Read Online Marked by the Dragon King by Caroline Hale - Free Book Online Page B

rushing past us into the next room provide our signal. It’s now or never.
    I quickly undo the velvet ropes marking the security perimeter around the display and grab the pole they were clipped to. Doing my best impression of a baseball player, I swing hard at the glass and it shatters. Yes! That was exhilarating. I can feel my heart beating fast and adrenaline surges through me, giving me a heady high. I should break things more often.
    Ruby calls from her watch point. “Hurry, I think they've caught him!”
    I reach around the shards of glass and grab the fang. For a moment, the museum fades into oblivion and all I can see is fire. A powerful force rushes through my body, recharging my magic instantly. It's not completely full, but there's probably enough there for a few simple spells.
    “Ruby!” I shout, bringing her attention back to me and signaling her to come on with a wave of my hand. I slide the fang into my bag carefully so I don't stab Fee in the process. Still groggy, she turns over and mumbles something incoherent before settling back in. I focus my magic as quickly as I can and cast a Distract enchantment on the bag. I can't tell if it worked or not, but I silently hope it did as we start to move towards the exit.
    We join the crowds of people attempting to escape the ear piercing alarms. Security guards posted in the front wave people through quickly, occasionally checking bags. Shit! If they look in mine they will see a passed out Sprite and something that definitely belongs to them if my Distraction didn't work. I start to sweat as we approach.
    Ruby grabs my arm and tucks her own underneath. “Play along, we shouldn't look so serious. It will attract attention.” While we wait in the line, we act as if we are good friends catching up. Why does this feel so natural? Even though we are making everything up to appear human to anyone who happens to overhear, it feels so nice to make small talk with someone. My heart strings soften and I can't help but think all the conversations that I’ve had with the unconscious Sprite in my bag. It couldn’t have all been bullshit. Perhaps Fee still is my friend...
    When we’re next in line, Ruby starts to subtly wobble while walking towards the guard. He doesn’t seem to notice, his eyes squinting at my bag. I sense the Distraction enchantment start to dissipate, it’s just not strong enough. Crap.
    “I don't feel so good,” Ruby says convincingly, blinking rapidly as she wipes nonexistent sweat from her forehead. The guard reaching for my bag quickly changes direction as Ruby falls to the floor right in front of him. A small crowd surrounds her as the guards attempt to get everyone back so Ruby can breathe. She gives me a quick wink and I smile, eagerly taking advantage of her distraction and walking right out the front door, unsearched bag in hand.
    ____________
     
    Out on the sidewalk, I'm not sure if I should wait for Ruby and Jax or not. I look around the entrance. There's no sign of them. Muttering a quiet thanks towards the heavens, I jump on the train towards my apartment.
    Once I'm home, I pull the fang out. Fee stirs as I gently set her on my couch cushion. I know I should take her back Underground, but I've got to get moving on the key. It's what Fee would want anyway, considering how involved she is with all of this.
    Edgar pops up onto the coffee table and glares at Fee like she's a mouse he can eat. “Edgar, no!” I give him a slight pop on the nose as he takes a swipe at her. “You can't eat this one, Furball.”
    I smile as I remember what happened when I called Jax a kitty. I can only imagine how he’d react to Furball. Crotchety old cat. Edgar stalks off to a corner where he can keep an eye on his non-edible prey as I pull the Dragon tome out from its hiding spot.
    “Okay, Asher,” I murmur. “Here goes.”
    I glance down at my worn jeans, suddenly feeling plain and inadequate. I’m usually wearing a beautiful dress when he sees me.