Page 7 of Brutal Alpha Dragon

Spying on Lily for the better part of three nights has become easier. I’ve learned to stay hidden, keeping to the shadowy parts of her whereabouts.

It's easy to stay invisible when she's always busy picking up after herself.

As the fourth night rolls in, I know it’s time I act. It shouldn’t have taken me this long, anyway. It’s only my uncertainty that keeps me hesitant.

“Hello, Mother,” I answer the call. It’s become routine for her to check up on me every night. Like a clueless child lost in Wonderland, Mother throws out breadcrumbs for me.

“How are things going over there? Have you made any progress?”

“If by progress you mean approaching the girl, then no,” I admit snidely as I slip into the tavern. Taking to my new spot at the back, I sit at the table and scan the joint for Lily.

“That was the plan, wasn’t it?” Mother sighs as she reminds me about “the plan.”

I was meant to walk up to Lily and charm her. Lead her to her demise like a willing candidate. After all, she’ll never survive carrying dragonspirit children.

She can hardly manage a tray of drinks.

As I look around, I notice that she’s nowhere to be seen. Not heard, either, since there hasn’t been a crackle of broken glass since I arrived. A strange feeling of uneasiness settles in my chest. It’s as alarming as it is foreign, knitting my brows in a frown.

“Excuse me, Mother. I have to go,” I cut the call abruptly as I get back to my feet. Crossing the tavern, I arrive at the bar as Samantha pours out a martini.

“Oh, hey!” she greets cheerfully. “Drake, right?”

“Yeah,” I say bluntly as I have a look around. But Lily is nowhere to be seen. “Where’s the other one?”

“The other one?” Samantha frowns.

Groaning irritably, I make myself clear this time. “The other one. Lily.”

Her eyes light up like the bulbs hanging from the ceiling. “L-Lily? Oh…” she pauses as if she’s gauging me. “... She isn’t working tonight. She’s visiting her parents in—”

I walk away without hearing the rest of what Samantha says. It’s only because I’m not interested in her envy of Lily.

It’s written clearly in the disappointment on her face. But the only one I’m interested in has gone off to Redmond.

Of course, I know where her parents reside. I know what college she attends. And that she’s majoring in English.

I know everything there is to know about Lily Turner. Thanks to the Cube of Knowledge.

Except one thing that still troubles me. Even as I make my way to Redmond to execute Mother’s plan.

There’s no way the weak and clumsy Lily Turner can carry my babies.

Chapter 4 - Lily

Pulling up to my family home in Redmond, I feel a smile tugging my lips.

It’s been ages since I visited, thanks to Violet’s insistence that I stay here today.

Brown curls bounce atop a rounded face as she comes rushing down the porch. As soon as I climb out of the cab, Violet pulls me into a hug.

“Lily!” she exclaims as she holds me tightly. “I’m so glad you came!”

Giggling, I let my knapsack fall to the ground to free my arms. I hug my younger sister back, breathing in the scent of her floral shampoo. The one we often shared when I still lived here.

The sense of familiarity comes highly welcomed. These past few days have been torturous to my peace of mind.

All because of a man who exists solely in my fantasies. Ever since seeing him that night at the bar—or at least, thinking I did—I’ve been restless from the dreams growing in passion, to waking up in a cold sweat.

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