Page 5 of Anaki (Iron Fang #5)

“Mama, did you see that? A real vampire? Do you think werewolves are real? Do you think Abuela is a witch too, now?”

I kept my arm around Elena. She didn’t request me to stop, so I would not let go. I didn’t want her to fall. I felt it was me who was holding her up, keeping her strong. At least, I hoped it was me .

Luis leaned away from Elena, who was still speechless. “Hola, who are you? Your eyes! They are like a snake’s. Ey! What are you?”

I shook my head, and I coughed into my fist. I willed them back to my human ones. Elena turned and saw that I was still holding her steady. I reluctantly pulled my hand away and stared down at Luis.

“Name’s Anaki. You must be Luis?” I held out my hand for him to shake. He grabbed it and shook it firmly. “Excellent handshake, firm grip. Your mother has taught you well.”

Luis shrugged his shoulders. “Have to be. I’m the man of the house.” He said with a thick Mexican accent. “Why are you all here? Why are there so many of you?” He gazed around the room, not with fear but with pure wonder.

Elena's piercing gaze locked onto me, its intensity searing through my body like a scorching flame.

The heat it emitted made me squirm uncomfortably, feeling as if I were trapped in a sweltering furnace.

My longing to meet her eyes, to immerse myself in their depths, was palpable, but I couldn't predict how my inner dragon would respond to this encounter - a sensation that left me unsettled and unsure.

I can’t look, not yet.

Nadia and Bear took off their vests, relieving themselves of the heavyweight gear that might frighten the boy. The grandmother was sitting on the couch, taking sips of the tea I had left on the counter.

Nothing bothered this female at all. She was patting the seat next to her, telling Nadia to sit.

“How about everyone sit down?” Nadia said cheerfully. “Since everyone is handling Quillion so well.” She narrowed her eyes at the vampire in the corner. He had his arms crossed, his eyes rolling into the back of his head.

“Abuela over here is a low-level witch.” He waved his hand. “She would not die of a heart attack due to her knowledge, and human children have a vivid imagination. The only one we had to worry about was Elena.”

Elena was still silent beside me. I kept waiting for her to pass out, ready to catch her if she fell, but she continued to assess the room.

“I’m processing,” she said slowly. “ Really processing.”

I put my hand on her lower back. “I’m going to guide you to the chair, have you sit down.”

She jerked away from me. “I don’t need help! I’m not fragile!” she snapped.

I pulled my hands away, and my hearts felt like daggers had shot through them. She didn’t want help? Didn’t want me to touch her?

My eyes met hers, and that was all it took for my dragon to snap.

A torrent of water engulfed my dragon. He relished in the waters that kept him hydrated within my mind. He reared back his head, let out a roar that surpassed all wolves, bears, vampires or any other supernatural creature.

Dragons were the ancient ones, and while I was not the most powerful of my kind, I still held enough power near water that could destroy cities. I clutched my chest. Elena stared at me wide-eyed.

“Your eyes, they’re glowing.”

Our eyes locked.

She took a step back. My dragon was furious that our mate would step away. Did she not know that we would take care of her? Why would she be afraid? While we couldn’t shift, yet, we would do everything within our power to protect her.

My dragon tried to push through the forefront of my mind. I shook my head, pulling on the loose strands.

“Anaki!” Bear barked at me. He swiftly moved forward, his long strides echoing through the empty space. I could feel the rush of wind as he reached out, his fingertips brushing against the back of my neck .

In my weakened state, I was acutely aware of my dragon's heightened senses, which seemed to be ten times more perceptive. The scene unfolded before me, revealing Bear's unsuspecting wrist, which my dragon seized with a vice-like grip. I could almost feel the pulsating strength on Bear’s wrist.

“Shit!” He pulled back and grabbed his wrist. “Nadia, get a dart!” Nadia rummaged through her tool belt. They think I’m gone, think I’m going rabid, but I’m far from it.

I backed away from Elena with great effort. I didn’t want her to be frightened, didn’t want to mess this up, but of course, reptilian instincts weren’t going to play nice after being asleep for so many years.

I doubled over, crossing my arms around my stomach to keep my vision away from her. I took in large deep breaths and waited for the dart so they could put me to sleep. Take me back to the club and put me in a cage.

“Got it,” Nadia announced, and I heard it slip into the gun.

I let out guttural growls, deep enough to alert people outside.

Just knock me out, I’m putting everyone in danger.

I fell to my knees, opening my eyes on feeling a contact. When I did, I saw a pair of feet.

Mine. My dragon hissed.

Fingers threaded through my hair. I gasped, tears threatening to fall. Why was she touching me? Why was she not afraid of me?

Strong, because she is so strong.

My dragon puffed out his chest, his head nudging me to respond.

I groaned and leaned into her touch, seeking more.

I relished the sensation of her delicate hand gently gliding through my hair, savoring the softness against my scalp.

As she tenderly lowered her other hand towards my face, I could feel the warmth radiating from her touch.

A shuddering sigh escaped my lips, causing a slight tremor to ripple through my body.

Touch. I craved her touch, her body, her love.

She did not know that she held my hearts in her hand. She could break me so easily, and that scared the absolute shit out of me.