Page 7

7

P aisley

“So that’s it. That’s all they get,” I say, putting the items in the drawer and closing it with far too much gusto.

“That’s all they get what?” Dr. du Pont says, looking at me from over his glasses. He has a clipboard in his hand.

“The Tributes arrive and are shown around by Marcel and Cathy. Now, they’ve been left to panic about their situation. They’re pretty much in the dark.” We were there when the poor women arrived two hours ago, looking sad and defeated. I was right; a couple of them were furious, too.

“They will get more information at the demonstration. What more do they need to know at this stage?” He shrugs. “I mean, they know about the shifters and why they are here.”

“Yep, that’s true. They also know they have to stay for three months and that they won’t be forced into anything, but that’s it. They’re clueless about the details. They’ve been left stewing. Left to fill in the blanks for themselves, which is dangerous. We could be looking at mass panic.”

“You’re overreacting.” Dr. du Pont chuckles quietly. “There are worse things than living in a beautiful, fully furnished apartment. Worse things than getting your meals for free and being paid to go on a few dates. They were told they’re safe and that nothing further is expected of them.” He shrugs and makes a face like it’s no big deal.

“It isn’t enough.” I shake my head. “These shifters are clueless. Now they want to go through with the demonstration. Why didn’t they listen to me?”

“It’s not just a demonstration. There is a talk first.” He rubs his chin. “Or was it after? What’s the big deal? They will have seen dragons on the flight here, as we did. I’m not afraid of them. You heard Marcel; they’re sentient and intelligent in their dragon forms. The demonstration is to prove it. Once they see that the dragons and the men themselves are not as dangerous as they think, they’ll calm right down. It looks like these dragons have money. Some of these women don’t come from the best situations. Staying on the island and marrying one of the dragon men could be a win for them.”

A win.

I don’t know.

I don’t know if I like Dr. du Pont’s thinking. It’s a little old-fashioned and a lot flawed. There’s nothing I can do about it. I’m just an employee. A lowly nurse. I don’t have much say. Cathy and Marcel also seem okay with all of it.

I’m not.

Not even close.

“Can you excuse me for a short while, Dr. du Pont?” I say as I pack the last of the bandages into the top stainless-steel drawer.

“Of course, Paisley. We have everything under control here.” He looks around the medical facility. “All the stock has been packed away. Orders are in for items we are short on. The Tributes are here, but I doubt anyone will need us at this stage. They seem to be coping well, given the circumstances.”

“They’re upset, but I suppose they are coping.” But only just.

“There hasn’t been any need for sedation. I know you’re worried, dear, but this situation isn’t for us to judge. We have a job to do, and that’s where our focus should lie.”

No need for sedation. If that’s his idea of coping well, we might not end up seeing eye to eye in the long run.

“I guess so,” I tell him. “I’m going to make my rounds just in case someone needs me.”

“They were informed of our presence,” Dr. du Pont tells me. “They know where the clinic is if they need us. The Tributes were taken on a tour of the facilities, as were we.”

“I know.” I nod. “I’m going to take a walk around, anyway.”

“You won’t divulge…” He looks around us like someone might be listening. “That piece of information we were told to keep quiet about.”

I have to work not to roll my eyes.

“Of course not,” I settle on. “I just wish they would properly address the women, who are clearly afraid. I know I keep harping on about it, but I can’t help it.”

“They will. Again, it’s not for us to get involved. We’re here to ensure that all health concerns are addressed.”

Meanwhile, the poor Tributes are left wondering.

“I’ll go and see if anyone needs us,” I repeat, feeling the walls close in.

He nods and smiles. “You need to be back before—” He starts to look at his watch.

Again, I have to work not to roll my eyes. I have a feeling that Dr. du Pont, as sweet as he is, is going to wear on me.

“I know, I know.” Any inkling of good humor I had evaporates in an instant. “Will do, Doctor.” I smile back because I think he means well.

“Okay, then. I will see you out front.” He turns and starts toward his office.

I take a deep breath and slip out into the hallway. My steps echo softly against the tiled floor as I walk. I pass a few closed doors, wondering if the rooms are occupied.

As I approach the next one, I hear sobbing from inside, muffled by the door. I pause, wondering if I should knock and attempt to console the person inside but decide against it. I continue on, instead.

What have I got myself into?

There are angry shouts between women behind the next door. They’re upset at being here. Upset that they are being forced to stay and meet with dragon men. I don’t need to hear their words to know it’s what they are complaining about. I would feel the same. I pass more doors. There’s more crying. I grow more and more pissed off with every step I take.

Once I reach the end of the hallway, I push open a door that leads to a small garden. The fresh air hits me as I walk out, standing under the branches of a great oak tree. I take a moment to collect my thoughts before taking in my surroundings.

There are three women huddled together, talking on the far side of the courtyard.

I go over to them, smoothing a hand down my scrubs. My silver name tag is shiny on my pocket. It states my name and position here on the island.

“Are you ladies doing okay?” I ask as I get nearer. It’s such a stupid question because of course they’re not okay. That much is clear. None of them are happy to be here. They’re all in shock at learning about dragon shifters. About learning their fate here on the island.

One of them shakes her head, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes.

“No,” she mumbles, wiping her nose with an already well-used Kleenex.

“How long have you been on this island?” a dark-haired woman asks. Her eyes are narrowed.

“I arrived yesterday.” I smile, trying to come across as kind and helpful.

“You work for them . For these men who are going to pimp us out. And what? I’m just supposed to trust you?”

I nod, holding my ground, even though I want to flinch at her harsh words. “Yes. I’m here to offer medical care. I know it’s difficult to believe, but I’m here for you, even though I get paid by them.”

“You’re here for when we get beaten…hurt or raped, is that it?” The two of them glare at me. “You’re here to put us back together so that it can happen again. Is that it?” The one with the dark hair folds her arms as she talks. “Or maybe it’s to help us get pregnant. That’s what they want us for…isn’t it? Are you going to slip fertility drugs into our morning coffee?”

The third starts sobbing into her hand.

“Of course not. I wouldn’t accept or be a part of any of that. I can say with certainty that all the others who work here feel the same way I do. You’re here to date the dragon shifters. To see if our species would work together. No more is expected of you unless you consent and are willing. You won’t be hurt or raped. I promise you. None of us would stand for it.”

“This is their island. You would have no say. In fact, you’re a woman, too. You could be—”

“No…it’s not like that.”

“How can you say for sure when you only arrived yesterday? You don’t know anything, do you?” she snaps at me.

“I do…I wouldn’t be here if I thought women were going to get abused or hurt. These men are desperate to—”

“Exactly,” the dark-haired woman practically yells at me. “They’re desperate. You said it. What will they do to us?”

“Let me find Cathy. She’s—”

“What? Our Communications Liaison Officer?” she says with a sneer. “What is she going to do? She knows just as much as you. It’s a joke. I don’t want to meet these dragon men. I don’t want to date them. I refuse to stay here one night, let alone three months. I want to go home. Most of us do. Barring one or two crackpots who are actually happy to be here. They’re the exception.”

“I’m Paisley,” I tell her. “What is your name?”

Her jaw tightens.

“I’m an ER nurse from Cedar Pines. It’s a small town in… It doesn’t matter.” I flap a hand. “I’m just a normal person, living a normal life. I came here to…” I shrug. “You don’t want to hear my sob story.” I shake my head. “I arrived yesterday, as did all the other staff here. We’re here to help. These shifters seem pretty clueless. I think they’re going about things the wrong way, but that doesn’t make them bad.”

It’s weird. I’ve only met a few of them, but they all seem…nice. I think they’re dangerous, as in they could snap a human like a twig, but I don’t think they would actually do it. I don’t think they’re bad. It’s a gut feeling right now since I only just got here. Maybe I’m fooling myself. Only time will tell. What I can say is that they’ve gone to a lot of trouble to build us a beautiful place to live. They’ve provided care, or Dr. du Pont and I wouldn’t be here. Those aren’t the actions of rapists and murderers.

“They practically kidnapped us,” the other dark-haired woman snorts.

I sigh. “Tributes are brought to Draig Island every year.”

“Why?” the blonde asks, her tears dry for the moment.

I shrug. “It’s general knowledge that it’s an agreement between our government and them. I guess Mistveil has now been included in the agreement.” I shrug again. “That’s my best guess.” I look at my watch. “We have all been instructed to meet outside in fifteen minutes. I’m sure you’ll receive a full briefing on what is expected. They have to give you an opportunity to express your concerns. It won’t be as bad as you think.”

I pray I’m right.

“I hope you’re right, Paisley,” the dark-haired lady says, plucking the words right from my mind. She narrows her eyes at me for a second before relaxing. “I’m Carmen. This is Jacki and Lauren.” Lauren is the tearful one.

“I would say it’s nice to meet you,” Jacki says. “But I can’t.”

“I understand. I’m here for you. Cathy, too. All of us are, I swear. Try to keep an open mind until you find out all the facts.”

Carmen nods. “You’re probably right.”

“Come on,” I tell them. “We should probably head outside.”

Arctic

I stand before the males. All fifty of them, myself included.

Although we are assembled outside, the air is filled with the scent of testosterone. It’s thick and heavy, making my nose twitch.

We’re all in full leathers…ready.

The males stand around in groups, talking and laughing. Excitement levels are high. They are looking forward to meeting the human females. For just a moment, I wish I felt the same. I don’t. I’m dreading it.

I will carry out my duty, nonetheless. I was a fool to put myself forward for this pilot program. It seemed like a good idea at the time. A way to get my people to accept this program more readily.

“Silence!” I snarl, letting my irritation push through.

They all obey instantly, turning to face me.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era for us,” I begin, my voice echoing across the courtyard. “The time has come for us to fulfill our pact with the humans in our efforts to seek companionship. Even more importantly, in our efforts to grow our population. The very continuation of our species is at stake.”

I pause, letting my words sink in before continuing. “Each of us has been chosen to meet and to potentially bond with a human female. It is our duty to treat them with respect and kindness at all times. No exceptions will be made.”

I think of the human female, Paisley’s words to me. “They might be fearful of us. Keep in mind that they are here against their will. It is up to us to change their minds about our island, about us and make them feel safe and welcome.”

I take a deep breath, scanning the faces of the eager males before me. “Remember, they are not prizes to be won or conquered. They are individuals with fears and doubts, just like us. We must show them compassion and understanding. We must earn their trust.”

There is a murmur of agreement among the males, some nodding solemnly while others exchange glances filled with determination.

“Today, you will have the opportunity to meet the human females for the first time and to begin forming connections,” I declare. “But let me make this clear—any sign of disrespect, coercion, or aggression will not be tolerated. Our future relationships with the humans depend on our actions now.”

They nod and shout words of agreement.

“Any transgressions and you will be removed from the program. Cross the line, and you could face harsher penalties. I am confident that each and every one of you will work every day at being an example of how we conduct ourselves. Of what it means to be a dragon shifter, what it means to have honor.”

Shouts of affirmation go around the group.

“Keep in mind that not all of you will be successful in your endeavors, but know that there will be more of such opportunities in the future for those who toe the line. When it comes to the selection process, I am to be treated as one of you. I am a candidate first and a king second. In our dealings with the human females, I am to be treated no differently. You will call me by my name, not my title. Is this understood?”

The males answer in the affirmative, heads nodding, voices carrying in the light breeze.

“Right now, we will show them not only who we are but what we are. We will show them our scales, our might, and our strength.”

All the males hold up a fist and shout in unison.

“We will show them our dragons. Show them that we are all fit to mate and breed. That we are worthy,” I shout.

Once again, a shout rings out among the males.

With those words hanging in the air, I step back, allowing the males to leave. I trail behind as we all make our way to the great field.

It doesn’t take long for us to arrive.

This is it.

There’s no going back now.

The humans stand together in a huddle, their faces a mix of fear and curiosity as they watch us approach. Most of them clutch onto one another tightly, while others stand tall with defiant expressions on their faces. I get their trepidation. It is understandable.

As we draw closer, the women start to murmur among themselves. They’re afraid. I can see it in their drawn features, in the whites of their eyes. We need to prove to them that it is unwarranted. That they are quite safe. We might be half-dragons, but we will never hurt them. The only way to do that is to shift. To show them through action. Only then will we be able to move forward as men.

“Welcome, human females,” Thorn says in his booming voice. “We are elated to have you here as our guests on the island. I only hope that your every need thus far has been met. The males who stand before you have been carefully selected for you. They are very excited to meet with you and to get to know you all. We hope that over the next few months, you will become well acquainted with our kind. So much so that at the end of your term, you might choose to stay here and live on the island with us.”

The females are talking among themselves. They have stopped listening to Thorn. They don’t seem happy at all.

Marcel turns to them. “Please, ladies,” he says in a voice that carries. “Please listen to what Thorn has to say. I’m sure you have a hundred questions. If you listen, perhaps some of them will be answered. Perhaps some of your fears will be put to rest as well.”

“Doubtful!” one of the females shouts.

“We want to go home,” another yells.

“We don’t want to meet them.”

“Speak for yourself. They’re hot!” another one shouts from the back.

“I want to stay!” yet another yells.

“I want to go home,” a blonde at the front yells, her eyes bright with anger.

They all start talking at once. All shouting over one another.

“Please, ladies!” Marcel shouts over the din. “You can’t leave. You may as well face those facts head-on.”

The ladies quieten down.

“You’re here for three months, whether you like it or not,” Marcel goes on. “As Thorn mentioned, every care has been taken to ensure your comfort, and you will be compensated well for your time and efforts.”

“We don’t care! We’re not prostitutes. We don’t want your money!” one of the females shouts.

“Yeah! Let us go!”

That’s when I see her standing behind the Tributes. She’s in her nurse’s uniform. Her fiery red hair catches the sunlight. Her eyes are blazing as they narrow on mine. Her head is tilted up. Her jaw is tight. Her arms are folded tightly across her chest.

She looks angry and so fucking sexy that my balls pull tight in an instant.