Dragon Wars: Slayers & Protectors, #2

By Kristin D. Van Risseghem

Enter DRAGON WARS … a continuation of an exciting new reverse harem urban fantasy, where paranormal monsters fly and magic fights back! 

Brooklyn just discovered she's the only female dragon in existence—and the key to everything. She can see things others can't, and summon strength no one else can. Brooklyn attends York Academy, a school of NYC's elite, to get her magic under control, though her rapidly manifesting powers are too much for her inexperience.

But her unbound magic is nothing compared to the four guys that want to protect—and share—her as a girlfriend.

A battle between the slayers and the dragons is brewing. Brooklyn has one choice. She must address the Slayers Council, and make a peace before the dragons attack again and wipe out the Academy. 

With the help of her boys, it should be easy … but nothing in Brooklyn's life is ever easy.

It's time to prepare for war.

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A continuation of a new young adult series by USA Today Bestselling author, Kristin D. Van Risseghem, readers NEED to put Dragon Wars in their shopping cart. Packed full of dragon shifters and sensual kisses, this is the perfect book to feed your reverse harem addiction. Meet four tough, sexy, sweet, and confident guys who will give anything for their strong heroine. 

One-click to dive into Brooklyn's story today!

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This is a reverse harem urban fantasy - paranormal romance series appropriate for ages 16+.

Mild language/swearing, open mouth kissing, low burn heat level, behind closed-door sex scenes, while the 17yo main character is dating four guys.

If you want to ease yourself into reverse harem, find out what the hype is all about, then this Dragon's Story series is right for you!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kasian Publishing LLC
• Release date: Apr 25, 2018
• ISBN: 9781943207626

Kristin D. Van Risseghem

Kristin D. Van Risseghem grew up in a small town along the Mississippi River with her parents and older sister. Currently, Kristin lives in Minnesota with her husband and two Calico cats. She also loves attending book clubs, going shopping, and hanging out with friends. She has come to realize that she absolutely has an addiction to purses and shoes. They are her weakness and probably has way too many of both. In the summer months, Kristin can usually be found lounging on her boat, drinking an ice cold something. Being an avid reader of YA and Women’s Literature stories, she still finds time to read a ton of books in-between writing. And in the winter months, her main goal is to stay warm from the Minnesota cold! Kristin’s books are published by Kasian Publishing.

Book preview

Holy five boroughs . I’m a dragon?!

Did I hear them correctly?

No, I’m a dragon slayer. Well, ex-dragon slayer.

I blow out a long sigh and hang my head, cradling it with both my hands.

We’re in my suite on campus. Bronx brought me back here and then called his brothers. They’re the ones who told me about this latest revelation.

I’m standing in front of my bed. Six eyes follow me around my room, watching me put away the hair pins I used earlier tonight. Then I straighten the small collection of paperback books lining the shelf. I run my finger across the desk, swiping for dust. I should clean my room. I open and close my satchel that has my laptop and history book in it.

My hands need to stay busy.

Standing in the center of the room, I shake my head.

My mind is still reeling from last night’s other events. Noelle, my best friend at York Academy, took me to my first high school party. Growing up as an only child, then attending an elite private school, and now attending a school for dragon slayers, I didn’t make many friends. So when the short cheerleader wanted to be my friend, I was leery.

Of course, the BFF invitation came after I became the Kill Shot, sending my graduating class to Level Two. What’s a Kill Shot? I was the one who killed a dragon on graduation night. I thought it would bring me friends, but it’s been the opposite. It’s firmly kept me as a loner.

And none of this is normal.

H ow do you know I’m a dragon? I ask no one in particular.

By the amount of your magic, Staten says. He’s the tallest and oldest of the three brothers. They really aren’t related, but they think of themselves as such. Yours and mine are very similar, but yours is greener. It means that you’ll be strong and powerful. And with all that magic and not having much control over it, you could change at any time.

After the party Noelle took me to, Bronx, my Skills instructor, ushered me off York property to explain all the secrets he and his brothers have been keeping from me. I have more magic than the average dragon slayer. In fact, more than anyone has heard of for a couple of centuries. But having no control over it is making my life miserable. I’ve gotten kicked out of my Level Two magic class and now take private lessons with the stubborn Level Three prodigy, Staten.

Change into a dragon? Like my clothes will rip off me and I’ll go dragon on everyone? What does that even mean? How does my body actually do that?

That’s the reason you two are with me? I glance at Manny and Bronx. These two really could be related. They both have dark, wavy brown hair, and green eyes.

No, and you know that, Manny says. I wanted to know you back before you even had magic. I’ve known since the day your dad dropped you off at the school, and I gave you the tour. He’s still seated in the chair. None of them have attempted to touch me.

Why couldn’t Manny be a normal boyfriend, go to a normal school, and have a normal life?

No. I had to fall for the nice, straight up hottie guy who was assigned as my tour guide at the Academy and became my Level One Skills teacher. During those few hours of him showing me around, and then him stopping to say hello every now and then during the eight months I learned to become a slayer, he became my full-on crush.

Guy says hello; girl falls head over heels for him. Yep, that’s me. This gal. So stupid. If I had just kept my head down.

But maybe that’s why I’m drawn to you, Bronx, I say.

It could be, but I know that it goes deeper than that, he says. What you and I have can’t be explained by our dragon sides.

I’m not used to seeing Bronx serious. He’s usually fun and flirty. But as of late, he’s shown me more depth into his personality than I thought was initially there. Yes, he’s crude and at the same time as he’s considerate. Bronx is intense, just like the kisses he gives to me. They always leave me feeling lightheaded.

Manny is the safer brother. He’s thoughtful and caring, but when we kiss, it’s spine tingling.

So, let me get this straight. I return to sitting between Bronx and Staten on the bed. You think because I have powerful magic that someday I’ll turn into a dragon? They nod. And what if I don’t? Is there a way to force the change?

Not that I know of, Staten says. Remember in history about the part where all dragons are male? Obviously, you’re not. With enough magic, I think you’ll be the first female dragon since the beginning.

Whoa. I pick at my nails. Why am I the only girl? How come now? If there haven’t been any females since who knows when, is there a reason? I hang my head again. You guys are going to tell the Dragon Council about me, aren’t you?

You’re already on their radar, Sweetheart, Bronx says. John, Mr. Lorimer to you, informed the Slayers Council that you can see the magic in others, after that magic class when you told him about it. We intercepted that message. Not any of us specifically, but it was given to our Council.

My parents will be furious at me. They are on the Slayers Council. I haven’t told them about my extra magical gifts nor the fact I’m a dragon.

Can you really see the magic? Manny asks. I’ve never heard of anyone doing that. He looks to his older brother. Can you?

No, Staten says. He turns his body to face me. How did you know you could do that?

The class was already divided into magic users and those still finding it. Reist was struggling when I found mine. Bronx clenches his fists at the boy’s name. It’s not that Bronx and Reist don’t get along. I don’t think they’ve ever said two words to each other. It’s more that Reist has shown interest in me, and while the boys are willing to share me with each other, they won’t share with anyone outside of their group. Which I still find a bit strange. When I looked at him, his magic just appeared to me. It’s blue, like most others are. But some people’s auras are white, and I think that means they don’t have any magic. My friend Noelle’s is white.

It’s weird, I know. On some level, though, maybe what Staten thinks is true. If I’m a dragon, these boys can feel that in me, and that’s why we are connected. Whatever feelings I have for them may go above and beyond the recognition of the same species.

The sun has already risen. Thankfully, it’s Sunday. I wouldn’t go to class today even if it wasn’t the weekend; I’d fake being sick. I haven’t gotten any sleep. How could I? My lids are drooping, but my stomach rumbles. Eat or sleep? It’s such a dilemma when I need both. But I can’t go back to sleep or eat. My mind swirls with questions. Questions I need answers to. How is this even possible? Why am I the only girl dragon? What does this mean for me?

Look, I’ll go, Staten says. Maybe one of you love sick puppies can go get Brooklyn some food while she rests. He rises, nods to his brothers, and leaves the room.

I scoot under the covers as Bronx sits beside me. He strokes my hair, then kisses my forehead. Get some rest, Sweetheart. I’ll go get you something to eat.

Last night, Bronx and I walked along the pier when the whole New York pride of dragons descended upon us. We had no weapons to defend ourselves, but some of the Level Three students had been out on patrol and saved the day. They just didn’t realize that we didn’t need saving from the dragons. Most of the animals got away but one died. And neither Bronx or I could do anything about it. We had to watch the Third Years kill those animals.

This is why I’m now firmly on Team Dragon. I can’t kill my family. I would never do that to my human parents so why would I do that for my dragon ones. Now that I know what I am, I couldn’t possibly be someone I’m not. That’s like denying myself.

Thank you, I say.

Manny will stay here with you. Do you want anything specific?

Just some scrambled eggs and bacon. I’m exhausted and can barely keep my eyes open. Even if he gets back with my late breakfast, I don’t know if I’ll be awake enough to eat it. Thanks, Bronx.

He exists my dorm and closes the door.

Manny moves from the chair and lies next to me. Close your eyes and sleep if you can. When Bronx returns, if you’re up, you can eat. If not, we’ll keep it in the fridge, and you can warm it later.

I snuggle next to his warm body. Thanks.

I know this has been a big day for you. You’ll get through it. I’m here. Bronx is, too. And even Staten will help you.

I know. I love you boys. I flip on my side and rest my lids. My arm caresses Manny, and I toss a leg over his. Even Staten.

The last sound I hear is Manny’s chuckle.

My dream is strange . I’m in a cave, standing at the mouth and overlooking a vast area. A river cuts the land. Snow-covered mountains are to the north, rolling plains to the south. I know I’ve never been here before. I don’t even know where here is. And I’ve been all over the world with my parents, vacationing in exotic places and cities. But this I don’t recognize.

Tall trees rise from the ground, but from where I’m standing, I can’t tell how large they really are. They seem tiny. Flocks of birds dot the blue sky. The sun’s warmth shines on my face.

This area has never been marred by humans or their technology. It’s like a golden nugget found in some remote island that no one knows about.

Then a screech disturbs the peaceful landscape.

What I thought were birds grow into enormous animals. They are getting closer to me. More of them fan out in the atmosphere, concealing their true numbers.

I feel the wind from their wings, forcing me to step back. It feels strange, my foot. I have an average size seven, but this is more like a couple of feet holding me upright.

A rumble from my chest escapes, calling back to the beasts I clearly see hovering in front of me.

Dragons.

The closest one to me opens its large mouth and screams. His blue eyes burn and yet somehow, I know none will harm me.

More roar, coaxing me out from the safety of the rocks. I step forward and peer down the ravine.

When did my eyes become this sharp and focused?

My head weighs a ton, and it’s slow to move. It’s like I’m groggy, and it takes me a while to figure out how to move my body. The dragons continue to shriek. I don’t understand them. What are they saying? They hover in the air, waiting. For what I don’t know.

Then one lands next to me. He’s smaller than the one directly in front of me. He has three-toned green scales that match familiar hazel eyes. Swinging his massive head toward me, he nuzzles my chest, breathing in my scent through his large nostrils.

I should be scared. I should’ve peed myself. But these beasts are beautiful creatures. Their eyes tell a story, and I want to know them all. I want to tell them that I won’t kill them anymore. When I go use my voice, it’s a ravenous cry. It startles me.

Finally, I glance down at my body. It’s not one I know. Instead of my five-foot-eight skinny frame, it’s long and wide ... and I have a tail.

I’m a dragon.

My skin, scales, is varying shades of green. Talons jut out from my toes. I can’t even guess what color my eyes are: I’m too focused on the fireball that’s spewing from my mouth. It blasts forward, making the blue dragon soar higher in the sky.

The small cry morphs into a loud squawk that silences everyone. My buddy next to me nods his head toward the rest of the pride.

My legs bunch under me as I feel the wings around where my shoulder blades would have been, and I dive over the edge. Flapping the leathery wings, I glide up on the airstreams. Then I spiral down to the stream, dragging a claw in the cool water.

Flipping around, I search for my brothers. They are following me, and we soar toward the sun.

I jerk awake, the echo of my roar fading from memory.

Are you okay, Brooklyn? Manny asks.

I sit and bring my knees to my chest. The cry still ringing in my mind. The dragons are calling me. They want me to find them. I want to be with them. The three-toned green one ... I know him or at least his eyes.

Staring into Manny’s emerald green ones, I know he’s not the dragon in my dream. Then who?

Brooklyn? Manny sits and leans against the headboard, pulling me into his side.

I’m okay. It’s just a dream, but it felt real.

What was it about?

I was a dragon. A beautiful multi-colored one. There was a three-toned smaller one. At first I thought it was you. It’s not, though. But I know who he is. I just can’t put my finger on it yet. I turn my head to look at him. They want me to find them, be one of their pride members, I think.

Is this the first dream you’ve had of them?

Yeah, well, since I came to York. I remember having a few as a child, but I thought they were just that. Dreams.

My stomach growls, reminding me that I never ate last night.

And they could be, too. I also think that the one now is more, though, since your magic has awakened. Manny gets out of bed and opens the dorm-sized fridge to remove my eggs and bacon that Bronx must have brought back for me. After heating them in the microwave, he hands me the box. Maybe we should try connecting you with your inner beast. We can’t do that here at the school, obviously. We should go next weekend to a remote location.

How about we go to my family’s cabin upstate? Would that work? I fork some eggs and bite into my bacon. I’ll tell my parents that I’m having a few friends over for my birthday.

Your birthday is next week? Why didn’t you say anything to me?

Why would I? This is the first time I have friends to share it with besides my folks. It’s not something I like to announce. I look back down at my plate.

Yes, there is. Manny grabs my face. And we will. I’m going to plan something special for you.

Can you guys leave early? Maybe Thursday night? I only have history class on Friday, but I can skip it. Noelle can let me know the assignment. I munch on the bacon.

What day is your actual birthday? Manny steals one of the bacon strips.

Wednesday.

Eighteen. You’ll be an official adult in the eyes of the state. I nod and scoop more eggs into my mouth. Will your parents come to school to take you out to dinner or anything?

I don’t know. We haven’t seen each other since Christmas, so they might. If they do, please don’t take this the wrong way, but I don’t want them knowing about you guys yet. They’re on the Slayers Council, and I don’t want anything to slip. It’s bad enough I have to lie. With you guys there, or even one of you, it’ll just add to my nervousness.

I completely understand. He smiles. You don’t want to introduce me as your boyfriend to your parents yet.

It’s not that—

I know, Brooklyn. I’m just teasing you. You should invite Noelle, so she doesn’t plan anything for you.

Oh, boroughs. Do you think she’ll throw a party for me? I hope not.

Why do you say that? Of course, people would come. Sax, Reist, us. His face sours when he says that name. Probably some of the Team Magic Users, as you call them. He takes the fork from my hand and sets it down on the plate. You do have friends here at school. I wish you could see that.

Do I really? Would I consider the Magic Users my friends? Brian and Christopher, the male smarties, Lexi, the nice girl with the cat-eyed glasses, or even Madi? She handed me my ass during the one-on-one Skills session, but she also didn’t kick me out of her party last night.

Sometime today I better call Mom to set something up for Wednesday night, then to ask Noelle to join me. I’m sure she will jump at the chance

Reviews for Dragon Wars

[txbritgal · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fabulous!

Wow! Brooklyn goes.to the Academy believing she will become a dragon slayer. Her entire life she's been an outsider. Born into a wealthy family, who are high within the slayer council...she just assumed she'd be next. Slowly she begins to make a few friends, and oddly enough attracts a few men. Her magic comes quicker than most, and seems.stronger than any teacher has known before. What's actually going on? She feels the undercurrent of something, but can't quite put her finger on it. Who will she give her heart to, and what does she uncover? Lots.of intrigue, magic, mystery and adventure. A great read!!