The Imprisoned Dragon and the Witch (5 page)

As Celeste seemed to retreat into her own world, Esther patted the young woman’s hand before addressing Peri. “Celeste is...rather special. Her power is in healing and having an affinity with nature. She can also tell, by a simple touch, whether someone is good or bad. I’m afraid her mind is wired a little differently to ours, so she can sometimes be a little distracted. However, I know of no stronger Witch in her particular talents and I think she may be needed for the Dragon. She doesn’t normally go on missions. She is very special, Peri, very special indeed.”

Celeste seemed lost in a world of her own making Peri nod at Esther. “I can sense her power and I have to say I have never felt another being so...oh, I’m not sure of the word...pure! Yes, that’s it, she’s pure in heart and soul. I can feel it.”

“Yes, she is.” Esther said, while looking between her and Celeste.

Peri frowned. “Will she be okay? On the mission? It’s probably gonna get a little physical and folks will be fighting ‘n such. Will she be okay with that?”

The older Witch frowned too. “The honest truth is, I don’t know. She has never been put in that situation before but I have had visions and the Dragon is very weak, very ill. I fear that if we don’t have Celeste with us the beast may die. So, I guess we’ll just have to make sure she is okay.”

“Can she fight?” Peri was now worried for both the Dragon and this delicate woman in front of her. Especially when Esther looked shocked.

“I don’t think so. I have never even seen her angry and we’ve been together a long time. I found her when she was barely more than a child. Her family couldn’t understand her and thought her simple. They had no idea of her powers or anything else about her. I wanted to take her with me but they bartered with me...for money! They wanted to
sell
her to me.”

Peri was outraged, only just managing to keep herself from raising her voice. “What? They wanted to sell their own daughter? What kind of people would do such a thing?”

“Poor people. Poor people who had no idea how to deal with someone as special as Celeste, that’s who.” Esther looked thoughtful, as if remembering the event she was talking about. “At first I was angry, I was going to punish them. Then little Celeste put her hand in mine and a calmness so serene came over me that my anger blinked out of existence. So, instead, I pulled out whatever I could and handed it over, cash, a silver bracelet, and even a few crystals that I would use in spells. I handed it all over, then walked away with Celeste at my side. I’ve taken care of her ever since.”

Celeste’s eyes seemed to focus as she looked at Peri. “You’re very lucky. To have their love that is. Not many people find even one person that loves them as much as they do and you’ve got two. I hope someone loves me like that one day.”

Esther’s hand patted one of Celeste’s as Peri smiled radiantly. “I know, Celeste. I know exactly how lucky I am and I hope you do too. You deserve to be loved for the good and pure person you are. I sincerely wish that you find it.”

Celeste frowned. “Find what? Sorry, what were we talking ‘bout?”

The confusion on the young Witch’s face tore at Peri’s heartstrings. So pure and so very fragile. It would take a very special person to love her. Peri wasn’t quite sure how to respond, luckily Esther came to her rescue.

“It’s okay honey, just relax, try and do the focusing meditation I’ve taught you. We may need your help later, Celeste, so try and focus.” Esther again patted her hand as she turned her attention back to Peri.

“It can be...tiring...at times but I’m used to it. Unfortunately, most people don’t have the patience to get past Celeste’s persona, which I understand, but I still wish it wasn’t so.” Esther had a sorrowful look in her eyes and Peri guessed the old woman felt very deeply for her young charge.

It looked to Peri as if it would be like having an adult and a child to look after...all rolled into one. She could only guess at the strain that Esther was under taking care of the pure being sitting across from her.

“I’ll try and keep an eye on her too and I’ll tell my men to do likewise. I would hate for anything to happen to Celeste today.”

Esther nodded. “Thank you,” was all she said as Peri got up and moved across the aisle to sit down next to Josef. Before she could say a word her Vampire spoke quietly. “We heard and although our main concern is, and always will be, your safety, we will try and keep an eye on the young Witch.”

Gabe smiled and Peri’s heart swelled at Josef’s words. She hoped that their extra help would not be required to keep Celeste safe but she felt much better knowing that her two powerful men would look out for the young woman.

“Thank you,” she whispered as she curled into Josef’s lean, hard body, his arm now around her shoulders and holding her close.

Gabe reached over and ran a finger down the side of her face. “Why don’t you try and get a little rest. If you nap, then all the better, baby.”

Peri smiled, cuddling closer to Josef and closing her eyes...she was tired and a nap sounded like a good idea.

Chapter 5

Ronan tried not to smile as he watched Sam turn his head repeatedly, trying to catch Nicci’s attention. However, the Elite guard was steadfastly refusing to return his friend’s attention. Her eyes stared straight ahead, she looked lost in thought. He was just about to tell Sam to forget it when Starr elbowed him in the ribs.

He turned towards her, noting the sad look in her eyes. “What?” he asked as his attention was now fully on his mate, all thoughts of Sam’s shenanigans gone from his mind.

Starr’s eyes looked a little teary as she stared at him. “Did you hear that?” She motioned towards Esther.

Ronan frowned. “Yes, I heard. I have to say I feel pretty bad too. I’ve never asked how Celeste came to be with Esther and now I feel kinda crappy that I didn’t take the time to get details and for the way I sometimes get annoyed when dealing with Celeste.”

Starr nodded. “I understand what you mean. I’ve only had a few dealings with her and each time I feel a host of emotions from irritated to exhaustion. Esther must have the patience of a saint to deal with her on a daily basis. Now though, I feel pretty crappy too. I know I’ll certainly be more understanding the next time I speak with her.”

Sam whispered, “Yeah, I think everyone on this plane will feel the same. We all heard that conversation and I’m sure we’ll all deal with Celeste differently from now on. I’m with Peri though...I’m worried how she’s gonna react when things get down ‘n dirty.”

This was something Ronan had been worried about since Esther had told him that Celeste was joining them. He just couldn’t see the Witch in the middle of a fight and he hoped she could hold it together enough to help the Dragon. If not, then he prayed the beast wasn’t in as bad shape as Esther seemed to think it was.

“We’ll all keep an eye on her,” said Ronan and it was all he could come up with.

Starr looped her arm through his, her head leaning on his shoulder. “Yeah, we’ll all keep a look out and make sure she’s okay.”

Sam glanced over at Celeste. “I really hope she’s okay. It’s not ideal going into a mission with a weak link. I know that doesn’t sound nice but I’m worried someone else could get hurt ‘cause our attention is split on trying to keep her safe. Sorry, but it’s the truth.”

Starr frowned. “That’s not a nice thing to say, Sam, but I kinda get where you’re coming from. However, if the Dragon needs Celeste then we need to make sure she’s safe and can do whatever it is that she does.”

Ronan agreed with both his mate and his friend. “I know it’s not ideal, but it is what it is so no point in moaning or over thinking it. We’ll do our job and keep an eye on Celeste. Plain and simple.”

Sam sighed. “I don’t think there’s going to be anything simple about this mission. Call it instinct or whatever the hell you want...but I’ve got a bad feeling in my gut.”

As Sam finished, Ronan let out a long sigh. He had been feeling the same for the past hour or so and he had no idea why. He hoped that both he and Sam were wrong.

Another sigh escaped him. “Let’s just try ‘n relax for the rest of the flight. We’ll need our wits about us later so let’s get some rest while we can.”

Starr snuggled closer, “Good idea,” she said as she relaxed her body against him.

He turned to look out the small window, seeing nothing but blue sky and white clouds. His mind in turmoil at the feeling of foreboding deep inside him.

Sam settled down, making himself comfortable, but Ronan couldn’t relax. He sat, staring at nothing the entire flight, going over and over in his mind how he hoped the mission would pan out. He was deep in thought when Justin’s voice jolted him back into the here and now, telling them they would be landing shortly.

Jeez, where had the time gone?

Starr seemed to have dozed off, her body jerking at the announcement. She sat up, stretching her arms above her head, a sleepy look still on her face. Boy, did he love to see her wake up in his arms!

She smiled sleepily over at him. “You awake now?” he asked her cheekily and she punched his arm playfully.

“Yup, all awake and ready to rock ‘n roll.” She half laughed as he rubbed his arm.

Everyone else started to fidget and noises of folks moving around in their seats was evident. Ronan knew the Elite squads would be going over their own check lists in their heads, making sure they had everything required for the mission. He also heard Esther speaking quietly to Celeste, trying to explain they would be landing soon and going on a very special quest to save a Dragon.

His lips twitched up at the corners as Celeste answered, “A Dragon? We’re going to save a Dragon? Wow!”

Once again, he hoped that the young Witch wouldn’t freak out and be able to do the job they had brought her to do.

As Starr shook her head, swallowing several times he raised an eyebrow at her. “What’s wrong?”

She swallowed again. “My ears, they’re a bit weird with the pressure, don’t you feel that?”

He shook his head. “Uhm, nope, sorry, don’t feel a thing.”

She frowned. “Typical! Of course you don’t, guess it’s just us
live
folks that get it!”

Sam snorted as Ronan stared wide eyed. “What? Did you just insult us Vampires?” he asked as Starr swallowed again.

A look of relief washed over her face. “Oh there! That’s it, all better now. Sorry? Did I?” She laughed and he pulled her in towards him.

“Hey, I’m your mate and a Vamp, a little bit of respect for us should be expected...don’t ya think?”

Starr chuckled. “Hmm, not sure ‘bout that, Fang, and you better let me go, you don’t want your men seeing you get all mushy now. Do ya?”

Ronan placed a quick kiss on her nose. “Nope, that most certainly wouldn’t do. After all I’m the big bad boss.”

Sam snorted again. “You two crack me up. Starr, if anyone else ever spoke to him the way you do then, hell, they’d probably end up with their head being separated from their body.”

As she turned to Sam, a small smile on her face, Ronan felt that gut punching feeling he still got when he realized she was his...all his...forever. “Not true. Don’t believe a word he says. You know he tells lies.” Ronan scowled over at Sam who was now trying not to laugh out loud.

Starr looked between the two just as the wheels touched down. “Okay guys, no more fun, we’ve a Dragon to find.”

Her tone was deadly serious and it sobered Ronan, glancing at his friend, he saw Sam obviously felt the same. No longer even a hint of laughter on his ebony face.

As soon as the plane slowed down, there was the sound of seat belts being undone and folks started to stand, some of the guards retrieving backpacks from the overhead lockers. Esther telling Celeste to button up her coat and put her hood up to keep her head warm. Josef telling Peri to be careful and to stay close to him and Gabe.

Ronan looked over at Starr, placing a hand on her arm. “Stay close, baby, don’t go running off anywhere without me. Okay?”

She grinned up at him. “Okay, Fang, I’ll be good. I promise.”

A soft growl left his throat. “You better be
grá mo chroí
, you better be.”

The plane stopped and Justin appeared, opening the door and letting down the steps. The Wolf didn’t look happy and Ronan knew he wanted to go on the mission but it just wasn’t happening. They needed him to stay here and remain safe to fly them all home.

Everyone left the warmth of the plane and even Ronan’s breath caught at the cold that met them outside. “Okay, let’s get this show on the road.” He turned to Peri and Esther.

Esther smiled at Peri. “It’s okay, just remember what I taught you and we’ll be fine. Now, if everyone will bunch up we can get moving. Peri, you stand at one end and I’ll stand here. Focus and see my magic, let our spells meet in the middle and we’ll have everyone. Okay?”

Peri looked a little nervous but nodded in agreement. “Okay.”

Ronan took hold of Starr’s hand and waited. Her hand tightened in his as her nerves took over. He knew his mate didn’t like Witches and their magic all that much. Not after being hunted by them for so long. “It’ll be fine,” he whispered to her and she gripped his hand even harder in response.

It was mere moments before he felt the familiar feeling of being
moved
by magic. Closing his eyes then blinking them open to see they were now surrounded by trees. Everyone was there, even if they were spread out a bit now and no longer bunched up tight. He saw a look of relief cross Peri’s face as she looked around and guessed she had been worried about moving them all. Esther looked as calm as she usually did, turning to check that Celeste was wrapped up snug.

“Jeez! You nearly gave me a heart attack!” Serge’s voice interrupted the utter silence in the area, his stage whisper sounding loud.

Ronan turned around, finding Serge standing at his back, a huge smile on his face. Ronan stepped forward, clasping Serge’s hand in welcome. “It’s nice to see you again!”

Serge gave his hand a quick shake before taking a step back to check on who was there. “I see you’ve brought company, but,” he lowered his voice to a whisper, “what the hell is Celeste doing here?”

Ronan turned, making sure Esther and Celeste were out of earshot. “Esther thinks we may need her healing powers for the Dragon and insisted we bring her. I’m not happy about it but she refused to budge on it. So, how far away is the cavern and, holy hell, it’s freaking cold here!”

The Wolf smirked. “Yeah, it is kinda nippy but we stay Wolf a lot to keep warm. It’s not far, but let me take you to our viewing point and introduce you to someone.”

Serge looked decidedly happy for someone who’d been searching the Rockies for almost a full year, Ronan thought as he followed him through the trees. After a couple of minutes, the trees thinned and there was a flat area surrounded by gigantic, snow topped, boulders. A female with dark brown hair and large eyes stood waiting, looking extremely nervous.

She gave them a small smile as Serge moved to her side. “Ronan, this is Kyra...my mate.”

Ronan looked at Serge and the woman, seeing the way he protectively placed an arm around her waist and pulled her up snug against his side. No wonder Serge hadn’t been moaning about being here!

Drake pushed past, rushing forward to grab Serge in a bear like hug. “Congratulations my friend! Hi, Kyra, nice to meet you.”

Kyra smiled, the effect astonishing, changing her entirely into a very beautiful woman. Her eyes twinkled as Drake shook her hand and she said a shy, “Hi.”

Sam was next, a soft chuckle escaping him. “Hmm, now we know how you’ve been keeping warm up here! Hello, Kyra, I’m Sam.”

The woman next to Serge blushed scarlet as her mate laughed at Sam. “It’s nice to see you again, Sam. I’ve missed you.”

Starr pushed Sam out of the way. “Ignore him, he’s just a big kid at heart, Kyra. I’m Starr and it’s lovely to meet you.”

Ronan stared at the scene and decided to take things in hand. “Okay, enough with the introductions. We’ll have plenty of time for that
after
we’ve saved this Dragon. Hello, Kyra, pleased to meet you but, Serge, we need to get back on point.”

Serge moved away from Kyra. “Yeah, I know, sorry, boss. Okay, over there – can you see the cavern’s entrance? That’s where they are. We’ve stayed well away just in case they had any magical alerts in place but I can scent the dark magic and the Dragon from here. Now, I have no idea what’s beyond the opening so we’ll be going in blind...”

Josef’s voice interrupted. “I may be able to help. If you give me a moment, I’ll see if I can get a sense of what’s inside.”

They watched as Josef closed his eyes, a slight frown on his face. As he opened his eyes again he looked to Ronan. “The main tunnel branches off into at least three passageways. They go on for some distance, but I’m afraid I can’t get any further details. I sense living beings inside but sensing exactly how many is more difficult as there are definitely magical wards in place.”

Esther moved forward. “Let me see what I can feel. The wards may just be in place to alert them if anyone enters the cavern. However, they may also be ones that can cause pain or injury for anyone attempting to break through. If the latter I’ll try to counteract them.”

They all kept their eyes on the Witch as she started to move her hands gracefully while muttering in a language they didn’t understand. In less than a minute she stopped, turning to face Ronan. “Alert only. I can’t detect anything that will actually harm us. We have two options; I take the time to try and disable the alert spell, or, we just go in and know that whoever placed the spells will know we are there.”

Ronan was impatient to get the mission underway. “How quickly can you disable it?”

“I’m not certain. It’s dark magic based and it could take as little as a few minutes or it may take longer depending on the complexity of the spell.”

Esther shrugged her shoulders as Ronan made up his mind. “We go in, now. We split up into three teams and take a tunnel each. Esther, you and Celeste are with me, Starr and Creed.” He gave Creed a look that he hoped conveyed his feelings about keeping Starr safe. As the dark, dangerous Vampire inclined his head Ronan realized that he did indeed understand. “Sam, you lead up team two with Josef, Peri and Gabe, take one of the Elite squads. Serge, you lead team three with Drake and the last squad. You need to be more careful, Serge, you don’t have a Witch with your team so if you come across anything magical, do not engage. Retreat and let us know and we’ll send Peri or Esther to help you out.”