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)
“My lair,” Ardon volunteered.
“My castle, and my word that I will never use any information I glean from your territory for personal gain.” Oldrik promised in exchange. This type of oath between dragons was unheard of. Dragons were at their core focused on accumulating more and more wealth. Even within a horde, a weak dragon’s valuables could be at risk.
“I will promise the same, Oldrik. Our perils will be shared as we enjoy our mate. We need to start on even ground. I will, however, reserve the right to entertain Skye in my mansion alone.”
Oldrik nodded his approval. “We will each need private time with our mate.”
You guys are chatty.
“We are sorry to disturb you, Skye. Are you feeling better?” Ardon asked, brushing her hair away from her face.
I need Blunze.
Both dragons bristled, ready to kill whoever their mate desired over them. Skye opened her brilliant blue eyes to reveal her amusement. The corners of her mouth trembled as laughter filled her thoughts.
Do you have my backpack? I will introduce you to Blunze. She struggled to sit up, and Oldrik propped her up against his chest. Thank you. Is it okay if I talk to you this way?
Of course, mate. Ardon grabbed the backpack they’d stripped from her shoulders and handed it to her.
You keep calling me mate.
Do you remember the names written on the risers of the steps leading up to the dragon statue you were drawing? Oldrik asked.
Yes, of course. When I was a child, my mother said they must have done something special for the town. My great-great-grand aunt’s name is there, but she didn’t know why.
Those are direct descendants of the founding families of Wyvern. They are also dragon mates. Ardon exchanged a glance with Oldrik, and the older dragon suspected Ardon was also baffled that her family had not shared this.
Is there something important about being a founding family?
Oldrik tried to explain. Yes. When Wyvern was settled, the dragons agreed to provide protection for the city in exchange for fated mates, who they promised to cherish. Any member of those first families might become a mate of a dragon who lost his.
You’ve had multiple mates?
Yes, Skye. Our lifespans are much longer than those of humans. Mates live much longer than unclaimed Wyverns, but eventually their bodies become tired, and they are lost to their dragon. Oldrik allowed her to see and feel the sorrow in his mind and heart for his lost mates.
You miss them.
Always. Each mate is special and unique. We will cherish you for all the time we have together and mourn your loss many years from now. Oldrik paused to allow her to consider that before asking, Could you share Blunze with us? I am very curious about my competition.
Skye unzipped her bag and pulled out her stuffie. This is Blunze. We communicate through our minds too. Well, I talk, and he listens. He’s a blue dragon who I added bronze scales to when I learned to sew. He’s much happier now. So am I.
Blunze. A combination of bronze and blue. Ardon appeared pleased, and Oldrik suspected he enjoyed that their mate hadn’t been satisfied with a plain blue dragon.
You must think you’ve been saddled with the stupidest mate. My best friend is a stuffie. I struggle to speak out loud. People make me uncomfortable....
Oldrik interrupted her. Mates are the most special of creatures. You would not be our mate if you were not perfect for us. We will strive to deserve and cherish you. You are a gift. We will thank fate for you every second of every day.
Really?
I will never lie to you, Little One, he promised. Nor will Ardon. Fair warning, we will sense if you do not tell us the truth and spank your bottom thoroughly.
Spank me? I’m not a child.
Ardon pointed out, For us, you are incredibly young. It is also how we’re wired. Dragons are dominant over other species. We are at the top of the food chain.
Conceited much?
You joke, but this is a fact of nature. It may take you time to adjust to the level of care you will receive from us. We already know you have had fantasies of a mate who rewards and punishes your behavior, Oldrik said casually. He disguised his own arousal from his mate. She would soon learn how closely aligned their needs were.
What? I didn’t tell you anything like that.
Your body did the moment Oldrik mentioned a spanking. Ardon sniffed and continued. There are no secrets between mates.
I smell?
You have a delicious aroma of desire. Oldrik loved the play of emotions on her expressive face as he explained things to her. Skye enchanted him.
Skye moved suddenly to press her lips to his, and Oldrik locked his muscles to remain in control. His surprise only lasted a fraction of a second as he tasted his mate. Needing to touch her, he lifted a hand to cup the back of her head. Oldrik held her in place as he deepened the kiss.