Page 67 of To Ignite a Dragon's Desire

My blood ran cold. “Are you kidding? Why would I trust you as a man not to hurt me? You’re the one I need protection from,” I whispered the last sentence, shocked that I’d said it to his face.

“I already told you I’m sorry for that,” Drew shook his head condescendingly like he was speaking with a child, “but that does show you I’m a man who can stand up for himself and those he loves. I’m not afraid of a fight.”

“You’re out of your fucking mind.” I stood.

Drew rubbed his temples. “There you go again, yelling and getting all worked up for nothing. It’s hard for anyone to control their temper when you scream in their face.”

I hadn’t screamed.

Did I scream?

I’d raised my voice. He was right.

“Sit down.” Drew sighed.

“No.” I shook my head, turning to leave. “This was a mistake.”

“I didn’t say you could go yet.” Drew’s anger leaked out.

I bit back a cruel laugh as I started walking across the parking lot. This was all some sort of sick—

Pain seared through my scalp, bringing tears to my eyes as Drew grabbed a fistful of my hair.

Not again.

I tried to wrench myself free, twisting to the side as his arm locked around my neck and squeezed.

My eyes bulged as I threw my elbow back, making him grunt and loosen his hold.

Something sharp bit into my chest.

I glanced down to see the needle poking out of my skin as his arm wrapped around my neck again.

“That’s it,” the monster whispered as I slumped forward. “It’s time for you to relax. No need to get so worked up. I’m here now. I forgive you. Everything is going to be okay.”

26

Lucan

Bad News Travels Fast

“There.” I stretched my arms above my head, easing the tension in my muscles as I admired my handiwork. It’d taken all night and most of the morning, but I’d finished it up.

It’s done. Let’s go.

In a minute.It’d been a few years since I cast something new and the pride I felt was welcome despite the whirling anxiety of my dragon urging me to leave.

I always felt lighter after I created a ward.

I’d just started guardian training with my brother when we found out about my skills and I’d had plenty of time to practice over the last few centuries.

Natural ward magic was rare in the paranormal world, though spells did exist that could hold protective boundaries for a time. My magic held strong until I chose to remove it, creating a barrier over an intended space that no one wishing harm could enter.

Simpler patterns like the one over my nest could keep everyone out. I’d crafted that one especially for me, only letting my brother in without permission, and altering it slightly for Riley to come and go as she pleased.

This ward, like the one I’d created over the lodge where Malachy used to reside before his barbaric breakdown, took more effort because it needed to judge the intent of each visitor. I had to create a failsafe for a change of heart after entry. Frustrating, really. Even magic had issues predicting the future.

The pattern of wards intertwined in knots wasn’t visible to most eyes, but I could see it clear as day. The web reached across the treetops and extended down the mountain, touching the sky and soil to form a protective dome for my idiot brother here in his cave.

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