Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
I need more energy, Ardon roared.
Keres, Rogan, and Oldrik spread out in the thunderstorm as Ardon wrapped the talons on one foot around the makeshift lightning rod where Skye was bound. He couldn’t risk yanking her from the pole without checking for booby traps. He would need to divert the energy away from her to keep her safe. All dragons were immune to lightning blasts, but only a bronze dragon could channel it into a weapon. Thank goodness for the storm that lit up the darkness.
He heard the sizzle of the next rocket being activated. They must have underground ignition coils buried that they can light from a distance. We need to stop this one and find them.
The tip of a wing touched his shoulder, and power streamed through the red dragon and into the electric-wielding dragon. Ardon destroyed the next rocket, safeguarding everything in range.
A strangled shout sounded from a pile of rocks. Oldrik shook his head, battering the man in his jaws against a boulder. Keres grabbed the other kidnapper and flew straight up, jerking the trailing cords from his hands.
Keres! Do not kill him. We need answers he alone can tell us, Rogan reminded the black dragon. It was clear from his tone that the red dragon didn’t expect Keres to comply.
Ardon flapped his wings to ensure any threat lingering in the air drifted away. His scan of the pole didn’t reveal additional threats. Finding her bonds simply looped around the shaft, Ardon tore the metal pole up from the ground, releasing Skye, and tossed it to the side. He bit through the rope tethering Skye’s limbs before shifting to his human form as Oldrik leapt through the air to cross the distance.
Quickly unfastening the hood, Ardon removed it. His heart broke when she automatically cowered from him. “Skye. Are you alright?”
“Daddy?” Skye rushed into his arms. I couldn’t hear you. I was all alone.
“I’m so sorry, My Treasure. We tried to locate you as quickly as possible. Are you hurt?” Ardon swept his fingers over the goose-egg bump on her forehead and searched for other injuries.
I’m okay. Tierney! They captured him too. He wasn’t moving. Is he dead?
Warm arms wrapped around her, and loving thoughts flowed into their conversation. “I found him, Skye. Rogan is checking on his injuries.”
Daddy Oldrik, thank you for coming after me. I was so scared. I even tried opening that third lock, but you couldn’t hear my messages.
Ardon hated the fear that made even her mental voice tremble. He controlled the anger that threatened to explode inside him. Their mate didn’t need any more violence today.
“I did, Blueberry. It was faint, but it helped. You were so brave. I don’t feel it now,” Oldrik said with concern ringing in his voice.
I relocked it when you arrived. I didn’t want to distract you.
The ground trembled under their feet. Ardon glanced up to see Drake, Argenis, and Khadar scanning for problems. Bad guys handled. Keres still has one. Hopefully, he’ll return him to answer some questions.
Khadar shook his head. We missed all the fun.
We’ll clean up here. You two take your brave mate home, Drake suggested.
“Tierney?” Skye squeaked.
We’ll take Tierney to Wyvern to have him checked out medically, Argenis assured her.
Turning to her mates in relief, Skye asked, Can we go to Ardon’s? I don’t want to see that lawn for a while. Her gaze flashed back and forth between the two dragons.
Of course, Blueberry. Wherever you’ll feel more comfortable, Oldrik agreed, switching to mental speech to keep their conversation private.
Let’s go home, mate, Ardon suggested and considered the dark clouds that continued to fire bolts. You shift first, Oldrik, and Skye can ride with you on the way home. I’ll take lightning patrol.
I don’t want you to get hit, Skye messaged quickly.
He thrives on being electric, Oldrik assured her. If we’re lucky, he’ll have enough energy when we get to his lair that he can roast something for dinner for us. Imagine a bronze dragon with a chef’s hat on.
Ardon pantomimed a tall hat on his head and smiled when Skye laughed. Come on, Little One. We need to hold you in private.
Please.
Skye held on to Oldrik tightly and plastered her body over his blue scales. The reassurance of his massive, powerful form soothed her fright. As long as her mates were around, she felt safe. A small thread of anxiety zipped through her mind. Would she ever be secure without them?
I can sense you worrying, Blueberry. It’s important to realize that there have always been bad people. You have to decide how much power you wish to give them.
I don’t understand, Oldrik. They used me as bait to hurt you. Can’t they do that again?
Being alert and cautious is one thing. Locking yourself in Ardon’s lair because you’re afraid to enjoy life is another. We will learn how they took advantage of our lapses in protection and act to strengthen our defenses. We will also savor every day we have together. I will not let them steal that from us.