Dragon cyclone air drago.., p.1
Dragon Cyclone (Air Dragons Book 5), page 1
Dragon Cyclone
Air Dragons Series: Book 5
Charlene Hartnady
Copyright © April 2022 by Charlene Hartnady
Cover Art by Melody Simmons
Copy Edited by Brigette Billings
Proofread by Aisha Panjwaneey & KR
Produced in South Africa
charlene.hartnady@gmail.com
Dragon Cyclone is a work of fiction and characters, events and dialogue found within are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, either living or deceased, is purely coincidental.
With the exception of quotes used in reviews no part of this book may be reproduced or shared in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including but not limited to digital copying, file sharing, audio recording, email and printing without prior consent in writing from the author.
Created with Vellum
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Excerpt of Wild Wolf
About the Author
Also by Charlene Hartnady
1
A big guy walked up to her as soon as she climbed out of the SUV. Big as in tall and built, not overweight. In fact, there wasn’t an ounce of fat on him. He was raw power. He smiled broadly.
“Good morning, Sergeant Stanger. I’m—”
“I’m going to stop you right there. I was discharged from the US military due to an injury.” She rolled her shoulder, feeling the now familiar dull pain. “I would prefer it if you called me Angie.” She smiled back.
“Noted. My name is Tyrone, but my friends call me Typhoon.” He had striking green eyes, which were very unusual.
Typhoon. Strange name.
Vivid eyes. Almost otherworldly.
Such a big guy.
A prickle raced down her spine, but she ignored it. She was seeing things that weren’t there.
“You would be most welcome to do the same and to call me Typhoon.” They walked towards a large country-style home. It was sprawling and very impressive. It had large bay windows and a wrap-around patio. The sign at the entrance called it a bed-and-breakfast.
There was a small landing strip nearby, occupied by two small jet aircrafts. To the right of the house was a helipad, but no bird in sight. Then there was a large barn with huge double doors.
What was she doing here? This wasn’t what she had expected at all. Where was the shooting range?
There were several more men standing to the side of the main building. They were all just as big and built as Tyrone…make that Typhoon. Another prickle made its way down her spine, slowly this time. There was an icy edge to it. Who were they?
She was just being paranoid. Angie needed to stop!
“Is this my end destination?” It didn’t feel like it was. “Or is there another leg to this journey?”
“That depends. This is where you sign the paperwork you were sent, and then we’ll take the final flight – if you sign.”
She nodded once. “The NDA.”
“Yep, the NDA. Then there’s your basic information sheet, just to be sure that everything we have on file is accurate. And then I need you to fill out a short questionnaire. It’s all standard.”
“Before we go any further, I need you and your superiors to understand that I won’t do anything illegal. I’m not—”
“I assure you that isn’t the case. Once you’ve signed the necessary documents, all will be disclosed, and then it’s up to you to decide whether or not you wish to proceed. The SUV is waiting outside. It will remain there until such time as you make a decision.”
“That is acceptable.” She nodded once.
“This way.” He led her inside. The interior was just as lovely as the outside. It was shabby chic. A little over the top for her taste, but still great.
“That’s the documentation.” He pointed at a stack of documents on a big desk. There was a gold ink stick on the stack. “The NDA is the same one that was emailed to you two weeks ago, but feel free to take a closer look. Take all the time you need.”
It took her a couple of minutes to initial all the pages of the thick document. She signed the pages where applicable. It was lengthy and tedious, but pretty standard. She’d lose everything and then some if she opened her mouth about whatever it was that she was about to find out. She’d had a lawyer look at the thing, just to be sure. As long as she didn’t disclose anything, she’d be fine.
Many of the missions she’d been on over the last few years had been classified. Need to know only. She was good at keeping her mouth shut. Angie signed the last page with a flourish.
No problemo!
Then she double-checked that her information was correct. She crossed out Sergeant, putting Miss instead. Then she signed that too.
The questionnaire had a couple of strange questions, like whether she was on birth control. She answered everything. Most of the questions were yes or no, so it didn’t take long. Then she signed that too. She dropped the pen on the stack of documents.
“All done?” Typhoon asked.
“Yep.” She nodded.
“Perfect.” After spending a few minutes checking that everything was in order, he handed her a one-page document. “This is your contact back at our base. As well as the requirements for this assignment.”
“I’m giving basic arms and munitions training, right? I mean, that’s what I signed up for.”
“Yes, that is correct.” He nodded.
Angie glanced down at the document, and that shiver down her spine happened again, this time lifting the hairs on her arms. “Mr. H. Cyclone.”
Typhoon.
Cyclone.
Big. Built.
Those eyes!
Danger alert!
Danger!
Abort mission!
Abort!
“What does the H stand for?” she asked, trying to keep cool.
“Actually, I don’t know.” He shrugged. “We call him Cyclone.”
“Crap! Craaaaaap!” She dropped her head into her hand. Then rolled her head back and sighed.
“What is it?”
Maybe it wasn’t him, and maybe they weren’t what she thought they were.
Maybe, just freaking maybe… Oh yeah, and pigs could fly.
“Nothing,” she mumbled. “I have this rule about not working with guys called Cyclone.”
“Cyclone?” Typhoon looked taken aback. “Why Cyclone?”
“I have a phobia of that name, that’s all.”
“Cyclone?” His eyes had this confused haze. “Do you know other people called that? I thought it was pretty unique. Too unique for a phobia.”
“I know one person. Just one.” She squeezed her eyes shut. “At least I used to know a Cyclone.”
Crap! This was bad.
Maybe she was wrong. She might be wrong.
“Are you okay with proceeding?” Typhoon asked. “I’m sure it’s not the same person.”
“Yes, let’s proceed for now.” She nodded once.
“You’re probably right to have the phobia. I must warn you that Cyclone is a little…difficult. He gets moody and—”
“It’s fine,” Angie said. “I can handle a grumpy asshole.”
Typhoon laughed. “Okay. I like you.”
“Fill me in on the details so that I can decide whether or not I’m doing this thing.”
“No problem,” Typhoon said. “Let’s go outside, and I’ll show you. Some things can’t really be explained. You’ll have to see for yourself.” He turned and started walking.
I’ll bet!
Angie stood up. “I’m right behind you,” she deadpanned as she followed him. This was going to be interesting.
They walked out onto the front lawn. One of the guys was pulling off his shirt.
Shit!
She held back a groan.
“Don’t be alarmed,” Typhoon said. “This is Gust; he’s going to take off his clothes. It’s—”
“Gust?” She shook her head.
Nooooooo!
This was not a coincidence. Angie knew what was going to happen next. She’d seen it twice before.
“I just told you he’s going to get naked, and you’re worried about his name?” Typhoon pushed out a laugh. His green eyes twinkled in the sunshine.
“I’ve seen naked men plenty of times before. Your names are weird.”
Typhoon chuckled and pushed his hands into his jean pockets.
“They are a little weird. I guess we’re a little weird. Then again,” he turned and grinned at her, “you’re a little weird yourself. Most females would be running for the hills.”
By now, Gust was completely in his birthday suit, dick swin
Angie tried to act astonished as he shifted into his dragon form. She watched scales push out on his skin. She heard his bones popping as they reformed. His face grew longer, as did his teeth. Wings and a forked tail slowly appeared, unfurling from his massive body. She took a step back, made her eyes wide, and her mouth gape open. Since she wasn’t much of an actress, she didn’t try for more. “Well, would you look at that?” she said when Gust flapped his great wings, lifting off the ground a few feet before coming back down.
“I have to say, Sergeant…um, Angie, you’re taking this very well; better than most. Though, I guess you are ex-military, so I’m sure you’ve seen some hectic things during your tours.”
“I’ve seen a whole lot and then more.”
“We’re dragon shifters.”
“You don’t say.” She finally took her eyes off the dragon. It was actually exciting to see one again after all these years. She’d forgotten how massive they were.
“I really like you,” Typhoon chuckled. “Anyway, we need some training on how to use human weapons. We’re under threat. There is a potential goblin war looming. The situation is currently under control, but I need to warn you that they could attack at any time. We can’t guarantee your safety while on dragon soil. Suffice to say, you would be safe from the dragons residing within the Air Lair.” When she didn’t say anything, he went on, “I realize that this is a lot to take in. If you don’t feel comfortable proceeding, we have a replacement all lined up. I would ask that you honor—”
“How common is the name Cyclone among your kind?” she interrupted. “I mean, you get plenty of Johns and Sarahs. I’m sure that there are tons of Angelas out there.” She chewed on her bottom lip. “Is Cyclone common as well?”
Typhoon looked at her like she had lost her mind for a second or two. He even cocked his head to the side and narrowed his eyes. “There are far fewer of us than humans, but since we generally name our children after things to do with the weather – things like wind, rain, storms, ice, and so on – it isn’t uncommon to find that names are reused. I think that there are a couple of Cyclones. I’m sorry to have to say, but it’s a popular name, as is Typhoon.” He winked at her.
There was more than one.
What were the odds that it was her Cyclone? Maybe really low? It was possible.
Good!
Great even, because Murphy had a sense of humor and life liked to kick people in the ass like that.
“Are you okay, Angie?” Typhoon asked. “We’re desperate to get trained up as quickly as possible, but if you’re not comfortable, we can go with our second option.
Abort!
Danger!
Argh!
The money was so good. It was going to give her the push-start she needed once she decided what to do with the rest of her life.
“No, it’s fine. I’m good to go.”
Typhoon grinned, and a couple of dimples popped out.
“I’m glad to hear it.”
Angie knew she should leave. No, she should run. But that’s not how she was going to tackle this. Firstly, it might not be the Cyclone she once knew.
If it was, she was sure he would act like a professional. Years had passed since she last saw him. Years! Surely, they could move forward and work together? Surely! He had more than likely moved on. He was probably married with half a dozen kids. He’d always wanted a big family. Angie felt a pang and quickly squished it.
If it was him, and if – a big “if” since it wasn’t going to happen – he tried to pull some fast moves, she’d explain to him using no uncertain terms exactly where they stood as a couple, which was nowhere. There was nothing there. Zero. Less than zero. If he crossed the line, she would cut him off at the knees.
2
Blah, blah, fucking blah.
As far as he was concerned, all of these upgrades were bull. Nothing would beat good old-fashioned eyes on the ground…and in the air. Just like nothing would beat a set of sharp teeth and claws.
CCTV systems, access control, arms, and ammunition were a hard fucking no from him. They didn’t need it. Never had and never would. Cyclone would make sure that this so-called arms expert knew his feelings on the subject right off the bat. What could a puny human teach him about defense and offense strategies? Nothing! That’s what. Sweet fuck all!
Cyclone held back a sigh, trying not to move around in his chair while Vortex’s female went on and on about the installations thus far. Just when he was sure his ears might bleed, she finally concluded.
“We’re ahead of schedule.” Amy closed the cover on her iPad, smiling broadly. Like hanging a few cameras was something special.
He grunted in annoyance. Eliciting a hard stare from Vortex, who could kiss his ass.
“Thank you for the update, Mrs…” Storm sighed. “Miss Winters. It’s going to take me a while to get used to that.”
“Please call me Amy.”
“Amy will be mated soon, and she will retain her last name since dragons don’t have one, so don’t get used to ‘Miss’ either, sire,” Vortex interjected, getting this sappy expression that made Cyclone want to slit his own damn wrists. He’d totally do it if it weren’t for his healing capabilities. As it stood, there would be no point.
“Or just call me Amy,” she repeated and smiled…looking just as happy. The adoring couple reeked of sunshine and rainbows.
“Your scent is agonizing,” Cyclone growled. “Stop! We’re in a work meeting.” He kicked Vortex’s shin. Fucker! They irritated him to no end.
“Enough,” Storm sighed. “I’m glad we’re well on track with the installation and that you have tendered your resignation at Trivector,” he said to the female, then turned to the others. “I am officially announcing that Amy has been appointed as our Security Manager here at the lair. She’ll start in a month.”
Oh, joy!
His life was complete. Not.
“We hope that you will be very happy in your new role,” Thunder added, eyes on the female.
Cyclone grunted. “I suggest that you start training your replacement,” he told the human.
“I haven’t even started in my new position yet. Why would I train someone to take over?” Amy made a face.
“I give you three months.” Cyclone pushed his chair back; he needed to get to his meeting. It was time to make a human piss himself. He’d feel marginally better with life after that. Nothing like the smell of pee on freshly ironed clothing in the morning. That would put him in a better mood. Always did. “If you’ll excuse me…” he spoke to the royals.
“Three months until what?” Amy asked, voice hard. Eyes on him and unwavering. He’d give it to her; she had guts. More than most humans. He had a grudging respect for that.
“I give you three months before you’re with whelp,” he told Amy, holding her gaze. “So, you may as well start training a replacement.”
Amy smiled, and her eyes softened. Then she straightened her shoulders.
“No.” She shook her head. “Not that it’s any of your business, but Vortex and I have decided to wait until the various potential threats are well and truly behind us before starting a family.”
Yeah, right! He’d heard that one before.
“There has been no further vigilante activity from the goblins.” Storm was frowning. “I mean, don’t get me wrong, I speak for Thunder and myself when I say we don’t particularly want our new Security Manager pregnant, but the goblins are not a valid excuse.” Storm looked at Vortex. “Before you say anything, we will move forward with all of our precautions, every last one of them. Cyclone over here is meeting with an arms expert in a few minutes. He and a select group of males are going to receive training in arms and munitions. I think you should receive training too,” he told Vortex. “We’re still going through with the full installation. An upgrade of our defenses was overdue. Having said that, I think that the goblin leaders have the situation under control. We’re no longer doing this because of an imminent threat.”
