Page 19 of Tempting Her Dragons (Embracing The Bond #10)

Chapter Nineteen

Saphira

M y mouth is bone dry, and my stomach is swirling as I look at my brothers. I tried to resort to humor, hoping by some miracle their anger would subside. I knew this day was coming, but I wanted to sit them down and calmly explain. Having them overhear was not the perfect scenario. I try to push into their thoughts, only to be met by a wall.

“It’s not a big deal,” I say, waving my hand. Maverick grabs it and holds it tight on his knee. I meet his eyes and he nods encouragingly. “I kill men who abuse women and kids. I had a hard time adjusting to the truths of my life. I was pissed. Why should men get away with what they do? Why didn’t someone step up to help those people? I decided to be that person. I know Bash does the same thing. I’ve seen Micah do it. Why couldn’t I? Because I’m a woman, or considered more delicate than a man.” I lean forward, my anger rising. “I’m a dragon. I’ve been practicing my skills for years. I knew I could make a difference, somehow right the wrongs against females. I have a kit of knives. I’m strong enough to overpower them and give them what they deserve. They shouldn’t be able to walk free after the horrible things they do. I give justice to the women they abuse. The kids they do despicable things to.”

I suck in air and continue, “Do you realize how small and insignificant I felt while I was pinned under that man? I couldn’t do anything to fight him off. He made me doubt all of my abilities. He made me fear my body and its needs. I lost our parents before I knew what it was like to have them. I lost you.” I stare at Laken, and his eyes water.

“Sis,” he whispers, leaning heavily on the back of the chair beside Bishop, his hands white.

“I understood,” I say, swallowing harshly. “The drive that pushed you to avenge our parents is similar to what drives me to rid the world of sick men. I still missed you. Bishop did what he could to make up for the loss, but then he was gone, too.” Bishop presses his clasped hands to his mouth.

“Fuck, Saph,” he says.

“I lost Maddy when I thought I would have her forever and it killed me. Micah was always there, but he was hurting, too. I had to be there for him and for both of you.”

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Bishop asks, dropping his hands. “I felt such guilt, but you refused to talk to me.”

“I felt like I had to shove it all down. I had to be happy. I didn’t feel safe to express my feelings, and I didn’t want to be a burden.”

“Shit, you could never be,” Bishop says. “Months ago, when we talked, you made it seem like you were fine. You didn’t want to talk about the Games or how it affected you. I should have made you feel safe.”

“We should have been the ones you could open up to,” Laken says. “We failed you when you needed us the most and it pains me. I was too wrapped up in killing and didn’t put my attention where it should have been: with you.”

“Thank you,” I say softly. “I wanted to bury the memories and act like nothing was wrong. I lied to myself and to both of you. I know you tried, but I needed more. I feel like I’ve been acting most of my life, hiding pieces of me behind a smile.”

“You shouldn’t have to,” Bishop says. “It’s our fault. We’ve been shit brothers and should have seen past the mask.”

“You look like her,” Laken says. “Our mom was beautiful and you look just like her. She would kick our ass for making you feel abandoned.”

“Would she?” I ask, smiling.

“Yes, she would be so disappointed,” Bishop says.

“I wish I would have known her,” I sigh.

“You do,” Laken says.

“What?” I ask.

“Every time you look in a mirror, you see her,” he answers.

“Your strength and stubbornness also,” Bishop adds.

“We loved her, and we love you,” Laken says. “We could make excuses, but we failed you.”

“My intention wasn’t to make you feel guilty,” I say.

“We know,” Bishop says. “I have always felt it. Being in the Games was traumatic, and I wished I would have been stronger.”

“Why didn’t you run?” I ask.

“What?” Bishop jerks.

“When they were taking me, you could have run.” He stares at me and I shift uncomfortably.

“There is no reason I would have. Leaving you wasn’t an option,” he growls. “You thought I would?”

“You may have suppressed your dragon, but you were still strong enough to leave while they were busy with me.” I look away at the anguish on his face. Deep down, I know he would never leave me and I regret the impulsive words.

“Sister,” he whispers. “The only way I would have left you is if they killed me. I fucking love you.” Suddenly my mind is filled with his feelings. He opened our connection and I am flooded with emotions he’s had locked away. I drop back, his pain from that time overwhelming me. Kingston turns to me, grabbing my arm.

“Stop,” he snarls at Bishop.

“He’s not hurting me,” I gasp.

“We’ve both been hiding,” Bishop whispers.

“Yes.” I blink as he cuts off the connection.

“I never want you to doubt my love and dedication.” Bishop rakes his hands through his hair. “I’ve made mistakes. All I want is an honest relationship with you from now on.”

“I can do that.” I scoot forward and slowly stand. Bishop grabs my hand and pulls me around the low table between us. He wraps his arms around my waist and presses his cheek to my stomach. I bend, circling his shoulders.

We stand in silence, letting all the hurt of the past heal.

“Saph,” Laken grumbles. I lift my head and see his stricken face.

“Brother.” I leave Bishop’s arms and step around the chair. Laken scoops me up, holding me close, a deep rumble coming from his chest.

“If I share my memories, it will give you nightmares,” he says. “Will it satisfy you if I give my promise to be a better brother? I regret many things, but at the top of the list is leaving you and Bishop.”

“Yes, I’ve had enough nightmares.” I tuck my head into his neck, my feet dangling around his ankles. “You are a good brother. You were so young, and you did what you thought was the right thing. I’m grateful that I was able to be in Maddy’s life.”

“I love you, sister,” he whispers.

“I love you, too,” I say. He gently sets me back on the ground.

“Do not think we have forgotten you have been lying to us,” Laken says, narrowing his eyes. “How do you find these men to kill?” I slip my hands in my back pockets and turn.

“Saphira,” Bishop says.

I stop beside Kingston. “I have contacts who give me their information.”

“A contact?” Laken asks.

“Who?” Bishop demands, and King cups the back of my thigh, giving me courage.

“Bash has contacts,” I remind them.

“We aren’t talking about Bash. Who?” Bishop repeats.

“I do good work,” I stress.

“Saphira, honesty, remember,” Laken reminds me like a jerk.

“Heath.” They stare at me for two minutes before they are up. “He’s a good guy.”

“Heath?” Laken asks dangerously.

“The unknown shifter, Heath,” Bishop says, pacing to the door and back.

“He’s a good guy,” I say.

“Good guy,” Laken scoffs.

“Who else?” Bishop asks.

“What?” I widen my eyes innocently.

“You said contacts,” he says.

“Plural,” Laken points out.

“Ummm…” I slide my hand across Kingston’s shoulder, leaning close. “I’m safe.”

“You can’t guarantee that,” Laken says, and Bishop nods.

“Heath hooked me up with someone he works with,” I say lightly. “Quinn has gone to him for information and they trust him.”

“A name,” Laken grits out.

“I haven’t had the chance to talk to him and get his permission to reveal his name.” I feel Kingston tense and see Maverick lean forward.

“I don’t give a fuck,” Bishop says.

“Baby, is it Shade?” Maverick asks.

“Yes,” I gasp. “How did you know?”

“Shit,” King growls.

“Asshole knew,” Maverick says.

“Clue us in,” Bishop says.

“Shade has been in our lives for years,” King says.

“What?” I sit heavily next to him, his hand sliding away.

“He sent us here,” Mav says, shaking his head. “He told us to be outside of the club. He wouldn’t say why. Our missions come from him. He’s known our mom for years. We didn’t know he works with Heath or Quinn.”

“Fucker, he knew more about everyone here than we did. We were following his direction.” He pulls out his phone. “He knew there were dragons here. He said he had a hunch Saphira was our mate.” He puts the phone to his ear and it rings and rings.

“Who is he? Is he a shifter?” Laken asks.

“Even though he shared more with us and Saphira, we can’t talk about his story,” Maverick says.

“You’ve been killing men, alone, with the information from two men who we don’t know what their animal is,” Laken says. “Is that right?”

“I’ve been safe,” I repeat weakly.

“Safe,” Bishop mumbles.

“I want to talk to Shade,” Laken says.

“He’s not answering,” King says, putting his phone down.

“What else?” Bishop asks.

“What do you mean?” I twist my hands together.

“What happened tonight?” Laken asks, crossing his arms.

“Someone I dated came into the club,” I reply.

“Kingston lit his hair on fire,” Maverick adds.

“He deserved it,” Kingston says.

Laken’s lips twitch. “I’m sure.”

“Ryker was annoyed,” I mention.

“Serves him right,” Bishop says. “He knew what you were doing.”

“He lectured me, though,” I defend. “He told me I should have backup.”

“He’s right.” Bishop is back to glaring.

“We don’t want you hurt ever again,” Laken says.

“You haven’t seen her power,” Kingston mutters.

“You have?” Laken asks.

Shit. “I promise to always take my mates. Or Roxanne,” I offer.

Bishop’s hands land on his hips, and he drops his head back. “Is there more?”

“Uh…” I look at Kingston and then Maverick. “Maybe you should sit down.”