Page 64 of You Will Obey
“I thought you knew all of the dragon tricks,” I commented and shivered as another wave of pleasure rippled through me. That blissful feeling was starting to fade, but the power was there. I did feel stronger.
“Tarnus knew more,” Tylendel said. “So, what time is Deacon and his pack supposed to be coming?”
“He was supposed to be here…” I looked at my watch, noting the time was almost four a.m. “Three hours ago. He claimed something came up when I last spoke to him, but he didn’t say what. He should be here soon, I can sense him getting closer.”
Deacon pissed me off that he was taking his time, furthermore, that I’d been reprimanded for branding him. Ara would have been pleased, in fact, he was when I’d last spoken to him. But because Elliot was Kendrick’s mate and Deacon’s best friend, he had some powerful backing. One I couldn’t disobey.
“Probably testing out the power of the brand,” Tylendel said.
“Being immune to dragon venom is a perk. I just wanted to be able to control him,” I said.
Tylendel chuckled. “I’m sure. Our King did inform me that you are to be punished for your actions.”
I frowned. “I was handling Ara’s business when I did so.”
“Perhaps you shouldn’t have used your dragon powers then.”
“I’ve always used my dragon powers. Never needed Kendrick’s permission or any dragon King before him,” I argued.
“Yes, but that was before you took his heartsblood into you and swore your loyalty. Serving two Kings is tricky, Théoden. There is a fine line you can’t cross. You’re no longer just Ara’s exceptional son, a vampire with dragon’s blood and powers. You are now Kendrick’s Knight and Ara’s Prince. Your actions can cause a war between the two if you cross that line,” Tylendel said.
I refrained from making any comments, because as much as it annoyed me, I knew he was right. “So, how will you punish me?” I asked.
“Survive whatever is coming our way first.” Ty looked down at the few cars on the road. An announcement had gone out for humans to take shelter, so the streets were practically empty save the wolves and dragons patrolling. “You should go feed, then return.”
“You’re right… about everything. I’ll be back,” I said, then flew off the rooftop and quickly fed on Oliver, my beautiful wolf guard sent by Kendrick. He was a century old, but highly skilled in combat. My bite gave him great pleasure and his blood filled me to the brim and was extremely delicious. I knew he’d be back in fighting shape in a matter of minutes and I left him slumped against a building with a goofy smile on his face. I broke into a clothing store and took a shirt off the rack, putting it on. I’d left my armor on the rooftop with Tylendel. It was mandatory for all of Kendrick’s Knights to have protective armor with his insignia on it.
I returned to the rooftop where Tylendel had been joined by over three dozen other wolves and dragons, all from Kendrick’s army. They looked quite formidable and I was a part of them. I placed my armor back on and it bared Kendrick’s crest, but also Ara’s. Mine was the only armor with that distinction. It fitted me perfectly and looked impressive and intimidating. Gold and silver with a dragon’s head on one shoulder and a wolf’s head on the other. His insignia was on the breastplate for all to see and Ara’s was on the back. There were matching gauntlets, but that was it. It reminded me of the sports equipment men used for American football. The high collar of my armor would provide some protection to my neck. Tylendel was also dressed in his armor as well, but on him, it just looked more… badass, dare I say. Probably because of his aura and the fact that his armor was fancier considering he was the Elder Knight. Jewels encrusted his armor, diamonds and rubies, and it matched his sword. He also had a red cape flowing down his back bearing the King’s insignia.
“You look good,” Tylendel said, checking me out.
“I think it might be my first time ever fighting with armor,” I said.
“You’ll get used to it.”
“Aren’t you worried about fighting with that cape?” I asked.
He shook his head. “I love it.”
“But have you ever had an enemy try to use it against you? Like grab or choke you with it?” I asked.
He laughed and nodded. “It detaches easily if pulled on, so that it can never be used against me.”
“Ahh, that’s smart.”
“Sometimes I don’t attach it, like when I fought Josef’s wolves. But my King wants to make a statement with this battle,” Ty said.
“I have no idea how my Sire will react once he sees me in it,” I said. Ara only accepted me serving Kendrick because he solidified a powerful alliance. But the brand I now wore and this armor would be something he wasn’t used to, even if his was on the back. No one had ever laid a claim on anything that belonged to him.
Tylendel shrugged. “I’m sure it will ruffle his feathers, but it is done. Besides, his crest is on it.”
I didn’t bother to say anything else on the matter. Ty was right. It was done. “Ugh, I hate this… waiting. I never did like it, the anticipation of a battle. I had more patience when I was human, but not so much now. And I hate that they’ve attacked us when our army can’t defend itself. How many vampires died in their sleep? Disgusting,” I snarled.
“Very clever to attack you all during the day,” Tylendel said.
I growled, my fangs flashing. “Cowardly is more like it.”
“Whether it is cowardice or cunning, it’s effective.”