Badass Dragons: The Complete Set

by Rosette Bolter

  Sophie. It’s all your fault.

  She closed her eyes. She didn’t want to go back there. Not to the childhood they’d once had – growing up through the hardships and misfortunes and betrayals –

  At one point, she had been so mean to her sister. She couldn’t allow herself to hate her for this. She just had to try … figure it out … find a way…

  And now the phone was ringing.

  Synrith answered it and put it to his ear.

  “Yes,” he said. “She’s sitting right in front of me.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Cheryl took the phone from his outstretched hand. “Hello?”

  “Hi Cheryl. It’s me, Sophie.”

  “Where are you?” Cheryl demanded. “What’s going on?”

  “I’m fine. You have to listen to me, okay? Just don’t interrupt.”

  “Alright. Just … What the hell?”

  Sophie paused a moment.

  Synrith’s dark eyes watched her carefully.

  “Me and my friends,” Sophie began, “we have Jet. But don’t worry. He’s safe. We didn’t hurt him.”

  “What the hell was all that blood in my house then?”

  Sophie cleared her throat. “No interruptions, please.”

  “So you admit it. You did hurt him.”

  “Look, he’s fine, alright,” Sophie snapped harshly. “And we’re going to give him back to Synrith.”

  “What does this have to do with me? Why have you organized for him to be here for this call?”

  “My … friend wants the two of you to come to a meeting tonight. My friend won’t talk to Synrith until they’re face to face. And he doesn’t want me talking to him, because he has powers over me…”

  Sophie trailed off.

  Cheryl waited. “Are you there?”

  “I need you to be with me on this, sis. I kind of told them you were cool.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Just,” Sophie mumbled. “Just have an open mind about everything. You need to –”

  Sophie was suddenly cut off. Someone had taken the phone away from her.

  “Sophie?” Cheryl exclaimed.

  “Bring the dragon’s dagger or your sister dies,” droned a heavy, male voice.

  “What?”

  He hung up.

  Cheryl looked down at the phone confused.

  Synrith took the phone from her and put it in his pocket.

  “Don’t be worried,” he assured her. “Don’t be scared.”

  “How can I not be? They have Sophie.”

  “To begin with, they’ll never hurt her. Not unless she betrays them.”

  “He said…”

  Synrith watched her eyes carefully.

  Cheryl wasn’t sure if she should tell him.

  “Yes?”

  Cheryl let out an exasperated sigh. “He said he wants the ‘dragon’s dagger’. He said to give it to him or Sophie dies. I mean, I don’t get it. Cado gave it to me to attack you to save Sophie last night. Now they’re saying they’ll kill Sophie if I don’t give them back the dagger? It makes no sense.”

  “She’s no longer with the vampires,” Synrith explained. “She’s with a pack of wolves. They want the dagger so they can study its material and enchantment, so they can use it to make a hundred daggers just like it. And then drive us dragons out of the city and claim it as there’s.”

  “You don’t seem worried,” Cheryl murmured. “Aren’t you…?”

  Synrith sat down beside her. “As dangerous as wolves are, they are far more stupid than vampires. If they expect me and the dagger to show up to a meeting with them, they’re sorely mistaken.”

  “But what about Sophie? What about Jet?”

  Synrith smiled. The phone in his pocket beeped and he took it out.

  He showed Cheryl the message.

  “Longford Bridge. One am,” she read out loud. “The dagger for Jet and Sophie.”

  “Don’t panic,” Synrith said calmly.

  “You keep saying that. What are we going to do about this, huh? Are you going to give them the dagger or not?”

  “No,” Synrith replied. “The dagger is now locked up in a vault filled with guards, cameras and alarms. No one is ever going to get their hands on it again.”

  “That’s not fair,” Cheryl said, punching him. “You have to do something.”

  “No, I don’t.”

  “Bullshit. You fucking bastard.” She snatched the phone off him. “I’m calling the cops.”

  She got up with it in her hand, punching in the numbers.

  Synrith followed her down to the driveway.

  “It’s not me who has to do something,” Synrith called to her.

  Cheryl turned slightly, her finger on the dial. “What are you saying?”

  “You’re the one who is going to get them both out of there. Alive.”

  “Me? Are you crazy? How am I supposed to do that?”

  Synrith walked forward. He took the phone away from her again.

  He leaned into her, so close they were almost touching.

  “Let me show you.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Synrith beckoned his guards out of the house and explained to them it was time to go. He allowed Cheryl to gather up her handbag but said she wouldn’t need anything else. She double-checked to make sure Sniffy was okay before locking up the house, scanning one last time to see if Hoot would come out from wherever he might have been hiding. Sadly, he did not. She felt bad about not leaving the door open for him, but if she didn’t close it then anyone could come inside and snatch Sniffy away. She hoped Sophie would be able to tell her about what had happened to Hoot, when they next saw or spoke to each other.

  A long white limousine was parked a short distance away from Cheryl’s house. The guards opened the passenger doors for Synrith and Cheryl to enter, and then entered the car themselves. They stayed up in the area near the driver, whilst Cheryl remained alone with Synrith in the back.

  She was so frustrated. So hurt and helpless. At least that was how she felt. He had yet to confide in her what his plan was yet.

  Her glare at him, was to say it all. But he didn’t seem even slightly moved by her hostility. Everything was running its course as far as he was concerned.

  “Do I have to ask again?” Cheryl said under her breath.

  Synrith blinked. “Just be patient. We’re taking it one step at a time.”

  “Why can’t you just tell me? Can’t you see I’m upset?”

  “I wish you would just trust me,” Synrith replied.

  “Why should I do that?”

  “Because if we work together, we’ll both get what we want.”

  “Sounds like I’m the one who’s going to be doing all the work.”

  “Patience, little one,” Synrith whispered. “Patience.”

  Cheryl leaned back in the limousine. Patience, she thought. What a joke. Her body was so stressed, her muscles tight and uncomfortable. She didn’t trust Synrith. She was worried for Sophie and she was worried for Hoot. It was true enough, Synrith was all she had. Her only hope. But she knew he was an unpredictable and manipulative person, who only cared about himself. She wondered if he realized that his lack of communication with her could in the end be the very thing that wore her down…

  A few minutes passed.

  Breaking the silence, she tried a different line of questioning, “Where are we going?”

  “A little sanctuary of mine,” Synrith replied. “We’ll rest there for a while. Clean up.”

  “Rest? I don’t want to rest. I want to find my sister.”

  “She’s not in any danger. At all. They won’t hurt her even if we don’t show tonight.”

  “And what about my cat? What if they have him too?”

  “I doubt they’re torturing him for information, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  “Don’t joke about it. Seriously. He’s just a defenseless animal. If these sick, weirdo –”

&nbs
p; “Hmm.” Synrith leaned forward. “So that’s it.”

  Cheryl’s eyes bulged. “What’s it?”

  “Your sister will have you cat. I’m almost sure of it.”

  “Why? What do you know about it?”

  “Never mind. There’s no point in speculating.”

  “Speculate.”

  “Well … it could be that Sophie has the desire to learn about certain dark rituals. Witchcraft. Perhaps she took your cat as her helper.”

  “She’s not going to put him in a cauldron and cook him with newt eyes or anything, right?”

  Synrith laughed. “No. I don’t think so.”

  “But you’re sure they’re both safe?”

  Synrith put his hand on Cheryl’s leg. She shivered.

  “Do not be afraid of the wolves,” he said sternly. “We are much smarter than them. We know what their moves are. We know what they’re thinking. Before the night is out, your sister will be returned to you, and Jet will be returned to me. Every last wolf or vampire within a hundred miles will be dead. Do you understand, Cheryl? Do you believe me?”

  She watched his unflinching eyes.

  The air was so cold between them.

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Synrith had a way with her. The way he spoke. The slow, delicate nature of his voice. He was gentle and firm, but at the same time, Cheryl knew there was poison behind his words. His eyes were enticing and beautiful, but behind them lurked a monster. His dragon was a predatory creature, sly and unwavering. Yet he was confident. His strength had finally shone through. Cheryl said she believed him. That together they’d make everything okay. And when she looked at him, and held his gaze, it was not a lie that she’d told. Only, she could never break that gaze. For, if she were to look away for long enough…

  Cheryl hadn’t been paying attention to where the car was headed. Her eyes parted from his a moment as she realized they were traveling inside a darkened tunnel. Small blue lights every so often. She couldn’t see any other cars that were here. This was no ordinary road.

  “Where are we?” she asked.

  Synrith looked at her pleasantly. “Almost there now.”

  She shifted in her seat. Bit her upper lip.

  A terrifying thought leapt out within her.

  What if he didn’t care about Sophie or Jet? What if he just wanted to get her here?

  Cheryl’s looked anxiously around the car.

  The guards opposite stared back silently.

  “Be strong, little one,” Synrith muttered, almost mocking her.

  Cheryl’s gaze slammed back at him. “I am an adult you know.”

  Synrith said nothing in return.

  Cheryl felt cornered.

  The car was coming to a stop. Cheryl turned away from Synrith and looked to the window beside her. She saw there was a white platform out there, with an elevator at the back wall. It was heavily lit with dark blue light.

  The chauffeur got out of the car and moved round to open Cheryl’s door. She stepped out quickly and stretched her legs. Synrith followed, and then did his guards.

  “Wait out here, please,” he said to them. “We’ll only be a couple of hours.”

  Hours?

  What the hell did he have planned for her here?

  “Shall we?”

  Synrith was offering his hand to escort her.

  Cheryl took it, and even though he was wearing gloves, she felt he was cold to touch.

  Of course, it wasn’t the most unpleasant sensation. He wasn’t so cold it hurt her. Stepping towards the elevator she felt a breeze of air conditioning sweep over her. It felt nice. Real. This moment with Synrith – as he pushed the button and they waited for the elevator –

  This moment here.

  Cheryl thought she might have dreamed it.

  She knew right then. It was before everything.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The elevator ride was an uneventful one. They moved up five floors to their location and Synrith was silent throughout. Cheryl felt better now that the guards had been left behind, as she had a better chance of defending herself should Synrith choose to attack her. Of course … he wouldn’t have needed them to restrain her if he wished to have his way with her. He could do whatever he liked to her and she was powerless to stop him. At least it seemed that way. It was probably better to start treating Synrith as a friend after all. Cheryl wouldn’t want to get on his bad side.

  Fifth floor. Immediately as they exited Cheryl was hit was a deliciously cool aroma, and a thin layer of steam. Below them, the floor was cover in light blue tiles. Frosted glass windows ran alongside the right-hand wall, and beneath them was a series of indoor plant life, including exuberant flowers and leafy trees that reached the ceiling. There were bird baths. Statues. Fountains with running water.

  In the centre of the room, was a large spa pool. Water ran out from the sides forming pillars of bubbles.

  There was the sound of a rain forest playing in the background.

  “You will sit over there,” Synrith said, indicating to a bench on the other side of the pool.

  “Are you going to tell me what’s going on now?” Cheryl shot back.

  “I do believe we’re getting closer to that,” Synrith answered. “Please sit for me.”

  “Alright, alright,” Cheryl mumbled.

  She turned and began walking around the edge of the pool. She noticed he was going in the opposite direction.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  He turned slightly. “Patience, little one.”

  Cheryl grumbled under her breath, but continued in her action to oblige him.

  As she approached the bench she noticed a large painting hanging over it. It was of a tropical setting, full of large trees, a running river between them. A small deer was stooped over, taking a drink from the water.

  In the background, the moon was purple, and there was a castle in the distance.

  Cheryl stared at the picture for so long, she didn’t hear Synrith come up from behind her.

  “You like that, do you?”

  Cheryl turned. She saw that Synrith was wheeling a blanketed cart towards her.

  He stopped.

  “Well yes,” she murmured. “It’s a very nice picture.”

  “Thank you,” Synrith said.

  “What? You didn’t…”

  “Paint it? Why yes, I did actually. What do you like about it?”

  Cheryl shrugged. “I don’t know. I like the deer.”

  “So did I.” A troubled look passed Synrith’s eyes. “Please sit down now.”

  Cheryl sat down on the bench and he wheeled the cart further. Then removed the blanket.

  “Lunch is served.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Underneath the blanket was an assortment of sandwiches, grapes, berries and pineapple on separate silver trays. At the sight of it, Cheryl realized that having not eaten since yesterday, she was quite hungry.

  She reached out and took what appeared to be a chicken and avocado sandwich and started eating. Synrith seemed pleased that she had accepted his food without complaint. He reached underneath the cart and produced two glasses a bottle of chilled champagne.

  “None for me,” Cheryl said waving her free hand.

  Synrith frowned. “You do want to hear what I have to say, don’t you?”

  He wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

  “Okay, okay,” Cheryl gushed. “Just a small one.”

  Synrith poured them each a glass and then handed one to her as he sat beside her.

  “Do you like the sandwich?”

  “Well…” Cheryl said between bites. “It’s a sandwich.”

  “I’ll pass that on to the chef.”

  “What?” Cheryl spluttered. “No, I don’t – I don’t think –”

  Synrith smiled.

  “Oh. You’re joking.”

  “Took you long enough.”

  He raised his glass. “Drink w
ith me.”

  “Okay.”

  She clinked glasses with him.

  They both took a sip.

  “Mmm,” Cheryl said. “Now this I like.”

  Seeing him smile, she added, “But not too much.”

  “It’s time for me to explain things now, isn’t it?”

  “Yes,” Cheryl said finishing her sandwich. “Please do.”

  “Okay.” Synrith took another sip before he began. “What’s happening here is, we’re going to rest up for a few hours. You will eat. You will drink. You will bathe. You will be changed into new clothes and fixed with some make up. You will be as beautiful as you can be.”

  “Why?”

  “I’m sending you into where vampires are known to frequent. You will make contact. You will explain that you’re Sophie’s sister, and that she has been taken by the wolves. You will tell them you have escaped from me, and I have refused to cooperate with them to get her back.”

  Cheryl blinked. “Go on.”

  “Your goal is to get the wolf pack’s location from them. They will be set up somewhere. A large house or building to that effect. You have to find out where they are.”

  “And what happens after that?”

  “You will give the location to me. And I will handle them.”

  “So that’s all? I just have to speak to these ‘vampires’ and they’ll tell me where I can find the wolves.”

  Synrith nodded.

  “Well, why don’t we go out now and track them down? Why do with have to hang back for so long?”

  “Unlike dragons, wolves and vampires are night creatures. This all must take place under the cover of darkness.”

  “Hmm. Well, they better not be hurting Sophie. I swear. I hate just sitting here, you know?”

  “Convincing the vampires you are on their side will require some work,” Synrith said. “You’ll have to practice how you’re going to behave in front of them.”