Battle Bond: An Urban Fantasy Dragon Series (Death Before Dragons #2) - Lindsay Buroker Page 0,100

mostly only produced bullets with minor enchantments so far, but he was able to do some impressive mods on the military rifles we snagged. It’s a lot better than what that ugly troll wench we were working with before could do, but it’s still not ideal.”

“Why then do you waste my time?” Dob’s voice rang out in irritation.

“We thought you could take a look at the mechanism controlling him.”

The shifters and Dob came into view in the tunnel, the lavender light brightening their faces.

“The Northern Pride has claimed control of this place, but we did not build it, and we’re not sure who made the original artifact, just the orb. That’s a recent upgrade to this hole.”

“You got that right.” That was Otto.

“If you can alter the dwarf’s controller,” Kurt said, “maybe he can make the kind of sword or bullets you want. Then we can make a fortune selling real dragon-slaying weapons.”

“Are you not making a fortune selling fake ones to idiots who do not know better?” Dob’s voice oozed disdain.

“We’ve made some, yes, but we could make so much more if we had legit goods. We’ll cut you in.”

“I care nothing for your grubby peddling of wares. I want only one thing.”

It occurred to me for the first time that Dob had come here hoping to find an advantage he could use against Zav. He’d almost gotten his ass handed to him in the water-treatment facility, even with his tricks and trying to use me, so he knew he needed help to kill him.

My grip tightened around Chopper. I wanted to plow my blade into his vile heart.

“Well, there’s the control box over there.” Kurt pointed, almost right at me.

“We’ll let you play with the orb while you’re here.” Otto was shirtless again, rubbing his chest as he gazed at the floating artifact.

As I scooted soundlessly away from the fuse box, Otto chuckled and trotted to the orb and flattened his chest to its pulsing purple side. He laid his cheek against it, his eyes pointing right toward my section of the wall, but he didn’t see me. I doubted he would have seen me even if I hadn’t had the charm. His mouth opened and his head fell back as orgasmic pleasure contorted his features.

“Idiot,” Kurt muttered. “We’re here for business, not a mind fuck.”

I thought of the images the orb had promised me, the ones still dancing and teasing me, inviting me in, and I could imagine what was playing in the shifter’s mind, especially when his hips started moving against the orb. What was this thing? Somebody’s fancy sex toy? I remembered that it had promised me less lurid pleasures, as well, so maybe it wasn’t just about sex. But about promising vivid wish fulfillment?

“I have no interest in fondling some dark-elf scientist’s gewgaw,” Dob said.

“You’re the only one then,” Kurt said. “The Pride’s headquarters building has been empty since we let others know about our new toy.”

So, dark elves had sold or given them this orb. But why would the dark elves want to do favors for these guys? Maybe the brothers had stolen it from them after their lair had been damaged. No, a dark elf had been helping one of their minions the night of Nin’s fire. There was definitely some kind of alliance.

“It’s amazing,” Kurt continued, sending a wistful look toward the orb. Otto was still engaged with it, the lavender light glowing all around him, his body blocking enough of it to create a weird shadow on the wall. “Even dragons must like to have fun now and then.”

“You are a fool,” Dob said, “if you think any pleasure a dark elf gives you comes without a price.”

“We paid for it already. She said it was a prototype with some quirks, so they wouldn’t be able to use it.”

“I’m sure.” Dob stalked past it, not showing any interest in flattening himself to it like Otto.

Too bad. It might have been my chance to slice Chopper through his neck.

“Wait,” Kurt blurted, watching Dob approach the box. “Why is it open? We didn’t leave it open.”

One little mistake…

Dob examined the interior of the box without responding. Kurt grabbed his brother and yanked him away from the orb.

“I wasn’t done yet, you bastard.”

“Did you leave the control box open?” Kurt pointed over Dob’s shoulder.

“No.”

“Then someone’s been down here.”

“Who?”

“I bet it’s that Ruin Bringer bitch.” Kurt spun toward the other shifters still in the tunnel—their gazes were all fastened on the orb. “Fan out.