Page 12 of Dragon Falling (Dragon Intelligence Agency 1)

Chapter Six

Stretching his arm out from underneath the covers, Ranger’s yawn forced his mouth open so wide that his jaw actually cracked. Chuckling to himself, he remarked, “Damn, and I thought I was well rested after all the TLC Momma Barbara gave me.”

Cracking open one eye as he twisted towards the window, he added with surprise, "Even my ribs feel better. Wonder what kinda magic Ji's got this place hopped up with. Whatever it is, she should bottle it. She'd make a million and then some."

Inhaling deeply, preparing to open his other eye and contemplate getting out of bed, the sweet rush of blackberries, the spicy scent of sage, and the fresh aroma of morning glories invaded his senses. "Damn, I know you are in my every dream, Ellie, but did I will you into existence?"

“No, you daft lad,”Carradoc scoffed.“You just want her so badly, you’re letting your imagination get the best of you.”

“Good morning to you, too, ya’ old grump.”

“As I told Lady Jianna, I am not a grump,”the Dragon King corrected.“I am a realist. My purpose is to keep you grounded and fight the evil threatening human and Dragonkin alike with our combined strength, mental acuity, and white magic.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,”Ranger sighed, doing his best not to laugh out loud as he prepared to wind the Dragon King up even more.“I’ve heard the company line for centuries. But my real question is, when the hell will you lighten up?”

“You do know that I can read your thoughts, as well as your intentions?”Carradoc grumbled.“And I am refusing to enter into this frivolous debate with you for what seems like the hundredth time.”

“You really are no fun, Old Man.”

Laughing at the Dragon King's huff of smoke filling his mind, Ranger stretched one more time, forced both his eyes completely open, and sat up. Looking first at the rays of the sun beaming through the crack in the curtains, he then glanced at the clock on the bedside table.

"Dadgummit, we slept in."

When no reply came, he poked at the Dragon with whom he shared his soul. “Aww, come on. Don’t be such a party pooper. This is our last vacation before heading back to San Anton. Shouldn’t you take advantage of the respite? Let your hair…ahem, I mean, horns down a little.”

“I will leave the frivolity to you. I am in communication with my kin in the hopes of learning more about the Chimera and where they may be hiding.”

At the mention of the group who had become his mortal enemy, the muscles in Ranger’s shoulders tightened and he unconsciously clenched his jaw.“What have you found out?”He growled, throwing off the covers and forcing his legs over the side of the bed.

“No one has heard anything.”Carradoc’s tone was clipped, all business, even more than usual.“Absolutely nothing. No sightings, no news, thankfully, no bodies. The problem is, there is nothing to track them with either. Not a single spike of magic, energy, or power to indicate unusual rituals being performed on any of the seven continents.”

“Can we take that as good news?”

Ranger knew the answer but asked anyway, running his hands through his hair and groaning with frustration when the Dragon King answered with, "I would like to. Truly, I would, but as I told my brother, Eoghan and your partner, who, by the way, is still quite upset with you, Donovan Cross, I do not believe this is a coincidence or something weshould ignore. The absence of activity is telling.”

“Yeah, I knew that’s what you were going to say,”the Guardsman grumbled, getting to his feet and crossing to the window.“And as far as Donovan’s concerned, well, shit, I’ll handle that as soon as I know what to say.”

“See that you do,”Carrodoc responded without the least bit of accusation or recrimination, which was a blessing since the Ancient Dragon King had a lot to be pissed about.

After all, Ranger had forbidden him from helping while the Guardsman was staking out the Chimera, going so far as to use the mysticism of his mother’s mix heritage – the power of the Lady of the Lake, to bind the Dragon King's magic for the short time he was able. Of course, the Guardsman thought he had good reason. Thought he was hiding their presence.

Best laid plans…

However, during the fight that nearly claimed his life, there hadn’t been time to release the binding and let the Dragon King take over the battle. Thank the Heavens, Carradoc was strong and unstoppable. If not, Ranger would’ve died all alone, on that dirty floor, in the middle of nowhere.

On top of that, by going off by himself to confront the Chimera, he had been in direct violation of DIA policy. Furthermore, the only reason that the Guardsman hadn't been written up and suspended was Donovan covered for him.

“I also know that you’ve been thinking long and hard about the absence of activity by the Chimera.”Carrodoc’s words pulled the Guardsman from his wayward thoughts.“And it’s the main reason you removed yourself from the MacAllen Ranch.”

“Have I mentioned how fucking irritating it is that you know everything that’s going on in my mind?”

“On many occasions,”Carrodoc matter-of-factly replied.“I also know that you are more bark than bite and actually appreciate that I, how did you say it, pull no punches and shovel no shit.”

Laughing out loud as he opened the curtains all the way, Ranger spoke both mentally and aloud, "You are so right, Old Man. I do appreciate you for exactly who you are."

"And I, you,"Carradoc quickly answered, the kinship he felt for the Guardsman glowing deep within their bond.

“Well, thanks,”Ranger chuckled, turning away from the window and heading for the bathroom.

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