“Dragons?” Wynn laughed. “Yeah, right. And I’m the tooth fairy...” The words died on Wynn’s lips as the clues belatedly fell into place. Like pieces of a puzzle. The magic that was reaching out to shroud her in a smothering heat. The flames that even now coated his fingers. The smoky silver eyes. The explosive power that could easily grind her into dust. And the strange illusion of wings when he’d turned around.
Of course.
How the hell had she been so blind?
“Holy crap. You are a dragon.”
Chapter 3
Azh kept his hand pressed against the barrier as he watched Wynn process the fact she was face-to-face with one of the most powerful beasts to ever walk the world. Most creatures would have collapsed in terror. Dragons might have been gone from the world since the Ice Age, but the memories of their savage battles with both vampires and demons lingered. They were considered nightmares that were better left to myth and legend.
Not this woman.
Tilting her head to the side, she ran a bold gaze down his body, her fresh, floral scent untainted by fear. He wasn’t surprised. He’d been following her for days. Ever since he’d been stirred out of hibernation by the sensation of dragon magic moving through the world.
He’d watched with bemused curiosity as she’d scuttled through the city, creating a strange network of magic, like a spider weaving a web. Tonight he understood what she’d been doing. She was a thief, and the magical web was her escape route.
His dangerous fascination had only deepened as he followed her, but his reason to linger in this world wasn’t just because she was the most beautiful, unique creature he’d ever encountered. It was the trail of potent magic she was leaking.
When he’d first awakened, he’d assumed the queen had escaped her prison and was once again attempting to break the treaty. Over a year ago, she’d used her powers to reach into this world and manipulate a demon to destroy the key keeping them locked in hibernation. Since then, the ancient dragon had been carefully locked behind a powerful wall of magic. It’d kept her physically sealed in place, but that didn’t mean she didn’t have other devious plots set into motion.
But instead of his queen, he’d found this delicate slip of a female with her air of human fragility and unexpectedly potent abilities. Add in the dragon magic and it was a bewildering combination.
He needed to discover exactly what she was, how she’d gotten ahold of the magic, and what she intended to do with it.
Something easier said than done if the current standoff was anything to go by.
“I didn’t know you guys could look like humans,” she at last said, returning her attention to his grim expression.
Azh shrugged. “We have many forms. I dislike being in this one, but it was the only way to follow you.”
“You mean the only way to stalk me.”
“Follow you,” he insisted.
She snorted, but she didn’t press the issue. “I thought the leeches locked you in the pits of hell?”
“The leeches have no power over the dragons,” he retorted, his tone edged with arrogance. He’d be damned if he allowed her to think the bloodsuckers made decisions for his people. “We are currently in hibernation. Once the terms of the treaty have been met, we will return to our place in this world.”
She pursed her lips. “So if you’re in hibernation, then why aren’t you snoozing?”
“I was awakened by the feel of mysterious magic moving through this world. The sort of magic that could tilt the balance of leadership among the demons.”
“Okay. So go find it and leave me alone.”
A growl rumbled in his chest. Leave her alone? Never.
He ignored the dangerous thought. “Where did you get it?”
“Get what?”
“The magic?”
She clicked her tongue, but her expression was suddenly distracted, as if she were concentrating on something more important than the dragon who had her cornered.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. If I had some sort of mysterious power, why would I be stealing junk to survive?” she demanded. “I’d just take over the world.”
He burned a hole in the barrier. She was up to something. He’d bet his favorite treasure hoard.
