The Jade Dragon by Rowena May O'Sullivan Page A

mystery. I’ve had this link with Alanna since her birth. I’m positive this is the lifetime for us and yet the Fates ring them when she’s a mere chit. What do they know we don’t? There’s more at play here than can be seen and of course no one’s talking.”
    A voice spoke from the doorway to the studio. “You’ve felt the connection since my birth?”
    Both men spun to find Alanna standing with her arms crossed over her chest, wild frizzy tendrils haloing her face. She was livid and it showed. “I was hoping you were long gone,” She wasn’t pleased to see him, which didn’t bode well for a harmonious relationship.
    â€œI’m here to stay,” Gregori indicated the studio and bedroom. “I was hoping you would share your meager accommodations while I’m here.”
    Aden smothered a laugh with his hand.
    Alanna was confused by Gregori’s comment. “Right. Don’t you have a home to go to?”
    â€œThis is my home now.”
    â€œYou can’t just move in. I don’t know you.”
    â€œI’ve lived in your courtyard for the past couple of years. This place is as good as any.”
    â€œI thought you wanted out of here as soon as possible?”
    â€œI want out of this predicament I find myself in. You are part of it.”
    â€œMe?” Alanna practically squawked. “I didn’t do anything. I fashioned the dragon. It was Marylebone who put you there. I don’t know what for, or why and I don’t care.” She held up a hand when Gregori would have spoken. “I don’t want to know. Don’t tell me.”
    â€œWell, I’ll tell you why I’m here instead,” Aden interrupted before things got out of hand. “I’m looking for a large piece of jade. I’m going to craft a new dragon. You have a piece of jade that’s suitable and don’t tell me you don’t. It spoke to me and it’s willing.”
    Anger snapped in her eyes and he had to fight stepping backward out of Alanna’s line of fire before he recalled there was no magic to be wary of.
    â€œI’m saving that piece for something special. It’s for me.”
    â€œIt’s the only piece suitable to hold a large amount of magic. We need it to resemble Gregori as closely as possible.”
    Alanna switched her attention to Gregori and her eyes rudely raked his body. Aden’s eyebrows rose.
    Alanna’s lips curled with displeasure. “Good luck to you. You’re not taking my piece of jade. I’ve given enough time to Gregori at this point, and I’m done being his minder, caregiver or whatever you wish to call it. He’s all yours. Find yourself another stone and get the hell out of my studio.”
    Gregori laughed, a rollicking belly laugh. “Warlocks’ Dream, I love your fire, woman! I’m going to enjoy living with you.”
    Alanna let out a scream of frustration. Aden thought she was going to stomp her feet like a child but she held her ground and glared at them both.
    They were wasting time and Aden knew he had work to do. “We need that jade. I’ll find you another piece. I know they’re hard to come by, but the one I replace it with will be that much better. Warlocks’ Oath.”
    Aden tucked his hands into his jeans and rocked on his feet, his lips stretched into a grim smile as he spoke to Gregori. “The Dragons of Marylebone are circling. You’d better be successful, or you’ll have all of Marylebone chasing your tail before the fortnight’s over. I’m available to assist you in your hunt for the truth. I’m sure Goran will help, once he forgives you for stealing his energy. But be warned. I won’t allow our past association to cloud my emotions if I have to hunt you down and forcibly remove your magic.”

Chapter Fourteen
    Alanna was angry she’d given in and relinquished her most coveted piece of jade.