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)
“Yes, Daddy.”
“Want me to ask if Lalani can cut your hair? We could zip over there,” Rogan suggested, ruffling Brooks’s hair.
“I’d love that. I’m having trouble seeing. Or you could loan me a pair of scissors?”
“Not happening. Let me see if Lalani is working today.”
By the time they were outside, and Rogan had shifted, Khadar had responded with an invitation to visit. We’re on our way, Adventurer.
Brooks responded with happy thoughts and fireworks that filled Rogan’s mind, making him snort amused smoke, to the delight of his mate. Rogan had a feeling his unique mate would come up with many novel ways to surprise him.
In a few minutes, Brooks settled in place and held on firmly. The desperate hold of a newbie had eased. Brooks trusted him.
On our way, Adventurer!
Can I see your mountain?
Of course.
Rogan flew on each side of the rocky peak, highlighting the most breathtaking spots in his territory. His mate’s awe and enjoyment of the tour radiated into Rogan’s mind. He could see it for the first time through Brooks’s eyes. Rogan was proud of his land and was glad to get to soar once again in the crisp, clean air without fear of a monster hunt.
During the age of technology, the horde had hunted mainly at night and had only frequented Wyvern in human form. The knowledge of their existence had fallen to the Guardians of each family’s pact and was passed on frequently when the end of their lives was eminent. In the high-tech era, who would believe that dragons existed?
Almost as if Brooks could read his mind, his mate asked, What would have happened if something hadn’t taken out our computers and machines?
I can’t answer that, Brooks. Perhaps the end of dragons?
No. Brooks refused to consider that. Dragons will always exist.
Perhaps you are right. Look! Lalani is waving to you. Shall I wave back?
Yes, Daddy!
Rogan tilted back and forth, waggling his wings at Lalani below and giving his mate a wild ride as well.
“Wooohoooo!” Brooks hooted into the air as he clung to Rogan’s neck.
That was fun! One more time!
Hold on, Adventurer. I’m landing.
After settling on the ground and shifting, Rogan guided Brooks forward to meet Khadar and Lalani. “Greetings. Thank you for allowing us to visit.”
“My mate enjoys having others around,” Khadar answered. Rogan nodded. He understood completely. Dragons were not the most social of creatures.
“Daddy, be nice. Hi, Brooks! Hi, Rogan. How are you both?” Lalani asked with a twinkle in her eye.
“Good,” Brooks answered with a grin Rogan was pleased to see. It appeared his mate had begun to acclimate to his life as a dragon’s mate. Lalani’s gentle teasing didn’t make him uncomfortable.
“Can you trim up this shaggy guy? I can barely see his eyes,” Rogan said.
“Of course. Come to my salon. I always set up under that gigantic tree,” Lalani said and pointed a short distance away. “Your Daddy… Um, Rogan can come with us if you need to be close to him.”
“Go try it, Brooks,” Rogan urged, wanting Brooks to have some time to ask questions or chat without a dragon around.
“I should be fine,” Brooks answered. “I ran to get my shoes today and discovered it didn’t hurt.”
“That’s great and sad.” Lalani’s voice drifted to the dragons as she led Brooks away. “I enjoy sticking close to Khadar. It was nice to have a built-in excuse.”
“How’s your mate adjusting?” Khadar asked as he led the way up to the covered porch equipped with chairs.
“Well. It’s been quite a change for him,” Rogan admitted and settled into a seat before changing the subject. “Can you catch me up on what’s happened during the bonding?”
“Keres states he doesn’t remember attacking you and your mate. We’re going to have to deal with him soon, I’m afraid.”
“That’s not a good sign. Do we have many original Wyverns returning these days?” Rogan asked.
“No. The founding families report that all living relatives are now inside the borders. Drake and the Guardians are organizing another social in hopes of Keres finding his elusive mate.”
“If she or he is around. Keres may have missed his mate in this generation.”
“That would be the worst case scenario,” Khadar admitted.
“Are the others talking about driving him away?”
“So far, we’re avoiding that conversation. It will have to be discussed soon.”
Rogan shook his head. Several hundred years ago, he’d been in Keres’ situation. Struggling to hold on to his sanity while maintaining his hope of finding a mate. A small twinkle of existence had popped into his mind in his darkest moments. He’d grabbed that light like it was the northern star and maintained hope. A mate’s life force began. Eighteen years later, he visited every birthday celebration until he’d found her.
The horde sympathized with Keres, but they also had to protect their mates. They would not allow the black dragon to hurt or terrorize them.