Page 74 of Tempting Her Dragons

“Oh, shit,” she whispers on an exhale. Kingston lets go of her and slowly stands.

“What do you mean, this is what you do?” Bishop asks quietly as they both walk further into the room.

“Listening at doors,” Saph says, her voice meant to be humorous. The tremor betrays her nervousness.

“Explain,” Laken demands, his glare fierce. I stiffen and prepare to interfere.

“Let’s give them some privacy,” Ryker says, standing.

“We’ll have a talk later, Ryker,” Laken snarls.

“I’m just down the hall,” he replies calmly and walks to the door.

“Mom, it’s alright,” King says as she moves in front of Saphira. “Go with them.”

“I won’t be far,” Mom says, squeezing Saph’s arm. She glares at Saph’s brothers as she goes to the door. Sally is the last to move.

“Be nice,” she chides and pops a kernel in her mouth. She slows her walk, staring hard at them. “The angry vein in your forehead doesn’t detract from the sexiness.” She wiggles her eyebrows.

“Sally,” Bash snaps, waiting at the door.

“Alright,” she sighs, hustling to the hall.

“Talk,” Bishop says and Kingston takes a step. “We aren’t going to hurt her. I’ll respect your defense later. Right now, we need to know everything.”

“How much did you hear?” she asks.

“Enough to know that too many people know the truth except us,” Laken says. His scent is filled with anger but also pain.

Bishop sits in front of us. “Saph, please.” He clasps his hands, his elbows on his knees. Laken is rigid behind him. I share a look with Kingston and he reluctantly resumes his seat.

“I kill men,” she blurts, and their eyes widen. “I actually feel so much better saying it out loud to you.” She blows out a breath.

“Firefly, maybe you need to expand on your statement,” King says dryly.

Chapter Nineteen

Saphira

My mouth is bone dry, and my stomach is swirling as I look at my brothers. I tried to resort to humor, hoping by some miracle their anger would subside. I knew this day was coming, but I wanted to sit them down and calmly explain. Having them overhear was not the perfect scenario. I try to push into their thoughts, only to be met by a wall.

“It’s not a big deal,” I say, waving my hand. Maverick grabs it and holds it tight on his knee. I meet his eyes and he nods encouragingly. “I kill men who abuse women and kids. I had a hard time adjusting to the truths of my life. I was pissed. Why should men get away with what they do? Why didn’t someone step up to help those people? I decided to be that person. I know Bash does the same thing. I’ve seen Micah do it. Why couldn’t I? Because I’m a woman, or considered more delicate than a man.” I lean forward, my anger rising. “I’m a dragon. I’ve been practicing my skills for years. I knew I could make a difference, somehow right the wrongs against females. I have a kit of knives.I’m strong enough to overpower them and give them what they deserve. They shouldn’t be able to walk free after the horrible things they do. I give justice to the women they abuse. The kids they do despicable things to.”

I suck in air and continue, “Do you realize how small and insignificant I felt while I was pinned under that man? I couldn’t do anything to fight him off. He made me doubt all of my abilities. He made me fear my body and its needs. I lost our parents before I knew what it was like to have them. I lost you.” I stare at Laken, and his eyes water.

“Sis,” he whispers, leaning heavily on the back of the chair beside Bishop, his hands white.

“I understood,” I say, swallowing harshly. “The drive that pushed you to avenge our parents is similar to what drives me to rid the world of sick men. I still missed you. Bishop did what he could to make up for the loss, but then he was gone, too.” Bishop presses his clasped hands to his mouth.

“Fuck, Saph,” he says.

“I lost Maddy when I thought I would have her forever and it killed me. Micah was always there, but he was hurting, too. I had to be there for him and for both of you.”

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Bishop asks, dropping his hands. “I felt such guilt, but you refused to talk to me.”

“I felt like I had to shove it all down. I had to be happy. I didn’t feel safe to express my feelings, and I didn’t want to be a burden.”

“Shit, you could never be,” Bishop says. “Months ago, when we talked, you made it seem like you were fine. You didn’t want to talk about the Games or how it affected you. I should have made you feel safe.”

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