Kiss of Frost (The Dragon Stone Saga Book 1)(12)

"How long has this little skirmish been happening?" Ann asks as she walks back into the sunroom.

"For as long as I can remember. There has been one group that has been hunting us down for one reason or another." Beck scratches at his chin before he continues. "When my ancestors flew the skies, it was because we burned down their villages and took their women. Or so they said. Then it was because we had riches and power when they didn't. Then it became about our power and wanting it for their own."

"So basically no matter what you do, they just want you gone?"

"Yes."

That's a raw deal. Can't even deny that. It seems that no matter how mainstream magic becomes, there's always going to be a witch hunt. Or a dragon hunt as it were. "I'm sorry. We know how it goes to be hunted."

Beck doesn't say anything, only watches as I toss the ball of sparks between my hands. I'm curious about how powerful he is, so without warning, I launch the sparks at him. Without blinking, he blows out a breath and the sparks freeze midair.

"Why did you attack me?" he asks, frowning.

"I didn't. That was harmless. It would have tickled if it hit you. I was just curious."

"I see."

I shrug and wait to see if he'll react in any other way. He doesn't. Instead he turns to Jem. "Are you ready to search for more of the stones?"

"Yup!"

A little while later, Kay joins us, asking questions about magic here and there as we search. Finally, we unearth some white stones along with purple ones, but Beck tells us they don't hold any dragons. He swears and stands up to pace.

"We'll find them. We can always track down the people who purchased the ring and the bracelet." I look to Ann. "Right, Ann?"

"Of course. I can start looking into that once we get Kay and her family to safety."

"Let's do that then." Beck whirls and faces Kay. "Where are they keeping them? I'll go get them and end this."

"Uh, before you run off half-cocked, if they're mages and using dark arts, they could capture you. And that would be bad, right?" It would be horrible actually.

"No one can capture me." Beck puffs out his chest, his bravado exactly what I'd expect from a dragon.

I pick up the necklace and shake it in my fist. "I beg to differ. Let's just be cautious here. We need a plan." A fool-proof, bulletproof, solid plan. Or we'll all end up dead or worse.

"What if I go with her? When she delivers the useless stones."

Something inside me twists at the thought of losing Beck. I just met him and already I'm attached. My heart knows what's right, but my head needs a little longer to wrap around the idea of mates and forever. "And if they have a dragon with them? Won't they be able to sense you?"

"They might be able to. It would depend on how powerful they are." Beck rubs at his jaw and continues his pacing. "Could you cloak me?"

I point to my chest. "Me?"

"Any of you. You all seem very powerful. Or do you not know how to cloak others?"

Ann scoffs. "Of course we know how. I taught my girls well, but I don't want them in danger if they don't have to be."

"They will not come to any harm. If they can shield me until I'm inside, they can stay just outside and I can eliminate the threat and get everyone out to safety."

"I don't know about this…" I twirl the necklace of moonstone and tourmaline at my throat, letting the soft surfaces of the stones calm my nerves.

"I will protect you, mate. I would lay my life down for yours."

"I don't want that either!" My heartbeat skitters and halts at the thought. This entire situation is a clusterfuck and a half. "I don't know about this…" I pull at a loose thread on the hem of my T-shirt, twirling it on my finger as I think.

"It could work…if we've got the right spell," Jem cautiously adds.

I give her a sharp look and she winces. She's only trying to help and I'm being unreasonable because of my new emotional bond to Beck as his mate.

Kay raises her hand, looking sheepish. "Will this 'spell' require more of my blood or anything?"

I smile at her. "No. Blood magic isn't something to be messed with and is usually reserved for cursing and dark arts. This would more be like we'd push out our own personal shields."

"Kind of like a force field in the movies?" Kay tilts her head.

"Yeah, just like that."

"That's kinda cool-sounding." She purses her lips, clearly thinking about magic in a new way. I'd stop to appreciate the small feat but right now I can't focus on anything but everyone's safety.

"So we'd just combine our efforts to protect Beck. However, if you come with us, Kay, it's only to show us where they are keeping your mom and sister. You'd stay in the car so we can focus and not worry about your safety as well. You can drive, right?"

"Yeah, I have my license."

"Good. We'll take two cars so you guys can get out of there and back here if things get hairy."

"I want to help though." Kay crosses her arms over her chest, her expression mulish.

"I know you do. But the best way you can help is to let us handle this part for you. You're going to need to keep your mom and sister calm and get them away from there. That's your job. Can you do that?"