrade so fast.” Looking back at the busy Diner, she said, “I guess I should be angry with them, but to be honest, I feel like a weight has been lifted. I did what I came to do and now I’m moving on. They’re not worth my trouble. I can make more money without getting my ass handed to me.”

  A cool gust of wind licked at their backs, sending shudders of cold through the women. “This January weather isn’t friendly to chats outside. Hold on.” Hildy texted someone. The response was quick, producing a smile on her beautiful features. “Good—he’s not going to be back for a few hours.” She looked back across the street. With a conspiratorial gleam in her eyes, Hildy added, “The gym is open for you to come over. You need to get your cuts cleaned, and I’d love to give you two some quick self-defense lessons. You never know when bullies will turn violent. It’s better to be ready than to hope it never happens. So what do you say?”

  Wren and Quinn looked at each other and then down to Quinn’s knee. It bled through her scraped and shredded pants.

  Wren spoke up. “Yeah, that’s fine. Lead the way and we’ll follow you.”

  Hildy looked around. “Where’s your car? It’s best if you drive over and that way you won’t have to worry about coming back over here afterwards. You never know if you’ll run into them again.”

  “True, but I don’t see where you’re trying to take us. I don’t see anything over there,” Quinn said, looking across the street where Hildy had pointed to earlier.

  Smiling as she began to push Quinn in the direction of more cars in the parking lot, Hildy said, “Yeah, that’s for a reason. Trust me, there’s a huge building over there. It’s hard to see it from here. And no, I’m not some serial killer either. I don’t like too many people, but for some reason, I like you two. Plus, I don’t ever want to see such a pitiful fight ever again.” Looking at them, she added, “Quinn, you suck bad at recognizing when an enemy is about to attack. And no offense, Wren, but your flanking skills are non-existent. Hate to say it, but right now angry toddlers could most likely beat y’alls asses.”

  Quinn couldn’t believe how brazen this Hildy was. Still, she did have a point. It was pathetic. Both of them had crumpled like wet paper when that woman had shoved her. Maybe Hildy was right. What could it hurt to let her show them a few moves? When Hildy had shown up, the other woman must have realized the threat. She backed off and both of them hightailed it back inside the Diner.

  They made it to the car. Opting for the back seat of her own car, she gave the keys to Hildy to drive. Quinn wanted to cry like a baby when her knees and the palms of her hands burned like fire getting back there. This day had been worse than she could have ever imagined.

  The drive was short—literally across the street—and then they were parking close to the it. Quinn focused on trying to keep the fabric remnants of her shredded pants out of the bloody gashes of her knees.

  “We’re here,” Hildy said when Wren parked the car. Hildy jumped out and helped Quinn out of the back seat. When they were all out the car, she said, “Before I take you inside, you have to promise me on pain of a beat down from me that would be far worse than the little push Miss Thang over there gave you, that you’ll keep everything you see quiet.”

  Wren and Quinn swapped concerned looks. They continued looking at each other, trying to communicate almost telepathically. Quinn could see the wheels turning in Wren’s head as she was most likely trying to decide how delusional the woman was. Seemed like Hildy believed there was something here. Quinn decided to play it out and see what happened. Excitement of the unknown teased and flirted with her. Either Hildy was cuckoo and about to invite them into an elaborate show of adult make believe. Or something amazing and possibly life changing was about to happen. Her life could definitely stand a change from the ordinary. What could a little detour off the beaten path hurt?

  She spoke, acting as if everything was normal and there was a huge buil
ding in front of them. “Sure Hildy, you have our word. Lead the way.”

  “Good. Can you help her walk with that leg? I see it’s still bleeding,” Hildy said. Wren gave a quick nod going with the flow. “Ladies I know it might sound crazy, but until I know for certain you’re absolutely truthful, I can’t allow you to go any farther.”

  “What do you want us to say? We’re here and see nothing. I’m curious to see how this pans out. You seem to believe there’s a building here. That makes me curious enough to agree to keep what I see a secret,” Quinn said. “I’m the one bleeding all over the place, so what do I have to lose, huh?” Then she hugged a still confused Wren a little tighter around the neck and said, “We’re cool and won’t say anything about this place—promise.”

  Quinn felt the strong side eye her friend fired at her, but wanted to see what was going on with this chick. If she managed to make a building appear out of thin air, that would be something worth investigating. Hell, this Hildy might be a potential client if she could do something like that. The world loved illusionists, and a female one… that would be over the top profitable.

  Appearing to finally believe them, Hildy started walking and said over her shoulder, “Follow me and keep up. The building is about forty more yards ahead.”

  When Hildy opened a door that seemed to come out of nowhere, Quinn and Wren both started pinching each other.

  “Come in ladies and watch your step there,” Hildy said, pointing to a protruding strip at the base of the door.

  Quinn and Wren stepped into what had to be one of the most masculine spaces in existence. This was definitely a gym. The air smelled of sweat, leather, feet and all the stuff that gave a no-frills gym its character. Quinn had to fight hard to keep from scrunching her nose up at the smell. Eyeing the huge windows around two of the walls, she wanted to run and open them as wide as they would go. The air was thick with something else she couldn’t put her finger on, as if it was alive and actively pulling her in. Though this would never be a place she’d knowingly gravitate to, the atmosphere was pleasant and welcoming. It still stank of sweat and old leather, though.

  Ever the gracious one, Wren said, “Wow Hildy, this is huge. Thank you for allowing us to come in. Your secret is safe with us.” When she had Quinn inside, Wren propped her against a wall. “I remembered that Quinn keeps a gym bag with a few workout items in the truck. Let me run back to the car to grab it. That way Quinn and I’ll be better dressed for our session.”

  “Sure, I’ll wait here with Quinn while you get it.”

  Wren dashed back out the door, leaving a whoosh of cold air behind. Hildy waited, keeping the door open for Wren and not saying anything. Quinn couldn’t help herself.

  She took a chance and asked, “Hildy—how did you do it—you know, the illusion? This is a great trick and I’m beyond curious.”

  “Quinn, why don’t we get your cuts attended to before answering all those questions you have there? We have the building to ourselves for a little while and need to make good use of our time,” Hildy said. She pointed to an opening in the distance. “That’s the women’s locker room and restroom over there. Once Wren gets back, let me grab one of those cut kits and meet you in there.”

  7

  Miss Connie’s Diner…

  Bustling noise seeped through the door and walls into the small restroom. It didn’t matter. This call was worth the inconvenience. Information this good commanded a high price tag and the risk of going after it. The distraction from that pitiful show Quinn put on earlier had eaten up precious time already. She was clearly tapped out and wouldn’t access her power anytime soon or if ever. Sex and the spell to make her fall in love hadn’t unlocked her power. She was a dud in every sense of the word. The way she begged for that money had been downright pathetic. No, there was no use spending any more time on her.

  There was still a lot left to do before moving on. But this little happy detour had come in like a personalized gift. A gift that would have to be opened quick before suspicions rose. No use having to answer questions that never needed to be questioned in the first place.

  The number dialed and a few rings later, the line picked up on the other end.

  “Hello… I’ve got some important news you’ll want to hear.”

  That would be all that was said until the man on the other end of the line spoke. Vast experience had proven that silence was the best-negotiating tactic around. The longer the silence, the better the price.

  Unpleasantly uneventful would best describe these interactions with this pimple of a man. Not only was he predictable in every way, but he had this false sense of self that made him think he was in charge of everything. That was a trait of humans that made them so damn easy to manipulate. They always thought more of themselves and station than was real. Too easy.

  His voice came through in a mid-ranged pitch of raspy irritation. It was more like what a fly might sound like if it could speak. His voice was an unattractive characteristic that matched his appearance. What made humans attracted to one another? It must not be vocal quality; because he’d managed to get some woman to marry him. That woman had to be blind, mute, and tone-deaf at the very least to put up with him. A quick shake of the head to return to the task at hand. Time was ticking, and this wasn’t the time to get off track with how loathsome the man was.

  The goal was clear—get the money—fast. Keeping this under wraps meant the other situation would remain in play—another chance to make a big score as well. Yes, simple was the best way to deal with him for a fast payday. The man wasn’t stupid or naive in any sense of the meaning. A little finesse might be needed to separate him from his money. So the waiting game of silence had to continue. All it took was a few more seconds. Like a textbook example, he succumbed to humanity’s greatest trickster—curiosity.

  After a decent length of pause, he answered, “What is it? You know I don’t like you calling me.”

  Interest flavored his tone, even as the expected words rattled through the phone. The price for this information far outweighed the urge to hang up, locate, and squash him like the bug he imitated. A beat to stay in character was enough to brush off the harsh tone that could easily accompany these next words. Thoughts of increasing the price crowded in, threatening the composure needed to stay the course. Humans were so full of themselves, believing they were the top of the food chain. But alas, money was the key to moving freely on the surface without detection. Time to play the grateful puppet.

  “I have concrete information about that asset you were looking for.”

  This time the high-pitched “What?” that came back, accompanied by the whining screech of what must be an office chair crowded each other in the anxious reply.

  “You heard me. I’ve got solid Intel on your missing asset.”

  Sputtering and unknown noises emanated from the phone. The words had sunk in. “Don’t toy with me. I’m not in the mood. Are you certain? I need proof,” the man said.

  “And I need compensation, lest the details fade and become… fuzzy.”

  “You wretched, greedy, low class—”

  “Stop flattering me and tell me what I want to hear. How much is the information worth to you?”

  He had to calm down. These… things had ways of detecting emotions, even from afar. The less he did or said, the better. Defensive play had never been his forte, and the agency wanted answers. The writing was on the wall, so to speak. Time, patience, and grace were running thin with his supervisor. He had to produce or suffer the consequences.

  Damn her!

  Mr. Scott’s hatred of Hildy Newton ticked up another notch. She’d disappeared into thin air. He’d done everything he could to locate her, only to come up with nothing. In his gut, he knew a skilled assassin like her wasn’t dead, and the higher ups didn’t believe it either. Too much money and time had been spent getting her to this point. There was no way they were going to eat the cost of all her years of training, only to be ditched as soon as she came int
o the peak of her abilities.

  Hildy Newton owed him with her life. If Mr. Scott didn’t think he’d soon follow, he’d plant a bullet between her eyes as soon as he found her. How many times had he dealt with the brash, mean and unpredictable freak? She never did the job as planned. No, there was always some cleanup or aftermath to deal with, explain or cover up with her. Yes, she was the best asset the agency had in the western hemisphere. But she wasn’t worth all this—especially the inferred threat on his ongoing welfare.

  What he hated the most was having to entertain every freak who thought they could shake him down for information—like this one. There were con artists in all walks of life and species, it seemed. This one had produced some solid information in the past. Their new working arrangement had proven to be very lucrative as well—until Hildy threw a wrench in that too. If he admitted it to himself, there was a low hum of danger that always ran beneath the surface with this one. It clung to the air as if his existence was on the line with one wrong move. That’s why he had to play it calm and not let on about how this asset connected to their agreement as well.

  He wasn’t sure what was worse, getting killed dealing with these freaks of nature or losing his job and his wife if he didn’t find Hildy. Once again, Liza had threatened to leave him for “a better chance at happiness.” Mr. Scott was too wrapped up in his mental machinations to catch the groan that escaped him.

  “How about I give you an amount, and you meet me with the cash, say at five or six o’clock tonight?”

  “Hold on there,” he said, coming back to his senses. “I’m not prepared to pay you anything without more information. You said you have information. How do I know it’s worth anything?”

  “I know that girl you’ve been looking for crossed paths with me today. How’s that?”