Midlife Magic Dragon (Midlife Shifters Book 7) Page 6

  The idea of going back to the clan didn’t sit well with him. After they’d kicked him out, replaced him as their alpha, he’d sworn he was done with the Blackshrouds. But while he didn’t know what was going on with the ferals or Maddie, he knew that getting answers was bigger than his own grudges.

  And as he drove, he noticed that his rage was still quiet, still dormant. Something about Maddie calmed him, put the dark side of him in hiding.

  It was all so strange. He wanted answers.

  “All right,” said Maddie. “You said you were going to explain.”

  He tensed up, his hands gripping the steering wheel hard enough for the rubber to groan.

  “You’re still on a need-to-know basis. And all you need to know is that I used to be the alpha of the Blackshroud clan. And now I’m not. Simple as that.”

  “No, it’s not ‘simple as that.’ What the hell is an alpha, for starters?”

  “An alpha is the head of a clan—the top dog of the pack. Shifter clans of all species all have strict hierarchies. You got the alpha at the top, and he might have his sub-alpha—other powerful members of the pack who form the alpha’s close guard. Then you’ve got betas, who form the core of the clan. Under that, you’ve got gammas—the foot soldiers.”

  She nodded, taking it all in.

  “And the alpha calls all the shots.”

  “That’s right.”

  “Which means the rest of the clan or whatever didn’t care for the decisions you made.”

  “What? What the hell are you talking about?”

  “Why else would they kick you out of your own clan? You must’ve made some bad calls, right?”

  Scorn grit his teeth, clenching his jaw hard.

  “You’re out of your depth here, Maddie.”

  “I think I’m perfectly within my rights to ask something like this. After all, you’re protecting me, right? I need to know who you are.”

  Scorn kept on driving, trying to figure out how to word what he had in mind.

  “It’s a long story, but yeah, some of the other alphas didn’t agree with how I was running things. But it’s a hell of a lot more complicated than that.”

  Maddie nodded, as if she’d gotten the answer she wanted to hear.

  “Then I’ll have to keep a close eye on you. I’m high up in my company, so I know a thing or two about running an organization.”

  “What? You kidding?”

  “Not at all.”

  “What kind of organization you run?”

  “I’m the head of new acquisitions at a, um, fantasy novel company.”

  Scorn gave her a cock-eyed look as if he weren’t sure he’d heard her correctly.

  Then, when he realized she was being serious, he let out a raucous laugh.

  “You kidding me?” he asked.

  She narrowed her eyes. “You think this is funny?”

  “I mean, sure. Maddie, this shit’s life-and-death out here. I don’t know how you’re thinking a job where you publish books about wizards or whatever is even close.”

  “I’m not saying it’s close. I’m just saying that I know what it’s like to be in charge.”

  “Well, when your boss gains the ability to turn into a dragon, you let me know. Then we might have something to talk about.”

  She gave him a narrow-eyed look. “Fucking jerk. I can’t believe I slept with you.”

  The mention of what they’d done together made Scorn’s cock shift in his jeans.

  “Don’t act like you’re not glad we did that. Some of the best sex in my life, if you ask me.”

  “That’s not the point.”

  “Then you’re admitting it some of the best sex in your life, huh?”

  “I said, that’s not the point.”

  “Pretty damn good point, if you ask me.”

  “What is the point is that we barely know each other. I had a...moment of weakness. And I shouldn’t have done it.”

  He laughed. “The noises you made while I was on top of you sure didn’t make it sound like it.”

  Her face turned red—an unusual look for a woman as brassy as her.

  “Let’s just drive,” she said. “Get this over with.”

  Scorn chuckled, turning his attention to the road. He flipped on the radio, “Sympathy for the Devil” playing on the classic rock station. He grinned—a tune he was in the mood for.

  Before too long, the outskirts of New Haven appeared among the woods, the outer logging encampments. He drove past the main logging facility, the smell of pine thick in the air, trucks loading up processed planks and boards to take to Seattle and beyond.

  The town was comprised of nothing but dragons—a couple hundred in total. Large, well-built cabins dotted the landscape, and soon Scorn and Maddie arrived in the downtown area, which was made up of the kept-up remnants of when New Haven was a 19th-century western outpost.

  The town was modernized, of course, all the buildings solar powered, most of the dragons using their earnings from the logging company to deck out their cabins in the latest luxuries from Seattle. The dragons who were downtown all dressed in the usual style of flannels and jeans and heavy work boots.

  And when they realized it was Scorn at the wheel of the truck, they all stopped and stared.

  “Looks like they miss you,” said Maddie.

  “Something like that.”

  “What’s the plan?”

  “We meet with the new alpha, tell him about the ferals, see if he knows anything.”

  “And then we tell him about me, right? About my power?”

  “No.” Scorn said the word sharply, sharp enough that Maddie took notice.

  “No? Aren’t these your people?”

  “Only technically. Once they kicked me out of the clan, took my alpha position, they made it clear I was no longer one of them.”

  “Then why are we here if you don’t want to work with them?”

  “We’re here to get information, find out what we can.”

  “So, you don’t care if the clan lives or dies?”

  Maddie had a way of asking hard questions, ones he didn’t want to answer. Instead of saying a word, he parked the car in front of the city hall—the building the Blackshrouds used as their meeting place.

  “Now,” said Scorn as they hopped out of the truck. “Leave all the talking to me.”

  “I don’t get to say a word despite my future being at stake?”

  “That’s right—you’re out of your element, Maddie. And I know you’re used to being in charge, but this is a world you’ve only got the slightest idea of. Shifter societies aren’t like human ones—they’re brutal, violent. And men like Red, they don’t exactly appreciate women with opinions.”

  “Red?”

  “That’s the name of the alpha. Mean fucker, more like a warlord than anything else.”

  “If he’s so bad, how did he get to be in charge?”

  Scorn knew the answer—because Scorn had lost his edge, and Red had been there to take advantage and move in. Just the thought of what happened was enough to make him grit his teeth and clench his fists.

  “Need-to-know basis, Maddie. Don’t worry about it.”

  The look on her face made it clear this wasn’t an acceptable answer for her. But they approached city hall, and Maddie seemed to realize the time had passed for questions. A pair of guards were at both sides of the double doors, their eyes latching onto Scorn as he approached.

  “Red’s always been paranoid as shit, huh?” he asked.

  “Scorn,” said one of them. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

  “Got important shit to talk about with Red. Go ahead and let me through.”

  The one on the right smirked. “You’re not the alpha anymore, remember? You don’t get to call the shots.”

  “When it comes to info like I’ve got, I do. Now, let me through.”

  “You want to see the boss, you wait for us to clear it like everyone else.”

  “Aw, come the fuck on,
boys.”

  Without another word, the guard on the left took out his cell phone and placed a call, telling whoever was on the other line that Scorn and a woman were there.

  “Who the fuck is she?” asked one of them.

  “No one—a human. She’s from Seattle, got lost during her hiking trip, got attacked by some ferals.”

  “Then what’s she doing here?”

  “This asshole doesn’t trust me enough to stay at his place by myself.”

  Maddie talking about Scorn like that got a grin out of the men.

  “Wait, did you say ferals?” asked one of them.

  “That’s what I said, and it’s why I need to talk to Red. Now, are you assholes going to let me through or what?”

  One of the guards checked his phone and nodded.

  “All clear. Go ahead.”

  They opened the doors, and Scorn and Maddie stepped inside. City hall was empty, none of the bustle of activity that was present when Scorn was the alpha. Scorn had been in charge, but he’d made sure to have a tight group of advisors and alphas under him—his loyal circle. None of them were present, and he wondered where they were.

  “This way,” said Scorn. “Bet he’s in the meeting room.”

  Maddie nodded, looking around as they walked. They reached another set of double doors at the far end, that opened up to a massive meeting room.

  A tall, red-haired man was seated in a large, ornate chair, a group of women lounging on the floor around him. The man, handsome, his eyes as red as his fiery hair, was powerfully built, dressed in a sleeveless shirt, his arms covered in tattoos. A small group of other dragons was in the room with him, all giving him reports on one thing or another while he sat in the chair, appearing bored with it all.

  It was Red Storm—the alpha who’d usurped Scorn, who’d taken the clan from him.

  But when he caught sight of Scorn, his eyes flickered to life. He sat up in his chair and spoke in a booming voice.

  “What the fuck is he doing here!”

  Scorn smirked, the eyes of everyone in the room on him.

  “Guards let me in—figured you knew I was coming.”

  “Thought it was some kind of joke. No fucking way would I have let you in here if I actually thought it was you.”

  He glanced at Maddie, raising his bottle of booze.

  “And who the fuck is she?”

  Standing at Red’s side was an impossibly tall, broad-shouldered man dressed in designer jeans, a white T-shirt, and a leather jacket. His hair was jet-black and slicked-back, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were a deep, inhuman blue.

  Cutter—Red’s top alpha, and his muscle.

  Cutter didn’t say a word, the hard expression on his face letting Scorn know he waited like a knife in a holster, ready to be wielded.

  “You want me to take ‘em out, boss?” asked Cutter.

  Red raised his palm. “No. I want to know what the fuck this ex-alpha is doing here.”

  “I come in peace, as they say,” said Scorn. “Got some important fucking news.”

  Red’s eyes went to Maddie again, and Scorn could tell she was where his interest lie.

  “What’s her deal—and why the hell does she smell like that?”

  “Smell like that?” asked Maddie, anger in her voice. “Who the fuck—”

  Scorn grabbed her upper arm, silencing her.

  “Some human who got caught up in shifter business,” he said. “She’s under my watch. Trust me—I’m doing you a favor.”

  The women around Red gave Maddie a once-over, as if sizing her up for competition. Then they turned their eyes back to red.

  “You know what happens to humans who find out too much,” said Red. “Ought to take her out back and let some of the boys make sure she doesn’t say a peep, if you know what I mean.”

  Scorn knew—death. But he wasn’t about to let that happen.

  “I’ll make sure she doesn’t talk. But I’m here for more important shit than her.”

  “Speak,” said Red. But then a crafty smile formed on his face. “But first, l want to make sure you know your place.”

  “What?” snarled Scorn. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “I want you to show me that you know where the fuck you are on the totem pole.”

  Scorn realized what he was getting at. And he could feel the rage returning.

  “I want you to get on your knee in front of me and to address me as your superior.”

  “Are you fucking kidding, Red? I got major info to tell you about, and you’re fixated on stupid fucking power games?”

  “It’s not power games. The clans are nothing without order. So, we need to get that shit established before we move onto anything else.”

  “What the fuck are you talking about?” Scorn was losing his cool, the rage returning.

  Maddie regarded him with a worried expression.

  “Come here,” said Red. “Get down on one knee, bow your head, and address me as the alpha of the Blackshroud clan. And maybe even pledge your loyalty to me, if you want to really get on my good side.”

  How about you fucking kill him instead? The rage was back, offering its opinion on the matter.

  “Red,” said Scorn, trying to keep his voice calm. “There are ferals stalking the woods. If they get out of control, they’re going to start attacking humans, and—”

  Red raised his palm. “That can wait. First, I want what I asked for. Now, are you going to give it to me?”

  Scorn clenched his hands into fists, and Red smiled.

  Give it to him. Go ahead—what the fuck are you scared of?

  Scorn felt less in control of the rage than he’d been in a long, long time.

  But he stepped toward Red, his eyes locked on his.

  “Now, stop,” said Red. “And kneel.”

  Scorn, his blood boiling like magma in his veins, did it.

  Perfect. Let him think he’s in control. But show him he has never been.

  “Tell me how loyal you are. Tell me where I stand.”

  Scorn closed his eyes and spoke.

  “You...you’re nothing! And you always have been!”

  Without another word, Scorn exploded from his kneeling position, flying toward Red and grabbing him by the throat. The women screamed in shock, the males rushing to their alpha’s aid.

  Kill him. Kill him now and take back what’s yours!

  But before he could do anything else, a powerful hand clamped down on his shoulder. With a quick pull, Cutter yanked Scorn off Red and threw him back across the room, Scorn landing with a crash into a table on the far side.

  Maddie ran over, dropping to her knees and looking Scorn over with worried eyes.

  “Same bullshit as ever!” called out Red. “Fucking psycho! Get his ass out of here!”

  Maddie helped Scorn to his feet, the rage still boiling inside of him.

  It’s not too late. Kill Red and then pick them off one-by-one. Easy as fucking pie.

  “We need to go, now,” said Maddie.

  She placed her hands on Scorn’s shoulders. And the moment her skin touched his, calm washed over him. He closed his eyes and found the strength to push the rage back.

  “Yeah, we need to go.”

  “This is my clan now!” called Red. “You’re lucky as hell I don’t kill you and take that sweet little piece of ass all for myself!”

  “Fuck you!” shouted Maddie.

  Scorn had some choice words too. But he kept them to himself, not wanting to make things worse, to risk their lives more than he already had.

  They were soon back outside, the guards making it clear Scorn wasn’t welcome.

  “So much for that fucking plan,” grumbled Scorn.

  “Now what?” asked Maddie.

  Scorn didn’t have an answer. They were soon back in Scorn’s truck.

  But before he could even start the engine, a figure rose from the back.

  “Scorn!” he hissed. “We need to talk!”

/>   CHAPTER 7

  MADDIE

  She opened her mouth to scream, but Scorn’s hand clamped down on her before she had a chance to let out a fraction of a breath.

  “Easy!” Scorn said. “He’s a friend!”

  Once it dawned on her that there was nothing to be afraid of, Maddie grabbed Scorn’s big, rough hand and yanked it from her face.

  “Don’t cover my mouth like that,” she said, her heart still racing.

  Then she turned her eyes to the man in the backseat. He was built solid, his head shaved and his jaw square, reminding Maddie of a football player. His arms were thick, his pecs square through the fabric of his flannel.

  “Then don’t scream like that,” said Scorn. “He’s on our side.”

  “How the hell was I supposed to know?” asked Maddie. She turned her attention to the man in the back. “What on Earth are you doing, sneaking up on people like that?”

  “Sorry,” he said, his voice deep. “No other way to meet with you.”

  Scorn looked around, making sure no one had witnessed what had happened.

  “We need to move,” said Scorn. “Now.”

  “Red Cup Diner,” said the man. “Let’s move.”

  Scorn nodded, turning over the engine and pulling out of the spot, driving out of town as quickly as he could without attracting attention.

  “Who are you?” asked Maddie. “And why the hell are you sneaking into people’s cars like that? You’re lucky he didn’t kill you.”

  The man only grinned. “Scorn wouldn’t do a thing like that to his old bud.”

  “Maybe if you really pissed me off,” said Scorn. He glanced over at Maddie, then nodded toward the man in the back. “This is Cam Thorne—one of my old alphas back when I was in charge.”

  Relief settled over Maddie as she realized that the man wasn’t anyone to fear. At least, as far as she could tell.

  “I needed to talk to you,” said Cam. “When I saw you arrived, I was fucking sure Red wouldn’t let you leave New Haven without a fight.”

  A huge truck passed them on the other side of the road, “New Haven Logging” on the side, stacks of wood in the back.

  “He had other shit in mind—stupid power play crap.”

  Cam nodded as if getting it. “Good to see you, Scorn.”