She glanced up at the tall skyscraper they were approaching. Her eyes widened as it sank in. “Oh. My. Goddess! You were serious about rocking-up to Jones’ door!? There’s no way I’m going back there!” Opie folded her arms and dug in her heels, bringing Simon to a stop. He turned back to her.
The Fates had royally fucked up in giving her a stupid, pig headed stubborn mate. So he was the most amazing lover she’d ever had. So what if his body was like every woman’s wet dream? He was clearly several bats short of a belfry!
Simon moved in closer, wrapped a strong arm around her, and leaned down. “You know, sweetheart...” Using the weight and strength of his body he pushed her forward, through the throng of Londoner’s going about their morning business. “...sometimes it’s better to face your demons, in this case Joshua Jones, head on. After all, you tethered yourself to me, so you have to have some faith I can protect you from him. If not, you could turn into your pretty dragon and eat him.”
Opie scrunched up her nose in utter disgust. “Ewww, talk about toxic junk food. I’ve never eaten a human and I’m not about to start.”
His deep, husky laugh sent renewed erotic chills down her spine, making her lower stomach clench and her clit pulse. His hand slid around her waist, skimming over her stomach, stopping just above her pubic bone. She bit back a moan.
“No, I didn’t think you ever could, but you did enjoy it when I ate you, sweetheart. So sweet and tasty. When we’re done here, we’re going back so I can feast once more.”
Damn him! Her dragon jumped up and down with glee. The stupid reptile didn’t care where they went as long as it was with their mate.
“This is too dangerous!” she blurted out for the benefit of both her dragon and Simon. She realised it wasn’t herself she feared for, but for her one true mate. If she lost Simon, life would be...
“Sweetheart, I’ve faced worse things in my life than what’s hiding behind those doors.” Opie could have sworn she whimpered, but wasn’t sure over the pounding drum of her heart as they drew closer to the two revolving doors leading to the front entrance. “So trust me.” His last three words were spoken in a soft soothing tone.
‘So trust me’. I need to have more faith in him. I have no choice but to trust him, as I already have done with my heart and body.
She nodded. “They have bolcasters over every part of the building.”
Bolcasters were enchanted objects. They could be anything from a toilet brush to a stone, placed by anyone who wanted to stop spell casting and teleportation within a certain area.
“Bolcasters don’t bother me. I don’t fight dirty with spells and magic like some. Plus, it will stop you from getting into more trouble.”
Opie bristled at his reference that she was the reason he was here in the first place.
“Me? In trouble? You’re the one dragging me into the viper’s nest,” she hissed. “Had I not tethered us, would you have helped me?”
Simon stopped, staring down at her for a long moment before shaking his head. Pain sliced deeper than she liked when he didn’t answer right away. “Maybe.” His calm expression gave nothing away. “We’re here, might as well slice two birds with one sword. My instincts are telling me there is more going on here than simply kidnapping a pretty dragon princess.”
The building loomed before swallowing them whole as they moved through the doors, gliding to a stop as Simon took in the sights of the impressive modern architecture. Still, the whole place reeked of pure evil. A shudder ran down her spine.
Humans passed through, and she was sure they were completely unaware of just what lurked within the building’s bowels.
“Well, that’s a charming piece of artwork.” Simon’s sarcastic tone made her eye the huge grotesque statue. It stood ten feet tall and contained several figures twisted in some frozen, eternal dance. Water flowed from open spots into a six-sided pond.
A low vibration coming from her throat made her realise she was growling.
“Don’t start smoking on me again, sweetheart,” Simon muttered under his breath. With his arm still around her waist, he moved them towards the reception desk. “And put a smile on your pretty face, we’ve got cameras on us from all angles.”
She glanced up to see his smile not reaching his eyes. He let her go for a moment to smile charmingly down at the receptionist. She was a thin, reedy looking girl with bleached blonde hair, and breasts so fake they looked like cantaloupes glued to her chest. They were held in only by the tight fabric stretching across them.
“Hello, lovely, could you please inform Mr. Jones that Ophelia Dragon and Simon Hunter are here to see him?”
Opie held in her snort at Simon’s ‘lovely’ reference. The half-silicone human female batted her heavily mascaraed eyelashes at him. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think Mr. Jones is in today.”
From the corner of Opie’s eye she spotted the elevator door opening, and five men in black suits poured out. Opie laid a possessive hand over Simon’s arm and kept her smile sweet, ignoring the glare from implant girl.
“Honey, don’t bother with her, our escort has just arrived.”
Simon turned. “Oh wonderful.” Without a backward glance they moved to meet the welcoming committee. She slipped her hand into his, partially because she was shaking in fear of the men, but more so from the fear of being torn away from him. She wasn’t sure how her dragon would handle being separated from him, especially with the tether still in place.
“Are you going to take us to your boss, or do we need to find our own way?”
One of the suited men reopened the lift. “Mr Jones will see you, of course. This way.”
Simon nodded down at her, his hand tightening on hers. He gave her a smile of reassurance. Confidence shone in his sexy blue gaze. Despite her still pounding heart, and the fear they may not get out of here alive, she did trust him, completely.
* * * *
On the outside, Simon kept his cool, his mind sharp, alert to everything around him. His every muscle coiled and ready to act in a split second of a heartbeat. The trembling in Opie’s hand worried him. He pulled her a little closer, holding her hand a little tighter to reassure her everything would be fine.
He kept note of how many floors they actually went up, ignoring the uncomfortable silence in the confined space. Opie let out a little breath when the doors finally opened again and they stepped out into a large corridor. He grinned down at her, but he could see the apprehension in her eyes and her stiff body language. She sniffed at the air, her pert little nose scrunched in clear disgust.
“Smells like demons wiped their arses on the walls,” she muttered under her breath.
He did note the odd odour, musty with a hint of sulphur.
The gold, red and brown walls were lined. To some, it would seem just elaborate decorations, but Simon knew enough about demonology to know they were control and protection symbols. Opie stared at them too as they passed through large double doors, heavily decorated with more protection symbols carved into the ancient gopher wood.
Jones’ wealth meant little. The human had no idea the danger he put himself in playing around with things he would never truly understand. Play with venomous snakes long enough, guaranteed they will turn on you and strike.
The fool.
The seal hissed as the doors opened, admitting them entrance to the even more opulent office of Joshua Jones. Twelve foot high glass showed off a spectacular view of London’s business district and Thames River. The human in question leaned back, smug amusement over his aging face.
“Come in, come in, and don’t be shy.” He rose to his feet. “This is most unexpected. Welcome back, Ophelia.”
She glowered at the man, mouth open to give him a dressing down. Simon squeezed her hand to silence her. She glanced up at him, clearly unhappy. Simon felt the vibrations of her growling rumble up his arm from where his hand gripped hers tightly.
Joshua turned his attention to him. “Simon Schuster, I don’t think we’ve
been formally introduced.”
“I know who you are.”
Jones’ smile was one of sinister interest. “Well, now I’ve only just heard of you, demon hunter. I’m guessing you’re not here for idle chitchat. Of course you’ll want your reward for returning my lovely little treasure.”
“Reward?” He was sure Opie’s grip on his hand had cut off his blood supply.
“Ophelia, my pretty, everything has its price. Isn’t that right, dragon slayer?”
Unfazed by Jones’ research of him, Simon shrugged. “She knows, so don’t bother. The only reward I want is seeing you stopped.”
“I’ve done my research on you, but does she know the whole story? Oh, is that why you intend to keep her? You require another bath? As for how you gained your immortality—that is not in the history books or the old fable.”
Opie’s pale features showed no emotion, all he could feel was the shaking of her hand. Why he felt the need to stay connected to her, he didn’t know.
Simon knew the man was fishing. Only one creature on the Earth knew how he achieved his longevity. As for the one who bestowed the curse upon him, that god was long dead. No one was immune to death, not even gods.
“I’m not here to impart stories. But you will listen and comply. It’s simple. You will stop hunting Ophelia and leave her alone.”
Jones laughed, clearly amused. “You bring me the prize of my collection and just by being here offer yourself as well. I would dearly like to learn how you gained your immortality.”
So that’s the human’s game. No doubt collecting and experimenting on other worldly creatures trying to cheat death.
“Trust me, living for this long isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
“Still, I will discover your secret.” Jones’ greedy smile turned even more menacing.
It was time to change tracks. “Tell me about the Gullu. I get a feeling you’re connected to the sudden appearance of them in London. How does a human get access to some of the most deadly demons who’ve been imprisoned for thousands of years?”
Jones came out from behind his nine foot, gold inlayed desk, but not before pressing a button. Simon held in a snort. The weak human needed to summon his minions. Men like this always left the dirty fighting to others.
“Information comes at a price. I’ll tell you everything once you hand over my dragon girl.”
Simon opened his mouth to stake his claim—Opie beat him to it.
“Fuck you, Jones. I’m not nor ever have been yours!” Opie hissed. “I’m going to gut you then fry you alive before throwing you out your own window!”
“I love how blood thirsty she pretends to be.” His eyes widened in sudden understanding. “Oh, but I see. You two...little love birds. So is she a nice little fuck then, Simon? I’ve not yet had the pleasure, but I will.” He cocked his head, staring straight at her. “Soon, pretty. I’m sure I can make you scream. Dragon or human, all women want to be fucked like good little sluts.”
Rage simmered just under the surface. Simon would let Opie carry through with her threat, after he’d beat him into a bloody pulp. How the fuck did he let Jones push his buttons? Wasn’t he going to cut her loose as soon as he’d dealt with Jones? The plan changed in his head. He didn’t make a point of killing humans, but for Jones he’d make sure the weedy man suffered for insulting his...
My what? My woman? My dragon? She is mine to protect, for now at any rate.
A door on their right opened, admitting six men. Simon knew them from their red rimmed eyes, and the trademark sulphur odour no amount of cologne could hide, wafting in their direction—demons lurked under the human skin. They would be faster, stronger, and harder to kill than the average human lackey.
Six demons against one demon hunter hardly seemed fair...to them.
“Let me make this very clear, Jones old boy.” Simon dropped Opie’s hand, letting his arms hang by his side, at the same time triggering the blades and readying for them to drop into his palms. His mind was already five steps ahead of how he would move, which ones he would kill first.
“Tell me what I need to know about the Gullu, and swear to never come near my dragon again, and I’ll let you and your little rank party guests keep breathing another day.”
Jones laughed again. “My house, my rules, demon hunter. You don’t get to make demands here, and I take what belongs to me. Gremlock, I want the dragon alive, but I’ve changed my mind about the other. Do what you want with him.”
“Gremlock?” The name rang a clear bell in Simon’s brain. “I thought Neman and his wife destroyed you and your demon mistress.”
“Ah, far from the truth. You work for Moon Shadows, demon hunter. It will be a delight to tear your head from your body and deliver it to the fallen god. No one can stop what we are doing here, not even your pathetic god or his brats.”
Fuck Odin’s balls, this is worse than he thought. If Gremlock is involved, serious shit would hit the fan. With Jones backing Gremlock and trying to unlock the Gullu army, the whole world would soon be knee deep in their own blood and entrails. It was a bad idea to bring Opie here.
More demons filed into the room, bringing the total number to nine. Simon recalculated, and changed his plan.
“Opie, sweetheart, ready to leave?”
“I was ready to leave before we even arrived!” she muttered under her breath, also eyeing up the demons that slowly approached as she and Simon backed up.
“Not going so soon, dear guests?” Jones mocked. “The party’s about to begin.”
“I’m more of a stay at home and snuggle guy, so we’ll leave you to the partying. But I’m happy to have one dance.”
Faster than a scorpion’s strike and deadlier than its venom, Simon unleashed his dance. His arms crossed as he uncoiled and threw his two circular throwing stars, whistling through the air, hitting the first two demons, slicing their heads clean off. He shoved Opie towards the door as the others stumbled on the bodies of the fallen. One swift kick admitted them entrance, and another slammed it shut. He yanked a dagger from his stash, slamming it hard between the door and its frame, effectively jamming it closed. He glanced around the library-like room lined with books and artefacts encased in glass cabinets and grinned.
Opie looked at him and scoffed. “So was this a part of your genius plan too? To get us trapped in the den of evil?”
“Alright, it was a mistake coming here. I thought with Jones being human he would see sense once threatened with death.”
Opie’s chest rose and fell with her hard breathing. “What part of ‘he’s an insane madman’, didn’t you get before? You could have listened to me in the first place! Oh no, you had to go and do your own thing and drag us in here!”
“What part of ‘you tethered yourself to me’, didn’t you understand, your red highness?”
“Don’t call me that, you overgrown, over-muscled excuse for a human! What did he mean by another bath anyway? What do dragons and baths have to do with anything?”
“Nothing.” She’d have his head on a silver platter if she ever found out the truth about that. He’d fed some of her curiosity, but many details he’d omitted.
“Fact is, Jones is working with a really bad demon named Gremlock, and if they’re working together to free the Gullu demons...”
“Then the whole human realm is in trouble.”
“Like it or not, it’s my job to put a stop to their activities before they bring about the end of the life you used to enjoy here on Earth.”
A lamp shone down on a stone. Simon moved around the desk, it was littered with old texts, clay tablets and knowledge stones. He shifted a few around, his gaze falling on an old leather skin scroll inlaid with ancient text he couldn’t make out. The knowledge stone rolled slightly, lighting up as it touched the bottom of the scroll.
He glanced up at Opie and grinned.
This is my lucky day after all. I’d bet all the known treasure in the world this is what I’ve been looking for.
/> Simon snatched what looked like a paperweight and scroll from the table.
“Please don’t tell me we did all this so you could act the petty thief! This door won’t hold off demons! We have to go, now!” Opie’s eyes were wide with panic, her back against the bulging door. He tucked his pilfered objects into his jacket. The wood splintered with long claws spearing right next to Opie’s head, raining splinters down on her hair. She shrieked in fright.
“Ye of little faith, but you’re right, it’s time to go.” He held out his hand. She raced across the room, slapping her tiny hand into his much larger one. It was a marvel she turned into a large, red, very pretty dragon. It still didn’t stop him from wanting her.
“Now you see sense! I was right from the beginning, we should have never stepped foot in this damn place.”
Simon kicked open the second door just as the demons broke through from the office door. There were too many to fight on his own and risk Opie’s life. Bursting into a stair well, he glanced down over the side. He spotted more security staff racing up towards them.
“Guess it’s up. Ready for some exercise?”
“Is that a rhetorical—” He yanked her behind him ignoring her sarcasm, which was something else he liked about her. He’d worry about that side-tracked thought later. He pulled her after him up the stairs.
Already near the top, it only took them a few flights till they hit the roof top. A gust of wind hit them as they surged through the door and under the frame of a helipad. Needing a way to slow them down again, he pulled the blade from under his coat and with a quick flick of his wrist sliced off the inner door handle before slamming it shut.
“That’s going to stop them? Demons versus the lowest bid from construction companies. Who built this towering pile of rubble?!”
“Hey, I got us out of there alive, didn’t I?” He shrugged, not bothering to re-sheath his sword, wanting it at the ready.
Her arms folded over her chest. He caught her now trademark, are-you-stupid glare. Simon couldn’t help but grin back. He’d kiss those pouty lips later.
Falling Dragons (#3 Moon Shadows) Page 6