Battle Bond: An Urban Fantasy Dragon Series (Death Before Dragons #2) - Lindsay Buroker Page 0,15

they worried me too. As I’d told my therapist, I made it a point to avoid developing friendships, lest people be hurt or used against me by my enemies. It was a lonely life, but it was safest for those around me.

“Thank you.” I patted her on the shoulder.

“How much would you charge to make the Pardus brothers leave me alone? I do not want them assassinated. I have no wish to do anything illegal or hurt them, even though they have threatened me, but I worry that their threats will escalate to more. I will compete fairly in business against them, but they do not wish to use fair tactics.”

“I understand, but are you sure someone else wouldn’t be better? It sounds like you need a negotiator, not an assassin.” How was I supposed to get these guys to leave her alone when my main tactic was brute force?

“You have recent experience with a dragon.”

All too recent. “I don’t think Zav will go set fire to their workshop, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“No, but they are now telling everyone that they can make dragon-slaying weapons. I do not believe this is possible for anyone but full-blooded dwarf and gnome masters in their native worlds. I do not believe it can be done at all with materials found on Earth.”

“Why are they telling people they can make them?”

“Demand is very high right now. Many people saw your dragon flying over the city a few weeks ago. Also, there is footage out there of the kraken in Lake Union, and the houseboat residents are afraid more sea monsters will come. The police will do nothing. They do not admit that magical creatures exist.”

I rubbed my face. “Zav isn’t my dragon.”

Nin shrugged. “You have spoken to him. Regardless, people are afraid. There is a huge demand for weapons that can protect humans from dragons. And the Pardus brothers claim to have them. They are selling their inferior weapons to scared people who believe they will work on a dragon. Val, people will be killed if they try to shoot a dragon.”

Especially if they shot at the new dragon.

If I couldn’t deliver a message to Zav, what might Dob do next to gain his attention? Something a lot more dramatic and showy—and deadly—than kidnapping a few rural children?

“I know you are experienced at dealing with the magical and also sensing magical artifacts and weapons,” Nin said. “If you go there and see their offerings, you will know that they can’t slay dragons. You could tell people, so they know.”

I wasn’t exactly a spokesman to the magical community—or the human community either—but if Nin wanted my help, I would do my best.

“I’ll go visit them and learn what I can. Maybe paint threatening graffiti on their walls.”

Nin smiled. “Good. Thank you. How much will you charge? I must negotiate with you, as I have learned from the entrepreneurship—” she pronounced that word with extra care, and I almost mentioned that I could barely say it either, “—lectures I take online. Even though you are a friend, this is business.”

“I won’t charge anything. You’re my supplier of my weapons.”

I wondered if the Pardus brothers somehow did have guns capable of piercing scaly dragon hides. If they did, I hoped Nin wouldn’t be offended if I bought one. I would still threaten them on her behalf, but if dragons were going to keep showing up in the world, I needed a way to defend myself and others from them.

Her smile turned into a disapproving frown. “Val, this is a business deal. We must agree on a fair price, and you must be paid for your time. Also, it is possible you will be injured in your encounter with them. Have you met them? They are strong and dangerous. I know you are also very capable, but you must be paid for the risk you will take.”

“What risk? I’m just going up to see if they have any good weapons for sale.” I winked.

“There will be risk in dealing with them. You could be injured.”

“I could be injured tomorrow at the yoga class I’ve been talked into going to—have you seen the pretzel shapes those people turn themselves into?—but it’s all part of the job.”

“I will pay you a fair amount when you return.” Nin nodded firmly, then held up a finger. “Wait here. I will bring you dinner.”

My stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn’t stopped to eat on the way back. I would refuse to