Dragon Legacy

by Jane Hunt

  Lukas ran his fingers through his raven-colored hair. He’d misjudged the depth of Fleur’s emotions. His behavior pushed her closer to the source of danger: Xavier.

  *

  The champagne's delightful bubbles fizzed on her sensitive tongue. First, Lukas ignored her. Now he conversed with his friend, Zane, and glowered at her. Fleur didn't understand the mercurial change in his behavior, so much for her new power to entrance him. Perhaps their passionate interlude was a pipe dream. One drink with Xavier wouldn’t do any harm, but Xavier moved closer. Too close. He breached her unspoken boundaries. Her stomach churned. She reeled as a wave of dizziness hit her. She'd made a mistake. She didn't even like Xavier. What did he want with her?

  “How’s your champagne?”

  “I’m not much of a drinker, but it's lovely.” She stepped back to reclaim her personal space. Lukas glanced in her direction, his face full of disbelief and anger. Her rebellious streak coupled with her need to prove her desirability overrode her unease over Xavier's motives. She dropped into her murder mystery character, laughed flirtatiously at his jokes, and playfully hit his arm when he made a risqué comment. She caught sight of Lukas' expression. His eyes glittered like molten gold, his mouth hardened to a thin red line in his pale face. She sensed his anger as if he'd shouted at her. Xavier's intent gaze imprisoned her like a mouse caught in his trap. He glanced behind him and returned his attention to her. He smiled a calculated expression on his face that she didn't understand but still made her uncomfortable. The bell rang for dinner. At least she could get away now.

  "Shall we?"

  "Sorry, I didn't hear what you said."

  “Shall we go into dinner?"

  Fleur hesitated. She hoped Lukas would rescue her. Instead, he turned away. Without a plausible excuse, she smiled and followed Xavier.

  *

  Lukas reached Grace as the bell for dinner sounded. They needed a plan for Xavier's destruction before his instability hurt Fleur. He smiled as he controlled his anger. "Clever casting Grace, it's easier for us to talk without raising suspicion." They reached the dining room's door and waited for the other guests. Lukas seized their last opportunity to talk in private. “Can we revert to our true identities for a moment?” Grace nodded her expression tense. Lukas opened his mind and shared her thoughts.

  His eyes are almost reptilian. Too forthright and open about his power to be a snake. A snake would mask its power, not wear it like a badge of honor. The passion she witnessed in Lukas pointed to a mythical creature, a dragon maybe.

  "You're right, Grace. Don't you recognise me from your dreams?" The witch's gaze filled with fear. Lukas held her hand as they stood in line. Her eyes dimmed and glazed.

  She remembered their first meeting. She tossed and turned as the nightmare invaded her sleep again. She relived the death of her lover at the hands of a demon every time she slept. Forced to watch his degradation before the demon came for her. This time Lukas saved her. They found solace in each other's company. The same demon killed his parents. Lukas' final words to her: When we meet again, I will need your help. His last words rang out in her head. Lukas let go of her hand, and her eyes cleared. She shuddered even though the room was warm.

  "I thought I knew you. Is it time?"

  "Yes. The final battle draws near. Xavier is the demon's human persona."

  "It explains why he's so interested in Fleur and Jasmine."

  Lukas kept his face and voice expressionless. He didn't want Fleur involved. "Fleur and I have no connection. This doesn't concern her."

  "I'm not sure I believe you, Lukas."

  "Jasmine is different. She's your daughter. Xavier has sensed her power. He wants it. She needs to stay away from him." They walked into the dining room. He looked back into the conservatory. A person dressed in black caught his attention. The branches of a lemon tree obscured Jasmine and someone unknown, deep in conversation.

  *

  A flash of silver hair caught her attention as Jasmine carried a tray of clean glasses out of the conservatory. Zane, she ignored the unexpected hypnotic pull. She wouldn't turn round for another man in pursuit of her power. “Hi, shall I walk you into dinner?” Zane's deep voice forced her acknowledgement of him, so Jasmine smiled.

  “Thanks, but,” she indicated her outfit, glad of her watertight excuse, “as you can see I’m the hired help. I’ll be serving at the table rather than sitting at it.”

  *

  Zane returned her smile. Slippery little witch. Her avoidance tactics made him more determined to discover what she knew. “Perhaps I could have a quick word with you now?” Jasmine glanced at Grace, Lukas, and several other couples who waited at the dining room's door. He saw a look of resignation cross her expressive face.

  “Yes, of course, I have a moment.”

  Zane ushered her into the alcove, dominated by a beautiful lemon tree. Her stiff shoulders betrayed her annoyance, but her body relaxed as his warmth enveloped her. A small victory since Jasmine let his alpha behavior pass without comment. “You need to stay away from Xavier. He knows who you are. He wants your power.”

  Jasmine's gaze clouded. "I don't understand. What do you mean, who I am?"

  He didn't have time for games. "He knows you're a witch!"

  "How do you know I'm a witch?" Jasmine's expression betrayed her fear of discovery.

  "From Lukas. He knew your mother a long time ago. Ask her and she'll fill you in."

  "I have to go."

  Zane released her. Did she believe him? He cursed the rush of blood to his groin and growled with frustration. He hoped the feisty witch followed his advice. She intrigued him despite her obvious aversion. Calm again, Zane entered the dining room alone and updated Lukas.

  *

  Seated next to Xavier, Fleur abhorred her stupidity. Lukas showed no sign of jealousy. He hadn’t cast a single glance her way. She was thankful Xavier said little, but his gaze still disturbed her as it lingered on her breasts. She wished the turquoise dress revealed less of her. Xavier's dark, cruel stare made her want to cover herself. She shuddered. She couldn't survive dinner next to him, food the last thing on her mind. Jasmine rushed into the dining room. Zane followed her, his usual laid-back demeanor absent. He whispered to Lukas. Lukas glanced at her. His gaze hardened. He turned away. Fleur sighed. No help there. A flash of purple drew her gaze as Grace headed her way.

  "I must borrow you."

  "Yes, of course."

  Fleur rose with such haste, her chair toppled backwards. She turned to pick it up. Xavier's malicious gaze imprisoned her. She gulped. Her lungs starved for air. Her body trembled as icy blood coursed through her vessels and left a chill in its wake. She stepped back; her empathic nature recoiled from the evil she sensed. Her legs trembled. Grace put her arm around her. The warmth she transmitted gave her strength. Fleur tore her gaze away from Xavier's obsidian eyes. Grace walked away, her arm shielding her from Xavier's hate.

  "Come on."

  "Yes."

  "Don't go near Xavier again. He's toxic."

  "I wanted Lukas' attention."

  “You already have it."

  “Maybe earlier; he's lost interest now.”

  “No, he doesn't want you in danger because of who he is. He can’t share everything with you."

  “I don't understand what you mean.”

  “Be patient with him. I don’t know all the details, but he cares about you.”

  Fleur stared at Lukas across the room. "I hope so."

  “He wouldn't have noticed the problem with Xavier if he didn't."

  Jasmine leaned in to remove the first course. “I need to talk to you, Mum. It's urgent.”

  Grace nodded, her gaze sparkling with something akin to excitement. “We’ll meet straight after dinner. Ask Lukas and Zane to join us in the library.”

  Jasmine nodded. Fleur watched the interchange, curious why they would be this serious about the murder mystery. She would find the library after dinner and find out.

&n
bsp; *

  After a successful dinner, the murder mystery guests drifted into the conservatory and chatted in small groups. Grace and the others disappeared. No one noticed or commented on their absence, not even Xavier who slipped into the garden. Fleur, anxious to avoid him if he returned, walked away from the conservatory and its noisy chatter. She could explore the other downstairs rooms. Familiarize herself with the house's layout before the 'murder' tomorrow night. She ignored the insistent voice which taunted her about the secret meeting in the library.

  An imposing oak door; this must be the library, when she pushed against the panels; they opened far enough for her to squeeze through. She found herself surrounded by the musky smell indicative of old books, confirming the room's status. Curious, she walked further into the darkened room. Bespoke shelves laden with hundreds of books lined the walls. She noticed a book she wanted to read. Perhaps she could borrow it. She stopped and read the back cover blurb. Absorbed in her reading, the sound of hushed voices didn't permeate her concentration until she heard Grace. Fleur held her breath. She ought to leave. Still, what harm could it do? She wouldn't tell the other guests, or use any information she heard to cheat. Fleur leaned against the last bookshelf. Grace conversed with Lukas, as Zane and Jasmine sat in comfortable leather chairs next to a crackling fire.

  “So you all made it without any problems.”

  *

  Zane stretched his sinuous, lean body. Jasmine worried her full bottom lip as she watched his lithe moves. Lukas smiled. Her fascination with Zane reminded him of Fleur's delighted expression when she looked at him. He shifted in his seat, his jeans too tight as his body remembered the heat in Fleur's gaze. Jasmine's face betrayed a similar desire. She wanted Zane. Desired by a witch, Lukas smiled something to taunt his wolf-friend with, but not now. Lukas focused his mind back onto Zane, who confirmed Grace's assumption. No one knew of their meeting.

  “No one followed us. Xavier headed into the garden before we left."

  “Good. Right, let’s not waste any time. What's your plan, Lukas? We all agree the demon's destruction is in all our interests.”

  Still fixated on Fleur, Lukas looked across the room when heard his name. He rose. He must pitch this right. His mission needed the witches' support. He paced. The fire crackled with the air he wafted across its surface. The repetitive movement focused his mind. He faced Grace and Jasmine. Their gazes contained an equal mix of intrigue and trepidation. Lukas assumed Grace, whose witch ancestry stretched back beyond the first millennium, knew about the dragon egg and the ancient prophecy associated with it. Out the window he noticed a man's dark form crossing the garden's overgrown area. Xavier. He hoped Fleur had learned her lesson. If not, the fallout would be dire. His inner dragon fire burned hot and fierce deep inside him if Xavier touched her... He would check on her soon. He concentrated on his duty. “When we met earlier, I told you I needed your help,” Lukas held Grace's serene gaze. She nodded. "You must be familiar with the ancient prophecy associated with the last dragon egg?" Grace frowned as if she recalled a distant memory then nodded.

  Jasmine interrupted, “How does this involve my mother?"

  “I need her to help me find the last dragon egg.”

  “You seem convinced it's here,” Grace said. “My ancestors' stories never mentioned its location.”

  Lukas looked across at Zane, whose face bore a slight smile. "I buried it here, a millennium ago.”

  Shell-shocked, Grace and Jasmine exchanged an incredulous glance. Jasmine spoke first. "Impossible." Her gaze roamed Lukas' face and body. "You look like a man in his prime. How old are you? You can't be older than thirty-five?"

  Grace's expression mirrored her daughter's scepticism. Lukas smiled at his inquisitor. “You want proof?" Grace nodded as if she didn't trust her voice. “Do you have seer powers, Grace?”

  “In a limited way, I sometimes see the future in a dream.”

  ∞

  Chapter Four

  Lukas squatted in front of Grace and enclosed her hands. His heat flowed into her. The point where their hands met pulsed. Grace captured his gaze. She couldn't hide her amazement. Their minds' connected and Grace's eyes glazed. Lukas faded the room and its occupants. He projected his memories into her receptive mind until she saw the images he saw. The pictures flowed like scenes from a movie but clearer and more defined. Not only could she see but smell and feel what Lukas showed her: the odor of sulphur and the heather and grouse's dampness. The wild beat of Grace's pulse at the base of her neck, coupled with a faint sheen of perspiration covering her skin, betrayed her fear.

  “Jasmine, this is unbelievable.”

  Her confusion flooded into Lukas' mind. Were the images real?

  Jasmine, affected by her mother’s anguished voice, knelt at Grace's side. She hugged her mother. The arm around Grace jumped in reflex against Lukas's radiated heat. He touched Jasmine and included her in his telepathy. The subtle infusion of his ancient memories flowed from his mind. A picture of a mist covered hillside materialized. The scene mesmerized them as it unfolded like a virtual puzzle. A jolt of pure power ran through him as he recalled the eerie shapes of the dragons gathered in a circle around a turquoise, almost translucent, egg. The largest dragon stepped forward and covered the egg with dark earth. The dragon faced them. Somehow aware, they witnessed the ceremony. Lukas identified himself with the dragon lord. Grace and Jasmine must believe the dragon lived within him. His deep, clear voice broke into their subconscious. This is the last dragon egg. We must protect it against the servants of evil. Xavier will use its powers for the enslavement and destruction of humanity. Lukas let go of Grace’s hands and the picture receded. Jasmine found her voice first.

  “Oh my God, Lukas, it’s you. You’re the dragon."

  The sound of a book as it struck the hardwood floor behind them shattered the silence.

  *

  Fleur gasped for breath. Her heart hammered against her ribs. She couldn't believe the evidence of her own eyes and ears. Rooted to the spot, her head throbbed as her mind rejected the flow of images it couldn't understand. She wanted to believe a murder mystery at a weekend house party would involve an ancient prophecy and a dragon egg. Bemused, she stared at the book at her feet. A shadow danced across the wall. Grace and Lukas hurried towards her.

  Grace shouted. “Fleur, wait. We can explain.”

  Fear reared up in her mind like a cobra from a snake basket. She must escape from Lukas and his terrible secrets. She felt dizzy, and nausea churned her stomach until adrenaline kicked in. She turned and fled. Fortified by her hormonal surge, Fleur ran through the darkened hallway towards the staircase. Confusion and conflicted images filled her mind. She needed solitude.

  "I don't understand how she found us," Lukas said as he overtook Grace and bounded up the stairs, two at a time.

  Fleur reached her door and fumbled in her bag for the key. Found it. She rammed the key in and prayed it would unlock. When the door swung open, she yanked the key from the lock and rushed inside, slamming the door behind her. Heavy footsteps stopped outside her room. Safe, she pushed the key into the lock and turned it. It wouldn't move. The door shook from Lukas' heavy knock.

  “Let me in, Fleur!”

  Fleur froze. Her mind screamed. She must lock the door. Her hand shook as she touched the key. The door flew open and knocked her backwards. Lukas now stood inside her room. His stillness unnerved her. His face was marred with a furious expression. Agitated, he grabbed Fleur with a strong, sinewy arm as her body swayed away from him. Panicked, she trembled. She didn't want him this close but knew she would fall without his support. He must sense her fear and anger. She met his gaze, and he gentled his hold. Grace panted at his side.

  “We’ll be alright here. You better check where the other guests are in case anyone’s got inquisitive.”

  Grace ignored him. “Are you alright, Fleur?”

  "I'm not sure. I'm confused, shocked. I want answers.”

  Grace nodded, but did
n't leave.

  *

  Fleur's flushed cheeks and angry expression warned him of her vulnerability. Maybe he should give her space. No, this wouldn't wait.

  “I’ll be back later,” Grace said with an indignant look at Lukas.

  “Fine,” Fleur said.

  Grace closed the door.

  Her breathing deepened as her heart rate decreased. She stepped away from him and stared at his hand on her arm. “You can let me go now.”

  His libido wanted Fleur's body tight against his hardness. He resisted his primitive urge. He let her go and moved back, away from temptation. “This may take a while.” He indicated the wicker chair.

  “I can’t wait.” Fleur sank into the chair. Her audible sigh betrayed her weariness and negated the power of her sarcastic remark. Her legs shook. “I don't think anything you say will make me trust you again, Lukas.”

  *

  Lukas looked worried, surprised by her prickliness. Maybe he could explain. Even if she heard Lukas' version, she may not believe him. Still wary, she noticed the fierceness leave his expression. He looked serious. She shivered, afraid of what he would say. Fleur forced her mind back to the tableau she witnessed. The images couldn't be holograms. They defied logic. Panic returned. She ignored the nausea it invited. She needed answers. She would demand the truth. Fleur jumped like a startled doe when Lukas invaded her personal space. He squatted in front of her, his golden-eyed gaze level with hers.

  “You heard right, Fleur. I'm a dragon.”

  She hadn't expected this. His honesty made her forget her other questions and doubts. His velvet smooth voice reminded her of milk chocolate. The sound bathed her frazzled nerves and twitchy senses with languor. Spellbound, she watched his gaze fill with heat. He didn't look like a dragon. No, he looked like a man, virile and sexy. He filled her mind with sinful images. Green-scaled dragons didn't. They breathed fire. Or at least dragons did in the fairy tale books she recalled.

  Lukas lifted her hands until they rested on his shoulders. She pulled away. His closeness scrambled her lucidity. Undeterred, he spanned her waist with his large hands. He held on tight as he rose and pulled her against him.