Ice by Charlene Hartnady

2

Daegal

I rollmy shoulders and push my half-eaten lunch away. I don’t feel quite myself today. I can’t put my finger on it. If I’m honest, I haven’t felt much like myself since I helped turn Rogue’s female. It’s more than just a feeling of unease; it’s…something I can’t quite pin down.

I’ve taken the Eye out several times over the last week, just to be sure that bastard mage didn’t steal it somehow. Is the stone an illusion? Does he have the real Eye? Is this one a fake, even though it looks real? What is this feeling I have? Why can’t I shake it?

It’s like we got off easy. I keep waiting for the penny to drop. It. Will. Drop. Of this, I am certain. I know it deep inside me. The feeling has grown day by day, along with this strangeness inside me. Tassos did something. I know it.

I fell asleep at my desk yesterday evening and woke up this morning with a bitch of a headache and a knot between my shoulder blades. That has never happened to me before. Then again, I’m taking over as the king. This is all new to me. My brother has helped with the transition and getting me up to speed. There is so much to take in, so much to learn. I need to cut myself some slack. I’m sure that will explain my fatigue. The ache that has settled in my bones. Perhaps it will even explain the unease inside me. I am off-kilter right now.

I need to shift. To spread my wings. It’s been too long. Shifters need their beasts, or we go stark raving mad. I stand and stretch.

There are stacks of documents on my desk. My laptop is open. I rub my eyes and run a hand over my face, the stubble catching. My hair is a little overgrown. I’ve been burning the candle at both ends.

I look out over the city. I feel cooped up in this apartment, as comfortable as it might be. I roll my shoulders again, but it doesn’t help ease the tension, so I pull on the knot of my tie instead. It’s fucking stifling. This penthouse apartment is sprawling, and yet it feels like the walls are closing in.

Fuck it!

I’m heading out. Once I’ve had a good hard fly, I’ll feel better, I’m sure of it. I walk out of my study.

Ryder stands up from the dining room table, dropping a half-eaten burger onto his plate as he sees me.

“Sire?” He lifts his brows, grabbing a napkin to wipe his hands. Darko and Cooper turn in my direction.

“Did you need something?” Darko asks, cocking his head.

“I’m going to Two Rivers,” I tell them. It’s our family’s cabin. We own hundreds of acres out in the country. It’s thousands if you take all the dragon shifter families into account. Some of them live out there. Many of us live in the city and head to the country often. “I need to shift.”

No one can argue with that.

“Of course, Sire,” Ryder says, looking at his watch. “It’ll be dark soon.”

“I told you to call me Daegal.” I haven’t been sworn in yet. I’m technically not the king, even though I will be soon enough. Perhaps that is the strange feeling. My life has done a one-eighty.

Must be it.

Ryder sets his jaw. “Certainly.” He nods once, running a hand through his blond hair. His jaw is set, his eyes on mine. Ryder is my brother’s right-hand man and best friend. He is having a hard time with the transition. With me taking over the crown. I can’t say I blame him. It is a big change, and up until recently, Thor and I were estranged. Ryder is distrustful of me, and I guess I can’t really blame him. It will take time to prove to him – to all of the dragon people – that I will make a good king.

“Are we leaving right away, Sire?” Darko asks.

“Daegal!” I say sharply.

Darko looks sheepish. “We can have the vehicles ready in ten minutes…” he clears his throat, “…Daegal,” he forces my name out. Like it doesn’t feel right on his tongue.

“We?” I shake my head. “Nope. We are not going anywhere. I’m heading out…on my own,” I tell them. I need some space. I don’t know how Thor has managed all these years. It doesn’t matter where I look, there is always a person ready to do my bidding. It’s like I suddenly sprouted several shadows. It was fun the first couple of days, but it has already grown tiresome.

Both Darko and Cooper frown deeply. Darko starts to say something, but Ryder interrupts him.

“I will accompany the king,” he says.

“I’m a grown man. I will be—” I start to say.

“Let me go with you. Your brother asked me to—”

“Keep tabs on me,” I blurt and instantly regret my words. I push out a breath and grip the back of my neck, squeezing. My muscles are tight beneath my fingers. “Sorry!” I push out. “That was uncalled for. Fine…” I sigh. “You can come along,” I tell Ryder. “But the rest of you stay here. And I’m driving.” I direct the last at my second-in-command.

Ryder nods. “Yes, Sire.” The way he says it makes it sound like a hardship, and I can’t blame him. I’m acting like a dick.

I push the button, and the elevator doors open. Ryder and I go inside. I fold my arms while we descend.

We exit into a parking garage.

“Good afternoon, Sire,” Remi says. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

“We’re going to Two Rivers,” Ryder tells him.

“Just the two of you?” Remi frowns, adjusting his tie and running a hand down his suit jacket. All of them are dressed for the boardroom. I plan to make a few changes soon. Looking inconspicuous is right up there on the top of my list.

“We’ll be fine,” I say. “You can hold the fort. We’ll be back tonight sometime. I doubt we’ll be more than a couple of hours.”

“Perhaps you should stay over at Two Rivers,” Remi suggests.

I shake my head. “I have a meeting with the beast kings the day after tomorrow, with back-to-back meetings taking up my day tomorrow. We’ll make the trip back tonight.” I hold back a growl when I am reminded that I still have to go through the minutes of the last two beast king gatherings to ensure that I am up to speed. I’m nowhere near prepared for my day tomorrow, either.

Fuck!

I have so much to do, it’s scary. Thor has been great. He’s held my hand for the last few weeks, but he can’t be at my side forever. I have to start standing on my own two feet at some point. My twin brother has a pregnant mate and a life to live. He’s served his time, and now it’s my turn. I almost feel my shoulders tighten. There is a dull thud beneath my temples, which I rub.

I push those cluttered thoughts from my mind. I need to fly. I need to spew some flames. I need to let loose just a little, then I’ll go back to my role as trainee king.

I look down the line of vehicles parked in front of us. Most of them are black SUVs. I jump in the first one, sliding in behind the wheel.

Ryder doesn’t say anything when he takes the seat next to me. For the next hour and a half, we drive in silence. I want to tell him that I have the dragon shifters’ best interests at heart. That I plan on giving my all in my new role. That I have the utmost respect for my brother.

I don’t say any of those things because, ultimately, actions speak louder than words. I spent years begrudging Thor. Hating my brother. I spent years building a wall between us. It took one death to change me in every way. To show me exactly what was important and status sure as shit isn’t it.

The funny thing is, when I came back to the US, it wasn’t to be king. It was the last thing on my mind…and now look. In a couple of weeks, I’m going to be inaugurated. I’ll be sworn in. I’ll be king. I’m not even sure it’s what I want anymore. Isn’t it funny how life works sometimes?

We bump our way down the dirt road that leads to the cabin. It’s nestled in the hills, overlooking a crystal-blue lake. I find myself wishing I had more time. It would be nice to take a vacation. I haven’t had one in years. I run multiple businesses. I took life for granted. I took time for granted. Not anymore. I’m taking this opportunity by the horns – so to speak – and I’m running with it. Not just to be king but to forge real relationships with the people who matter to me.

I pull up at the cabin. There is a half-moon above the hill to the right of the structure. In other words, it’s pretty dark. It’s a perfect night for flying. I feel a frisson of excitement run down my spine at the prospect of spreading my wings.

I take in Ryder. He looks like he’s a couple of years older than me. I thought that I was the serious type. The quiet type. I’m not when compared to him. Maybe he’s this way around me.

“So, no wife or kids?” I’m not sure why I suddenly feel the need to make small talk, but here we are.

“Nope.” He shakes his head once as he opens the door to the cabin, standing to one side so that I can go in first.

“After you,” I tell him.

He raises a brow, and a puff of air leaves his lungs. Then he looks me in the eye. “I insist, Sire.”

I go inside, looking around. It’s been years since I was last here. The place has been revamped. The furniture is new. It isn’t nearly as rustic as it once was. There is a composite deck and an infinity pool lakeside. It’s great. Again, I feel a pang, wishing I could stay for some peace and quiet. Memories flood my head of when Thor and I were young. Of us playing out back, swimming in the lake. Of a time when things were far less complicated.

I’ve lived in London for the last ten years. It’s cold, and the hustle and bustle will kill you. I loved it once…I’m not sure what I love or what I want anymore. The feeling is disconcerting.

“Why not?” I ask Ryder.

“Why not what?” he asks gruffly, turning to face me. He’s frowning.

“Why aren’t you married with two and a half kids?”

“I could ask you the same,” he throws back at me. I can see why Thor likes him. Despite all the polite bullshit and protocol, he is his own man. He has an opinion.

“There aren’t too many dragon shifters living in London.”

“Still.” He lifts his brows.

“I haven’t given it much thought,” I tell him, which is true. “I’ve been busy…work.”

Ryder shrugs. “Pretty much sums it up for me, too. I’ve been busy. Or maybe I haven’t met the right woman yet. You’ll be expected to give it some thought now that you are the king.”

I grunt, not sure of what to say. I’m not even going to think about it just yet. I don’t want to. Not right now.

“I’m serious,” Ryder adds. “It’s not just the Council, either.”

“I hear that the madness has been making the rounds.” It is something that has been on my mind.

Ryder nods, looking out through the double doors that lead to the deck. “Yes, it sure is. It comes in waves. Perhaps you have missed this one.”

“I fucking hope so,” I say, more to myself. It will buy me some time if there is a lull. The last thing I want right now is to have to take a mate. That’s if I can find someone who doesn’t burn in my flame. It’s too much to deal with right now.

“There are loads of dragon women this side of the pond, if it’s any consolation. They’ll all want a piece of the king.”

“It isn’t any consolation. It’s the last thing on my mind right now.”

“You will change your tune when your flames burn brighter. When you can’t control your fire.”

I sigh. “Don’t I know it.”

He gives me the start of a smile but schools his emotions. “Do you want something to eat or drink before we leave?” Ryder asks, pointing at the large open-plan kitchen. It has gleaming white surfaces. Very different from the dark wood cabinets from before.

I shake my head. “I’m good. I want to get going.” I use my thumb to point at the door. Then I take off my suit jacket, putting it over one of the dining room chairs. The sooner I feel the wind beneath my wings, the better.

Ryder nods, and we both head for the front door, which leads to a large open area. Perfect for shifting.

I can’t stop thinking about the madness. It is something that has been heavy on my mind, especially considering that I am an alpha male. I’m big in my human form and massive in my dragon one. I would say that I’m a touch bigger than Thor, but my brother would disagree. My fire is definitely hotter. I’m not being arrogant. It’s a simple fact. It makes me highly susceptible to the madness. It’s Nature’s way of ensuring that the strongest of our species take mates. It’s useless worrying about something that might never happen. Who knows, maybe I’ll meet the woman of my dreams, and we’ll be fully compatible. I chuckle to myself.

“What?” Ryder asks.

“Nothing worth mentioning. Just a crazy thought. I’m overtired.”

I start to undress, and so does Ryder.

“You don’t have to come with me,” I tell him.

He gives me a look, and then his impassive stare is back. “I could do with some exercise myself.”

I nod. I could do with some alone time, but it’s not the end of the world. Maybe I’ll lose him during the flight. Actually, that sounds like a plan.

Game on!

I undo my tie and place it on the table. Next, I unbutton my dress shirt, hanging it over a chair. There’s an inviting outdoor area under a huge oak tree. It’s quaint. Also new. So much has changed since I lived in the States. I can barely recognize anything. It doesn’t really feel like home. Not anymore. Maybe it never did. Was I wrong to come back here?

No!

I need to stop with the self-pity and second-guessing. It isn’t me. Moving the fuck on. I toe off my boots and then yank down my zipper, pulling down my pants in one swift motion. My socks follow suit.

The night air is glorious on my skin.

I walk out into the clearing. I already feel slightly better. It’s warm for the fall. A little too warm. I’m not complaining. I’ve always been partial to warmer weather. I missed it when living in England. I’ll soak it up for as long as it lasts. It won’t be long before there’s snow on the mountains. Before the air cools. At least our winters are milder. Not like in the north of the country, where snow and sleet are an everyday thing.

No, thanks!

Ryder walks out, standing next to me. He also has ink. One piece on his chest. It’s of a dragon, which is interesting. I’m not sure why a dragon shifter would choose to put a dragon on themselves. It isn’t particularly creative.

Then again, I’m one to talk. I have ink all over my torso. The tattoos have no meaning. I had just left home and traveled across the ocean. I guess I was feeling free, or maybe it was just that I was young and stupid. I don’t mind the tats, but I don’t particularly love them, either. They’re just there.

Ryder lifts his brows, and I nod. Then we’re shifting. My wings rip out of me. My tail, too. It thrashes like a whip. I feel each of my scales push through my flesh. My limbs lengthen, as do my muscles and tendons. Then I am taking to the sky, a roar rumbling through my chest. My talons slash into the earth below my claws as I push off from the ground. Exhilaration sings through me as I surge upward, soaring into the air.

A blanket of stars twinkles above me. A rumble vibrates through me as I push hard, flying as fast as I can from the get-go. I push myself to the limit. The exertion feels fucking amazing. Adrenaline courses through me. I feel alive.

Then I close my wings, holding them close to my body, plummeting toward the earth in a spiral of wings and scales before opening my great wings and surging skyward again.

I can hear Ryder behind me. He is a good fifty yards back, which is impressive. He’s slowly falling behind, but there is an emphasis on the word “slow.”

I glide down between jagged cliffs. I feel a build in my chest as my power grows inside me. I need to stay low so that no one accidentally sees my flames lighting up the night sky, but not so low as to cause a fire. It’s a balancing act.

I realize that I haven’t used my fire in the longest time. It’s been at least a few weeks. I am suddenly itching. My chest is swelling. I hover, dropping down another ten feet. Then I open my mouth.

I don’t feel the familiar heat surge. I don’t see the light of the flame.

Instead, I feel the opposite. I make a strange noise in the back of my throat as freezing cold hits – not just my throat and mouth, but my veins as well. It seems to spread through my whole body. It feels like I have turned to ice.

My wings falter. I feel heavy. That, and ice-cold. I imagine that my scales have gone from green to bright fucking blue. I think I have icicles hanging from my limbs…pulling me down…down…

I start to fall. It’s slow at first, and then I plummet. There is still something coming out of my mouth. I don’t know what it is because my eyeballs are frozen. My eyelids, too.

I am falling like a stone. I wonder if I will shatter when I hit the ground. I hear a loud crack as everything goes dark.