Defiant Dragon (15 page)

“Good to know. Cut her hands free.” He looked over at a guard.

The sentry pulled a knife from his side and marched over to River. He helped her up, and in one deft move, sliced through the bloodied cords around her wrists. She rubbed at the chaffed skin and reached for her mouth. His guard snatched her arm back and shook his head.

River lifted her chin to stare at him.

“Your mouth is to remain covered, little fish. Do we understand each other?” Drago changed position in his seat. Beaten, the mermaid still held an appeal that could not be denied and he had the erection to prove it.

She nodded, spun around, and clipped Assan across the jaw with a right hook. Ratchet burst out in laughter as Assan’s head snapped back. The merman hobbled back. A pink hue flushed his skin, starting at his neck. He raised his hand above his head. Drago watched as his new captive raised her face and squared her shoulders. The mermaid was prepared to fight. She had more mettle in her than some of his dragons.

“Ratchet, handle it,” Drago murmured low.

The beast leaped down and prowled to River, taking a position in front of her before Assan could strike her. The animal bellowed deep in his throat. The merman faltered and dropped his hand.

Assan gazed up at Drago. “What the fuck?”

“That’s right, you’ve never met Ratchet. He’s a helluva creature, but doesn’t come off the tundra often. There is no real name for him, the old order simply referred to him and his kind as beasts, but the humans coined a term.” Drago grazed his finger over his lips. “What do they call you again, Ratchet?”

“Yeti,” Ratchet grumbled.

“No way, they don’t exist. They are a species people made up to try and explain us and what they don’t understand,” Assan scoffed, even as he moved farther away.

“That’s where you’re wrong. Beasts were born of magic by the Council of Ancients, long before you and I were conceived, as protectors to the order.” Drago snorted. “The scheme didn’t last and the animals turned on their masters. Even though they are shifters, they are not fond of us, so they tend to stay out of everyone’s way. I only came across ole Ratchet here by accident, but he and I have an understanding. Don’t we, old friend?”

“Fuck you.” Ratchet’s voice was deadpan.

River reached out and tentatively touched the animal’s shoulders. When Ratchet turned to peer down at her, she dipped her head. A hint of a smile lifted the beast’s lips. Drago curiously looked on. Seems the mermaid had a way with creatures whether she spoke or not.

“Well, now that introductions have been made. Oh, wait!” Drago glanced at the guard at the door. “Bring Harper, I might as well handle everything in one swoop.”

The sentry disappeared behind the metal barrier.

Drago gazed down at River. “I thought you should at least have the chance to tell your father good-bye. He’s no longer of any use to me.” He darted his gaze over to Assan. “Our business is concluded, also.”

Assan rolled his shoulders. “Good, don’t take this the wrong way, lizard, but I hope we never cross paths again.”

“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that.” Drago steepled his fingers and leaned back in his seat.

A sentinel appeared at his side and whispered, “A she dragon is here demanding to see you.”

“What clan?” Drago drew his brows together.

“She didn’t say. All she said was either you see her now, or she will melt this motherfucker down.” The guard smirked.

“This evening has gotten rather interesting. Send the woman in.”

The guard nodded and backed away.

Harper’s chains announced his arrival into the room. They rattled as he moved. His large body was weighted down with the metal from the collar bolted around his neck to the shackles around his wrists and ankles. He was pushed forward and fell to his knees when the links tangled up in his feet. River moved and Ratchet blocked her way. She glanced up at Drago.

He nodded. “Let her by, beast.” Drago sighed, his good deed for the day done.

River dropped to her father, helping the merman up and skimmed her hands around the old man’s face. She touched her forehead to his chin. He lifted his arms, but his manacles kept him from embracing her.

The scent of apricots tickled his nose. Drago lifted his head and searched the room for the source of the smell. A she dragon strutted into the area dressed in leathers. Her long coat snapped against her calves as she walked and a sword was strapped to her back. Her hair was cut close to her scalp and slicked down in forming waves with streaks of purple. Her skin was the color of the blackest coffee and his fingers itched to see if it was just as supple. She wasn’t slim, she was thick in proportion with her height and the epitome of the perfect female dragon. He peered down at his hand and saw dark lines forming around his fingers. Ratchet purred. Drago snapped his head up to look at the animal.

Ratchet’s stare was riveted on the woman. She stopped between the men and darted her gaze at them both. A peculiar look crossed her face as she looked each of them up and down before pressing her lips together. Slowly the creature inched toward the female newcomer.

She locked eyes with Drago. “I am Magdalena of the Rafi Tribe, and have been sent here on behalf of my charge. You have his mate and he wants her back.”

Drago shrugged. “Really, and who exactly do you represent.”

“Jaxon of the Rafi Tribe, son of Airla and Mallow.’”

There was a collective gasp at the mention of Mallow’s name.

Drago stood. “Why couldn’t the young dragon face me himself? Does he normally hide behind the coat tails of his nurse maid?”

“You don’t know Jax very well.” She sniggered. “It took all I had to keep him from burning his way in here to cook your ass. I happen to prefer a more diplomatic way.” Metal scraped leather as she drew her sword and pointed it at Ratchet. “Another step, beast, and I will slice you in two.”

Drago moved his shaft into a more comfortable position. The mermaid was beautiful, but Magdalena was stunning. He could get drunk on the sweetness of her scent. Carefully, so he didn’t startle her, he walked down the platform steps. “I’m open to negotiations. What is it you would like to offer me in return for Jax’s mate?”

“This is beyond stupid. Drago, we had a deal and I want the charterers with your signature. I’ll leave and you all can carry on this party without me,” Assan interrupted.

“Someone grab the fish and hold him until I’m ready to deal with the fucker.” Drago slapped the air with his hand. “Now back to you, gorgeous. What do I get in return for the mermaid?” He angled his head toward River.

“What do you want?” Her voice dropped an octave.

Drago inhaled, locking her odor deep in his lungs.

Ratchet circled around the she dragon and positioned himself between Drago and Magdalena.

She lowered her weapon and leaned over to see past the creature’s bulk, a hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth.

Drago closed his eyes, swallowed, and held himself still as he fought for control. A damn beast dared to stand in his way. “Move, Ratchet.” Talons curled from the tips of his fingers,

“Move me, reptile,” Ratchet tersely replied.

“Death is eminent.”

“That bastard is always at my door.” Ratchet raised his hand and crooked his fingers. “Battle me, let’s see who the reaper will claim first.”

“We both know you can’t kill me.” Drago swiveled his head to loosen tense muscles.

“Whatever you tell yourself to sleep at night, lizard, remember, I was there when the spell was cast. I can kill you.” Ratchet glanced over his shoulder and winked. “The question is…is the luscious tidbit behind me worth dying for?”

* * * *

River stared at the posturing shifters.
What the hell?
She yanked the tape from her mouth, pulling skin from the soft tissue of her lips. Tears brimmed her lashes.

“Daddy?” She brushed his cheek and whispered.

“River, baby. Who did this?” His chains clinked as he lifted his head and looked around the space.

“It looks worse than it is.” She tried to smile and stopped when her mouth throbbed. “We need to get out of here.

“Can’t.” He turned his palms up. “Not in these, and the asshole has my trident.”

The door Harper was pushed from slinked wider. River lowered her face to hide her mouth. Crouched low, Jax ducked his head around the barrier. He leaned in and she met his gaze. His eyes widened than narrowed. She looked around the area. Everyone in the room was watching the showdown between Drago and his pet. Silently, Jax eased up next to them.

“
Polýtimos
?” Jax brushed the hair from her face.

“Help me, Jax. I need to free Harper.”

Jax looked down at the chains then up at her dad. “Sir.” He took the shackles and broke the links in the middle. Running his hand along the chain up to her father neck, he broke the connection closest to the collar’s latch. Gently he reached down and snapped the locks on Harper’s ankles. He looked up at River and trailed his index finger along the corner of her eye. “It’s the best I can do, precious.”

“It’s better than it was.” Harper flexed and the irons jingled. He looked over at River. “Did that fucker Assan do that to you?” he gruffly whispered.

“No, we need to get you out of here, Daddy.” She angled her form toward Jax. “How did you get here?”

“I flew in on a blind spot. There is a veranda at the rear of the ship. Mags will keep Drago busy until I can get you out two out of here.”

“Mags, as in your babysitter?” She tilted her head.

“She’s not my…never mind. Mags is a bad ass, and from the sound of things, she’s about to start a small shifter war. Come on.” He gripped her by the elbow and tugged River toward the door.

Drago began to scream at the yeti.

Harper duck walked behind them, dragging chains.

“Wait, our bag, it’s still strapped to Assan.” She hung back.

“Go with your dad. I’ll get it.” Jax eased behind her and shoved her forward. “I owe the fucker anyway.”

“No. Where you go, I go, mate.”

Harper halted. “Mate? You claimed my daughter?”

“Can we have this family discussion later, like when we are off this barge?” He wiped a palm down his face. “Stay here.” He stared at Harper. “Make sure no other animals come over that threshold.”

“Why are you telling him that? I can drop everyone with a scream,” River argued.

“Sweetheart, right now I need the precision of a scalpel, not the blunt force of a machete.” Jax winked before he moved away.

She twisted to follow him and Harper gripped her by the bicep. “You need to listen to your mate, daughter.”

Jax motioned a sign with his hand and scurried behind the dragon standing next to Assan. The female dragon faintly dipped her head and picked up her sword. River narrowed her eyes. What were those two up to?

Mag cleared her throat, “As interesting as it is to watch you men circle each other like a bunch of women scared to throw a punch, I’m here to discuss business.” She rested the blunt side of the sword on her shoulder.

All attention was now on her.

River returned her gaze back to Jax. He tapped the guard on the shoulder and threw his head forward. The sentinel dropped, clutching his nose. Jax wrapped his fingers around Assan’s neck and squeezed. The merman’s skin flushed green and a squeak escaped him. He clawed at Jax’s fingers.

“Motherfucker!” Drago was turned toward Jax and Assan.

“Ah, hell. Move faster boy!” Mags shouted.

Jax had the bag strap in his fist. “A little help here.”

River stepped forward.

Harper yanked her back. “You’re in no condition to be of any service to your man.”

Mags ran toward Jax, dropped to her knees, and slid between the men, swinging her sword up as she rose. Assan’s arm flew off as she sliced through his body. She leapt to her toes, lifting a foot and kicked him in the chest. Blood sprayed throughout the area as he plummeted back. The nylon belt slipped over his head with a snap. Jax slipped the duffel over his shoulder.

They ran toward Harper and River.

“Dragons!” spittle flew from Drago’s lips.

Harper tossed River the other end of his chain and pulled. Men tripped over the tether and Harper yanked the links free of River’s hand. He whipped them across the downed guards. They scattered, clearing the doorway. Jax ran past River, grabbing her by the wrist and jerking her with him. She glanced back long enough to see her dad behind them, but had no view of the woman helping them. Her heart beat in her throat as Jax turned quickly down corridors corners confusing her. He slammed into a hatch that groaned as it swung open to a terrace. They piled through the doorway with the she dragon, slipping through as he shoved the door shut.

“Nice swing with the sword. If I’d had time, I would have beat him with the arm.” Jax smiled.

“What the hell are you talking about? My aim was off I was trying to cut the strap.” Mags arched a brow. “We need to move. Those bastards were right behind me.”

Jax swung around and clutched River’s face in his palms. “Go with your father. I’ll meet you at Fire Island.”