Page 44 of Knight of the Sword

Baylor laughed again. “It’s probably the only time in my life I’ve been called that. I only did it because we need her alive. Somehow, she’s tied into finding the Sword. Until that happens, it behooves all of us to make sure no harm comes to her.” He gave Morgan a calculating look. “Don’t let your jealousy for the warlock get in the way of your good sense, my pet.”

If anything, Morgan turned paler. He would have to think about that. Right now, though, he had more important things to deal with. He pushed her hand away. “Later.” He reached to fast-forward the video. “Do you know who the man is sitting on her couch?”

Morgan looked at the screen. “Yeah. That’s her ex-husband. He calls at the office. I think he wants to get back with her.”

“Well, the sound isn’t good on this, but it seems she’s not all that agreeable. It seems he’s threatened to expose her little secret.” Baylor clicked the video off. “Perhaps if he had the dragon, he’d have a little more leverage. You can help with that, pet.”

Morgan frowned slightly. “You want me to go to Sophie’s house and get the dragon?”

Balor shook his head. “No. Pendragon is far stronger than he looks, even in his small size. As you could see from the webcam, the dragon is very protective of the woman. I want you to accompany the ex over there. No doubt Pendragon will emerge to defend her again. I’ll have you slip a magic lure over his head. Once that’s done, the dragon is ours.”

She gave him a quizzical look. “Ours?”

“Figuratively speaking. The ex can use the dragon as blackmail to woo his wife back.” Balor looked at Morgan. He was almost fond of her, but there certainly was no reason to tell any mortal why he wanted the dragon captured. With the Pendragon captured and killed—perhaps he’d let Sigurd help with that—it would be another obstacle out of the way.

And he’d be one step closer to achieving ultimate power.

****

“If you’ll let me return to my original form, I can hunt for her,” Pendragon grumbled as Michael opened the door of his apartment for them to enter.

“Too risky,” Michael replied. “We don’t need to be attracting media attention right now. Besides, I plan to have Sophie back here before Balor finds out she’s gone.”

The dragon snorted. “How do you plan to do that since you don’t know where she went?”

As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he suspected she was housed at Robert’s place. “I’ve got an idea,” he said.

“Take me with you, then.”

“Nope. I can hardly be seen walking the streets with you,” Michael said.

“I’m supposed to protect her.” Pendragon puffed smoke. “If something happens to her, Tanio will never let me return to my full size.”

Michael studied him. The dragon had really been pretty complacent, all things considered. “Tell you what,” he said. “Let me do a little surveillance on my own for today. If I’m lucky, Sophie will be back home tonight. If not, you can come with me tomorrow.” As the dragon started to protest with another whiff of smoke, Michael added, “She might try to call. You’d be here to answer the phone.” He lifted the handheld off its cradle and laid it down. “You can press the green button with your claw, can’t you?”

“Of course I can. Dragon claws are very flexible.” Pendragon glared at him, momentarily distracted from the conversation. “But—”

“Then it’s settled,” Michael interrupted. “Just for today. Stay home. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

The dragon wasn’t happy, but Michael’s thoughts were already on how he’d get Sophie back from Robert as he sped along I-30 toward north Dallas in the rented car he’d used to bring Sophie home earlier.

Half an hour later, he parked down the street from a stately two-story brick home, worth millions, in the suburb of Highland Park. Thankfully, most of the residents here were Old Money and not Nouveau Riche. Security systems were undoubtedly in place everywhere, but nothing so mundane or obvious as gates or armed security.

Michael rolled down the windows to allow the air in and closed his eyes. He opened his brow chakra, sending weblike tentacles of light toward the house. He picked up no trace of Sophie’s essence, but then, her own magic unwittingly kept her shields up. She was one of the very few humans he’d ever encountered who could totally block him. Not that she’d believe that, of course. She still thought he’d manipulated her thoughts and sent her that erotic dream. For a fleeting moment, he allowed himself to remember the silky texture of her skin and the salty musk taste of her.

He shook his head in frustration as he opened his eyes. Ironically, he could have used the help of Lucas Ramsey right now. The man was a wolf-shifter and not only would have a keener scent but would be able to trot right up to the building in dog form, undetected, and peer in the windows. But Lucas and Sara were stuck in Merlin’s cave, if Nimue told the truth.

By the Goddess, he’d welcome the faerie right now! She could easily float by each window and no one would notice. He closed his eyes again, summoning her. Nothing. All he felt was his will vibrating from the nearby ancient oaks where tree dryads’ silent laughter gently rustled the leaves. They’d be no help either.

Fickle faeries.

He could simply approach and ring the bell. With luck, Robert would be in his office downtown and Michael could mesmerize the butler—or whoever answered the door—into letting him in. It was worth a try.

Michael gathered his energy, concentrating on the spell that would allow him to bend the butler’s will to his for a few moments. It was a particularly dangerous spell to cast since it was often used with black magic for personal gain. The gods would not be pleased if it went awry. No doubt he would have to pay some penance even for using it in this situation, but Sophie was worth it.

He was about to get out of his car when a red sports car he recognized as Morgan’s pulled directly into the driveway of Robert’s house. Michael frowned, gathering his spell inward quickly and cloaking his presence. What in the name of Holy Avalon was she doing here?

****