Page 73 of Tempting Her Dragons

“What the fuck is going on?” Ryker asks.

“Shut the door, and we will explain,” I say. I guide Saphira to the couch, and everyone gathers in front of us. King sits on the other side of Saph, and Bash shuts the door. “We killed his twin.”

“Who was his twin?” Bash asks.

“A man who kidnapped women, raped them, tortured them, for months. We rescue women and children. We killed him. We just found out he had a brother. He found out who King is and has been tracking us.” I pull Saph close to my side. “I was late because I was with our mom, discussing the situation with our contact. He has been tracking the brother through cameras. It’s been a slow process, but we found out that earlier today, he was an hour away from here.”

“Is the knife significant?” Ryker asks.

“Yes.” I meet King’s eyes. “His brother liked blades and collected them.” I look back at Ryker. “The women he kidnapped were subjected to their use.” Fuck, I don’t want to say it out loud.

“Fuck,” Ryker says grimly.

“He liked to cut his victims.” I had nightmares after seeing the damage he did to those poor women.

“Jesus,” Sally whispers, her face stricken.

“The knife is identical to his favorite one,” King says softly.

“We want to help catch the fucker,” Bash says ruthlessly.

“What can we do?” Ryker asks.

“Saphira has to be protected,” I say. “He’s seen her and will use her to get to us.”

“He won’t need to use her,” King says. “I’ll go with him willingly. He’s human. I will burn him alive.”

“What is wrong with human men?” Saph whispers. “I appreciate the dedication to my safety, but you know this is what I do.” She pulls away slightly and looks at me and then King. “I can help. I’m not going to hide.”

“What are you thinking?” Mom asks.

“I should be the bait,” she says.

“Fuck no,” King growls.

“King—” She turns to him.

“No. We won’t put you in danger,” he protests.

“I won’t be. I’m way more powerful than he is,” she says.

“I don’t like it,” I say, grinding my teeth. I’m trying to stay calm. I don’t want her to think we don’t value her strength.

“You don’t understand,” King says. “You didn’t see what his brother did. Human or not, he fucked them up severely. If the twin is half as sick as his brother, there is no way I want you near him.”

“It’s a good plan,” Mom says, and we both glare at her. “What? I work with you on most of the cases. I help, and you don’t try to hold me back.”

“We worry every fucking day for your safety,” I snap, my dragon pushing my emotions. “It doesn’t mean we don’t think you can do it.” I put one arm on the back of the couch and turn to Saphira, grabbing her hand. “We’ve seen the things you can do. You can protect yourself, but we just found you. The bond is complete as far as we are concerned. We can’t lose you.”

“I get it.” She presses her hand to my chest. “You won’t lose me. We can work together to find and kill him. Don’t leave me out. It would hurt me just as much if something happened to you. Do not pat me on the head and send me home. I have fought my whole life to be treated as an equal. I have killed tons of men by myself and burned them to ash. If this fucker wants to come for me, let him. He can’t win. We won’t allow it.” She drops her hand and faces King. “Thank you for wanting to protect me,” she says, tilting her head when his gaze dances away. “I won’t get hurt because you will fight with me.” He yanks her to his chest and buries his face in her neck.

“I would die if he took you from us,” he mumbles.

“Why don’t we find the fucker first,” Mom says, watching them embrace. She was worried but determined. She will do everything she can to protect our bond.

“That is the best plan,” Ryker says. “This group is notorious for coming up with shit plans.”

“What the fuck is going on?” Laken growls as he opens the door, and Saph jumps slightly.

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