Chosen by the Dragon (Dragonspark Brothers Book 2) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Dragonspark Brothers Series

  About the Author

  Also by Tully Belle

  Chosen by the Dragon

  Dragonspark Brothers - Book 2

  Tully Belle

  Copyright © 2017 by Tully Belle

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Cover design by Melody Simmons.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Dragonspark Brothers Series

  About the Author

  Also by Tully Belle

  1

  Elle Wilde lay on her stomach and peered through one of the eyeholes she’d made in the grocery store ceiling. Closing time was in ten minutes and yet again, no one from Dragonspark had come in. She frowned. It had been three weeks, what the hell were they eating? Nothing from this grocery store or else she would have spotted someone by now.

  She sat up, crossed her legs and dusted off her top. If they weren’t getting their food from here, then they either had a pretty decent set up at their headquarters or else they were going somewhere else. It wasn’t a stretch to think that they might be acquiring food by other means. While there were no other food stores, farms were aplenty. People were bringing it to them, people that she didn’t know who belonged to the group. Or delivery? She didn’t think so. Not out here.

  She huffed and stood up, careful not to hit her head on the low wooden beam. The air was stuffy up here, the dust swirled when she moved, but it was the best place for surveillance. Usually.

  The lights below switched to dim and she heard Bernie, the manager, tell Josie to count the till. He’d sweep now, then mop. Finally he’d do a walk up and down each aisle until he was sure everything was in it’s place before he and Josie took the money to the safe in the office and leave out the back door.

  Elle waited until she heard the motor of Bernie’s car start before she moved to the loose panel in the ceiling. She pushed it aside. A rush from the air-conditioning blew into her face, cooling the sweat that stuck to her skin. She held on to the side of the ceiling as she slid through, then released, bending her knees as she landed in a crouch position, holding still like a cat in waiting, sensing any noise. There was none except the fading car motor as Bernie and Josie drove away.

  She stood up and walked over to the glass fronted refrigerator located near the front of the store and opened the door, reaching for a small bottle of diet soda. She rearranged the row so it looked exactly as it had been, closed the door, and screwed open the plastic lid. The cool liquid slid down her throat and quenched more than her thirst. She let out an audible murmur of satisfaction and moved to the snack aisle. What would tonight’s dinner be? She stopped in front of the Cheetos, reaching toward the back, not only so the row would still look full, but also because the freshest packets were always in the back. That’s how grocery store rotation worked.

  As she opened the packet the smell of synthetic cheese flavor enveloped her making her mouth water. As she popped one in her mouth she wondered if they ever got stale. Was it necessary to put the freshest at the back? She turned the packet over and read the expiry. Over a year away. She popped other one, using her tongue to crush it against the roof of her mouth. What would a Cheetos years out of it’s expiry even taste like? It wouldn’t be like leaving the bag open and letting them go soft, keeping them sealed would make a difference. Wouldn’t it?

  She wandered toward the rack of magazines, alternating sipping her soda and crunching the cheesy snack between her teeth. Her fingers were becoming stained orange. She wiped them on her shirt and then perused the newspaper headline, turning her head to the side so she could read the first story.

  It was about the level of the river dropping. God, small towns were boring. Where were all the murders and muggings and chaos? Elle threw her head back and groaned. If she stayed here any longer she’d go crazy. She needed a new plan.

  She sat down cross-legged at the front of the store, close enough that she could see out of the window, but far enough away that she remained unseen unless someone actually came up and pressed their face against the glass. Part of her wished someone would actually do that. Some curious soul who would wander close and for some inexplicable reason look inside the store and see her looking back at them. Then she could chase them down, prevent them from giving up her location. Would they even care though?

  In the city they would. They would haul her to the nearest Police station, then question her about breaking and entering. She’d pout and bat her eyelashes. Sorry officer, I was so hungry. Yes, I’m all alone. I didn’t touch anything else I swear. My boyfriend kicked me out and I have no job. She could cry on cue. It was one of her more useful skills. Men were so easy to manipulate. They’d give her a stern talking to, but they’d always let her go.

  She crunched another Cheetos between her teeth and stared at the Laundromat on the opposite side of the road. The owner, Wayne, would finish and leave in half an hour. He always left the back window open a crack, enough for someone to reach their long fingers through and unlatch it, lifting the wind
ow so they could enter. Fool.

  Elle preferred the small washing machine in the corner. It was quick and quiet. Plus Wayne had installed a shower cubicle in his office. She wondered if he ever cared why it never got dusty. He never used it, she knew that. She shook her head, it didn’t matter.

  She almost finished the bag of Cheetos as she watched him lock up. Elle lifted the bag to her mouth and threw her head back, letting the cheese dust settle on her tongue before washing it down with the last of the soda.

  Wayne’s meaty fingers pulled down the awning on the front of the Laundromat window and he locked the front door.

  Elle stood up, made her way to the back of the grocery story and let herself out. She dropped the empty Cheetos bag and the soda bottle into the dumpster before making her way to the side of the store, sneaking to the front, keeping her back pressed against the smooth red brick wall. When she was sure everyone had gone, she walked across the road, keeping her head down, although her ears and every other sense was on high alert. It was a habit that was unnecessary in this small town, but she wasn’t about to give it up. Besides, she wouldn’t be here long. She didn’t think she would have been here this long though. Damn stupid Dragonspark brothers.

  A ten foot tree was the only natural living thing in the back of the cemented Laundromat courtyard. Planted right next to the building. She supposed for shade in the summer months, so Wayne could sit outside instead of in with the noisy hot machines. It didn’t matter the reason. She reached into the leafy branches, retrieving the plastic bag where she’d stashed toothpaste and body wash.

  Then she opened the back window, carefully so it wouldn't scrape and make a noise. Finally she hauled herself up and slipped inside.

  2

  Lyson Dragonspark turned over the tiny pinhole camera in his hand. It was easy to hide it in any article of clothing, but that wasn’t what was on his mind today. A camera wouldn’t be enough if he actually found a member of Princess here. He needed something else, but what?

  The leader of Princess, Tessa Fuller, had recently shot and almost killed his brother, Ash. The half dragon blood that coursed through their veins had kept him alive until they could get medical help.

  “I’m not saying we kill her,” said Ash. He sprung up from his seat although Lyson noticed the wince in his expression and the narrowing of his eyes that indicated that he still felt pain. He wanted to tell his brother to sit back down and rest, but he knew it’d be pointless. Ash didn’t like feeling weak, especially now. “We need to immobilize her and the rest of Princess.”

  “Damn her,” exclaimed Mac, more to himself than to Lyson and Ash. He’d muttered the same words at various moments over the past week, his eyes glazing in anger, hurt and frustration. Mac was Lyson’s older brother who blamed himself, believing that he was the reason they were in this mess. Mac punched his fist into the palm of his hand. “I’ve been telling you she's dangerous all this time and only now you agree.”

  “She’s your ex-girlfriend,” said Ash. He folded his arms across his chest, winced again and unfolded them.

  “Ex-fiancé,” corrected Lyson. He stood up and walked over to Ash placing a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, calm down, you need to take it easy.”

  “I’m fine,” said Ash. He dared Lyson to challenge him.

  “We aren’t killers,” Lyson continued, “but I do agree that we can’t go on like this waiting for her to show up. She’s out of control, even more than usual.”

  Mac grimaced and sat down on the sofa opposite Ash. The couch gave a groan from the force of his movements. “Crazy b—“

  “Okay, we get it.” Lyson raised his voice and his brothers both looked at him with surprise. He was the calm one that never got angry, at least that was what they thought. He got angry as much as they did, but being the youngest he knew that blowing your lid didn’t get you anywhere. The only time he ever lost control of his emotions was when he was inside the dragon skin. The blood inside him amplified everything tenfold when he changed.

  “She won’t give up,” warned Mac. He sighed and crossed his arms across his chest. Dark circles ringed his eyes and his hair had gone too long without a cut, even though any one of the people here at Dragonspark could have done it for him. It hurt Lyson to see his brother in so much turmoil.

  “Let’s play her game,” he said. “If she is so desperate to find Dragonspark, we should let her.”

  “What? Let her come here?” Ash leaned against the back of a chair for support. “Who’s the crazy one now? She tried to kill me, she could destroy this whole place and everyone in it. That’s what she wants. Are you willing to take that risk?”

  “Not if we control the situation. We can set up surveillance everywhere to make sure she can’t go through with the harebrained plan she’s got.”

  Mac rolled his eyes and threw his hand in the air. “Except she won’t come here alone, we’ve talked about this. She’ll have her whole crew here.”

  “Caran doesn’t think so,” said Ash. Caran and Ash were dating. She used to be a member of Princess and now worked at the Greenslopes County hospital. “She thinks Tessa will stay nice and safe at Princess and let someone else do the hard work of finding us.”

  “What if we found Princess HQ first?” asked Lyson. He turned over the camera in his hand. “We could track whoever is here, follow them, they’ve got to go back sooner or later. It’ll be much easier if we knew ahead of time what their plans were.”

  “I can’t spare anyone to go undercover, it could take months to find their HQ, if we even do. We don’t know any of the members, and everyone blends in. Plus we aren’t female.”

  “Caran knows them,” said Ash. “She would know if they were Princess.”

  “No,” said Lyson. “It’s too risky for Caran to get involved in this until we know who's here. We need to find them first.”

  “We’ve got eyes everywhere in town,” said Mac. “No-one’s seen anyone.”

  “That doesn’t mean they aren’t around and waiting for us to make a wrong move.” He walked over to the window and dragged his hand over his stubbled chin. “Maybe, we should let them find one of us.”

  “Bait them? I suppose you’re volunteering to put yourself in the firing line,” said Mac. He shook his head. “I can’t have two of my brothers shot when it’s me she wants.”

  “They won’t shoot. Tessa sent her message, now she’s playing us like a cat with its prey.”

  Ash grunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “No, she would never do that.” He tipped his head to the side and pointed to his chest. “Definitely, not her style at all to shoot first and ask questions later.”

  Lyson turned around. “I don’t think she wanted to kill you.”

  “Okay, you’ve stepped into delusion, bro.”

  “Think about it. Why was she only armed with regular bullets? She knew that wouldn’t harm you.”

  “She said ‘All dragons must die’, then shot me. I would say she meant it and had decided to add murderer to her resume.”

  Lyson frowned. “She’s batshit crazy, but she’s not a killer. It was a mistake.”

  “Are you out of your mind?” Ash stood up straighter, incredulity on his face. “She shot me in cold blood when I was still human. She’s insane.”

  “I’m going into town tomorrow.” Lyson kept his voice calm and held up his hands as his brothers began to protest. “I’ll take backup and be careful, I promise. I won’t get caught or hurt. We need to know if someone is here and if they are, what we are going to do next.”

  “Jesus, Ly,” Mac stood up. “No, I’m not letting you do that.”

  “If we can find out if someone is here, we can use that. Right now we are at a disadvantage waiting for something to happen. We need to know where we stand and get back control.”

  “And what will you do when you find out?”

  “That depends on what, or who, I find.”

  3

  Elle’s back ached and her neck felt like it was burning.
She reached up and rubbed it although it did nothing to relieve the tension that had been building over the past week. She knew it was the bed. The cheap air mattress had sagged and now touched the floor in places, each night more air escaping as it sunk lower. Elle missed her own bed, her own pillow, and her own room. One more night, she promised herself, then she’d find somewhere else to hole up.

  She lay down on her stomach and peered through the eyehole into the store below. Nobody interesting had come in apart from the usual crowd getting their morning milk and bread. Her stomach grumbled as she thought about the breakfast they might be enjoying with their goods. Toast dripping in melted butter and gooey honey, sticking to your fingers as the bread crunched in your mouth.

  Hot coffee with fresh milk and sugar. How long had she gone without coffee now? Too long. She was going through caffeine withdrawal. She mentally went over the symptoms: headaches, irritability, and cravings. Ha! Welcome to her whole life.

  There would be a lull around eleven with no-one coming into the store until lunchtime. How this place even stayed in business with such a small prospect of customers she didn’t understand. Not that it mattered, she wasn’t here to help Bernie with his business problems.

  Her stomach growled. She needed something to eat. She sat up and perused the stash she’d procured last night from the store. Nothing fresh of course, she couldn’t risk having the smell of rotting fruit or vegetable scraps emanating down to the floor below. Only packet food. She opened a tin of tuna and added it to the top of a crisp bread. Tuna wasn’t her favorite, but she had been eating so much junk lately that she needed the protein. Now that she’d opened the tin she regretted it. She’d have to eat the whole thing so it wouldn’t reek. Fish stench would be way worse than fruit.