Page 33 of Gambling with Time

I smiled and turned back toward the exit. My path took me high in the sky this time as I flew back to the gates. I would almost miss the ability to fly and be free once on the other side. Was this what Raiden felt when he took his dragon’s form? Freedom from the land.

* * *

The dragons circled the mountain in the distance as I chose to return to the mortal realm to find Samantha and Bellamy. Climbing up to the palace would take days, and I hadn’t set up a return ride on the back of one of the guards.

A portal room was close to Hades' palace. I headed that way. Soon, I was standing in an empty warehouse only a block from the club, and most importantly, my Tahoe.

With purpose, I headed to the home I had created here. The safe harbor for all supernaturals. It was still standing, so I assume Ashton had kept everything running smoothly. He deserved a raise. As soon as we saved the world, I would put it in the books.

Pivoting to the side, I headed to the garage built into the side of the club and entered the code to lift the door. My black beauty sat ready for me on the other side. I slid into the leather seat and pressed the button to start the engine. It purred to life, thanks to the hidden key in the glovebox.

In less than ten minutes, I pulled up outside of Samantha’s home. Bellamy and her were exiting as I put the SUV in park. When they caught sight of me, they headed over and climbed in.

“Did you learn something?” Samantha asked as she slid into the front seat.

Bellamy shed his glamor and leaned between the seats, safe from prying eyes with the dark tint on the windows.

“You are the key,” I replied, throwing the Tahoe back into drive and heading back to the club.

“How? Kissing him didn’t bring back the memories.”

“Maybe you have a magical pussy?” Bellamy quipped, and she laughed as she smacked his arm. “What? You made me all heroic and shit. He doesn’t drink blood or I would suggest biting you for the mystical powers of your life’s blood.”

Ignoring Bellamy, although I agreed, she had a magical pussy, I glanced over at her. “Bellamy isn’t all wrong. Morpheus pointed out the fact that his dragon feels like he’s lost his most prized treasure. You.”

“So–” She shrugged helplessly, not catching the point.

“So, you remember in the apartment? When he locked you in the bathroom?”

Her cheeks pinked, and she smiled.

“Yeah, like that.”

“He’s resisted so far, so how do we push him over the edge?” Bellamy asked.

“The same way we did last time.” I turned into the garage, killing the engine and dropping the garage door with two presses of a button.

As we climbed out of the vehicle, I led the way to the club entrance. Once inside, Bellamy headed for the VIP room, and we followed. He already had the portal forming, focused fully on the mission at hand.

On the other side, we headed for the treasure room. Alastor and Raiden glanced up as we stepped inside.

“Any luck?” I asked.

Alastor shook his head, looking at the lamp he currently held in his grip. “No. I don’t think they have a lamp that is anything more than silver or gold.”

“Dragons like shiny things,” Raiden grumbled.

“Obviously,” Alastor replied drily. “Any luck on your searches?”

“Actually–” I trailed off, and both of them pinned me with differing looks. Alastor's was expectant and waiting, while Raiden appeared like if he could reach into my throat and rip the words from my lungs he would. “Yeah. I think we need a break. Maybe some dancing.”

“Lex, I don’t know who needs to say this, but I will. You can’t dance.” Alastor dropped the lamp and tilted his head, a small smile playing at his lips.

“I could go for a break,” Samantha said. She stretched languidly, playing her role. “The club will be open soon.”

Raiden’s brow furrowed as he narrowed his eyes at us. “You want to take a break to dance?” The incredulity in his tone was easy to read, he thought we were crazy. If I didn’t know what we were planning, I would too.

“All work and no play, makes for a very crabby dragon,” Bellamy replied, leaning against the door.

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