Brekkon shrugged. “I’m in no hurry to go to work. Believe me.”
“Nor am I, but we agreed to the rules. Let’s go,” said Javich.
Brekkon looked at me. “I’d like to return to our previous discussion later. May I contact you after work?”
I nodded quickly, relieved. If he was willing to work with me, there was still hope for my sister and without resorting to thievery or violence. This would make Ria very happy.
“Okay. Good.” He looked at Oscow. “Thank you for healing my friend. Hopefully he has learned his lesson.”
“Let’s hope,” said the old Healer. “With the mix of Metas and Humans, I’m sure there are a lot of diseases we don’t yet know about hiding here.” He looked at Javich. “I’d be very careful with whom you have relations with.”
“Duly noted,” he replied.
“Good day, gentlemen,” said Oscow, dismissing them.
Brekkon and Javich said their goodbyes and then left us.
“I might be old, but I’m not stupid. I know you and Brekkon are going to negotiate some kind of a deal for blood,” said Oscow, turning to me. “Just be careful. It really is illegal for anyone, even a Healer, to make a trade like that. Not without approval from the AS.”
I didn’t say anything.
“Tell me, child, do you need this blood for an ailment or is it something else?” he asked, studying my face.
“It’s just for an ailment,” I replied softly. “A friend of mine has a skin disease that isn’t responding to anything else I’ve tried.”
He frowned. “You couldn’t extract it?”
“No, and I tried several times.”
He asked me to describe the condition and I did.
“Hmm…” He crossed his arms and tapped his finger against his chin. “Could it be a curse?”
“I’m not sure. I was going to try the Dragon’s blood first, to see if it worked.”
He nodded. “Understandable. If it is a curse, it will be very hard to remove. We do have a curse catcher at the Complex, if what you try next doesn’t work.”
“So, I’ve heard.”
His eyes softened. “You know, I have a feeling that if you told Brekkon what it was for, he’d give it up without you having to pay with S-Co.”
“Right,” I replied dryly. “He had nothing but dollar signs in his eyes when we spoke of a trade earlier.”
“There were more than just dollar signs, I bet.” Oscow smiled. “When a man looks at a woman the way he looked at you…”
I sighed. “I think you’re imagining it, Oscow.”
“I don’t think so. Something tells me that the Dragon-shifter has it bad for you and doesn’t even realize it.”
His words gave me goosebumps. “Even if that were the case, it doesn’t mean he’d give up his blood for free,” I murmured softly.
“I never said ‘free’.” He studied my face and nodded. “Both of you would be paying for it.”
I wasn’t sure what he meant and didn’t have time to ask, as another patient walked into the room.
“Let me know how your friend’s condition progresses. I’m curious to see if the blood works,” said Oscow, as I scanned the patient into the system.
I looked at him over my shoulder. “If I can get it.”
He smiled. “You will.”
I wasn’t as confident as Oscow, but our talk had definitely put things into a new perspective. I decided to be open with Brekkon and hope that beneath that tough, greedy exterior was a warm heart.
Chapter 17
Brekkon
When I finally reported to work, I sensed quickly that the guy in charge, Luke Cadell, had no love for Metas and the fact that I was late, didn’t help. He pointed me toward one of the gardens to pick vegetables and do some weeding. For the next several hours, I stayed busy, and by the end of the day, my Human body was sore, which I wasn’t accustomed to.
“I want you here early tomorrow to make up for today,” Luke told me before I left.
Expecting no less, I agreed, although the thought of returning was as thrilling as my aches and pains.
By the time I arrived back at my apartment, it was after six and I was famished. Although we’d been provided with lunch, it wasn’t nearly enough to sustain me and I was grouchier then all hell.
Dirty and sweaty from the labor, I raided the refrigerator, took a shower, and then went back to eat some more. As I was cleaning up, Javich called and told me that he was stopping over. A minute later, he was in the kitchen and looking just as weary as me.
“What a day,” he mumbled, sitting down at the table.
I grunted. “A dream job, huh?”
“Definitely more of a nightmare. They had me running all day fixing pipes and picking up garbage in the courtyard. The place has only been open for one day and the slobs are already destroying it.”
“Just think of it as job security,” I told him.
“Yeah.” He grunted. “I could use a stiff drink. You have anything stronger than water?”
I shook my head. “You eat yet?”
“Hell yeah, but I’m still hungry. How about we go into Main City and check out the pubs? Get some grub and relax?”
I liked the sound of that. “Okay. I’m definitely game but we’ll have to wait until after my meeting with Natalya.”
He stretched his legs out and looked up at me with a smile. “That’s right. You really going to sell her some blood?”
“Yeah, if the price is right.”
Noticing something in his nail, he picked it out and brushed it away. “Apparently Dragon’s blood is in great demand here. We’d better be on constant guard.”
“Yeah. Do me a favor,” I said, watching as he examined the rest of his nails and scraped out more gunk, “don’t do that in here. You’re making me ill.”
He laughed. “What? It’s just sewage.”
“Very funny. Go home and take care of that shit there,” I said in disgust. I loved Javich, but he was a slob.
Still chuckling, Javich stood up. “Fine. Call me when you’re finished with her,” he said with a perverse grin on his face. “Or when she’s finished with you.”
He still thought I was going to bed the Human. I shook my head. “You’re not going to win, you know.”
“Unlike you, I usually bet on the sure things.”
I rolled my eyes.
He yawned and headed toward the door. “I’m going to go and take a nap. Like I said, call me after and we’ll head to the pub.”
“Okay. By the way, how are you healing up?”
He looked down at his groin. “My pecker is as good as new. Thanks to you.”
“Never, ever, speak those words out loud again,” I muttered.
Javich chuckled and left the apartment.
Chapter 18
Natalya
After my shift, I checked in on Ria and found her to be suffering worse than ever.
“You’re going to have to call in sick tonight,” I said, watching as she rubbed ointment onto her forehead. Her eyes were red-rimmed from crying and it was obvious that she’d had a horrible day.
“I know,” she replied, staring back at me in the mirror. “When are you meeting with the Dragon-shifter?”
“In thirty minutes.”
“I’m coming with you,” she said turning around.
“No. You can’t leave your apartment, especially if you’re going to call in sick. Besides, I was just scolded by one of the Intra officers for wearing my robe to work. We’re not supposed to wear anything other than the new clothing, so everyone will see what’s happening to your skin.”
She groaned in frustration.
I walked over and touched her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll get the blood and return here as fast as I can,” I said softly, wishing that I could take away her suffering.
She nodded. “At least he agreed to sell you the blood. I’m so relieved that we don’t have to resort to…” Her eyes widened. “Wait a second. Did you cal
l Cleo?”
My stomach dropped. I’d been so busy, and after talking with Brekkon, I’d completely spaced it out. “I did get ahold of her before I spoke to him. I didn’t tell her that we might be negotiating, though,” I replied, trying not to panic. “She thought I was going to just try and take it.”
“Oh, no. So, she has no idea.”
“No, she doesn’t.” I called Cleo right away, hoping she hadn’t gotten in touch with Talon or one of his associates. She didn’t answer, so I left her a message.
“What if it’s too late?” Ria asked, lifting her dark hair to scratch at her neck. “What if she did get in touch with Talon and they’ve found him already?”
Although I was frightened of that too, I told her not to worry. “Cleo has been working all day and I bet she hasn’t even had time to get ahold of anyone.”
Ria sighed. “Let’s hope you’re right.”
“She was the one who told me that I should try and get the blood myself, since the Dragon-shifters were in the clinic.”
“Oh. Well then, you’re probably right,” she said, relaxing. “I’m sure she’s waiting to hear back from you.”
“Exactly,” I replied, hoping that we were right, even though my stomach was in knots. Cleo had mentioned that she had friends in the government and there was little doubt in my mind that if she really wanted to get a message to any of the outside worlds, she could. I looked at the time. It was almost seven o’clock. “I should get moving.”
“Are you going to warn him?”
My eyes widened. “No, of course not. Brekkon can’t know that we’re associated with Cleo. Not after she was caught trying to steal Javich’s blood.”
“I suppose,” replied Ria, scratching at her skin again.
“Stop doing that,” I scolded, heading toward the door.
“Easy for you to say,” she muttered.
I opened the door and glanced back at her. Of course, she was still scratching. I sighed. “I’ll be back. Don’t forget to call in sick. Ask for Oscow. He’s in charge and seems like a decent enough person.”
“Okay. What should I say?” she asked, chewing on her lower lip.
“I don’t know. Make something up.”
“Thanks,” she said dryly.
As much as I wanted to help her come up with something, I knew she needed to start thinking for herself, especially now that we’d be spending less time together at the Complex. “You’ll figure it out. I have faith in you.”
She nodded. “I have faith in you, too.”
Smiling, I left her apartment and went in search of Brekkon’s.
Chapter 19
Brekkon
When Natalya arrived at my place, she looked uncomfortable.
“Come in,” I said, standing aside.
Moving past me, she looked around my apartment and commented that it was identical to hers.
“Odds are mine is more flame-resistant, though,” I replied, trying to make her more at ease.
She smiled and it lit up the room.
“Would you like something to drink?” I asked, feeling anxious myself now for some reason.
“No, thank you. I’m fine.”
“Okay. Well, why don’t you sit down and make yourself comfortable?”
“Thank you,” she said, walking over to the sofa.
I sat down across from her and we stared at each other in awkward silence for a few seconds.
Natalya cleared her throat. “So, how much are you asking?”
“I told you. Ten-thousand an ounce.”
“And I told you that I can’t afford to pay that, so I guess this is a waste of time,” she replied, her green eyes hardening. Natalya stood up and began walking toward the doorway. “Let me know when you’re serious about this.”
“Wait. How much can you afford?” I asked, not wanting her to leave.
“I suppose I can handle ten thousand, but for one pint.”
I smirked. “I would have never guessed a woman like you had balls that big.”
Natalya’s eyes widened and then she smiled. “Do we have a deal?”
“You’re kidding, right?” I replied, sitting back. “That’s a hell of a lotta blood. I’d say at least one-hundred thousand S-Co for a pint.”
“Twenty thousand S-Co. I’ll have it transferred to your account today. But, that’s all I can do.”
I sighed. The look in her eyes told me the offer was firm and she wouldn’t go any higher. Again, I wondered what she needed it for and was about to ask, when someone began pounding on the door.
“Were you expecting someone?” she asked, looking alarmed.
“No, but it’s probably my friend, Javich. He’s right down the hallway and is nosier than all hell.”
Natalya relaxed. “Oh. Okay.”
“You looked a little worried there for a moment,” I said, smiling as I headed to the door.
“It’s because Oscow put the fear of God in me,” she said. “I guess I don’t want to be arrested.”
“Don’t worry. Nobody’s getting arrested,” I replied, opening up the door. Standing on the other side were two Intra officers, a male and a female. The male was smiling and pointing a segif at me.
Chapter 20
Natalya
“Can I help you?” asked Brekkon in a guarded tone.
I couldn’t see who was at his doorway, but immediately knew something was wrong.
Talon?
Frightened, I stood up quickly.
“You already have, Brekkon Liamson,” I heard someone say.
“Do you mind lowering your gun?” asked Brekkon angrily.
In answer, the Dragon-shifter was shoved backward and two Intra officers, one male and one female, stepped into the apartment, closing the door behind them.
“What’s going on?” I asked, shaking. The two officers both had their weapons out and were eyeing me with disapproval.
“Shit, what are we going to do with her?” mumbled the woman, scowling at me. Her name nametag showed that she was Lydisa Baker.
“What in the hell is going on?” growled Brekkon, glaring at the officers.
“You really haven’t figured it out yet?” said Lydisa with a smirk. She snorted. “What a fool.”
My stomach still dropped. This was my fault. I hadn’t gotten to Cleo in time and she’d obviously set this up.
“I should go,” I said, forcing a smile to my face. “I just stopped by…”
“You’re not going anywhere,” Lydisa said sharply. It was then that I noticed her iridescent green eyes. I looked over at the male, whose name was Torik Havon, and saw that his were exactly the same color.
Green Dragons?
“Brekkon, you bad, bad boy. You owe a great deal of money to Talon,” said Torik with a cold smile. “And he’s not happy.”
“How do you know Talon?” Brekkon asked tightly.
“You still don’t know? Metal Dragons aren’t known for their brains,” sneered Torik. “So, it doesn’t surprise me.”
Brekkon scowled. “I know exactly what you are, I’m just wondering how you’ve become an associate with someone who despises booger Dragons.”
“You’d better watch yourself,” growled the female, her green eyes blazing.
Brekkon smiled. “Why take offense? You are what you eat, right?”
Lydisa looked like she was about to lose it and I braced myself, wondering if she’d attack as a Human or her true form.
“Hey, don’t let him get under your skin, Lydisa. He’s just jealous of our kind,” replied the other officer.
I cleared my throat. “Excuse me… what exactly are you?” I asked, trying to diffuse the situation.
Lydisa looked at me. “We’re Dragons, dumbass. Green ones, if you need it spelled out for you.”
I’d heard that they were the most dangerous of their species, and now there were two of them with us. From the tension in the room, a major shit-storm was about to unfold and it was because of me.
Brekkon nodded tow
ard me. “Let her go and I’ll pay you what I owe.”
“Unfortunately, it’s not that simple,” said Torik, stepping closer to me. “And, I think we’ll keep her with us as insurance, since it’s obvious she means something to you.”
I was about to tell him he was wrong and that we’d just met, but decided my life was worth more to them if they thought he cared about me. Otherwise, I was just a witness that needed to be disposed of.
“Stay away from her,” snapped Brekkon, taking a step forward.
Before I knew what was happening, Torik had his arm around me and there was a segif pointed at my temple. “Back off, Brekkon,” he threatened. “Or, I’ll shoot her.”
“You heard him. Get back!” ordered Lydisa, aiming her weapon at Brekkon.
He raised his hands in the air, but stayed put. “She has nothing to do with this. Let her go,”
“Maybe. Maybe not. I do think you’ll behave better if we keep your little girlfriend around, though.” Torik pressed his face into my hair and inhaled deeply. “She looks and smells heavenly, by the way. I can’t decide if I want to barbecue her or have my way with this beauty. Hell, maybe I’ll do both.”
“You hurt her and it will be the last thing you do,” Brekkon said, his pupils now two black slits.
“Careful. Turning back to Dragon wouldn’t be in anyone’s best interests right now,” said Lydisa.
“Then let her go,” he growled.
“Interesting that you care so much for this Human,” she replied.
“She’s not Human,” answered Brekkon.
“No, she’s a Healer,” said Torik, sniffing me again. “Interesting.”
“What, exactly, do you want from me, if it’s not just the money?” asked Brekkon, his hands clenched into fists.
“Lydisa, show him,” said Torik.
The Intra officer reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a syringe. “Apparently, Talon is not just interested in your money. He wants your blood.”
Brekkon’s eyes narrowed. “Why?”
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