Amaya's Storm (Book One)

I flew in the direction Leandra’s spell said her sister was in, and soon I spotted the camp below in the forest. I did the same move I did in the hunters’ camp yesterday, dive bombing the camp and shifting close to the ground. The wyverns barely had a chance to react as I shoulder rolled on the ground and bent the ground up to trap them where they stood, “Hello boys and girls.”

“Why are you here, earth dragon?” One of the captured wyverns growled.

I took in a deep breath and didn’t smell Joseph’s distinctive death smell, “I’m looking for a sorceress. Tell me where she is, and I’ll leave in peace.”

“Dragon’s don’t know how to be peaceful,” another of the captured wyverns said.

“I know who you work for, and I will do worse to you than he could ever even imagine. Now tell me where the girl is,” I said with dominance in my voice.

“She’s in that hut,” one of them answered, pointing to one of the huts closer to us.

I inclined my head as a silent thank you, and headed to the hut. I walked in, blinking as my eyes adjusted to the darkness. “Where is my si-” a thin young woman, maybe about eighteen or nineteen years old, started before taking in who actually walked in, “Who are you? And can I please get to know you?”

I smiled at her, “I have a mate, but thanks. I’m here to take you to your sister.”

“Your mate doesn’t have to know,” she said, giving me a suggestive look which causes me to laugh. “You didn’t answer my first question.”

“Amaya Wardwell.”

At the mention of my last name, her heartbeat quickened and she backed up until she reached the end of her tether. “Where is my sister?” She demanded despite her fear.

“She’s safe. She met her mate today while she was helping the wyverns steal my uncle. If you would like, you can come with me and you both can come back to Virginia with us.”

“We don’t have mates. You’re just trying to trick me, us, so we’ll do whatever you want.”

“Humans don’t have mates either, but my mate is human. This isn’t a trick. We need to get going before more wyverns show up, or worse Joseph.”

“Wait, you’re not with Joseph?” She looked at me skeptically.

“No. He may be my uncle, but he is far from actually being my family.” I answered, “Now if you’re not going to attack me, can I remove the shackles and reunite you with your sister?” She nodded, “what’s your name?”

“Aurelia,” she said, rubbing her wrists as I bent the shackles off of them. “That feels so much better. So what happened to you? I’ve never seen so many scars on such a beautiful body.”

I smiled just slightly despite the bad memories, “Hunters. Are you ready to go?”

She nodded and we walked outside where the wyverns were still being held by the ground. “You did that?” I just shrugged, “Impressive. Please lead the way.”

“You won’t get far, you dragon bitch,” one of the wyverns said when he spotted us.

I smirked, “That’s what you think,” is all I said before I bent lightning down, taking them out of play. Once they were out I released their various limbs from their restraints.

“Did you kill them?” Aurelia asked.

“No. Just stunned them. Ready?” She gave me a nod, “Stand back so I don’t hurt you when I shift.”

She did as she was told, and I shifted quickly before lowering myself to the ground so she could get on my back. “I guess now’s a bad time to tell you I’m afraid of heights.”

I chuffed at her humor before spreading my wings and taking to the sky. She screamed all the way back to Alanza’s clan, causing Niamh to roll her eyes, “I had hoped she was kidding about that,” she said, making me chuckle.

I landed on the dirt airstrip and lowered myself so Aurelia could climb off, “Ian bring your mate out to the airstrip.”

“Coming,” Ian linked back quickly.

With Aurelia back on solid ground, I shifted back just as Ian, Leandra, and Fox stepped out of the jungle. When the sisters saw one another, they ran at each other, embracing each other. I grabbed the clothes Fox held out for me with a small smile on my face, “Thanks.”

“No problem,” he said with a smile, “It didn’t take you very long.”

I just shrugged, “When wyverns are unprotected, they’re just as easy as anyone else to beat.”

Leandra secured herself around my torso, “Thank you for saving my sister.”

I returned her hug before pulling her back, “Of course. You’re part of my clan now, if you choose to be, that is.”

She nodded her head, “Are you going to put irons back on us?”

“No, but keep in mind, if either of you hurts anyone in my clan or this clan, I will not hesitate to kill you.”

My warning caused Ian to growl, but Leandra touched his arm to quiet him, “I understand. We don’t want to hurt any of you.”

I nodded, “So this is your mate, big sister?” Aurelia asked, shifting the conversation away from my threat.

I barely listened to their conversation before grabbing Fox’s hand and pulling him along with me, back into the jungle. “Was it really necessary to threaten them?” Fox asked.

I stopped and looked at him, “Yes, it was. They have to know what to expect if they act against anyone here. Sorcerers can be very dangerous, especially powerful ones. I can feel the power coming off both of them.” I started walking again, “Trust me. I know what I’m doing.”

Fox sighed but nodded his head, “Okay,” I stopped again and looked at him with shock evident on my face, “What? If you say it’s necessary, I trust you.”

“Thank you,” I said with a kiss to his cheek. “About last night,” I started.

Fox held up his hand, “I understand, and I’ve thought a lot about our conversation yesterday too.” He cleared his throat, “I’m willing to try if you still are.”

“All in, no backing out?” I asked.

He nodded, “All in, no backing out.” I launched myself at him as Niamh cooed in my head. He caught me easily as I wrapped my arms around his midsection. He enveloped me in his arms, causing Niamh to purr loudly. We stayed like that for a long time, until finally we pulled apart. “So what now?”

I shrugged, “Take it day by day, until you’re ready to be marked.”

“And marking is absolutely necessary?” I nodded, causing him to blow out a breath, “Okay. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”

I gave him a smile, “That’s all I ask.”