Seed of the Dragon: A Paranormal Dragon Shifter Romance (6 page)

“That’s all?” I asked.

“Yeah,” Michael said. “Can we play now?”

I looked towards the door, then back to Michael. We couldn’t stay here; it was dangerous. It’d be best if we went to my Auntie’s place for a little bit while I filed a police report. Those poor women Justin had taken advantage of… it was   so horrible.

“Not right now, love. We need to go.” I said.

“Why?” Michael asked.

“The bad man might come back so we need to go to Great Auntie’s place,” I explained hoping that Michael would understand.

“We gotta go then!” Michael exclaimed, his eyes wide.

I smiled at him. He was such a smart boy.

“Let’s go pack some of our stuff and then go, okay?”

“Okay!”

***

“Thanks for letting us stay Auntie,” I said.

“No worries my darling, anything for my favorite niece,” Auntie said.

“Don’t say that, people will get jealous,” I joked.

We both laughed. Auntie was preparing some tea while Michael was in the other room playing with the toys we had brought along with us.

“Sugar or milk?” Auntie asked.

“Neither, thank you,” I said.

I grabbed the teddy bear mug from Auntie and blew onto the tea, attempting to cool it a little. I placed it on the coaster on the dining room table and turned to my Aunt.

“You don’t have to explain if you don’t want to,” Auntie said.

I smiled at her. “Thank you, but I do need your advice on this,” I said.

“What is it?” Auntie asked.

“It’s my new agent, Justin,” I explained. “He’s taking advantage of his models.”

“Oh my, that’s terrible,” Auntie gasped.

“I’m wondering if I need evidence before going to the police,” I said.

“You might…” Auntie said.

“I don’t have any, but I can’t go back to work now, not after what happened today.”

Auntie looked at me with sympathy. “I’m glad you’re so worried for the other girls,” Auntie said.

“I’m glad I realized what was going on before it was too late,” I admitted. “There was something wrong with Justin. He just gave me the heebie-jeebies.”

“Listen to your gut, darling, it’s almost always right.”

“I wish I had listened from the beginning.”

“You didn’t know.”

“I wish I had. Then I could have put a recording app on my phone or something in order to prove to the police what had happened.”

“We can only do so much. I still think you should take this to the police, even if you don’t have evidence.”

“I might take it up with the Agency’s top dog too… I just hope she’s not in on it,” I said.

“Do both,” Auntie said.

“I will,” I sighed. “Thank you so much for letting us stay here, Auntie.”

“Anything you need, just ask. I want you to stay safe, Rachel,” Auntie said with a smile.

I smiled back at her. I was so lucky to have a family member who was so supportive. I could hear Michael in the other room trying to make train sound effects and it made me laugh. I could definitely do this. I could make it through.

I didn’t go home for the next couple of months. Instead, I focused on getting a part time job and helping Auntie out around the house. I spent quite a bit of time with Michael and I never told anyone what had happened with Justin. I was afraid that if something got out, people would take Michael from me. After all, I was a single mother who could hardly take care of herself.

***

Have you met any nice boys lately?” Auntie asked.

“Not really…” I lied.

“I can tell you’re lying, you know,” Auntie scolded.

I laughed. “I met a guy at a party,” I admitted.

“And when was that?” she asked.

“Five years ago,” I answered.

Auntie put down the knife that she was chopping vegetables with. “Michael’s father?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“Does he know yet?” Auntie wondered.

“No, I was never able to find him,” I said.

Silence overcame us in the kitchen as the potatoes started to boil.

“I’m sorry, Rachel,” Auntie said.

“What for?” I asked.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

I smiled at her. “I wasn’t alone in it, you were there for me,” I said.

Auntie laughed. “I’m no handsome man, though!” she exclaimed. She continued to chop the vegetables and readied the pan. “I want you to be happy, Rachel,” Auntie said, “no matter what.”

“Thanks,” I said with gratitude.

We continued to cook in silence. I was happy with where I was, even without Shawn. I was somewhere where someone cared for me and wanted me to have the best in life. Without Auntie, I would have no idea what I’d do with myself. I’d probably make some terrible decisions and have no money at all. Now I was working at a clothing store part time to make some pocket money while Auntie covered the food and housing bill.

Auntie wasn’t married. Well, she was, but then her husband passed away. She had always wanted kids but after the second miscarriage she gave up. She applied to adopt but they wouldn’t allow it with the little amount of money she was making (even though she had a lot saved up just for the kid’s education). I don’t know how she remained so positive through her life but somehow she did, and I really wanted to live my life like Auntie would. I wanted to chase my dreams and take whatever life throws at me. I wanted to go out swinging.

CHAPTER FIVE

   
“Shawn”

“There’s been sightings suggesting there’s another dragon shifter,” said Missy.

“Another dragon shifter?” I questioned, “There’s absolutely no way.”

“You know those storms when you get angry?” Missy asked.

“Yeah,” I answered.

“Well, a similar one was sighted in London last week. It was only just over a 20 meter distance and lasted for approximately 5 minutes,” Missy said.

“Another dragon shifter…” I mused. “I seriously doubt it.”

“It’s worth checking out, Shawn,” Missy said.

“That’s true…” I muttered, “When I have time I’ll check out the area. Can you send me the exact coordinates?”

“Sure thing,” Missy said with a smile.

I looked at my phone as It beeped with the information I asked for. “Perfect. I’ll check it out later,” I said.

“Or now would be good,” Missy suggested.

“Not now, I have a mission to complete in Canada,” I said.

“Ah, shoot!” Missy exclaimed, “I forgot about that. Let me send you the coordinates for that too.”

“That would be useful,” I joked.

“Ha ha, very funny,” muttered Missy.

I smiled at her. She was like a younger sister to me. I cared for her, and above all else wanted her to be happy. I knew her job here as a secretary wasn’t making her happy, which is why I was pushing her into starting her assassin training again. Plus, it would be a load off my mind if I didn’t have to worry about her physical well-being if she’s able to kill people for a living.

***

For most of my missions I’m given very little information as a security precaution. It’d be bad if I knew too much and could possibly defect to another faction of shifters that work for another government. The FBI keeps their eyes on us at all times to make sure there’s no “funny business” as they like to call it.

Today was a simple in and out job. I was to kill the mayor of a small city. Why? I did not know and it wasn’t my place to ask. I flew over the ocean in order to get out of the States and into Canada. I then flew over the town above the clouds and found the given coordinates of the target’s house. There I skydived down to the roof of the house and transformed at the very last second, landing without a single sound.

The night was cold, especially since I was naked, but I’d have to do my best to grin and bear it until I could fly back. I went into the man’s house through a second floor window that I unlatched with my claws. I crawled into the warmth of the house and shut the window quietly behind me.

Silence met my ears like a hard crash. It was almost too quiet; there wasn’t even the sound of a ticking clock. I made my way out into the hallway of the house. The lights were off but by shifting just my eyes, I could see perfectly fine. My claws were at the ready in case of any surprises since this seemed just too perfect.

I quietly moved towards another room, hoping it was the bedroom. The mayor should be sleeping soundly with her husband if this were a normal job, but when I opened the door all I found was an empty queen sized bed.

A shiver ran up my spine. Something was wrong and completely out of place, and it wasn’t just the fact that my target wasn’t to be found, but that everything in the house seemed untouched… as if it was just for show. I smelled the air, there were no human smells, only shifters. This was a trap. By whom or what, I did not know, but I got the feeling that I should leave immediately.

“Fancy seeing you here,” a familiar voice cooed.

I turned around and saw
her
, the phoenix shifter. We had only met once at a shifter peace treaty signing but it was hard to forget the sight of a mythical shifter’s face. She had straight auburn hair to her shoulders and dark brown eyes. She was well trained, as I could tell from her stance. She was fit and built, muscles coiling underneath her skin ready to soar like a bird.

“You’re Robyn,” I said.

“I’m glad you remember me,” Robyn answered with a smile.

“Where’s the mayor?” I asked.

Robyn laughed. “What mayor?” Robyn said, “there is no mayor.”

“What?” I asked in confusion.

“Did it never occur to you that a shifter might be born with the ability to shift
into other humans
?” Robyn said. “My, you are stupid and unimaginative.”

I stood there in awe as she shifted in front of me into my target, an elderly woman with kind eyes and a sharp nose. I had never seen such shifting before; it was weird… and disgusting. It didn’t seem right, especially in this situation.

“You look surprised,” Robyn noted in an elderly voice.

She began to shift back. “I’ve always wanted to show someone,” she admitted.

My mind raced. What was my mission then? Was it to kill her? It must be, but why the secrecy, it would have been better had I been prepared for this.

“I’m sorry but I have to kill you,” I said.

It would be a waste to kill a mythical but if I was told to do it, I had to. Robyn began to laugh full-heartedly, she grasped at her stomach as if she was unable to stop. “That’s funny,” she said, “because they told me to kill
you.
”

Robyn shifted, much faster than I, and I felt her feathers scorch my skin. A bird of fire filled the room and brought heat to everything around it. When I finally did shift, I broke through the house, flying out of the roof. There was no way this was going to be stealthy at all.

Robyn chased after me but unlike her, I had built my speed in my dragon form so I was able to outfly her. I saw her fiery figure in the distance as I began to fly over the ocean. I needed to retreat and if I went back over land, Robyn would find me, but maybe if I crossed the ocean I would lose her.

I took that chance and began to fly over the large body of water. I might as well check that dragon sighting in London, if I was going to have to make the trip anyway.  It was probably only a small storm that a shifter mistook for a dragon’s power. It’s happened before.

Robyn followed me about three miles out before turning around. I needed to take this up with the boss as soon as I returned.  I could’ve died if I was trained less properly. I sighed and flied in earnest towards my destination.

London contained a special memory for me. It’s where I met that beautiful blonde, blue-eyed Rachel. I can still remember our night together clearly. She must be a big time model by now with how her career was going. She was definitely on the rise and she had luck on her side. Plus, it seemed like she wasn’t only talented at what she did but she was also smart. I felt my chest grow warm as I thought of her. Imagination was a powerful thing and I imagined so many things with that woman that I have become so attached to the idea of her. The fact that she existed somewhere in the world makes me immensely happy.

***

Arriving in London was harder than usual since day had come and I was buck naked atop a building. Luckily, a man came up to the roof to have a smoke so I was able to wear his suit. It was ill-fitting but it would have to do.

I went down the stairwell of the building and exited out to the busy street. It was day and the sun was out, which I am told is rare for London. I grabbed at my phone that was strapped to my ankle and looked at the screen. The sighting was down this street and to the left… I put my phone away in my pocket.

I walked down the street as nonchalant as I could manage. Some people looked at me funny, most likely because of the terrible suit I had on. It might be worth it to buy some new clothes while I’m here. Once I got to the end of the street, I turned right instead of left so I could go to a clothing store. Luckily, there was a store down the way, it was casual clothing, t-shirts and jeans, but it would have to do for now. I entered and grabbed the first shirt and pants that caught my eye.

“May I try these on?” I asked the clerk.

“Sure thing,” they replied.

I finally changed out of that terrible suit and into a fit black t-shirt and jeans. No underwear but I can’t have everything. I snipped off the tags with my claws and climbed up out of the change room. I snuck around the store and exited from the back room. I wasn’t an assassin for nothing. I had to use my skills for other things like stealing when it came down to it… I walked back the way I came and past the street that I had turned on. I went towards where the coordinates Missy gave me were. It led me to an apartment building.

“Fuck,” I cursed.

There were so many people living there, so how was I to figure out if one of them was a shifter? I sighed and ruffled my hair. Two women exited the building and were chattering excitedly about something. I was surprised so I hid in the bushes out of habit.

“I heard she moved out,” one of the women spoke.

“Well I heard she was having an argument with some man during that weird storm,” the other women said.

“Maybe it was her boyfriend?” the first woman suggested.

“Maybe it was the father of her kid!” the second woman said.

An argument during the storm? That probably meant that either the man or woman was the dragon shifter, after all when our emotions are heightened it’s hard to control the storm powers.

“Excuse me,” I said as I exited the bushes, “what apartment number was this woman’s?” I asked.

They both looked at me, surprised, but after a look up and down my figure, one of them smiled.

“It’s number 403, darling,” the smiling woman answered.

“Helen!” said the other woman.

“Thank you!” I exclaimed as I went into the apartment building.

The building’s insides weren’t much to look at; it was old and a little musty. I took the stairs up to the fourth floor and searched for the number 403. The golden numbers decorated a brown door to my left.

I shifted my hands into claws and began to pick at the lock. It only took a few minutes of fiddling before a satisfying click sounded. I laughed a little to myself, I was still good. I opened the brown door into the apartment and took in my surroundings.

It looked as if someone lived here. All their belongings were still intact and it seemed very lived in… but there was dust on the counters and tables. I closed the door behind me as I walked into the room. The hardwood floor clicked underneath the dress shoes I stole from the man on the roof. There was a coffee table and a couch across from a television. Behind the couch was the kitchen, which overlooked the entire room. There was a hallway, so I walked down it. There were three doors, two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Maybe the man and woman lived together? The women had also mentioned a child… I went into the first bedroom. It was a child’s, a boy’s. Toys were scattered across the floor and there was a small single bed and a crib inside of the room. Wooden letters decorated the wall that spelled out the name Michael.

I exited the room and went into the next bedroom. This one was a woman’s, not a man and a woman’s. The smell was the first thing that greeted me, it was something familiar but I couldn’t place it. There was a twin bed with blue covers that had lace patterns on it. The room had mismatching furniture but was well kept; there were no clothes on the floor or random makeup on the dresser.

I walked inside and opened a random dresser drawer. Inside it was various kinds of underwear, panties, and bras. There was no instance of a man in this woman’s life from the looks of it. Somehow my stomach churned at the smell of the room again, something was worrying me.

I exited the woman’s bedroom and went into the final door. Inside was a bathroom with a tub, a sink, and a toilet. There was dust build up on all three fixtures, which meant that they hadn’t been used in a long time. I had a terrible feeling in my gut, like something or someone important was in trouble. I needed to get to the bottom of this.

A violent knock at the door took me out of my thoughts.

“RACHEL!? GET OUT OF THERE YOU BITCH,” a low voice yelled.

The door clicked open, I had forgotten to lock it.

“Ha ha, stupid whore,” the man said.

Why was he being so rude? What had this Rachel ever done to him? Rachel… Rachel? Was it the Rachel from that night 5 years ago?!

“Hey!” I called as I exited the bathroom. “This Rachel, is she blonde?” I asked.

“Who the fuck are you?” the man said surprised.

“Answer the question!” I threatened as I looked as menacing as I could.

If this man was the dragon shifter then I needed to be prepared for a battle.

“Y-yeah she’s blonde, alright?” he answered.

I pushed the man out of the room, closed the door and locked it. This man wasn’t a shifter, if he was he would’ve shown it by now considering how impulsive he seemed.

“HEY! LET ME IN!” the man yelled.

I had to figure out what my next move was. Rachel was definitely in danger and so was this boy Michael. I wasn’t going to be the only one searching after the cause of the storm, and I was late in the game now. I exited onto the balcony and closed the door behind me. I climbed onto the other side of the railing and began to climb down via other people’s balconies.