Sired: A Dark Reverse Harem Romance (Ascension Book 3)

by Kenna Bardot

  “I like to read, Chett. But I don’t like to read that much. You gave me a lot of books.” I’d hauled some of them home, where I ignored my Sires most of the night so I could get in some reading, but there was no way to get through it all so quickly.

  “That’s understandable. But what did you think about what you got around to?”

  I looked down at Hydra, who pawed at the ground and felt her boredom spear through me. Watching people talk did not appear to be one of her favorite pastimes along. Much like watching me read. She was another reason I didn’t get through most of the reading I planned to do the day before.

  “I enjoyed learning all about the Dragon Guard, and I was very interested in all the tales about armor and weapons. But also its history, its tenets, its objectives. What duties we perform, how we affect Demiorgo as a whole. It made me feel like I was part of something special.” I bent down to look at what Hydra was digging up and saw insects. I straightened in disgust. “I also read up about dragons. There’s nothing bad about beefing up on all the information since I’m just going into this at a disadvantage, aren’t I?”

  “Yes, and no. That’s why we’re here. While it’s true that all the other Dragon Guards who are here have you at a disadvantage with the amount of knowledge they have about our history, our group, you have something most do not.”

  I cocked my head to the side. “And what is that?”

  “You’re bonded to a dragon. And all the years - even centuries- of being around dragons never prepares one for that. It’s the one area where theory falls far short of application. So at this very moment, with less than a week under your belt being bonded to Hydra, your understanding of a dragon’s internal energy and feelings are far more than they have. That’s how it will always be until they too share in a similar bond, because it’s something that cannot be taught.” My eyes widened when Chett raised his hand and while it looked like he would touch emptiness, he laid a hand on the side of Thorus’ face in the exact moment he bent down. Like they had orchestrated it, practiced. But I understood that it was because of the bond.

  “Today, we will focus on that - the bond.” He gestured to Hydra, who stopped pawing around and instead listened to Chett. Like she knew the topic involved her. “From the moment you woke up after that initial bond, I’m sure you’ve felt feelings and emotions inside you that you aren’t yours.”

  I agreed with a nod as he continued, “And it’s something that has only amplified as time passes. And it will continue to do so until you both find that happy medium where you’re perfectly connected but also not overwhelmed.”

  “Okay.” I took a gulp of breath just as Hydra gave a short yip.

  Connected.

  I could do that.

  “What is Hydra feeling right now?” Chett asked.

  “She was bored before. Now,” I paused, considering my words and trying to interpret the emotions that filtered through from Hydra. Picking out what was hers and what was mine sometimes came easily. Others it seemed difficult to separate. “She’s interested and also afraid, but I think that’s mostly because she’s sympathizing with me.” I touched the top of Hydra’s head and the feelings I described only amplified and sharpened.

  “That’s good. The next question might be harder to articulate. How do you know?”

  The question took me aback. How? “I’ll be honest in saying I have no clue. It feels instinctive, like a part of me just knows.”

  His look was speculative as he walked around me in a circle. “Not surprising, and while it’s not bad that you have such a good instinct regarding your feelings and hers, it’s important that there be a real world application. So, our lesson today will start with you being able to differentiate between what emotions are yours, what are hers, and what are a blend of the two of you mirroring one another. Over time, that will become the most important part of communication.”

  “Hydra,” he muttered, addressing my dragon. “Thorus will move you a few feet over but we’re not leaving this fenced field, okay? Don’t be afraid.”

  My dragon shot me a look as Thorus’ claw reached forward to grab her. Her fear grabbed me by the throat and it took all my willpower not to throw my body forward and stop him. I had to trust, and I asked her to do the same. Leaving both of us with very little choice, Thorus gently took Hydra behind a tall wooden structure that was like a box but with one side opened.

  Chett walked forward and whispered gently. “The left wall will fall with a very gentle tap. Move so you are more in that direction and call to her, but you have to do it silently. No words. Just your bond.”

  “How do I do that?” Uncertainty laced through me as I remembered the last time I tried to use a power I was meant to have. It had not worked out well.

  “Just try it at first.”

  I nodded and walked in the direction he told me to walk. I just stood there helplessly and hoped that Hydra would come to me.

  “If you’re finding it difficult, you can close your eyes and focus on what’s inside you.”

  It sounded ridiculous, but I already looked ridiculous just standing there. Closing my eyes seemed no less asinine, anyway. I closed my eyes and felt Hydra’s annoyance that quickly replaced whatever fear and nerves she’d felt before.

  “Good!” I opened my eyes to see that Hydra had pushed the box open, and she walked straight for me. When she did, she made a small roaring sound that sounded far from pleased.

  “Don’t be mad at me. I’m enjoying this as much as you are.” Hydra huffed out a breath and a tiny stream of fire singed my boot. “Burning me doesn’t help, Hydra.”

  “Well, I’m sure you’ll have fun with that one,” Chett observed.

  I shot him a dirty look. “You don’t even really know the half of it.”

  “Well, we’ll do it again but farther.” Chett nodded and gestured for me to step back just as Thorus moved to pick Hydra up again.

  “Are you ready?” I nodded, even though I already knew it would be a long day.

  We did the same exercise, varying in distance over and over. Chett would sometimes make me turn around, switch places and other interesting modifications to test just how well Hydra and I could connect.

  We did well, considering the fact that our bond was so new. Chett allowed Hydra and I to take a break before we had to take our lunch when I saw my trainer’s face light up in a wide smile.

  “Hi!” Haisley walked towards us quickly, bouncing on her toes as she gave us a cheery wave. “Hi, Mireyah, how’s your first day of training going so far?”

  “She’s doing well. Mireyah and Hydra have a powerful connection. It’s an excellent start for their basic training,” Chett put in as Haisley jumped up to give him a kiss.

  “That’s good. Has my husband been nice to you then, Mireyah, my dear?” Haisley gave Chett a pat on the tummy.

  I realized it was the first time anyone outside my Sires had called me dear and meant it without malice. I threw her a wide smile. “Hi, Haisley. It’s been good so far. Tiring but informative.” I gave Hydra a pat, but she tossed her head in frustration. “Hydra hasn’t been enjoying it.”

  “It’s never just fun and games. But I’m glad you’re both doing so well. Kimba would be proud, I’m sure.” She smiled, and I tried to see if there was any sadness there, but she seemed to just genuinely think the deceased dragon would be proud of us.

  “Thanks. I want to make sure that her girl respects her legacy. From what I hear, Kimba and Trellis were a formidable duo.”

  “That they were. But beyond that, they were loved because they cared about even the things that no one cared about. But speaking of things no one cared about. This building.” She put her hands on her hips and tilted her head at Chett. “Did you really have to use this place?”

  “Well, it is the training center, so it made sense to use it.”

  “Aha. And I imagine the inside is about as clean and dust free as the middle of a field.” When Chett had nothing to say she pointed at him. “I’m
right, aren’t I? That needs fixing. I’ll handle it.” She gave me thumbs up. “Don’t worry, Mireyah, I’ll make sure you don’t go on a sneezing fit the next time your training takes you indoors.”

  “I’m on break, so I can help,” I told her. It seemed unfair that she should need to clean a building just for my benefit.

  “Are you sure, Mireyah? Shouldn’t you just be resting?” Haisley gave me a worried look, which I waved dismissively at.

  “I’m fine, trust me. Hydra you coming?” When my dragon shot me a bored look, I decided she was safe enough with Chett and Thorus and walked off to join Haisley.

  “You don’t really need to do this, Haisley. Isn’t there anyone else?” Although, truth be told, being in the Reserve for as long as I had by that point, I already knew that the Dragon Guard were self-sufficient, because they had no one in their group who weren’t Guards themselves.

  “No one else. Besides, it’s my job to make sure that our newest recruit and family member has as comfortable a first few months as possible.”

  “Really, me?” My expression was incredulous as we pushed the front entrance of the building open. “Yes, I’m sure. Zeevar, this is disgusting. Just horrid. Please don’t tell me he brought you here yesterday?”

  “He did. But, really, there’s only one of me. The fuss doesn’t seem worth it.”

  Haisley paused dusting to goggle at me. “Are you fucking serious? Every one of us is just as important as everyone else. I get it. Jarek, Arkin, and Yula have been nothing but assholes to you since you came but they were wrong, you know?”

  “I guess I do….” I trailed off because I did, but I also somehow didn’t.

  “They said you would never live up to Trellis, but the truth is you shouldn’t need to. Saying that dishonours Trellis’ memory. I said nothing yesterday because I thought you didn’t let it get to you, but I can see now that I was wrong. I shouldn’t have assumed. So long as you do your best and live up to the potential of you and Hydra together, then that’s all we can ask for. Respect the dragon knowledge, Mireyah. You would not be here if they did not think you worthy.”

  I remembered the call and how strong it had been. I could not argue that dragons had an innate magic that was strong and unconquerable. “Okay,” I whispered.

  “Good. Now, if you’re going to help me clean, then you better be prepared to get dirty.”

  I laughed. “That I know how to do.”

  ✽✽✽

  “It’s been a week since we started basic training. How are you and Hydra feeling?” Chett asked this while standing next to a rather large target on the field. The 3-sided boxes from the previous week had been replaced by several targets, a couple of rings and different piles of leaves and such.

  “It’s been good so far. I enjoy understanding her better, especially what there is of her in me.” Hydra ran in circles around my legs, and I knew she was equally pleased.

  “Yes, that’s good and I’m very impressed that the two of you are as in tune as you are. Understanding is only our first step.” He gestured us forward.. “Today, you have to learn to ask her to do something for you.”

  I eyed the target suspiciously. “Okay. What am I asking her to do?”

  “Something innate in her to start. Fire. We’ll start first with you asking her to produce fire for you. A few basic hand gestures to begin, which I will show you with Thorus.” At the mention of his name, Chett’s dragon flew into the enclosure, which immediately felt ten times smaller.

  He flicked his wrist and displayed an open palm. Thorus snorted before shooting out a tiny stream of fire and hitting the center of the target exactly.

  “We have to do that?” I gave Hydra a look, and she stared back at me with a curious tilt to her head, looking like I'd lost my damn marbles. I kind of agreed with her. There was no reason that I should have had to feel like a coordinated dancer to get her to breathe a little fire.

  The effing brat had no problem doing it when she wanted to set the house ablaze.

  “Not that exactly. At least not now.” He repeated the gesture. “Try the gesture first.”

  I did, and unless I was mistaken, it felt like Hydra laughed at me. The amusement coursed through me, and I knew it came from her. “Yeah, you laugh. You’re in this with me, you naughty thing.”

  She just gave me a look that communicated I was on my own. Chett chuckled silently as he watched us, and I threw him an exasperated look. He repeated the gesture and Thorus helpfully let out another tiny stream of fire.

  When he finished, I looked at Hydra pointedly, gesturing to the bigger dragon. She was unamused as she looked back at me, letting out a little puff of smoke in her version of a scoff. Given our connection, I had thought asking her to do something would be easy.

  But looking into her eyes, I should have known. She was my dragon. Why was I surprised she didn’t like to be told what to do?

  “We’ll keep trying until we get it, and then we’ll move onto targets.”

  The hours passed, and we couldn’t have taken a break for lunch soon enough. I made sure Hydra was fed before I decided I wasn’t hungry but exhausted. So I’d curled up in a comfortable chair in the training center for about half an hour.

  It was a good choice when I woke up from my nap all refreshed and eager to train with Hydra again. The morning hadn’t been that productive, but it hadn’t been for a lack of trying. When she saw me, Hydra immediately jumped to settle herself on my shoulders. I let out an oof. “Zeevar, Hydra, you ate a lot. Come on now.” I shrugged her off, and she let out a sharp sound before hopping off to slither beside me. The bump she gave my leg, along with the shot of displeasure that coursed through me, made her feelings obvious.

  "I don't want to be a hunchback, Hydra. You're not exactly a tiny lizard now, are you?" I laughed when she breathed out and a tiny huff out of smoke curled out of her snout. I shook my head and walked back into the center and veered left towards the classrooms to look for Chett.

  I pushed open the door to one of the bigger ones where we usually spent any time we didn’t train outside.

  "Chett-" I broke off when I walked in the corner and saw tall, burly Leven holding his tiny Tempestas wife in his arms. Even given the fact that I was comfortable around sex - how could I not when I had five men I had to keep satisfied - it was still embarrassing to walk in on an intimate moment between two people. Mostly because I hadn’t known them for very long.

  "Oops," I muttered as the two turned towards me. Well, their heads did since they hadn't really separated even with my intrusion. They both gave me such looks of fond amusement that I could imagine I must have been blushing.

  "Hello, Mireyah." Haisley smiled and stepped out of her husband's arms, although she did still keep a hand on his arm. "Don't be embarrassed. That wasn't the worst you could have walked in on."

  “Thanks. I didn’t need that in my mind,” I replied drily, and the two of them laughed.

  “I’m sure sex is plenty in your mind. Being newly Sired to five men will do that, I expect.” Haisley moved her eyebrows up and down in a ridiculous gesture that made me laugh.

  “This is true,” I laughed. “I don’t talk about it much. Not that I’m ashamed, but it tends to make people uncomfortable. I don’t want to hide my relationship, but I also don’t want to deal with the drama.”

  "In time you’ll see that the Dragon Guard as a group is more tolerant than most, Mireyah. Although we have those who will act in a manner that I am not proud of. Just know that Haisley and I accept you. Love is love." Chett rubbed the back of his neck. But how Haisley squeezed into his side showed me she was pleased with him.

  "With open arms," Haisley agreed. "But, that's not why you're here, is it Mireyah? Done with lunch?" She looked towards Hydra, who ran around in circles to draw attention to herself.

  "Yes. For both of us, really." I smiled at her, felt her happiness bleed into me. Sex was something she didn’t particularly like to think about, which was why she always slept in the room
farthest away from our bedroom when my men and I got some action.

  I imagined I’d be the same if she ever got lucky.

  Gods. That was a horrific thought.

  "Then it's time we train. Since we’re using Thorus, we should head outside so we don't destroy this building." Chett proceeded outside, and we all moved to follow him.

  "Yes, please don't destroy this place. I spent far too long cleaning it and I’m not even done yet," Hailey quipped with a laugh in her voice that told me it must have been destroyed at least once before.

  "Thorus." At Chett's command, the enormous gold dragon landed beside him. It barely caused a stir and for such a big creature, that was amazing. Hydra immediately bounded over to the larger dragon and spun in circles around his big legs and it jarred me to note that soon enough, Hydra's size would rival that of the bigger dragon.

  Chett held out his hand, palm up, and made a semi-circle motion that made Thorus display his wings in their full glory - muscled with long scales of the same greenish gold. Chett pulled back and Thorus pulled his wings back off the way like he was preparing for flight, rearing back on his two hind legs.

  "Glorious, isn't it?" Haisley whispered, and I stared down at her to note the light in her eyes - love, admiration, respect and just that appreciation for beauty. I understood that feeling all too well as it pulsed through me. I watched the graceful dance that dragon and guard did.

  Chett raised his hand to the sky and pointed. With a strong gust of wind, Thorus flapped his wings and was off the ground with a circle of fire and smoke that momentarily made the sky a smoky orange before it dissipated and all that remained was the clear blue of a bright summer day and the majestic form of a dragon in flight.

  Haisley clapped, and I joined in even as Chett took a bow. A moment later, Thorus flew back down and landed beside the Leven and executed a bow of his own by bending his head forward and huffing out a plume of smoke.