Today we had decided to up the stakes. Preparation had taken place last night while we ate the rabbit squirrel creatures we had caught. The small animals had gone a long way into getting our energy back up. Sitting around the fire, we had fashioned bow and arrows from branches in the canopy and vines crawling along the trees. Finding some red berries, we had fastened them to the ends of the arrows in little pouches used from a shirt we had torn into strips. It would be like an archery version of paint ball tag.
     Okay. It was safe to say that my crew and I were having a little too much fun with this. My so-called mate would respect my strength and who I am, or he wouldn’t have me at all. On that I refused to budge.
     Each member of my crew had three arrows and had discussed our targets beforehand. Having led the unsuspecting group we were stalking to the clearing on purpose this morning, we were surprised when three additional dragons arrived. I didn’t know who they were, but they seemed to be on friendly terms with the search party. Kind of.
     We made adjustments for the additional ‘enemies’ just as we would in a real war situation. I hoped the new arrivals could cope with the game they had inadvertently walked, or flown, into. 
Surrounding the clearing, we listened to the conversation between the search party and the new dragons. I was surprised to learn that the three other men saw things the same way I did. It almost made me feel bad about what was getting ready to happen to them. Almost. 
     My team slowly and steadily took their positions and aimed at their targets. Each of us had a maniacal grin. The adrenaline and the knowledge that we were about to take out the enemy in one fell swoop was giving us a high like nothing else could. I waited until the Drakians were completely distracted. I gave the signal. Arrows went flying.
     The group in the clearing was so shocked that every single one of them froze, giving us the perfect targets. Seriously? Did they really have no sense of self-preservation? There was no trace of any battle readiness. Each arrow flew straight and true. Seven people were dead in less than a minute. Or, they would have been had it been a real attack.
     It was almost comical to watch. The shock that froze them as they realized they were being attacked. Them! Kings! Actually being attacked! Each clutched their chests where two red stains were forming. The anguished yelling that took place as they watched their brothers and kings getting wounded and falling to the ground on their knees. Then the confusion as it registered that there was no pain from the injuries.
     The pale green one brought some of the red splatter to his nose and sniffed. He looked at it for a second with an odd expression but then grinned. That grin turned into a full belly laugh. “It’s jorgin berries,” he said, unable to contain his mirth. All three of the newly arrived men sat on their knees laughing so hard they were bent over clutching their stomachs for an entirely different reason than being shot. Rokk and the two trackers began chuckling as realization dawned on who could be behind the attack, trying their best to remain composed as their kings came down from the panic of almost losing their brothers.
     And then it happened. That moment I knew would come. I had held back my last arrow just for this. That moment Glacian realized that his ‘little mate’ had just made an ass out of their entire group. Out of four kings. His anger was so deep his face was turning a darker shade of blue. Almost royal blue. His eyes flashed dragon.
     “Kiera!” He roared with every ounce of pent-up anger coursing through his system.
     I took aim and let my arrow go. He was so worked up he never saw it coming. He wasn’t even looking for an additional attack. None of them were. The juice pouch end of the arrow smacked him right in the forehead, knocking him down on his backside.

  "Wow. Did not see that coming." I glanced back at Glacian. Looks like our family just grew again.


 Yes, he said derisively, by a Drakian that just tried to take you from me. I do not like that I now have to find a way to treat him like family.


 If Swift could have moved, he would have reached out to Bao. It was written all over his face.


 Bao looked at me. She had her hip cocked with her hand on her waist. "You shredded my mates wings." Her tone was accusing but her facial expression said she understood.


 I gave her an apologetic look. "In my defense, at the time I didn't know he was your mate. I didn't kill him."


 "I do thank you for that," was her only response as she knelt down by Swift's side. She was not able to touch his sides or arms. Bao settled for resting her hands on his shoulders and urging him to lean back against her gently.


Chapter 62 - Chapter 62