ENCHANTED WORLD SERIES BOOK 3: THE DRAGON'S KEEPER
Chapter Three

Drake let that freezing water run down his body. He needed the cold shower to cool down or else he felt like he was going to burn to crisp. Being a dragon too didn’t help because when Red had the hots for someone, he literary was on fire!

Drake ran his fingers through his dark slick hair and rubbed away the water from his face. He opened his eyes and pensively looked at the tiled wall before him. Having a human mate was disastrous. He didn’t know how everyone else with a human mate managed. They had to be special humans whose bodies were altered a bit to accommodate being mates to supernatural beings because he couldn’t see it working with a Phoenix, a mermaid/merman nor a Jinn. He had heard of humans with Nosferatu or with shifters but ones mated to pureblood or half-blood breeds were only a handful. So, how the hell did fate mix her cards and end up mating a human with a dragon?

Drake’s fists curled as steam began wafting around him. His eyes turned into violet slits showing Red was close by. His body undulated with the subtle pattern on his scales as he stepped out of the shower and went to get dressed. He pulled on his blue jeans and a black shirt with a full length black leather jacket which had the Mage emblem of a star and moon and an eagle embroiyed at the back. Being the Lord Mage’s second commander, he was allowed to wear the Royal Mage color and material which was black leather but not the entire outfit. In the Realm of Spells, his status was spoken for to the public by his attire. The other commanders either wore leather vest with the emblems on their chests or arm pieces when they attended official meetings. Zach, Ruvin, Jax and Storm rarely wore them. They were all quite popular and known across the Realm so they didn’t need to broadcast it.

Drake zipped up his boots and made his way out. Two of the cars they came with were already roaring, ready to start making their way down the hills towards the city. As Drake made his way to the first car, he caught Herman’s slight body a few feet from him. The boy had a look of awe watching as the ten high rank warriors packed themselves in the cars. Drake smirked and approached him.

“I have a job for you.” He pulled the boy close and placed his hand around his lanky shoulders.

“Of course, commander.” Herman grinned, happy that he was being given an assignment.

Drake noticed the little health-hazard sitting on Herman’s shoulder with a thunderous glare on her face. “We have a human in the residence and I want you to keep an eye on her, making sure she doesn’t get any unnecessary surprises.”

“A human female?” If it was possible, Herman paled down a notch and gulped hard.

“She has no idea about everything that is happening around here and I want you to watch her and make sure she doesn’t get freaked out.”

“Can I keep an eye on here too?” Twiska buzzed up in Drake’s face and he had to strain himself from swatting her away like a fly. “Please, please, please!”

“She doesn’t know pixies exist either so you need to stay out of sight.”

Twiska hummed in annoyance as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Oh bugger! How lame!”

Drake turned to Herman. “I trust that you will not disappoint me.”

Herman straightened his shoulders and nodded. “Not at all, sir. I will do my best.”

“Good.” Drake patted Herman’s shoulder even though he couldn’t quite let the thought that she would be traumatized by the time he returned go away and went on his way.

Feror was already at the driver’s side, playing loud music and nodding his head to the beat. Drake took his place on the front passenger seat and soon they were making their way out of the premises.

“Do you think it was a good idea leaving her in the care of Herman and that humming catastrophe?” Feror asked his eyes hidden behind his shades but Drake heard the concern in his voice.

He had no choice. “It’s not like it would have been a better idea taking her with us.”

Feror nodded and turned towards the road. “Let’s hope the meeting doesn’t take much of our time and we return as soon as we can.”

“You sound more worried about her than me.” Drake narrowed his eyes pensively at his friend.

Feror grinned but it was all teeth and no amusement. “One of the Brotherhood Centaurs, Tegan, is mated to a human and she had no idea what she was in for until she saw him call for the change.” Feror turned grimly to Drake. “It was not pretty.”

Just what he needed. Drake thought furiously. How was he even supposed to begin explaining to Feror that Beina could be his mate?

Not could be, Keeper. She is. Red lazily drifted in his skull.

Fine! How was he supposed to explain it to Feror that Beina was his mate? He could almost see the centaur toppling over with laughter.

“How did she overcome the shock?” Drake asked as casually as possible not wanting to give away his anxiety.

Feror chuckled lightly. “Tegan fucked the hell out of her to the point she couldn’t make a solid thought about what he was. We centaurs are good like that. It’s not only about the body, it’s also about what you do with that makes the females senseless.”

A chorus of grunts and snorts echoed from the back seat and Drake turned only to fine Remington and Vicious, two more centaurs agreeing with Feror and their eyes glinting with wickedness while Shancy, a female Mage snorted in disbelief.

Vicious placed his arm around Shancy and whispered. “I could show you if you think you can handle it.”

All Shancy did was twirl her finger and a golden thread tied itself around Vicious’ arm and it shoved him away so hard that he ended up punching himself in the face. “I’m not that desperate as to jump into bed with the likes of you, asshole.”

A slow slick smile spread across Vicious’ face as he eyed Shancy suggestively.

“Settle down, children.” Feror looked at them via the rear-review mirror and turned to Drake who had become worryingly quiet. “Talk to me, Drake. It’s not like you to become a mute all of a sudden.”

Drake placed a hand under his chin. He was an intelligent male and he always came up with solutions for every problem that he had ever come across yet he couldn’t figure out how to go about with Beina. “My life has just turned into one hell of a nightmare.” He turned to Feror.

Feror narrowed his eyes at him then Drake watched as they widened in shock. “Fuck no!”

“Oh…fucking….yes….” Drake dragged the reply out of his system and turned to the passing landscape.

Maya found herself standing in the exact location that Drake had left her and told her to stay for at least ten minutes and when there was no sign of him she peered into his room once more. When she heard the shower running she felt her cheeks turn pink and giggled as she quickly scrambled out towards the stairs that led to the ground floor. The place was huge. He must have been a billionaire of some sort. He even had servants working for him…and very large guards dressed in costumes that made her wonder just where the hell she landed in.

As she passed she noticed that the servants were talking behind their hands about her but didn’t look at her straight in the eye. Strange, she thought as she walked through the large hallway. There were large portraits of a very intimidating man with strange silver eyes and right next to him was a very beautiful woman with strawberry blond hair. She was very pretty and by the looks of things, that brooding man must have been her husband. There several other portraits on the wall and finally she arrived to one that have five intense yet very handsome men. Was every man there handsome? Or this must have been a dream that she was in where she could create the world however she wanted.

Drake was right in the middle of the five men. Maya’s heart skipped a beat as she looked up at him. They all wore the same uniform but where the others had a short leather jacket, he had one that reached just below his knees. He said he was a commander then that must have been his team but they weren’t wearing any uniform she knew of.

“Excuse me but you shouldn’t be down here.” One of the servants finally got the courage to come and talk to her. She kept her eyes cast to the floor and her hands were nervously linked together in front of her.

“Oh, it’s okay. Drake allowed it.” Maya lied to the young woman. If she weren’t wrong, they were the same age; twenty-three.

The woman’s eyes widened as her cheeks bloomed with color. “The commander?”

“Yes. He said I could look around.” She didn’t want to go back to her room because it was awfully lonely up there alone.

“Oh,” Her pretty lips created an O.

Maya loved the dress the woman was wearing and its material was mesmerizing. “Oh! I love your dress. what material is this?” she moved closer to it, watching it as it glimmered in the light.

"Sorsh, Miss.” The woman smiled softly, looking a little at ease as she run her hands over the dress. “It’s uniform.”

Maya breathed. “Wow. I wish I wore a uniform like this…” But she couldn’t even remember where she worked, if she did that is. “By the way I am Beina.”

A woman’s eyes brightened. “That is a very interesting name. I am Karlie.”

Maya extended out her hand and grinned at Karlie. “Nice to meet you.”

Karlie looked down at her hand nervously as if she didn’t know what to do with it making Maya roll her eyes and take the woman’s hand then shake it. Karlie jumped a little but once her hand was in Maya’s grasp, she calmed down and smiled up.

Maya noticed that more of the servants were slowly inching their way towards them.

“Your hair is lovely, Miss.” One younger woman said and grinned behind her cloth. “I am quite good a styling hair--perhaps I could style your hair every once in a while.”

“That would be fantastic.” Maya grinned back at the girl and said. “Please call me Beina. The Miss thing is so sixteenth century.”

The servants chuckled behind their hands, their face turning red with embarrassment.

“What is all this commotion--” A motherly woman came over and stopped on her tracks as she looked at her. “Oh, I am sorry, I did not see you.” She bobbed lightly.

“Shouldn’t I do that since I am younger than you?” Maya didn’t understand this respect thing.

The woman’s eyes twinkled with mirth. “You are the commander’s guest and I work under the commander so I have to respect you as the way I respect him.”

“Then that will make it very awkward for me because though I don’t remember much of my life, I know we don’t do that back home.” Maya assured her.

“Her name is Beina, Elder Abigail.” Karlie giggled softly.

Abigail’s face brightened as if she remembered a private joke. “Is that your real name or the healer tagged you?”

“Actually it was Drake who gave me the name.”

Abigail placed her hands over her mouth to stop her giggles from escaping. That confirmed to Maya that she was supposed to take offense in the name.

“Is there something wrong with that name?” She frowned slightly feeling rather hurt that Drake would do that to her.

Abigail shook her head vigorously. “There is nothing wrong with the name, dear. It’s just the story about it that is interesting.”

“Please tell me about it.” Maya found herself clasping her hands around Abigail’s. “When I asked Drake about it, he told me to go to the Ullanis--or something--library.”

Abigail’s face paled a little as she looked down at where their hands were connected then up at her and swallowed. “Of course. Come with me and I will tell you about it while you have a nice cup of tea.” Then turned to the curios women surrounding her. “The rest of you go back to your duties.”

The women bobbed to Abigail muttering, “Yes Elder Abigail,” and went on their way.

Maya was taken to the biggest and cleanest kitchen she had ever seen. Everyone was busy at their counters preparing large amounts of food. They all looked at her and smiled warmly before they went back to work. As Maya followed Abigail to a big wooden table at the back next to the back door she noticed something that made her mouth fall open. One of the cooks had what looked like a pair of glassy pink wings.

“Abigail!” She squeaked and rubbed her eyes with the fists of her hands then looked at the cook again but the wings were gone.

“What is it dear?” Abigail asked her.

“Uh--nothing.” She stuttered sitting down on one of the comfortable chairs. “I think the medication I was given is making me hallucinate because I could have sworn that cook over there had wings.”

Abigail laughed softly and patted Maya’s hand. “I’ll get you that tea.”

Maya nodded but couldn’t help but glance at the cook once more. She was busy with her work, oblivious to the fact that Maya was staring unabashedly at her.

“I am sorry that we had to change the venue of our meeting at the last minute but I have other urgent matters to attend to here at home.” Orisidia Chandry, the Noble of the Gyan District poured herself a cup on tea then went on to pour one for Drake, Feror and the Noble of Jude, Lund with his oldest daughter Xara.

Shancy, Malaika--Shifter--and Remmington were seated in the formal lounge a little distance away from them, each receiving a cup of tea from a house helper.

Drake was surprised at just how luxurious the Chandry family home was--but then again they were the Nobles belonging to the Royal Court. The duty of the Nobles was to look after their allocated Districts, taking care of the things that the King didn’t need to pass or sign. They looked after the citizens, the resources and strengthened alliance between neighboring Realms or Sectors. At the moment Lund had started an exchange program of Scholars from Ullanis and Scholars of The Realm of Light. Thanks to the acting Queen Alana, the ties between the Mage and the Fae were slowly returning. The Fae King Alston was stepping down and so he was going through the process of handing over the Realm to his First cousin. The coronation of Queen Alana was coming up in a few months and it was compulsory that the Lord Mage attended.

Orisidia was also making an effort to continue with the gem trade with the Cardinia Sector of the Realm of the Dark which was a day away using the fastest express train in the city. With the Realm having a new Mage Queen, the relations between the two Realms had tremendously improved though Lord Mage and the Jinn King still had their differences here and there.

“We are glad that you have come to the Sector though we must mention that it wasn’t really necessary.” Orisidia held up a plate of cakes to them but both Feror and Drake shook their heads lightly.

Drake took the cup of tea and the scent of the fragrant sherry leaves from the phylopane plant that was known for its remedy properties hit his nose making him cringe. Dragons hated sherry leaves!

“Oh my, sherry not to your liking?” Orisidia’s eyes widened slightly.

“He’s a Dragon.” Feror said in irritation.

Orisidia cleared her throat softly replacing her cup on the table too. “I am truly sorry. I have not considered that. You see, sherry tea is really loved here at home. Forgive me, Commander Drake--Emma,” She turned to the helper standing by the arch to the hallway. “Please bring a pot of ginger and ryion tea.” Ryion was much better. It too was a root and as strong as coffee when drunk. Sometimes they used it in alcohol so that consumers never got tired and drank more. It was good for business.

“There have been attacks in different parts of the Realm and with what happened a few months in the Realm of the Dark, the Lord Mage does not want to take any chances with the people of the Realm of Spells, Noble Orisidia.” Drake explained.

Orisidia nodded lightly, her dark hair gleaming and her green eyes bright with intelligence. “I can understand the King’s concern but we are surrounded by friends here. With the Realm of the Dark just a day away from here, if the need arises, they would be able to help out.”

“And speaking along that line of conversation,” Lund’s voice drawled and Drake turned to him. The male had brown locks and charcoal black cunning eyes. “I heard you refused the position of the New High Lord of the Realm. The attacks are tempering down and pretty soon the High Ladies and Lords will need to return to the Great Hall to continue discussing the progress of the Enchanted World--we would be left without a representative.”

It was true, the Lord Mage did air the idea but Drake had already refused it before they even started discussing it. “I do not belong in the Great Hall discussing rules and codes of trade with other Realms. I belong in the front line of my army, Noble Lund.” As Drake was about to turn away, his eyes were snared by Xara’s sparkling ones. She looked overly excited being there with them. The longer he stared at her, the pinker her face became. She was a pretty little thing with a very delicate complexion he doubted she went out without protection. Lund’s family were Nymphs while Orisidia’s were Shifters and Mage.

He felt Feror shift beside him and when he turned to him, he too was eyeing Xara. Feror knew of no boundaries and this was the last place he wanted to tread because it could cost him a dishonored dismissal from the King’s army.

“The King has a new High Lord in mind so you should not worry about not being represented in the Great Hall.”

Lund visibly shuddered in relief. “That is good. Any how, I need to agree with Noble Orisidia concerning the need for us to be protected. I could say this is the most secure Sector in the whole Realm. It is strategically situated in a way that we will be able to see the enemy coming from all directions. We are way above sea level with the mountains surrounding us.”

“I have to agree with you there…” Drake nodded in agreement. “…but what about attacks coming from there?” He pointed to the sky.

“I guess that was the reason why the Lord Mage sent you here; a dragon.” Orisidia dropped her eyes looking down at her tea cup.

Drake didn’t know whether he was exaggerating or not but he was very sure Orisidia didn’t like him so much solely because he was a dragon.

“That and the fact that the Northern Sector is the second largest Sector in the Realm with over three million citizens. The largest team has been brought here and it is under me because I am the second in command after the King.” Drake was getting irritated and all he wanted to do was just get the hell out of there.

“Of course, Commander Drake. So, what should we prepare ourselves for--tea?” She eyed him lightly.

Drake didn’t want the fucking tea! He wanted to leave. “No thank you. From next week, all the main roads entering and exiting the Sector will be monitored. All border activities will be accounted for--I need to know all the new citizens from six months ago till today. We will also monitor the mining activities and everything exported and imported from this Sector.”

“That’s awfully tedious but do what you have to do--just one thing.” Orisidia settled back on her plush soft and turned to Drake. “I don’t want us to feel like we are prisoners in our own homes.”

“We are just doing our work.” Drake returned the intense gaze.

Orisidia nodded. “I take the shifter is your second in command?′ She referred to Feror and that sent a muscle ticking in Feror’s cheek while Remington grunted in surprise.

“I’m a pure-blood beast, Noble.” Feror stated barely keeping his temper in check.

“Oh!” Orisidia touched her cheeks lightly as a pink color appeared on them. “My family is made up of Shifters as well as Mage so I thought you were a shifter with your scent. I, myself, am a Mage-Shifter though my Mage side is more dominant. Please forgive me--uh--”

“Feror and I am a centaur.” Feror assured her vehemently.

“We are not used to having centaurs this far North--Dragons too. This Sector has a lot of Mage because of the Ullanis city of Scholars. There are also many Shifters, Nymphs and pixies.”

Drake tried so much not to take offense but the female was pushing her luck! Especially with Feror. “Well there are a lot of pure-blood and half-blood beasts in the army. They may take offense in your reference so I’d be careful when addressing them.”

“I understand.” Orisidia nodded.

“When are we expecting you in Jude?” Lund asked holding up the plate of cakes for his daughter.

Xara took a cake and bit into it delicately with her eyes cast to her lap.

“In a forth night. We still have a lot to establish here.” Drake said. “If there is nothing else to discuss, we should head back and start the preparations of our operations.”

When Drake got up, everyone else in the room rose up with him. Drake inclined his head lightly and turned towards the door.

“How rude of me.” Orisidia shifted around the fancy coffee table. “Let me escort you out.”

“No need to, just continue with your--tea.” Drake said distastefully as he eyed the steaming pot on the table. “We will replace our way out. Have a good afternoon.”

Both Lund and Orisidia nodded.

“One more word from that unbearable female and I was going to lose it.” Feror growled, his fists clenching and unclenching as they followed one of the helpers towards the main door with Chancy, Malaika and Remington close behind them.

The rest of the team was waiting outside with the guards. Both sides didn’t look happy and when they appeared at the entrance, Drake saw the relief washing over Vicious’ face.

“It’s about goddamn time!” He grunted stepping away from the guard that looked stormy and aggressive.

“Let’s get going!” Drake called rounding up his warriors and heading towards their cars.

Drake could have sworn Orisidia was trying to point out to him who was running the territory. That was a shifter or beast’s behavior. It must have been her shifter in her but Drake understood it quite well. He didn’t care about who was running the district, he just came there to make sure the people of the Northern Sector were safe.

Drake took his place in the front passenger seat and turned to Feror. “Let’s head into the city. We need to survey it before heading back out.”

Feror nodded and started the engine. Drake turned once more towards the house and narrowed his eyes when he noticed Xara standing at the door watching them. When she saw that she was noticed, she gasped and rushed back inside.

“Looks like someone has taken an interest in you, Drake.” Nothing passed Feror when it came to the females and now he was actually smirking at Drake. “I have my money on her when a fight breaks out.”

Drake could not see Beina winning a fight with even a pixie, let alone a Nymph that sometimes morphed into the creature of nightmares when threatened! But none of the females needed to fight for him…fate had already picked one for him.

“Shut up, Feror.”

Feror laughed.

Maya peeked at what looked like an interior garden yet it was not. She opened the glass doors and stepped into the cool area. It was hexagonal with glass doors positioned cardinally. It was double height with the glass walls on the first floor looking towards it from all directions. The top was opened and air was circulating. Right in the middle was a bird bath with tiny colorful humming birds hopping excitedly on it. Under the bird bath were various flowering plants with different fragrances that made Maya light with happiness.

Creepers were found on the columns on the walls that had blue flowers. It was heavenly to be in there, Maya thought as she eyed the stone bench on the other side. This must have been a retreat for someone, maybe the lady of the house. She was in love with it.

“Hello?” Someone said to her, startling her.

She turned and noticed the pale, blond haired boy crouching close-by the bird bath. “H--hi.” She frowned and wondered what he was doing down there. Suddenly a green humming bird shot out of his hands and rose up through the atrium until it disappeared with the others.

“The birds are pretty. Do you keep them?” Maya’s eyes turned to the boy.

He scratched the back of his neck nervously and nodded. “I don’t keep them but I feed them and look after them…I am Herman.”

“Beina.” She extended her hand to him.

Herman took it into a firm shake then went back to crouching by the bird bath.

“What are you doing down there?”

“Getting mother the herbs for tonight’s beef roast.” Herman muttered then his head jerked up before he turned his eyes to her. “Are you by any chance Commander Drake’s guest?”

Maya grinned and nodded. “Yes I am.”

“I sorry to hear you lose your memory.” When she frowned at him he continued. “Everyone is talking about it in the residence but don’t worry about it, they will stop soon.”

Maya swallowed slightly and tucked her hair behind her ear then touched a little burnt mark on her chest. Earlier when she looked at it on the mirror she discovered that it was slowly disappearing. “So, you work here too--with your mother I mean?”

“I don’t work here but I help where I can.” He stopped what he was doing and turned to her again. “I’m hoping to become a member of the Royal Army one day.”

Maya’s eyes widened. “The Royal army? What is this, Europe?”

“As in the hu--uh--the continent?” Herman asked.

Maya nodded. “Did I somehow migrate to Europe?”

“Why would you say that?”

“Because I know USA does not have a monarchy.”

“How do you know you are from USA?” Herman looked at her knowingly.

Maya opened her mouth to answer but suddenly she had gone blank. She couldn’t replace a reason why she thought she was from USA but she was very sure she was from there. “I don’t know.” she muttered softly.

Herman smiled at her and went to sit next to her carrying a small bouquet of aromatic leaves in his hands. “You know things yet you don’t know how you know them--that is how lost memories slowly come to you.”

“Really? I will be able to remember?”

Herman nodded. “Yes.”

Maya smiled again. “I like you much better than Drake who dabbed me with the Beina name.” Her face turned thunderous just thinking about the story Abigail told her.

Herman’s face turned red as he looked away and cleared his throat. “I better take these to my mother before she comes searching for me.”

“Mind if I join you?” Maya’s eyes were hopeful. “I don’t know anyone here and you are by far the most honest one. It feels like everyone is trying to avoid talking to me and when they do they say the strangest things.”

Herman got up and smiled. “Come on.”

Maya grinned and followed him out.

Maya heard the hard knocks of boots of the marbled floor and turned towards the entrance of the TV room where she and Herman were watching some movies. It was strange that the whole day she couldn’t help but wonder about Drake. She felt a little anxious that he was not there. The reason could have been that he was the first person she saw when she opened her eyes and that was why she was more comfortable with him. She hugged the scatter-pillow tightly in her arms and bit her lower lip as she waited to see them pass.

Soon enough, a group of about ten men and three women passed but Drake, who was right in front, stopped in his tracks and turned to her. His eyes darkened when they settled on her and Maya felt relief pass through her. A grin appeared on her face as she waved to him.

“Hello!”

The entire group stopped and turned to her, some having knowing looks while others having intense glares at her. She felt color creep up her cheeks. One large yet lean man patted Drake on the shoulder, looking sorrowfully at him.

“Remember Tegan.” The man muttered to Drake then went around him and turned to the group. “Come on.”

While they all followed the man, Drake entered the room. Maya’s hands instinctively tightened around the pillow. Of he was very attractive and hot but she was acting like a high-schooler and it was not pretty!

“Hey.” He stood behind the sofa she was sitting on and turned to Herman who was grinning proudly. “Hey Herman.”

“Hello Commander.”

Drake was cautious all of a sudden as his eyes strayed from her to Herman then back to her. “I guess all was well while we were gone?”

Herman nodded. “Nothing memorable--just the normal.”

Drake’s violet eyes turned to Maya. “Good.”

“I remembered something today.” She said excitedly then frowned slightly. “Well, I wouldn’t say remember exactly but I am sure of it.”

Drake went around the sofa and settled on one side of it. He looked exhausted but he was ready to listen to her crap and she was grateful to that. “Good, what is it that you remembered?”

“I’m from the United States and this--” She gestured to the whole place. “--is not the US.”

Drake settled back on the sofa and sighed with his eyes dancing with amusement. “That is very correct, Beina, this is definitely not the US.”

“And speaking of that name--” She started angrily when suddenly Herman jumped up from his chair.

“I need to go prepare for practice tomorrow.” He quickly exited.

Maya turned her stormy gaze to Drake. “Beina? Really?”

Drake shrugged sheepishly. “You’ve heard of the story, huh?”

“Ya think! Why would you dab me after a witch?” She crossed her arms over her chest.

Drake rubbed the middle of his forehead and sighed. “Beina was not a witch, she was a Nymph.”

“Nymph--witch, I don’t see the difference.” Maya answered tersely.

“There is a difference.”

“That’s besides the point--

A low growl escaped Drake’s lips. “I’m trying to make the point.”

“Did you just growl at me?” Maya asked.

“Red did.” Drake gazed at her warily.

Maya frowned. “Who is Red?”

Drake shook his head softly. “Oh you don’t want to meet him.”

Maya opened her mouth then clamped it again before she glared at him for a moment then said. “I think you’ve had a pretty long day because you don’t seem to make sense in what you are saying.”

“You are absolutely right, Beina.”

“Don’t call me that!” Maya exclaimed fisting her hands to make a point.

Slowly a lazy smile began to spread on his face making Maya forget what she was saying. “See, just like her.”

“I’ll shoot you in the head!” Maya warned.

“You’ll fail miserably. Are you always this violent?”

For some annoying reason, Maya was very sure that Drake was enjoying getting under skin. His eyes shamelessly glowed with amusement, tempting her to also laugh her at her childish behavior. “I don’t know.”

She was stunned when Drake removed a gun from the small of his back and placed it in front of her.

“Pick it up.” He commanded.

Maya felt fear creeping in when she looked at the weapon. “I don’t want to.”

Drake rolled his eyes. “If you are going to shoot me in the head, you should be able to pick up a gun. Go on, pick it up. It’s not going to bite.”

Maya gulped hard and with a trembling finger, she poked it. When nothing happened, she managed to lift the heavy weapon by holding it on the corner using her index finger and her thumb. She looked up at him and he was watching her intensely. Maya felt her face flush. Okay, fine, her threat was nothing but a bark with no bite. She must be really terrified of guns.

“Please don’t insult that gun by holding it up like that.” A voice came from the entrance of the room and Maya yelped dropping the gun but Drake caught it before it landed on the floor.

The earlier man came in. The had intense eyes and shabby yet shinny dark hair. He must have been the same height as Drake with almost a similar build but Drake was slightly bigger.

“Do you mind, Feror?” Drake turned to the other man angrily and yet again she heard the little growl. Growling men were very aggressive and loved power. How did she know that? She just did!

“Of course I mind. I expected her to aim it at your balls and shoot them off!” Feror growled back sitting on the seat that Herman had vacated earlier and brushed his overly long hair back.

“I am Feror. Who are you?”

“Beina.” Drake answered for her before she could answer for herself.

“I am not!” She objected feeling her anger rise up once more.

Feror laughed. “Is that what he came up with for you?”

Maya nodded glowering at Drake then turned to Feror. “Apparently he named me after a mischievous witch!”

“Nymph.” Both men said casually.

“Seriously I don’t care whether she was a witch, a nymph or whatever else you can think of. The fact still remains, she used to lure men to have sex with her!”

The room went quiet before a bark of laughter escaped Feror’s lips and startled Maya.

“It’s not funny! It’s downright disrespectful.” Maya snapped and turned to Drake who, even though was not laughing outright like his friend, had laughter smoldering in those sexy eyes of his. Damn him! “You two are awful. I’m going to bed and I pray that Abigail has left nothing for you so that you go to sleep hungry.”

“Trust me, baby, the last thing you need is a hungry and grumpy Drake in your bed.” Feror sighed and rested back on the chair.

Say what? “And why would I have him in my bed?” Those guys were really trying her patience and it was slowly diminishing.

Feror just shrugged looking at his friend, his eyes telling her he knew a whole lot more than she. Maya cleared her throat feeling a little uncomfortable. “Goodnight.”

Drake nodded towards her but she could tell that suddenly he was upset with his friend. She didn’t want to witness friends arguing so she quickly made her escape.

“Seriously, Feror?” Drake barked tautly.

“Just making jokes, Scales. No need to have your balls all up in a twist.” Feror placed his hands at the back on his head and closed his eyes for a moment. “For a human she sure is alluring. Are you sure she’s not Beina reincarnated?”

A warning growl made its way up Drake’s throat. Red was not amused by Feror’s choice of jokes when it came to his mate.

Calm down, Red. Feror is just a dick-head. It’s not the first time you heard them. Drake tried to calm down the dragon.

He insults your mate, Keeper. Red hissed venomously.

He doesn’t mean it. Drake assured him turning to his friend. “Red is so close to tearing your throat off, Feror.”

Feror opened one eye and peered at his friend. “For fuck’s sake I am just kidding.”

Drake visibly relaxed until Feror continued.

“….but I wasn’t kidding about you taking her while you are hungry. For all I know Red just might make a meal out of her! When was the last time you took him hunting.”

Drake felt his skin ripple as the outline pattern of his scales appeared on his skin. “Feror…” he rasped in warning but all Feror did was sit up seriously and eye him.

“It’s no wonder the dragon is always close by. On a serious note, take him out hunting. You both need to cool down and think straight in front of sweetness over there. The last thing we need is to spook her into insanity!” Feror got up and left the room.

Calm down, Red. Drake cooed the dragon but Red was too angry and too close under skin to heed the command.

Feror is dead. He hissed in retaliation.

Ignore the Arse and let’s go hunting. Drake got up, barely making it out of the residence before Red ripped free and took to the sky towards the surrounding forest. Feror was right. With Beina close by, Red had become unpredictable, wanting to take over at every chance he got. At times Drake was at the mercy of the beast. He would command him but Red would do what he felt was best for the both of them. Though he had never been wrong, Drake hated the feeling of not being in control. Recently, that feeling had increased because the Dragon suddenly got angry at everything targeted towards Beina.

Red carried up towards the starless sky, with the wind whipping on his face. He looked down at the green-black trees passing rapidly and sighed. He needed to get him in control and prevent calling for the change in front of Beina. Like Feror said, they didn’t want to shock her into insanity.