A Dragon's Heart (Templar Guard) Read online

  Strong, tall, and mighty, the ginormous beast filled the room. He was a magnificent color, sparkling in the richest blue with turquoise rimming each of his scales. His long mane shimmered in a glossy black sea down the side of his massive neck. Both of his eyes seemed to light up the room in a turquoise hue. His wings spanned out at his sides, sending every last soldier flying. Each wing was black in color, altering in the direction of the light. One low, reverberating, fierce growl was all that could be heard.

  Both Trevor and General Washburn covered their ears, wilting to the ground in pain. The troops all struggled, but the years of training and special equipment left them stronger, and more persistent. The Tasers were triggered, firing at Peyon. The leads didn't penetrate his scales but instead bounced off, ricocheting back to tag a few of the shooters. With a full rotation of his tail, all of the soldiers were sent flying through the air across the room, slamming into the metal with enough force little were left conscious. Those who were left standing attempted to trigger the alarms, but Daganth sent a simple thought to them, immobilizing them temporarily.

  “Let's move!” Drakk's voice sent them all into motion. With one big ass bright blue dragon, they couldn't count on escaping unnoticed, so obviously the plans had slightly altered.

  Xavier, who usually was unaffected by things and for the most part—emotionless to everything, made a dash over to the cages. He had always had a soft spot for animals, and had been the butt of many jokes because of his numerous pets. Jex was insistent on calling them snack cakes or hors d’oeuvres every time he was around, once he smothered his lion with mustard, and wrapped a puppy in tinfoil like a baked potato just to get a rise out of him. Every day, he found another way to take a dig at the softhearted dragon. After smacking a hand full of buttons, he finally found the one that opened all of the cages, freeing the drugged prisoners. They were still attached to the machines, so with a wave of his hand, he released them all, healing the gaping hole that was left in their back. They may be doped up and who knows what, but at least they could be free.

  “Really? You couldn't resist, could you?” Jex said somewhat irritated.

  “What? Would you want to be left in a cage to live like that? I wouldn't have given a flying fuck if it were humans. But animals? How could they be so cruel?” Xavier's voice rose two octaves, sounding unmanly if nothing else.

  “You are kidding, right? Dude, they are freaking spoiled crunch and munch. We can't eat them without getting some sort of mad dragon disease or something.” Jex laughed.

  “Jex, I swear I will become the first cannibal of our species if you don't shut your trap. Animals have pure souls, unlike you.”

  “Xavier, tuck your dress in. Jex, if you don't quit I will do the honors of rotating the skewer to get you evenly cooked. Now, if you two are done, let's move!” Gandore barked.

  Drakk and Gandore opened the hanger door, giving Peyon enough room to get out without taking out the whole damn wall. Thankfully, they had a small window of opportunity. The guards hadn't been alarmed until the group exited the building. Giving the shock factor, the watchtowers all took a few extra seconds to call it in. Peyon bent down enough that the others could climb on, and took flight. It proved to be a bit of a challenge to get enough run space to catch air, and given the extra load he was carrying, they barely made it over the razor wire unscathed.

  Just as the bullets started to fly in their direction, Peyon climbed elevation reaching above the cloud cover giving them concealment. Once his speed leveled out, the others took a dive off his back and shifted, falling into formation around him. “Well that didn't exactly go as planned,” Drakk grumbled.

  “Thank God we are good at improvising. Nothing ever goes as planned with us. No one became lunch. That is a victory in itself.” Brakton turned to look at the others, soaring through the fluffy clouds in all their glory. Each dragon had a unique color and pattern. He had always felt a strong since of pride as they soared through the sky together, all displaying their colors bright.

  “No one likes the taste of shit,” Dag mumbled.

  Jex turned and looked at the others, noticing how the tension was still thick. Doing what he does best, he cleared his throat before breaking out to sing “Danger Zone” off the movie Top Gun. After the first few lines, the group had relaxed some and laughed, shoving him into a nosedive playfully.

  Twenty minutes later, they landed down two hundred miles from the base for a drink and to rest. It wouldn't be their last visit to the unknown Area 51, but a quick flee had been necessary to stray from the air assault that launched shortly after they took flight. Thanks to all the nifty dragon abilities, the jets were soon set off course and blind as to their location. Invisibility was one of their favorite specialties. Using a magnetic current to screw with electronics was a close second.

  Chapter Two

  The dragons continued their flight through most of the night, and by the time they found shelter, it was almost daylight. Instead of searching for the closest cave, the group had opted to rent rooms in a little bed and breakfast, knowing the military would be using their radars to search all natural landmasses and caverns. Thank goodness they had amassed a fortune over the years, and had access to their funds at a moment’s notice, the humans had not been given the information. So, with one phone call from a pay phone they were in business.

  The men had stumbled upon a small little dinky place with old charm ran by a sweet older couple just on the edge of the city where they had decided to stop. The place sat far enough out of the public eye, but remained close enough to hide right under the noses of anyone looking to find them. So far, there had been no news or public announcements about their capture, and if the military were smart, they would keep it that way. Something was going on, and whether they all agreed or not, they were going to hang around long enough to figure out what. With the sun peaking over the horizon, the clan settled in for a short nap before regrouping to decide what the next move would be.

  Around eight, Drakk jerked awake. One of the perks of being a dragon was the additional powers they held, not only could they shift, but each of them had something to help them along to way, it was as if the gods knew they needed something to survive throughout the years. Drakk had always been able to see things. Sometimes the future, sometimes the present, and sometimes the past. However, all of his visions or dreams would lead them to someone or something that would help them. And right now, it was a blessing his night had been restless. It meant that once again they would find someone to help them along the way.

  His dreams had revealed a woman...who had insight on what they were up against, and he knew where to find her. Drakk thought he and his brothers were aware of what was going on, but if his dreams were correct, they had no idea the cluster fuck they had just started by escaping. He jumped up and hit the shower, dressing in a rush. Figuring it best they not be seen in a group, he woke Gandore and Jex.

  “Hey. Get up.” He kicked Jex who had been nominated to sleep on the floor given his younger age, and he grunted in disapproval. Getting the youngster up before noon was always a task. He was the most like teenage humans, which pissed him off on more than one occasion. The little shit was a royal pain in the ass and had a lot to learn. But underneath all of the irritating pranks and jokes, he would turn into a powerful dragon. As the only red dragon known, he harnessed magic from a place none of the others could. They had yet to tell him to avoid him misusing it, but all were anxious to see what exactly he was capable of. After the first four strings of cuss words thrown at him, he reared back and punted him in the side. “You forget who you are cussing at, Jex. Now, get your ass up now. We are leaving in fifteen minutes.”

  Gandore was gradually getting up, squinting at the bright sunlight. Dragons were by nature creatures of the night, but all had dwelled in the sunlight regularly. Waking early was not normal, and he was all but thrilled. “Why are we getting up at this ungodly hour?”

  “We’re going to a shop in the city. I think w
e might be able to get some insight on what the humans are planning, and if my visions are correct, find out who is the mastermind behind all of this.”

  “And this informant wouldn't be around later today?” Jex complained.

  “Whether she would or not, I’m not willing to chance it. Now get dressed and let's go!” Jex was weighing heavy on his nerves, making for a long day ahead. The kid had a gift of saying and doing things intentionally to test his control.

  Deliberately, Jex moved slower than molasses, taking his time to make a bathroom run and get dressed. Twenty-two minutes later, they walked out the door with Drakk's patience long gone.

  *****

  The cab dropped them off on a little side street, next to a cafe and an old bookstore. A tiny shop sat in between, appearing nothing more than a whole in the wall. If it weren't for the little tattered wooden sign that read, “Voodoo Witches’ Brew,” he would have thought it nothing more than a window into the bookstore.

  The window display showed dark draperies and panels of sheer material draping down, with candles settled amongst books, metal jeweled rods, shrunken heads, and of course to hold true to the name, cloth voodoo dolls. It looked like an old vintage antique shop of sorts, with a taste of bad Halloween thrown in the mix.

  Jex stopped dead in his tracks and turned to the others. “This is why we are awake? To go in a tacky, dusty, old creepy thrift store? I mean, look at this place. They have old nappy dolls for shit’s sake,” he whined.

  Drakk had just about enough of Jex for a lifetime, and was finally at the end of his rope. In one grab, he fisted the younger dragon's shirt and yanked him eye to eye, staring him down. Both of his eyes began to glow, and he fought back the razor sharp claws that ached in his fingertips.

  Going pure alpha, he growled, “Enough.” The single word was all that was needed.

  Jex immediately shut up, both from the intimidating powerful leader and from the power an alpha had over his clan. Drakk lingered, staring long enough that Jex felt the sharp pain stab through his chest. By the time Drakk released him, Jex was gasping for air.

  “Damn it, Drakk, cool the fuck down.” Gandore knew Jex was a pain in the ass, but seeing him recover from the internal ass whooping he had just received pissed him off. They were family, and even though Drakk was their leader, he tended to act like the stronger older brother from time to time.

  Drakk scowled, knowing that Gandore was right but hating it nonetheless. He was the damn alpha for fuck’s sake, and Jex had better learn it soon. Gandore opened the door, sounding off the chimes, and waited for them to enter. Jex dragged his feet, still pouting, with a huffy Drakk behind him. Gandore shook his head in disbelief and went in last, letting the door swing shut with the jingle of bells that dangled on the handle once more.

  The inside of the store was more than he had anticipated. For having such a cliché name and storefront, the inside was pretty cool. Full, but cool. Aisles of tables and shelves lined the room, full of cool novelty gifts and items. As the three walked around getting a feel of the place before they approached the little brunette behind the counter, they discovered that some things were legit magical items and ancient relics. Next to a glass ball that sparked when touched with a sticker that said 'Made in China' was a worn and tattered leather covered book. No title or author was listed, but instead held a simple symbol that was burned into it. Drakk grabbed it and tucked it under his arm, continuing his search.

  Jex had walked two aisles over, and now stood with a black velvet cape on and held a wooden jeweled wand. “Wingardium leviosa!” He swished and flicked the wand at them, giving his best Harry Potter imitation.

  “You’re a jackass. Put it up and keep looking,” Gandore scolded before he set Drakk off again. Drakk glanced in their direction but kept scouring the shelves. Jex seemed to pout but took off the ridiculous garb and went back to searching.

  About that time, the little brunette from behind the counter walked over to Drakk. “Can I help you find something?” she purred. Both Gandore and Jex stopped and stared.

  Drakk almost choked on his tongue when the woman walked over. He had been checking out an old wooden box when she approached and took him off guard. The moment their eyes met, he felt the intense pull she held on him. Was she a witch? Something was off, but he couldn't put his finger on it. The woman had him almost hypnotized, and so far, he couldn't find his tongue. No woman in all the strands of time had affected him this way, and it didn't sit right.

  When he did remember how to talk, the big dragon stuttered and stammered, embarrassing Gandore to the point he walked up to save him. “What my buddy here is trying to say is no, we are just browsing, thank you.” The woman shot him a sparkling grin, reaching out her hand.

  “I am Aislinn. If you need anything...anything at all...just let me know.”

  Drakk reached out his hand, taking his time to shake Aislinn's before pulling it to his lips. He placed a single, sweet kiss on the back of her hand and answered, “I am Drakk.” His eyes remained locked to hers, transfixed on the sparkling honey pools like none other.

  Jex came barreling up, knocking into Drakk and totally ruining the moment. “Hey. I am Jex. The younger, hotter, funnier one.” Aislinn giggled and Drakk snorted, grumbling under his breath something about a fire pit, spit, and putting a rod somewhere.

  “It is nice to meet you, Jex. Are you guys looking for anything in particular?”

  “Ahh. Yes. You. And, if you have a twin sister, her too.” Jex doubled over when Drakk landed a punch to his gut, making Aislinn giggle. Her laugh was a sweet melody that almost didn't seem human. Drakk observed her, trying to ascertain what was different about her to no success. Why was he pulled to her? Gandore's voice from across the room tore him from his thoughts.

  “Hey, Drakk, come take a look at this.” Gandore had an added seriousness laced in his normal all work no play monotone that set Drakk into motion. When he reached the side table in the corner and looked at what had his buddy upset, he almost lost it. There, in a metal box lined with black velvet, lay two dragon horns. Two honest to goodness horns that had come off slain members of his species. Son of a bitch. His eyes met Gandore's, resembling the same aghast as his own. He could barely contain the rage that coursed through his veins. Carefully, he took the box over to the human woman and showed her. Enunciating each word carefully, he spat out through clenched teeth, “Where did you get these, woman?”

  Aislinn's eyes widened, sensing his mood change. Her shock soon turned to irritation at his rudeness. “Where I get the items in my shop is of no concern to anyone. If you wish to purchase it, please bring it up to the counter and I will ring it up. If not, I would appreciate if you put it back where you found it.”

  It was odd to see the small, little, frail human with her shoulders squared, holding her ground. To a dragon. The absurdity of the situation was almost laughable. If he hadn't been holding the severed body parts of one of his species in his hand, he might have found her amusing. But it wasn't the case. “These are the horns off a dragon, Aislinn. I am making it my business. Now, let me ask one more time. Where. Did. You. Get. These.”

  She looked between the two, unsure how to answer. Dragons? As in, real flying-fire-breathing-village-pillaging dragons? They must have smoked something strong. Dragons were only in storybooks and in legends. Even in the witch cultures, all talk of them was nothing more than from the old scribes and books. He couldn't be serious. Could he? She stared into his intoxicating blue eyes and seemed to get lost. She could almost swim in their depths. All three of the men had a presence about them that one could not ignore. They radiated masculinity, and were delicious to look at. The one who seemed to be irritated and determined that she had somehow bought and was selling a set of real dragon horns captured her attention the most. The other two were probably the hottest men she had ever seen in her life, except for this one. This one, or Drakk, as he introduced himself as, was mesmeric. He had the sun kissed skin of a surfer, mixed with the long,
golden locks that held just enough strawberry tint she had to fight herself not to taste it. And the muscles. Lord, who could ignore each and every bulge on his ginormous frame? He towered over her five foot five stature like a giant sports star. Unlike the lanky basketball or beefy football players, these men held more of a Viking vibe.

  “Well?” The impatience in his voice made her knees shake. She fought to recall the question, bouncing when it finally hit.

  “A woman. I don't know her name, or where she was from. But you can't be seriously considering that these are real, can you?” Aislinn half laughed at the absurdity. “Dragons are legends. Things children dream up—who lives by the sea, and frolics in the autumn mist. They are make-believe. There is no way those can be from a real dragon. I might need to check to make sure they aren't from an endangered species though. I won't have something illegal in my store.”

  Drakk rolled his eyes from her dense views. Clutching the box tight, he addressed her again. “So, why, prey do tell, didn't you check it out before you purchased them?” He narrowed his eyes down on her, watching her reaction. Instead of her being afraid, she looked angry. He had to give her props. She may not know what he was, but even in human form, most people cowered from them.

  With her little chin tilted upward and her mouth set in a firm line, she propped both of her hands on her hips in a scold. “We need to get one thing straight. I have been humoring your questions and answering out of courtesy, but know this—I don't have to tell you a damn thing. Now, for the record, I didn't believe they were real. I mean, seriously. Who the hell would believe they were the horns off a real life dragon?”