Royal Dragon (The Bride Hunt Book 1) by Charlene Hartnady Read Free Book Online Page A

wrapped up in a soft blanket, Julie soon fell asleep. Her dreams were of fire breathing creatures, of sharp claws and terror.
    Their early morning was much of the same, at least, up until the dark haired woman came back. She was carrying a whole lot of dresses.
    “We have been tasked with getting you females ready.” She said, hanging the dresses over the backs of one of the chairs.
    “Each of you need to take turns bathing and dressing.”
    “Why?” Lisa held her head high. “For the last time,” she all but growled. “Where the hell am I? What is going on? I will sue you if you—”
    The redhead slapped Lisa with such a speed that it only registered what had happened after the fact. Her head was flung to the side and her cheek was already turning a light shade of red. She staggered backwards, her hand nursed her face.
    “I don’t have the time or patience for back talk,” the redhead said. Her eyes were wide and blazing. “You all want to know what your future holds? Get washed up and dressed and I will tell you.”
    “You can’t do this,” Julie said. “This is illegal. It’s kidnapping.”
    The woman laughed. As in, she threw her head back and all out laughed. “You are no longer on human territory. Your rules and regulations do not apply here. We are not governed by your ways.”
    “Who are you?” Julie asked. She knew she was risking this woman’s wrath but she didn’t give a damn. “What are you?” She had a good idea what the answer was to that.
    “All in due time. Who wants to go first?” Before anyone could answer, she gestured to the tall dark woman. “Ash, take the insolent one.” She pointed at Lisa.
    The tall woman did as the redhead said and gripped the much smaller, seemingly weaker Lisa and dragged her to the bathroom.
    The normally feisty heiress didn’t say a word.
    Each of them went in one by one. The tall woman, Ash, watched them while they washed and dressed.
    The hot water felt good on her skin. For just a second Julie was tempted to close her eyes and enjoy the sensations. Once she was done, she toweled off and was handed a cotton dress. Just a dress.
    “Um… I need underwear.”
    Ash frowned. “No. Put that on.”
    “What do you mean by no? I need a bra and panties. The basics.”
    The tall woman shook her head. “We do not wear such items. Put it on.” She thrust the overly large garment into her hands.
    “Fine.” Julie bent down and picked up her already worn underwear. She’d just have to put on her panties inside out.
    “No,” the woman growled. “Only the dress.”
    Julie narrowed her eyes at the woman. “I don’t think so.”
    “Why do you females give so much trouble? Put on the dress, we are running out of time. I can’t believe it takes so long to get ready.”
    Flip! Julie didn’t like this. Not one bit. She never went braless. Never. Her boobs were on the bigger side. Big enough to be an irritation when trying to move quickly. There would be no running or jogging for her.
    She put on the dress. It was far too big.
    Jo went last. By the way they all had their hands folded over their chests, Julie would say that the braless situation was an issue across the board. They had also been refused shoes. Dragons didn’t wear them.
    “It’s nearly time,” the redhead announced.
    “Time for what?” Julie asked.
    “Time for the hunt.” The redhead smiled. It was cold and calculated. She really was a bully.
    “Don’t toy with them, Scarlet,” Ash said.
    “They wanted to know why they are here, who we are and what their fate is, well, I’m going to to tell them.”
    “Blaze said that we are to reassure the females.” The dark haired woman’s brows were raised.
    “We were also to enlighten them.” Scarlet looked smug before turning back to the group. “We are dragon shifters.”
    “I knew it.” Candy muttered under her breath.
    Pauline whimpered. She hugged herself tighter. She was the smallest of the women. A tiny little thing with fine