Page 82 of Destiny of the Dragons

“I would crush you where you sat, for the way you have spoken to me.” Cassius didn’t even sound angry. Just…matter of fact. “But at this moment, it is easier for me to deal with the blood witch through you, rather than start all over.”

Cassius let go. Cross took a gulp of breath in, his lungs burning.

He stood up, gesturing at the server. “Do not make it easier for me to dispose of you and get someone else.”

With that, he left, the server following behind him.

Cross gasped for breath, staring at the tabletop. How dare that bloodsucker humiliate him in front of everyone here? Cross would play his game, but he knew magics that would make the vampire’s blood boil.

It was just a matter of time. In the meantime, he would find a way out of the engagement without looking weak.

Perhaps that was the answer. Mia could help him with the vampire and earn her way out of the engagement. He would deal with both of his issues at the same time.

Cross left the bar. He had some magic to dig up, and traps to set.

It was good to be the hunter.

Mia hummed a tune as she wiped down the countertops. It looked like she was just dusting, but the cloth had an oil blend of lemon, eucalyptus, and merriweather rubbed into it. It kept the magical energies in check, at least enough that they didn’t have to do a clearing spell every week.

The Troll Market’s magic was concentrated enough before they added in witches practicing magic.

The doorbell rang, and Mia smiled. Warmth pulsed inside her, and even her mother couldn’t ruin her good mood. She was meeting up with Smoke and Jace this afternoon to check the house for anything left behind by Mrs. Ryder.

Cassius, the family's vampire friend, entered the shop. He had a Grecian nose, short brown hair, and a face that broke hearts.

Mia beamed. It had been a few years since he stopped in Vegas to see how they were doing. Vampires lived for centuries, so she assumed helping a random witch family with blood magic was a hobby of his to pass the time.

“Good afternoon, Mia.” He leaned against the counter. "Business okay?"

"It is."

Cassius put a small box on the countertop. "I have some spell components for you. I know how squeamish you get."

Her cheeks turned red. "Yeah. I've had to make more...components lately and it hasn't been fun."

Cassius still looked amused. "I heard some odd news. You're engaged? And yet I sense a dragon bond in you."

Her stomach churned. Another problem to deal with. "Mother..." She hadn't meant to tell Cassius everything but in the end, she gave him the edited version.

She skipped the sex part and the part where Mother threatened to kill her. Cassius was Mother's friend, not hers.

“A blood witch with a Treasure.” Cassius chuckled. "You never fail to surprise me."

Mia coughed, not sure what to say. "Mother wants me to marry Cross for the seeking spell, but I think I have a lead on our family's spellbook."

Cassius looked up at that, his attention sharp and deadly.

Mia blinked and the moment passed. Maybe she was mistaken.

"Well, follow your leads." He stood up. "I'll go speak to your mother about this sham engagement."

He left the shop without another word.

Mia let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. Cassius had always been kind but it was easier to take deep breaths when he wasn't around.

Jace stared at the empty sidewalk, scanning the houses again.

It was quiet in the afternoon, the Robertson family at the park. They made sure of it.

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