Page 3 of Destiny of the Dragons

Mother dropped her wrist like it was something vile. “How I had a daughter like you. So ungrateful. You have it so easy. Your own apartment. The freedom to shop, and drink overpriced coffee.”

Mother huffed, and stalked to the back of the counter. Mia had been sorting new acquisitions in between customers. Mother grunted and made noises as she went through the items, but it was a good haul and there wasn’t much Mother could complain about.

Mia glanced at the receipt box stuffed under the counter. She’d have to bring that home with her. Mother might throw it away, thinking it was sentimental junk.

“Mr. Cross is going to need another spell,” Mother said, not looking over her shoulder.

Mia turned to the counter, trying to school her expression. Another blood spell for Cross. Mia didn’t know what he did with them, and the thought made her feel dirty.

Blood magic didn’t used to be taboo. It was part of the healing arts, cleansing sickness and toxins out of the body. But since it was magic, and people—supernatural or mundane—couldn’t ever leave well enough alone, witches found other applications.

The least offensive thing she could do with blood was track people down. That was the first spell Cross asked for.

This was the third spell in as many months. She wanted to ask her mother if working with the same person so frequently was a good idea. Their entire family would be excommunicated or worse if the supernatural world caught wind of what they were doing.

If Mia hadn’t mouthed off, she might have asked her mother if it was a good idea. But she knew better than to push her mother when she was in this sort of mood.

“When does he plan to stop by?” Mia hid her revulsion. Cross was only in his thirties, but he’s already made a name for himself with shady dealings and rumored disappearances of people who crossed him.

“Tomorrow. You’ll visit his shop. You’ll need to procure some ingredients.”

Mia’s stomach rolled, and she regretted the greasy egg sandwich she had for breakfast. Their personal apothecary shop had many magical ingredients, including some rare ones they needed for scrying spells.

If Mia was actually going to have to go out and get those ingredients… They were black market items. Nasty, unsavory items.

“What sort of spell does he need?” Mia’s mouth was dry, her voice a little off, but she couldn’t help it.

“You’ll do a proper consult,” Mother snapped. “And you’ll be an adult about it. If I hear anything from Cross about you getting squeamish, you won’t like the results.”

Mia thought about her answer. She never showed weakness to a man like Cross. “I will represent my Family with the pride of my ancestors.”

That was safe. She would be cold and imperious with Cross, so if he claimed he was offended, Mia would remind her mother they were Caravaggios, not lapdogs to random customers.

Mia just hoped after this spell was completed she would be able to look at herself in the mirror. Lately, it was getting harder and harder.

Midday was never the best time of day to be on Las Vegas Boulevard, but as Jace pushed past the fifth tourist in as many minutes, he reminded himself he’d be at the Troll Market soon.

The dry, hot air blowing in his face made him feel marginally better—only the ruby dragons were really happy in the desert—but his skin still felt too tight, and his wings itched to be out.

Another clueless pedestrian shoved past him, and he considered the wisdom in using his fire breath to make a path.

A short walk around the Bellagio, one of the most famous casinos in Las Vegas, and he could use his key to get into the Troll Market, the supernatural marketplace. There he could at least let his wings out. And the occasional plume of smoke curling out of his nose wouldn’t be so conspicuous.

“Are you okay?” Smoke glanced over at him.

His friend, rival, and lover scanned the tourists and locals. A mixture of the uber rich, and the middle class on vacation, the people watching in Vegas was always top notch.

Jace was close to another molting, and Smoke, being an older dragon, felt it too.

“I’m fine. Let’s just get to the Troll Market and meet this asshole.”

Smoke didn’t reply. His blue-black hair was in a ponytail today, so it wouldn’t get in the way if they had to fight. His parents immigrated to Las Vegas from Japan when they were young, and ruthlessly took over the Sapphire Dragon clan when they arrived. If not for a deal gone horribly wrong, Smoke would probably be heading the clan right now.

Jace turned his focus back to the street. They steered around the wide fountains the Bellagio was so famous for, heading for a side entrance.

The problem with Vegas in general was you couldn’t snap a wing without tripping over some other rival territory. The supernatural mixed with the mundane in Vegas creating layer of territories and turfs that took a specialist to decode. Some vampires owned casinos, and some of them owned night clubs, bars, and restaurants.

The dragons attempted to take over most of the casinos, but the other supernaturals didn’t appreciate monopolies, so now there was really no telling who’s area you were stepping into.

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