The Dragon of Croatia Read online

  "Stop. Get off me."

  "Keep struggling, bitch. I like a wildcat."

  His mouth came down hard on her. She wanted to throw up, except she was too scared. She bit his lip, wishing it were his tongue. With one hand still holding her wrists, he used the other and slapped her again. She stilled as she saw stars before her eyes.

  He reached for his knife on the ground near them and used it to slice open her blouse, cutting her bra off at the same time. Her heart pounded. This was getting out of hand. Where was Gavriel? Any minute she would have to kill this creep, and it would be hard to explain how she overcame this hardened Serb fighter.

  He grabbed her breast and squeezed, then leaned down to suck on one nipple. He wasn't gentle and she screamed. He brought the knife to her cheek, just below her eye.

  "Scream one more time and I'll gouge out your eye. Do you understand?” She tamped down her anger, but just. Tears streamed down her cheeks, even if there was hatred in her eyes.

  He tugged at her shorts and became frustrated when he couldn't get them off fast enough. He had to get off her to remove them. He held the knife on her still.

  "Take them off."

  Her eyes widened. He wanted her to take them off. “You've got to be kidding. I'm not going to help you rape me."

  "Bitch, if you don't take them off, I'll start cutting you, beginning with those titties.” He touched the tip of blade to her nipple.

  She swallowed a sob.

  "Take them off, now. Slow and smooth, so I can see everything you do. Make me happy and you still live."

  Like she would want to after he was done with her. She sucked in a heavy breath, searching for a way out of this.

  She unzipped the zipper of her shorts; his eyes glued to every movement she made. Her mind whirled.

  "I ... I need to stand.” It wasn't hard to put a quaver in her voice.

  He nodded. She slowly stood. Her hands peeled back the sides of her shorts and she very slowly eased them down over her hips, and then her thighs. She bent over to take one leg out. She heard his breath coming faster.

  When she got the second leg out, before she stood up, she whipped the shorts at his face and made a dive for the gun again, this time she clicked the safety and pulled the trigger frantically, hoping she was pointing it at him.

  Calie fired once, and rolled away before she stood up and pulled the hammer back to cock it and fire again, but stopped when she realized he wasn't coming after her. Her eyes darted around, thinking she really had gotten lucky and hit him. That wasn't the case. Instead, she stood, staring in amazement, to see Axel's body fly backwards. The crack as he landed was loud in the silence.

  Gavriel waited.

  Axel struggled to his feet, took a cautious step back, not taking his gaze off Gavriel. There was something terrible in those dark, merciless eyes. Calie watched Gavriel and felt she watched a stranger. There was not a shred of emotion or compassion.

  Axel grunted, “You have not won. She begged me to take her, wanted a real man."

  She cried out a warning, too late. In a blur, Axel darted a knife, directed not at Gavriel, but at her. Fiery light crackled from Gavriel, and intercepted the blade's progress. It dropped to the ground at her feet. Moving too slowly, she'd have been hit. Another flick of Gavriel's hand and electricity snapped and sizzled. Axel's body jerked. Gavriel advanced closer. Axel screamed, the sound cut short and as his head snapped back another jolt went through him. He used both hands and rained chards of fire upon Axel.

  Horror mirrored on his face as he breathed his last.

  Gavriel stood over the fallen remains of the Serb, fighting to control the dragon within himself. He heard Calie gasping for air.

  Gavriel turned and regarded her, standing in nothing but her silk panties. The gun hung down at her side. She shuddered. He saw her take several big gulps of air. He was breathing heavy also, and knew she was having problems with what just transpired. Anger still thrummed through him and some other emotion he didn't care to put a name to.

  "Calie, girl,” he walked slowly toward her, wondering how she would take his advance after the attack. “You teach me the meaning of fear. Something I have never felt before."

  She dropped the gun and sank to the ground. Tears coursed down her cheeks. He reached her and sat down bringing her into his lap. “Shhhhh. The worst is over. You did fine."

  She sobbed as she turned into his arms, her smooth thighs rubbing against his legs. Now was not the time for his body to react to her nakedness. Except that some things were beyond his control. He had almost lost control of the dragon when he finally caught up with her and realized Axel intended to rape her. Horror had filled his mind and the dragon roared for control and freedom, and he had come so close to letting it loose in his anger.

  "This is a vacation from hell.” She sobbed, her faced mashed against his chest. Her hands were driving him to distraction as they played across his back, seeking comfort.

  "I know, sweetie. I'm sorry."

  "Where were you?” She was now hiccupping between her sobs.

  "Trying to find you."

  "You took long enough.” She mumbled into his shoulder, seeming to get some control over her sobbing.

  "Yes. I did. Way too long for my piece of mind."

  "Mine too.” She turned her face up to him, raining kisses on his throat. Grateful, he devoured her lips. He tasted her, frantic to show her how worried he was, grateful she was his and alive.

  "Let's get you somewhere safe and find some clothes for you to wear."

  "That's what caused this attack in the first place."

  "What do you mean?"

  "It's that fascination with the word ‘safe'. It does crazy things like make me want to hit you. And you can stop frowning. It doesn't intimidate me. Maybe others, but not me."

  "You're an evil woman, Calie."

  She grinned at him. “And you're a rogue, Gav. Don't think I'm not aware that you're caressing my breast."

  It was his turn to grin. He leaned down and lapped at her nipple with his tongue. She groaned. “You need to stop. I want you in a bed. Not here."

  He frowned again. She laughed, but then sobered. “While you go with me to get some clothes, I'll tell you about my conversation with the Conte, concerning you."

  They arrived back at the Lighthouse Inn. She walked in wearing his shirt, which hung down over her thighs.

  "I need to discuss things with Petar. That will give you time to dress."

  "Gavriel, don't even think about dumping me here. Where are you going?"

  "Come back dressed, and we will discuss it."

  She walked into her room. She flipped on the light, and sighed, seeing the closed bathroom door, knowing who would be there. “You can come out now."

  Halsten sauntered out. “What happened to you? Out doing the dirty with stud muffin?"

  She gave him a withering look. “No, I almost got raped by that Serb fighter, Axel. No thanks to you for not taking him out of the picture before I could get a deal worked with the Conte."

  "Did you talk?"

  "With the Conte? Yes, he bought it all, so I'm now officially working both sides."

  He nodded. She retrieved clothes from the dresser, went into the bathroom and changed, hoping that was the end of the conversation.

  "What is the next plan?” He asked through the door.

  "I have to find out what Gav plans to do first."

  "Just keep me informed."

  "I always do."

  "No. You make me find it out on my own."

  She shrugged.

  Calie returned to the front room of the inn to find the only person in the place was Annah. He left her again. She wanted a gun.

  "Where did he go?"

  "Miss, he said to tell you to stay here. It will be safer, he said. I implore you, do not leave. The dragon, he is used to being listened to."

  "I listen. I just don't obey. So where did they go?"

  "I cannot say."

  "Can
't or won't?"

  Annah looked away, and Calie had her answer. “Fine. I'll find out on my own.” Her words set off an echo in her mind from hearing Halsten say the same thing moments earlier.

  "Miss? He wants you to stay here."

  Calie turned back.

  "Josip is to stay with you. The dragon's orders."

  She shrugged and walked back to her rooms. She heard Josip following behind, but didn't acknowledge him. At her door, she closed it without talking to him. She was angry and there was no sense in taking it out on the boy. Taking it out on a dragon was another thing, altogether, and she had a good idea where he was going. She looked forward to the confrontation.

  Fortunately for Halsten, he had already vacated her room.

  Chapter Seven

  Sneaking out from Josip was a piece of cake. She casually leaned out the door, thinking to speak to Josip but he was gone. He'd probably gone to relieve himself. Whatever the reason, she didn't wait. What she didn't count on was running into Annah. Somewhat hard to explain she was out for a little walk with her caving gear on her back. So she didn't try to bluff.

  "I'll be fine, Annah. Pretend you didn't see me and I'll be back before anyone knows I'm gone. Trust me."

  Annah looked behind her, as if she were afraid of being caught. She motioned Calie closer, and whispered, “The men have all gone out. Me, I know they think it is too dangerous for you tonight, miss."

  Calie waited, she felt like the woman wanted to say more.

  "Will you still go out?"

  "Where are they?"

  "Up on Vidova Gora. In the Drakonja Spilja. Cave of the Dragon."

  "Is tonight the night for the exchange?"

  "Miss, I ... you were not to know of this, but me, I knew you would be of some help. Can you protect our men? They are not bad, but they do it for the money. Josip, he is yet young, and likes the thrill, but do not let your government take them away."

  "Does Petar work for the Conte?"

  "No. No. Never him. The dragon. They smuggle to protect the dragon that comes to save our village every few years."

  "Wait. I'm not following you."

  "Oriste?"

  "I don't understand, about the dragon coming every few years. The dragon is Gavriel, right?"

  She nodded emphatically. “Gavriel, yes. The dragon is released by the touching of the tablet. He protects our village and is allowed to stay for ten days, and is then returned to his time."

  "His time? Where?"

  "That, I do not know. Me, I think he is returned to the tablet. It is the oldest known relic out village has, and the Conte, he desires it for his own. He cannot get it, Miss. It would be the end of our village and the dragon, also."

  "Who sets him free?” Evidently, she wasn't the only one.

  "It is always a woman. And she has the power to return him to the tablet."

  Her heart sank. So, he had loved all of these women. She was such a fool. He would return to his time when this was all over. She was a passing diversion for him, no doubt. Maybe she would look for the tablet again. And keep it for herself. Hah, serve him right if she was the one to summon him and then send him back, when he didn't want her anyway. She frowned. Did the tablet work that way? Like the genie and the lamp kind of thing.

  One way to find out.

  "The tablet is back in the dragon's cave?"

  The woman nodded, wringing her hands.

  Calie brought her hand to her mouth, pondering. “Tell me more. What will I need to fight this Conte and protect the tablet?"

  "It has been told, in legends, that the dragon can be contained with the ownership of the tablet. Only every few years does he come and help our village, being release by the energy of one that is his equal, and if she is strong enough to become his dragonswan. It can only be a female, that controls the release of the dragon, but the Conte does not believe this."

  Well, that was that, then. She had the best chance of retrieving the tablet and she would use every available option. For once, she would have the upper hand over Halsten on a job. She grinned.

  "Miss, I have something for you to take."

  She hurried back inside and returned with a dagger that she presented to Calie. This was found by my husband's ancestor many, many years ago, in the dragon's cave. Gavriel cannot use it, but his swan can. It is known as Aranith, meaning, helper to the dragon. Petar said to give it to you since you were the one that released the dragon, and chose to help us.

  Calie reached for the dagger. While it was short, less than twelve inches long, the handle was in the shape of a dragon's head, exactly like the dragon she had seen on the wall inside the cave. A crest in the middle of the shaft of the handle contained three circles, entwined.

  "Thanks Annah. I'm not sure that this will help against the men that have guns, but I appreciate your help."

  "Take it. The dragon will have need of your ability with it. Me, I feel this is true."

  Going caving by oneself was a stupid thing to do. Going up against local smugglers by oneself was even more so. She wanted that tablet.

  She had on the backpack that contained her lighted helmet and all the necessities for caving. The fact that it was nighttime made little difference as it was a full moon out and it lit the walking path to the dragon's cave.

  She was glad she hadn't run into Halsten, either. She should probably be concerned about where he was and what he as up to, but she gave up that past-time a long time ago as being too stressful on her nerves, and she no longer cared anyway.

  When she got close she walked more cautiously, listening, but didn't hear anything. Maybe she had made a mistake in thinking Gavriel would come here. But she didn't think so. Tonight was the night. Come to think of it, Halsten would know this ... he more than likely was already set up and thought to leave her out of the affair. She hated when he did that.

  A sound split the air. A shot, echoing off the rocks. She froze. Danger pulsed around her, and the shot was followed by short blast. Even though the shot wasn't close enough to hit her, she dropped to the ground, scrambled off the path and found a rock to crouch behind. She scooted forward and slowly peered out through the bushes, but nothing moved.

  From behind her, she recognized an owl hoot. She eased the dagger out of her backpack and held it at her side, ready, but wasn't surprised to see Halsten creeping toward her. She still held the knife. Her eyes continued to search the area while she waited for him to reach her.

  He got close and touched his mouth to her ear. “Did you know your stud is a dragon?"

  She glared at him, their faces inches apart. She felt like using her knife on him. “Don't you have anything more important to say to me, like, who is shooting, and if anyone is down? And I already know he's a dragon."

  The fact that she was whispering didn't detract from her forcefulness.

  "You said you'd never get involved with a dragon again, after we split."

  "I lied. Now quit drooling in my ear, and move in closer to see what is going on. Who's there?"

  "Your stud."

  Her head whipped around at him. “Move. Now. Cover me."

  He stopped her. “No, do it my way. It will blow your cover if anyone finds out what you're doing."

  She knew he was right. She nodded. Her heart hammered. She needed to see that Gavriel was okay. But, they had to be cautious. They crept closer to the mouth of the dragon cave, crouched to stay hidden by the brush. No one was seen, but low voices could be heard inside.

  Suddenly, an arm reached out and clamped her mouth. Halsten must have heard her grunt, because he stopped and turned. He stood and faced Gavriel, who held a rifle at his side.

  She opened her mouth to make an excuse, but Gavriel interrupted her. “Care to tell me what you are doing here, with your brother?” The word brother, he snarled out.

  She thought fast. “It's not what you think, Gav."

  "What is it I think?"

  She realized they were talking in normal voices. Evidently he wasn't conce
rned about being overheard. “I thought you might need some help, and I talked Halsten into helping me."

  He stared at her. She grimaced. She didn't think he bought that one. Her mind sought for something else to say but drew a blank. She suspected this was where her heart would begin to break.

  Gavriel motioned at Halsten, “What's your deal in all of this?"

  "She's my sister, man. I help her where I can.” Halsten shrugged.

  "It doesn't matter to you that she's in danger and could get killed?"

  "Hell. You try stopping her when she's got her mind set.” Halsten sent an evil grin her way. She stuck her tongue out at him, a truly brother and sister gesture.

  She held her breath, would he believe Halsten?

  "Fine. Move into the cave, then. We have the smugglers captured, including their cache. To find out where you really stand, let's go talk to the Conte."

  "Gav,” she pleaded, “you know he tried to get me to see his side, I told you that. It's what he'll say."

  "Then you will have nothing to worry about, will you, girl?"

  Her heart definitely was breaking. She nodded and turned toward the cave entrance.

  The cave was quiet. Too quiet. She glanced at Gavriel. His head jerked, listening as his eyes darted around. “Stay here,” he whispered to her.

  "Let me help,” she whispered back.

  Gavriel stripped off a glove and held it out to her. She reached up slowly and took it, puzzled as to what he was doing.

  "You will stay. These hands can shoot fire, or they can bring mindless pleasure. Neither of which do you want me to use on your brother."

  She looked at the glove then back at him. “Would you?” Her heart dropped to her feet. She stepped closer to him.

  He ignored her and motioned Halsten to go forward. “I'll cover you, but if you think to betray me. You die."

  "Gav,” she whispered. He looked back at her. “Halsten is a dragon also. Your fire he would feel, but your pleasure would not be noticed."

  He snapped his head back around to Halsten, and saw him standing there grinning.

  "What is your ability?"