Page 76 of Red Dragon’s Heart

He did? He’d been planning this for a long time, Maddie realized. All he’d needed to know was how to get a message to her.

Eric leaned over and cupped her face in his hand. “You’re going to give me everything I want, Maddie dearest. In fact, you’re going to beg to give me everything I want.”

Zak growled.

Eric laughed. “Feeling possessive, are we, Draken? You better get over that now. You’re both in my power.”

He snapped his fingers at one of his men. “Collar him,” he said.

The man reached for Zak’s neck. His existing collar lit up with magic, and there was a buzz and a smell of burning, like something had hit a bug zapper.

The man swore. When he got himself under control, he ground out, “He’s already collared.”

“I had to,” Zak said with a shrug. “It’s the only thing that keeps that monster you put in me under control.”

“Take it off,” Eric growled.

“He can’t,” Maddie said. “Only one of the Al-Maddeiri royal family can take it off.”

Eric was furious. “Fine. Leave it for Larkin.”

And they continued on towards the house. They were on their own, and at Eric’s mercy.

Chapter 32

Zak, Maddie and Troy were driven up to a fucking mansion, and marched into the house. Zak was still itching to punch someone—even with the collar on, he could take out all four of these guys and the van.

Unfortunately, he had no way of getting the three of them out of the complex afterwards. They had to stick with the plan.

The first part worked out exactly the way they’d hoped. They were taken to the room where Kira had found Troy, and shoved inside. It was reasonably comfortable, with twin beds, a couple of easy chairs, and a small table with two more chairs.

Also a reinforced steel door with a small observation window in it, and a slot at the bottom where food could be shoved in.

A cozy little prison.

Chisholm had been on his radio while they drove, so before they had a chance to settle down or talk, Larkin arrived.

Now Zak really wanted to punch something.

Chisholm said, “We couldn’t collar the dragon—he’s already wearing one. He says—” he glared at Zak— “that he can’t remove it. Only King Emon can.”

Larkin swore. “Figures. I’ve heard the Al-Maddeiri are control freaks, especially the king.”

“You are so right,” Zak said. “He really does like things his own way.” And they were going to get a taste of what Emon wanted, in a very short time.

Eyeing Zak warily, Larkin came up and examined the collar. Zak let him. The fucker did a few magical probes—one or two of which stung a little. “Ow,” Zak said mildly. “Don’t hurt me, I’m a helpless prisoner.”

Larkin ignored him. “As far as I can tell, it’s a typical inhibiting collar,” he said to Chisholm. “Prevents him from changing form, or using any spells.”

“What about his inherent abilities?”

Larkin threw a basketball-sized fireball at Zak, while Troy stared open-mouthed. It struck Zakerek, but of course did no damage. Red dragons were immune to fire. Then Larkin pulled a fucking knife and cut him, and watched it heal.

By this time, Troy’s eyes were the size of dinner plates. Maddie took his hand and squeezed it.

Chisholm said, “Does the collar keep the bastard from breathing fire?”

Zak said, “Believe me, if I could flame you two, I would have done it by now. It does prevent the monster from coming out, though. You’re welcome.”