Dragon Undercover (Dark Scales Division Book 1)

by Lia Davis

  In all the excitement and madness, she hadn’t even thought to notify the police. Seeing the GPS location of Sage’s phone, it’d made sense to rush there. But now, she grasped the seriousness of the situation. The police needed to be involved.

  “By the time they get here, he might be gone. Let me handle this for you.”

  “I barely know you, Owen.”

  He took her by the arm and pulled her close. Warmth and the spicy scent of him washed over her, and she relaxed in his arms. Something about him, his presence, made her feel secure—which was crazy, but she’d accept the comfort now, even though she was mad as hell. He stroked her hair.

  “It’s going to be okay. I promise. Call the police if you need to, but I doubt they can get a detective up here before tomorrow. As remote as the lake is, they’ll have to send someone from the county. Meanwhile, I intend to find Sage. You focus on that feeling we had when we were…together on the couch. I won’t let you down. Trust me. I will find her.”

  “How?” She wrapped her arms around him, sensing the muscles in his back flex as he tightened his hold on her. She had felt more than safe when he was making love to her. More than any other time she’d had sex, she’d felt a connection to this man she barely knew. He was either perfect, or she was crazy. Right now, she’d go with perfect. “I think I need to call them anyway. But I’m ready to hunt him down with you.”

  “Yeah, it never hurts to have backup. I can handle him, but just in case, we should have the police looking for her, too.”

  She glanced up, meeting his gaze. “What’s his name?”

  “Liam Huff.” He tensed, spitting the words out like they were foul.

  “And how do you know him?”

  “Let’s just say he’s been too close for comfort. I can tell you the whole story later, after we find Sage.”

  She leaned her head back on his chest. “Okay. What’s next?”

  He kissed the top of her head, relaxing his grip a bit. “I need to let my team know that he is here at the lake and that he has a hostage. They are professionals and will do everything in their power to find her.”

  “Good.”

  “The amount of surveillance equipment we’ve got around the lake is enough to get a start. I’ll send that footage back to headquarters. They can scan it more quickly than I can to see if we’ve caught him on camera. Once my team descends on the area, we’ll comb every blade of grass searching for him and Sage. He can’t hide forever.”

  “Notify them and send the footage while I put in a call to the police. Then I want to go looking for her. I can’t just sit around and do nothing. Hopefully, the bastard is still here at the lake.” Sobs threatened, but she’d already cried so much she didn’t let them out.

  She trusted this man she’d barely met. Something told her that he was one of the good guys and that he’d keep his word and find Sage.

  Damn his stubborn mate—his soft and warm stubborn mate. His dragon paced. Owen gripped the steering wheel, chancing a glance at Nadia. Arms crossed, she peered out the window into the darkness. He smelled the tension rising off her. The police hadn’t been especially helpful. Since Sage was over eighteen and not disabled, they’d told Nadia she had to wait forty-eight hours to file a missing person’s report. With no real evidence of a kidnapping, they wouldn’t even send someone out to take down information.

  The police didn’t know Liam Huff like he did, and it would be best if they never found out what he truly was. The only thing worse than a serial killer on the loose was a dragon serial killer on the loose.

  Good thing Nadia had the DSD to help her out. If she knew how badly he wanted to get his hands around Huff’s throat, she might not want to be present. He was going to snap the asshole into two pieces. His dragon snorted and clawed to get out. Saving Sage was like saving his own sister. Sage was his mate’s sister. That made her family. And he would not let Huff take another family member from him. His dragon hissed, it’s tail swishing.

  Not now. Soon. You’ll get your time with him.

  “What’s the name of this place again?” Nadia’s voice shook with emotion, and fear rolled off her in waves.

  “The Sanderson farmhouse. It’s a long shot, but I know it’s empty right now, and that would be tempting to a kidnapper. The cashier at the little store up the road told me about an end-of-summer party coming up, so it sounds like they rent it out for events.”

  “And kidnappings.”

  “If they’re there, we’ll find them. Seems like a good place to check. If we don’t see anything, we’ll check as many places as we can on foot. He’s keeping her somewhere.”

  He headed down the driveway marked for the farmhouse, the headlights shining on the white gravel. He debated turning the headlights off, but it was so dark outside, Nadia would wonder how he could see so well.

  “That’s a big house.” Nadia sat up in the seat. “And old.”

  “It looks completely dark. I don’t think anyone is staying there now.” He pulled in front and cut the engine.

  He hopped out and grabbed two flashlights, handing one to Nadia. She flicked hers on and shone it up onto the empty porch.

  “I wonder if we can go inside.” She directed the beam on the front door, a large oak piece with no window, just a massive handle and lock.

  “I don’t know.” He ran up the steps and tried the door handle. Locked. “Nope. We aren’t getting in this way.”

  He put his ear to the door and listened. No noises inside except maybe rodents scurrying along the wall. The house was too big for him to hear everything going on inside, but Huff and Sage weren’t in the main part of the building, he was sure. He’d hear them breathing, even if they were still.

  And he’d smell the psychopath if he was anywhere near.

  “I don’t see another vehicle.”

  He jogged down the steps and joined Nadia. “Let’s go around back and see if we can get in that way. Maybe there’s a basement access.”

  They headed to the side yard through the tall grass. It’d be so much easier if he could let his dragon out, but that couldn’t happen around Nadia. Not yet.

  No cars. The drive was empty, the same white stones covering a small parking area that looked like it hadn’t been used all summer. The back door was locked, and all the low windows were, too. He couldn’t find a basement entrance or side door. The farmhouse was sealed up tight, and he didn’t hear a sound from inside.

  They aren’t here.

  “I think we should drive back to our rental and walk the lake’s edge. Maybe we’ll see a boat that doesn’t belong or some other evidence.” Nadia’s voice was fiercer and she moved with purpose.

  He smiled at his mate’s strength. Of course she was strong. His dragon flapped its wings, begging to be let out. It couldn’t stand seeing Nadia so worried and wanted to help.

  Can’t come out yet. Soon.

  During the ride back to their houses, Nadia didn’t say much, but he could tell she was deep in thought—and guilt. She blamed herself for Sage’s disappearance. If she knew what a psychopath Huff was, she wouldn’t blame anyone but him. But telling her how evil Huff was would only make her worry about her sister more. She didn’t know he tortured his victims—made them suffer before he killed them. He couldn’t do that to her.

  He parked his truck and shut it off. “Let’s head over there.” He pointed to the lakeside outside his rental. “We can make our way around this cove, at least.”

  “Okay.” Nadia hopped out of the truck, flashlight in hand.

  They pushed through prickly bushes. Somewhere, sweet jasmine bloomed, or maybe it was honeysuckle. No docks peppered this part of the waterfront—the closest was the one at the house Nadia and Sage were staying in. Beyond that, they jutted out into the lake like fallen dominos.

  “Be careful.” He shone the light on the path at her feet. “This ground doesn’t feel very solid. Don’t want you to fall in the water.”

  Despite her worry, Nadia laughed. “I bet you’
d love to rescue me from the lake. Just what you need, a moonlit swim.”

  He smiled. She had no idea how much he’d love to hold her wet body to his and escape into her again. “I’d rescue you. I might laugh a little, but I would save you first.”

  “Very funny. I’ll remember that.”

  “And then I’d make love to you till morning.”

  “Promise me that will happen? After we find Sage?”

  She tipped her head up, and he gave her a quick kiss.

  “You can count on it.” He smiled.

  She smiled back, hers a nervous one.

  “We’re going to save your sister.” He spoke confidently. She had to believe. He wasn’t going to let her down. This time, he would get Huff before anything happened.

  “We will.” She headed farther along the shore.

  His phone beeped, and he pulled it out to see if the team had contacted him.

  A text message popped up.

  Tick-Tock, dragon near the dock.

  He almost crushed his phone. That dick, Huff, was playing games again.

  “Who is it?” Nadia looked up at him.

  “No one important. Just an update.” He hated lying to his mate, but if she knew Huff had texted, she’d be even more upset, and that would hinder their search.

  “Let’s check that boathouse.” She pointed to a large, enclosed dock. “That looks like a good place to hide.”

  He nodded and followed her, the light from his flashlight bobbing as he walked. She slowed as she approached the door.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “Nothing. I hope the homeowners aren’t gun people.”

  “Let’s hope they don’t spot us at all.”

  “I don’t see any lights on at the house.” She stepped up to the door. “Doesn’t matter. I’m going to find Sage, no matter who has an issue with my trespassing.”

  “See if it’s unlocked.”

  She turned the knob and the door swung open. “Guess it is.”

  He whispered. “Let me go in first. In case there’s someone in there.”

  “Not a chance.” She headed into the dark space.

  He followed, scanning the inside of the boathouse with his flashlight. An old motor boat was hanging on a lift. By the looks of it, it hadn’t been on the lake in years. The rest of the boathouse was pretty bare. A few coils of rope and a couple of folding lawn chairs hung on the wall. The dark water rippled in the boat launch.

  No sign of anyone. No Huff. No Sage.

  His phone beeped again, and he pulled it out of his pocket to look at it.

  Fly high, dragon in the sky.

  Fuck Huff. He was taunting Owen.

  “Let’s go. They aren’t here.” His voice came out gruffer than he’d intended, and he clenched the flashlight tightly as he headed back out onto the shore.

  Nadia followed, closing the door behind her. “What’s wrong? You sound angry.”

  His dragon grumbled and paced. “Nothing, other than being frustrated at another dead end.”

  “One less place they can be hiding. Come on, we’ll find them. We have to keep looking.”

  His phone lit up.

  Sleep well, see you in hell.

  He bit his tongue to avoid yelling at the phone. Dammit. He shot off a text to Courtney to see if she could get any info from his phone account then turned to Nadia. “I’m following you. Let’s go.”

  * * *

  After checking too many docks and boathouses to count, he paused while Nadia leaned against the fence that circled a large lakefront property.

  “I’m so tired.” She pushed her hair out of her face. “I think we’ve searched at least a third of the area.”

  “Do I need to carry you back?” His eyebrows lifted.

  “No.” She blew out a breath. “But thanks anyway. I want to keep looking for her, but it’s so dark, and I don’t feel like we’re making progress.”

  “Let’s go back to your house, charge our phones, and rest a while. Then we can resume the search. I’ve already been notified that several members of my team are combing the forest and going door-to-door to look for her. We have a few people in town, too. I think it’s fine for us to take a break.”

  “Maybe you’re right. After a short rest, I’ll be better able to concentrate on looking for her.”

  “I am right.” He took out his phone. “No word from my team yet, but they are working. The noose is tightening. If he’s still in the area, which I feel he is, then we’ll catch him.”

  “Okay, let’s go back to the house then. But just for a little while.”

  “We’re going to find her.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  Sweet Jo, I knew you’d come back to me. I lay beside you and keep you warm. Soon, we’ll be in heaven together. Forever…

  7

  Owen watched Nadia sip the hot tea. Thank goodness Courtney had stocked the house for him. He’d have never thought to get tea, yet it was the perfect thing to help Nadia relax. She was so tense, he feared she would break.

  He completely understood the feeling. His dragon wanted to hold her, keep her safe, but Owen knew she needed to handle her stress her own way.

  “This is so good. Thank you.” She set the teacup on the coffee table.

  “I’m glad it helps.” He sat on the couch beside her. “What else can I do for you?”

  For a moment, her eyes hooded, then worry took back over.

  “I hope we find her,” she said. “I’m scared. I can’t believe this is happening. I would never have let her go with Stephanie if I’d had any concerns at all.”

  “Come here.” He held his arms out to her, unable to resist, and she scooted over and laid her head on his chest.

  “Why did he take Sage?”

  “The guy’s a criminal. Besides, I told you we’d find her, and we will. Right now, you need to rest. You’ll be more use to the search if you can stand up without falling asleep.”

  She snuggled into him. “I know. It’s hard to, though.”

  “I understand.” He squeezed her. “You’re a great big sister. I’m sure your parents would be proud.”

  She tensed in his arms. “They wouldn’t be happy about this. I feel like I’ve let them down…let Sage down.”

  “Please stop blaming yourself. You’ve obviously done well with Sage. Look at how she remained calm and sent information about her kidnapper. Not many nineteen-year-olds would even think about that in her situation.”

  “You’re right. It’s just hard to not feel guilty.” She put her hand on his chest and absentmindedly stroked.

  “I completely understand.” His dragon woke at the touch. Need rolled off him, and he pressed Owen to lay full claim to their mate. Now is not the time. Owen quieted him.

  “Thanks. Sage is all I have left. She’s what I’ve been living for since my parents’ death.”

  “And she’s about to go off to college now.”

  His dragon paced. Owen sighed. Would it ever be a good time to tell her?

  Nadia sat up and rubbed her eyes. “I’m extremely proud of her. She has a partial scholarship, too. She’s definitely ready for college. I’m going to miss her.”

  “You two are really close. I’m sure she’ll come home for all the breaks.”

  “Except when she gets lured off to the beach by good-looking guys for spring break.” She smiled.

  “Well, that’s part of college life, too.”

  “I know. I hope she gets the chance to experience it.”

  “She will.” He stroked her hair. “I promise. Your sister will be okay.”

  “She’s all I have.”

  “There’s nothing better than a sister to take care of.”

  “Do you have any siblings?”

  He choked back the lump in his throat. He should tell her. She might feel better knowing he’d been through the same thing. He kept his sister’s murder from most everyone—except the DSD, of course.

  “I had one sister.” H
e whispered.

  Her eyes rounded. “Had?”

  “Yeah. She was murdered. It was a vicious crime. That’s why tracking down bad people is so important to me. I’m taking them out before they can hurt others.” He stared at his lap to avoid having to meet her gaze. He was sure it was filled with pity or sympathy or something—and he couldn’t stand that.

  Not from his mate.

  “What happened?” Her cool hand slipped over his and squeezed.

  “Liam Huff is what happened.” He squeezed back. “That bastard kidnapped and killed my sister.”

  She yanked away as she gasped. “The same man who took my sister killed yours?”

  “Yeah. Now you understand why I’m determined to get him.” He stood, walked to the window, and stared out into the darkness.

  “My God.”

  “His days are numbered. He’s out there somewhere, hiding like the monster he is. I will find him and put an end to him. For Jo, for Sage, and for the other women he’s taken. He will pay for his crimes.”

  If only he’d tracked him sooner or caught him earlier. He’d take out Huff—that wasn’t even a question. But how would he tell his mate that he was a dragon without scaring her off? He needed to do it soon, or she’d be upset that he withheld it.

  How much more could she endure?

  She joined him, placing her hand on the small of his back. “I’m so sorry, Owen. How many women has he hurt?”

  “A couple. Murdered and left in abandoned places, alone. I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this bastard, too. If I’d been able to find him before now, this wouldn’t have happened.”

  “You told me no one was to blame but Huff. This isn’t your fault.”

  “I feel like it is.”

  Her voice was small. “How do you know he hasn’t killed Sage?”

  “I have to believe it.”

  Nadia sighed and leaned into Owen. He slipped his arm around her and pulled her to stand in front of him, her back to his front. She relaxed into him, her body a mess of aches and pains and tension.