Origin of Magic (Dragon's Gift: The Protector #3)(37)

There were five. Then six. Seven. More stepped out of the walls. All were at least as tall as Ares, but so slender they looked like reeds.

I let the magic well inside me, letting a crazy idea take form. The monsters’ claws were sharp, but gold melted at an extremely low temperature.

I conjured a flaming torch, then a big bottle of hairspray. I passed both off to Ares. “The torch is coated in thermite to burn extra hot. I think you can figure out the hairspray.”

Ares grinned and took them both, holding the torch up in front of his face like some bad-ass explorer from old. Firelight danced off his features. I conjured my own torch and hairspray, then eased toward the creatures.

“If they charge—”

As if the beasts understood my words, they did just that, rushing toward us. They raised their claws, which glinted in the light of my flame.

They swiped out, going for blood. I held out the torch and pressed the button on the hairspray. Flame roared, jetting toward the creature, which lunged back. Another monster swiped for my legs, going low and almost making contact. I dodged out of the way and thrust my torch toward him, firing the hairspray. The wild flame collided with his hands, softening the metal of the claws until they dripped gold.

Jackpot.

Ares fought at my side, aiming his hairspray and torch like a pro. I raced ahead, dodging the gleaming golden monsters.

Pain sliced through my calf. A cry escaped me as I stumbled. I forced the agony from my mind and spun, swiping out with my torch and hairspray. The flame collided with the arm of one of my attackers. The creature skittered back.

Ares fought off three golden beasts, his torch streaking through the air and his shield blocking their blows. Fortunately, he was fast, melting their claws before they could make contact.

We fought our way through the crowd, unable to really kill them but at least able to hold them off.

I was sweating and covered in a few deep scratches by the time we made it to the end of the corridor. They stopped at an invisible barrier, clawing toward us but unable to get any farther. They were completely silent, which was eerie. Without mouths, there wasn’t much they could say.

I lowered my torch and empty bottle of hairspray. My heart thundered as I watched them try to get to us. Thank fates for the magic that stopped them. They could only haunt the section of tunnel that had been enchanted.

Ares turned to me, his gaze concerned. “Are you all right?”

“Fine.” My wounds burned, but I could ignore them. I thought. “Let’s get a little farther away.”

We left the golden beasts behind and hurried down the corridor. I limped only slightly, which I considered a win. Once we were a few dozen feet away, I sat on the ground and inspected the deep scratches on my calf. They bled sluggishly, but it wasn’t the worst I’d ever gotten.

Ares knelt, raising a wrist to his mouth.

I held out a hand. “No. It’s not that bad.”

Especially since I didn’t know what his blood would do to me. We already had a connection and he could find me. Could it get deeper?

Whatever I felt for him… I wanted it to be my feelings, not some weird supernatural blood bond.

Instead, I conjured a bandage and wrapped it around the wound to stem the bleeding. The rest of my cuts were so superficial that they needed no binding, though one of them was ruining my Black Widow T-shirt.

“You okay?” I eyed Ares, searching for any wounds. There were none that I could see.

“I’m fine.” He stood, reaching a hand down for me. I took it, letting him haul me up.

“I sure hope that’s the last of it.” I turned and continued down the corridor.

We went deeper and deeper into the mountain. Eventually, the railroad tracks disappeared. “Do you think we’re past the old mining operation?”

“Could be.” Ares cocked his head. “Hear that?”

I shook my head, hurrying to see if I could hear it when I was closer. Eventually, the indistinct sound of people—like lots of people chatting in a bar—drifted down the hall. I reached out a hand for Ares, slowing him.

We crept along on silent feet. The sounds grew louder. Definitely a lot of people. Ahead, the tunnel curved. We crept around the corner. Two men sat on bar stools on either side of the tunnel. Behind them, the tunnel opened up to a vastly larger space.

“They look like bouncers,” I muttered to Ares.

“Then pretend we belong inside.”

Was this really the end of the journey? Had we reached Hider’s Haven? My dragon sense tugged hard, confirming it was likely.

I sauntered up to the bouncers like I belonged. They were two big guys, burly with muscle and pale skin that looked like it hadn’t seen the light of day in centuries. Probably because it hadn’t. Their beards were long and their eyes beady.

“Hey guys,” I said.

“Pass?” The one on the left, who I thought of as Bushy Beard Junior, held out his hand.

“I lost it.” I smiled, trying for charm, and tilted my body so that they couldn’t see the blood staining my shirt.

“Liar.” Bushy Bear Senior scowled at me.

“Don’t call her a liar.” Ares stepped up beside me, shoulders squared.

Okay, it was testosterone time. The two bouncers surged up, chests out and fists up. We weren’t getting through them without a tussle.

But Ares was quick. His vampire speed was a blur as he punched them both in the face. Like cartoons, they stood still for the briefest moment, then keeled backward.