Well, Cedric finally figured it out, but he still doesn't know much.
After I returned home from the last arena, Kenna was very needy. She never wanted to let me out of her sight, she cried when I’d leave for work in the mornings and as soon as I got home, she wouldn’t let go of me. I started taking her out to the mountains to continue to work with her on her dragon abilities. A year after I got harpooned, my daughter finally had her first shift. I was such a proud momma. She’s a beautiful dragon. She’s a miniature version of me, a red dragon, but she has two black streaks, one on each side running from her face to her tail. Those come from her father. She’s taken part of his black hair into her coloring. It’s beautiful. And, according to Jena, Palila and Ish, she also got her father’s Alpha aura. Apparently when she was having a temper tantrum, she’d told them to leave her alone. They didn’t tell her, but they told me that they couldn’t go to her. They had to wait until she came to them. Kenna’s at a difficult age. Now that she’s two years old and ha
“Are you sure you don’t want to come with me, Ced?” Bastian and I have gotten a lot closer so when we’re in private, he calls me by my name. Or in this case, the nickname he gave me. “Bastian, I have a mate. I don’t care how attractive this woman is, I need to focus on finding my dragon.” “You’re loss. She’s beautiful AND smart.” “Trust me, she won’t hold a candle, or a flame, haha, to my mate.” “Your loss.” “Just figure out what’s going on with our finances.’ “Will do.” After he leaves, I look at the reports from the trackers. They’ve been getting whiffs of Troy here and there, but nothing substantial. However, there is something else that stands out to me. I look it over several times before sending a mind link to Galen. He knocks twice before walking in. “What’s up, Ced?” He and Bastian are more alike than not. I turn the file I’m holding around and push it to the edge of my desk. “What’s this?” He comes over, taking a look at what I’ve pointed out. He takes the file and s
“Who are you?” My daughter asks the werewolf standing beside us. I really don’t want to engage with this man any more than I have to. It’s risky enough being in a business relationship with a werewolf, but now he’s seen my daughter. If Cedric were to ever find out that I have a child, he might figure out that she’s his. Werewolves are known for being possessive and as a Lycan he would be even more so. I have no doubt he would fight me to get her. Bastian reaches out his hand. “Hello young lady. My name is Bastian Dolph. What’s yours?” She turns and looks at me, waiting for me to nod that it’s okay. It’s not, but I don’t want her to worry. She shakes his hand. “I’m Kenna Blaze.” “Miss Blaze, you are just as beautiful as your mother.” He says. I see my daughter’s nose go up in the air. She’s never smelled a werewolf shifter before. Bastian notices and leans in. “Werewolf.” He whispers to my daughter conspiratorially. I watch as Jena’s eyes widen. I subtly shake my head, so she doesn
Well, my mate may be willing to let me help her when she’s injured, but she certainly made it clear that she doesn’t want to spend any more time with me than she has to. But if she thinks that’s it, she’s got another thing coming. I won’t give up that easily. There’s no way I’m leaving her and Ishir and possibly Avani to fight against these people. When we get back to the packhouse, I call Bastian and Galen into my office again. As they walk up the hallway, I can hear them talking. “No way she’ more attractive than our Luna.” I hear Galen saying. “I’m telling you, she’s gorgeous and there’s something about her.” Bastian says as they walk into the office. “What? What is so special about her?” Galen says. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s her red hair or her green eyes.” That gets my attention. “She’s got red hair and green eyes?” I ask sharply. “Well, yes, Alpha. I thought I mentioned that before.” “No, you didn’t. What else can you tell me about her.” Could Tana be hiding in the human
After Ishir contacted Avani, he and I went to look at the arena again. When we got there, all the lights in on the ground made it look like a spotlight on the arena. From high above the ground, we could see that there weren’t four, but eight harpoon launchers. We could also see exactly how thick the walls are and we are able to see down into the, as yet, uncovered hole in the ground where the supernaturals are being housed. Those cages are going to be nearly impossible to get open. I landed with Avani and immediately smelled Cedric’s scent of spring rain. I put my finger to my lips, so Avani knows not to say anything. Of course, when he walks out to talk to Cedric, he has to antagonize him. Afterward, we flew to my penthouse. We sit down at my dining room table with Ishir and begin drawing out what we saw in order to make a plan. “Were you serious about contacting Kaylani and Zephyr?” I ask Avani. He looks at me, his eyes narrowing. “We need them. At least one of them. Eight harpoo
When we get back home, Bastian can’t stop talking about the red-head at the finance company. I’d be more aggravated if she hadn’t figured out that the accountant is stealing from us. Bastian had to talk me out of killing him. However, I appreciated her thought about following the money and trying to get it back for us. “When are you meeting with her again?” I ask him. I want to know when I can kill this asshole who thinks he can steal from me for years and get away with it. “I’m waiting to hear back from her, but I can always call her and see what’s up.” “Let’s wait until after we bring this next arena down. It’s going to take all of our attention. Let her do what she does and check in with her when we’re done.” I call Ishir. I’m still not sure which of them is seeing Tana. It almost feels like she has a relationship with both of them. Or maybe they are sharing her. The thought makes me snarl and I have to push it away so I can focus. “Cedric. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Ishir
On Friday night, Avani came to the penthouse. I was working late, trying to track the money for Sovereign Unlimited. I had tracked it offshore but I'm still trying to figure out where it has ended up. I’d seen where it was laundered, but that’s as far as I have gotten. When I get home, everyone is sitting around the table eating dinner. Kenna comes running up to greet me. I pick her up and hug her tight as I walk into the dining room. “Avani, I wasn’t expecting you.” “Hey beautiful.” He winks at me. “I got a call requesting my presence.” I frown at him for a moment before looking at Kenna. “You asked Avani to come tonight.” She slides out of my arms and walks back over to Avani. “Avani said he would make sure you were safe tomorrow.” She says looking at him before turning back to me. “I don’t want you to die or be injured like last time.” “Sweet girl.” I squat down, putting myself at her eye level and holding out my arms. She comes running back. “Nothing and no one can take me aw
When my pack and I arrive outside the arena, I begin sniffing for Tana’s scent. When I get it, I also smell Avani’s earthy scent, Ishir’s exotic musky scent and a fourth scent that smells like the salty, briny scent of the ocean. That must be the water dragon. I begin walking in their direction, drawn to Tana, but also wanting to make sure that they wait until my pack is in position. When we find them, my eyes are drawn to her. “Tana.” “Cedric. I see you’ve brought Galen and other members of your pack.” Galen nods at her and I can tell he’s pleased that she remembered his name. “Yes.” “Lycan, did you bring your arsenal?” I drag my eyes from Tana to look at Avani. “Of course.” I nod at Ishir and then look at the beautiful woman standing beside them. “You must be Kaylani. I’m Alpha Cedric and this is my pack.” “Hello Cedric, I am indeed Kaylani.” Her voice is soft like the sound of the water in a small creek, relaxing and calming. Her hair is long and blond with dark blue streaks
Eight Months Later “Momma, Kenna blew her fire on me!” My young son comes running into the room, his arms raised and big alligator tears streaming down his face. I reach down and pick him up, putting him on my hip around my growing, pregnant belly. “It didn’t hurt you, did it?” I ask. Our son, even though he has the Lycan gene, is immune to our fire. He got enough of the dragon blood to give him immunity from the dragon's heat. It had taken much longer this time to get pregnant. I was worried that it wouldn’t happen, since my uterus ruptured with Liekki’s birth, but Cedric had promised to try as many times as needed to put a pup or dragon in me. And he didn’t fail me. I’m considered a high-risk pregnancy, but so far, three months in, everything is going well. Kenna comes walking in behind Liekki. “I warned him, Momma. I told him if he touched my gemstones that I would blow my fire on him. He didn’t listen. He touched my gems, Momma.” “Sweetheart,” It’s so strange talking to Kenna
Two Months Later I haven’t gotten Tana pregnant yet. We knew that it would be difficult after her uterus ruptured with Liekki, but my mate wants another pup or dragon and I’m doing my best to give her one. I can’t say that the constant trying to get her pregnant isn’t fun. But I know she’s becoming more and more convinced that she’ll never have another baby. We still haven’t found The Chief. We’ve gotten close, found old facilities and learned how he detonates the explosives he puts into the dragons’ brains, but we haven’t found him yet. Ishir did find a doctor that would help us. He’s human, in his mid to late thirties, but he doesn’t seem to care that we're part of the supernatural community. Or, more specifically, he fascinated by us, especially the dragons. At first, I thought I might have to kill him. He kept staring at Tana and Kenna. But when Avani, Zephyr and Kaylani showed up, I realized it has more to do with the beauty of the dragons than my mate and daughter. Ishir expl
A few weeks later, we’re joined by Avani, his elf friend, Merethyl, Kaylani and Ishir. Ishir is the best tracker in the group. With the work he does searching for missing humans and supernaturals, he travels all over and has the potential to find the hidden bunkers where the Chief is creating his hybrids. “We have to consider the fact that there will be more dragons.” Bastian says. His mate, Jena, recently delivered their baby, so he’s been out for awhile. I left him here while we went to bring down the arena. He wasn’t happy about it, but I needed him focused, and protecting his mate and unborn child had him laser focused on protecting the pack while we were gone. “Not only will there be more dragons, but we need to figure out how this Chief is able to kill them from a distance.” I have an idea about that.” Merethyl says. “I asked my brother to do some research for us and he found that, in the past, hunters would insert small mini explosive devices into the brains of supernaturals
We’re halfway home from the battle at the arena when we hear Kaylani’s lament. “Something’s wrong Cedric. I need to go to her.” “Then, let’s go, Tana. I’m with you.” “I am too, Momma.” Kenna says. Ishir decided to run home before meeting us back at the pack, so Kenna isn’t carrying anyone. We turn and follow the sound of Kaylani’s cry. I’ve never been on this end of a dragon’s lament, and it’s heartbreaking. When we find her, we land, and I immediately see why she’s crying. She is standing over the young dragon. I shift quickly, rushing over to look at the young dragon who is lying broken on the ground. “Kaylani, what happened?” “I don’t know. We were talking and flying when she screamed. Then she just fell from the sky. I tried to catch her, Tana. I swear I did. But she just dropped so fast.” I lean over the young dragon. There’s blood coming from her mouth, nose and eyes. I lift her eye lids and see that her eyes are blood red. Not the pupil, what is supposed to be the lighter
I was nervous about helping Kaylani heal, but she’s a great instructor. She’s patient even when she’s in pain. She helps guide me through healing her and how much energy to push into her, especially since she’s not a fire dragon. Because we were together, I knew something was wrong when we heard the other dragon. “Kaylani what’s going on?” I ask her. My hands are still healing the hole in her wing, but I turn to see another dragon flying in our direction. “I don’t know, but she’s not a dragon we know.” As soon as the hole is healed, she’s up and flying over to where I can see Tana is trying to not fight the young dragon. A dragon that looks very much like her and Kenna. Kaylani turns back to me. “Help Avani, he’s still trapped.” I look around and see the tides are turning. My pack is taking out the hunters and those that are left are starting to run off. My pack is chasing them down. I race back over to the arena, rushing into one of the entryways. I see Kenna struggling to get t
I only watch Cedric fighting Troy for a moment. Kaylani and Avani both still need help and Cedric looks like he’s holding his own against Troy. I turn back to Kaylani. “I’m going to shift and try to pull the harpoon out.” As I shift, I see hunters fighting past the pack. They are trying to get to me and Kaylani. I begin throwing fire balls at them, setting them on fire. They begin shooting at us and while silver doesn’t impact me, I know the paralytic will. I’m sending more fire balls at them, but there are too many. I’m standing in front of Kaylani who is using her water where she can, but she doesn’t want to douse my fire. Suddenly, I see the hunters start going down on my left. I turn, focusing my attention to the hunters getting through on the right. Cedric emerges on the left from the smoke and fires still burning the flesh of the hunters. He runs over to me, dropping his sword and grabbing my arms, looking me over. “Are you alright, Tana? Are you hurt?” “No, I’m okay.” “Wh
When Tana dropped me off, I had one goal in mind. Kill Troy. However, as soon as I got out of the fire and could see, I realized that the hunters were going after the pups. I immediately jumped in, protecting them, killing the hunters so my pack members could get them away. The rest of the pack that isn’t still underground begins fighting along side me. The pack will always fight to protect its own, but when it comes to our pups, we’re fierce. I make sure the group with the pups gets away safely before focusing on the group of hunters that is following my pack out of the underground. I can see the she-wolves that were captured are exhausted and starving, but they are fighting. It makes me so proud of my pack, proud to be their Alpha. As I’m fighting, I hear a dragon scream and I look up to see Kaylani has taken a harpoon to the wing. It looks like she flew in front of Kenna and took the harpoon to protect my daughter. That’s twice Kaylani has saved my family. I don’t know if I can e
The next morning, we’re all up early. The pack is split in half, half coming to attack the arena and the other half staying to protect the pack and pack lands. Kenna and I shift, and Cedric and Ishir grab their bags of grenades. Cedric has his sword thrown across his back as he puts the harness on me. He grabs his bag then walks up my wing, getting himself settled on my back. The pack members coming with us shift, grabbing their bags and begin running to the arena. Once Cedric makes sure everyone is shifted and on their way, he gives Kenna the signal and she lifts into the air. Once they are far enough away, I lift up and we begin making our way to the arena. About halfway there, we meet up with Avani and Kaylani. I notice the Avani has a female on his back. I’m surprised, but I don’t have time to wonder about it. We lift up higher into the air so that we can see the arena from high above the clouds. We watch for Cedric’s pack and when we see them getting closer, he gives the signal.
When Tana and Kenna arrive back at the pack, it doesn’t take long for news to spread that we have two additional dragons on our pack lands. The warriors with missing mates all came rushing to ask about it. We are meeting in my office when they find us. “Alpha, did you find them?” “Have a seat.” I tell them as they come in. “Just tell us.” Another demands, causing me to growl a warning at him. Tana steps up to him. “All of you, have a seat. We have much to discuss and not much time to do it. Any time wasted arguing is time that we should be planning how to rescue your mates and pups.” They all walk in and sit, but they are restless. “So, you did find them?” “Yes, your mates and your pups are all alive.” Ishir tells them. Almost as one, I see their noses go up as they sniff the air. “This is Ishir. He’s a tiger and was in the arena with me and Tana. You can trust him. This,” I point to Avani, “is Avani, the earth dragon. And this,” I point to Kaylani, “is Kaylani, the water dra