by KD Jones
Chapter 20
“Where is he?” Cor growled at Shanna.
She jerked her arm from his grip. “Don’t touch me!”
“Shanna, you were supposed to keep tabs on him. He’s not in his cabin and obviously he’s not in yours. So where the hell is he?”
She was getting irritated with Cor’s treatment of her. They had an off-and-on relationship before leaving Drakonia, but ever since Blaze showed up, he had become ruthless in his pursuit to take the leader position. Cor had even ordered Shanna to seduce Blaze. Not that it was a hardship. Blaze was an amazing lover. She would have left Cor in a heartbeat if Blaze had really been interested in her. But he wasn’t. He had always been obsessed with her. Suddenly, she knew exactly where Blaze was.
“He’s probably with that bitch, Queen Arena. Or Leader Arena, whatever she’s called.”
“Isn’t she his mother or something?”
“She was mated to his father King Zocor, but she wasn’t his mother.” Shanna had learned as much as she could from Blaze over the years.
“Why would she have him?” Cor asked.
“Because he’s gorgeous with a huge dick and can go all night,” she said smugly. Cor didn’t like it when she praised Blaze.
“I thought you had him eating out of the palm of your hand.”
Shanna glared at him. “He’s resistant.”
“Your charms aren’t what they used to be.”
She punched him in the arm. “Asshole!”
He grabbed her hard around the waist and kissed her. This was how their relationship had always been, very violent and tumultuous. She returned the kiss reluctantly. He let her go and they stared at one another.
“What do you want me to do?” Shanna asked.
“Introduce yourself to his queen and let her know that you aren’t going to let her take Blaze from you. You have a prior claim to him — use that.”
“I’m not so sure. We need to get more information about the female.”
“She’s a female — what more do you need to know? I don’t understand how she had gotten such power. It doesn’t say much to our former kings of Drakonia. Clearly these people need a stronger leader.”
“Did you see King Dyson in the group?” Shanna asked, sitting down on the couch in her cabin.
“No.”
“Do you think he made it to Earth?”
“I’m not sure. I’ll ask around while you do your part and keep Blaze away from his queen.”
Shanna wasn’t sure she wanted to return to Dyson’s rule. He was just as cruel as Cor, but what was she to do? Once everyone in her clan was questioned about their ties on Drakonia, the leaders of those regions would want to reclaim their property. That’s how Dyson saw his people — not as people but as property to own and use as he pleased. Cor had been one of his soldiers, not a high-ranking one, but he had aspired to move up in the ranks. When Drakonia fell, Cor and Shanna had not made it through the portal set up for Dyson’s people, so they had hopped through one of the other portals still open at the last minute. Shanna knew that the portal had been damaged but they had no choice; they had to either go through it or die. So they went through it. With the abuse she had taken from Cor over the years, she sometimes wondered whether it would have been better to have died on Drakonia. At least her suffering would have ended long ago.
There was nothing she could do. She had put her effort in aiding Cor, and now she had to deal with the consequences. Sighing, she went to the bathroom to shower and change into the fresh clean clothing that had been provided for her. She would clean herself up then set out to find the queen bitch.
Chapter 21
Arena ached in all the right places. Blaze had made love to her most of the morning. She made him something to eat in between their activities. It had been very domestic. She stood before the stove wearing only his shirt and nothing else. Blaze would tease and distract her by running his hands up her hips inside the shirt and cupping her breasts.
“Stop that! I might burn something.”
He nuzzled her neck. “It would be worth it. You feel amazing.”
She turned her head to give him a kiss, then shoved him with her elbow to move him out of the way. He chuckled and walked around the bar to sit at one of the stools.
“I didn’t know you could cook,” he said, watching her every move.
“I learned to do a great many things when we came to Earth. Every person had to contribute in order to ensure the survival of our clans.”
“We had to do the same as well.”
She handed him a plate and noticed a look of confusion on his face. “Is everything okay?”
“What is this called?” He picked up a piece of bacon.
“Bacon. It’s a type of meat. Because we Drakonians eat a lot of protein, I made eggs, bacon, and pancakes.”
He took a bite of the bacon and chewed it up.
“Well?” she asked with anticipation.
Blaze smiled wide. “I like it.” Then he began shoveling the bacon into his mouth, four or five pieces at a time. In seconds, he had eaten everything she had put on his plate.
She raised an eyebrow at him. “Hungry?”
“I worked up an appetite.”
Smiling, she shook her head at him and then went over to cook more food.
“Wait, you haven’t eaten,” Blaze said in concern. He got up and walked over to stand next to her. Her plate was still untouched. While she cooked, he fed her bacon and eggs.
“Thank you,” she told him after chewing the bacon and swallowing it.
“If you teach me to use the equipment, I will be able to cook for you next time.”
“They’re called appliances. This is a stovetop used for cooking things much like you would cook over a hot fire. This door here opens to the oven, where bake items like cakes, cookies, and larger-sized meals. That’s a refrigerator, where we keep food cool.”
“It’s been so strange going from ten years with no advanced amenities to suddenly being able to heat and cool food, have hot showers, and wear fresh clean clothes with no tears or holes in them.”
“I’m sorry that you and the others had such a hard time.”
He shrugged it off as he took the plate of food she held out for him. “We made the best of it.”
“I spoke to a few of your clan members. They went on and on about your leadership.” She could tell by the change in the coloring of his cheeks that he was slightly embarrassed. It was adorable.
“I did what needed to be done.”
They ate their food in comfortable silence. When they finished, he helped her clean the dishes. Their little bubble of domestic bliss felt short lived once they were both fully dressed.
“I need to meet with my clan to find out their plans — whether or not they would like to fall back under the rule of their previous kings,” Blaze told her.
She nodded, wanting to show support and trying to hide her disappointment. She wanted him all to herself. She knew it was selfish of her.
“I understand.”
He pulled her to him and kissed her deeply. Wow, he was a damn fine kisser. When he released her, she thought her legs would give out. She looked up into his handsome face and saw the seriousness in his eyes.
“We have more to discuss, Arena.”
“I know.”
He kissed her once more quickly before turning and leaving the cabin.
She touched her lips with her fingertips. He was dangerously sexy and, according to her dragon, all theirs. Never before had she come close to claiming anyone as her own, but the day had come. Her mate was here and she would not give him up.
Chapter 22
Blaze wanted to go back to Arena, take her back to bed, and claim her fully. His inner dragon demanded it of him. However, he had a responsibility to his clan to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Once that was done, his priority would be Arena.
After last night, there was no doubt in his mind that she was his true mate. His feelings for
her had never gone away in all that time apart. Now he knew without a doubt that he was in love with her. The question was, did she love him?
He knew that she desired him. Her kisses and the way she touched him left no doubt about that aspect. However, sexual compatibility did not equate love. Their dragons recognized one another as mates. That was something neither of them could deny because both their dragons tried to break out multiple times. Their gold glowing eyes had been evidence enough of that.
Arena may not want to claim someone like him, with no official title or wealth to offer her. How would her clan react to him? Would they think badly of them because he was Zocor’s bastard son and Arena was mated to Zocor? What if they didn’t accept him as Arena’s mate? If she had to choose between him and her people, would she chose him? Would he allow her to give up her rule? He would never do anything that would harm Arena. But could he give her up for her own good?
“You look like you’re in deep thought,” a voice said beside him.
He had stopped walking and was leaning against the railing in front of the barn. The male speaking to him was General Rainier. “Good day, General.”
“Would you like to take a flight?” Rainier asked, pointing to the sky.
“Won’t the humans see us?”
“It’s a very cloudy day, and we are far from the nearest town. As long as we stay over the ranch land, we should be fine.”
“Sounds great.”
He followed Rainier into the barn. Rainier stopped when he reached the last stall to take his clothes off. Blaze followed suit. Minutes later he was in the sky, the cool wind flowing over his scales and his dragon exulting in the sense of freedom. This was exactly what he needed to clear his mind.
*****
Arena couldn’t stop smiling. She walked along an open field that overlooked the mountains. Happiness filled her. There was no doubt in her mind that Blaze was her true mate. Her dragon had been pushing to claim him, which surprised her. It wasn’t unusual for Drakonian females to want to claim their males but true mates were rare and therefore females claiming mates became infrequent over time. Her dragon was roaring to go but she wanted to make sure that he felt the same.
All these many, many years, she had been longing for and mourning the loss of Blaze. Not that she hadn’t loved and mourned Zocor. But Blaze had been her unrequited love. Before she could never have conceived claiming him as hers but Zocor had been gone from her life for many centuries and Blaze was back. It was a miracle, and one she would not turn her back on.
She did have concerns about how her people would receive Blaze. No one knew who he was, which may be the easiest way to introduce him but it wasn’t the right way. Blaze, as Zocor’s only son, was the true heir. It was his birthright and she would make sure to do right by him for both Blaze and Zocor’s sake. Her last gift to Zocor would be to restore his heir to rule over his people.
She took out her phone and dialed Dax’s number selecting the video chat. He answered on the second ring and his face appeared on screen.
“My queen, how are things going there?”
“Wonderful.”
“Were any of our people among the newcomers?”
“Yes, in fact, I have the most unexpected but amazing discovery. Zocor’s son is alive.”
“King Zocor did not have any dragonlets.”
“He did. His name is Blaze. Zocor and Blaze’s mother had an encounter that resulted in a dragonlet, long before I was mated to Zocor.”
“Why was this never known?”
“Zocor did not know about the dragonlet until much later in his life. By that time, he had mated with me and he thought it would dishonor me to claim Blaze.”
“Well, that should be welcome news for those who have greatly missed King Zocor. We will give him a special welcoming banquet.”
“I want to do more than that. I want to give him what is rightfully his — the power to rule.”
“That’s preposterous! We don’t know this male. Is he qualified to lead? We won’t give you up.”
“This is the right thing to do. Zocor would want it.”
“No offense my queen, but Zocor has been long gone from our people. We all recognize you as our rightful leader.”
“It’s no one’s choice, Dax. It is his right and I will see it be done.”
There was a long pause before Dax finally answered. “Is there more than him just being the rightful heir?”
“He’s my mate, my true mate. I hope to claim him if he feels the same.”
“I see.” The disappointment in Dax’s voice was evident.
She wouldn’t apologize. Arena had always been straightforward about her feelings. She and Dax were not mates and never would be.
“I will prepare for your return with your mate.”
“Thank you, Dax.” She hung up, feeling relieved.
As she turned to head back to the ranch, she noticed a female approaching her. This one looked a little familiar. She had to be from Blaze’s clan. She gave the female a warm welcoming smile.
“Good day to you.”
The female didn’t return her smile but stormed up and blocked Arena’s path. “You think you’re so special, don’t you?”
“Have I done something to offend you?”
“You’re trying to come between me and my mate!”
Arena felt like someone had hit her over the head. “What are you talking about?”
“Blaze is mine. I’ve been with him for almost ten years.”
“He said he didn’t have a mate.”
“We were making plans before we traveled to Earth. Plans that included our dragonlet,” Shanna said with tears, placing a hand over her flat stomach.
Arena looked down at the female’s stomach and felt the blood rush from her head. “No, he would have told me…”
“His queen, all pale beauty. He told me how you tried to seduce him when he was just a teenager. You should be ashamed of yourself. You’re nothing special.”
Arena turned away from the female and stumbled away. No, this couldn’t be right. Blaze would have told her about taking a mate—-about expecting a dragonlet. She touched her own flat stomach and felt pain at the knowledge that she may never be able to have dragonlets. She and Zocor had tried and failed. It had torn her up. The thought that Blaze was going to have a one with another female was too much for her.
She reached for the hem of her dress, pulled it over her head, and tossed it to the ground right before she shifted into her dragon form and took off into the air. She didn’t look back and missed the satisfied look on Shanna’s face. Arena had to get away from everyone.
Chapter 23
Blaze had spoken with each of his clan about their plans. All of them wanted to remain with him and go by his decision. All except for Cor and Shanna, who had not even bothered to come to their meeting.
He hadn’t seen Arena in hours. All he wanted to do was take Arena somewhere private and make love to her all night long. However, they needed to discuss several important matters.
Tonight, he would attempt to make her a meal to show her he could take care of her. Then he would make love to her slow and steady. When she was fully relaxed and satisfied, he planned to talk to her about claiming her.
He was actually nervous about it. How would she react? Would she be ready or would she need more time? He also didn’t know how her clan would feel about him. All of that could be worked out, though. Blaze would do anything to be with Arena. His thoughts were interrupted when King Reichardt and King Malachi approached him.
“Blaze, have you seen Arena?” King Reichardt asked worriedly.
“Not since before noon. What’s going on?” He was suddenly overcome with a sense of unease.
“Her second in command has been trying to reach her for the past three hours. He contacted her guard Argon but she had asked him for a little privacy. She had promised to return to her cabin but Argon says she never returned. No one knows where she is.”
�
��We need to look for her.” Blaze felt panic sink in. Anything could happen to her. What if Dyson was in the area and somehow managed to take her?
“I have warriors searching for her now,” Reichardt reassured him.
“What is your relationship with Arena?” King Malachi said. He tone was more demanding than inquisitive.
Blaze glared at the male. King or no king, it was none of his damn business. “That’s not your business.”
“It is our business if you plan to take the throne from her and rule Zocor’s people yourself. What did you do with her?” Malachi came at him aggressively, but Reichardt stepped between them.
“Easy, we don’t know that’s what happened.”
“You heard what his own clan member said. He’s been planning this for years.”
“What clan member are you talking about?” Even as Blaze asked, he knew who it would be.
“Cor.”
“Cor’s a liar. He resents my presence, and the fact that the rest of the clan voted me as their leader instead of him really pissed him off. He’s had it in for me since the beginning.”
“Why should we believe you?” Malachi asked, this time with a little less anger.
“Because Arena is my true mate. I would never do anything to hurt her.”
“Do you love her?” Reichardt asked.
“I have been in love with her since the first time I saw her on Drakonia. Even when she was forbidden to me, I loved her. The past ten years I have stayed alive hoping to find my way to her. Our dragons are agreeable and I think even Arena knows it's right between us. We need to stop all this nonsense and find her.”
Malachi looked like he wanted to argue but he released a deep breath and nodded in agreement.
“Where is Cor? If he’s spreading rumors, then he might know where she is.”