Page 36 of The Eternal Choice

“Ernestino, I used the distraction tonight to force an improvised meeting. Both our clans are hurting due to the same issues. An arranged marriage, and a foster program will allow opportunity to strike.” Tony’s nose wrinkles when he glances in my direction. “Evolution might force you to seek a diluted blood choice, but we need to stay pure and have patience and belief that our breed will one day expand once again like it did in the past.”

“Evolution had nothing to do with me finding my fated mate. Like I said, I won’t agree to any of your terms. You are the one who needs to form an alliance with my clan due to your financial state. The Birchmagma clan is expanding since two of our clan females are pregnant.”

“You’re lying,” Naryssa snaps, and there’s a waft of steam coming from her mouth.

Ernestino dismisses her and asks Tony, “Where’s Leandro?”

Something I’m wondering too since the one standing outside mentioned he was in here, along with two guards who are also missing.

Tony is wearing a smug smile. “Your brother is our insurance. My guards are holding him captive at the edge of the ravine. One word from us and his body will be at the bottom of the abyss. Without his head, of course. Negotiate and we will let him go, you have my word.”

Shit. He’s lying. I can taste it in his words…everything he just said was a lie. I give Ernestino’s hand a squeeze, hoping he gets the message.

“Your word means shit. We’re going to meet with your guards, so I can look my brother in the eye before we continue this discussion,” Ernestino grits.

A delay of the inevitable. Ernestino can’t give in to any deals coming from Tony. History shows he only wants to swallow up the other clan so he can rule both. He needs the money, the mine, the other dragon shifters to grow in numbers.

I know my parents, along with Lucian and Creed, are still out there. Yet, it’s not a comforting thought to realize we’re all about to walk right into a trap.

“Fine. Follow me.” Tony stomps past us.

His daughter swings her hips back and forth on high heels, making me nauseous just watching them rock. I would like nothing more than to shove my hand into my invisible bag, take out a pretty knife, and jam it in her eye. The thought makes a smile slide across my face and she narrows her eyes at me.

We walk behind them as they stalk to the side of the mine. Naryssa is walking on her toes to keep her high heelsfrom sinking into the ground. Stupid. I would never wear heels; unsteady when a fight breaks out.

The sound of a twig snapping rips me out of my thoughts. Shit. I should focus instead of giving my attention to the female dragon shifter who is trying to get my mate’s attention. There’s too much at stake.

Three figures come into sight. One is on his knees, another is behind that person, and beside them is another one. I inhale and focus on how many souls are surrounding me. The three in front, along with Tony and Naryssa. Ernestino is next to me, and I can sense five more surrounding us.

One has a hint of Ernestino’s scent, it must be Nario, and the others are my parents along with Creed and Lucian. Coming to a stop, we now see the three people clearly in the moonlight. They must be Tony’s two guards because they have Leandro on his knees, leaning forward with his neck placed on two crossed swords.

“Ready to negotiate?” Tony asks with a smug voice.

Ernestino’s voice is calm and clear. “I don’t respond well to empty threats.”

“My threats aren’t empty.” Tony waves his hand and one guard grabs a fistful of Leandro’s hair.

There’s fear in Leandro’s eyes and for a fragment of a second I think he might be innocent. Time slows down and there isn’t anything anyone can do to stop what happens next. Leandro’s fear turns to regret, then shame, and finally absolution.

“Noooooo,” I scream, knowing I can’t stop it from happening.

No ability of speed can prevent Leandro from stopping himself as he throws his neck onto the crossed swords. His head drops on the ground while his body falls to the side. Air burns inside my lungs as I take another breath. Ernestino takes a stumbling step back.

“Kill him,” Tony snarls as he stares at Ernestino.

The suicide of Leandro cross wired my attention and I’m too distracted for realizing Nario snuck up on us and it’s Tony who is snarling at him to kill his own brother.

The sword in Nario’s hand slices through Ernestino’s neck as he pulls him toward the edge. I can see the light dimming in my mate’s eyes as his own damn brother throws him over the edge…into the abyss.

CHAPTER TWELVE

– LILLIANA –

Without thinking I dive over the cliff right behind him. I hear Nario’s laughter, telling someone how easy it was to kill one and get the mate as a bonus before his laughter abruptly stops. Everything drowns out as the wind rushes by me.

My mate is seconds away from death. Okay, he might be dead already, but his head is still slightly attached to his body. When he hits the ground, though? The impact will rip it off completely. He’s too damn injured to shift and save himself. Nario knew, otherwise he would have never thrown him over the edge.

Thank fuck I’m lighter than my mate and tumble faster. This allows me to get to Ernestino, wrap my arm around his body and head, right before I force my wings to come out. We jerk to a stop mid-air and it takes all of my strength and focus to hold him steady and guide us safely to the ground.

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