Chapter Twelve
Dragon Awakened
Zahara
We are having a picnic in the park, something Acheron has apparently never done.An array of fruit and finger foods are spread across the small tartan blanket as we sit and watch the children and dogs of strangers play in the park.
“This is nice,” he says softly.His shoes are kicked off, his jacket discarded, and his white dress shirt is rolled up at the sleeves.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” I say with a grin.“You need to learn to do more normal people stuff.”
“Sadly, Zaraha, I’ve never had a normal person in my life to show me the little joys.”
I lean over and kiss him.“I’ll show you.”I wink and he grins in return.
The moment is broken by the ringing of his cell phone.He stares at the screen before looking at me with a torn expression.
“Go and run your empire,” I say shooing him away.“My boss said I could take the afternoon off so I’ll just be here, enjoying the sunshine.”
He kisses me, deeply, passionately, and strides away.Not far but just out of earshot.I close my eyes and lie back to soak up some rays.For long moments everything is peaceful.But then a shadow blocks my light.
“You’re in my sun, Acheron.”
When he doesn’t say anything, I open my eyes.Shock courses through me.A woman, with beautiful blonde hair, stands over me.Rage and disgust are scrawled across her features.
“Hello, Zaraha.Let’s go for a ride.”
Before I can react or say a single thing, a needle jabs into the side of my neck.The last thing I hear is Acheron’s angry roar as the world around me darkens.
****
The ropes cut intomy wrists.Silver-lined, spelled with something sharp.My skin burns where they touch, but it’s nothing compared to the fire twisting under my ribs.Something inside me is awake and changing.My skin feels too tight.Actually, I feel like I might explode at any minute.
The woman’s voice is a low rasp in the dark.“Do you know what he sees in you?Because I don’t and I would love to understand.”
I don’t answer her.It doesn’t matter what I say, this bitch is clearly off her rocker.She circles me like a predator too scared to strike.The warehouse is freezing, but my skin burns like it’s on fire.My veins feel like they’re boiling.Something like unleashed power itches under my skin like it’s trying to claw its way out.
“He was mine,” she snarls.
“He was never yours.Or anyone else’s,” I whisper.
“He was mine!”she yells.“You have him under a spell.Or your omega scent has lured him.He doesn’t know who you really are.”
I laugh at her.“Acheron knows exactly who I am.And he will be coming for me.”
“He can’t find you,” she says, running a hand through her hair.“He doesn’t know where you are.”
I smile cruelly.“You have no idea what you have done.”I shake my head in disappointment.“A mated dragon, a mated Alpha, can scent his mate for miles.He’ll find me.”
She slaps me across the face and I taste blood in my mouth.“You’re not his fucking mate!”
Her movements are erratic but her focus is on me.She doesn’t see him walk into the warehouse, but I do.
“Greta.”Her name makes her jump and spin around.“What the hell are you doing?”
