Stolen by the Wind Dragon Prince: Dragon Shifter Romance (Elemental Dragon Warriors Book 2)

by Aria Winter

  I roar in anger as several of the Wind Clan males, carrying human females on their backs, try to escape by turning to race toward the desert.

  “Stop them!” I command Varus’ men.

  In the distance, I notice Tai and a few other warriors still loyal to me approaching from the north as if pursuing the warriors that are under Durzain’s command. They turn as one and rush toward me.

  I look to the Fire Clan warriors. “These warriors,” I gesture to Tai and the rest, “are loyal to me. Do not attack them.”

  Blue and aqua scales flash by and I gape as Water Clan warriors join our ranks. Where did they come from? More importantly, on whose side did they come to fight?

  As if in answer to my question, a blue male approaches me. Silver eyes meet mine and I immediately recognize Prince Llyr. “We are here to help.”

  Before I can answer, he shouts an order to his warriors to chase down the Wind Clan males who have taken the human females, then spins back to face me.

  “Thank you for your help.” My gaze shoots to Durzain. “I will pursue the leader.”

  Furiously flapping my wings, I rush toward my cousin—now my enemy. “Durzain! Call off this attack before the females are hurt!”

  “No!” he snarls. “The humans belong to the Wind Clan.”

  I watch in horror as one of the Wind warriors spins to avoid an attack from a Water warrior but fails. The Wind warrior roars in pain at the impact while a human female falls from his grip. She releases a feral scream as she tumbles toward the ground with dizzying speed.

  Another Wind warrior catches her and she hits his back with a thud. As he turns away from the capital, the distraught female yells something incomprehensible and jumps from his back.

  Prince Llyr swoops low and catches her just before she hits the ground. I note in dismay that she hangs limply, horribly silent as he races toward the Med Center and the Healers.

  Rage boils like fire through my veins as I rush toward Durzain.

  Females are being injured. All of this is his fault. It sickens me that a member of my own family is responsible for such a hideous crime.

  I barrel into his side, slamming him into a nearby wall. He hits the clay with a sickening crack. Recovering quickly, he swipes his claws at me, tearing through one of my sails.

  I dig my claws into his flesh and he cries out in pain. Obsidian blood splatters the buildings around us as we circle and attack, over and over again, until we’re falling toward the ground, our claws locked in a deadly embrace.

  I twist at the last second, pushing him beneath me so that he takes the brunt of the fall, the snap of his bones is a terrible sound. He writhes in agony on the ground.

  “Surrender!” I grind out.

  “No!”

  “As the rightful heir to the throne, I demand your complete surrender! Relent now or I will end you!”

  He snarls and rages beneath me. I open my mouth and clamp my teeth around his neck. I do not want to kill him, but I have no choice. I begin to close my jaws and he yelps, “I surrender!”

  Releasing my grip, I furiously lift into the air, releasing a bellowing roar. “As your prince and rightful heir to the Wind Clan, I demand that you cease your fighting!”

  As one, every warrior turns to face me.

  “The Fire Clan is not our enemy! Stand down or you will be executed as traitors to the crown!”

  It’s a threat I am loath to carry out, but I will if I must. I cannot allow my warriors to take the humans against their will.

  “You are better than this!” I cry out, addressing my brethren. “What honor is there in stealing females? For too long, I allowed my father to keep his throne though I knew his rule had been compromised by the death of my mother. But his reign ends this day. We must cease fighting among the Clans. The Gods punished us when they sent the Great Plague, but now, they have seen fit to bless us with compatible females. If we do not stop infighting, we invite punishment from the Gods once more.”

  I allow my gaze to drift over each warrior of my Clan. “If any of you do not recognize my right to rule our people, speak now and let it be known. I will face and defeat any who dare challenge my claim.”

  All remain silent. After a moment, one by one, they bow their heads. I turn to my guard and friend, Tai. “Send word to my father and my Clan. Let them know what has happened here this day. Tell them their new king will be returning soon.”

  He dips his head in a subtle bow. “Yes, my king.”

  I turn and circle back to Prince Varus. Prince Llyr stands beside him in the palace courtyard. As soon as I land, I transform into my two-legged form and Skye rushes to meet me.

  Blood trickles down my body. I’m about to warn her to be gentle, but she wraps her arms around me before I can protest.

  “Are you all right?” she asks, worry marring her beautiful features.

  I am sore, but I know I will eventually heal, so I lie and assure her that I am alright. Her embrace tightens and I wince before I can catch myself. She releases her grip and stares up at me accusingly. “You’re not fine! You’re hurt!”

  Despite my pain, a small smile quirks my lips at her concern. Was ever a male blessed with a mate as caring as mine? I doubt it.

  And yet, when I glance at Varus, I find his mate fussing over him, as well.

  He lifts his gaze to mine. “The Earth Clan has been summoned to see to the females.” Alarm fills me, but he quickly adds, “Only a few suffered minor injuries after falling from the Wind Clan warriors’ grasp. Healer Ranas has told me that all will recover.”

  I lower my eyes in shame. I cannot believe my Clan is responsible for such a horrible crime. Injuring a female is an offense I would never have thought my people capable of committing.

  I am to blame as well; if I had taken the throne when I should have, none of this would have happened.

  I scan the city and notice that many structures have sustained damage from the fight. “We will aid in your repairs,” I assure Varus.

  “That is not necessary,” he replies. “But I thank you for the offer, my friend.”

  Friend. He has not called me this in many cycles. As the word leaves his mouth, my hearts feel whole in a way they have not since my mother’s death.

  As if sensing my thoughts, he steps forward and claps a hand on my shoulder. “It has been too long since we have seen each other, has it not?”

  I grip his shoulder in return and meet his eyes without hesitation. “Yes, it has, my friend.”

  Tai approaches us, dropping to one knee. “My king, what would you have us do with your cousin?”

  I snarl. “He is banished from the Wind Clan and all its territories.”

  Tai dips his chin in a firm nod. “Yes, my king.”

  I do not know where my cousin will go. None of the Clans will take him in once word of this attack spreads. Harming a female is a heinous crime to any Clan, and his attempt to steal them will forever mark him as a dishonorable male. He will die without ever taking a mate, for no female will accept a traitor.

  As Tai walks away, Skye turns to me, mouth hanging open. Recovering, she bows slightly. “You’re the king now?”

  I take both her hands and pull her upright. “Never bow to me. You are my mate and my equal. And if you accept, I will make you my queen.”

  She gives me a hesitant look and then lowers her gaze. “You know, you could probably have any woman you want now that you’re the king.”

  I reach out and stroke her cheek. “Why would I ever want a female besides the one who stands before me?”

  A stunning smile curves her mouth. “You still want me?”

  “Always.”

  A tear slips down her cheek. “Then, yes. I will be your queen.”

  “You will be mine?” I ask, wanting to make certain I’ve heard her correctly.

  “Yes,” she repeats. I pull her into my arms, wrapping my wings tightly around her while ignoring the twinge of pain in my muscles. This beautiful, perfect female has agreed to be
my mate.

  I have never known such happiness.

  Healer Ranas approaches me. “My Lord, I can heal you if you’d like.”

  A low growl rumbles in my throat as he interrupts this perfect moment between me and my mate.

  Skye snaps, “Don’t growl at him. You’re injured. Let him heal you.”

  Immediately, I fall silent. My female is fierce when she does not get her way, so I refuse to argue with her.

  Ranas’ healing fire spreads like a soothing balm over my many injuries. I release a deep sigh of relief as I watch the tissues of my wing folds begin to knit back together.

  A bellowing roar draws my attention to the north and I look to the sky to see my father flying toward me, two of his guards in tow.

  “What is—” Varus starts to ask, but I interrupt him.

  “Watch over my mate,” I call over my shoulder as I shift into draka form to intercept my father. I worry that he’s come to finish what Durzain could not. As angry as I am, I do not wish to fight the male who raised me.

  I meet him in midair. “What is the meaning of this?” I shout.

  “My son,” he answers, moving closer.

  I release a warning snarl. “I cannot believe you are responsible for the dishonorable actions that occurred here today.”

  “Forgive me.” His voice is laced with regret. “Once I found out what Durzain had planned, I came as fast as I could to stop him.”

  I narrow my eyes. “And why should I believe you? You were the one who ordered my mate imprisoned.”

  He lowers his head in shame. “I was wrong, my son. I know that now. I knew it the moment you left the castle.”

  “I defeated Durzain and have exiled him from our lands,” I state firmly. “And now, I demand that you give up the throne. You are not fit to rule; you haven’t been since Mother died.”

  A tear slips down his cheek. “Take the throne. It is yours. Exile me if you must, but know this: I realized my error as soon as you left. Durzain promised to help us reunite once I found you. It was only recently that I learned he meant to kill you so he could inherit the throne.”

  Tai falls in line beside me. “It is truth, my king. He was deceived by Durzain.”

  “Forgive me, Raidyn. I have been a terrible father to you ever since your mother died. You remind me so much of her… it is difficult to look upon you without fear that I may lose you as well.” He pauses to regain control of his voice. “In my fear, I only succeeded in pushing you away, and for that, I am sorry.”

  “It will be difficult to repair all the damage you have caused, Father.” I pause. “But the blame lies with me, too. I should have taken the throne long ago when I first realized you were broken beyond recovery by Mother’s death.”

  “Please, Raidyn. Tell me how we can remedy this rift between us.”

  Clenching my jaw, I lower my gaze. In truth, I do not know how to close this gap. “For now, I must concentrate on returning order and stability to our kingdom. Return home and we will discuss this when I get back. But first, I must see to my mate and make peace with the other Clans.”

  He bows his head. “Of course, my son.”

  With that, he banks to head back to our territory, while I spin to return to my mate.

  I find her standing next to Varus and Lilliana, anxiously fidgeting as I land before her. I shift back into my two-legged form and wrap a possessive arm around her waist, pleased when she wraps an arm around me in return.

  I face Varus. “I would like to pursue an alliance with all the Clans. But first, I must return to my people and restore some semblance of order. I do not know what damage Durzain’s rule has caused.”

  Varus nods. “Of course.”

  Skye moves off to speak with Varus’ mate, Lilliana, leaving he and I alone. For many cycles, I have harbored anger at the Fire Clan and Varus over the death of my mother. My mate made me realize it was not their fault she died. My mother chose to sacrifice herself so that I could be saved. In my grief and my pain, I wrongly blamed Varus and his kin for her death.

  He and I used to be as close as brothers. After so many cycles, I do not even know where to begin to restore the relationship between us.

  As if sensing my troubled thoughts, Varus extends his arm. I clasp my hand around his forearm and he does the same to me in return.

  I meet his eyes evenly. “It has been a long time, Varus. I do not know how best to repair our broken relationship, but I know I would like to try.”

  “I agree,” he replies. “It has been too long and I have missed you, brother.”

  His words touch me deeply. Emotions lodge in my throat but I manage to speak around them. “Forgive me for all the offenses I have laid against you.”

  A smile tugs at his lips. “They are already forgiven.” His gaze drifts to our mates, talking with one another off to the side. “You are both welcome to visit anytime you wish.”

  “Thank you. We will return as soon as we can to discuss plans for a treaty between our Clans.”

  Chapter 23

  Skye

  Night has fallen by the time we arrive in Wind Clan territory. Lights from the capital below cast a soft glow over the surface of the floating island. Its beauty takes my breath away. Gray-and-white stone buildings proudly encircle the castle. Tall, majestic towers reach for the clouds and a waterfall drops off the side of the gardens onto a smaller island directly below.

  We land on a large balcony on the closest tower and Tai lands beside us. He turns to face Raidyn. “Your father has left for his private estate. The castle is entirely yours, my King.” He bows. “The staff report that the royal wing is still being cleared out for your arrival.”

  “This room will do,” Raidyn assures him.

  Tai bows again and takes off from the balcony, landing in the large courtyard with the rest of the guards below. As one, they all look up and bow. Raidyn dips his chin in a subtle acknowledgment and then turns back to me with a heated look in his eyes.

  I release a surprised laugh as he scoops me up in his arms without warning and carries me into the room. I smile as I recognize my surroundings immediately. “This is your room, isn’t it? We stayed here before.”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m glad,” I tell him as I wrap my arms around his neck.

  He looks curious. “Why is that?”

  I smile. “Because we never got to use the bed last time.”

  His jaw drops before his eyes light with joy. He crushes his lips to mine in a searing kiss and I return it with equal fervor.

  He pulls back and his nostrils flare. “I scent your need, my mate, and I long to claim you as mine. Do you desire me to be yours?”

  “Yes.” I reach out to caress his face. “But there’s something I need to tell you first.”

  His smile fades, replaced by a look of concern. “What is it?”

  “I talked with Lilliana. Healer Ranas told her that she’s with child already.” His lips part as he stares down at me. Though he said his people are desperate for children, we’ve never talked about whether the two of us want kids. I need to know. “So if we make love, there’s a chance we might—”

  He cuts off my words with a passionate kiss as he purrs, “I desire nothing more than to have a fledgling with you. To fill you with my seed and let it take root deep in your womb.” He presses his forehead to mine. “I swear I will guard our egg with my life. I will be a good mate to you and—”

  “Egg?” I sputter. “What are you talking about?”

  He tips his head to the side. “Humans do not lay eggs?”

  I shake my head as I gape. “No. We carry our babies to term.”

  He swallows thickly. “It is safe for you, my mate?”

  Just hearing him call me his mate with concern lacing his voice melts my heart. I nod. “Lots of women have babies, Raidyn. But what if I get pregnant sooner rather than later? I mean, I don’t know what kind of precautions we could take if you want to wait. Healer Ranas wasn’t sure either, though he offe
red to try to develop some birth control if we need it.”

  He shakes his head, tenderly stroking my cheek. “I want to make a life with you and create a family together. It would be…” His eyes brighten with tears. “It is a dream I never imagined could be mine until I found you.” He pauses, lowering his gaze. “You truly do not care about my scar?”

  “I love you, Raidyn. Your scar is a part of you, and I love every part. Do you care that I don’t have wings, scales, claws, or fangs?” I tease.

  He beams. “Your lack of natural defenses does rouse my protective instincts, but it does not make me love you any less.” He takes my hand and places it on his chest, directly over the swirling fate bond pattern. “You are my hearts, Skye. I love you.”

  Hugging me tightly to his chest, he walks us into the cleansing room. He sets my feet on the floor then carefully pulls off my robe, allowing the fabric to drop to the floor. He leads me into the bathing pool, pressing a hidden glowing panel nearby. Tiles rise from the floor of one edge and water streams down into the main pool like a tiny waterfall.

  I smile. “What is this?”

  “Remember, when I am in draka form, I can sense your thoughts.” Gently, he pulls me into the water with him. “I caught your fantasy of us making love beneath the waterfall; it was one of my favorites.” A slow smile curves his mouth. “I want to take you just as you imagined I would for our first mating, my linaya.”

  My jaw drops. “You caught all of that?” My entire body flushes with warmth, both in embarrassment and arousal.

  His nostrils flare and his blue, vertically slit pupils contract and expand as he rasps, “You are not as upset as you pretend. I can scent your desire.”

  “That’s not fair,” I try but fail to suppress a grin. “I have every right to be mad at you for keeping that from me. I thought you could only sense the words in my mind, not images.”

  He gathers me in his arms, pulling me against the hard muscles of his chest as his tail snakes up my thigh. A soft moan escapes me as the tip glides through my already slick folds. “Your body is telling me that you are not mad. In fact,” he grabs my backside and hauls me up against him, “it is telling me something else.”