Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Is this what it’s like to be a male dragon? Having the ability to fly in any direction without fear?
Her question wasn’t designed to make him ashamed of his sex, but it did. He could sense her joy at the sensation of the wind on her face and the smell of fresh flowers and nature. And this was in human form. How had her dragon survived without this freedom?
He flew back the way he had come, picturing an enormous field with animals he’d passed earlier. It was farther than he remembered it. Rimi rested her head on his neck and fell asleep. Her arms relaxed around his neck. Keres carefully balanced his precious cargo.
When the field came into view, he called her. Rimi. Rimi, you have to wake up. Hold on, Mate.
Her arms tightened around his neck, to his relief. Keres swooped and collected two cows, dispatching them quickly with a snap of his claws. He retreated to the edge of the pasture to drop them away from the herd before landing.
Rimi. You must change to eat.
I don’t think I can, Keres.
Change now, Rimi. Otherwise, I will roast steaks here and force feed them to you. You must eat.
He supported her with the tip of one wing as she slid to the ground. Sending her strength, Keres pushed her shift. It was excruciating to watch as her shifter side battled for control. Finally, the crystal dragon stood next to him, shivering with exhaustion.
Keres ripped off a portion of the cow and held it to her snout. Eat, Mate. He almost lost a claw. Grinning, he pulled the rest of the carcass toward her. The crunching enthusiasm of her hunger reassured Keres she’d be okay.
When she’d finished the two, Rimi shook her head. Sorry. I didn’t offer to share.
I’m good, Snowflake. Want another?
Snowflake?
That’s what you remind me of. Beautifully unique with a sparkling shimmer and sharp edges.
Not cold and wet?
Was she teasing him? Keres liked it—a lot. Never! Now, are you still hungry?
No. I’ve been out here for too long. Someone will see me.
Anger rushed through him. No one will ever threaten you again.
Rimi brushed her snout against his to soothe Keres. Take me home, Keres.
He nodded. Do you want to fly or would you rather ride?
Ride, please.
With a shimmer, she morphed into her human form and scrambled onto his back. Keres was selfishly glad she’d chosen that option. He enjoyed having her wrapped around him, even if her shirt had regenerated around her when she shifted. His mate was indescribably alluring. He took to the sky and headed back toward her mountain.
He could feel the need building inside him. They would need to consummate the mate bond soon. Rimi’s stamina and strength rebounded slowly with each moment that passed. He could wait until she was less fragile.
Mate? Would you send Oldrik a message? Tell him I’m with you and you’re good? He was worried about you.
A blast of heat sizzled past Keres. Without a second’s delay, he raised a wing to shield Rimi as he scanned for whoever had endangered his mate. There. He angled himself to guard his mate as he spotted a red dragon approaching. Flatten yourself to me and hold on!
Fury lanced through Keres at the insult. Who thought they could best him? He screamed his anger into the darkness, warning their attacker.
Keres! I’m afraid I’ll fall.
His mate wasn’t at a quarter of her strength yet. He would have to take shelter and protect her until she was well. Keres spat flames toward the invader as he flew toward her cave. Swerving and dodging the aggressive dragon’s attack, Keres balanced his efforts with her ability to cling to him. When the cave opening loomed in front of him, Keres tucked his wings in close to his body and dove.
He spotted the flare of a second attacker’s blast with barely enough time to roll to protect Rimi. The flames raked his underbelly. He roared at the offense, but Rimi’s hold loosened. Keres dropped like a rock through the air to get below her and caught his mate between his wings like he’d performed that dangerous move a dozen times before.
Her breath jetted from her lungs at the impact, but Rimi immediately grabbed his scales with determination. Go, Keres! I won’t let go again.
He spun around the mountain in an upward spiral that surprised the two opposing dragons. As Keres approached the mouth of Rimi’s cave, he scanned the interior to make sure no one lurked inside. It was risky to take the time to investigate, but her entrance was a narrow tunnel. Someone lying in wait would have the advantage.
Again, he shielded Rimi from flames thrown at her. He understood the duo attacking him. He was an invading dragon. But why were they attacking her?
Pushing the question out of his mind, Keres dove into the entrance. Thrashing his tail to cause an avalanche, he sealed the opening behind them and skidded to a stop. The roars of the two thwarted dragons reached his ears, even through the layers of stone. It appeared he’d made a couple of enemies.