Dragon Obsession Read online

  “Not much,” she confessed. “I’d love to tell you I could show you the video of exactly how it happened.”

  He sat forward eagerly. “Yes, please.” Whoever it was would pay if the Outsider hadn’t already repaid their stupidity in kind.

  “Unfortunately I cannot.”

  “Why the hell not?” he snarled. “Stop hiding behind rules and regulations, Colonel. These people need to be punished.

  “I’m not hiding, Callan.” Steel overlaid the silk in her voice and caused him to sit back slightly, recognizing the strength of person that Kallore saw in her at last. This was not an enemy he wished to make, no matter how human she might be.

  “Then why not show it to me?”

  “Because it doesn’t exist.”

  “You did not have cameras recording it from every angle? I’m not that ignorant.” He was getting tired of not being trusted enough to see what had happened. If he was to pledge to fight with them, they would need to tell him everything.

  “We did.”

  He frowned, not understanding.

  “Someone erased the video, Callan.”

  Beside him Katy reacted with the same stunned disbelief that he himself felt. “No. Nobody would be so dumb.”

  “Somebody was. And when I find out who, they’re going to pay. I lost four good soldiers because of that asshole. It wiped out the entire security detail I’d provided before going after you, Callan.”

  His surprise was replaced with cold anger. “Who the hell would want to see these things succeed? As far as we know they can’t even communicate.”

  “Not true, unfortunately.”

  Callan blinked. “What?”

  “We know that the Outsider that went after Corde somehow used a gang of street thugs to try and take him and his mate out before they were able to bond. We still have no idea how, but we’re confident that’s what happened.”

  Forcing down his anger, he digested the newfound information. There was nothing he could do now, not until Colonel Mara tracked down the traitors, whoever they may be.

  “You will inform me if you find out?”

  “Perhaps.” There was no compromise in her voice. “Now, is there anything else you needed?”

  The question hung in the air for several seconds. It was a clear segue to talk about the one question she’d asked him from the very beginning.

  “I’ll fight,” he growled, dispensing with any verbal sparring. “If I get my treasure back. Understood?”

  Colonel Mara smiled, reached into her desk, and tossed him a key. “I’ve been wanting to give that to you for a long time now.” She made a shooing motion. “Now get out of my office. We’ll be in touch in a few weeks. In the meantime, think about whether you wish to join the Steel Scythes or not.”

  He nodded, got up, and left, glancing at the back of the key as he did.

  Secure Room 4-A.

  “The Steel Scythes?” Katy asked, holding his hand as they walked deeper into the base.

  The signs posted everywhere helpfully directed him toward the secure rooms.

  “Yes,” he answered eventually when she got impatient enough to ask it again. “They’re a unit that combines dragons with the battlesuits of the humans, fighting together as a team. They’re desperately searching for new members. Most dragons are too much of solo-fighters, not wanting to have to deal with someone else in the midst of battle, let alone a human.” He shrugged. “I don’t know if it’s for me or not. I’ll think about it.”

  Katy nodded, slowing with him as they passed Secure room 3-C. The next door was labelled 4-A. He stopped, and then handed the key to his mate after a brief hesitation. “This is all for you,” he said, gesturing for her to open it up.

  “Not only no, but hell no,” she said, throwing the key back to him. “You’ve wanted this, now get in there and enjoy it.”

  Smiling at her he took the key, twisted it to unlock the door and then waited.

  “How about we do it together?” he asked, one hand on the handle, the other outstretched toward her.

  Katy smiled, and without hesitation she took his hand.

  “You’re okay with this?” he asked.

  “I am. I’ve realized the difference between you and Doug,” she said, stepping closer as his hand turned the handle slightly.

  “Just now?” he teased.

  She stuck out a tongue. “I was scared of your money, because of how greedy Doug got to get more of it. But you…you’re different, and no, not just because you’re a dragon, smart-ass. You don’t want the money for yourself. You want it for me. All you’ve ever done is spend your money on me. All he ever did was struggle for more. You’re obsessed with sharing it with those you care for.”

  He smiled and she stepped closer. The handle turned all the way, but he didn’t push the door open. Not yet. Katy wasn’t quite done.

  “It took some thinking, but I’ve come to realize that wealth itself isn’t bad. It’s the way one views it and uses it that can corrupt people, making it a thing of evil. And you are anything but evil,” she said.

  Katy’s hand came to rest upon his, and together they pushed the door open.

  Skids of gold bars dominated the fore, shining perfectly under the bright lights above. Stacks of old chests filled with gold coins lined the walls, while farther back were packed crates of cups, plates, chalices and more. Smaller boxes filled with diamond- and ruby-encrusted bracelets, rings, and more were stacked atop the larger units.

  The display warmed his heart.

  “This is all for you,” he told her, basking in the untold amounts of wealth the room contained.

  Katy’s response perfectly mirrored exactly why he loved her.

  “Holy shit.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Katy

  She exited the elevator, scanning the room for Callan to see if he was home.

  “Cal?” she called, dropping her bag on the nearby table and going to the kitchen for a glass of water.

  “Be there in a moment,” the voice came from the bedroom, slightly muffled.

  A few seconds later he emerged, tugging a shirt into place, his brown hair still damp and plastered against his head. “Hello, gorgeous,” he purred, coming up to her and giving her a kiss on the cheek as he hugged her from behind.

  “Hey,” she giggled, arching into the hug and nuzzling up against his face.

  “You look happy. What have I missed?”

  She smiled. “Oh nothing big really. Just that I got a job.”

  Callan stepped back, arms going up into the air. “Are you serious?”

  “Of course. I wouldn’t lie about that.”

  “Hell yah!” he shouted, pump his fists in exultation. “Way to go, Katy. I’m so proud of you!”

  He swept her up into a hug, twirling her around, only stopping when her feet caught on something, sending it clattering to the ground. Callan put her down and she turned to see her wheelchair lying on its side on the tiled floor.

  Looking at it without regret, she picked it up and set it back against the nearby table, where it had been resting for so long she’d forgotten about it.

  “You know, ever since I met you, I’ve needed that thing less and less, except for the few times I tried to push you away when we first met,” she mused. “It’s like you have a secret power over me.”

  Callan looked at her, his lips compressing. “I do though.”

  “Huh?”

  “I do have a secret power over you. Though I guess it’s not a secret anymore.”

  She was thoroughly confused now. “What are you talking about?”

  “I told you once. The mate bond is a real thing. A physical thing. You’re just feeding off it now. You’ve seen how fast I heal. You’re now benefiting from that.”

  “Are you serious?” she exclaimed. Then, slightly calmer, “that would make a lot of sense. Wow. What else can it do?”

  “You’ll never get sick, for starters. Injuries will heal faster, as you’ve seen. You’l
l have more energy. It only accelerated recently because you’re now wearing a part of me, helping the transfer.” He shrugged. “I thought you knew that, I’m sorry. I would have told you.”

  “No…no I didn’t,” she said with a laugh, tugging his hand and pulling him to the couch. “That’s amazing. But darling, I also have a job! I start on Monday. Can you believe that?”

  Her mate grinned, running a hand across her head, messing up her hair.

  “Hey!” she protested.

  “Of course I believe it. I know how hard of a worker you are, and that you’ll be an asset to anyone who takes a chance on you.”

  Katy felt herself blushing, her cheeks heating. “An asset.” She sighed. “I’m an asset to someone now, Callan. Not a drain or a sink. Someone needs me.”

  “I need you.”

  She swatted him playfully. “You know what I mean.”

  “I do. And I’m damn proud of you. Good job.” He kissed her. “Now tell me all about it.”

  Snuggling in close, she closed her eyes for a moment, pinching her arm before opening them just to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

  But everything was the same when she opened them, including the handsome man next to her whom she loved.

  No, she wasn’t dreaming. She was living the dream.

  ********

  ********

  This concludes Dragon Obsession, Onyx Dragons Book 2.

  I hope you enjoyed the adventure. Please feel free to let me know your thoughts on the book, anywhere from characters, to plot, to even the formatting of the book itself. I appreciate all feedback, whether it be reviews, on Facebook or via my website.

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  Thanks for digging in to my back matter for more books to read. I’ve written a number of series now, in two main worlds. Both worlds have an easy and convenient to read introductory bundle with a number of stories in it that will drag you right into the world.

  The Outsiders

  This is the world where the book you just read was written. Get the first book for just $0.99c or FREE with Kindle Unlimited

  Dragon Temptation (Crimson Dragons Book 1)

  Cadia

  In this world shifters and humans live apart. Will imaginary barriers prevent real love? Not sure where to start? Try reading:

  The Dragons of Cadia Bundle (Click)

  This 6 book bundle is just $0.99c or FREE with Kindle Unlimited. From there, just follow the links in the back!

  Genesis Valley

  This is the other world I have written extensively in. There are a number of books in the series, and the order can jump around a bit. The best way to start is here:

  Jade Crew: The Boxed Set (Link)

  This 7 book collection is also just $0.99c and FREE with Kindle unlimited. Once you reach the end, it will link you to the next series.

  Already read both box sets and want more? Flip the page for the complete rundown of all my series and the recommended reading order.

  Thanks!

  -Amelia Jade

  The Outsiders

  This is the series/book list for the Outsiders world.

  Crimson Dragons

  Dragon Temptation

  Dragon Seduction

  Dragon Devotion

  Onyx Dragons

  Dragon Fixation

  The world of: Cadia

  Here are the main series in the world of Cadia. Find them below!

  Start with:

  Dragons of Cadia: The Complete Dragon Shifter Series.

  The Full 6 Book Bundle (Link)

  Includes:

  Frost Dragon

  Fire Dragon

  Electro Dragon

  Gale Dragon

  Fume Dragon

  Aurum Dragon

  Next:

  Base Camp Bears

  Green Bearets: Luther

  Green Bearets: Aksel

  Green Bearets: Jarvis

  Green Bearets: Garrin

  Green Bearets: Kiefer

  Green Bearets: Gabriel

  Then:

  The Koche Brothers

  Blackjack Bears: Pierce

  Blackjack Bears: Kean

  Blackjack Bears: Gavin

  Blackjack Bears: Kassian

  Blackjack Bears: Maximus

  Then:

  Standalones (In Chronological Order)

  Big Bad Wolf Dad

  Bad Bad Bear Dad

  Big Bad Bear Daddy

  Bigger Badder Bear Dad

  Wing Her Over

  The World of: Genesis Valley

  This world follows the events in Genesis Valley, where misfit shifters of the world are sent. It is a brutal, vicious place where everyone’s chances have already been used up. This is it. Screw up, and they end you. But amongst the harsh life these bear shifters have eked out for themselves, everything burns brighter. Especially love.

  The books in the first two series jump around some if you wish to follow the exact chronological timeline. See the numbers in bold to follow the order.

  Start With:

  Jade Crew

  The Complete Boxed Set (Link)

  Includes:

  Jade Crew: Alpha Bear [1]

  Jade Crew: Haunted Bear [2]

  Jade Crew: Forgotten Bear [3]

  Jade Crew: Captive Bear [5]

  Jade Crew: Outcast Bear [6]

  Jade Crew: Hunted Bear[8]

  Jade Crew: Fallen Bear [9]

  Next:

  Stone Bears

  Stone Bear: Sentinel [4]

  Stone Bear: Phoenix [7]

  Stone Bear: Guardian [10]

  Then:

  Genesis Valley

  Blueblood Dragon

  Blackmarket Bear

  Finally:

  The Agency

  Get the 4 Book Boxed Set (Click Here)

  Sentinel: Bravo Bear

  Blackblood Bear

  Silver Bullet Bear

  Kingpin Bear

  About the Author

  Amelia Jade

  Amelia Jade loves to write the stories of tall, growly shifter men and the women who come to love them. Living out in the backcountry near the mountains, she keeps her own alpha male close by to keep the bears away and keep her warm. In her downtime (which is rare), she loves to read science-fiction with a dash of fantasy. You can often find her curled up in front of the real wood-burning fireplace, her nose firmly buried in a book or her favorite e-reader. The cold can’t bother her there!

  For more information about Amelia Jade and her work, visit her website or find her on Facebook.

  Amelia Jade’s Website

  Author Page

  Contents

  Author’s Note

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

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