Page 53 of Dragon Unhinged

“If you are sick, you should be resting. I don’t pay for you to ditch classes, Brianna.”

“I know. And I promise, this won’t put any of my grades at risk. I think I just ate something in the cafeteria that disagreed with me, and I thought it would be better to be home, in case I get sicker.”

He purses his lips as he looks at Ellie, standing behind me. “Studying only. I’ll have the chef prepare tea for you.”

“Thank you, Papa. We’ll be in my room.”

“Very well.” He gestures at the stairs, dismissing us. “Just make sure to keep it down tonight. I have a business associate coming over, and I don’t need the prattling of girls interrupting our meeting. I can order delivery for you, if you’d like to eat in your room tonight.”

Delivery?

Okay, now I’m seriously questioning what’s going on tonight. I don’t know why my father was waiting for me, or why he’s so eager to let me break his rigid house rules tonight. A friend over, and eating in my room? If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he’s been replaced with a pod person.

I’m not about to argue though, and I hurry up the stairs, pulling Ellie along with me.

As soon as I close my bedroom door, Ellie grins and pulls out a glowing orb.

“What’s that?”

“A little something that will allow us to speak without worry that someone will overhear. It creates a sound barrier within any enclosed space, and the glow will turn red if anyone gets within three feet of the door. Just a little precaution, so that we can talk plainly.”

I watch as she sets it on my bed, and then settles cross legged in front of it. I can’t help but think how much easier life would’ve been growing up, if I’d had one of these. I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to magic being real, but I’ll certainly enjoy the perks while I can.

I sit across from her, and stare at the glowing yellow light. “We need to get them out of there, Ellie. I don’t know how much more any of them can take.” I let out a sigh, hoping that Declan can’t hear my thoughts right now. “I know I should be most worried about Declan, but he hasn’t given up yet. Kayden, I think, has. He’s got a wound that isn’t healing. I don’t know how long he’s going to keep fighting, if he can’t connect with his bear soon.”

A low rumbling chuckle echoes in my head.I have something to fight for. I won’t give up, as long as I have you to come back for. I’ll kill anyone and everyone they pair me against, to get back to you.

So much for him not being able to hear my thoughts.

“Do you think you could sneak me down there? If I could see the runes up close, test the magic running through the spell work, through the basement, I might be able to at least lessen them, allow him to heal.”

I frown. “Not without knowing where my brother and father are. They can’t know that I’ve been down there. They can’t know that I even know about the shifters in the basement.” Even asI say it, the bile starts to rise in my stomach again, making me want to run straight into my bathroom and throw up again.

“Okay, take a deep breath. You’re not going to do yourself or anyone else any good if you’re bent over the toilet all night. Don’t forget you have a real-life pixie in your midst, and I wouldn’t offer my services to help out if I didn’t think it could be done without raising any unnecessary suspicions.” She smirks. “Or do you not trust me to keep this rescue op secret as long as possible? I want that father of yours to not see your leaving coming at all.”

I let my eyes close, trying to get my stomach to calm down, trying to trust that Ellie really can help me, can help us, get the shifters free from my father, free from captivity at all.

Chapter

Twenty-Three

DECLAN

Now I know I’m in some deep shit.

What reason would they have to dress me in a fucking suit, a nice one, expensive, tailored, complete with shiny black dress shoes, unless they have something horrific in mind?I don’t remember them measuring me for a suit either, how did they get it so custom? It’s not like my size allows for off the rack.

Still, seeing myself looking more like I did before, even if it’s fancier than I usually prefer, makes me wish I could show Brianna. I would give anything for her to see me as more than the prisoner in the basement. Unkempt, unclean, and uncouth. I wish I could take her on dates, hold her somewhere more comfortable, more homey, and really show her how good things could be if it wasn’t for her fucking father. I wish I could give her everything that being a dragon mate comes with. Wealth. Strength. A clan of family.

A dragon of her own.

I can hear you thinking again, dragon. I thought that girl of yours had a plan to get you out? You losing faith?Kayden’s voice in my head almost sounds like he’s found some humor, butthere’s an undertone of derision, like he’s mocking my faith, as much as questioning it.

You keep doubting, but when you’re free from here, maybe you’ll find some faith for yourself again.

I block my thoughts from Kayden and focus instead on my mate.I don’t know if I’ll be back tonight, but I want you to know that I am thinking of you, and no matter what happens, I’m fighting for us. I’m coming back for you.

You better.Her thought is quick, fleeting, but I can feel heavy emotion behind it, as if she’s suffering from something.

---