The Imprisoned Dragon and the Witch (4 page)

Esther chuckled before putting all of her attention on Peri. “Hello, Peri, I’m not sure if you remember me? We didn’t have time for introductions the last time, I’m Esther.”

Peri smiled and continued what she was doing. “Of course I remember you and I would like to say thank you for what you did for us that day. It was kind of you to help us, Esther. I’m Peri.”

Esther moved closer to Starr, smiling down at the baby that was still tugging on her hair. “No need to thank me, after all, it was you that defeated the Witch, not me.”

As the young Witch finished procuring her milk for the baby, she nodded once, a sad smile on her face. “Yes, but you gave my men the opportunity to get to me and then Josef made me drink that blood. It was that magical essence that gave me the power.”

Esther had since found out that the man that Peri had destroyed was her brother and she could only imagine how that had affected the young woman. The sadness showing in her eyes attested to the fact. Esther went over and sat down next to Peri on the edge of the bed, placing a hand over one of the younger woman’s and giving it a slight squeeze.

“I know and I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it was for you that day. However, we have the chance to stop the Dragon blood being used for nefarious purposes and at the same time to release the beast that is being held prisoner. Peri, can I teach you how to move people around? It will make things far easier once we land near the mountains.”

Peri’s eyes widened. “Move people around?”

Esther smiled. “Yes, you can learn to transport both yourself and others around. Using an ancient spell that only a few Witches can wield and even fewer that can do so successfully. However, I’m confident that it won’t pose any problems for you. I can feel your power, Peri. So, are you open to learning how to do it?”

Peri looked excited as she answered, “Yes, of course. Just let me get this milk sorted. Oh, I don’t need to use any Dragon blood, do I? I don’t like the thought of doing that.”

Esther shook her head. “No, you don’t need dark magic to do the spell.”

A young woman who had been busying herself setting up a host of things for the baby, including a travel cot, spoke up. “I’ll do that, you’ve more important things to do.”

Peri handed over the milk and the device she had used to express her milk. “Oh, sorry, this is Tania, she’s my friend and will look after Josef while we’re gone.”

Esther said a quick, “Hello.” As did Tania before she started to bottle up the milk before leaving the room.

Starr started to follow Tania. “I’ll leave you two alone to concentrate.”

Peri sorted her clothing before standing up. “Good, I’m glad, ‘bout the Dragon blood I mean. It kinda seems wrong to use another being’s blood to be stronger.”

Esther agreed. “Yes it is, however, we require the power in dark magic to overcome those that use it. It’s not ideal and I hope we can go a long way to ridding ourselves of them on this mission.”

Peri smiled. “Okay, how do we do this?”

Esther stood in front of her. “It’s a simple spell but requires a lot of concentration and power. It also differs depending on how and where we wish to go. If I have a link with someone, I can use that to hone in on them. However, it works just as well using an address or a set of coordinates, a name of someone we know well, and therefore, have some sort of connection with. Now, listen carefully, I’ll use Ronan as a focus of where I wish to be.”

Peri frowned as she listened to the foreign sounding words that Esther spoke, her mouth moving a second or two after Esther’s. The old Witch was confident that the younger Witch would indeed manage the spell easily. Another few words and Esther popped out of the bedroom to appear right beside Ronan, who jumped away, startled.

Esther didn’t wait for the curse she knew he would make, but immediately used her spell to return to Peri. When she reappeared exactly where she had been, Peri was smiling widely.

Esther let out a small laugh. “There. See? Very easy if you have a focus for the spell. Where you heard me use Ronan’s name, it’s just as easy to use an address or whatever it is that you have at hand. So, Peri, want to try?”

Peri was nodding enthusiastically as she started to say the words, haltingly at first and keeping her eyes on Esther, as if making sure she was doing so correctly. Esther nodded at a couple of points and then Peri disappeared.

Esther could clearly hear the startled voices from the living room then some laughter just before Peri popped back into the room. She was laughing as she took a stumbled step forwards, Esther reaching out to steady her.

Peri took hold of her hands before catching her breath. “Wow! That was...weird!”

Esther knew exactly what Peri meant, the feeling of moving between places was a little disconcerting. Especially the first time.

Peri was very excited as she stood up straight unaided. “Okay, now how do I move others with me? Is it easy? Do I need to be touching them? Do they feel weird, like I did then?”

Esther chuckled as Peri fired questions at her, wide eyed with wonder. “Calm down, Peri. Once you’ve mastered moving yourself, it’s very easy. As you cast the spell, instead of concentrating just on yourself, all you need to do is cast the spell a little wider to take in the area around you. Did you see it as you spoke it? To me it’s like a light cloud around me, so I just make sure the cloud encompasses those I wish to move.”

Peri was nodding vigorously. “Yes! It was like a pinkish, swirling cloud. So all I do is make sure I have who I want within the cloud? It’s that easy?”

Esther realized that this young woman was indeed as powerful as Ronan thought. If she thought the moving spell was “easy.” Esther had tried to teach it to many Witches over the years and only a very few ever mastered it. That this young woman had done so on the very first try was testament to how strong in magic she was.

The older Witch was grateful this woman was on their side.

Peri started to move her mouth, no sound emitting from it, though Esther could see that she was once more casting the spell. Again she wondered at the sheer power of the girl if she didn’t have to utter the words aloud to cast a spell. As this thought entered her head, Esther knew Peri was taking her with her this time – the familiar feeling of her body moving between two places overcame her, the slight shudder deep inside as they blinked out of existence in the bedroom.

*****

Peri and Esther appeared in the living room, right next to Gabe. Ronan cursed loudly. “
Cac
! Will you
stop
doing that?”

Starr chastised her mate. “Ronan! Stop cursing in front of the baby.”

Gabe burst out laughing as he grabbed hold of Peri, pulling her close and placing a small kiss on her nose. “I’m sure little Joe doesn’t know what Ronan is saying and hey, you,” he rubbed his nose against Peri’s, “you’ve learned a new trick.”

Peri placed a hand on his cheek, gently caressing his face. “Yes, isn’t it cool?”

Gabe snorted. “Yes, it kinda is.”

Josef looked to Ronan who was now staring at the baby in Starr’s arms as if it was an alien from outer space. “Ronan, is that the mode of transport we will be using once we land?”

Ronan turned towards his Sire. “Yes, afraid it’s the best way and will save us a lot of time and energy.”

Josef didn’t look very happy but Ronan just couldn’t see Esther traipsing through the Rockies. It would be hard for any of them but the non-Vampires would definitely struggle. “The sooner we can get to the cavern the better, for the Dragon and for my men. They’re camped out not far from it but it’s damn cold and they can’t stay there indefinitely. They’ve already been on that mountain far too long.”

Josef inclined his head to the side noting Ronan’s tone was sharper than he had intended. Ronan tried to relax and found it almost impossible. “That came out abrupt, apologies. I’m just a little uptight about this mission.”

His Sire nodded once as Starr handed over the struggling child to Tania, who was hovering close behind her. Once free of the baby, Starr moved to Ronan’s side, one of her arms snaking around his waist and the other coming up to rub the center of his chest in a calming motion. As soon as she touched him, he did what he had failed to do for himself...relax.

Starr looked around the room. “Okay, Peri, do you have warm clothing with you? The Rockies are gonna be real cold and you too, Esther. You’ll need to be wrapped up warmer than you are now.”

Esther made to leave the apartment. “I’ll meet you in the conference room. I need to get Celeste ready too. What time, Ronan?”

The Director of the SEB looked at his watch. “Half an hour, is that enough time to prepare?”

As Esther reached the door she turned, nodding her head. “Half an hour it is.”

Josef stopped Esther. “Wait, I have a question.”

Esther turned, locking eyes with the ancient Vampire. “Yes?”

Josef noticed the lack of fear from the old woman as she stared at him. It wasn’t often someone was in his presence and didn’t feel a frisson of unease. “If you and Peri are using this
moving
spell to get us from the landing strip to where Ronan’s men are, then why don’t we use that instead of the plane?”

Esther stared back, an inscrutable look on her face. “Because it would take too much power and drain us before we even got started. The longer the distance the more power is used. I’m sure none of us wants that?”

Ronan looked between Josef and Esther, seeing his Sire raise one eyebrow slightly at the tone of voice the old woman used. “No, Esther, none of us would want that,” he said, trying to defuse the tension.

Josef inclined his head, taking a moment before he also concurred. “No, we wouldn’t wish that.”

The old Witch turned away and carried on as Peri started back towards the spare room, shouting over her shoulder as she went. “I’ll get changed. Josef, you too, you can’t go on a mission dressed in a suit. You know you’ll complain if it gets blood on it.”

Josef sighed before getting up and following Peri.

Chapter 4

Tania and Gabe sat down on the sofa, the large Wolf taking the baby and throwing him into the air, resulting in giggles from the small child. Starr took hold of Ronan’s hand and pulled him down the opposite hallway, towards the spare room that was now a small gym.

Ronan let her lead him, a small frown on his face as they entered the room. Starr kicked the door closed and continued to pull him towards the attached bath. “Starr, what’s up?”

She gave him a cheeky smile as they finally entered the bathroom, this door also closed with a kick of her booted feet. Starr pushed him back against the door before reaching to grab him behind the neck, pulling him down and kissing him deeply. Her lips taking control as her tongue invaded his mouth and tangled with his.

One of her hands cupped him and he knew she would feel his hardness through his fatigues. His breathing coming faster as she expertly released him from his clothes. “Starr, what are you doing? We’ve got to get ready for the mission and we have guests.”

Starr chuckled, a deep, throaty laugh. “Well ya better be quick...and quiet.”

Ronan snarled, lust overtaking rational thought as he pushed her backwards. He tore at her jeans, pulling them down to her ankles before picking her up and placing her onto the sink unit. He pulled her forwards so her ass was at the very edge of the marble before he thrust deep inside her in one swift movement. Starr gasped at his intrusion before her head fell back, resting against the ornate mirror above the sink.

Ronan took her hard and fast, his mouth moving to nip her neck, before his fangs erupted and sank deeply into her vein. As Starr opened her mouth to let out a scream of ecstasy, his hand clamped over it, stifling the sound as she shuddered around him. He bit down on his own lip to stop his own roar of release as he emptied his seed deep inside his mate.

He rested his forehead against Starr’s as they regained control of their breathing. Her hair mussed up in a “just fucked” way, her lips red and slightly swollen, her pupils dilated in those gorgeous violet eyes. “I’m not complaining, but what the hell just happened?” he asked quietly.

Starr’s eyes refocused and she looked thoughtful before answering. “Fang, I could ‘feel’ your tension. I thought this would be a good way to get rid of it.”

His eyes widened, he thought he had kept a lid on his tension...obviously not. “Thank you,
grá mo chroí
, it definitely worked.”

At the use of his Gaelic endearment, Starr reached up, her fingers running along his lips. “I love you, Fang. I’d do anything for you...even a quickie in the gym bathroom, but now we need to get cleaned up and join our guests.”

Ronan laughed as he pulled away, sorting himself, as Starr cleaned up and moved to open the door. His hand closed over hers, stopping her. “Uhm, you may want to do something with your hair. You look as if you’ve just been well and truly fucked, a proper little
straip
! Not a look I want you to have in a room full of virile Vamps and Wolves.”

Starr’s eyes twinkled as she turned to the mirror, remembering the first time Ronan had used that particular Gaelic word and the ensuing “fight” that ended up with them spending a full day in bed. The word literally meant “whore” but was widely used as a term of endearment or in a joking manner, she was just glad he only ever used it in private. “Shit! I see what you mean. Hold on, I think I’ve got something in my pocket.”

He watched as she found an elastic band, grabbing her long jet black hair up into a high pony tail and securing it with the band. “Better?” she asked and he nodded. “Yeah.”

“Okay, let’s go rescue a Dragon.” Starr opened the door and they made their way back through to the main living area. Starr picking up a heavy, fur lined jacket that covered her to mid-thigh. Any longer and it would restrict her movements and they both knew she may have to move fast, or even fight. She didn’t miss the look of worry that passed over Ronan’s face as she got ready for the mission. He was always so damn overprotective of her that at times it drove her nuts.

*****

Ronan couldn’t help the fleeting moment of panic while he watched Starr get organized. He wished she would stay behind but knew there was no way in hell that was happening. He would ensure Creed kept close to his mate, the dangerous Vampire one of the most deadly he knew. After the way Starr gave Creed the slip on their last mission together Ronan was sure it wouldn’t happen ever again. Creed was more than a little put out the last time and Ronan smiled, remembering how angry and upset the Elite guard had been.

Just as Starr finished, Peri, Josef, and Gabe walked back into the living area, all dressed for the mission. Ronan’s eyes widened at the sight of his Sire in combat gear and a heavy jacket. Peri and Gabe were dressed similarly but it was Josef that had him staring. Ronan couldn’t remember the last time he had seen Josef in anything but a handmade tailored suit.

Dressed as he was now, Josef looked downright lethal. Especially as he wore a hard, detached look on his face. Gabe looked far more relaxed, almost as if he was looking forward to the mission. Peri looked a little pensive but the twinkle in her eyes told Ronan the young Witch was excited.

Although Peri was much younger, smaller and more petite than Starr, he wasn’t the least bit worried about her safety. She had both Gabe and Josef looking out for her and she was one very powerful Witch. Even though his own mate was a demon in hand to hand combat and could move almost as fast as he, his fear still overtook him occasionally.

Josef’s eyes locked with his, one of his eyebrows raising slightly. Ronan shook his head and his Sire seemed to understand. “Are we ready?” Josef asked and Peri turned around, seeing Tania in the hallway with the baby.

“Just a minute.” Peri ran the few yards and kissed the baby on the top of his head. “We won’t be gone long, now you be good for Auntie Tania.”

Tania chuckled. “Oh, he’s always a good boy for me. Now go, the sooner you leave the quicker you’ll be back. I promise to take real good care of him.”

Peri gave the woman a peck on her cheek. “I know you will. Now, Ronan, can we get going?”

Starr was already at the door, holding it open as their three guests joined her. Ronan followed and in mere minutes, they were walking into the conference room. The other teams ready and waiting, including a well wrapped up Esther and Celeste.

Creed stood apart from everyone else, his body taut and his stance one of someone just itching for a fight. Ronan hoped the Vampire would remember to keep an eye on Starr because if anything happened to her, Ronan knew he would lose it completely. Maybe then he would find out just how hard and tough Creed really was.

Sam stood at the front, looking a little odd, dressed for combat but with a fur trapper hat on his head. Ronan went over, trying not to laugh. “What the hell is that you’re wearing?”

Sam smirked. “Hey, you know I don’t like being cold and I don’t want my ears getting frostbite.
That
would not be a good look on me.”

Ronan couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped him. Sam looked pretty funny. “Okay, so long as you keep your senses on high alert and all that fur doesn’t interfere with your hearing. Now, is everyone ready and are the vehicles downstairs to take us to the airstrip?”

His second in command nodded. “Yup, all set, boss.”

At the sound of a snarl Sam put his hands up, placatingly. “Oooops, sorry.”

Ronan frowned before turning away, ignoring his friend as he raised his voice. “Okay, listen up. We’re all set, we’re using the company jet and it’s ready and waiting on us. So let’s get a move on and go help Serge. He’s been out in the cold far too long and I want him home with us this evening. Got it?”

There were more than a few voices answering in the affirmative and they headed out. “Josef, you take Peri in the elevator with Esther and we’ll meet you down there.”

The Elite squads were already at the doorway to the stairs, none of them even considering using an elevator, preferring to take the stairs. Ronan noticed Creed being the first through the door. Peri was already in the elevator with Esther and Celeste, Gabe halfway in and holding the doors open. Josef nodded before joining his mate and best friend.

Starr tugged on Ronan’s arm. “Come on, let’s beat them.” A cheeky smirk on her face as she turned and sprinted for the stairs. Ronan shook his head, trying not to chuckle, and took off after her.

They joined the Elites, Sam and Drake, in the garage and were there with time to spare before the elevator arrived. Sam split everyone up into various SUVs and soon they were on their way to the nearby airstrip. Ronan was relieved he wasn’t in the same vehicle with Esther, his mood not one that could endure if Celeste were her normal self.

Although she seemed harmless enough, her distracted manner could rub him up the wrong way, at times anyway. Today, he was certain, would be one of those times.

It was a short drive to the airport, and soon everyone was entering the jet, the pilot waiting to speak to him as he arrived. Ronan watched to make sure everyone boarded and then turned his attention to the Wolf that was one of their pilots. “Hi, Justin, how’re you? Everything okay for the flight?”

Justin was much smaller than Ronan and he had to look upwards to meet his gaze. “Plane is fine, all set to go. I’m just wondering if I can come on the mission with you. It’s been forever since I was last in the field and you know Serge and I are close. He’s like a brother to me boss, so can I?”

Ronan frowned. “No, I’m sorry, Justin. We don’t know what we’re walking into and we have to have an escape. If you get hurt, or worse, then that would mean I’m the only one left that has any experience in the air, and we both know I’m not nearly as good as you. So, I’m afraid you’re just going to have to sit this one out. If you really want to get a mission or two in, send me an email when we get back and I’ll try and sort it for you. Okay?”

He saw Justin’s shoulders slump a little as he said, “Okay, boss” then he jumped up the steps and into the jet.

Ronan followed, finding Starr sitting right at the front, facing backwards, a table in front of her with Sam sitting opposite. He sat down next to her and had a quick look around to make sure everyone was present. Josef sat with Peri at his side, Gabe opposite and he noticed the young Witch’s attention being drawn to where Esther and Celeste sat. He noticed that nobody sat opposite Esther and Celeste. Drake sitting near the rear with one of the Elite squads.

Creed took up his usual spot when flying, the very last row and his eyes continually wandered. Ronan was never sure why. Did Creed expect trouble from one of their own? Ronan was pretty sure that wouldn’t happen, but then again, you just never knew. It may be that rare chance of one within their group turning rogue that Creed was always on the lookout for. Or, it may simply be that the dark and dangerous Vampire just didn’t trust anyone...period.

While Justin prepared the plane for take-off, the seat-belt signs blinked on. Ronan smirked over at Sam. “You gonna take that off?” He pointed to the hat still firmly attached to his friend’s head.

Sam reached up, pulling the hat even further down. “Nope,” was the only response he got as Sam laid his head back and closed his eyes.

Starr laughed and snuggled into his side. “How long’s the flight?”

Ronan moved an arm to around her shoulders, holding her close against him. “Not too long, but if you want to nap then go ahead. I’ll wake you when we’re preparing to land.”

Starr moved her body a little more to the side so she fit even more closely to him. “I think I might,” she said as she closed her eyes.

*****

Peri couldn’t concentrate on the small talk of Gabe and Josef, her attention being drawn time and again to the young woman sitting across the aisle with Esther. She was pretty sure she had never seen anyone with the demeanor of the girl. She looked so serene, and possibly a little lost, but Peri could also sense the power inside the woman. She was a Witch and strong one, but in a different way to her and Esther’s powers.

As soon as they were in the air and the seat-belt sign blinked off, Peri undid her belt, moving quickly across the small aisle and sitting opposite Esther and the other Witch. “Hi, my name’s Peri.”

Esther gave her a smile as the young woman raised her eyes to meet hers. A look of confusion on the perfect face. “Uhm, hello, Peri? That’s a lovely name, very pretty.”

Peri still didn’t know the woman’s name so tried again. “And what’s your name?”

A startled look swept across the other woman’s face and it was a few uncomfortable seconds before she replied. “My name? Oh, yes, of course, my name is Celeste. You do know you’re very powerful, don’t you?”

Celeste’s hand snaked across the small table separating them and grabbed hold of one of her hands, holding it tightly. Peri was more than a little baffled by this woman but didn’t pull her hand away. Celeste’s face seemed to settle into one full of calm and then she let Peri’s hand go. Her next words surprising. “Oh, you’re good. Like, really good. Not like some that
say
they’re good but really aren’t. No, not like that at all. You’re like Ronan and Esther. Really and truly good.”

Peri looked to Esther, wondering about Celeste and just why someone like her was even on this mission. With a raised eyebrow she waited on Esther.