Chapter 49

Grounds, Rogue Rider Mansion, Beverly Hills, California, United States

As Gen climbed onto her dragon, securing herself into the saddle, she felt like she'd grown. Not just physically, but definitely in that way. For some reason, she felt taller, like it was easier to climb on Emperor's back, whereas before it seemed like she was a toddler jumping for a high shelf. Suddenly, she felt strong, like she'd grown into her role as dragonrider and she finally fit it.

Gen also knew that she'd grown emotionally and mentally since joining the Rogue Riders—since arriving in the twenty-first century. Obviously she'd been overwhelmed and confused upon first entering this strange world of modern conveniences and advanced technologies. But Gen no longer allowed the newness of every experience to intimidate her. She simply knew that she'd have to adapt at every step of the way.

Gen found herself embracing this new life of hers, while still holding onto who she was. That felt right to her. She wasn't supposed to forget growing up in the 15th century or her life in London. That was part of her and meant to be her foundation as she navigated this new world. The angels, during her meditation in Falconer Cave, told her that she was supposed to bring her old-world elegance to the problems of the new age. She was supposed to be the rebel with the heart of gold.

Being thrust into Beverly Hills as a Rogue Rider had been hard at first, especially after learning that she and Emperor were demon dragon and rider. She had hoped to be a Dragon Elite. Gen had fooled herself into thinking she was an angel rider, but that was delusional.

Then she'd met her boss, Dwayne-Chip-On-His-Shoulder-Stone, and things had gotten even worse. It was no wonder that Bellumferrum wasn't working right. Gen hadn't known her place in this new world. She'd resisted it. She'd doubted each new change and been frustrated by her circumstances. But right then, as she was about to take off on Emperor to stop really bad guys from robbing the largest bank in Los Angeles, Gen felt an overwhelming sense of belonging.

She glanced to her right, looking at Jack on his dragon, Voltar. The majestic being was huge, almost as big as Emperor. She was a dark green with depths that spoke of her mystery and elegance within. Gen had never seen her in action and wondered how her power of electricity would look when used.

Jack lowered his chin, giving Gen an expression that filled her with intrigue and tension. Something in his blue eyes felt so familiar to her, like she'd seen them before in another life. Maybe he had lived in London in the 15th century in another life and she was meeting him again, seemingly for the first time. For some reason, the way he looked at her felt timeless, like he was like her and not from any specific period, but rather anchored in the present moment.

Looking over to her left, Gen saw Sully sitting atop Blaze, his red dragon. Although all of the dragons had fire magic, apparently hers was unique and allowed her to manipulate flames in special ways. Gen looked forward to seeing how that worked in battle.

Sully was different from Jack, seeming new to the world but excited about all the possibilities—like a newborn baby. Gen liked that about him though because he felt welcoming to things and most importantly to her. His casual and jokester nature put Gen at ease and she definitely needed that.

These two guys had made Gen feel accepted. They had shown up for her. She'd taken a chance, telling them about the Federal Reserve Bank robbery and they hadn't betrayed her. Instead, they'd offered to help. Sully had thought that Gen lost her damn mind when she informed them that she hired the "good" police officers. But Jack had simply given her an impressed smile and muttered, "Only you, Gen… Only you…"

Although Gen was nervous about the events that would unfold that night, she now finally felt prepared. She had a lot of things in place. Captain Neal was leading much of the efforts on the ground with the rogue officers. But now, Gen had Jack and Sully to help her and that made it finally feel like they had a chance to stop the bank robbery—to end the corrupt Chief of Police's rule. It was amazing how having friends really shifted things, making the impossible feel possible.

Glancing back and forth at the men, Gen gave them studious expressions. "Are you ready?"

"Born ready," Sully cheered, pulling back the reins on his dragon, making her rear back on her hind legs, her front ones thrusting in the air with excitement.

"Absolutely," Jack agreed, leaning forward with a roguish smile full of determination.

Gen looked out over the open lawn of the estate. Thankfully none of the other Rogue Riders were around that night to watch them take off. No one would know that Gen had left the exam and hopefully no one would identify her at the scene of the bank robbery. All she had to do was follow the plan and put an out-of-control criminal behind bars. Then the people of Los Angeles would be safer and the small crime rings back in balance.

In unison, the three dragons took off, their powerful legs thundering across the earth, propelling them faster. Their riders all hunched down low on their backs, holding onto the reins, and steering their dragons using their connection. When the red, green and purple dragons lifted high into the night's sky, they were a sight like few had ever seen before. It was the radiant image of heroes right before battle, their destinies untold and their unwavering spirit the currency that would pay their way or bankrupt them if they should fall short of success.