Finding the Wolf(The Dragon's Hoard #1) by Mell Eight Read Free Book Online Page A

with one dragon's breath at the behest of the greed of humans. The Eldest decreed that no dragon is to allow a human to ride on his or her back again, a rule that means that no dragon is to allow humans control over their actions."
    They reached the cliff and once Nyle was sure Leon had a strong grip, Nyle jumped. He glided until he reached a thermal and then, careful not to dislodge his passenger, pumped his wings until they were at height.
    Nyle let Leon ride in peace for a while, enjoying the gasps and happy sighs that first time flight always ensured. He knew their next conversation would not be nearly as fun, and he was right.
    When they were halfway between home and the Wilds Nyle broke the silence.
    "Tell me about the werewolves," he said gently. "I need to know what to look for when we get there."
    Leon was silent for a long moment, no doubt gathering himself so he could tell his story.
    "They're wild," Leon bit out. "But it's controlled. We didn't hear them coming, that night. Our sentries were dead and they were in our tents before we understood we were under attack. The bite was …" he paused, looking for words. "Painful," he finally said, in the softest of voices, as if speaking louder would bring the horror back to life. "They took me in my tent and when I woke I was as docile as any pup.
    "Their society is built on power. The weaker follow the more powerful. The powerful are supposed to protect the weaker and the weaker give their support in return. But I wasn't bitten for that purpose.
    "Powerless. That's what the bitten are. Protected until we either find power or find our place in the pack. But I was a slave, forced to do their bidding because I could not say no. They kept me in a cave at night. Bars blocked off the entrance and there were always two guards to watch me. Because I wasn't powerless after a few weeks. I fought back, tried to escape, and they put me in a cage. And then one night, the last night, one of the guards was sick. The lone wolf left to watch me fell asleep against the bars, something he did often. Only this time his partner was not there to stop me when I knocked him out, stole the keys, and ran away."
    "Something poisoned their society," Nyle murmured. "As bitten you should have been brought into the fold, but you were not. We need to find what forced that change."
    "I don't want to go back to that cave," Leon said wildly. "I understand what needs to be done for the kingdom and for the dragons, but I will not go back to what I was there. Chains and forced labor," he snarled.
    Nyle returned his snarl. "Never! You are mine. Free to do as you like as long as no dragon laws are broken; so not chained, but safe. I will tear their village apart, burn every wolf, to keep you with me."
    "And that," Leon murmured softly as he gently ran a hand down Nyle's back, "is why I am here, with you, and why I will always be with you. Forever is a long time for those of us who cannot die by natural causes, you know. But I think forever sounds nice with you."
    Nyle rumbled happily. "Forever," he agreed.
    They began their descent just before sunset. The vivid colors to their side made the tops of the trees of the Wilds glow with cheer. Nyle and Leon almost couldn't feel ominous about meeting with the wolves with that sort of welcome.
    "Land there," Leon called, pointing to a spot in the scrubland bordering the forest. "It's about a mile walk to the village from there and we can avoid sentries that way."
    Nyle did as instructed, warning Leon to hold on tight so the sudden absence of movement wouldn't send him flying, as Nyle slowed down as much as he could to make the landing gentle.
    Once Leon climbed down, Nyle shifted to human shape so he could follow Leon.
    They walked for a half hour, hiding occasionally to avoid any wolves Leon caught scent of, before they reached the outskirts of the village.
    "It's different," Leon breathed to Nyle as they looked out from their hiding spot. "Right there," he pointed