Thanks Ms. Wright. Cause having a teacher worry about you not participating in things isn’t a sure indication you’re a freak at all. You’re also under some mistaken impression that I want a bunch of friends. I’m happy enough as I am now.
Leah frowned as she reached her locker, noting a familiar figure leaning against it. “Sam, what are you doing here? Don’t you have soccer practice?”
He shook his head and shoved off from her locker. “Nah, Mr. Copeland’s out sick and Mr. Kirby has essays to marks so we’re off today. Since I’m free, I thought I’d see if you two have time. You still haven’t explained everything.”
She didn’t bother looking at Kevin. She could tell her was already staring at her, leaving her to make the decision. She shrugged. “Sure. We didn’t really have plans. Just…let’s talk outside, okay? I don’t want someone to eavesdrop on us.”
Sam nodded, watching as they both got their bags and coats organized, only raising an eyebrow at Leah’s vambraces. She led the way outside, through the almost deserted halls. By the time they reached the front lawn, the last of the idlers was strolling off, leaving no one nearby. Or almost no one, Leah corrected herself as she noticed the man standing by the flag pole. Someone else she recognized.
Kevin beat her to it, striding swiftly over to him, forehead creased. “JAnguis? What has brought you here?”
His cousin looked at him, mouth open, when he noticed Sam. Leah caught his eyes and nodded. “It’s okay, J. Sam knows. He’s been helping us.”
“If you were any other I would not trust him, but you have proven most competent,” he replied, eyeing her sideways. Then he turned his attention back to Kevin. “We have heard that several of the stronger Ehesh males have left today. We are not certain where they have gone but it is likely they are here. You must take care.”
“Who’s that?” Sam whispered, studying the grey-haired man.
“That’s J. He’s Kevin’s cousin but on his mom’s side of the family. He’s helped us out a couple of times and seems cool,” she answered, watching the two dragons closely.
Until she heard Razor’s screech of alarm. She whirled, dropping back into a defensive stance. Her eyes went straight to the four people facing them, standing to the left and right of them in two pairs. Her breath hissed out from between her teeth, noting the two Ehesh males watching her while the two mages, one male and one female, had their attention divided between Kevin and J. “Sam,” she said, keeping her eyes on the enemies. “You might want to run.”
He shook his head, backing up so he was standing off to her right. “You’re outnumbered if I leave, Moore. Besides, I already said I’d help.”
She risked a glance at him. “You don’t understand. You could die.”
He caught her eye and nodded, face set. “So could you. I’m not running away and leaving you in danger.”
Leah knew that look and glared at the dragons in front of her. She couldn’t afford the hour or so it would take to disabuse him of the notion. Instead she said “Kevin, J, let’s break them. Quickly.”
They nodded and stepped forward, Kevin moving to the left and JAnguis to the right. Almost in unison, they began chanting, hands already up and beginning to move. Leah only took the time to note the way J swayed in time to his chant before she launched herself forward. She wanted to reach the males before Sam could react but hearing his footsteps on the grass behind her killed that hope.
YOU ARE READING
The Deal with Dragons
FantasyKevin isn't normal. Leah knows this ever since he started following her everywhere. But his weirdness goes beyond the usual. Because, as Leah soon discovers, Kevin isn't even human. Now, thanks to him, she's got to deal with dragons