The Dragon's Need (Tahoe Dragon Mates 2)

For all he knew, they could've just been discussing regular dragon-shifter duties. Ryan couldn't let his imagination get the better of him.

Be smart and it'll be fine. Ryan smiled and motioned ahead. "Come on, let's get a move on. The sooner I get home, the sooner you two can watch videos on your phone or do whatever it is you do while standing outside the house."

Neither elaborated or even smiled. Okay, so there'd be no charming or building rapport with the two dragon-shifters.

As they walked the usual route toward Gaby's parents' house, Ryan remained on edge. Something was going to happen, he was sure of it. But without any sort of proof, no one would believe him. Hell, accusing two Protectors could make the few dragons he'd won over turn against him.

So he just kept walking. However, some of his fears were confirmed when a giant pile of firewood, enough to probably keep a house warm for an entire winter, blocked the path going through the center of PineRock's land.

Leon grunted. "We'll go the long way."

Ryan gestured toward the pile. "We can just climb over it. The rock walls to either side aren't that tall."

Leon shook his head once. "No, I can't risk you breaking your neck. A few extra minutes walking won't kill you."

Ryan eyed the ginormous wood pile. "Then let's clear it. I could do with some exercise."

"You're supposed to be home, and that's where you're going. Now, come on," Leon stated.

Given the warnings Ryan had received over the last couple weeks, the whole situation was suspicious, for sure. And Ryan was tempted to climb the wall anyway.

However, Leon grabbed his upper arm and tugged. "This way. If I'm forced to babysit some human, then I'll do it. But it also means you're going to listen to me."

Okay, that statement kicked up his unease. Between Cris's absence, the suspicious roadblock and the new guards manhandling him, something was definitely up.

He couldn't outrun a dragon-shifter, though. And given their training with the US Army before becoming Protectors, they probably could incapacitate him before he could shout a word.

Ryan's best option was to go along with the pair and try to take them by surprise.

Sure, he'd have to be quick to use the Taser on one and then the other, or tase one and then press the emergency transmitter before the other attacked, but they were the only options available to handle the situation.

So Ryan let the Protector guide him down a different path, one that wound through some trees situated at the edge of the clan.

Trees he'd rather liked before as he'd escaped with Gaby a few times to them. But now he saw them for the threat they were—under their cover, the two dragons could do anything to him, with no one the wiser.

And if his gut was right about them, Ryan had no chance once they reached the tree cover.

When Leon tugged him harder and dug in what had to be talons into his bicep, not caring if he drew blood, Ryan decided to play it safe even if he didn't have any proof beyond his gut. Their behavior wasn't normal for Protectors he'd met before. Not to mention how Cris had ordered for Ryan not to be harmed under any circumstances.

He had to act soon, while he still had the chance.

Taking a deep breath, Ryan tried to focus as Cris had taught him. Ignoring his pounding heart wasn't easy, but the image of Gaby smiling at him helped.

Because he'd never see that image again if he died.

Eventually the Protector released Ryan's arm, which throbbed like hell at this point from the talon marks, but only to stay at his side. The other Protector, who had been walking behind him, moved to his other side.

If Ryan was going to make a move, it was now or never.

He casually put his hands inside his pockets. Leon reached for him, but Ryan managed to press the emergency button with one hand and took out the Taser with another. He ducked, rolled to the side, and then jumped for the nearest dragon-shifter—Leon—his Taser at the ready.

Once he tumbled to the ground with the dragon-shifter, he pressed the device against his opponent's skin, dug in the special barbs to keep it in place, tried his best to untangle himself, and pressed the button.

He had two seconds to move, and he rolled away just as electricity raced through the dragon-shifter and he stopped moving.

Ryan looked for the other one but couldn't see him.