Betrayed by a Dragon: A Paranormal Shifter Romance (Exiled Dragons Book 1)

by Sarah J. Stone

  “Hey, lady. I want to get home sometime today!” a man yelled from the car behind her.

  “Yeah, me too,” she replied, looking forward to see the man in front of her was returning to his car now that the dragon disappeared beyond the horizon.

  Inside the car, she reached for her cell phone, hitting speed dial and the handsfree speaker as traffic began to inch forward once again. She waited anxiously while it rang on the other end, finally answered by the station receptionist.

  “Melanie, this is Amy. Can you get me The Grid on the phone?” she asked her.

  “Sure thing, Amy,” the young woman replied, putting her on hold while she shifted her call to the telephone operator that they nicknamed The Grid because he controlled the large sound and inbound call grid that sat outside her sound booth.

  “Go,” he said from the other end.

  “It’s Amy. Tell me about the dragon phone calls this morning,” she said.

  “Man, there were dozens of them. Crazy people talking about dragons flying over the city,” he said.

  “What color did they say they were?” she asked.

  “All over the show. There was blue and silver mostly, but a couple said red or orange,” he told her. “Why?”

  “Just some thoughts on a follow up,” she replied, unwilling to admit she had seen them too just yet. “Thanks, Grid.”

  “Sure. Talk to you later.”

  Amy ended the call and wondered what was going on here. Whoever had put those things into the sky had done one hell of a job making them look realistic. Of course, the darkness aided that, but still, what she had been able to make out seemed very authentic looking. She had to know who was behind it. Though she was a radio DJ, her training was as an investigative reporter, and this seemed worthy of further scrutiny if for no other reason than curiosity.

  “What do you know about dragons?” she was asking her best friend, Barb, on the phone an hour later when she finally managed to make it out of traffic and into her small apartment just outside the city.

  “Dragons?” Barb repeated.

  “Yes, dragons.”

  “They don’t exist. They never did,” Barb replied.

  “Are you certain? There is no evidence to support that they have ever roamed the planet?” Amy asked.

  “I am certain. I would stake my anthropology degree on it.”

  “What I if I told you that I saw one tonight?”

  “I’d have to ask what you are drinking and if I can come over to help you finish it off,” Barb laughed.

  “I’m serious, Barb.”

  “So am I. Listen, it’s not a matter of dragons no longer existing. They never did.”

  “I saw one flying over my head, Barb.”

  “I don’t know what you saw, but I can assure you that it wasn’t a dragon. Probably some military experiment.”

  “This was no military UFO.”

  “Look, even if an animal that size did once exist, it doesn’t anymore, and anything that might have even been similar just wouldn’t have been able to fly. No wing span on an animal would have supported that kind of weight. It is an impossibility. Really, Amy . . . you’re the last person I’d expect to drum up some dragon hoax.”

  “I’m not drumming up a hoax. I had a caller earlier on the show that claimed he saw a dragon. I reacted the same way, but then, on my way home, I saw it for myself.”

  “I don’t know what you saw, but I can promise you it wasn’t a dragon.”

  “Of course. You’re right. It must have been something else. I’m just being foolish,” Amy told her, second guessing what she had seen now that Barb’s voice of reason had stepped in.

  “Exactly. I’m glad you called though. Do you want to have lunch tomorrow before you go in for your show?”

  “Yeah, that sounds good. It’s been a while since we hung out.”

  “Eleven at our usual spot?”

  “It’s a date,” Amy told her. They said their goodbyes and hung up.

  At first, Amy dismissed any further thoughts about the dragon, but then she decided to see what she could find out about any other sightings. Firing up her laptop, she opened a search page and looked for dragon sightings in Los Angeles. Her eyes grew wide as she saw all the recent posts on various social media and blogs from people who had seen the creatures, too. There were even a few pictures, but they were all too grainy or blurry to say beyond a certainty that what anyone had seen was real. She made some notes and closed the computer, still pondering it all as she made herself some dinner.

  Sitting down with a bowl of reheated pasta and a glass of wine, she poured over the information she had gathered, pulling out a road map she hadn’t used since the invention of GPS and marking the locations people had noted in their sightings. There seemed to be a flight path from Los Angeles out toward the San Bernardino Mountains. For something that didn’t exist, the dragon seemed to have a definite route into and out of the city limits. After a while, she put the map aside and got ready for bed, but sleep was slow to come as she contemplated how someone could pull off something so convincing as to make people believe there were dragons.

  CHAPTER 3

  “I’m telling you, Barb. I saw it with my own eyes,” Amy told her friend over lunch the following day.

  “I don’t know what you saw, but I can assure you that there is a more logical explanation than a big red dragon soaring above the freeway,” Barb replied.

  “I know. It was just so realistic looking. I suppose I just needed a voice of reason.”

  “Glad I could help out. Now, aside from seeing dragons, how are things with you?”

  “Ah, you know how it is. Just work, mostly.”

  “Sounds typical. How about the love life? Anything happening there?”

  “Love life? What’s that?”

  “Pretty much what I figured. When are you going to get back out there?”

  “It’s just not really on my radar right now, Barb. I’m so tired of meeting the same types of guys over and over. No one wants a commitment. They all want to just get lucky and then go about their business. If it was good, they’ll call you late on a Saturday night when their date didn’t work out and want to come over. That’s all fine and good, but I’m ready for something more substantial in a relationship.”

  “Well, you aren’t going to find it sitting at home.”

  “I know, I know. I’m just taking some ‘me’ time, I guess. I can’t deal with men right now. My career is going great and, other than men, my social life is fabulous. I get invited to all the best events and parties. Everyone wants the star of a local radio show at their gig. You know I’m not much for being deemed a celebrity, but I have to admit that it’s nice to have an open ticket to most places.”

  “Just don’t get too lost in the ‘me’ time. It must get lonely sometimes.”

  “It does. How about you? How are things going with Garth?” Amy replied, referencing the rather tumultuous relationship Barb had with her beau.

  “Honestly, it seems to be hitting a high note. We’ve been spending lots of time together lately, but he had to go to Italy on business for a couple of weeks, so I’m on my own for now.”

  “I assume you hear from him while he’s gone?”

  “Oh, yes. We Skype every night before bedtime.”

  “That’s fantastic. I’m happy for you.”

  “I don’t want to get too wrapped up in it. You know how it goes with us. Great one minute and at odds the next.”

  “I have an idea. How would you like to go on a little trip with me?”

  “A trip where?” Barb asked, narrowing her eyes.

  “Not far, just over to Big Bear Lake.”

  “You want to go camping? Since when?” Barb laughed.

  “No. You know I don’t do camping trips. I want to rent a cabin and do some hiking up the mountains.”

  “That kind of hiking, in those mountains, usually involves camping.”

  “Yeah, but just short term. Dropping a pup tent o
vernight during a hike and spending weeks in one are two very different things.”

  “Fair enough. Why the sudden inspiration to go hiking? You haven’t hiked in ages that I know of.”

  “I just want to get out and explore. That’s all.”

  “Well, you caught me at a good time, I guess. I’ll go with you. The great outdoors will be a refreshing change of pace from the city. When do you want to leave?”

  “Tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow? Wow. You aren’t playing. What about your show?”

  “I’ll tell them I have some personal things to take care of and let them play some of the pre-recorded stuff they keep on hand in case of emergencies.”

  “Alright. Well, I’m in.”

  “Fantastic. I’ll get us a cabin lined up and pick you up in the morning to head out.”

  The women finished their meal, chatting about all the things they missed in one another’s lives since they last got together. Barb was one of Amy’s oldest friends. It was always nice to catch up. Spending a week with her out in the middle of nowhere would be refreshing, though she did feel a little bad about not telling her the entire truth. No way would Barb agree to go if she knew they were on the trail of the dragon that supposedly didn’t exist.

  End of Preview

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  (Shadow Claw Book 1)

  SARAH J. STONE

  CHAPTER 1

  “Luke, the elders have a point. At least hear them out.”

  The door banged in the lieutenant’s face and he sighed. He walked towards the common room, wondering how he could convince his alpha that he needed a woman in his life to stabilize him.

  “Kevin!”

  Ted waved at him from the counter where he was wolfing down his meal. Kevin made a face at his pink hair, and sat down next to him. “Who dared you to do that?” he said.

  “Jenny did.” Ted bared his teeth in a smile. “And now she has no choice but to go out with me on a date. So,” he said, swallowing his stew, “what did Luke say?”

  Kevin leaned over to grab a piece of bread from the basket, and broke into it with his teeth. “He told me to go do something to myself which is not anatomically possible.”

  Ted frowned, “The elders should just stop climbing all over him. He’ll find a mate soon enough.”

  “He hasn’t touched a woman in a year. Not even a packmate. He will go crazy.”

  Ted sobered at his friend’s words and then his eyes lit up, “Why not send him to town? One of those local bars. He might be attracted to somebody there.”

  Kevin shook his head and wiped the crumbs off his face. “You know we can’t mate with humans.”

  Ted glanced at the wall clock and put his bowl in the kitchen sink. “Sex and mating are two different things. He’ll relieve himself and then the elders will be able to relax. We all will.” He winked at Kevin. “I’ve got to go. I’m late for my patrol.”

  He rushed out and Kevin looked thoughtful. It might work. It just might.

  Luke Claw frowned at the papers in front of him. A political alliance with the wolves? He wasn’t letting those cunning creatures anywhere near his territory. And besides, given what he had read the formal declaration, the wolves would try to infringe on his lands. The numbers from his pack had already dwindled due to the last attack. They needed to feel safe before they let other shifters near them.

  “Kayla!”

  There was no response. He growled and rubbed his temples, and then shouted in a deafening roar, “KAYLA!”

  The teenager who had needled him and begged him to let her work as his assistant walked in annoyed. “I was on the phone, Luke.”

  She ignored his scowl and sat down in the chair across from him. “What?” she said

  Luke tossed the papers towards her. “Write a letter, declining their offer.”

  His assistant picked up the papers and scanned them. Her eyes widened as she looked at him. “Are you sure? Wouldn’t they be an asset to us?”

  “You want more bloodshed at our door?” His dark words made her pale, and she quickly shook her head, taking the papers as she left.

  Luke sighed, rubbing his hands over his face. Shit. Her parents had been killed in the panther’s attack. He shouldn’t have said that.

  Kevin marched in twenty minutes later, frowning. “What did you say to Kayla? The kid looks like she’s been crying.”

  “What do you want?” Great. I made her cry again, Luke thought to himself. He ran a hand through his shaggy brown hair, feeling guilty. “I’ll talk to Kayla. Why are you here?”

  “You need to get out.” When Luke bared his teeth at him, Kevin raised a hand. “Just hear me out.” He leaned forward, saying, “You go out, see if some woman catches your eye. You haven’t let anyone near you, Luke. You need this. This will even make the elders back off.”

  When Luke gave a considering look, Kevin jumped at the chance. “You’re sniping at everyone here. Even Kayla. Go out tonight. Everyone is on edge and you know it.”

  “The Pack needs–”

  “I will be here, and so will Sheila and Ronnie. I’ve called them back.”

  Luke’s golden eyes glinted. He may be an asshole, but he always put the needs of the pack first. “I’ll go. If it gets the elders off my back, I’ll get out.”

  He made a face when his first lieutenant looked elated. “Don’t look so thrilled. This might come to nothing,” he warned. “Now get out. I have work to do.”

  Kevin practically skipped out, making Luke call him a particularly nasty word. However, his friend just showed him the finger and left, grinning gleefully.

  When he scented another visitor a few minutes later, Luke was about to scowl until he saw who it was. His four-year-old intruder was pretending to be a hunter. The little bear cub sniffed at the doorway and looked up at Luke who pretended to be busy in his work. The alpha of the Shadow Claw pack could smell the glee of the child as he quickly darted under the desk. He winced when he heard the boy stumble and hit himself, but when there was no cry of pain, he carried on with the little game.

  Two seconds later, he felt something grab onto his leg. He jumped in surprise. Leaning down, he picked up the little bear cub by the scruff of his neck and brought him close to his face. The cub showed him his teeth, licked his nose affectionately, and shifted in a shimmer of light.

  A tiny naked boy grinned at him and said, “I caught you!”

  “When did you get here?” Luke frowned. “I didn’t even hear you.”

  Keenan wrapped his arms around his alpha’s neck, “I’m going to be a Hunter one day.” Then he pulled back and said, “Why is Kayla sad?”

  Luke put the boy on his desk and walked over to a small chest that stood in the corner of his office and contained clothes of all sizes. Pulling out a small pair of jeans, he helped Keenan put them on. “I was mean to her,” he said.

  Keenan patted Luke’s cheeks and smiled innocently. “You should say sorry. Mama said that when you do something bad, you should say sorry.”

  “Then shouldn’t you go say sorry to the pack nanny? She’ll be worried sick.” Luke ruffled the boy’s head.

  At Keenan’s guilty look, his alpha put him on his shoulders and carried him out of the room. His gaze fell on his subdued assistant. She refused to meet his eyes, and he sighed inwardly. Putting the boy down, he ushered him out of the room. “I have to say sorry to Kayla,” He whispered to Keenan who grinned and ran off.

  He made his way towards the girl and leaned his hip against her desk. She refused to acknowledge his presence.

  Luke rubbed the back of his neck. “You okay?” he asked.

  “No.” Came the mumble as she typed on the laptop.

  “Would you accept an apology?”

  “No.”

  Why are teenagers so hard to deal with? He had never been this difficult. But then again, he had been isolated from his pack and had wandered the woods
in a black rage.

  Sighing again, he dragged Kayla into a hug. She stiffened at first and then relaxed. When he felt his shirt become wet, he felt really bad. “Come on, kid. I wasn’t thinking.” He ran his hand over her hair in a comforting manner, and after a while, her tears stopped and she sniffled.

  “You haven’t hugged me in a while.”

  “I know.” Releasing her, he flicked her nose, making her howl and cover it with her hands as she glared at him. He smirked at her and said, “That was for making me feel guilty.”

  He evaded her kick, “Come on. Don’t you have a class at three? I’ll drop you off.”

  Kayla grabbed her bag and closed her laptop, rushing after him. “You’re going out?”

  “I have been forced to,” he muttered darkly. “This is blackmail.”

  Kayla grinned, “Where are you going?” She wiggled her way under his arm and he let her. He was the alpha and that didn’t just mean forcing his pack to obey him, but also giving them the comfort and affection they needed. After last year’s attack, they had lost half their numbers and had been forced to bring in other bear shifters who wanted to leave their packs. He glanced down at the young girl who was chattering away and felt relieved that she had started smiling again. Her parents had both been sentinels and had not survived the attack.

  “Well?”

  Luke glanced down at her. “Well what?”

  “Is it true?”

  He raised his brow. “I wasn’t listening. Is what true?”

  Kayla tugged painfully at the arm around her neck. “Hey!”

  “Don’t ignore me!” She scowled at him. “I asked you if you were going to mate with Fiona?”

  “W-What?” Luke looked absolutely horrified. “Where did you hear that?”

  The girl looked smug. “I knew it was a lie,” she said as she made a face. “I don’t like the new packmates. They’re very mean.”

  Luke gave her a sharp look and asked, “Are they bothering you?”

  Kayla shrugged. “They don’t feel like family, and they’re always looking down on us. I don’t like it.”

  Luke ruffled her hair with his free hand, making her shriek. “I’ll take care of it. Don’t worry. Come on. Go grab your stuff.”