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

to a spot near a very large tree in the center of a large clearing with a number of small huts around it, "there was a stocks where they whipped anyone who tried to escape." He didn't look at Nyle as he spoke. He was clearly trying to keep his own memories of failed escapes to himself.
    The area under the tree was empty. No evidence of Leon's pain remained in sight.
    "And over there, where that small house is on the corner, used to be some sort of boarding place for some higher ups in the village. The entire building's gone."
    "So maybe whatever poisoned the werewolves has left?" Nyle asked.
    "Maybe," Leon replied, distracted by a man walking out of one of the buildings. "That's the Alpha. He's the leader of the wolves. If anyone knows something, it would be him."
    "We should speak with him then?" Nyle asked.
    Leon shivered once before nodding. "I'll do it. You wait here in case we need to make a run for it."
    Nyle rested his hand on one of Leon's broad shoulders and squeezed gently. "I shall be right here."
    Leon nodded, paused to gather himself, and then strode confidently out into the open.
    "Reese!" Leon called. "I think we need to talk."
    The Alpha wolf Leon called Reese froze and turned to look at Leon. The man was tall and well muscled. His hair was chocolate brown, a purebred color, and he stood as only someone powerful and used to that power could stand.
    "Leon?" Reese said gently, astonishment coloring his voice. "You've returned?" His voice was soft but exuded authority. He probably never had to speak loudly as people would naturally quiet in his presence.
    "Why would you come back here after what we've done to you?" Reese continued. He had turned to look at Leon but did not approach or do anything to cause Leon alarm. Nyle saw Leon's shoulders unclench slightly at the gentle manner he had not been expecting from the leader of the wolves.
    "I need to know why, Reese," Leon replied. "Whatever made you do what you did to me has moved to the human city. The king declared war on the dragons."
    "I would like to say that such a thing would be impossible, but look at what happened to us," Reese said with a sigh. "Come, you will stay with me and we will talk."
    Leon seemed reassured, either because he smelled the truth of Reese's words or because of the changes to the village; he turned to look at Nyle and nodded.
    Nyle walked out of the woods to join his lover and Reese jumped in surprise.
    "Dragon!" Reese hissed, his first strong emotion tightening his human face so Nyle could almost see a muzzle and teeth as sharp as his own in the bone structure as the Alpha finally saw the threat to himself and his village. "You are not welcome here."
    Nyle held out his hands, knowing better than to use his magic in such a volatile situation. "Peace, wolf," he said. "I come not to conquer, but to learn. No harm shall come to you and yours so long as no harm comes to what is mine." He reached Leon and was gratified when his Pretty grabbed his hand and laced their fingers together.
    Reese's growling had brought a number of villagers into the square. They were quiet as they circled their Alpha and his guests, but the threat was clear.
    "Your word, dragon," Reese snarled. "Or you will not leave here in one piece."
    "My word," Leon jumped in. "Nyle won't hurt anyone or anything."
    Reese took in their clasped hands and the earnest look on Leon's face before letting out a long breath of air.
    "Got yourself put into a dragon's hoard, Pup?" Reese sighed. "Well, hoard law then. I don't touch your hoard, you don't touch mine."
    "Agreed," Nyle said.
    Reese nodded and turned from them and walked away. The circle of watching wolves parted to let their Alpha through and stayed parted so Leon and Nyle could follow.
    Reese's home was small and clearly only for a bachelor. When you lived forever and when your status in the pack was through strength rather than lineage, having a mate and children were optional. The building was one room with a ladder for