Captured By The Dragon
Episode 12

Dylan

Cars weren’t normally used in the shifter territory, but soldiers were allowed to have them for transportation reasons. The grounds for the most part were clean, untouched beauty that looked so majestical compared to the human world where everything was gloomy and plastic.

At least it was like this in the dragon territory. The wolves and tigers favored a more jungle like atmosphere that appeared almost as wild as it actually was.

Patara laid her head on my lap as I stared out the windows. It was a view I had seen millions of times. Tall purple mountains with a light glistening of snow. The grounds were green and orange all over as if two seasons were trying to fight for a spotlight.

The little girl, who I only just discovered was named Cindy, sat in the front seat with her arms wrapped tightly around her legs. She hid her face in her knees and ignored the strange, but beautiful scenery they passed. I could see her body shaking from where I sat.

“So, those two idiots really took you as their guide?” Erik chuckled from the driver seat. “They must have been really desperate to do a thing like that.”

I said nothing.

Those stupid, greedy bastards. As sick as I was, there was always a line that was not to be crossed. Those men had probably crossed it more times than they could count. It only made me wonder how they could ever sleep at night knowing that they carried children to their nightmares.

I probably shouldn’t sound so proud. I may have been disgusted, but their money sat heavily in my pocket and I probably would do it again for more. And for another chance to rip open another trafficker.

I glanced down at the girl on my lap. She shifted slightly as if she was dreaming. Her lips parted and closed. Occasionally a small whimper would escape her lips and leave me feeling strange inside.

“Mom…” She whispered. “Mommy… I want to go home…”

“Aw, Dylan. Your little pet hasn’t been weaned yet, has she?”

I could hear the smirk in his tone without having to look up. I shot him a dark look before I glanced back down at the girl.

Slowly, I ran my fingers through her hair. So soft and wild at the same time. She didn’t understand it yet, but whatever happy life she had before would soon be forgotten. From now on, it was only me and her. No one else—she agreed to that and now it couldn’t be taken back. No mother or father would be seen or heard from again.

She would learn to accept that soon enough.

“I can’t believe you’re interested in such a skinny human girl.” Erik muttered, amused. “Caroline would be devastated if she knew. She always thought you would come around.”

I leaned my head back against the headrest and closed my eyes for a moment. “I don’t care how it makes her feel—or anyone for that matter. I’m sure she would appreciate if you fixed it for her.” I said lazily.

Erik scoffed and changed the subject. “Dylan, be serious for a minute now. Are you really going to destroy all the drugs in here?”

“I don’t care. I’m not interested.” I gazed out the window.

“I know you’re not interested in the factory, but we need to decide what to do and no one else seems to agree with us. I know we discussed destroying the factory but we have to make sure the drugs are safe first. The money from it might gain us better guns for the military.”

I rolled my eyes to the ceiling and let out a long sigh. Erik knew that I didn’t like being involved in any business related to drugs or trafficking. It interfered with my business involving the military and I never overstepped that line.

“Erik. You know I won’t get involved.”

Erik glanced in the mirror to look back at me. I couldn’t tell if he was annoyed or not. “Okay then, so you’re just going to take girl home and keep her there I assume?”

Again, I said nothing. He wouldn’t understand even if I spelled it out for him. He didn’t know what it was like to be alone in this world where violence and gore was the norm. Suddenly, the opportunity came to save a small, innocent girl that looked at me as if I was the only good in the world for saving her from a sickening fate.

Of course I was going to bring her home. Even if that made me just as selfish as those men.

The car drove up to my headquarters. A human might have mistaken it for a castle out of a dark fairytale, but it was home to me. Charcoal dark stones decorated the building that climbed to the sky when you stood in front of it. The gothic doors and decoration cut the castle from all the brightness the area offered. Perhaps it was the reason I loved the dark so much. Nothing felt more right to me.

I carried Patara out of the car and in through the wide front doors that opened the second I stepped up to them as if someone was waiting on the other side. I carried her up the stairs, straight to my room without a misstep. Already I heard people scramble behind me at my presence alone. It was good to be home.

She woke the second I placed her on the soft sheets. Her eyes grew wide at yet another change of location and I could see the fear flood her eyes as she sat up and looked around at the horrifyingly dark bedroom.

“Don’t be afraid. You’re only in my room, a doctor is coming by to check on you soon.” I said gently as I brushed the hair from her damp forehead.

“Cindy…” She gasped, her eyes wide as she now looked around the room for the girl. “Where is the little girl that was taken with me?”

“The little girl?”

“Please… I beg you—don’t let the Snake King have her. She’s only a child…” She whimpered.

“Don’t worry about that, I’ll have someone take care of her.” I said.

Patara seemed to deflate in relief from my words. I moved a little closer to her and lifted her chin to look at me. Her cheeks turned a rosy pink the closer I got. So small and innocent, I wondered if one touch somewhere sacred would make her purr.

My grip tightened on her chin, but not too hard. Something as fragile as this would be easily scared away if I wasn’t careful.

Slowly, I brought her flushed face closer to mine and kissed her gently. It was a feather of a k**s. A light touch to ignite a small fire in her veins and perhaps leaving her desperate for more.

She gasped against my lips. The small sound left me feral inside, I had to calm the beast and keep myself calm before it unleashed. An innocent thing like this wasn’t used to fiery touches.

Her hands hesitated as they circled around my neck. I tightened my grip on her waist and let out a small sigh before I kissed her deeper.

Her soft, sweet lips that were starting to feel like an addiction and I only had samples.

I felt her heart bang against my chest and I knew that she was starting to trust me.