by Delia Castel
Her eyes dropped to the bulge in his breeches. “Is that bad?”
“The extra appendage is a drag on the wind. It makes for a slow, uncomfortable flight.”
Her gaze snapped to his face. “I’m sorry. You’re just so—”
Chuckling, he held up a hand. “Let’s complete this mission.” He turned around, pulled off his breeches and boots, then stuffed them into the knapsack. After strapping it onto his back, he knelt. “If we leave now, we’ll reach our destination before it gets dark.”
She hopped on his back and placed her hands on the leather knapsack. Polaris transformed, and its leather straps lengthened around his massive, scaled body. He turned his neck and rotated an eye to check on her. When she nodded to indicate that she was ready to go, he took one massive leap and shot up into the skies.
The speed of the ascent made her stomach lurch, and she sucked in a breath as the wind rushed in her ears. Even though she had been a dragon the day before, it was still peculiar to ride on the back of one.
This time, Polaris didn’t glide over the city of Sigma. He kept rising to the skies, wings carving through the air, until the streets beneath them looked like faded patterns in the landscape.
She rested her head against the knapsack, which had now become as soft as a pillow, and closed her eyes. Using the deep breathing and visualization exercises the doctor had taught her, she focussed on Berrin. When she opened her eyes again, she was still flying high on the back of Polaris. Perhaps the act of connecting with him before had exhausted her powers. It wasn’t like she could remember what she had done the first times she had connected with Berrin apart from think about him. Yawning, she closed her eyes again and tried to nap.
Hours later, she awoke to the roar of wind in her ears and her hair blowing off her face. Polaris dove from the indigo sky, rushing through cranberry-colored clouds. He descended at an alarming rate, and within a few rapid heartbeats, the treetops of a dark forest rushed towards them. Terror wrapped itself around her chest, quickening her breaths. “What’s wrong? Are you all—”
He snatched a doe from the ground and swooped up, only to toss it into the sky and blast it with orange flames. The scent of charred flesh surged through Marigold’s sinuses into her throat. Choking, she reared back, her eyes wide. If it hadn’t been for the enchanted jacket and breeches, she would have fallen from his back. The doe hurled through the air like a giant, fiery pinwheel, and he caught it between his mighty jaws, devouring it in several, messy bites. Marigold flinched away from the chunks of flesh flying back through the air.
Moments later, he swooped through a grove of maple trees to catch a stag that had separated from its herd. Instead of eating it, he held it in his teeth, then dropped it in a clearing of coppiced hazel trees. Sparse growths of ferns and bluebells grew within a floor of leaf litter, twigs and shed bark, and the lack of snow made her think they were still in the south of Igneous. However, the chill in the air indicated that they were far from the warm climate of Sigma. He then landed, transformed, and set her on her feet.
Marigold stared at the stag’s carcass. “What’s that for?”
He turned to face her. With the most feral grin she’d ever seen on a gentleman, he growled, “Dinner.”
Marigold stepped back, her throat dry. She wasn’t sure if he was talking about her or the deer he’d caught, because he had trapped her in his hungry stare. He advanced on her, looking every inch the prowling predator.
The last vestiges of sunlight reflected off his dark hair. It reminded her of salamander-colored fire smoldering within a bed of coals. Desire gleamed in his eyes, which hadn’t shifted back to human form. Marigold’s gaze strayed down to the planes of his bare torso. The fading, orange light brought out the definition of his pectoral and abdominal muscles in a mix of soft highlights and harsh shadows. She trembled, sensation rushing between her legs.
“I-isn’t it a bit cold for what you’re thinking?” she murmured.
His grin widened. “It’s never too cold to eat.”
“B-but the deer is behind you.”
“There is more than one way to dine, Marigold.” His voice was a low rumble.
A kaleidoscope of butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She’d had sex with Polaris twice now, and she still couldn’t fathom why he caused this strange combination of desire and unrest. Berrin induced warmth and comfort and safety, but Polaris made her breath quicken, her head spin, and every nerve ending tingle. She supposed it was because he was so far above her in station. It still hadn’t completely sunk in that she was a she-dragon, let alone a rare kind, just like Queen Reina and Princess Snowdrop.
“Oh?” Her eyes dropped to the thick erection standing between his legs, and her mind blanked. She ran her tongue across her bottom lip, mesmerized by the expanding organ.
“I’m going to feast on you, and then we’ll feast on the deer.”
Since her legs had turned to wood, and lust had rooted her to the tree trunk at her back, she nodded and leaned against its hard surface.
“My mate…” He loomed over her, his body heat penetrating her enchanted jacket. Sliding warm fingers through her curls to the nape of her neck, he cupped the base of her scalp, and drew her in for a kiss.
At the first press of lips, a pleasured breath slid from Marigold’s throat, and her eyes fluttered shut. The kiss was more tender than she had expected, and more leisurely than the fervent exchanges they had previously shared. To her, it felt like Polaris had committed to his defiance of King Vulcan’s betrothal plans. The sweet caress of his lips on hers made Marigold moan, and he slid his hand behind her back, pressing them close. Wrapping her arms over his shoulders and around his neck, she deepened the kiss, enjoying the unhurried sensuality of the moment.
She drew back, staring into his slitted eyes. “You’re mine, aren’t you?”
“Earlier today, I felt the shift in my priorities.” He pulled her closer into his hard body. “My heart, my soul, my reason for being… It’s all for you, now. Our joining has overridden the magical vows I made to the King’s Regiment.”
Her breath caught. “I didn’t realize that mating could be so powerful!”
The corner of his eyes crinkled. “Your air element may have circumvented the vow. King Vulcan implied that his daughter might be able to bond with an already mated dragon. At the time, I dismissed the comment, but the closer we become, the more I’m convinced that there might be truth in his words.”
His kisses traveled down her neck, setting her skin alight with desire. He slid the borrowed jacket off her shoulders and helped her out of the leather breeches. A cold breeze blew in through the trees, permeating her linen shirt. It reminded her of less happier times in Boreas, and she stiffened.
“Marigold?” he said, drawing back.
She wrapped her arms around her chest and stared up towards the sky. Swirls of crimson-hued clouds lay amid a canvas of steel blue. Their gentle light reflected off a flamboyant, gold canopy formed by the tall maple trees dwarfing the surrounding the clearing of hazel coppice. A gust of wind made her shiver.
“It’s cold,” she replied. “Where are we?”
“The Low Forest, thirty leagues from Eridanus.”
Her eyes widened. “We’re in Occidens?”
He chuckled. “There are no giants in this forest. This is wizard territory.”
She nodded. Occidens was the district in the west, inhabited by wizards and giants. Occasionally, smaller giants would visit Boreas. They were beings twice the height of a tall human but four times as muscular. Even bear shifters treated them with respect. She’d never had any interactions with giants, but she’d once seen one nearly choke a transformed bear to death for trying to cheat him in the Maris market. Wizards, on the other hand, were highly-educated beings who tended to stick to their own communities, unless they had specific employment.
“I brought something for the cold.” He walked back to the middle of the clearing and crouched over his knapsack.
&n
bsp; Marigold stepped away from the tree trunk and studied the interplay of rippling muscles on Polaris’ broad back. This noble dragon was hers. She blinked hard, not quite believing her change of fortune. Things weren’t perfect right now—Governor Hertz was keeping Berrin as a hostage and making threats of castration if she didn’t submit to him—but she was sure that the brothers’ uncle would resurface and be killed by Polaris.
He pulled out a massive animal skin and spread it on the ground. “This is enchanted to create a pocket of protection from the elements.”
She stepped forward. “How does it work?”
When Polaris slashed at a vein and poured a few drops of blood on a bald patch, she nodded. Dragon’s blood. Its magic was potent enough to power enchanted objects such as the orchestra box in the family’s ballroom.
“Come here,” he growled.
This time, the only feelings thrumming through her were lust and an intense desire to reconnect with Polaris. With her heart singing, she rushed towards him. As soon as she knelt on the animal skin, she felt cocooned in warm air. Joy surged through her chest. “This is amazing!”
“Nothing compared to you.” He wrapped his arms around her and eased her onto her back. With a few deft movements, he shed her clothing, leaving her as naked as him. Resting his weight on his elbows, he stared into her eyes. “I don’t know what we ever did to find a mate so wonderful.”
“I’m the lucky one.” Marigold’s back sank into the soft, cushioned hide, and she threaded her fingers through his dark hair.
He resumed those soft, sensual kisses, warm presses of lips that filled her heart until it overflowed with love. Marigold’s muscles turned limp, except for her arms, which clung to his strong, muscular shoulders. His kisses became more demanding, melting through any remaining defenses, and melting her to liquid desire.
She writhed against his hard body, languishing in the feel of his skin against hers. Polaris continued those intoxicating kisses, sending her into a whirl of yearning that wanted to pull him in. She ached for him. She craved more of his touch. The body on top of hers, kissing her, caressing her mouth wasn’t enough. She needed him inside her, for them to connect on the deepest level possible.
“Please,” she said through gasping breaths, bucking her hips and sliding her wetness against his hard organ. “I want you, now.”
“I will give you what you need.” The soft growl in his voice only heightened her yearning. He positioned her legs around his waist and hooked his arms under her shoulders, bringing their chests together. With one, deft movement, he breached her entrance.
At the tingly heat of his hard length stretching her open, she threw her head back and moaned. “Hurry!”
“As you wish.” He rocked into her, the forward thrust grinding their pelvises.
Marigold rocked back, increasing the friction, and they built up a rhythm that had them both panting with pleasure. Throughout their lovemaking, Polaris kissed her lips, making their passions soar. Marigold’s eyes rolled to the back of her head. This was so much deeper than anything she’d ever experienced. Being out in the woods, under the protection and pleasure of this dragon, made her believe anything could be possible. She clung to his back, digging in her nails, as his thrusts drove her into a frenzy.
They continued like this, until the pressure building in her core snapped, engulfing her in a wave of ecstasy that tore a roar from her lips. Marigold convulsed, her inner muscles clenching and relaxing around his pulsing length.
“You’re—” Polaris shuddered, his dragon eyes wide.
As the last embers of her climax faded, she released his back. A tiny grimace crossed his features. She tilted her head to the side. “What’s wrong?”
He smirked. “Your claws came out.”
Her breath caught. “I’m so sorry! When I get carried away, I don’t notice anything else.”
“I never thought it could be like this.” Still cradling her back, he kissed the tip of her nose.
She closed her eyes. “If my nails had reached your neck—”
“Then I would have transformed the gash into scales and continued.” He ran the back of his fingers against her cheek. “This is part of being a dragon. Beneath our noble exteriors lies a beast so ferocious, it strikes terror into the hearts of all creatures. You’re one of us, and you must not apologize.”
She offered him a weak smile. “I suppose.”
“Can you see out of my eyes yet?”
“Hold on.” Dr. Squamatus had taught her the exercises fledglings used to connect with their inner dragon, explaining that over years, unmated males envisage it and learn to transform. She opened her eyes and found herself in Berrin’s cell. He was lying under Nanny’s quilt, sleeping peacefully.
There was no point in waking him, as she was in the middle of a training exercise with Polaris, so she backed away and focussed on her own body. When she opened her eyes, she found him staring intently into hers.
“It didn’t work,” she murmured.
“Did anything happen?”
“I connected with Berrin again. He’s sleeping but looks well.”
He let out a breath and pressed a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll cook the deer, and we’ll have it with bread before sleeping. Then we’ll try again tomorrow after we’ve found Princess Snowdrop.”
Chapter 9
Polaris awoke the next morning in the middle of the clearing with Marigold sprawled on top of him. Inhaling her cinnamon and pine scent, he ran his fingertips over her golden curls, which spread over his chest like coils of silk. Last night had been glorious, and the first time he’d kissed or made love to her without feeling she belonged to Berrin. Marigold was their mate, and according to King Vulcan, a spirit dragon would not come into her full power until she had completed her haremage.
Sighing, he pressed a kiss on her shoulder and found it covered in a fine lining of flesh-colored scales. He didn’t wake her in case she was visiting Berrin, who needed every bit of encouragement to keep up his spirits in the light of Uncle Hertz’ latest threat. It would be difficult enough to protect Marigold while Berrin was in the clutches of the older dragon, and the only way he could see to ease his worries was if Marigold could bond with Matheson.
“Impossible.” He huffed. Too much had happened between the pair to expect them to consummate their union. Marigold probably hadn’t forgiven him for his lack of attention at the ball.
He stared up into the dawn sky. While the dense, forest canopy obscured the sun, a fiery-orange haze spread across the horizon, making the leaf-tips on the treetops appear aflame.
Casting his gaze back down to Marigold, he ran his fingers over the blunt little ridges that had formed on her spine. She was so close to making a transformation! He rested his palm on her plump backside. It had, he was glad to note, not formed scales. She stirred, and her thigh brushed over his erection. Polaris clenched his teeth, enduring the sweet friction of her movements. He would not grab her by the buttocks and thrust against her like a rutting beast. At least not until she had fully awoken.
Instead, he sighed and wrapped his arms around the small of her back, enjoying the feel of having a beautiful, vivacious, and extraordinary mate.
Marigold had taken another hour to wake. She reported back that Berrin was in good spirits, having received another visit from Nanny in the evening with a pot of lamb stew and the latest gossip. According to Nanny, Matheson had won back the family estate, and no one had seen Uncle Hertz since Judge Ferverns had raised his concerns about his treason.
After packing, they traveled through the woods on foot until they reached a group of giant sequoia trees. Tree rounds, ringed the area, forming a path.
Within the widest sequoia trunk stood a paneled door, only visible during daylight hours. It belonged to Sterling, a wizard he had met while still training. Polaris preferred to deal with him because he was discreet, reclusive, and had been struck off from the wizard’s council and not likely to gossip about the nature of his mission.
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“Don’t walk on the tree rounds,” he pointed at the large, wooden discs embedded in the grounds.
“What’s wrong with them?”
“On my first visit to this cottage, I stepped on one and fell afoul of my associate’s security system. I ended up in a pit for twelve hours before he rescued me.”
“Couldn’t you fly out?”
“He had lined it with leccan. It’s a metal imbued with a Mutatio spell, which prevents a shifter from transforming.”
“Hey there!” shouted a voice in the distance. It belonged to a shorn-haired man, clad in a jacket and trousers made of buckskin. He held a staff across his neck, with the carcasses of two rabbits on one end, and a basket of herbs in the other.
Polaris grinned at the wizard’s new look. “Are you in disguise?”
The wizard’s eyes sparkled with mirth, and he glanced at Marigold. “I see you’ve been busy, General. I wondered what was disturbing the forest last night.”
“Allow me to introduce my mate: Marigold, this is Sterling, a wizard of great talent.”
Pink suffused her cheeks. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
“Why would a nice she-dragon get herself involved with a stuffy King’s Regiment type?”
“That’s the last word I’d use to describe Polaris.” Marigold wrapped her arms around his waist.
Polaris’ chest swelled with pride. “Will you perform a location spell based on a blood sample?”
“Who are we trying to find?”
“I’m not at liberty to say.”
Sterling sniffed. “Keep your secrets. It will cost you ten gold sovereigns to get rough whereabouts.”
Polaris handed him a bag. “Twenty for an exact location.”
The wizard weighed the gold in his palm. “Very well. You’d better come inside.”
They followed Sterling through his wooden door, down a set of stone stairs and into a space the size of the mansion’s ballroom, covered in a floor of white marble. Polaris furrowed his brows. This was different to the cozy, sequoia-wood kitchen he had seen in his last visit.