Dragon Blood 1: Pliethin (8 page)

The drive was quiet. Maira fell asleep in the backseat, her head against Brann’s shoulder. Amber kept her eyes mostly ahead after the single glance behind. When they pulled up in front of her grandmother’s house, she jumped out. They followed. She’d hoped they’d get the message and drive off. Amber looked at each of them. Maira yawned.

They each wore the same long leather pants. Maira had put a blouse on over her vest. Brann and Kade wore light, long sleeved shirts. Brann maroon, Kade a green dark enough to almost be black. None of them smiled. There was a slight air of menace about them. Amber had serious misgivings about inviting them inside. Kade grinned and his whole demeanour seemed to change. Charismatic, everyone’s best friend. She forced herself not to answer his smile with one of her own. If he weren’t so gorgeous it’d be much easier to stay angry with him. She turned to open the front door.

Her mother and grandmother were in the sewing room again. She guessed it was again and not still. The image of her grandmother keeping her mother working at the sewing machine all night caused a fleeting smile.

“I’m home.” Amber knew she stated the obvious. But neither of them had looked up at her entrance. They did now. She pointed to each of her companions in turn. “You’ve met Maira. That’s her cousin Kade and that’s Brann.” Amber didn’t know whether to be annoyed or relieved when Donna and Helen returned the smiles aimed at them.

Kade stepped forward, holding out his hand to Helen. “Nice to meet you.” He took Donna’s hand once Helen released him. His smile didn’t falter.

Donna glanced at her watch. “No wonder I’m getting hungry. It’s after midday. Have you kids eaten yet? Do you want to stay for lunch?”

“Thanks, but we’ve got plans for this afternoon. We just wanted to come in and say hello first,” Kade said.

“I’m hungry.” Amber worried her mother wouldn’t bother to make lunch for her either. When Donna nodded, she said, “I’ll see them out to their car.”

Amber closed the front door behind her so their words wouldn’t drift inside. She stepped close to Kade. “You better not be late.”

“Make sure your doors are unlocked.” Kade strode to the car. Maira and Brann followed.

Amber watched Kade drive away. A small part of her wished she was in the car with them. The part that wasn’t looking forward to the interrogation she’d have to endure from her mother. She frantically planned out what she’d say about the party as she walked back to the kitchen, trying to ignore the urge to hunt down the dog she could smell nearby.

Amber rose to her feet, then sat on the bed again. She was meant to be asleep with a headache. If she started to pace, her mother would knock on the door and demand to know what was wrong. She wore long leather pants and a light jacket over a matching vest. She’d debated wearing her boots. They were her favourite ones and had taken her months to save for. She didn’t want them to end up in tatters. They were all she had to wear, except the school shoes her mother had bought.

Amber frowned as she thought of the ugly uniform she’d have to wear the next week. She’d liked being able to wear normal clothes to school while she’d waited for her size to come in. Someone had bought the last few uniforms in her size a couple of days before she’d arrived. It was good being an average size at times like that.

Her head came up as the scents around her changed. Rising to her feet, she quietly crossed her room. The French doors opened before she reached them. Kade remained in the doorway, waiting for her. He wore a leather vest with his long pants and held out the jacket she’d left behind at the party. His eyes dropped to her feet.

“Guess we’ll have to get you a pair of boots so you don’t ruin those ones.”

“I like mine.” Amber wanted to take back the words the moment she’d spoken them. She did like hers. And she didn’t want them wrecked. She took her jacket from him and tossed it on the bed.

Kade shrugged. “Are you ready to go?” At Amber’s nod, Kade loosened one of the two belts at his waist and slid it up to sit under his arms. “When I change, this metal loop the belt threads through will be embedded in my scales so you can clip yourself to it.” He spun the belt so the loop was on his back. “It’s made from a metal that won’t change with me.” He undid the other belt he wore. It had a clip on the end of the long leather. “For you to wear. Dragon-leather in case you change.”

Amber had made sure she’d eaten before retiring to her room. She wasn’t going to change, not if she had anything to say about it. As soon as her belt was on, Kade stepped onto the balcony.

“This might be a little difficult. I can’t perch on the rails for long. Maybe you should hop on my back and hook yourself on before I change.”

Amber looked over the rail to the ground. She turned to face Kade, who had a slight smile, and forced back the fear. She didn’t want to throw fireballs at anything. Ever. She eyed his broad shoulders and his muscular arms, hoping he wouldn’t drop her when he changed shape. “Okay.”

Kade squatted so Amber could hook herself to the metal loop and wrap her arms and legs about him. He stood up. “Hold me lightly. I change quickly.”

Amber had no sooner loosened her grip then he seemed to jump, change in midair and soar into the sky almost instantaneously. Her arms felt like they exploded with scales that scrapped against her body as she struggled to stay on. The leather belt tightened on her waist, but held. Kade levelled out and Amber’s struggle to hold on ceased. She breathed deeply when she realised she held her breath. Forcing herself to remain calm, she focused on her breathing, closing her eyes. She would not change. She’d stay even-tempered and control those traits that made her a freak.

Partway through the journey, Amber began to grow bored. She’d sat up earlier, only her legs wrapped around him. Now she leaned forward, arms flung around Kade and her body pressed against his back, closing her eyes to rest. She didn’t plan to sleep. Not while they flew at a life ending height above ground. Her body had different plans.

She was jarred awake as Kade landed in a well-treed park. Opening her eyes, she blinked. The thick shadows receded and she searched the area, trying to figure out where they were.

“Hold on. I’m going to change.”

Amber nearly ended up on the ground when Kade became human. She clung tighter, her legs wrapped around his waist. He knelt and she let go, standing shakily once she unhooked herself. Wrapping the tail of the belt around her waist, she hooked it on the metal loop that was used instead of a buckle. Kade faced her as he returned his belt to his waist and tightened it.

“Shall we find a taxi?”

Amber shook her head. “I don’t have that much money on me.”

Kade shrugged. “I have. Come on.”

They found a taxi and Amber gave Crystal’s address. When they were nearly there she began to worry Crystal might be out. Although after seven on a Sunday night, her parents usually expected her to be in her room doing homework. The taxi pulled up in front of Crystal’s home and Amber hopped out while Kade paid.

“A dragon with a credit card?” Amber looked up at Kade as he came to stand beside her. The taxi pulled out onto the road, driving away.

Kade grinned. “The modern equivalent of a hoard. You still can’t beat the feel of gold and jewels though.”

Amber automatically returned his smile. “I guess not.” She frowned when she looked over to Crystal’s house. A deep breath and then she headed for the side gate. Kade followed silently. Amber made her way to Crystal’s window, thankful of her new ability to walk without noise as she passed the lounge room where Crystal’s parents watched the television. She stopped at Crystal’s window, staring at the light seeping out around the drawn curtain, worried about what Crystal might tell her.

“Do you want me to stay with you or disappear?”

It took Amber a minute to decide. “Disappear.” When Kade stepped back into the deeper shadows, she tapped lightly on Crystal’s window. Then she tapped a little harder.

The curtain was drawn back and Crystal stared at her. She quickly opened the window and pulled the screen out. Throwing her leg over the sill, she clambered outside to stand in front of Amber. The two of them walked quietly to the garden seat hidden at the rear of the yard under a green arbour.

The familiarity of it startled Amber. How many times had she tapped on Crystal’s window so they could sit on the garden seat and chat when they were meant to be elsewhere. Like in bed asleep. But it was different. This time lacked the easy flow of words.

Crystal clasped her hands tightly in her lap, staring down at them. “I couldn’t tell you sorry. I was stupid. That wasn’t forgivable.”

“Why?”

“It started as an innocent kiss. At least, I thought it did. I was sad you’d left. He was comforting me.”

“You could have pushed him away.” Amber stopped the words that wanted to pour from her. She focused on releasing her anger. There was no way she wanted to let the panther escape.

“I was shocked. He kissed me. Properly. That was the last thing I expected. I know how much you love him.”

“Not anymore.”

“Loved him. I wouldn’t hurt you. He’s been telling everyone we’re dating. I’ve been denying it. He’s been saying we don’t want it to get back to you. Everyone believes him. I was terrified you would too.”

Amber threw her arms around Crystal. “You idiot. Of course I wouldn’t. I know you. I couldn’t understand why you didn’t tell me about this.”

“I was confused. There are so many rumours flying about. The worst is that you’re not coming back. Tell me that’s not true.”

“Crystal…” What could she say? She feared the same thing.

Crystal pulled away, standing to face her. “It’s true, isn’t it? Why didn’t you tell me? Why’d you let me think it was only for a couple of months?”

Amber rose. “Because Mum lied to me. And I don’t know for certain, but I think it might be true. Or it would be if I weren’t going to uni next year. She can’t keep me in Hicksville then.”

Crystal giggled. “Hicksville?”

Amber smiled. “Yep.”

Crystal threw her arms around Amber. “I’ve missed you so much. In future I promise to talk to you no matter how stupid I’ve been.”

“You better.”

“How’d you get here?”

“A friend gave me a lift.” Amber forced herself not to hesitate over the last word.

“Friend?” Crystal’s voice was uncertain.

“You have nothing to worry about. No one could take your place.” Amber turned to scan the yard. Her eyes locked on Kade. When she saw he watched her, she beckoned him forward.

“Oh!” Crystal stared at Kade, speechless.

“Kade, this is Crystal.”

“Is this who you’ve replaced Josh with?”

“How do you want me to play this, Amber?”

She was tempted, but her friendship with Crystal was worth more than that. “No. We’re just… friends. Armed enemies sometimes, but mostly friends.”

“A pity. That’d really burn Josh.” Crystal grinned.

Amber couldn’t resist grinning back. “Very tempting.”

“I could go and get my phone to take a pic.” Crystal glanced between them.

Kade shrugged. “It doesn’t bother me.”

“Wait right there.” Crystal dashed back to her room.

“You don’t have to.” Amber turned to Kade.

“I know.”

“Why are you?”

“I heard what you said. He’s not worth tears. Focusing on revenge is a better choice.”

“Why do I get the feeling that revenge is your answer to a lot of things?”

Kade grinned. “Survival of the fittest. That includes never showing weakness.”

Crystal hurried towards them, phone held aloft. “I’ve got it. Get close.”

Kade wrapped his arms around Amber, and pulled her against him so her back met his chest. He dipped his head so his mouth was close to her ear. “This is starting to become a habit.”

Amber blinked at the bright flash. She turned her head slightly. “What is?”

“You using me to annoy other boys in your life.”

“Justin isn’t part of my life.”

“He wanted to be.” The flash went again.

“He wanted to win a bet.”

“That was only a cover.”

“How do you know for certain?”

Kade laughed softly. “Most humans are an open book. It’s as simple as reading them.” The flash went again. “Their scent. The way they hold themselves, speak, act. Body language can be as clear as words.” Another flash.

“Great. Thanks. Those photos will be perfect. I can’t wait to rub his nose in them. I can tell everyone he lied about us so that when they found out about you two he wasn’t left looking like the one dumped.” Crystal tucked her phone in her bra. “How long can you stay?”

“A couple of minutes. I have to get home. I can’t go sneaking in at daybreak, I might get caught.” Amber reluctantly stepped out of Kade’s arms. It had felt surprising right surrounded by them.

“I wish you didn’t have to go.”

“I don’t want to. I didn’t want to go in the first place.”

“Will you come back and see me?”

Amber glanced at Kade who nodded slightly. “Yes. As soon as I can.”

“I miss you. Nothing is the same without you about,” Crystal said.

“I know. Nothing is the same for me either.” Amber stepped forward to hug Crystal, trying not to think about how much things weren’t the same. “Never do that to me again. I don’t care what you’ve done. Tell me so we can get past it.”

“I will. I promise.”

When they were alone in front of Crystal’s house, Kade looked around. “What now? Is that all you wanted to do?”

Amber smiled wryly. “I would like to say I need to go and punch Josh in the face, but that probably wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“I wouldn’t mind taking you there. I hate disloyalty.”

Amber was tempted. But she worried she might lose control and who knew what might happen. “I can’t. What if I became a panther?”

“I’ll keep an eye on you.”

Amber thought about it for another minute. She shook her head. “No. It’s best not to. Every time I think of him, I want to shred him with my claws. Even more so now I’ve spoken to Crystal.”

“You aren’t even curious about why he did it?”

“Yeah, but not enough to risk losing control. Can you take me back to my grandmother’s house now?”

Kade nodded. “Let’s find somewhere secluded.”

Amber grinned. “That sounds like a pick up line.”

“I don’t need a pick up line. I’m coming home with you.” His grin was pure trouble.

Amber opened her mouth to argue. She changed her mind. The last thing she felt like dealing with was a wyvern. Her freak abilities were unpredictable and since it was Kade’s fault she had them, he should do guard duty. And she had school tomorrow. She needed some sleep to be able to cope with that.

“Are you going to continue to ignore me at school?”

Amber glanced towards Kade. “What?”

“Never mind. I guess I’ll find out eventually.”