Sasha Swift 2 late to Die

Zane

“I’m starting to think you want Swift to get killed?” I scold Jonah as we approach the doors of the tavern.

Jonah scoffs clearly irritated with me. “She can handle herself. Wasn’t she working alone before you came along?” he asks and I hold in a growl. He’s right but I hate it.

Sasha is mine which means it’s my job to protect her. She may be strong but she is stubborn. Sasha thinks she can do everything alone. She won’t ask for help even when she needs it. Being an immortal fairy has gone straight to her head.

“Just let me do the talking.” Jonah adds and we walk through the door together.

The atmosphere changes as soon as we walk in. The air is heavy and thick. All noise ceases to exist and all eyes go to us. I straighten my shoulders as my jaw ticks. I don't like this at all. But Jonah walks ahead of me the epitome of calm.

At the bar sits a man in his late twenties. His shaggy brown hair is hanging low on his forehead. He has a sharp jawline and a pointed nose. But what sticks out the most is his yellow eyes. I’ve never seen a dragon in person but I’m pretty sure this guy is one.

Jonah sits on the stool next to him while I stand beside my brother. I don’t trust this place enough to sit. I’m accustomed to watching my own back and I’m not going to stop now.

“If you're here then there must be trouble.” the dragon says as he looks from Jonah to me.

“Something like that.” Jonah answers quickly.

“Unless it’s about the money you owe me from that poker game then you better leave.” He tightens his hand on the glass cup in his hand.

“We need to know where to find Jewel.” I spit out causing the dragon and Jonah to look at me cautiously.

The dragon's eyes dart around the room. “We don’t say her name around here. So far she has left us be. That’s how we like it. Don’t be bringing your problems to me, Jonah!” He stands up and puffs out his chest glaring at Jonah and me.

Jonah decides to stand up also so they’re chest to chest. The sound of chairs scraping against the wooden floor tells me everyone is paying attention. Now if a fight breaks out we’re outnumbered. I put my hand on Jonah's shoulder.

“Lee is it? I’m Zane. See we don’t want any trouble. My idiot brother said you had information for us. If he’s wrong we’ll take off and get drinks elsewhere. We don’t want problems.”

Lee the dragon looks surprised for a second but then goes back to acting unbothered. “You’re Zane?”

I nod. “Yes. Have you heard of me?” I really hope he hasn’t. People only know me for two reasons working for Aquarius or when I was supposed to be vampire king.

Lee looks back and forth between me and Zane. Then a large smirk spreads across his face. “Yes, I’ve heard of you. You're the heir to the throne, the rightful vampire king.” He looks from Jonah to me.

“No, that’s not me. You got me confused with someone else.” I step back but in seconds I’m surrounded in a circle by the other bar patrons. I’m guessing all dragons.

“No, you're him. I have a proposition for you vampire king.” Lee says smugly and I know I’m going to hate whatever he has to say.

My eyes dart around me. I know I have no choice but to hear his proposition. Jonah has his back to me drinking a beer leaving me to deal with this on my own. “Fine, what is it?”

“Take the throne. Become the vampire king. The supernatural world needs a leader. It’s chaotic out there. Do that and I’ll tell you where she is.”

“Fuck that! Anything but that!” I shout. The throne is the last thing I want. That’s why I left all those years ago. I don't want to be king.

Lee chuckles and looks at his friends. “Word is someone else wants to take the throne. Now I don’t particularly like this person. He’s an asshole and can’t be trusted. But something tells me I can trust you.” He pokes my chest making me growl. “So tell me can I trust you, Zane?”

As soon as I step outside the bar I can breathe easier. But seeing Sasha and Theo running up with cuts and bruises on them makes my breathing about to completely stop. “Damn it what happened?” I ask as the two run up smiling and laughing.

“We fought a dragon!” Theo screams. His voice is more high-pitched than usual.

“What?” I can’t believe they didn’t listen and stay put. Actually, I can believe it. Trouble always finds these two.

Sasha runs up to me and links her arm with mine. “It was all Theo’s fault. He started it!” She laughs and drags me along.

“Just another place we won’t be welcome again.” I mutter under my breath. Sasha and Theo keep laughing and discussing their fight not listening to me.

We hurry to the car and get in. Sasha speeds down the road in a happier and more excited mood than earlier. I can’t help but look at how carefree and peaceful she is right now. I didn’t want to ruin the mood so I keep quiet. I can’t tell Sasha I made a deal with the dragons. I promised I would be king if they told me where the black witch is.

I’m not happy about it and I know Sasha won’t be happy either. The royal council single-handedly was responsible for destroying her family. She despises them and for good reason. And now I’m going to be responsible for making a new council. All so I can try to keep her safe.