Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
The two shifters turned immediately, and their eyes widened. Oldrik stood and wrapped his arms around Skye to pick her up. “Who is this enchantress? This can’t be my Blueberry.”
It’s me! Lalani had to take a lot off to even everything up. I’ve never had hair this short. You know, at jaw level. I love it.
Ardon hugged her from the side, wrapping his arms around both of them. “My Treasure, you’ll always be beautiful, but this style suits you perfectly.” He leaned forward to kiss her. When he leaned back, Oldrik pressed his lips to hers as well.
Are you comfortable here, Skye? Ardon checked with her privately.
They’re nice.
Then we stay for a while. You alert us if your sense of ease changes, Oldrik requested.
Okay, Daddy.
Oldrik set her feet on the ground and complimented Lalani. “You are so talented. Thank you for helping our mate.”
“My pleasure. I’m going to ask her a favor too,” Lalani confessed.
“What?” Skye asked in surprise.
“Would you draw my Daddy in his dragon form?” Lalani asked.
“I’d love to,” Skye confessed. Being with the other women was enjoyable, but she always preferred to draw. And the chance to capture a dragon’s likeness? She wouldn’t refuse that.
Chapter 9
As Skye drew Khadar for Lalani, she knew the other women would want an image of their mates as well. That worked great for Skye. She’d have activities for several meetings. Besides, more dragons arrived on the front lawn to join the group as she sketched.
Eavesdropping, she overheard that the red dragon’s name was Rogan. Of course, she recognized Keres immediately. She even waved hello to the black dragon. Having spent several hours on his back, Skye supposed they were well enough acquainted for that. Both dragons exchanged a roar with Khadar before shifting to join the others in the chairs. To Skye’s delight, Keres nodded at her, acknowledging her greeting.
Skye smiled when the women climbed up on their mate’s lap to leave a chair for the newcomers. She’d discovered how much she loved being close to her mates. It was fun to see that the other mates craved their dragon’s closeness as much as she did. And they called their mates Daddy.
When her fingers cramped, she closed the sketch pad and waved at Khadar. “Thank you.”
Lalani came running to her side. “Can I see?”
“I didn’t get quite finished. Can I bring it back to you?” Skye asked.
“Of course. Do you prefer I wait to see it?”
Skye nodded, hoping Lalani would understand.
“The suspense may kill me, but that means we’ll get to see each other in the future. So, I’ll be happy about that,” the sweet woman told her.
Skye smiled. “I’ll look forward to that.”
“Come, join us. We’re getting ready to eat.” Lalani invited her. “You can meet Rogan as well.”
“Is this all the horde?” Skye asked as they walked back to the others.
“No, there are ten dragons. Some join us from time to time, but their mates are older and used to seclusion. This group gathers a lot. I think our mates understand we’re not used to the solitude of being alone on the top of a mountain. And we’re new to being a mate. None of us knew dragons existed. Families aren’t as close to share the ancient pact and the history of dragons protecting Wyvern. You’ll have to find out who in your family is the keeper of your family’s tome.”
“Tome?” Skye echoed.
“Oh, you haven’t heard of it either?” Ciel asked.
“It’s a ginormous book each family has. It contains the original pact and the line of succession for all the mates in that family. Those are the names carved into the steps on the square.”
“The mates?” Skye asked.
“Yes. That’s the record of all of us,” Aurora confirmed.
As the others settled on their Daddy’s lap with a plate of food to nibble on, Skye hesitated. Where should she sit? She didn’t want either to feel like she preferred one over the other.
“Come here, Blueberry. You can start on my lap and have pie on Ardon’s,” Oldrik suggested.
Skye settled happily on Oldrik’s hard thighs and smiled at Ardon. Is this okay?
I get you for dessert. He smiled suggestively at her. That expression turned into a grin as Skye let out a peal of giggles.
When she remembered others were around, she scanned the group quickly to make sure no one had noticed. Of course, everyone had. But it was okay. They seemed happy for the triad.
Her gaze landed on Rogan as she ate. He had the most interesting features. Chiseled and intriguing. And that distinctive red streak in his hair. She wanted to draw him.
A low growl caught her attention. A second joined in a split second later. Skye realized they were coming from Oldrik and Ardon. Is something wrong?
You need to stop admiring Rogan, My Treasure. Our bond is too new. We are ready to defend what’s ours. Ardon warned.