Chapter 123 pt2
**Avery**
As the days pass, the household buzzes with excitement. Clint, Cassius, and Conner hire a cook named Michelle, who was one of those that I freed from Nightshade, to help manage the increased workload. At first, Michelle seems competent and efficient, her raven hair and emerald eyes adding a touch of exotic beauty to the household. But as time goes on, I begin to notice a shift in Michelle’s behavior. She becomes increasingly resentful, her smiles tight and her words laced with bitterness.
One afternoon, I overhear Michelle muttering under her breath as she prepares a meal. "She thinks she’s so special, doesn’t she? The great Avery, the leader of the household, Naga’s Queen. She has no idea what it takes to truly run things." My stomach churns at the venom in Michelle’s voice. I had sensed something off about the cook from the beginning, but now, my instincts are screaming that something is deeply wrong.
As the days pass, Michelle’s behavior grows more manipulative. She begins to undermine my authority, subtly suggesting that she would be better suited to lead the household. She charms Clint, Cassius, and Conner with her culinary skills and flattering words, slowly driving a wedge between me and my mates. I tried to warn them, but my concerns are dismissed. "Michelle’s just doing her job, Avery," Clint says, his tone dismissive. "She’s a great cook, and she’s helping us out a lot."
Cassius nods, his expression unreadable. "You’re probably just stressed with the pregnancy. Michelle’s not a threat." But I know better. I can feel the tension building, like a storm cloud gathering on the horizon. Michelle’s true intentions are becoming clearer with each passing day, and I know that a confrontation is inevitable.
One evening, as the household gathers for dinner, the tension reaches a breaking point. Michelle serves a lavish meal, her smile tight as she watches me and my mates enjoy the food. But as I take a bite, I choke, my eyes widening in shock. The food is laced with a potent sedative, and within moments, Clint, Cassius, and Conner are slumping in their seats, unconscious.
My heart pounds in my chest as I realize Michelle’s plan. The cook steps forward, her emerald eyes gleaming with triumph. "Finally, the household will have a true leader. One who knows how to run things properly."
My mind races as I try to think of a way to stop Michelle. With a surge of determination, I reach for my dragon magic, feeling the familiar heat building within me. "You won’t get away with this," she snarls, her voice laced with power. "I won’t let you hurt my family. You messed with the wrong bitch. I will enjoy killing you!"
Michelle’s smile falters, and she takes a step back, her confidence wavering. "You think you can stop me? You’re just a pregnant weakling."
My eyes narrow, and I unleash my magic as Draven taught me. I wish he was here but he is off enjoying time with Rory before Christmas and our trip to Talos. “Prepare to die,” I say as a blast of fire erupts from my palms. Michelle screams as the flames engulf her, but she’s quick, dodging the attack and lunging at me with a knife.
I laugh because a normal knife like that one can’t harm me and neither can a Dragon Blade. “You are a crazy bitch,” Michelle yells. The two of us grapple, our movements frantic as we struggle for control. My heart pounds in my chest, my mind racing as I try to think of a way to overpower Michelle. But the cook is strong, her movements fueled by desperation and rage.
Just as Michelle lands a blow, a loud roar shakes the room, and James Balans bursts through the doors, his bright green eyes blazing with fury. "What’s going on here?"
Michelle freezes, her eyes widening in shock. "You—you’re supposed to be dead!"
James’s lips curl into a snarl, and he transforms into his dragon form, his massive wings unfurling as he towers over Michelle. "You’ve made a grave mistake, Michelle. No one threatens my mate and gets away with it."
Michelle’s face pales, and she tries to flee, but James is too fast, his claws closing around her as he lifts her off the ground. "Please—please don’t kill me!" she screams, her voice laced with terror.
James’s eyes narrow, and he snarls, his breath hot against Michelle’s face. "You’re lucky. But make no mistake, Michelle. If you ever threaten Avery or her family again, I’ll make sure you regret it."
With that, he drops Michelle unceremoniously on the ground and turns to me, his expression softening. "Are you alright? Did she hurt you?"
“No! She must die! She was a dragon masquerading among wolves, she is an ally with Cora!” I used what magic I had left to send a shockwave followed by a barrage of elemental spells. Her lifeless body fell to the floor inches from the exit. I look at the familiar man and nod, my body trembling as the adrenaline wears off. "I’m fine. Thank you, for everything, but how did you get here?."
James transforms back into his human form, his bright green eyes searching mine. "Always. You’re my mate, Avery. I’ll always protect you. You have dreamed of me as I have you. Ty’s temporary mark became ineffective the moment you entered Naga’s territory. I had no clue where you were until Tim found you at the mall. I have watched ever since. I would have helped you at Nightshade, but Michelle had tried to poison me when I was last there, when one of Warwick’s wolves went missing. I have been able to get through Naga’s enchantments since you brought Tim here. I used the enchantment you left on him. I will give it back to him when I return to Talos."
I smile, “I am why she went missing. You can keep the enchantment. Tim and Trisha will mate soon and he won’t need an enchantment to see his mate anymore.”
He chuckles, “Of course you are.” Maybe all of those rumors about him are just that, rumors.
As the household begins to stir, Clint, Cassius, and Conner waking from their sedated state, I feel a surge of gratitude. I know that Michelle’s betrayal has left a mark, but with James by my side, I feel stronger than ever. But as I look into James’s eyes, I see a flicker of something—a shadow of uncertainty. And I wonder—what other secrets is he keeping? What other dangers lurk in the shadows, waiting to strike?
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