Captive 0f The Dragons (Bonfire Falls Paranormal Romance Book 3) Read online

  “Maybe there’s a way to cut their network of power, like cutting the strings to a spider’s web until it all sags and falls to pieces,” I say.

  “Brilliant.” Blaze snorts and stares down his nose at me. “How do you propose we go about that?”

  “I don’t know.” My brow furrows. I glare at him because I can’t deal with his negativity right now. “I was hoping maybe you guys might have some ideas. Some of you are smart.”

  Blaze blanches.

  “Perhaps I could do some divination,” Copper says. “That red comet must have some significance. I might be able to find a clue as to how we should proceed.”

  “What good is staring up at the night sky?” Blaze scoffs.

  “I don’t hear you coming up with any ideas, blacksmith.”

  “Fine, here’s an idea.” Blaze’s eyes light up with eager excitement. “We simply kill Sybil and Flint. Cut off the heads and the beasts die.”

  Ember shakes his head.

  “I don’t know if that would work. More death might drive everyone to fight even harder to avenge the fallen.”

  “What if we make it obvious that it was the dragon clan who did the deed?” Blaze arches an eyebrow. “Then they won’t turn vengefully against each other.”

  “No, but they might turn vengefully against us.” Ember sighs. “That’s what we want to avoid. I’d rather die than see any of the buildings in our village on fire.”

  “Killing an elder shifter and a powerful dark witch wouldn’t be an easy feat either.” Copper rubs his chin. “Ariadne says that Sybil has potent, evil magic at her disposal. How do we go up against that?”

  Blaze growls and thumps a meaty hand off his chest. “I’ll kill her myself.”

  “Didn’t you fly away from her with your tail tucked between your legs?” Copper asks in a far too innocent tone.

  Blaze glares at him, but Copper just grins back.

  “Maybe we’re all missing the point.” We turn our attention to Ember. “Violence isn’t the only way to solve a problem. What if we gather the warring factions together for a big peace summit? I’ll cater it. Once they have a belly full of delicious food, they’ll be much more amenable to a compromise.”

  “Oh, yes, that’s a wonderful idea.” Blaze rolls his eyes. “We’ll kindly ask the whole town to stop blowing the shit out of each other long enough for us to set a nice dinner table.”

  “Don’t be rude. We’re all on the same side here.” I put my hand on Blaze’s forearm for emphasis. The muscles play beneath my fingers as tension flows through his body, but he does close his mouth for the moment.

  “She’s right.” Copper’s distant gaze is directed toward Bonfire Falls. “Whatever’s going on in Bonfire Falls might be far away now, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect us. It affects all of us in the village. It’s only a matter of time before they come for us too.”

  “This is a huge problem.” Blaze’s nostrils have ceased flaring, and his eyes have lost their wild zeal. I like him better this way, though I have to admire his passion. “It’s bigger than us.”

  “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Copper asks.

  “That the council should hear of this?” Blaze asks.

  Copper nods.

  “I concur. This will take wisdom beyond the years we four possess,” Ember says.

  “Excuse me.” Three hot men turn their attention toward me. It’s hard not to be flustered by their intense gazes. “What council are you talking about?”

  “The council is made up of thirteen of our eldest and wisest members.” Blaze’s tone is reverent. “They are the most respected people in the village. They should decide how to proceed.”

  “They’ve seen trouble come and go.” Copper nods sagely. “They’ll know what to do, though I fear they’ll debate the matter endlessly before they reach a consensus.”

  “Then it’s settled.” Now that we have a plan, I feel better. “We’ll let your council decide. If they’re as wise as you say, then they should have no problem recognizing the need to get involved.”

  The three of them agree. They’re all trying so hard to help me. Blaze has literally risked his life to try and help quench the fires of war, and I know that Copper and Ember would do the same in a heartbeat. I’m grateful to have met such powerful allies. They’re not only powerful, but honorable and courageous as well. Their loyalty gives me warm and fuzzy feelings in my heart. I haven’t known them that long, but they’re already getting to me. I love being with them, and I can tell they like being with me too. I don’t know if our fast friendship will ever lead to anything more, but I’d like it to.

  I still can’t understand why all three of them are single. I’d crawl naked over broken glass to claim any one of the trio as my lover. Hopefully it won’t come to that, but I’d be willing to do whatever it took to get any of them into my bed.

  Having to choose seems like such a tragedy, but what if I didn’t have to pick just one man? What if I could be in a relationship with all three of them? Would that even be possible?

  I shake my head as we head back into the village. I should be focused on presenting information about the war to the council, but instead, I’m trapped in fantasies about the future. It’s hard to think about anything else when I’m in the presence of three powerful, sexy dragon shifters, but I must focus. The fate of my Bonfire Falls depends on garnering their help. If I fail, my town will fall, and war will come to the dragon village to kill us all.

  7

  Blaze

  The dragon council has held every meeting in the center of the village there since we established our enclave on this mountaintop. As I walk next to Ariadne, Ember and Copper flank us. It feels as if we’re trying to protect Ariadne from the rest of the world, but I know she doesn’t really need our help to protect herself. Her strength and courage are powerful, and I have no doubt that she’ll be able to use magic to defeat an enemy, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to lay down my life for hers. She could probably take on one or two witches alone, but not a whole army. That’s why she needs us, and that’s why I must convince the council to join the war.

  The sunset causes pink rays to shine in Ariadne’s dark hair. She never stops being beautiful. Although she appears calm and determined, her hands shake as we march across the cobblestones. The urge to take her hand into my mine is overpowering. I shove my hands in my pockets. Now isn’t the time to try to touch her.

  And why would I want such a thing?

  I shouldn’t care so much about helping her but I do. Her sweetness and innocence are irresistible. I try to stop wanting her, but it’s impossible. My feelings grow stronger every moment that she’s by my side. I won’t stop until her people are safe. Yes, I want to protect the enclave too, but Bonfire Falls must come first. All of my attention will be directed there until the war is over. I hope the dragon council agrees with what must be done.

  We reach a beautiful Douglas fir cabin. It looks small and homey from the outside, yet once you step inside it feels luxurious. Tall windows let in the sunlight and high ceilings give it an expansive feel.

  Our boots click across the hardwood floors. Several rooms are almost always available for various village and dragon council meetings. Right now, they stand empty, but I expect them to be filled soon enough.

  I lead us past the two-hundred-year-old chimney, and down a long, narrow hallway. Near the end of the hall, I open a door to reveal Maria, secretary to the dragon council. She’s sitting at a very organized desk, scribbling on a piece of paper. When she finishes, she looks up at the four of us with a bright smile.

  “We are here to see the dragon council.” I return her smile. Maybe it’s a little too flirtatious since Ariadne frowns at me, while Ember snorts, and Copper rolls his eyes.

  “One moment, please.” She scoots her chair noiselessly across the floor and knocks softly on the council’s door.

  “Come in!” A gruff male voice calls.

  She walks into the room and closes the door behind her, leaving us in her office. I’ve only been inside the place a few times, but it’s familiar enough.

  While we wait, Ariadne keeps peering at all the deer heads on the walls. Her nose wrinkles and she tilts her head to the side. I’m not sure if she’s disgusted or curious as to why the dragon council has so many of them in here. I really don’t know the answer either.

  Maybe it’s to intimidate those who enter?

  The door leading to the meeting room creaks open to reveal the thirteen men and women who hold equal weight on the dragon council. There’s no ultimate leader among them. The choice was made many years ago to maintain harmony amongst our people. We don’t let greed or power get in the way of caring for one another, not like the witches and other shifters in Bonfire Falls.

  “Okay, they’re ready for you.” Maria waves us in with another brilliant smile.

  “Thank you.”

  As we enter, I admire the long pine table in the center. Ages old wooden chairs line each side, but the council only sits on one side.

  “Please, have a seat.” Sierra, one of the council members, nods her head at us. I’ve seen Sierra around the village, but I’ve never spoken to her until now. We all take a seat in one of the six chairs on the opposite side to the dragon council. “What is this impromptu meeting request about?” Her words are polite, yet her voice is wary. She eyes Ariadne as if to assess whether Ariadne’s a threat to the council.

  I clear my throat, which seems loud in the suddenly quiet room.

  “You’re probably aware of the war in Bonfire Falls due to the constant blasts of magic. Ariadne came to ask for our help. The war between witches and shifters is far from over. Innocent people are dying in the streets of Bonfire Falls. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. We
can’t let any more innocent people die because of a few power-hungry shifters and witches. We need to intervene on their behalf.”

  A wooden chair creaks, almost breaking my concentration. I shift in my seat, lean back, and try to figure out how to say this the right way.

  “At first, I didn’t think we should concern ourselves with the fate of the people of Bonfire Falls. But I went down there myself and, quite frankly, it’s worse than anything I could’ve imagined.”

  As I lean my arms against the table, I gaze into each member’s eyes. I hope they can feel my passion for justice.

  “Earlier today, I shifted into my dragon form to scout the area. It’s a complete mess of burning buildings. Dead shifters lay in the middle of the street. I’ve never seen anything like it. I even tried speaking to each of the warring leaders, but neither of them would listen to what I had to say. They refuse to discuss this matter.”

  I pause as thunderous explosions in the distance replace the once eerie stillness in the room.

  Huffing out a breath, I continue.

  “I know we don’t usually get involved with their disputes, but I’ve got to say that this time, we need to get involved. This time it’s different. I’m worried that if we don’t step in now, this war will get out of hand and it will come to our doorstep.”

  The council members all speak at once.

  Jameson, an older gentleman with a full head of white hair, hold up his hand to silence them. Their chatter slowly stops.

  “Continue,” he says.

  I nod in acknowledgement.

  “Thank you. I know this might be a lot to take in, but I suggest we need to act now. We should come up with a plan to defuse this nonsense. We can’t let another night pass. We can’t risk waking up tomorrow with our enemies at our door.”

  Another series of blasts erupts from Bonfire Falls, yet the members don’t seem concerned. They’re too calm. It’s been too long since we’ve fought a war. They’ve forgotten the violence and the bloodshed of war. If only they’d seen what I’ve seen.

  They murmur and whisper once more. Their voices are too quiet, so it’s impossible to catch much of what they’re saying to one another. All I’m able to understand is random words like “witches” and “war.”

  Ember, Copper, and Ariadne all look at me with worry in their eyes.

  Some of the members keep shaking their heads. This doesn’t look good for any of us.

  Jameson briefly holds up his hand. The room is once again quiet. They all nod at one another, in silent agreement.

  Maybe that’s a good sign.

  “The decision is made,” Sierra says. “The council disagrees with your opinion that we should take action tonight. However—”

  “But, Sierra—” I try to interrupt her, but she cuts me off.

  “However,” She glares until I sit back. “We will think on this some more. What you’ve told us here tonight requires thoughtful consideration. We won’t make hasty decisions, especially when it comes to war.”

  Ariadne jumps out of her seat.

  “Are you kidding me? More people will be dead by morning. Time is of the essence. Don’t you think?” She points toward where another explosion rips through the air. “You have to help them.”

  Ariadne’s breathing fast and hard, a flush reddens her cheeks.

  Sierra puts her hand up to quiet Ariadne’s outburst.

  “We haven’t participated in a war in over 200 years. The witches and shifters in Bonfire Falls make it a habit to of seeking war and trying to gain power. We’re not like that. We have no need for power, and we avoid conflict unless we’re provoked. As council members, our job is to ensure the safety of everyone in the enclave.” Sierra quietly looks at each of us in turn. “We will think on it and render a verdict when we’re ready.”

  Her voice is stern, but Ariadne is still flustered. I know that’s not the answer Ariadne wants, but at least they’re going to think about it. It’d be better to take action right away, but I know they need to think it over for the sake of our people.

  “Thank you for your council.” I push back from my chair and pull out Ariadne’s.

  “But—”

  I usher her out of the room before she can say something that will make the council render an immediately negative decision.

  “Goodnight, Maria,” I wave as I guide Ariadne out of the council’s chambers.

  “I know the dragon council will do the right thing.” Copper puts his hand on Ariadne’s shoulder.

  “It might not seem like it now, but I know they will help everyone in Bonfire Falls who isn’t a part of the war,” Ember says with confidence.

  “Yeah, I know you’re right. But I don’t want anyone to suffer or die in the meantime, especially not my family.” She rubs her hand against her forehead. “I just hope they’re safe.”

  “I could go check on them,” I offer.

  “No. It’s better that we wait,” she says.

  “Hopefully the council will render their decision soon. You can stay with me for the night.” I wrap my arm around her shoulder.

  “Are you going to tie me to the bed again?”

  Her frown makes me feel bad for tying her up last night, so I try to lighten the mood.

  “Only if you want me to.” I grin while the other guys roll their eyes at my lame joke.

  “I guess I can stay another night at your place.” She shrugs her shoulders.

  “We’ll meet you at breakfast tomorrow,” I say to Copper and Ember. They nod and after a moment of hesitation, they head toward their respective homes.

  Ariadne and I take our time walking back to my place.

  My stomach rumbles. I get the munchies at night. It’s a habit I can’t seem to break.

  When we arrive at my home, I head straight for the kitchen.

  “Do you want some cookies? I have some stashed around here somewhere. I need to eat something.” I find my stash of sweets in the cupboard.

  “I love cookies. What kind do you have?” She tries to peer around me to see what I’m unwrapping. I show her the chocolate chip cookies Ember makes when the mood strikes.

  I set several on a plate and hand it to her.

  As she takes a big bite into the chocolaty goodness, a moan escapes her rosy lips.

  God, she’s beautiful.

  Lustful thoughts seem to come out of nowhere. I turn away and add some logs to the fireplace. No one in the village has electricity, so this fire is our heater. It gets chilly at night, especially with days like today when the evening gets cold fast.

  “Wow! These are delicious. Did you make these?” She says through a mouth full of cookies. Her cute curiosity almost makes me lie to her.

  “No, Ember made them. I ask him to make them when I want a sugar rush.” I laugh and try to ignore a tinge of jealousy. I make a mental note that I should learn to bake.

  “When it gets this cold, I usually sleep in front of the fireplace. We could sleep there tonight. It should keep us warm.” My voice is husky and betrays the undercurrent of desire in my tone.

  She brushes at the crumbs clinging to her shirt and pants. It takes her a while to answer. A contemplative look crosses her face before she turns back to me and straightens her shoulders.

  “Okay.” She doesn’t seem overly excited by or averse to my proposed sleeping arrangements. I don’t know how to read her response. But then again, maybe there’s nothing to read.

  I pull the hideaway bed out of the couch before tossing some blankets and pillows onto it.

  “I don’t have a nightgown,” she says.

  “It’s… that’s okay. I could give you one of my shirts.”

  Or, you could just get naked!

  “Thank you.”

  When I come back with a shirt, I find her underneath the covers. I strip off the shirt I’m wearing and climb in beside her.

  “I—Could you close your eyes while I change?” she asks.

  “Sure.”

  I smash my eyes closed, but the urge to peek is killing me. I manage to keep them shut until she’s done.

  “You can open them.”

  She’s got the blankets pulled to her chin and her eyes are wide. I’m alarmed by the twinge of fear in them.

  “You’re safe here,” I say.

  “I know.” Her nervous giggle fills the room.

  The only way to stop staring is to turn my attention toward the fireplace. I watch the flames crack and hiss. Sparks fly up the chimney.