Heart of the Dragon Read online

  Liz's arms went around me, "Shhh..." She provided me with a comfort. Maybe because she understood.

  "Maniac," Max snapped and I looked up as Liz turned her face to him as well. "Are you fucking kidding me?" he hissed. I looked to Liz and she shrugged. "Tank told you no and I'm telling you, fuck no!” He stopped talking and was clearly listening. “Maniac, it’s over.” He slammed his phone on the table, before looking at Liz and I. “There are few people you can trust. Pick your words wisely.” With that warning, Max walked out of the room, leaving me stunned. I looked back Liz’s way and the look in her eyes told me she was just as confused as I was.

  The sun had set, but I didn’t sleep. I watched the sun rise from the small window as my mind raced trying to figure out a plan. When the chamber door opened, I turned and was surprised to see my dad.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I’m not letting you do this alone,” he admitted.

  I swallowed, “What about mom?”

  “She is calling Sniper from the edge of Ledrya.”

  “He’ll be suspicious,” I warned. Sniper and I had a deal and for Kiana’s safety, he would not easily trust.

  “Hopefully, mom can convince him then," he frowned.

  I closed my eyes, "You shouldn't have done this. I was fine," I replied in frustration. Why did he not let me do this alone?

  "Son, you've always loved Kiana, but now that I know the whole truth, I realize, for you, it's more." I nodded. "She's your soulmate, she's the Kindra and I'm going to protect her. She's your life."

  "Well...I'm not sure you'll be much help in here," I chuckled with sarcasm. He would have helped me more on the outside, but I couldn't deny what he'd done, so I went to him, wrapping him in a hug. "I appreciate it," I told him honestly.

  My phone was ringing again the next morning and I answered it on speaker. Max was in the room with me and Liz was in the shower. "Kiana." I looked to Max and we both recognized her voice. It was Kelvin's mom.

  "Hello," I squeaked out.

  Max's face was firm as he prepared to listen to my conversation, which I chose to not make private. "Sam joined Kelvin," she cried. Max's face contorted in surprise.

  "I'm sorry." I didn't know why I was apologizing, but my mind was going blank.

  "I know Kelvin is hiding you. I need that protection too."

  I looked to Max for guidance and he held his hand up. "Ma'am, I was given very specific instructions."

  "Yes, Sam assumed our son had done everything to protect Kiana. She's his everything. I promise I'm not going to put my future daughter-in-law in danger."

  Max sighed. "Edge of Ledrya," he ordered.

  "Already there," she answered. I stood in stunned silence. 'Future daughter-in-law?' I hoped so. I prayed and wished for that to be true as the call ended.

  "I'll be back. Don't answer the phone unless it's Tank." I gave him a look not sure how he would call me. "I guarantee his dad took him his phone," he smiled and I smiled back, hoping Max was right. I needed to hear Kelvin’s voice more than I needed my next breath.

  I was staring at my dad, still in shock that he was here. He whipped me, which was expected to prove loyalty when a traitor is encountered. I knew it was coming, but I still couldn't wrap my head around that he'd actually gone through with it. In the long run, it worked out for the best because I was able to spare my parents by showing they were loyal to the Volcanic Dragons.

  "You don't trust me," he stated and I could only scowl as I nodded.

  "I spared you all and now you are here."

  "Kelvin, you are my son. After they took you, I realized what had really happened. You didn't fight me. You let me whip you. Even though you yelled at me, everything you did was because you knew if you didn't, we'd be labeled as traitors as well." I frowned, he was correct.

  “I did what I felt was right. I didn’t ask for you to do this," I hissed. Why couldn't he let me do this myself? Why didn't he just accept the gift I offered?

  "I didn't come empty-handed," he smirked and I stared at him angrily. That was until he produced my cell phone. "Knew you would need to hear her voice."

  "Thank you," I said, unsure of what else to say as I took my phone from him.

  I checked a few things, making sure it wasn’t bugged and that all tracking was turned off. “It’s not bugged, son." My father's tone full of hurt.

  My eyes flashed up to him, "I can't take chances with her life."

  He nodded and I knew he understood. He'd still feel hurt by my actions, but he knew what it was like to want to protect those you loved. It's why my dad fell into line. "Kelvin," she breathed into the phone and the world on my shoulders lifted a little.

  "Hi, baby."

  I was relieved when I lifted my phone and saw it was Kelvin calling. "Kelvin." I nearly choked on his name.

  "Hi, baby."

  "I miss you," I fought through the tears.

  "I miss you too," he replied and his honesty floored me.

  I knew what I wanted. I knew what would get me through, but I wasn't sure if he would give it to me. "Kelvin?"

  "Yes, Kiana." His voice was low like he didn't want to be overheard.

  "Promise me something."

  "I'll try."

  "Come home to me." He sighed and I continued. "I need you. I need us. You're my best friend, but you are so much more to me."

  "God Kiana, you're killing me. I love you. You are everything to me. You always have been. I promise you that I will do everything in my power to get back to you. Don't give up on me."

  "Never, Kelvin," I sighed. I would never give up on him. On us. We could have it all, and I'd be strong and hold on for him. He would be worth it.

  "I have to go, baby."

  I didn't want that, but I understood it. "Okay. Max should be back with your mom soon." He let out a hasty breath.

  "Be safe," he whispered. The phone call ended. I took a deep breath, expelling it slowly. I could do this. I wanted Kelvin here with me, but he trusted my safety to Max while he risked his life. Marking himself forever as a traitor.

  I had transformed and hid among the bushes. I had to make sure Tank's parents weren't setting him up. He would never forgive me if something happened to Kiana. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to her. Plus, I had Liz to worry about. Liz was everything to me. I hadn't known her as long as Tank knew Kiana, but that didn't matter. Liz was my everything.

  Finally, I transformed on-site after making sure that she was alone. "Miranda," I spoke low, trying not to spook her. She faced me and smiled.

  "Hi, Sni...Max," she corrected.

  "Let's go," I ordered, checking the surroundings.

  She crossed her arms, "I wasn't followed. I'm not setting you up. Kelvin is my son. My only child."

  I walked toward her, stopping just before I bumped into her. "Do you know what she means to him?" She gave me a nod with a frown on her face.

  "She's everything to him. I've always known that. I've always known she'd be family. I hate this. Hate that he's going through this, but I need him to know that he's not alone."

  "Was that Sam's reason too?" I growled.

  "Sam had an epiphany after Kelvin was taken away."

  "Very well, but I'm in charge. Tank trusted me and I won't fail him." I wanted her to know that Tank had my loyalty.

  "I know you feel loyal to him for a lot of reasons, Max." I gave her a nod and then took her hand. We needed to get back now. The edge of Ledrya was safe, but not bullet proof.

  Dad and I were, again, just staring at each other. "You think Sniper picked up your mom yet?" I gave him a quick nod.

  "Kiana said he had left."

  "He spied first." I crossed my arms. He better have fucking spied first.

  "If he didn't, I would kill him," I growled.

  "Why do you doubt your mom and me?"

  "It's not that I'm doubting you all. It's just I know what these guys are capable of. I've been doing my own spying for months and some of what I've
overheard is not pretty." If he knew half of the stuff I had heard over the last year, he'd be more than shocked. It would knock him on his ass. It knocked me on my ass, but it also made me make a tough decision where Kiana was concerned.

  "I know you love her. I love her. I've always known she'd be family someday." I looked away from him. I wanted that more than anything, but I needed to ensure her safety above everything else.

  "I can't think with my cock," I hissed.

  He didn't speak, but I heard his footsteps draw near and then his hand on my shoulder. "Son, you've never thought with that where Kiana was concerned."

  I shook my head because he was wrong. I had been thinking with only that for the last several months. We fell into bed over and over again. "We've slept together," I admitted.

  He laughed, "I knew this." I shot him a look over my shoulder and he laughed again. "Son, sleeping with her doesn't mean you were thinking with your cock."

  "It shouldn't have happened. I knew Kiana's feelings were changing and I took advantage of that."

  "Kelvin," he said firmly, turning me around and holding my shoulders tightly. "Kiana has always loved you. Maybe, yes, her feelings altered a bit, but I have no doubt you would've ended up together."

  "I wanted that but didn't. I needed to put her first. I only complicated things. I sent mixed signals. She started wondering if I could be trusted."

  "We are going to get out of this. You and Kiana will get your chance." I wanted that. I wanted that more than anything. We had to overthrow the Volcanic Dragons. We needed to find a balance in power so everyone in Ledrya could live equally, something that had only been a facade ever since Shevorth's betrayal with Raziel.

  "We have to," I whispered, turning away and staring out the window. I knew it wasn't going to be easy. I knew they planned to attempt to break me. I wouldn't be broken. I couldn't be.

  I was waiting where I could see the door. Miranda should be coming in with Max any moment. He had sent Liz a text saying they were on their way. She knew the house in the cave was close to the edge of Ledrya, so likely, it wouldn't take long.

  "Kiana, relax," Liz called from behind her.

  I looked her way briefly. "I can't. It's weird. I want to see her and then I don't. I know they just let Kelvin get arrested." I crossed my arms in front of me, feeling the cold take hold of me.

  "From what Max said, Tank, I mean Kelvin had made up his mind. No one could've stopped him."

  "Not even me," I whispered.

  I felt her hand come to my shoulder. "Not even you. He's doing this for you." I nodded, that fact only made the guilt I constantly felt worse.

  "What will they do to him?"

  "I've asked Max, but he won't tell me." I closed my eyes and exhaled.

  "I'm terrified for him." Before she said anything in reply, the cave door opened and Miranda launched herself at me.

  "My boy is fighting for you. Fighting because of you. He loves you. We love you." I wrapped my arms around her, but couldn't speak. She held me and I held her.

  "Tank?" I looked toward my dad, not sure if I wanted him using my code name anymore. "Quit it. You are both Tank and Kelvin, that's never going to change."

  "I only want her to know Kelvin."

  "She knows both identities." I glared. "Kelvin, you are just one person. Your code name doesn't change the person you are. Let Kiana love all of you."

  "I..." I didn't get to finish because our door opened and in walked Jaco.

  "I'm going to enjoy this." Maniac was behind him. His demeanor completely different. He was back on the Volcanic Dragon’s side. Back to doing the bidding of the leadership. Even if he didn't agree with their methods, he was following like a coward.

  Maniac grabbed my dad and he didn't fight as he was strapped to the pole facing outward. "Sam, I'm not going to hurt you," Jaco sneered. "I'm going to fucking torture him. One of you will break."

  I swallowed, knowing I was in for something brutal, "You can't tell them what you don't know, dad." He nodded sadly and I could see this wasn't going to be easy for him, but I hadn't shared Kiana's location. He might have a guess, but I trusted he wouldn't betray me.

  "Ready, traitor?" Jaco hissed and I nodded.

  His fist connected with my jaw and I fell to the floor. He kicked me in the stomach and I grabbed it, rolling over so my back was facing Jaco. "Do your worst," I hissed, short on breath.

  "Maniac!" Jaco snapped and I felt a hard boot land on my back, knocking the wind out of me.

  "Argh," I groaned as another boot landed on me, this was Jaco's. "Ugh."

  "Shut up, you fucking twit!" Maniac yelled as his boot connected with my back again.

  "Lift his shirt," Jaco ordered and then his boot connected with my bare back. "Is she worth all this, prick?"

  "More," I groaned. Both Jaco and Maniac's boots continued to connect with my back and side. I closed my eyes, trying to block out the pain.

  "Enough!" Jaco boomed. "Untie that one."

  "There is cold water and towels. Fix him up, we'll be back," Maniac cackled, and as the door slammed, my dad was at my side.

  "Are you okay?" I couldn't answer. I couldn't move. "Kelvin, talk to me."

  "Argh," I finally groaned, letting him know I was alive.

  I heard the water slosh a little before the cloth rested on my back. The ice water stung and I hissed through my teeth, creating a whistle.

  "She's worth it," I told him as he patted my back.

  "I know," he choked out.

  "I won't break," I pressed as he continued to tend to me.

  "No. I won't either."

  I knew this was hard on him, "Dad, I'll get through this."

  "Yes," he replied simply, never stopping his care on my back and side. Slowly, I felt better. I needed to hear her voice, though. She was worth it and if I kept reminding myself of that, I would get through this.

  It was close to midnight when my phone started to ring. "Hello?" I answered, barely awake.

  "A sweet sound." His voice was strained and I sat up, flipping on my light.

  "Kelvin?"

  "It's me, baby." The pain in his voice clearly.

  "Oh God. Kelvin, are you okay?"

  I was fighting against my emotions. I didn't want him to hear me cry. Something bad had happened to him. He didn't need to worry about me. "Kiana, don't cry," he whispered.

  "Did they hurt you?" I choked. He knew I was crying and trying to hide it would be pointless.

  "Yes."

  "I'm so sorry, Kelvin." I wiped my eyes quickly. "You are a warrior. You are a fighter. You are Tank."

  "I love you," he rasped and I knew calling him Tank stirred up some emotions for him. I had only ever known him as Kelvin, but he was Tank too. More than that, he was my Tank. My rock. My savior. He was everything and more.

  A muffled voice, followed by Kelvin's whispered voice had me on edge. "Kiana, I have to go."

  "Okay." I didn't want him to go. "I love you."

  "Be safe. Take care of mom." I swallowed hard.

  "I will." I went to hang up.

  "Kiana, wait!" he shouted with the groan. "You are worth it." The line went dead and the phone fell to the bed. I didn't feel worth it.

  Her voice was soothing. It was just what the doctor ordered and I was able to close my eyes and sleep. "Tank." I blinked at the sound of my name and turned my head my dad's way. He was sound asleep against the pole he had been tied to earlier in the day. "Out here, Tank."

  I looked up at the window. "Sniper?"

  "Yeah, dude."

  "I can't really see you," I told him. Obviously, that was his plan.

  "Bearded Dragon form. Your mom is safe. Kiana has been crying for an hour." I sighed at his words.

  "Tell her I'm okay."

  "But are you?"

  I shook my head. The truth was I wasn't, but Kiana couldn't know that. It was bad enough that my dad witnessed it. "I don't want her to know," I admitted.

  "I get that." My eyes adjusted and I fina
lly saw him on the bar.

  "Get out of here," I ordered, not wanting the sensor set off.

  "I came here in form, man." I thought I nodded. "Any ideas for getting you free?" I shook my head slightly. "I'll be back. Take care, Tank."

  "Take care, Sniper," I whispered. I wanted to go with him. I wanted to see her. I needed to see her.

  He disappeared out of my view and I tried to go back to sleep. The pain was too intense on both the outside and the inside. "I won't break. For her, I won't break."

  I didn't sleep a wink after talking with Kelvin and I knew what I needed to do. He was doing this for me, so I was going to make it my mission to find out everything I could so I could save him. He wouldn't suffer the way I knew he had yesterday.

  "Max!" I screamed and as expected, he came rushing into my room.

  "Are you okay?" he panted, quickly looking me over to make sure.

  "I need to save him. There has to be a way."

  He came and sat at the edge of the bed, not facing me. "There is one way," he said under his breath.

  "Tell me, Max," I begged.

  "I can't. Tank made me promise that would never be an option."

  "Max, if it could save him, I need to know."

  "It would crush him," Max said, looking at me, his eyes begging me to drop it. But I couldn't. I wouldn't.

  "Max," I pleaded.

  He shook his head and got up and I threw myself across the bed in defeat as he left. I had to save Kelvin, no matter the cost, he couldn't suffer again. He said I was worth it, but he was worth it too.

  I knew Max would be against what I was about to do, but I understood where Kiana was coming from. If Max was in the same situation as Tank, I would do everything I could to spare him. I slid the documents under Kiana's door and was immediately intercepted by Max.

  "Tell me you didn't." He was trying to hide the anger I knew I would face.

  "She deserves to know how to save him," I hissed, storming passed him. He grabbed my arm and spun me around, his breathing ragged, his nostrils flaring.