Page 30 of The Dragon and Her Thief
“The one in black with the long hair and crooked nose?” Mythia hadn’t even turned her head. How did she know who he was speaking about? There were plenty of men in this establishment, and she had just described the scary man who was still staring at them.
“Yeah, that’s the one. He’s been following me around. I’m afraid for my life.” He looked up and met Mythia’s still gaze.
“You want me to take care of him?”
“Yes. I don’t know what he wants, and I was thinking that the town needs a protector.”
“And because I’m a dragon, you want it to be me?” Mythia threw out another card and leaned back in her chair. She was the epitome of sexy. Kelsey didn’t miss the looks thrown Mythia’s way. Some of the women, and even the men, appeared hopeful that they would gain her attention, but the dragon shifter was in a deep conversation with her friend. “Besides a nice expensive ruby medallion, why should I do this?
“Because a friend is asking. I need to make sure my people are safe.”
They each threw out a card, then paused as they stared down at what was on the table.
“It would seem that I won,” Mythia murmured and sat forward. “Are you sure you want to give it to me, Paxton?”
Kelsey felt as if she someone had punched her in the gut. Her eyes widened as she took in the features of the man that sat across from Mythia. Now she knew why he appeared so familiar.
Paxton Rose.
Her great-great-great-grandfather.
She slapped her hand over her mouth to keep from crying out. So the medallion hadn’t been stolen. Mythia had won it from a friend in a card game. How had the story become so distorted through the years?
“Because of my respect for you and our friendship, I shall do this for you.” Mythia reached across the table, gathered up her coins, and placed them in her pocked. She then grabbed the medallion and placed it around her neck.
Paxton’s shoulders slumped in relief. “Thank you.”
A roar sounded. Kelsey’s eyes flew across the room and watched the scary man flip his table over. His face was contorted in anger as he headed toward them.
“Run, Paxton,” Mythia ordered. Pushing back from the table, she got to her feet and faced the man.
Of course her dragon wouldn’t run, even when a guy the size of an NFL lineman charges directly toward her.
Kelsey screamed as she watched him slam into Mythia with such force, he broke through the wall of the bar, crashing outside.
It was a full-fledged bar fight.
Kelsey ducked at a bottle that was thrown across the room and quickly made her way outside, holding the skirt of her dress up so she could step over the rubble without tripping.
She coughed, waving her hand in front of her face. The dust and debris from the busted wall floated through the air, but she was able to see the two circling each other.
“This is none of your concern, Mythia,” the man growled.
“This is my town, and you’re not welcome here,” Mythia bit out through clenched teeth.
“Give me back the medallion.” He darted for her, but Mythia was too fast for him. She blocked his hands and threw a punch, landing it squarely at his nose. The sound of bones breaking reached Kelsey’s ears.
She stepped down from the landing of the bar next to where the horses were tied to the hitching post. The animals were fidgeting, obviously scared. Their eyes grew wide, and they began to pull back on the reins to free themselves.
Kelsey’s attention turned back to Mythia, who landed a kick to the man’s stomach.
“This is your last chance, Xomor. Leave,” she warned.
“You think you can stop me? Think again.” Turning, the man ran and leapt into the air. Kelsey’s mouth dropped open as she watched him transform into a massive dragon. It was night, so she couldn’t see what color he was. Mythia was pissed. Smoke was pouring from her nose. She took off running in the direction of Xomor and repeated the action.
Her dragon appeared and flew into the air.
Kelsey picked up her skirts and raced after them. She headed down the middle of the dirt road, ignoring the people running toward the saloon. Her eyes were on the two dragons flying in the sky.
