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)
“Come on, Skye. Let’s go stomping,” Lalani encouraged.
They ran to a large basin where the harvesters had piled the plump grapes. Shucking off their shoes, each mate stepped carefully in a smaller tub to rinse their feet before their mates lifted them into the large vat. Lalani got in first and yelped as she almost slid down on her bottom. Khadar steadied her, staying close on the outside.
“It’s a bit slippery when you step in. Hold on to your mate until they get their grape feet under them,” he called to the other dragons.
It didn’t take long for the women to catch on to the hang of it. It was best to grab the edge with one hand. As the juice poured out of the bottom of the tub into a waiting pipe and then into a big wooden barrel, the harvesters added more grapes. The mates’ merriment and love of life filled the air, bringing smiles to everyone working. Their mates lent their strength to transporting the harvest up from the fields.
A couple of hours later, the shifters hauled their mates from the squashing vat to rest, ignoring their protests that they wanted to continue.
Really! I’m not tired, Skye reassured her mates.
“Everyone is taking a break. That means you as well,” Ardon said as he removed the traces of pulp and grape skins from her feet.
“You are definitely going to wear dyed stockings for a while,” Oldrik observed, gesturing to her now grape-stained skin.
The mates huddled together, trying to figure out whose toes were the purpliest. Skye, with her pale skin, was elected the Queen of the Stomp. Her violet feet almost glowed.
Khadar’s staff brought out tables of sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Everyone filled up their plates and scattered around the large area, chatting and restoring their energy. The shifters and their mates gathered under a tree to enjoy the refreshments.
Half paying attention to the talk around her and half focusing on a new sketch of her handsome mates, Skye retreated into her art. She’d done a lot of peopling and needed some downtime. Her mates interrupted her often to tempt her with bites from their plates.
“Hey, Skye. Can I join you? I’ve been wondering how you are.”
The group glanced up to see Brooks Battlefield. Skye nodded enthusiastically as she smiled at the handsome man who’d helped her travel to Wyvern. Late at night, when she replayed that scary trip in her mind, Skye wondered if she would ever have made it to Wyvern and her mates without his and Derek’s companionship.
Brooks settled between Skye and Lalani, who knew his mother well. The two chatted, including Skye in their conversation, even though she didn’t say much.
Delighted to see him for the first time in several months, she forced herself to say, “You’re staying in Wyvern?”
“It’s safe here. There’s a lot to do, so I can keep busy. I’ve been working on the passageways under the old town. I’m starting to feel like a tunnel rat. Mom insisted I come today to interact with people,” Brooks shared, before shaking his head and adding, “I hate to say, I’m getting itchy to travel around. I’m not used to hanging around the same place.”
“Your mom is so happy to have you here,” Lalani observed, and Skye suspected her friend hoped Brooks would remain for his mother’s sake.
“I know. I’m not climbing the walls yet. Just trying to decide what to do long-term,” Brooks assured her.
Skye patted Brooks on the shoulder and heard a growl times two. Brooks raised his hands to show he was harmless as Skye sent her mates a blistering look.
Friend, not competition, she reminded them.
With a huff, Ardon scooped Skye up in his arms and sat her on his lap. Brooks soon excused himself and moved to a safer spot on the other side of Lalani.
That wasn’t nice, Skye reprimanded her mates.
“Dragons aren’t nice. Rivals make crunchy treats,” Oldrik stated firmly.
Unsure whether he was teasing her or not, Skye quickly told them, No eating my friends! Their laughter reassured her they were indeed joking. You two. She shook her head and focused back on her artwork, staying happily on Ardon’s lap.
Feeling carefree and enjoying herself, Skye hummed under her breath. To her delight, Ciel cried, “I remember that tune,” and started singing. Aurora joined in. It was an old song those raised in Wyvern had memorized.
Wyvern. Oh, Wyvern, we reached you in a battered state.
Will your mountain barriers guard us from those who hate?
Seeking sanctuary, the families dared to make a deal.
Winged creatures and Guardians allowed us to heal.
All hail those who are selected!
All hail those whose fate is sealed!
Engrave their names in stone for all to celebrate.
Never ever forget the ones predestined as mate,
For the fiery beasts while fierce are honor bound.
Each match creates Wyvern’s protected ground.
All hail those who are selected!