Free Dragons Don't Cry by Suzie Ivy Page B

this
is Acasia.”
    Brunya put out her hand. “Welcome,
Acasia.”
    “Thank you,” Acasia said shaking the offered
hand. She gave Brunya an inquisitive look, and I knew she was ready
to start her questions again.
    I ushered her inside the car quickly or we
would have stood out there all day.
    “What is this called, Bastian?” She looked
around the interior, speaking low as if it would go away if she
raised her voice.
    “It’s a motor vehicle, though the simple
word is car. Keep watch out the window. Sedona is the name of this
township. It has a vortex that condenses magic. It’s one of the few
places in this realm that we can cross. The scenery is
spectacular.”
    The red rock formations drew Acasia’s
attention. She also watched each car approach from the opposite
direction and travel past us. When we hit the main part of the
town, slowing down with the heavier traffic and control lights, she
began asking questions again.
    “What do they hold up to their ear as they
walk?”
    It was exciting for me to see things through
her eyes. “It’s a cell phone. They communicate with the device.
This realm has many cities and lands far away. The phone keeps them
linked.”
    “And the lights, what is their function?”
she asked when we came to a complete stop at a red light.
    “Traffic lights keep the cars from ramming
each other. It controls who goes when.”
    We approached the airport and she had me
laughing aloud.
    “They have ugly dead dragons.” She pointed.
“No, there is one in the air, but they are frozen.”
    “Those are called airplanes, and we will be
riding inside one in a few moments.”
    Her eyes grew bigger. “They eat us?”
    I bit my lip. “No, it is another type of
machine. It will take us to my friend’s place.”
    She looked at me with innocent, trusting
eyes. “I do not understand how they stay in the air, but if you
have faith in them, I will manage.”
    A private jet waited. I walked with Acasia
up the stairs and we sat down in the luxurious seats. Brunya joined
us.
    Acasia focused on the other woman. “This is
a strange realm, Brunya, but very fascinating. How did you know
where to meet us?”
    Brunya smiled softly and replied, “I was
given your crossing location. It is the first time I’ve come to
welcome visitors from elsewhere. It’s an honor to be given this
trust and doubly so for a female of my clan.”
    “If things are better for males than females
in this realm, then we have a lot in common. I’m glad to hear that
it may be changing for you.”
    I grunted at her words, but stayed out of
their conversation. Female weakness was not my problem. Acasia
expressed her glee once we were airborne, and I relaxed. I knew she
would enjoy part of this visit, though I also knew she wouldn’t be
happy when she discovered the true reason we came.
    Another car and driver waited for us when
the plane landed and drove us through the city known as Denver.
Brunya had some place else to be and didn’t accompany us. We pulled
up to the nightclub. Our driver opened the car door and ushered us
inside the large double doors that were guarded by two enormous men
who nodded at our approach.
    We stepped inside. I’d known the vampire
walking toward us for centuries, but he looked different; more
relaxed, happier perhaps.
    “Welcome, Bastian, and please waste no time
introducing me to your lovely bride.”
    I pulled Acasia into my side, keeping a
possessive arm around her. “Dmitri this is Acasia.”
    The vampire took her hand, ignoring mine and
kissed the backs of her fingers. I was ready to shove him away when
a low growl sounded over his shoulder. He laughed, released Acasia,
and pulled the softly growling woman in close to him.
    “Bastian, Acasia, I would
like to introduce my mate, Nikka. She is unable to verbally
communicate with you, but she has plenty to say to me at the
moment.” Dmitri laughed and kissed the woman. “I know kotika , but if I can’t
razz my friends, life would be