Burned (Drake Security #5)

Chapter 4

Chapter

Four

LORD

A lrick’s face is defiant, his jaw set like he’s ready for a fight that isn’t coming. His gaze darts around the room, clearly looking for something, and I can see the exact moment disappointment sets in.

He’s been getting stronger for the past couple of days, but to see him up and moving around loosens the knots in my chest. He’s okay. He’s really going to be fine. The war between guilt and relief isn’t any less intense than it was when I realized what he was days ago, but there are more pressing concerns at the moment.

“You must be hungry.”

He snaps his gaze to me and nods sharply. “Yes. Thank you.”

“Of course. I’ve laid out some clothes for you. They may be a little tight given your… physique, but they should do for now. You’re welcome to use the shower and anything else you need. Extra toothbrushes are under the sink.”

Alrick eyes me suspiciously, as if he thinks I plan to do him harm. Of course he does. Guilty conscience and all that. He’ll do me harm if he gets the chance, if I confirm his suspicion that I’m a dragon.

“Can I answer any questions for you?” I ask as amicably as I can manage. If I can keep things pleasant, hopefully bloodshed on either side won’t be necessary.

His gaze shifts to the bowl of soup before he walks toward it slowly. Perching on the edge of the bed, he lifts the glass of water and guzzles it down.

“When you found me…” He inhales audibly, and even from where I stand, I can hear the grumble of his stomach.

“Eat. We can talk after you freshen up. I’ll be downstairs in my study.”

A deep furrow appears across his brow as if he’s confused. “I’m free to leave this room?”

The bond in my chest vibrates, my dragon stirring with concern. Alrick gasps softly, reaching up to rub his sternum.

“You can leave the room, but I think it’s prudent to stay until you’ve fully regained your strength. That was quite an injury.” My jaw ticks. His injury is my only concern. At the moment, his life is tied to mine, so it’s prudent to consider his health and well-being.

He nods, breaking off a piece of bread and dunking in the soup. As he pops it into his mouth, he closes his eyes, nearly humming. “What is in this soup? It’s incredible.”

My dragon chuffs, pleased to make the hunter happy. “It’s an old family recipe. I’m glad you like it.”

He glances up at me briefly, and I’m struck by the intense blue of his eyes and the silky look to his long tresses, even after days of sleeping.

“I’ll leave you to it. Towels are in the linen closet next to the shower.”

“Thanks.”

I exit the bedroom and pull the door closed, leaning against it before forcing myself to walk away. I owe my family a check-in if I intend to keep them away from this discovery any longer. I’ll have enough to explain if they sense the bond, never mind if they figure out what Alrick is.

Rubbing my forehead, I descend the stairs lost in my own chaotic thoughts. How could I bond myself to this man? Why was I compelled to do so? Most importantly, how do I break it? My dragon thrashing at these thoughts only adds to my confusion.

In my study, I sit at my desk and stare straight ahead for several minutes before deciding on a group text.

LORD: Apologies for my behavior. I’m fine. My dragon was grieving.

I watch as three dots pop up and disappear numerous times before actual words appear.

NICO: Do we need to come over?

LORD: No. I’m better now, but I’ve made a mess and I’ll be cleaning up.

More dots appear, lagging for several seconds until the next response pops up.

ARSON: Something’s off. We know it. Tell us you’re safe and we’ll drop it.

Am I? There’s a dragon hunter in my home. The only saving grace is that he’s unarmed, which means he’s no match for me. The thought of having to defend myself against him makes my stomach churn and my dragon thrash. Could I hurt him if it meant protecting myself? I shudder.

LORD: I’m absolutely safe. If that changes, I’ll let you know.

TINO: You know you can always talk to us.

HEMINGWAY: No matter what.

The familial bond between us vibrates, overriding all my concerns, at least for a few seconds.

LORD: I know. I appreciate the concern, but I assure you, all is well.

Gods of fire, I hope I’m right.

I set my phone down and return to the research I was doing before I heard Alrick stirring. The centuries-old book on my desk, with its fragile, yellowed pages, is my only conceivable hope for now. As long as I’ve been alive, I’ve never heard of voluntarily breaking a bond.

My phone vibrates again, startling me.

DAHLIA: You okay?

Blowing out a breath, I consider my response. She didn’t pry when I asked for her strongest healing potion, nor did she ask why I wouldn’t let her fully enter the house.

LORD: Very well. The potion worked beautifully.

DAHLIA: Good. I am…

The text trails off as dots appear for far longer than the one word that comes through next should require.

DAHLIA: Concerned.

She’s an intuitive one.

LORD: Thank you, but I’m fine.

DAHLIA: Then open the front door and prove it.

I cringe at her response but resolve myself to deal with it. Rising slowly, I glance up at the ceiling, hoping Alrick takes his time before making an appearance.

When I open the door, Dahlia is there, along with all my brothers and their mates. Fantastic. Dahlia gives me an apologetic look. They all look past me, but I block the doorway. My dragon wouldn’t allow entry right now even from my family, not while my mate is still vulnerable.

“See? I’m alive and well.”

Nico sniffs the air before narrowing his eyes, but he remains silent.

“I’m very busy though, so can I check in later?”

Arson reaches out and grabs my wrist. “Look me in the eyes and tell me we really don’t have anything to worry about.”

Dammit. The man in me isn’t sure that’s a promise I can make, but my dragon is so oddly sure, I allow that confidence to answer.

“You don’t have anything to worry about.”

Draydon pulls his mate’s arm. “Come on, babe. Lord’s okay.”

As they file away, Dahlia lingers. “If you need anything else, I’ll keep your confidence.”

“I know. Thank you.”

She leaves, and I shut and lock the door, as if a few deadbolts could keep out a dragon. Perhaps I’m just trying to keep a dragon hunter in.

I make it back to my study, and just a few minutes later, Alrick appears in the doorway wearing my t-shirt and a pair of running pants. Both articles of clothing are stretched to their max around his muscles, and my eyes involuntarily move to the way the pants strain over his bulge.

My dragon reacts immediately, pushing to the surface, and I have to quickly drag my gaze away before I reveal myself. I know he suspects I’m a dragon, but I don’t want to find out how he’ll react if I shift, even partially, in front of him.

“Feel better?”

Alrick nods, dragging a hand through his damp tresses. Gods, he is beautiful.

“Good. Please have a seat.”

He does, glancing around at the books and artifacts that cover my office. He seems to notice the family coat of arms behind my head, his gaze lingering on it.

“Where is your family from?” he asks.

“France. Yours?

“Norway.”

I nod, unsure of what to say next, especially given my dragon’s response to the man’s closeness. Obviously, I know why, but how would I begin to explain to a mortal man what I’ve done in order to save his life.

“Did you find anything in the woods besides my wounded body?” he asks, his voice tense and guarded. He’s playing his cards close to his chest. I can’t say I blame him.

“No. Just you.”

His brow creases and he studies my face in an obvious attempt to discern my honesty.

“I didn’t rob you, if that’s your concern. I’m obviously not in need of your material possessions.”

“No, I guess not.” His eyes land on my collection of Fabergé eggs. “You’re rich?”

“Comfortable enough.”

His jaw ticks but he nods, avoiding my gaze. I’m certain he’s not aware of the unease inside me as my dragon longs to get closer. I really fucked this one up.

“How did you…” He pauses, wringing his hands together and staring at the floor. “How did I heal so quickly?”

“Magic.” There’s no reason to lie to him. Not about that aspect, at least.

Alrick narrows his eyes again as he finally turns his gaze to me once more. My dragon lunges forward, almost forcing me out of my chair, desperate to comfort the clearly suspicious man.

“My chest still aches,” he says, his tone revealing a sense of concern and curiosity. “It’s not painful though. Something else.”

“Your wound was severe.”

“But in just a couple of days it’s gone?”

“It’s been more than a couple of days. A week, actually.”

He deflates slightly, reaching up to rub his forehead. “They probably think I’m dead.”

“They?”

“My family. They wouldn’t even be looking for me.”

“You could call them,” I suggest, even though my dragon strongly objects. Yeah, bad idea for the hunter to call his family of hunters.

“Or you could just release me, and I’ll go home.”

Panic rises in my chest. He can’t leave until I’ve figured out how to break the bond. If he were to be attacked again, it would mean death for both of us. I have to get him to stay without telling him why.

“Unless you’re holding me captive.” Alrick stands, rising to his full, impressive height. “Am I your prisoner, Lord?”

ALRICK

The look on Lord’s face as I challenge him is interesting, to say the least. I swear he’s a few shades paler than he was and his breathing has sped up. That strange, dull ache in my chest intensifies too, as if his emotions are mine.

Maybe he’s fighting the urge to show his dragon side to me. Without my sword, he could bite me in half before I could run to the doorway, but for some reason he’s holding back. I was always taught that the worst place you could be is in a dragon’s lair. They’re very territorial and violent when threatened. My heart races, but thanks to a lifetime of training, of learning how to hide my emotions and fears, I keep my expression completely stoic.

Strangely, danger isn’t the vibe I’m getting from Lord at all. So far, he’s been kind, soft spoken, and carries himself with a quiet elegance that intrigues me. Doesn’t hurt that he’s got a face artists would stumble over to capture in their art.

His dark hair is thick and slightly wavy, and his beard is impressive. Not like mine, but very few are. His eyes interest me the most though. They hold mysteries in them, secrets, and unspoken desires. I’ve always been able to tell everything I need to know about a person through their eyes, but Lord’s reveal nothing of the man behind them.

His jaw twitches as he also rises, nearly matching my height and stature. Hmm. Perhaps he’s not as calm natured as he seems. How could he be after all? He is a dragon, the most dangerous, selfish, cruel beast to walk the earth. Whatever kindness he’s showing can’t be anything more than an act. Why he’s bothering to try to trick me, I have no idea.

“I’m afraid I must insist you stay a bit longer. The effects of the medicine I gave you are still working through your system, and though you feel better, you’re not fully healed.”

His tone is firm, his polite request tinged with demand.

“My family needs me,” I insist.

He flinches slightly, but replies, “You’ll be more helpful to them when you’re fully healed.” I notice how he leans ever so slightly closer to me across the desk. “Besides, someone tried to kill you once. Who’s to say the threat is extinguished?”

Is that a threat?

“How do I know I’m safe with you?”

“You were at your most vulnerable when I found you, on the verge of certain death, yet you live and breathe before me. If I intended to harm you, I’d be a fool to wait for your strength to return.” A glimmer of light flashes in his eyes. “And I’m no fool, Alrick.”

I suppose he has a point.

“I’m the one who brought a stranger into my home,” Lord continues, his gaze hardening. “With no idea if you are friend or enemy.”

The sharpness in his comment rattles me. The reality of the situation settles over me. While I was half-delirious the first time I woke up, I told him I was a dragon hunter. Does he know I’ve figured out that he’s a dragon? That’s harder to guess, but he’s not stupid. We’re walking on a razor’s edge right now, neither of us wanting to show our hand first. Maybe he’s lying about the sword, or maybe he watched it happen. He saw his lizard friend attack me. But then why would he choose to save me and nurse me back to health? None of this makes any fucking sense.

“I mean no harm.” I have to grit the words out from between clenched teeth. At least not for now.

“Nor do I,” he says, his voice softening. “In another day or two, the healing effect should be complete.”

“Then I can leave?”

Lord nods. “By all means.”

The way he clears his throat after he answers raises my hackles.

What are my options? I have no idea where I am and no way to contact my brothers. I’ve told Digby a hundred times we need to upgrade our technology, but he insists on hunting the old Viking way, which means leaving digital devices like phones and GPS behind.

That’s likely why I was alone when Lord found me. If they lost track of me when the dragon dragged me off, they would have no timely means to find me. Then there’s the whole ‘hero’s death’ concept my dad instilled in us. We die like men, our bodies—what’s left after the dragon decimates us—becoming one with the earth.

No funeral for a dragon hunter who died at the claws of their enemy.

A sharp pang in my chest draws my gaze up abruptly, and I find Lord watching me. He blinks and clears his throat.

“Tea?”

He’s out of his chair and brushing past me in a flash. My reaction to the mysterious man is weird, but I don’t sense immediate danger. If I want to get out of here in one piece, find my sword, and make it back home, I better play nice with the dragon.

So I guess we’re having tea.