Free Dragon Me to the Flame (Dragons of Emberside Book 2) by Thalia Frost Page B

eyebrow, staring deeply into her eyes.
    “I have to think about it,” Skye said firmly.
    “Okay. I'll be back later for your answer.”
    She laughed. “As in later today?”
    Niall nodded. “Yes, as I said, we're on a deadline. If you say yes, I want to take you to meet my clan. I'll see you before nightfall.”
    Skye laughed and gaped at him. “No pressure. I mean, we aren't even technically dating, but hey! I'll go meet your fire breathing family who could incinerate me on the spot. Sounds great!” She sighed.
    “Just think about it. Ask yourself why you're really here, Skye. Is it fate, or is it just to write another novel? I think the birthmark you have will give you the answer.” Niall gave her a long look that made her heart pound.
    Then, he left without another word.
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 2: Captivity
     
    When he was out the door and safely down the stone walkway, Skye let out a loud scream. “Damn him! Who does he think he is? He can't uproot my life like this.” She kicked at the table leg and then regretted it as her toes throbbed.
    The temper of a dragon finally made sense now.
    “Whatever.” She paced the room, feeling like a caged animal. He brought out all the worst in her. There was no way she could write a word now. All she wanted to do was run or screw or...something.
    Skye opted for a run. She couldn't remember the last time she had done so. She changed into yoga pants and suitable shoes. Thunder rolled in the distance, just as she stepped outside.
    “Great,” she muttered, but she wasn't going to let it stop her. She had to blow off some steam and get her head straight.
    Skye pushed out of the front door, locking it behind her, not that anyone would bother breaking it. Her little rental cottage was too remote.
    But not too remote for dragons, apparently.
    She sighed, her head in a spin about how crazy her life had gotten. Skye pushed thoughts of Niall out of her head and started running down the lane and into the woods.
     
    * * * *
    Roland pawed at the ground. He'd been surveying the valley today, looking for good ground if he needed it to stage a takeover. He was sick and tired of Magnus's rule of the Clan of Emberside, and he was tired of Niall being the lackey for Magnus. The gossip he'd heard about Niall's refusal to mate with Morighan seemed like a stroke of luck.
    A woman suddenly ran by him—red hair flowing in the wind. He was hidden behind a tree. He didn't recognize her, but she had the speed of a dragon shifter woman as well as the movement.
    A plan hatched in his mind, and he took off running after her, a wicked grin on his lips. He would teach Magnus and Niall to screw with him and the future of the clan.
     
    * * * *
    Rose tried to speed up when she heard footsteps pounding behind her and what sounded like snorting in the woods.
    Dear God, what was that? Was someone—or something, it sounded like—chasing her?
    Fear suffused her, and adrenaline pushed her into gear. She felt a change coming over her—one she had fought all of her life. But in this place, with a threat coming and the stress that Niall Gregor had placed upon her, she wasn't sure she could keep it at bay any longer.
    When the change came, she cried out at the power she felt—the sheer majesty of her being. Skye roared, her cry echoing in the forest.
    “There, now, baby shifter. You're coming with me,” a growling voice said. Hands grabbed her in mid-run, hoisting her into the air.
    Skye struggled and bucked, but she was no match for whatever had her in his grasp. She felt herself lift off of the ground as she screamed, fear like she had never known seizing her.
    It's a damned dragon shifter—but not Niall. It's all true.
    “Put me down, you winged beast!” she beat on the thing's back, but he only roared with hot laughter.
    “Not a chance. You're coming with me.”
    They flew so high, and her fear was so great that she passed out.
     
    * * * *
    She woke up in a dank, dimly lit cave.
    “Help!