Page 53 of Fated for Dawn

I raised an eyebrow. “When did this bromance happen?”

Chad kicked a rock with his foot, looking a little sad. “Dunno, but they’ve been hanging out a lot lately.”

“I’m sure they’d be happy if you joined,” I ventured.

“Nah, I’d rather stick with you,” Chad said, giving me a teasing grin, “and make sure Pretty Boy doesn’t make any unwanted moves.” He shot a glare at Zade.

“Pretty Boy?” I asked. “What kind of move? He’s on our side, remember?”

“Not the kind of move I’m worried about,” Chad muttered, his eyes narrowing.

“Any news from the scouts?” Lucien asked Ryker.

Ryker shook his head, his massive frame making even that small motion look menacing.

Alister grinned. “We thought we’d show off our preparations, little phoenix.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And what might those be?”

Alister gestured to Ryker, who took a step back and started undressing. “I’m human now,” Alister said, “which means I’m more vulnerable. But it also means I can help in ways I couldn’t before.”

“Like what? Signing up to be a blood donor now?” I teased.

Alister rolled his eyes. “Hilarious.”

He didn’t have a chance to elaborate before Ryker’s body began to change. His skin erupted with glossy black scales that caught the sunlight. His muscles rippled and contorted as wings sprouted from his back, unfurling like massive, leathery sails. His face elongated into a draconian snout, teeth glinting sharplyand glowing eyes. In just a few moments, Ryker had transformed into an enormous obsidian dragon, yet his eyes remained uniquely his own.

Ryker’s dragon form was truly breathtaking. Each scale glistened like a precious gem, and his wings cast a dark shadow over the courtyard. His enormous claws could easily pass for swords, and his tail swished with a dangerous grace. He emanated raw power, a walking weapon of mass destruction.

“Holy shit!” I gasped, unable to look away from the magnificent creature standing before me. I had seen Ryker in his dragon form before, but never this close. It was both terrifying and awe-inspiring.

Alister clapped his hands together, clearly pleased with the display. “Impressive, isn’t he? And now, my love, allow me to demonstrate how even a mere human can contribute.”

I turned to Alister, curious and a bit skeptical. How could he possibly match Ryker’s might now that he was just a man? But before I could voice my doubts, Alister strode over to the towering dragon and placed a hand on one of Ryker’s forelegs. Standing beside the beast, he barely reached its knee, looking almost insignificant in size and stature.

“Ryker and I have been practicing,” Alister explained. “Remember, I still have all the knowledge and experience from my centuries as a vampire. That doesn’t just disappear.”

Knowledge and experience were one thing, but would it really be enough in a battle against gods and monsters? I watched, holding my breath, as Alister took a firm grip on one of Ryker’s scales.

Before I could protest, Alister climbed up Ryker’s scaly side.

My heart leaped into my throat. “Are you insane?” I blurted. “Alister, you’re not a vampire anymore. If you fall—”

“Have a little faith,” he called down, settling himself on Ryker’s back. “We’ve thought this through.”

I turned to the others, hoping for backup. “Am I the only one who thinks this is crazy?”

Chad shrugged. “I think it’s kind of badass.”

Alister spoke as he looked my way. “You are my family. I won’t stand aside while you all fight.”

Something caught my eye as I watched Alister settle into the saddle on Ryker’s dragon form. “Wait a second,” I said, squinting. “Is that…a sword?”

Alister grinned, pulling out a gleaming blade. “Indeed it is, my love. A warrior needs his weapon, after all.”

I spun around, facing the others with disbelief. “Okay, which one of you geniuses gave him a sword?” My eyes narrowed as I scanned their faces. “He’s human now. Human! Do you know how easily he can hurt himself?”

Zade rolled his eyes, his voice dripping with exasperation. “Relax. He’ll be fine.”

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