Read Captivated (The Dragons) for Free Online Page A

vial.”
    “He's not sure he trusts you, yet, I guess.”
    A likely answer.
    I searched the endless depths of his eyes, careful to pull myself back before I fell into their sway completely. He was being sincere, but I was still uncomfortable with the prospect. If this actually worked, I'd be stuck in a room next to this guy while I was in heat.
    It wasn't a good idea by a long shot.
    “After I get a little rest in, I'll be in a better mind frame to do some... testing. I guess we'll take it from there.”
    ––––––––

    ––––––––

I was asked down to the lounge the night before I agreed to test the drug, and this time I wore earrings and something cute. The club was having a function. Apparently the friggin' mayor was even going to pop in (to the VIP part of the lounge anyway). Oddly, when I made my way downstairs, I was escorted to that area myself. I wasn't sure how to process that, but I knew better than to rebuff the club president's kindness.
    Didn't see the mayor, though.
    I did catch a peek of breast when a panel slipped open in the wall, and Link made his way out of the space, however. A twinge went through me, but I didn't have the right to say anything, and I knew that. We weren't dating. We weren't even friends. I shouldn't be feeling anything.
    I realized soon after that, when a guy who looked like adrenaline on wheels slid the panel open behind him, that there must have been some sort of meeting in there. Maybe that's where the president and mayor were, too.
    “Get you something to drink? Another White Russian?”
    “I didn't know whether to be creeped out that the server remembered or be flattered.
    Meeting her sweet face and smiling eyes, I opted on the latter.
    “A White Russian would be great.”
    “I'll have that over to you shortly,” she said, her voice tinged with a slight accent and her own earrings swinging like metal feathers when she lifted her head.
    “May I ask what kind of event this is?”
    A sage smile crossed her face, but her answer was limited.
    “It's many events in one. Have a good time. Mingle.”
    “Ah. Thanks.”
    “Sure thing.”
    She delivered the White Russian within a minute, literally, like it had been waiting on the side, already prepared. She also disappeared from my side with an eerie grace, before I could say thanks.
    I turned my attention in front of me, lifting my drink, my eyes meeting those of an overly-muscular biker who was way too impressed with his own existence if his first impression was anything to go by.
    “So you're the girl who saves the day.”
    He didn't say it like it was a question.
    “I'm sorry?”
    “You're fixing the boo-boo your cousin made, right?”
    He clarified, far too deep in my personal space than I liked.
    “Trying.”
    I took a sip of my drink before my mouth got me in trouble. I didn't appreciate being grilled by some low-rank biker with a need to belittle someone. Wasn't this supposed to be an event? So we could all make fun for the evening? Why in the hells was he in my face looking smug and self-righteous? He didn't even know me.
    “How's that working out for you?”
    I sighed, already impatient with his questions.
    “Look-”
    “Get down!”
    I didn't know what the hell was happening, but I ducked down when I heard Link's voice, falling to my hands and knees beneath the table. You see it in the movies all of the time, but you never imagine what it feels like until you're in it. Everything moved in slow motion. When I stole a glance outside of the small booth, I heard gun fire. It sounded like it was close, maybe even aimed our way. I guessed it was when Link cocked his pistol, basically appearing out of nowhere. He gestured me back into the booth, letting off a few shots before he snatched me out and rushed me along the corridor to the wall panels.
    I didn't spare a glance back for the obnoxious one, but I hoped he was alright. I'd never been in a shoot-out before. It was scary as shit.
    “Quick,