“We’ll figure something out,” I snapped. “You’re on that asshole’s radar now. I won’t leave you behind.”
I silently challenged Magnus with my stare, daring him to say anything to discourage me. He swallowed his tea, met my gaze, and smiled.
“And if my father get’s wind of that? And sends a dozen dragons after you? What then? Dive into the Atlantic or the Pacific, let Alix drown trying to evade them? Fight them while risking her life?”
“Uh, no flying on a dragon,” Alix said, her voice quivering. “Nice thought, Jade, but just the same, maybe you should go it alone.”
Chapter Ten
Magnus
Jade’s expression appeared as though she’d just been slapped.
“I’ll never let them hurt you,” she snapped at Alix. “Besides, we don’t know if he’s telling the truth.”
“It doesn’t matter now,” Alix replied, her tone soft. “I’m sorry. Tonight – that was just too real for me. Fire breathing dragons flying all over the place, shifting to walk as a human. Jade – I can’t handle it. I love you. One day, I’ll come to terms with it. With what you are.”
“What are you saying?”
Alix breathed deeply, shot a rapid glance at me. “I’m saying I’m going to go away for a while. I’ll hide from his dad, I’ll be someplace he can’t find me. Nor can you. Work this out, get this asshole off your back, then we’ll spend a few weeks together. Just you and me.”
Jade stared down at her cup. “Maybe that’s best,” she murmured. “With you safe, I – I’ll leave the country. I’ll fly to wherever, establish myself. Then let you know where I am. If you want to join me, you’re welcome to. If not. I understand.”
I cleared my throat, bringing two sets of female eyes to my face. “I, uh, actually have a different idea, Jade.”
“Who cares?” she snapped. “You’re not a part of this. Go fly away and quit bothering us.”
“I want your help.”
“To do what? Take your old man down?”
I smiled. “Exactly.”
Her mouth went slack. “Why should I help you?”
My elbows on the table, my injured arm not bothering me much at all at the moment, I said, “Getting Alix away is the best thing right now. Okay? If you help me take him out, you won’t have to run. Not ever.”
“Why risk getting killed? He’s not omniscient. He won’t find me.”
“He will.” I met her green gaze. “You’ll never stop looking over your shoulder. His dragons will always find you. And me. I’m on his shit list, too. Remember? Help me to bring him down, and we’ll both be free of him. His organization broken, poof, tossed into the wind.”
Alix touched the back of my hand lightly, tenderly. “What does he do in this organization?”
“He traffics drugs, guns, and slaves.” I nodded shortly. “Sexslaves. Human trafficking.”
“Oh, shit.” Alix’s mouth fell open. “That’s awful.”
“It is,” I agreed. “Stop him, save a ton of lives. Right, Jade?”
“That’s not fair,” she growled, scowling. “You can’t guilt me into helping you.”
“He’s right, Jade,” Alix insisted. “You’re a dragon. So is Magnus. If anyone can stop this shit, you can.”
“And get myself killed,” Jade snapped. “I’ll take my chances and fly away from here.”
“How much money is your dad giving you?” I asked, leaning back in my chair.
“Five million. Enough to live comfortably for the rest of my life.”
