Read A Dragon's Seduction for Free Online

a stubborn gleam entered her eyes. “You’re working with my brother.”
    “I don’t follow.”
    She blew a long breath between her lips and pointed toward the stage. “Grigori.”
    Brayden swore softly. “Grigori is your brother?”
     “Half. Same horrid father.” Callie shuddered. “Different mothers. His was a mortal. Mine was a … a …”
    “Sorceress?” Brayden guessed, watching her carefully.
    Callie nodded. He noticed a shadow of sadness when she spoke of her mother.
    “You miss her?”
    “I never knew her. She died right after I was born. An accident. At least that’s what I was told.” Her voice hardened and she whispered, “I think my father killed her but I have no proof. My father married Grigori’s mother two years later and they had him almost nine months to the day.” She bit her lip and stared at the stage. “My father’s pride and joy.” Sarcasm laced her words.
    “Where’s your father now?”
    “Dead. Five years ago along with Grigori’s mother.”
    “How?” A muscle flexed in his jaw. He knew what she was about to say.
    Callie snorted. “Another convenient accident.” Her eyes narrowed. “I think it was Grigori. Not that I care. My father was a horrible man. But Grigori’s mother was decent. For a mortal.” Then her eyes glittered furiously. “I’m sure you know all of this since you’re the one empowering him.”
    “I’m not working with your brother, Callie.”
    “Why should I believe you?”
    “Because I have no reason to lie to you. But you’re right. Somebody did invoke a dragon.” He knew that for a fact. He had followed the dragon’s stench to this building himself. Brayden stared at the stage where Grigori ended his performance by dissolving into mist. “I’m fairly certain it was your brother. But I’m not the dragon he invoked. He invoked Cyrus.” Brayden turned to her. “I’m a Gatekeeper. No one can invoke me.”
    “A Gatekeeper?” Callie narrowed her eyes in disbelief.
    Brayden nodded. Even though he didn’t fully trust her, he needed her to believe him. Because if she wasn’t the one who invoked Cyrus, then he sure as blazes was going to need her help to defeat him. “There are four of us. I guard the northern portal to Jarithia and help keep balance in the Earth realm. I’m a dragonshifter. A Water dragon. Cyrus is a Chaos dragon.”   
     “Well, I guess chaos could certainly describe what’s happening to our city.” Sarcasm etched her words.
    “All Chaos dragons aren’t malevolent.” Brayden’s lips twitched. “Sometimes it takes a little chaos to bring order to a situation. That’s what the black dragons usually do. Restore order. They are only allowed through the portal once in a while when it is absolutely necessary and then they must return to Jarithia when their task is over.”
    “But this one didn’t return?”
    “No.” The admission drew a long sigh. “This one’s a rogue. And it must be dealt with immediately. Cyrus should have never been allowed through the portal. He has a long history of violence and was banned to the most desolate part of Jarithia.”  
    “If you’re a Gatekeeper then how did this Chaos dragon get through?” Uncertainty flickered across her face.
    “I don’t know, but I sure intend to find out.” Brayden slid his cell phone from his jean pocket and flipped open the top. He shot Callie a quick look then punched some buttons. As soon as Cade Blackfoot answered he barked, “What have you found out about Cyrus?”
    Brayden listened to Cade’s report for a few moments then shot Callie another look. “I see.” Dread pooled in his stomach. It was worse than he thought. “Yes, it’s time to call in the others. I’ll be in touch.”
    He flipped the phone shut. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. Cyrus was near. He could feel the black dragon’s presence. Could hear him breathing in the shadows. Could smell his stench.
    “What is it?” Fear flickered in Callie’s eyes.