I opened my eyes slowly, wincing in pain as agony radiated from my back.Zara had been typing furiously on her laptop, her eyes scanning the screen for any errors. She was working on a report for the lord, a high-ranking official in the fort. She had to finish it by the end of the day, and she didn't have time for distractions.Until a loud bang, and looked up in alarm. The door to her office had been flung open, and a young woman stood in the doorway, panting and frowning. She recognized her as Alice, her niece and assistant. Alice had long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a slender figure. She was wearing a pink dress and a matching hat, looking like she had just come from a tea party."Alice, what's the rush? Is something the matter?" Zara asked, her voice calm despite the interruption.Alice took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "Aunt Zara, I need to talk to you. You said to meet Scar for brunch, but he left abruptly before I could even meet him."Zara raised an eyebrow, intrig
"Have you found him?" Gertie bombarded the moment Hermes stepped back in."Yes, I did." Her worry transformed into happiness as he observed the change on her face."Oh, thank goodness you found him." She sighed happily and, as soon as she spotted Len, she rushed to embrace him."Do you realize how worried we all were? What would I have said to the kids if we hadn't found you?" Emotions welled up within her, and Hermes watched as Len hugged and reassured her."But that didn't happen, Gertie. There's no need to worry. I'm stronger now." Len proudly displayed his not-so-huge muscles."Yes, my Len is strong." She gently pinched his cheek and moved his face with it."Both of you will take a shower and then come downstairs for breakfast. I made pancakes.""Okay, thanks." Len headed to his room, with Hermes following suit.He closed his eyes and let the cold shower cascade down his well-built body.It wasn't easy for him. Seeing Sage had a perplexing effect on him.After spending considerab
Scar's unexpected visit had me puzzled. But let's be real, he wasn't there to pay me a friendly visit. That self-centered dude couldn't care less about anyone but himself, and I figured that out pretty quickly.Anyway, I didn't want to waste any brain cells thinking about Scar. His name fits him perfectly because he's like a nasty scar in my life that I want to fade away as soon as possible.So there I was, holed up in my room, cooking up a genius plan to speed things up. And just when I was in the zone, in walks Hermes. The way he was eyeballing me, it was like he was trying to play mind-reader. Thank goodness dragons don't have that superpower!"You look lost in thought. What's eating at you?" No knock, just barging in like he owns the place."Ah, just your typical everyday me," I responded with a smile, trying to mask my concerns."Are you sure about that? I have a sixth sense for picking up vibes, and you're radiating worry," Hermes retorted, catching me off guard.I hadn't antici
Scar let out a weary sigh as he walked into his meticulously arranged apartment. The plan to bring Len, who had been designated as his bodyguard, had been communicated to Hermes in advance. It was all part of the punishment that Len had reluctantly agreed to."Hmm," Scar mused, making his way to the bar. He deftly grabbed a bottle of whisky, popping it open with practiced ease. With determination, he began downing the amber liquid, feeling something amiss within himself.Seeking answers, Scar made his way to the study, intent on uncovering more about the elusive Valor's Fort, where Len and himself would embark on their mission together."Let's see," Scar muttered, taking another hearty gulp of whisky, wincing slightly at its fiery taste as it coursed through his veins."Valor, Valor..." He repeated, scanning the shelves lined with books. Yet, despite his efforts, the sought-after information remained frustratingly elusive."What, am I going through the right shelf?" Scar questioned al
"What's the deal with him?" I casually glanced in the direction Scar had disappeared before shifting my attention to Hermes."Beats me, but trust me, Scar's not some nefarious character." He gave me a convincing stare."Alright, let's get back to our training, shall we?" I locked eyes with him, although I couldn't shake off the sense of concern emanating from him. For some reason, it seemed like he cared about Scar more than anyone else."You don't have to force yourself to continue training if you're not up for it." I had a knack for reading body language, and I had already deciphered his.Hermes paced back and forth, his hand on his chin, as if he were concocting a master plan."We've got to pay him a visit." He slid his hands into his pockets, a determined look on his face."What?!" I stared at him in utter disbelief."After the way he just exploded, don't you think it's wise to let him simmer down?" I was really hoping for a concurring response, but alas, he had other plans in min
Fox stormed around his office, seething with anger. Not a peep from Jerry, Lucy, or that bumbling investigator! He pounded his fists on the table, furrowing his brow as he took a swig of the vodka he'd poured.Fox was beyond fed up, so fixated on this mysterious man that he let his crew handle his business for a change.The office phone blared, and Fox snapped to attention, rushing to grab it. Perhaps it held the news he longed to hear."Sir, there's someone here to see you," his secretary's irritating voice grated on his nerves, prompting an inward groan."Who?!" he bellowed, his eyes bulging with frustration. His grip on the telephone was so tight, he could practically feel it crumbling to pieces any second now."It's the investigator, sir," Gigi quivered, fear shimmering in her eyes."Oh, really?" Fox's furious expression morphed into sudden relief."Send him in." He swiftly took a seat, attempting to mask his desperation."Mr. Brown..." Fox's lips curled into a smirk. "I thought y
"Rise and shine, lazybones!" Hermes rapped on Len's door, a mischievous glint in his eyes."Who's there?" Len's drowsy voice grumbled, accompanied by the sounds of him reluctantly dragging himself out of bed."It's your fearless coach, and you've got a measly five minutes until training starts. I'll be waiting." Hermes announced, striding off to join Gertie and the gang in the living room, who were already digging into breakfast."Hermes, darling, why don't you join us for a little breakfast too?" Gertie cajoled, her eyes twinkling with mischief."No way, Gertie. You know your cooking is irresistible, and if I even take a bite, I'll be tempted to stay. I've got to whip Len into shape." Hermes replied, shaking his head firmly, while Gertie flashed him a charming smile."Alright, but make sure you two don't push yourselves too hard. Stay safe and don't forget to take breaks!" Gertie advised, before returning to her hearty meal.Perched on the couch, Hermes impatiently awaited Len, who w
The days of training forged an unbreakable bond between Hermes and me. We became inseparable, uncovering new depths of understanding. There was just one secret I hadn't revealed to him—I was a girl.With my promise to speak on Hermes' behalf to Sage, I hadn't crossed paths with her lately. Determined to catch her attention, Hermes and I embarked on our stakeout, patiently waiting for her to appear.Our training was yielding excellent results, as was the progress of our audacious plan to storm Valour's fort. As we waited for Sage on that decisive day, I couldn't contain my excitement, eagerly anticipating my imminent freedom."Is she intentionally ignoring him?" I pondered the possibilities and decided it was time for a visit to Sage's residence. I turned to Hermes and proposed the idea."Are you kidding me? What would you say? That I sent you?" Hermes' eyes widened in disbelief as he launched into a passionate rant. I patiently waited for him to regain composure. He feared Sage's perc
I woke slowly, languidly, enveloped in warmth. Soft lips pressed against mine even as fingers trailed down my body, igniting smoldering embers inside me. I yielded to the kiss, the caress, feeling wanted, desired.Until an angry snarl shattered the moment. The lips disappeared and a solid weight pinned me down. My eyes flew open to see Hunter sprawled on the floor, Scar looming over him, fists clenched."Scar!" I exclaimed. "What the hell?" His magenta eyes blazed as they fixed on me. "What the hell? You're seriously asking me that?" He stabbed an accusing finger at Hunter. "I can feel everything you feel, remember? So imagine getting woken up by you getting all hot and bothered over some bastard pawing at you.""Hey!" Hunter launched himself at Scar, both crashing to the floor in a tangle of limbs. I scrambled back as they rolled, grappling furiously. "Enough!" I shouted, but they ignored me. With a cry of frustration, I flung myself between them, shoving them apart with all my str
Lena The dull roar of the crowd gathered outside the hall was audible even from within my dressing room. I stared at my reflection as Sage zipped up the back of my knee-length black dress, her skilled hands working quickly. "There," she said. "You look beautiful, Lena."I sighed, brushing a strand of hair from my eyes. "I don't feel beautiful. I feel like I'm being served up for auction."Sage squeezed my shoulder, meeting my eyes in the mirror. "Today marks the beginning of real change. No more hiding, no more fear. You're bringing peace, Lena."Footsteps at the door made us both turn. Scar loomed in the doorway, striking in his black suit, silver hair glinting. Hermes hovered behind him, looking slick in navy blue. "It's time," Scar rumbled. I lifted my chin, striding forward. Hermes offered his arm and I took it, letting him guide me down the plushly carpeted hall. The clamor outside crescendoed as we approached the doors to the hall itself, camera flashes visible even from her
A feeling of bittersweet joy hung in the air as our ragtag group celebrated my unexpected reunion with my son. Jackson gazed at me with such awe and longing, as though unable to believe I was real. I found myself overwhelmed trying to reconcile Jackson to his grandson.In the midst of the emotional upheaval, I noticed Hunter slip quietly from the room, a shadow dimming his usual vibrancy. My joy dimmed, realizing how difficult this reunion must be for him. With care not to jostle the sleeping babe in my arms, I slipped out to follow Hunter's brooding silhouette."You deserve time to process all this change," I offered gently once we were alone outside the battered walls.Hunter exhaled harshly, avoiding my searching look. "I just need...space, to adjust to everything." He attempted a strained half-smile. "Don't mind my sulking."My heart clenched hearing the hurt poorly masked beneath his gravel tones. Impulsively I laid one hand on his slumped shoulder. "I haven't decided anything ye
I drifted gradually up through velvety shadows toward waking, feeling almost reborn. Every muscle ached fiercely, but my spirit felt cleansed by recent trials. We had walked through fire and fury both literal and figurative, somehow emerging intact on redemption's far shore.With effort I pushed upright, taking in familiar features gathered anxiously around the modest pallet where I had slept. Concern furrowed Sage's brow until she noted my returning gaze. "Lena! Thank the ancestors." She gripped both my hands urgently. "We feared you might never rouse after expending so much strength against the darkness."I managed a wan smile, ribs protesting even that small motion. "I yet breathe thanks to your steady watchcare, my friend." My searching look found May and Freya curled together nearby, worry softening into relief. But foreboding still weighted the strained atmosphere. I hesitated before voicing the question that haunted me most. "And Scar? Has there been any change while I drifted
LenaScar's smoldering draconic shape halted its ruthless assault mid-dive, wheeling with fury towards my brazen challenge. Behind my defiant stance, Hermes and Sage stood with weapons drawn, prepared to defend unto death. Their unwavering courage fortified my quailing spirit. If these were destined as my final moments, I would face fate proudly surrounded by such selfless love.The dusk sky tore violently as the dragon folded its terrible wings, plummeting straight for me with jaws gaping hungrily. I glimpsed no flicker of familiar azure gaze nor glimmer of recognition, only endless ravenous void racing to consume me. Despair's chill fingers scraped my fragile hope. Had scintilla of Scar's psyche already been devoured beyond all reclaiming?Mere body lengths from certain obliteration, a piercing mental lance speared my psyche. I gasped, driving to one knee beneath the assault. Then chaotic fractured awareness crashed over me. Insanity! The maelstrom threatened to drown rational mind
Lena "You need rest." Hermes' firm tone brooked no argument as he helped me climb into the van's rear seat. I scowled, but couldn't deny sheer exhaustion once adrenaline drained away. "The Fortress lies over a day's journey north," Hunter remarked, sliding behind the wheel beside Hermes. "Best try recovering strength before we arrive."I nodded reluctantly, too spent to argue logistics. Food and sleep called seductively. Sage draped a scratchy blanket over me before everything faded into dreamless void.I came to as the van jostled over rough terrain, weak sun glinting through cracked windows. Groaning, I shifted gingerly upright. Every bone and muscle throbbed fiery complaint, but my mind felt oddly clear for once.Hermes twisted around with a grin. "About time. We're less than an hour out." His expression sobered. "Scar's still assaulting the fortress walls relentlessly."Memory crashed back. The bond! I frantically grasped for our mating link, nearly sagging relief finding that e
Lena Sage stomped Zoya's neck, finally finishing her for good. "Don't mind her words. You need only focus on your bond with Scar like Natalia taught you. You'll be able to reach him again." Sage's comfort grounded me amidst the chaos as I nodded gratefully. Hermes and Hunter supported us outside to the vans parked at the valley's edge. "Rest here. We need to regroup and plan." Hermes opened the van's back door, helping me climb inside. I sank onto the bench seat, adrenaline crash leaving me numb and dizzy. We were miraculously alive, but at such cost."Hermes?" I called as he lowered himself down beside me with a tired groan. "What really happened while I was captive?" He scrubbed both hands over his face, lines of strain showing clearly. "Over a month ago, Scar said he suddenly sensed your bond and left to find you alone. He never returned." Hermes' fists clenched helplessly. "Zoya claimed he was unfit to lead, insisting we waste no time tracking one rogue dragon. I should have kn
Lena The heavy ebony doors groaned open beneath our combined strength. Beyond should lie sanctuary however temporary - a chance to rest battered bodies and souls...and forge strength for the next leg in reclaiming freedom. Instead, a nightmare awaited us across that carved threshold.Zoya herself stood imperiously flanked by a score of armed guardsgrinning in feral anticipation. At their feet sprawled a cruelly familiar frail form - Natalia! My heart dropped through the floor recognizing the terrible stillness to her flesh, the mocking angle of broken limbs. Our protector and guide, ruthlessaly dismembered and discarded by her own blood."No!"The grief-stricken howl that ripped from my chest scarcely sounded human or sane. But the rage flooding my veins in its wake burned far hotter than mere anguish as I took in the mutilation of that innocent wise woman. Blinded by fury and vengeance, I flung myself straight for Zoya's sneering throat heedless of the death bristling eagerly around
LenaI floated, cradled in peaceful oblivion. Bonded bliss enveloped me, sheltering my battered spirit. Scar's beloved presence intertwined so tightly with mine now I could no longer distinguish where one ended and the other began. We were finally, utterly one.Distantly, a familiar voice called my name, pulling me reluctantly towards wakefulness. I struggled against the intruding summons, craving more time to bask in the oasis my mate's restored mind and soul created within me. But the speaker persisted until I identified Sage's worried tone. With deep reluctance I allowed our cherished haven to dissolve."Lena! Can you hear me?" Sage's concerned face hovered over me as my vision slowly focused once more. I blinked sluggishly up at her from my supine position, still caught halfway between planes. Wait...if I was awake how could I still feel Scar's arms cradling my limp form?I turned seeking my mate's smiling visage, only for my spirits to crash finding empty space beside me. Thick w