Page 65 of Dragon Unhinged

The three dragon shifters step back onto the curb, and I put the car into reverse before I take Brianna’s hand again. “It’s just a precaution. Nothing to worry about.”

I’m not entirely sure, though, since I know there’s been a vampire in her house, interacting with her, but I don’t want her to worry. I don’t want her to have any reason to doubt that we’re completely fine. If she’s been enthralled we’ll know soon enough.

Besides, if there’s anyone who can make sure that any lingering spells get washed away, it’s going to be Syrena’s magic.

Brianna leans her head on my arm as I drive, and I want so badly to just take her to bed, to wrap myself around her somewhere comfortable, somewhere where no one and nothing can hurt us.

“Krystana is your sister?”

I take my eyes off the road to glance at her for a second. I can see worry there and concern. “Yeah. I didn’t know she was missing.”

“Is she like you?”

“Like me?”

“Strong?”

I can’t help the laugh that escapes me. “Krystana is the strongest of us all. Ash has been pretty unfair to her, basically her whole life. She was one of the last female dragons born. She’s a hot commodity and Ash has been overbearing and overprotective of her. I can’t help but wonder if she found an escape from him and is milking it for as long as she can.”

“Would she worry you all like that?”

I scoff, “Oh yeah, and sleep just fine. She’s not malicious. She has every right to be pissed. She hasn’t had a life. She hasn’t had her own autonomy. I’m afraid as her big brothers, none of us have been particularly lax where her safety is concerned andsince our parents were killed, it’s been worse. I’m not sure where she is, but I would bet on her every time.”

She nuzzles against me. “She sounds awesome. I hope we can be friends.”

“She’ll love you.”

Brianna stiffens against me. “Is your family going to…” She pauses, her voice quiet and almost timid. “Are they going to accept me? I mean…my father held you captive. Made you kill other shifters. Why would they want someone like that to join the family?”

My hand tightens on her thigh. “It’s not really up to them.” I steal a quick kiss at a stoplight, needing the connection, even if it’s just for a few seconds. “Besides, you’re my family. Even if you don’t have my claim on you yet. But I might keep you away from Malcolm until you are claimed. He’s a flirt.” I grumble the last bit.

She’s chortles a little and it’s a welcome sound. “As if he could have anything on you.” She winks. “I just…I don’t want them to hate me because of what my father did.”

“If they even consider thinking anything of the sort, we don’t ever have to see them again. But I really don’t think you have to worry. Four of my brothers have already mated with humans, and they’ve all been welcomed with open arms.” I bring her hand up to my lips to give her another kiss. It’s not where I’d like to kiss her, but it’ll do for now. “If we judged people solely on what their families are like, I don’t know if we’d ever find mates. Not when my parents were part of the counsel that forbids human mates. Not to mention, we’re friends with the dragon who killed our parents. He was under a spell and didn’t have any control, much like you were imprisoned in that house too. Don’t worry about it. I promise, all will be well.”

I pull up to the safe house, a townhome in the middle of a neighborhood, sandwiched between two other units.There’s nothing I hate more than a townhouse. This must be punishment for getting kidnapped. Something I’m sure I won’t live down for a while.

Once we get inside though, it’s obvious that the two-bedroom townhome is outfitted into a dragon’s opulent preferences. The primary bedroom has a huge en-suite bathroom with plenty of room and an oversized tub with jets, and a California king where I can just picture my mate all spread out for me.

The second bedroom is almost as opulent, and I get Ewan settled on the bed as I leave Brianna to wander around.

The wolf is just starting to wake up, and he looks at me like I’ve betrayed him in some way, for taking him away from our prison, for not letting him die.

“Where are we?” His voice is a clipped growl.

“Somewhere safe,” I say in a low voice. “You may not like it, but I wasn’t going to let you die in that fucking basement. Kill yourself later if you want, but for now, just sleep.”

“Why didn’t you just leave me behind? Why does your mate think she needs to save us all?” he asks in a tone that suggests she out of her mind. I don’t appreciate it, but I know he’s coming from a place of trauma, hurt, and damage on a level I hope I never understand, but I don’t want him to be alone either.

“You’re starting to sound crabbier than Kayden, and he almost died. For all I know, he did.” I silently hope he’s doing better with Ellie. “Yes, you’ve been through some shit. We all have. But you’re safe now, and it’s time to start healing. Starting with a bath and some fresh clothes.” I point at the bathroom. “My clan witch has a potion to wash clean any spells that might still linger. It won’t make you forget, or undo anything that’s been done, but it’s a start to healing.”

Ewan shakes his head. “What’s the point? My pack won’t accept me back. I’ll never find a mate. Lone wolves don’t last long by themselves.”

“And why not?” Brianna’s voice from the doorway surprises us both, and I turn to see her standing with her hands on her hips. “Do you really think things you were forced to do would change someone’s mind about your worthiness? Do you really think that other wolf shifters would abandon you, just because you were held captive, drugged, and tortured? If they do, then they’re not worthy of you. Then you come back and be a member of our pack.”

“You really think it’s that simple, lass? You know nothing about wolves. You barely know anything about dragons.” He rolls his eyes at her and flops back down onto the bed, curling into a pillow and hugging it to his chest.

He doesn’t mean it. Leave me to deal with him, and I’ll come find you soon.

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