Defiant Dragon by Kassanna Read Free Book Online Page B

several tribes. It will only be a matter of time before I find her. I am in negotiations with a few eastern clans who wish to establish trade agreements in shifter heavy communities on our side of the world. Once we are in a position to cut ties with you, my people will flourish and the alliance Tucker formed with Manx will no longer matter. As for my sire, he will never see me coming.” Assan smirked. “It won’t be a problem, anyway, since I plan to drop the old man in the deepest trench and swim away.”
    Drago tilted his head. Curiosity filled him. “You’re willing to let Harper and River die? You don’t know what I have planned for them?”
    “Collateral damage. What is the death of a few to ensure my ascension to the trident and the freedom of the merpeople from the laws of dragons?” Assan scoffed, “River is not my mate. What does it matter to me what you do to her? Her father is a blowhard that would give me problems once I take control. Working together is beneficial for us both at the moment, like killing two fish with one strike.”
    “Interesting.” Drago clapped and a side door opened. A sentry hustled Harper out. “Did you hear that Harper? Your own people don’t care about your demise.”
    Harper’s dark skin was tinged with an undertone of red. He huffed in short puffs. Beads of sweat dotted his temple as he thrashed against his shackles. A sentinel gripped his head by the salt-and-pepper dreadlocks to still him. Drago stared into Harper’s eyes and noted how feral he appeared. If he issued the order to release the old man, Assan wouldn’t stand a chance. The younger mer’s attitude rankled.
    “I wonder, Assan, what would happen if I had my guard unlock Harper’s handcuffs.” Drago cleared his throat. “My men could use some entertainment. Watching you fish fight would make their day, I think.”
    Assan slowly turned his head to stare at Harper. “Drago, I thought I made myself clear. You want River and I have the means to have her delivered to you tied in a pretty bow. You need me . To proceed down any other avenue will only ensure your own death. I know you’ve heard the whispers. Soon there will be a new Dragonrex.” Assan crossed his arms. “I don’t think you’d survive a malice duel with a Kavinkovy. Last time I saw him, Kirill looked extremely motivated to kill you, and to date nothing you’ve done to stop the assassin and his crew has worked. River can be extremely enticing. All she has to do is open her mouth and speak. At your direction, she may be able to insinuate herself between the couple. That is, after you’ve sampled her attributes…”
    Drago looked at his guard and nodded.
    The sentinel jerked Harper back. His chains rattled as he thrust forward and yelled. “I will have your head, Assan! If anything happens to my little girl, I will open you up and piss on your intestines, you little shit. Drago, don’t think I’ve forgotten you either!” His words were cut off as he was dragged over the exit’s threshold and the door slammed shut behind him.
    “I want her here within seventy-two hours or our pact will be null and void.” Drago flicked his hand in dismissal.
    Without another word, Assan rose, turned on his heel and stalked out the room.
    “Get me Ratchet.” Drago spoke to the area at large. “Tell him I have a job for him and I want him here tomorrow.” He couldn’t allow that arrogant pissant Assan to continue to think he had him by the short hairs. No, when the young merman arrived with his prize, he wouldn’t escape alive. It was all just a matter of planning and Ratchet was his equalizer. So much better than getting his own hands dirty.
    Ratchet was the one thing Nicolette had done right. He had at his disposal a beast that was loyal only to him. It was time to unleash one of his deadlier weapons.

Chapter Six
     
    Jax ignored the ache that riddled his arm and side. If he didn’t act soon, his body would be completely covered in the dark