Skotall knew she’d come out sooner or later, and he’d been right. He’d left the two Wolves and his young Vampires patrolling the park and one of the Wolves stood before him now with news. It better be good.

“What?” he growled, unhappy to be interrupted just as he sat down to his breakfast.

“She’s been spotted, boss. Come on, we need to hurry or we’ll lose her.” Fitcher’s beady eyes spun to the door of the café near the entrance to the park. “Louvel is watching her but you know how good she is. He could lose her if we don’t move fast.”

Skotall moved quickly, throwing bills onto the table and rushing away. He knew keeping those two mutts had been good business sense, even though he hated damn Wolves. What a pity it was daylight and the Vamps were no use to him now. He followed Fitcher, moving as quickly as they could without drawing undue attention to themselves, and soon they saw Louvel, shadowing their prey. Skotall caught up to him, barking out orders. “Fitcher, get in front of her, Louvel, you stay behind. I’m going to get as near as I can and we’re going to get this bitch. Go.”

Now here she was, just up ahead, and almost within his grasp. Skotall was almost on top of her. Stupid bitch was so intent on stuffing her face she hadn’t even felt them yet. Too bad for her, but good for them. Now he had to herd her away from these humans, away from prying eyes with mobile phones with cameras. All he had to do was have the Wolf in front move in and she’d sense it, surely. Then she’d head off into the trees and all three of them could go after her, close in and grab her.

Yes. Easy as pie.

Nodding to Fitcher, he motioned for him to move in to scare her into running, the Shifter’s beady eyes narrowing in on Kimber, licking his lips as he smirked stalking toward their target. Skotall’s mouth watered as he watched, his loins tightening with desire as he pictured finally getting his hands on the luscious delight before him. Kimber was gorgeous, her long dark hair flowing freely, framing her pale face that held such impossibly green eyes, and those lips . . . damn they were so plump and he was determined to have her all to himself.

Yes, he’d promised the Wolves they’d have a turn but he’d lied. So what? He always lied. It’s what he did and as soon as he got his hands on his little Dragon he’d dispense with the Wolves with a little magic spell he’d been keeping for just this moment. But, he had to catch her first so he needed them, for now.

He fingered the amulet in his pocket. It had cost him a pretty penny but it was worth it. She’d be putty in his hands once he managed to get it on her pretty little neck. Her magic would be malleable to his command and she’d be unable to deny him anything. Anything. That word held so much promise to his twisted imagination and he couldn’t wait to get her all to himself. All he needed was privacy to use some magic and he’d whisk her away from this damn place and to a remote cabin he’d picked out just for the occasion. Hell, maybe they’d even make some Dragon babies together, that way he’d have an unlimited supply of Dragon magic on tap, and he could even sell the little bastards.

Yes, that was a good idea. Skotall nodded, the thought growing inside his mind as he envisioned online auctions to sell-off the Dragon babies he’d force Kimber to produce.

Forcing himself back to the present he saw Fitcher inching closer to his little money-making sex machine until finally her body language changed, her head shooting up and her eyes landing on the Wolf. He saw fear at first, then anger and as Fitcher got too close she stepped back on one leg, transferring her weight before dropping and sweeping a leg out to knock the Wolf on his ass. Kimber leaped up, over Fitcher, landing a harsh kick to his solar plexus before taking off at break neck speed . . . not into the trees but straight down the path.

Shit!

She weaved in and out of the humans effortlessly, missing cyclists, strollers, dogs and more, her skills were breathtaking to watch if not for the fact they were giving chase and Skotall was not a gifted runner. On the short side, with even shorter legs, he was soon being left behind, but Louvel was chasing her and Fitcher was back on his feet and racing after Louvel, his face red and full of anger. Shit, this wasn’t at all what he wanted. It would attract too much attention. Two large men chasing down a petite, beautiful young woman. Not the sort of thing he wanted at all.

But the chase was on and he wasn’t going to give up now. Not when he almost had her, not when she was so close he could almost taste her skin on his tongue. So he used the primitive mind-link he’d set up and tried to convey his wishes to the Wolves. Praying he’d be able to urge them to get her away from the path and into the trees. At least that was the plan and if those damn mutts mucked this up he’d skin them alive, literally.

And relish their tortured howls of agony while doing so.