Another howl, louder and closer this time.
Finally, we reached a clearing. I spotted Rosie standing beside a tree brandishing a stick as a weapon. Such a thing would do nothing to stop the wolves. “You take care of Rosie. I’ll make quick work of the wolves.”
Foster didn’t need to be told twice. His wings ripped through his shirt and he used them to his advantage so he could jump over the pack, landing effortlessly by Rosie’s side. She was surprised to say the least but she didn’t protest as he jumped into a nearby tree and held her away from harm’s reach.
Once I was satisfied that they were both safe, I transformed into my dragon state and swiped at the nearby beasts. Quick on their feet, they managed to dodge my attack. I growled and snapped with my jaw but still, they escaped my grasp.
Slowly, they closed in, eyes shining with malice.
I waited fo
r the perfect opportunity before swinging my tail in a complete circle, wiping them all out. A cacophony of whimpers sounded through the air.
“It’s best if you don’t watch this,” Foster said as he covered up her eyes. I took my chance to finish them. My village would eat well tonight.
I shifted back to my human form and tried to wipe away the blood but there was too much of it. I needed a bath but it would have to wait.
Foster fluttered back to the ground with Rosie in his arms.
“Are you okay?” I asked her.
“Yeah… I think so.” She said. Her hands trembled with fear.
“Why were you out here all on your own?” I searched her eyes for answers but deep down there was only one thing I wanted to hear – that she had returned to us.
“I…” She struggled.
Foster held her a little tighter. “Shh, how about we go back to the village? There you can take all the time you need. And it’ll be much safer.”
Rosie looked like she was about to answer him when a blast erupted through my chest. I staggered as my own blood poured down my chest. Another shot rang out, this time piercing through my shoulder.
My vision blurred with pain but I did not allow myself to fall.
“I won’t miss a third time.” Came a familiar voice.
“Jake!” Rosie shouted trying to pry herself out of Foster’s hold. “Have you completely lost your mind?”
“I couldn’t let you get taken away by a couple of monsters the same way my mother did.” He kept his gun trained on Myles. “Now, either you come back home with me or your precious little dragon gets a shot to the head.”
“You can’t do this!” Rosie struggled with all her might.
“Oh, can’t I? Last time I checked, dragons aren’t protected by human rights which means I can do whatever the fuck I want.” He smirked like he was enjoying himself. “Trust me, you will thank me for this later.”
She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “You call them monsters but you’re the only monster I see!”
He laughed. “That’s funny. I’m a monster? Really? For wanting to protect you?”
“I don’t need your protection.” She snarled.
“That is enough,” I said, holding up my hand. “You’re upsetting my mate and I will not stand for it.”
Jake turned, narrowing his eyes in my direction. “Did I say you could speak?” He cocked the gun in an attempt to intimidate me.
“Do it,” Foster said under his breath just loud enough for me to hear.
Acting on impulse, I called upon my speed and dashed forward. In the blink of an eye, I had him disarmed.
He tried to weasel his way from my grasp but I held him firm. “Keep struggling and I might be tempted to break your arm.” I hissed into his ear. “Now, I want you to get one thing clear through your head. Rosie wants nothing to do with you so you had better leave her alone.”