Free Opulent (The Opalescent Collection Book 1) by Isabelle Gallo

this!”
    “I can do anything I want.”
    “What is all this quarreling about?” Taj’ called, slithering up to us.
    “Taj’ what are you doing here?”
    “Pearl said she foresaw a fight here, on the Bridge. Let’s not be starting anything now. I don’t want to see anyone get hurt,” Taj’ said softly.
    “We’re not starting anything,” Pete said.
                  I clutched onto Fitzray’s cape. “Don’t do this. He’s too strong.”
    “Let’s end this now Pete.”
                  Fitzray grabbed the knife from his belt and threw it as hard as he could before I could stop him. Pete moved, but not quick enough and the cruel blade sliced his shoulder.
                  Just as Fitzray walked up to him to do further damage, a man made his way toward us. It was Zaire.
                  It was my brother in the flesh, with a face like my own. It brought tears to my eyes at the very sight of him, though my heart sank as he looked me over with hardly any interest. My big brother was finally here to rescue me, I thought – I hoped.
    “I’m ashamed of you Chenille. When you came to me nearly a year ago, I thought you had the potential to change. When Dad realized there was nothing that could change you, he wanted you killed. Your dragon’s kidnapping was a plot to your demise. But I let you get away…I couldn’t kill you – my only sister.”
    “What…what in the world are you talking about?”
    “You were turned into one of them . They are the cause of this. They will pay for what they’ve done.”
    “Pay?”
    “Chenille, look at me. I am your brother, your blood, and a part of the pack whether you’d like to believe it or not. So please understand…what I do is out of love – for your own good.” His gaze turned to rest on Fitzray. “This is your fault.”
    “No Zaire, he’s not my-,”
                  My brother’s body transformed to resemble that of a large charcoal black wolf. He was a wolf. According to him, my family members were all wolves. They were a pack. And I was not a part of it.
                  He launched, nails extended, teeth exposed. Just as the wolf sunk his claws into Fitzray’s chest, Taj’ wrapped his tail around the wolf’s body and flung him over the side of the Bridge in one swift movement. My brother’s howl rang out as he plunged down into the oblivion of the universe.
                  There was no time to mourn my brother. Fitzray was nearly dead at my feet, blood pooled around him, his eyes half-closed. I fell to my knees, ran my hands over his ripped shirt where the wounds spilled blood at an alarming rate. I was sure the wounds were deep enough to pierce his heart, but I couldn’t be sure.
    “Fitzray say something…please.”
    “I’m sorry…Chenille.”
                  Tears spilled over onto my face. “Are you…you’re not going to die are you?” He didn’t answer. “Oh please, please don’t leave me.”
    “I will be reincarnated in another life.”
    “Are you sure?” Pete asked, his voice sounding almost as heartbroken as my own. He bent down to gaze over his brother and shook his head. His eyes flicked up and he slowly lifted his brother up into his arms. “I’m sorry to disappoint you then.”
    “PETE, NO!”
                  Moonscale lifted off as Pete threw his Master over the side of the Bridge. Pete grabbed his knife and slashed it through the dragon’s wing. The dragon uttered a cry and he fell, spiraling down with his Master.
    “You will pay, malevolent creature! The mortals will murder you once I drag you over the Bridge in my mouth! You will not be able to hide! For your own kind shall rebel against you! You will pay! We will show no mercy!” Taj’ screamed.
                  Pete reached down and pulled me upright, forcing me to stand. I tried to keep my distance from him, but I was too distraught to fight him