Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 42796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42796 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Brooks Battlefield always does things his way. Part of his plan is to get back to Wyvern someday. When he was ready. Had he only known…
A delicious scent signals Rogan that someone extraordinary is in town. His prey may try to resist, but the red dragon won’t allow him to deny the bond that links them together.
Change has come to Wyvern. A centuries-old pact between the founders and their powerful allies could save the inhabitants of the city once again, but only a dragon Daddy can truly guard his mate from harm
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
Prologue
Nestled in the center of a ring of imposing mountains, the village of Wyvern has existed for hundreds of years. Its quaint town center wraps around a square featuring a commanding dragon statue elevated on a block-wide platform for all to admire. The words chiseled into the risers of the stone steps are a mystery to most. Almost all the ninety-plus commemorative etchings feature the last names of the founding families of the town without explanation. During the prosperity of technological tools, most forgot the old ways.
One female descendant of each founding family has traditionally served as the keeper of knowledge. Passing a huge tome from generation to generation, that woman ensures the pact the original settlers made with the first inhabitants of this land can’t be forgotten. The agreement between the huge, lethal creatures living in the mountaintops and the struggling, besieged humans sealed the duties for both sides. Promising protection for the people and fated mates for the dragons, this pact has evaporated from the minds of most of the citizens of Wyvern. But the dragons have not forgotten.
When all things powered by technology suddenly ceased to function, the worst features of humanity erupted as people struggled to survive. Once again, the strength and power of the massive beasts who have guarded the city is needed. Revealing themselves to the current-day citizens, the dragon horde fulfills their promise.
As descendants of those original families are found, mate bonds are forged between dragons and humans. The old ways are essential to the survival of all, and the ancient pact will soar in importance once again. For there are dragons, and they hunt for more than just prey.
Five dragons of the horde have recently discovered their mates in the growing population of Wyvern. Others still search, hoping that each day brings their mate back to their ancestors’ home. The stakes are dire for the shifters. Mates create a balance between their human and dragon identities. One teeters on the brink of madness without the companionship of a mate.
Chapter 1
Brooks had discovered that gatherings had become the norm in Wyvern these days. Sheltered together from the craziness he’d experienced himself outside the protective mountain ring around the ancient city, the Wyverns had grown closer as they had to work together to survive. These town-wide celebrations were a uniting break from hard labor.
He glanced around, looking for people he recognized. A drawback from being away for so long, he struggled to match the young friends from his memory with the older faces around him. When he caught sight of Skye, he headed her way. He’d like to make sure she was as happy as she appeared.
“Hey, Skye. Can I join you? I’ve been wondering how you are.”
He smiled at the group as they glanced up. To his delight, Skye nodded enthusiastically and patted the ground near her.
“Brooks, I’m glad you’re here,” Lalani greeted him. She was a familiar face as well. His grandmother loved the dragon’s mate and met with her often.
Settling between the two women, Brooks caught up with the latest news. Skye, as usual, didn’t say much. He was tickled when she cared enough to ask him anything.
“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 feeling like a tunnel rat. My grandmother 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 grandmother is so happy to have you here,” Lalani observed.
“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. Immediately, two warning growls made him freeze and raise his hands to show he was harmless. Ardon and Oldrik were obviously very protective of their mate. He watched the blue dragon claim Skye, placing her on his lap.
Brooks chose the wisest move when dealing with a jealous dragon. He excused himself and shifted to the other side of Lalani. Keeping his eye on Skye, he suspected they were talking mentally. She seemed thrilled with her mates. Brooks was pleased for her.
Like something that special would ever happen for him.
A tune Skye hummed under breath sparked interest as almost everyone recognized it. Brooks had always called it the Ode to Wyvern. It was a song all Wyverns learned as a child. Ciel began to sing, and the group joined her, including the dragons. Suddenly the words took on true meaning. Chills went down Brooks’s spine.
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.