The Lost King of Dragons

Chapter 13

Ember –

I heard Vatra is in the hospital. Dante is going to get his ass kicked when I get there. He had me helping with the women and children, but I should have been out on the front lines. I heard from several of the warriors that the Siren was looking for me. Also, that Dante is the King of the Dragons.

Scratch that. I’m going to kick his ass twice. I have lived most of my life with him and he didn’t even have the decency to tell me who he really is?

“f**k him,” I mumbled to myself.

I was stomping my way the hospital. Seething with anger and I thought things over and over again. I could have helped but he kept me busy. Women and children need protection, but from someone as efficient in a fight as myself?

I could feel that my hands had heated up and had to shake them off. I had fire coming from them. I looked back and found that large amounts of earth were slew everywhere. The wind was whipping around.

Stopping to center myself, I calmed. No reason anyone needed to deal with my hurricane mood along with those who were hurt or killed. We lost 3 warriors today. I felt for them and their families.

The attach was unnecessary. They succeeded at nothing. What was the point?

We did learn the humans were working with the sirens. Which was an odd mix and deadly. They could pass as human which was probably why they were so willing to work with them. What did they have to gain from getting me?

As I arrived at the hospital my internal dialog ceased. I focused my attention on Vatra.

She looked very pale. Dante looked broken. Maybe I will save the ass kicking for later. His eyes were dull and his own face was pale.

“What’s wrong with her?”

“She was poisoned with Jade Vine.”

My eyes nearly bulged out of my head. “How the hell did they get ahold of something that rare!?”

“We don’t know. Doc has an antidote, but it could take a while to work.” His head hung low as he responded.

“Hey, look, Dante, I know this is hard. She is a fighter she is going to make it through.”

He glared, “You know I hate that speech.”

“I know, but it’s true.” I paused a moment. “So do you want to tell me why you never told me about who you are?”

He looked up for a moment. “Not really.” Sighing heavily, he moved over so I could come sit with him. “I hate my title.”

I waiting for him to continue.

“I feel like my family abandoned everyone. They should have taken care of the humans rather than leaving them for me to deal with.” I could hear the anger in his voice.

“I know this has been hard, but we are going to be okay.” I tried to reassure him.

One of the nurses came in and checked Vatra’s monitors and her IVs. We sat in silence as she inspected everything. Without a word, she left.

This was going to be a very long night. Dante wasn’t going to be able to sleep and I wasn’t going to be able to sleep. He had me worried.

We sat in silence for hours. Occasionally the nurse would come in. I looked around the room and thought.

It’s clear they want me for some special purpose and we need to find out why before things get out of hand and people continue to get hurt. Considering the humans are working with Sirens it would be best if I had mostly women around me. If we were going to figure this out, we needed clear minded and level headed. Dante was going to be spending a lot of time by Vatra’s side until she was well enough to leave.

Before dawn, I decided to head out. I was going to head to training early. With how much pent-up energy I have, I need to blow some of it off before sparring this morning.

I got lost in training and didn’t even notice when people started showing up. I only stopped when I felt a hand touch my shoulder. It was Axon. His face spoke volumes. He was worried for me. I was covered in sweat and realized that I had split open my hands and there was blood all over the punching bag, which wasn’t doing much better than I. It had holes all over it from where my fists had gone through the leather.

“Hey, I’m here if you need to talk.” I nodded in response. I turned and continued my assault on the punching back. Again, zoning in on it and the world leaving me be.

By the time I decided I had had enough, it was late into the day. Everyone was long gone from training. A shower sounded wonderful and may sooth my tired and sore body.

I made my away up to my apartment and took a nice cool shower. The water ran down my face and relaxed my vexed soul. I opened my eyes staring at the shower wall. A wave of determination hit me and it began to consume my soul.

I am going to find out who is after me and why. If it means I spend my life searching for answers, I am okay with it. I don’t have a mate to look forward to. It was not in my nature not within my abilities to sit by as people got hurt and fought my fight.

An idea popped into my head. It excited me. I got dressed and ran down to Alpha Damascus’ office. He was startled when I went running into the room.

“Is everything okay Ember?” He asked me. At this point he was standing and looking ready for action.

“Alpha, I need permission to take 10 female warriors, only the top of the class, to go investigate. What happened last night is not something I will willingly allow to happen again. Due to the Sirens being involved, I only want female warriors. We need to track down whomever is after me. We need more information on this threat sir.” I waited a moment. Hoping he would agree. There is a plan B, but I was really hoping I would have to go that route.

“Have you spoken with Dante about this?” He raised his eyebrow at me.

“No sir, nor do I have the intention of doing so. I ask you only, because they are your pack members. Dante has been my protector for my whole life. His mate is hurt and she needs him. I am fast enough, strong enough, and brave enough to handle things on my own.”

He thought a moment before responding. “I grant your request. Please let me know who will be going with you.”

“I have two more things for you sir.” He nodded for me to continue. “The female warriors I choose are to be unmated and I ask that my mission and my whereabouts are kept secret…. Even from Dante.”

Alpha Damascus eyed me suspiciously. “Anything else?”

“Nothing other than, I will report to you every other day. Should I miss a report, I am in trouble. I’ve already got a burner phone.”

“I see you have thought this through. Ember, be careful, for the enemy has many spies.”

I nod and bow.

I turned and moved swiftly out the door, down the stairs, and over to the warrior training center.

I stood and thought, analyzing each warrior to determine who was best fit.

After speaking with each one in private and getting their consent. We all planned to meet later that night. We would sleep and then tomorrow night, we will leave. Alpha Damascus arranged for the kitchen staff to pack us all backpacks full of supplies. He also gave us two of his Explorers. He wanted us to take the SUVs, but they were too conspicuous.

We packed regular clothing and warriors clothing. Packing light, but efficient.

Our team came up with a plan of where to start. At first, it was thought that splitting up would be beneficial, but we later determined it would weaken our forces. I am very pleased with the team we have created. They are all fierce and deadly.

I checked on Dante the following morning.

He still seemed lost. Vatra was showing improvements, but it was still a painfully slow process. At one point he dozed off and I tried to help him get comfortable in the bed next to her. I cried out in his sleep, but I couldn’t make out what he was saying.

Before leaving I kissed his forehead and whispered a thank you in his ear. I moved over to Vatra and did the same. I swear I saw her give the smallest of smiles.

“I will make you proud.” I whispered to them.

I met with all of the warriors at my apartment. The seer agreed to give us a tea that would help us sleep. We needed it as we didn’t know how much we would be getting over the next few weeks to months.

When we woke, I have to say, that is the most well rested I have ever felt in my life. I was wide awake, alert, and ready for a fight.

Quietly, we filed into the Explorers and took off down the road. The guards at the gate were instructed that our departure was to be kept quiet. The only people that would know I am no longer at the pack would be Alpha Damascus, Luna Asta, Axon, Beta Eros, the one guard at the gate, Dante, and Vatra.

We needed them to think I was still here so they didn’t suspect anything. One of the warriors with me, Xena, had made masks for us as so we could keep our identities concealed. Another brought scent masker. It not only hid our natural scent, but also made us smell like humans. It would be too suspicious for us to not have a scent.

To start we headed south. The Sirens were hiding out somewhere in the hot temperatures. I had an idea of where to start. The underground clubs. I had only heard of them. Warrior Athena was going to act like she was a Temptress. It is what humans refer to as a Madam. We were her slaves. Obviously no funny business would be happening, but we were going to drug the men and get the bottom of what was going on.