Royal Dragon (The Bride Hunt Book 1) by Charlene Hartnady Page A

brief. We only have a four hour head start.”
    “Yeah, I heard the brief loud and clear.” Lisa pursed her lips for a few moments. “They also said that the dragon shifters have to stay in human form for the duration of the hunt.”
    Candy choked out a humorless laugh. “They will still be way faster than us. I think you’re fooling yourself thinking that you can outrun them by taking the easy route. I’m going to find that river and I’m going to use it to mask my scent. It’s also common knowledge that if you follow water it will eventually lead you to human settlements. Once we’re far enough away, we could even make a raft or some sort of a vessel to get further downriver even faster.”
    Lisa shrugged. “I’m done arguing. Good luck, ladies.” She curled her hand around the water bottle that was strung around her neck and started to walk down the gentle slope that would take us further into the valley. The woolen shawl was tied around her waist. They had all done the same.
    “We should stick together,” Julie tried. “I agree with Candy, for whatever reason, Scarlet is really hoping that we escape. I don’t trust her, but it is the route that makes the most sense. Besides, that water bottle won’t even last until the end of today and what then?”
    Lisa ignored her and continued to walk.
    Julie turned back to the rest of the group. “Okay, I’m going to assume that the four of us are going to stick together and head for that river.”
    Candy nodded. “If we head out in a northeasterly direction we should hit that stream without losing too much time.”
    “Agreed.” Julie nodded. “We need to be sure to keep an eye on the time, those dragon men are heading out at midday. We need to make sure we hit that river way before then and that we are completely silent once 12 o’clock rolls around.”
    “I’m not coming with you,” Jo blurted. She sat down and folded her arms around herself.
    “You have to at least try,” Pauline said. There was a slight quiver to her voice.
    Jo shook her head. “It’s pointless. I don’t want to die out there from hunger or thirst.” She shivered. “I don’t want to be savaged by a cougar or a grizzly.” She chewed on her bottom lip for a moment. “I’d rather take my chances with one of those dragon shifters.” As she spoke, her eyes filled with tears.
    “They plan on raping us.” Candy swallowed thickly. It was the first time that they had been able to talk about it since hearing their fate from Scarlet.
    “Only one.” A single tear fell and Jo wiped it away. “They have to fight and win us. One guy for each of us. I’m going to do what it takes to survive. They speak English so maybe we can reason with them and we can come to some sort of an agreement.” By now the tears were streaming down her face.
    Anger coursed through her. “That’s bullshit,” said Julie. “It’s complete and utter bullshit. They have no right to use us in this way. I’m going to stand up and fight. Even if it means I end up dead.”
    “I’m with you.” She could see that Candy’s teeth were clenched and her shoulders were back.
    “This just feels like some bizarre nightmare. I keep pinching myself, trying to wake up but it’s not happening.” Pauline shook her head, her eyes were wide. “I just wish I would wake up already.”
    “Stick with us.” Julie gave the other woman’s arm a squeeze. “Maybe we can get out of this thing. We have to try and we have to go right now. Please come with us.” She looked down at Jo.
    The other woman shook her head, still crying. Julie hated to leave her but what choice did they have?
    She sighed. “If you change your mind, you know where we’ve headed. Follow us.” She leaned down and squeezed her shoulder. “Good luck.”
    Jo gave her a half smile, she sniffed. “It’s useless you know, running. It’s useless.” Her shoulders slumped.
    Julie prayed that she was wrong even though a tiny voice inside her told her