Page 13 of Tempting Her Dragons (Embracing The Bond #10)

Chapter Thirteen

Saphira

A rumble echoes through the forest after my statement. Kingston balls his hands, presses them to the ground, and the earth seems to vibrate. Mav’s fire shoots from his mouth, and my eyebrows shoot up, watching him control the stream as he sucks it back.

“Maybe I should stop,” I offer.

“No,” King says. “We need to know. We’ll control ourselves.” He cups Mav’s shoulder and they visibly calm.

“There was a perimeter around the area. If we somehow breached it, our collars would go off. If we tried to fight, it would go off. It was easier to run and hide. I spent months hiding in the trees, unable to shift. They were not supposed to kill us. If they did, they would have to add more shifters, and his business would die without enough of us captive.” I cross my arms, cold. “I saw a man die. He was a lion shifter. I remember him being there when I arrived. I was hiding in a tree with Bishop and River when he stopped to face the Hunter. He tried to fight. He was killed with a knife viciously. I watched him bleed below us, and we didn’t do anything. We couldn’t do anything. At least, that’s what I tell myself.”

“Firefly, it’s not your fault,” King says.

“I don’t know,” I whisper. “We could have fought him together. I have so many regrets.”

“You can’t blame yourself,” Mav rumbles.

“Logically, I know I shouldn’t, but emotionally, it’s hard to justify staying in the tree.” I see the man’s face in my mind as he stares up at us sightlessly. “I had nightmares for months. My time there is a blur. I think we were all in shock, not knowing what to do without our animals to guide us. My dragon was silent. I had her calming presence my whole life, being without her made me feel human. I hated it. We weren’t given shelter, food, or anything to make us feel like people. We were treated like animals.”

“They didn’t feed you?” Mav whispers.

“What would you give a dog?” I ask harshly. “They laughed as they poured dog food into the dish.” I don’t want to look at them, afraid to see their disgust. “I ate it. I was starving.”

“Jesus,” King whispers. “Of course you did.” My head snaps up. “Anyone would. You wanted to survive. Do you know how much strength that takes?”

“Strength?” I didn’t feel strong.

“Saphira, you could have given up. Eating it proves your desire to survive.” Kingston brushes his hands through his hair roughly. “I have seen many women fighting to live. I’m so fucking proud of you.” I blink, and my eyes tear up.

“Thank you.” His words sear into my heart. “They made the mistake of allowing us to work together. We formed a friendship with River. He and Bishop would protect me as much as they could. We started to talk about how to escape or overpower them. We planned to meet in a spot we had many times before. We got there before River only to be confronted with three Hunters. Two of them pinned Bishop to a tree.” I stop, my heart racing. I haven’t spoken the words aloud. I haven’t told anyone what happened. Bishop told Laken, and they informed Micah.

“It’s alright, Firefly. Take your time.” King moves closer, slowly cupping the top of my foot.

“He forced me to the forest floor,” I whisper. “His breath reeked of beer, and his long hair brushed my face when he looked down my body. He was heavy.” I close my eyes and can see it as if it were a movie. “His laughter was demented and loud. I smelled his sweat and cologne, mixing nauseously. My hands were held above my head, and his grip was so tight. I froze in fear. I forgot every defensive technique. Even though I couldn’t count on my dragon, there were other things I could have done.”

“Fuck that,” Mav spits, and I look at him. “He took advantage in the worst way.”

“All I could do was stare at him and wait. He reached for the button on my pants.” King’s hand flexes. “My zipper was opened, and he shoved his hand down my pants. Bishop was roaring at the men holding him. Then, suddenly, River runs from the side and tackles the man on top of me. They fought through the shocks flooding their bodies from the collars and killed them. I don’t remember much after that. Bishop burned the place down. It was too much for him to see, and he pushed through the pain, releasing his animal.” I touch my fingers to my mouth, remembering Bishop’s face. “I’ve never seen such pain come from Bishop. We can feel each other’s emotions if we allow it, and his was flooding me. It was overwhelming in its intensity.”

“He felt responsible,” King says, and I drop my hand to his.

“Yes. I have never blamed him, but I think he still does.”

“He’s your brother,” Mav says.

“I decided to hide everything I felt. I wanted him to see I was fine.” I drop my legs, sliding them in between my mates, and King’s hand slides to my thigh. He starts to pull away. “Don’t,” I say quickly and press on his hand. “Please, don’t be afraid to touch me.” I never want them to hesitate to show me affection.

“Firefly, we never want you to be scared of us,” King says. “But we also can understand why.”

“I’ve worked really hard to move past it, move past the Games.” I thought I did. “I’ve had other experiences.” They growl low. “I know that’s not what you want to hear. I don’t want to think about either of you with someone else, but I said it to show I can have a normal relationship.”

“Everyone has things in their past,” Mav grumbles.

“But, yes, we don’t want to hear about it,” King says. “We can agree to be careful with our actions, though.”

“It was the combination of the button, deciding to tell you about it, and dreading your reaction,” I say. “I was afraid you would see me differently,” I admit. They have done nothing to make me think that, but my emotions pushed the insecurities.

“Fuck, never,” King snarls. “He was the worst kind of man. Preying on the opportunity. Using your lack of abilities and size to overpower you.”

“I’m sorry that happened to you,” Mav whispers. “I’m grateful you had Bishop and River with you.”

“It took a long time to be able to look at River,” I say. “I didn’t want him to judge me in some way.”

“He wouldn’t,” King says.

“No,” I agree. “He’s never treated me any differently. We’ve never talked about it, and he treats me as a sister.”

“We don’t know him well, but we saw your interaction.” Mav cups my knee. “He’s sweet to you.”

“We all moved on. I wasn’t here when the second Games began. It brought back nightmares for him that he wasn’t prepared for.” I’ve spoken to Ava about it, and she told me how it affected him. “I guess it doesn’t matter how much time passes—something random can bring it back in an instant.”

“Anytime you feel scared, use your word again,” King says sternly. “We will never be upset or mad at you.”

“Thank you,” I say softly. Even though it was a rough moment, it makes me trust them more.

“Is that your motivation?” Mav asks.

“What?”

“What that man did to you,” he continues. “You bring justice to women and girls that experience the same thing.”

“At first, I was blind to my reasons. I lived in denial for years, but yes, it’s the main reason I kill. The worst part wasn’t his hand in my pants. The feeling of weakness and hopelessness was horrible. It may not make sense,” I say, shaking my head. “The act alone is a violation, and the regret of being unable to stop him.” I’ve never been able to voice my thoughts out loud.

“It makes perfect sense,” King says.

“When we were held hostage, it wasn’t that fact that fucked with us,” Mav says softly, his face tender. “It was our weakness and not being able to escape.”

“You understand,” I whisper.

“We do,” he says. “We can never understand what a woman goes through, being violated.”

“We never will be able to,” King agrees. “I think we need to add to your list of hard limits.”

“Probably,” I mutter.

“A rule,” he says, tapping on my leg. “No matter what, you will be the person who unbuttons your pants.”

“It sounds silly.”

“It doesn’t matter how it sounds, it is necessary,” King says. “We are the only ones who will know.”

“Okay.” I bite my lip, looking from his hand to his face. “Don’t be scared to touch me whenever you want,” I stress again. “It was a fear that whoever I was with would think I’m damaged.”

“Fuck that, Firefly,” he growls. “Don’t ever say that again.” He pulls my hand, and I end up wrapped in his arms. “You are not damaged. It pissed me off that the world makes women feel less than because of the actions of some men. He was the damaged one.” He rubs his face on my hair, and I close my eyes, reveling in his affection.

“Maybe we should make another rule,” Mav says, and we pull apart. “If you speak badly about yourself, you get spanked.” He circles my waist, pulling me onto his lap.

“I’m not sure I like that rule,” I grumble, but I can’t help the spark of anticipation.

“Too late,” he says. “The rule stays.”

“I like it,” King says.

“Fine,” I pout, but I hide my smile on Mav’s neck. “I don’t know if I’ll like being spanked.” The man in the club doesn’t count, and I won’t mention that one other time. A date tried it; I didn’t like it.

“I believe you are going to enjoy it,” Mav says, and I sit up.

“Uh-huh,” I mumble. If anyone can make it enjoyable, they can.

“We will test that theory, but not right now,” he says. “Lay back down. Let’s enjoy the silence.” I do as he says, and they join me.

“I love listening to the water,” I sigh.

“Relax,” King encourages, grabbing my hand. “Close your eyes,” he commands. “Know we are here. We aren’t going anywhere, no matter what.”

I nod and shut my eyes. I allow my other senses to come alive. My ears are flooded with the sound of water, the leaves blowing in the breeze, and the animals scrambling. I concentrate on their skin touching mine and the breaths they take.

The memories of the cage and that man will always be with me. I will always remember how I felt, and what I lost. I can move past it, though. I cannot let them control me, or cause me a moment more of not living.

My mates will help me forget until all I see is them.

“Firefly,” is whispered in my ear.

I brush the words away. “No.” A chuckle vibrates over my hand.

“We have to go back to the cabin,” Mav says, his chest rumbling under my other ear. I fell asleep snuggled by his side.

“I don’t wanna,” I say.

“Unfortunately, we have to,” King says. “Mom is here.” I sit up, almost cracking my head against his.

“What?” I ask sharply.

“We feel her,” Mav says.

“I hear her calling our names,” King says.

“Shit,” I say, jumping up, brushing my hands over my pants. “I can’t meet her like this,” I screech.

“You look beautiful,” King says.

“Of course you think so,” I snap. “Shit, shit, shit.” I march toward home, running my fingers through my hair. “Why did you let me fall asleep?”

“Why would I push you away when you snuggled close?” Mav asks as they catch up. “It was only a few hours.”

I ignore his logic. “We should have been there to greet her,” I cry. “I should have something on the stove. Was the house clean?” I don’t remember the last time I cleaned. I pull out my phone and text Sally. “Red alert. The mom is here. Help. Urgent.” I don’t have to wait long for her reply.

“Fuck, on my way.”

“Firefly, she isn’t going to care if the house is clean,” King says.

“So the house was dirty,” I say shrilly.

“No. It was perfect,” he says quickly.

“She wants to meet you. Nothing else is going to matter,” Mav adds.

I realize they are trying to help, but the closer we get to the house, the louder my heart beats. She’s important to them. She rescued them in so many ways. I need her to accept me. She has to welcome me into her family. She just has to.

I see a woman standing beside the house as we break through the trees, and I wipe my sweaty hands on my pants. I don’t think I’ve ever had sweat on my palms.

She’s shorter than I am. She’s wearing tight, worn jeans, a green tank top, and boots. Her long red hair is blowing around her face despite the long scarf wrapped around her head and behind her ears. The long fabric tangles with her hair and her arms are full of bracelets jangling as she pushes it away. I swallow harshly when our eyes connect. I don’t look away as we stop in front of her. She’s stunning in her wildness. I expect her to greet her sons, but she doesn’t move.

“You’ve been through some shit,” her husky voice rumbles.

“Yes,” I squeak.

“So have my sons,” she adds. “People who live a charmed life can’t appreciate the good when it lands in their laps. You’ll give them the good they deserve.” I freeze when she steps close. She grazes her hand over my hair. “Beauty is not only on the outside. Yours is deep in your soul.” Her hand leaves my head and presses against my heart, and my eyes fill with tears. “A woman with guts and the fire to back it up. It’s nice to meet you, Saphy.” I swallow.

“No one has ever called me that.”

“Good, it’s mine.” She smiles blindingly.

“It’s so nice to meet you,” I whisper, loving the nickname.

“Your mom would be proud,” she says.

“What?” I gasp.

“Sorry, once I knew the boys found you, I got a few visions,” she says. “I saw both of your moms in them. They are proud, but especially Maddy.”

“What?” I repeat.

“I know things,” she says, shrugging.

“Thank you,” I whisper. I will always treasure her words even if I don’t understand how she knows them.

“I can be a bitch,” she informs me. “I won’t be with you. You’re one of the good ones. I’m glad you are with my boys. They need a good woman to settle them down.”

“Mom,” King sighs.

“It’s true,” she says, not even looking at him. “Give your mom a snuggle.” She yanks me close, wrapping me up tight, and I feel like bawling. She smells like oil and leather. Comforting. Loving.

“I’m glad you’re here,” I whisper.

“Me too, Saphy,” she says. “You can call me Mom, if you’re comfortable.” She gives me a squeeze before pulling away.

“I would be honored,” I say.

“Did you forget we were here?” Mav teases.

“How could I?” Her smile widens and then it turns tender. “Hug your mom,” she demands. I watch them embrace and the tears continue at the sight of the love Maverick shows openly. He bends his head and kisses the side of her head.

“I missed you,” he says.

“Of course you did,” she says and leans back. “You aren’t holding your lighter.”

“No.” I remember Mav with a lighter in his hand when we went to the club, but not since.

“Uh-huh,” she mumbles, moving to Kingston. She rubs the rope around his wrist, her eyes sad. “My little King.” I blink rapidly.

“Mom. Missed you,” King says, wrapping his arms around her. I’m curious about both personal items their mom pointed out. I see King running his fingers over his bracelet all the time and Maverick’s need to hold his lighter that no longer works.

“So,” Roxanne starts, stepping back. “We have an asshole hoping to kill you.”

“Apparently,” King answers.

“Well, it’s not the first time,” she snorts.

“Probably won’t be the last,” Mav adds.

“They told you?” she asks.

“Yes, I know.” She nods.

“Good. Are you going to join the family business?” she asks.

“Mom, she has a mission,” King says.

“Really? That’s interesting,” she says. “I want to hear more.”

“Only if she wants to share,” Mav says.

“Why wouldn’t she want to share with her mom?” Roxanne says, glaring at him.

“It’s personal, and she doesn’t tell everyone,” he says.

“It’s alright,” I say quickly. “I don’t mind sharing.” I take a deep breath. “I kill abusers,” I say on my exhale.

“Fuck, that makes me proud as shit,” Roxanne grins, and warmth expands in my chest.

“I don’t mind sharing either,” Sally says from the front of the house. Her head pops around the corner. “I came as fast as I could. I had to meet the rabbit who raised two dragons.” She walks fast toward us. “Damn, girl. You are smokin’ hot.”

“Thanks,” Roxanne smirks. “You look good, too, rabbit.”

Sally fluffs her hair. “I try. I offered to take you home with me so these three can have sexy times,” she says as she stops in front of us.

“Sally,” I gasp.

“What? It’s true,” she says.

“Good. They need privacy.” Roxanne wiggles her eyebrows at her sons. “Don’t waste any time,” she says.

“Fuck, Mom,” King says.

“Sally,” she says, ignoring him. “Do you know a good place to get a drink?”

“Shit, of course,” Sally says.

“Saphy, do you mind if I talk to my boys for a moment? I will be quick.”

“Sure.” I rush to Sally’s side. “Take your time. We’ll go in the house and start making supper.”

“We will?” Sally asks, and I slide my arm through hers and pull.

“Yes,” I hiss. I try to communicate with my eyes. I will do anything to keep Roxanne happy with me, but Sally looks at me strangely.

“What’s wrong with your eyes?”

“Nothing,” I whisper, forcing her to move. “It was a signal,” I say when we round the corner of the porch.

“That’s what that was,” she mutters. “I thought you developed a twitch.”

“Sally,” I sigh, pushing open the door. “I want to make a good impression.”

“Saph, you already have.” She makes herself at home, plopping down on the cushions, leaning back on the couch. “But I won’t be helping you cook. I made enough food over my life. I’m retired now.”

“Fine. Keep me company while I do.” I open the fridge and nibble on my fingernail. “I wonder what she would want.”

“She wants grandbabies,” Sally informs me loudly.

“I wasn’t asking you,” I say.

“Then don’t ask a question out loud when I’m the only one here,” she says, kicking her feet onto the coffee table and turning on the television. “That woman would eat anything you make as long as you make her sons happy.”

I press my palms to my hot cheeks.

I really hope that’s true because I want to call her Mom.