The Dragon and the Rose

  I laugh at Chloe’s expense as I take my next step.

  A woman screams from across the street. The sound of brakes wailing to a halt enlivens my left ear. I snap my neck over in time to see the grill of a car coming at me faster than I could ever outrun, and I’m sailing through the air before I can even try.

  “My God!” The woman wails. “She’s been hit!”

  The back of my head slams to the concrete as my eyes struggle to focus in on the spinning sky above. A raven screams into the virginal morning air.

  The taste of blood trickles to the back of my throat as the world fades to black.

  Gage

  “We’re going to have so much fun during the holidays. Just think!” Lizbeth’s eyes glaze over. She’s been speaking nonstop for the last fifteen minutes about the benefits of having me as a son-in-law—of which there are apparently many. “We’ll have a stocking for you up on the mantel right next to Skyla’s!” She dips her knees in excitement while my mother stacks the shelves with throwaway Tupperware, whatever that might be.

  “You know…” Mom ceases from the task at hand, looking annoyed as hell with Lizbeth. I’m half afraid Mom is about to pounce on the poor woman, and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it. “On second thought, why don’t you and Skyla swing by the house for dinner tonight?” Her lips contort in all kinds of unflattering directions. She’s never been good at hiding her true feelings. “I think it’s high time I put together a dinner for the two of you.”

  “Oh, that’s a great idea!” Lizbeth claps like she’s at the circus. “We should do it together.” She touches her chest. “I mean, I’m not trying to invite myself over or anything, but we should seriously consider throwing the kids a reception of some kind.”

  “Really, that’s not necessary.” I can tell by the gleam in her eye this could quickly spiral out of control. Lizbeth is known for throwing huge bloated parties with far too many people for me to ever want to stay, let alone be the guest of honor at. “It’s a nice thought, and I know Skyla would appreciate it but—”

  “But nothing!” Lizbeth zooms over. “Skyla and you both deserve this.” She pulls Mom toward the door. “Why don’t you and I go to lunch, and we can plan the whole thing! The party doesn’t have to be tonight. We can do a really big to-do and invite everyone we know! We can do it on their birthday weekend!”

  And here we go.

  “That sounds just fine.” Mom’s voice is tight, a good indication that it’s just the opposite. They step out the door. “Why don’t you wait downstairs? I’d like to have a quick word with Gage.”

  “Oh, okay.” Lizbeth pokes her head back in with an uneasy look. “I’ll see you later, son!” She smiles wide and proud. “I’ve always wanted to say that to you. I knew the minute I met you that you were the one for my Skyla.” She shakes her head with a dreamy look before disappearing.

  She knew from the moment she met me that I was the one? That’s ironic considering Skyla was dating Logan at the time. My mother spins me around by the elbow before I get too deep in thought.

  “There’s still time to reconsider things. You know—if you feel trapped.” She motions around the room. “If you’re afraid you’ll hurt her feelings or something ridiculous, there are legal ways of getting you out of this mess.”

  “This mess? God, I hope you’re referring to the apartment because Skyla is my wife not some legal pit I’ve fallen into.” I pluck my arm free.

  “Of course, I meant the apartment.” Mom straightens. Her jaw clenches like it does when she finds herself on the losing end of an argument. “I’ll have a nice hot meal for the two of you at six. Try not to be late. It’s disrespectful.” She glowers at me a second. “Just as disrespectful as running off and getting married without bothering to inform your parents.” She spins on her heels and stalks out the door.

  Okay, I get it. She’s pissed that Skyla and I eloped. I know she loves Skyla. I’m sure tonight she’ll gush all over her and let Skyla know just how happy she is to have her in the family. Heck, I bet she’ll even throw another stocking on the mantle come Christmas.

  I snatch my wallet and phone off the table.

  On second thought, knowing my mother, the stocking might be asking a bit much. At this point I’d settle for a place setting at the dinner table come Christmas.

  Something tells me my mother is going to be a little forgetful this year.

  The clouds lay over Host University thick with dark intent. It’s almost noon, and yet it looks like evening. Crowds have gathered by the café where the student senate is doling out free condoms by the fistful. The banner overhead reads, Fall preparedness! Don’t be a fool—cover your tool!

  My tool. I groan in lieu of a laugh, scanning the campus for God knows what.

  It took an hour in line at the water and power company trying to get the utilities turned on in our name before I was informed they would be paid for by the landlord as soon as our six-month lease was approved. Like that’s ever going to happen.

  I texted Skyla a few minutes ago and let her know that we were invited to my parents for dinner and as of yet no response. I can’t blame her lack of enthusiasm. She’s made a point to tell me regularly that she doesn’t think my mom approves of her. Tonight will be a great opportunity for my mother to prove her wrong. This is probably the one and only time I’m rooting for Skyla to be wrong about anything.

  A crisp breeze picks up, causing the maples to clatter their orange leaves like a bag of bones. I spot Wesley by the Music Building and head over. Every time I look at Wes my stomach turns just a little. He’s the spitting image of me in just about every way. It’s unnerving, as if my image escaped the mirror and is now running around the planet with its growing rage. His eyes are locked straight ahead, and I follow his gaze to where a group of girls sit under a bare oak, one of the girls being Laken.

  “What’s up?” I nod as I block his view of Cooper’s girlfriend. I happen to like Coop, and I know he wouldn’t want anybody salivating over his girl just like I wouldn’t want anyone salivating over Skyla—not that it’s ever stopped Dudley, or Logan for that matter. “Last night was pretty intense.”

  “What’s that?” He turns toward me, slowly pulling his eyes from the field. “Oh right, last night.” He mock socks me in the arm. “You’re the new it boy in the celestial sphere. Demetri popped into the Transfer a few hours ago and let me know the Videns are interested in meeting with us as soon as possible.”

  “The Videns?”

  “It’s some band of vagabond angels spawned by Roth. You probably know him better as Rothello of the Soullennium. He abandoned the Videns—technically he sold them to our father because he had better things to do than herd a bunch of half breeds through time. So, yeah.” He slaps my arm and gives it a squeeze. “It looks like you walked away with more cash and prizes last night than you bargained for.”

  Shit. The very last thing I wanted to get out of this deal was more cash and prizes—at least prizes. I can definitely use the cash.

  “What if I don’t want any extras? I didn’t sign up for the bells and whistles.”

  “You’ll want it. You’re getting new gifts, too—new powers.”

  “No thanks to both.”

  “You’re going to find all of the gifts—all of the power intoxicating.”

  “You think so, huh?” I glance over my shoulder to make sure there’s no sign of Skyla.

  “I know so.” He grips me by the arm and pulls me in. “You will want more. It’s addicting, Gage. And nothing or no one can ever fill that need.”

  “Don’t touch me.” I pull my arm back. “If you even think of turning on me—of pissing me off—I’ll make sure to test out just how powerful I can be.” I’m already pretty ticked at him. “And what about you? What does my presence in the Barricade mean for you?”

  “I”— he leans to the right to get a better look at Laken—“am nothing more than your right hand man. Nothing but a shadow of who you are.”

 
I turn with him and watch as Laken’s group disbands, and she heads in the opposite direction.

  “Dude, you gotta get over her and fast.” I smack him over the stomach to bring him to. “You’ve got a lot going for you. There are tons of girls who are plenty interested.” I leave out Chloe for now.

  “If that were Skyla would you be interested in other girls?” He drills into me with an intensity just this side of hatred.

  “No, I guess not. Look, I get your point, but Laken and Skyla, they’re different.”

  “In what way?” He folds his arms across his chest. He’s not buying it.

  “Skyla is interested in me, and Laken doesn’t want anything to do with you or your shadow, so get it through your thick skull—she’s not the one for you.”

  “Is that it? Your first shit piece of brotherly advice?” His jaw tightens, and he doesn’t need to say another word for me to know he’s pissed.

  “Yeah, that’s it.”

  “Good, because I’ve got one for you, little bro.” Wes leans in, and it’s like looking in a mirror. “Don’t think that last night’s little covetous crossover is fooling anyone. You can suck my dick if you think I’m ever bowing down to you. I’m the one in control. I’m the only one interested in securing a post for our lineage and the Countenance people. Procuring dominion for our father isn’t a task that’s specific to you. Don’t forget these next few words, it’s going to be me who changes the world, Gage.” His shoulder butts into mine as he takes off into the fog. “There’s an induction ceremony tonight. I expect you to be there.”

  “Can’t do it. I’m having dinner with the folks. I’ve got plans afterwards with Skyla.” Like continuing where we left off this morning. I can still taste her sweetness on my tongue. My mouth waters just thinking of her.

  “Your attendance is crucial. I’ve invited guests.” He turns and glares at me a moment. “Try not to insult them with your absence. After all—you are their new king.” That last part streams out with mocking intent.

  Crap. Who exactly are the Videns?

  I think I know a Sector who might have the answer to that.

  Logan

  Twenty. I count them again quickly in pairs of two—twenty empty beer bottles lying on the coffee table. It’s a wonder Dudley lets this pig-parade live to see another day. Between my brother, Liam, and Ellis this estate has been turned into a palace of indiscretion. Although in Ellis’s defense, he hasn’t spent that much time here as of late. Ever since I caught him and Giselle making out in one of the upstairs bedrooms, I made it clear he wasn’t to bring her around anymore. For one, there’s too much beer and weed floating through this place on any given day. And, two, I don’t want to feel like I’m on babysitting duty, trying to pry those two apart. That’s Barron’s job. Speaking of which, Emma texted and invited both Liam and me for dinner. She said she was in a mood, not to expect much. Sounds ominous.

  “What’s up?” Ellis strolls in from the kitchen with a beer in hand and turns up the volume on the television. It’s a college game I recorded because I never did get to see Host beat Washington State. It sucks now that Gage is off the team because I have zero desire to go to the games.

  “You need to clean up, that’s what.” I kick one of the cans off the coffee table with my foot, and they all fall down like Dominoes in a continuous clatter.

  “Dude, keep it the fuck down.” Ellis leans over as if he expects to see Dudley run into the room ready to blowtorch us out of here.

  “Relax, he’s out back humping one of his horses.”

  He lets out a riotous laugh. “So who you humping these days? Keeping Rosie Palm busy?”

  Before I can answer, shouting emanates from the other side of the room as Michelle Miller and Liam trip their way down the stairs.

  “I said get your stuff, and don’t come back.” Liam opens the door and tosses out her sparkly overnight bag.

  “Whoa, let’s everyone relax.” I stand in the event he’s about toss Michelle out next like a sack of potatoes.

  “Don’t tell me shit, Logan.” He stretches the words out with a mean edge before looking to Michelle. “Or would you rather say his name?” He points hard at the driveway. “Don’t come back.”

  Michelle turns to looks at both Ellis and me with our matching shocked expressions. We’ve known Michelle since we were kids. She’s grown into quite the beauty with her dark hair and olive skin. I’d say Liam is a fool for treating her this way, but I can only assume he’s got a reason to send her packing.

  “I’ll see you two later.” She glares at Liam. “Call me when you come to your senses. It was an accident!” She screams into his face before bolting out the door.

  “Psycho!” he shouts, kicking the air after her.

  Gage walks in on her heels with his hands raised high.

  “What the hell?” He asks as he makes his way over.

  “That’s what I want to know.” I pull Liam in and shut the door quietly before he has a chance to slam it. Judging by the pissed look on his face, slamming things, throwing shit, they’re both possibilities at the moment.

  “She said your name.” Liam clasps the back of his neck as he staggers his way to the kitchen.

  “What?” My back stiffens at the absurdity. “That’s why you threw her out? What am I a no-fly zone?”

  “Yes. In bed you very much are a no-fucking-fly zone.”

  “Oh.” A goofy grin percolates on my lips. “She said my name in bed.” I shake my head. In truth, Liam and I look a hell of a lot alike, and for as long as I can remember Michelle has had a thing for me, so I’m not entirely caught off guard. “Sorry man. That sucks.” I head back to the living room and plant myself opposite Gage, my former nephew, at least biologically speaking. “What brings you here? Skyla say my name?” I’m not sure why I went there. Hell, I am sure why I went there. After we got off the phone this morning it felt like I got my balls handed to me on a platter. I thought Skyla would have given him his walking papers by now, and instead she chirped out a cheery hello that gutted me far more than I could have ever imagined. I guess it’s true, Gage can do no wrong—not even the fact he downed a pint of Celestra reserve could send her heading for the door. Little does Michelle know she got booted for far less of an offense than Gage here got away with.

  “Did Skyla say your name?” Gage spits the words out with a hardened edge. “As in did she say it in bed?” He shakes his head before leaning his elbows over his knees like he’s going to be sick. Gage is good looking—built like a brick house. Maybe that’s why she stays. She likes what she sees. Either that or he’s like a habit she can’t break. According to Emma, Fems are a highly addictive breed. Not that she’s ever verbalized it but stemming from the fact she slept with one, I think it goes without saying.

  “No, that’s not what I meant.” I grind my palm into my eye hoping to see a new reality when I open it. This for sure is not what I want. Gage is anything but Skyla’s protector. “What’s going on? What brings you here?” Hopefully a confession.

  His chest expands, his jaw clenches tight, and I can tell it’s too late. I’ve already crossed the line, and, now, I’m going to have to pay.

  “Who’s pissed now?” Liam cracks a beer open and plops on the ottoman ready for the show. He nods to Gage before knocking back half the can.

  “Dude”—Ellis leans in towards Liam—“you need a serious refresher on how to treat a lady.”

  Both Gage and I peak a brow at Ellis. He isn’t exactly known for his etiquette with the girls.

  “You can’t just go shoving them out the door like that. Who the hell cares what name she’s calling out in bed? You were the one in it, right?” Ellis has a point, although minuscule in nature, and morally reprehensible. “She had her legs wrapped around you all night—giving it up to you for free. She probably sucked you off for a good hour. Her brain is tired as shit. I say you give Miller a pass. She’s earned a misstep or two. You gotta let it slide once in a while.” He shakes his head. “And are you
using a condom?”

  Again I’m shocked that words grounded in wisdom continue to spout from Harrison’s mouth.

  Liam leans back into the sofa and shrugs. “When I got one.”

  “When you got one?” Ellis does his best impression of an irate father. “Fuck that shit. You always have one. You hear me?” He turns to Gage and me. “One of you douchebags better furnish this dude with a never ending supply. Unless, of course, you want to see him saddled with a kid or two in the near future.”

  “No way.” Liam protests the idea of children before Ellis can finish with his anti-procreation tirade. “I’m nowhere near ready to be a father. I’m still brushing up on my A-game if you know what I mean.” His face glazes over, and he gets that faraway look in his eyes. “That girl can bend like a pretzel. Man, I’m missing her already.”

  “That’s what I’m talking about.” Ellis bends like a pretzel himself just to high five my brother. “Now, I’m betting you’re not up on all the hygiene related to sex, either.”

  I shoot Gage a quick look. If anything, Ellis is a great way to neutralize Gage’s fury at the moment.

  “Hygiene? Do tell.” Gage leans back, still glowering at me a second, before devoting his full attention to Professor Harrison.

  “You gotta change condoms when you’re going back to front.”

  I close my eyes a moment.

  “No seriously, what I’m about to tell you is a pant’s shitting cautionary tale,” Ellis insists. “You can’t go double dipping. That’s gonna land your girl with an infection and ruin your goodtime for at least a week. And if you piggyback her period on top of that, you’re out two weeks solid of the boys getting any decent attention.” He holds a hand up to Gage. “I’m speaking from previous experience. Everything between your sister and me is totally chassis.”