* * *
Kane
We were already heading rightfor Farren when the dragons reacted. It was such a swift move that I was impressed. Before I could give an order, our mate was hidden within a solid, impenetrable fortress of dragons ready to die for her.
“What is it?” I called out as chaos ensued. Then it hit me. The Arch Mage was in our lobby like he hadn’t a care in the fucking world. The sheer boldness of this man was insane.
“It was one of the new dragons!” someone called, and I growled in response. They might be accurately describing what they had seen, but I knew that wasn’t the case. It was the Arch Mage wearing that dragon’s face. I knew having an influx of newcomers could be bad; the increased numbers was just providing even more victims for the Arch Mage to kill without remorse.
“Send someone back to find his room. His body is likely there. If not, follow his last steps and help find his body. This is no longer him, and he deserves a respectful rest,” I explained. The dragon next to me paled in shock before falling back to execute my order without question.
Several of our number shifted the moment it was safe to do so and took to the skies, circling above Emberwood.
I knew this would end with yet another body to lay on our consciences.
The moment he saw us, he took off running and disappeared. The Arch Mage’s distinct scent was strong as we hit the parking lot, and the trail continued down the drive, right into the center of town. We had shaken him, or his own scent wouldn’t have slipped through so strongly. Unless he was toying with us, of course.
“Did anyone see someone suspicious running through here?” I called out. They all shook their heads, startled eyes glancing up at the dragons circling above.
“We’ve lost him,” I announced to the group I was leading. Our steps came to a stop, and my eyes scanned over our surroundings, but not a person was out of place. I didn’t scent him here now. It was like he’d disappeared completely.
The dragon who had been by my side, Vadir, rejoined us. He was breathless and even more pale than before, giving his answer away before he spoke.
“He went for a walk to clear his head. We found his body carelessly thrown behind the Mountainview cargo van and work truck,” he said solemnly.
“How do dragons honor their dead?” I asked. We all had our own customs, so he would get the burial fitting his people’s culture. That much we could give him since we hadn’t been able to protect him. My heart broke at the idea of such a young life lost so carelessly.
“By the fire of his people. We’ll get a pyre ready,” someone answered as we all turned to head back to the hotel and the awaiting funeral. Despite our best efforts, tonight was a loss for our team. The snake had snuck right into our territory just to show us that he could, but we wouldnotunderestimate him again.
We also had solid proof that he could sneak past our defenses with a new face. It was no longer a fear but a reality. No one here was safe.
After the funeral, we’d be coming up with stricter security plans for the safety of all our people.
I can’t wait to get my hands on this asshole and end this once and for all.
ChapterTen
Avi
It had been a few days, but things were still a bit shaky at Mountainview. The dragons and Kane had figured out a security detail, along with escorts to help those heading into town. We’d been lectured on safety in numbers, and shockingly, Farren didn’t protest this time. The funeral hit a bit too close to home, reminding us all how easily things could have ended.
Between the pregnancy and the mental toll of the memory loss, Farren had been napping more. In general, she just seemed more tired. I really hoped that Niko got back soon. From his last message, he had the professor and was heading back, but he’d given us no arrival time.
Outside of the few patrons working their way to the diner, the streets of Emberwood were still quiet. I doubted that they got a moment of peace throughout the day. No matter when I stopped by, it was always busy. Then again, they did have amazing food. Plus, Connie kept everyone amused.
“How is she?” Connie asked the moment I stepped inside, ignoring all the newcomers and the dragons coming in behind me.
“Better,” I promised. “Still no memory, but she’s doing her best. She needs her usual.”
“Got it.” She grinned as she gathered up Farren’s favorite coffee and donut. I didn’t even have to ask for my hot chocolate; she fixed it up along with hers. She couldn’t linger since it was getting busy, so I quickly paid and left before the security detail could follow.
I was at the intersection that led up to Mountainview when it hit me—that mix of dark magic, herbs, and embers that was a signature for the Arch Mage. The asshole had dared to come back again. As we’d seen before, his illusion work was infallible.
The to-go cups fell to my feet as I started to follow the scent. Once I’d latched on to it, there was no way I was letting it escape. The smart thing to do would be to call Maxon, Nolan, anyone in my pack, but I was too far gone at this point. Violent anger churned within me as my entire being stayed focused on that scent.
I followed it right to the center of town where town hall was. The white brick building loomed ahead of me, and in that moment, I knew we were fucked. The mayor was frequently here, but then there was the secretary, assorted clerks, and those who stopped in throughout the day.
Ignoring all of that, I went up the stairs and pulled on the doors, growling when I found them locked up tight. It was eight in the morning on a Saturday, so no one should be inside, yet I knew otherwise.