Dragon's Prize (Dragons Awaken Book 2)

by Maya Starling

All the commotion woke Pup, who quickly jumped to move closer to Kayden, then noticed the seething mountain lion. She was much bigger than him. He growled as he slowly approached his humans and put himself in front of Kaden and Olivia.

  Bast also stopped at the sight of the newcomer and the little wolf. The man’s appearance spoke of danger. She relaxed slightly only when she saw Olivia standing, contented, in his loving embrace. Slowly, she lowered her hand onto Disa’s head. “Good girl,” she praised the cat for its protective instincts. Disa wouldn’t do anything unless Bast gave the order to attack, or the others made any aggressive moves.

  “Pup…” Kaden warned, feeling the rising tension. He knew it was up to him and the little wolf, and he hoped he’d trained him well in the little time and opportunity they’d had.

  The only one oblivious was the shaman. He was too excited, all he wanted was to see the dragon he’d been told about. Koda could barely hold him back.

  Pup took a step forward. His body posture high, hackles raised. His stance and features revealed his fear; neck extended, fangs bared, but lips retracted in a submissive grin and tail tucked under his body.

  “Pup, down.” Kaden untangled himself from Olivia and stepped in front of her. It wouldn’t be nice if these two fought, and he could somehow feel that the woman keeping the lion in check wouldn’t mind getting involved. She looked like someone who wouldn’t shy away from a fight.

  Pup took another step forward.

  “Down!” Kaden’s voice thundered. The ever-present aura of danger about him burst outward, his voice duplicating, eyes turning slitted yellow.

  The little wolf obeyed instantly, even Disa lowered herself to the ground. The humans almost followed as well, his command reaching something deep in their bones. The shaman stopped his struggles and stared agape as he realized that Kaden was the dragon everyone had been whispering about.

  The only ones not influenced by Kaden’s command were Olivia – she was used to it and it wasn’t directed at her – and Bast, who drew her weapons. She glanced down at her suddenly submissive cat with surprise and confusion.

  “Good boy.” Kaden spoke softly, and everybody relaxed.

  Olivia hugged Kaden from behind. He put his hands over hers. “Stay,” he told the wolf and Pup complied, while keeping a distrustful eye on the big cat.

  Kaden turned in Olivia’s arms and pulled her close. “Sorry about that, we’re still working on his commands.” He wasn’t aware of the reaction his command had on everyone around him.

  There was a moment of silence, broken by Olivia. “Charlie, would you please bring some food for Kaden and Pup. They have not eaten much since yesterday.” She knew that Kaden’s demonstration of showing his dual nature had shaken her friend, that she needed some distance.

  “S…sure.” Charlie stuttered. It took her a moment to regain her senses. For a moment, Kaden had reminded her of Magnus, and she was terrified. Despite that, seeing how completely comfortable Olivia was with Kaden helped Charlie shake off her terror.

  Chief Marok inclined his head at Kaden. “So, it is true,” he said in a low voice.

  Olivia frowned. “Did you think I lied to you?”

  “No, child. I didn’t doubt when you were talking about a dragon. I knew you were honest in your story. But… this… when you first called him by the dragon’s name, we were all confused. How can a dragon be a human?”

  By the time the chief asked that question, Koda and shaman Ma’ad had approached them. Bast stalked away with Disa, wanting both time for her cat to cool off and some distance for herself. Someone very powerful had now come to her village. She was in a protective mood and afraid she might react impulsively. Maybe she would stay close by, but out of sight. Just in case.

  “Why don’t you all take a seat, and I will go and help your friend with the food,” Kamil said, kissing her husband’s cheek and walking away.

  “Yes, let us sit down.” The chief led the way to the bench.

  “Come Pup.” The little wolf followed his alpha’s command and timidly trailed after them.

  Kaden sat, pulling Olivia into his lap and cradling her small frame. He hadn’t been kidding when he said he couldn’t let go of her. It was a need ingrained deep inside him. It kept him calm, the feel and scent of her. Olivia didn’t mind, and she leaned into his side, her head tucked under his chin. Pup lay at their feet.

  The shaman took a seat next to them, while Koda brought over another bench. He placed it opposite the one on which Kaden, Olivia and Ma’ad sat, so he and his father could also sit.

  “I used to be a dragon…” Kaden began.

  “But…” Koda interrupted, his mismatched eyes narrowing, “May I… may I touch you?”

  Kaden nodded and Koda stretched his hand forward, then stopped, unsure where to touch or how. Kaden solved the problem by also reaching out and taking Koda’s hand as if in a handshake, keeping the other arm firmly wrapped around Olivia. Ma’ad could no longer contain himself, and he put his hand out to cover both of theirs.

  The old shaman was so surprised by the flow of magic coursing through the boy that he failed to see what was trapped inside Kaden.

  “As I thought,” Koda said, “you’re still a dragon.”

  “What?” both Kaden and Olivia said.

  “You are still a dragon. There is one inside you. Am I right?” Koda looked over at Ma’ad. Finally, the old shaman concentrated on Kaden’s flow of energy, and gasped.

  “Oh, my boy…” the shaman said. “Koda is correct. But... you know this already, right? If I can feel him, so must you, too. A dragon lies deep down inside, as if another entity lives within you.”

  “Yes. I’ve felt something since I first woke up as a human. It’s always there, in the back of my mind, but it comes to the fore when I’m angry or agitated. I thought I was going mad.”

  Kaden turned to Olivia, apprehensive of her reaction. Seeing only curiosity in her eyes, he relaxed. He himself was both surprised and worried about what he had just heard, but now at least it all made sense, the foreign feelings and an almost constant anger that were not his own.

  “Koda, what else do you see?” Ma’ad asked.

  “The dragon inside him is trapped. He wants out, wants freedom. He has been mostly asleep in there for a long time.”

  “Correct… what else?”

  “I don’t understand.” The boy frowned as he pulled his hand away.

  “You said you were cursed?” the shaman asked Kaden.

  “Yes. I was cursed to be a dragon and unable to tell anyone that I was really human. The curse came with an unnatural urge to steal from others so I would incur their wrath. I was to be forever feared, despised and alone.”

  Olivia responded to the sadness in Kaden’s voice by kissing his chin in reassurance. He squeezed her gently, acknowledging the comfort she was trying to give.

  “You are mostly correct, but also wrong. I imagine it was a witch?” Ma’ad queried. Kaden nodded.

  “A powerful witch indeed. She did the forbidden, something nobody dares… a fusion of the primal and arcane magic. You were cursed, and I don’t know how… or why… or if she herself is even aware… there was also a melding of human and dragon. I can only guess at what happened. She obviously wanted you cursed into a dragon form and succeeded, but in a different way.” The shaman frowned slightly as he concentrated more. “Mind you, I am not as good at this as some other shamans, but I possess wisdom… My guess is that you and a dragon were fused into one. Your soul in his body. And since magic is very wild in itself and harder to manipulate as the spells become more powerful, the curse backfired when it broke. The dragon did not regain his freedom and his body as you have. Instead, the dragon is now completely trapped inside of you.”

  “Oh, no! What does that mean?” Olivia said, brows furrowed with worry.

  “I don’t know… But I’m sure of one thing. It doesn’t bode well for your man here…”

  “Maybe we should…” Koda started but was cut off by
piercing looks from Ma’ad and his father.

  “I need to think on it... Need my theories confirmed; I will send out for other shamans.” Ma’ad stood up to leave. “Come Koda, it seems that you will make a great shaman. We’re going to have a busy and exhausting day tomorrow. I will need your help.”

  The chief stood up as well and smiled proudly at his son. He had done well with his children, Bast being the future leader of the tribe, and Koda a future shaman and a powerful one at that, it seemed. He hugged the boy before he left.

  Kaden didn’t feel like getting up. Olivia’s soft body in his embrace, it made him feel long-forgotten things and he didn’t want to embarrass himself or Olivia by standing up now. He was glad that she didn’t move or she would be well aware of his current predicament.

  “I guess I will leave the two of you alone, I heard that you need to rest. We can talk more later. How long do you plan on staying?” Marok asked.

  Olivia was the one to speak up, “I want to get home as soon as possible. I want to make sure my parents are safe. Magnus threatened their lives if I did not go with him. I am afraid he will do something to make good on his threat. Hopefully we will get answers about Kaden’s curse by the time we are ready to leave?” Olivia finished with her question as she looked at Kaden. Ever since she had woken up she had regretted putting her parents in danger by escaping from Magnus. Conflicting emotions plagued her: relief that she was finally away from the prince, and guilt that she had put her parents’ lives in jeopardy. Now, new emotions were thrown into the mix, happiness and contentment that Kaden was alive and she in his arms again. It made her head ache again and left her feeling slightly off-kilter.

  “We’ll go as soon as you want us to. I’ve dealt with this so far, I can manage a while longer. With you by my side it seems easier to bear,” Kaden said, caressing Olivia’s cheek.

  Before she could argue, the chief spoke up.

  “Your food is here. We will talk later. Eat well.”

  Kamil and Charlie approached them, bearing two trays filled with food and drinks that they placed on the bench in front of Olivia and Kaden. Kamil smiled at them and wished them well, before retreating to her usual daily responsibilities in the village.

  “Umm… I’ll go and help Bast out.” Charlie said. She wanted to give them some privacy, but she was also still a bit afraid of Kaden. His dark looks and the scar made him seem quite menacing. At least Bast was different from anyone she had ever met. She smiled inwardly at the thought of her Goddess.

  “Good luck!” Olivia called after her friend and laughed.

  “What’s so funny?” Kaden said. Olivia moved from his lap onto the bench, and picked up a plate of food. She gave some meat to Pup who ate it eagerly.

  “Charlie is going after the seemingly ever-serious Bast.” Olivia giggled. Kaden loved the sound.

  He bumped Olivia playfully and she smiled at him in adoration, leaning into him, maintaining the physical contact between them.

  They ate in silence, remembering their moments and shared meals in the cave. Both kept stealing glances at each other, smiling when they were caught looking. It was still unbelievable to both that they now had this second chance. They knew that their connection, their bond and love wasn’t restricted anymore. Kisses were now stolen between bites of food.

  When they had finished eating, Olivia stood and held a hand out to Kayden. “Come.”

  He took her hand gently, raised it to his lips and kissed it. He let Olivia lead him inside the hut.

  “You will rest now,” she said as they entered the room where she and Charlie slept. Pup followed after them, groggily plopping himself near the door to continue his nap.

  “You will stay with me, right?” Kaden asked, his voice laced with worry. A yawn escaped him.

  “I told you I would not leave you.” Olivia gently pushed Kaden back until he sat on the bed, then crouched down to take his boots off. Kaden couldn’t take his eyes off her. He was mesmerized by every little thing she did; smiling at him, tucking errant locks of hair behind her ear. It took him a few moments to realize what she was doing, but he still asked disbelieving, “What are you doing?”

  “Taking your boots off, silly.”

  “Oh no, you don’t!” Kaden suddenly pulled her up. A happy squeal escaped her lips.

  “What are you doing?” Olivia said. She blushed deeply when she found herself on the bed - and on top of Kaden, who sprawled on his back. Her hands rested on his chest as she looked down at him.

  “The things I want to do…” Kaden whispered. He put his palms on either side of Olivia’s head and pulled her blushing face closer to his, “but I’ll settle for just a treat.”

  He softly kissed Olivia once, twice and then their lips just locked in a sweeping, passionate, longing kiss.

  Olivia was surprised by her own moan which joined Kaden’s growl of approval as he finally allowed himself to deepen the kiss. Olivia accepted the change in tempo without hesitation. It tasted like heaven; their tongues danced, exploring; their breaths mingled. They lost themselves in each other.

  Filled with a sudden bout of confidence, Olivia pushed herself up and closer to Kaden. She took his head in her hands and pressed her lips to his once more. The locks of her hair fell like a curtain around them.

  Kaden knew that he would have to break the kiss or he wouldn’t be able to stop himself. His hands shook, he yearned for the freedom to explore Olivia’s body.

  “Liv…” he moaned through the kiss, but Olivia didn’t stop. Her mouth trailed down to his chin and over his stubbled jaw.

  “My love…” Kaden tried again but didn’t sound convincing even to his own ears, he was enjoying Olivia’s exploration. Reluctantly, he tilted her face up and their eyes met. Both were panting with desire for more.

  Her confusion made him smile. The fire in her eyes, her swollen, red lips and rosy cheeks made his blood burn.

  “As much as I hate to say this, I think we should stop before we get too carried away.” She pouted in response, and he pulled her to him for a peck on those lips.

  Olivia rested her forehead against Kaden, closing her eyes so she could regain her composure.

  “Wow…” she said after a few moments.

  “I second that.” Kaden chuckled, squeezing her tighter, crushing her body to his. As he nuzzled her hair, he yawned.

  “I should let you sleep.” Olivia mumbled into his neck, drawing circles on his skin with her nose.

  “You’re not going anywhere.” Kaden tightened his hold on her.

  “I am certainly not… But may I please take my shoes off?” Olivia asked with a smile, kissing his neck.

  “I suppose I can make an exception.” Kaden released his hold on Olivia.

  Olivia quickly removed her own shoes, then squeezed herself on the bed next to Kaden and was promptly back in his embrace. She kissed him gently one more time, nuzzled her nose into his neck and rested her head on his chest. “Sleep now,” Olivia murmured, earning a chuckle from Kaden.

  “Yes, my lady.” Kaden teased as he buried his face in her hair.

  Chapter 18

  Olivia woke unable to move. Sleepily, she opened her eyes and saw Kaden's face, his nose almost touching hers. They lay on their sides, facing each other, her hands gripping his shirt and his warm breath washing over her face. The feeling was addictive and she breathed in his scent. His left leg and arm were holding her close. Olivia's heartbeat quickened with excitement at the intimacy of their position. She noticed that he had moved her somehow to the other side of the bed, putting himself between her and the door.

  Gazing at Kaden's face, Olivia couldn’t help but smile. He looked peaceful, and beautiful, like an avenging, dark and celestial creature. She liked that. The light and the dark, they complemented each other.

  Letting go of his shirt, Olivia ran feather-light fingers over his scar and through his dark curls. She loved the feeling of his hair gliding between her fingers. It wasn’t silky soft, but rather had a rough
texture to it. It suited him perfectly.

  She couldn’t resist combing her fingers through his hair again, watching it slip through her fingers. When she looked down at his face, a small smile quirked his lips.

  “Did I wake you?” Olivia ran her fingers deeper into his hair.

  “Yes, but it’s a wonderful way to be woken up.” Kaden slowly opened his eyes, the intensity of his gaze leaving Olivia breathless.

  Kaden tangled his hand in her hair, pulled her face closer to his and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Olivia snapped out of her almost-trance, tingles running through her. She closed her eyes in ecstasy.

  Even though the kiss was short, slow and gentle, it was emotionally overwhelming. The feelings behind it brought tears to Olivia’s eyes. Kaden tasted the salty wetness mix into the kiss, and he pulled back, alarmed.

  “What’s wrong?” his voice was low and deep.

  “I thought I’d lost you, even before I had you.” Olivia sobbed into Kaden’s chest. She basked in his presence, loving the feeling of his arms tightly wrapped around her.

  “None of those thoughts now, love.” Kaden kissed Olivia’s head, “I’m here. Don’t look back, look forward. I know I’m excited about my future with you.”

  “Yes, me too.” Olivia smiled. “Tell me what happened.”

  Kaden brushed some hair away from Olivia’s face and wiped her remaining tears. He exhaled. “Where do I start?” he pondered, settling more comfortably.

  “At the beginning?” Olivia offered, teasing, her fingers sliding over his collarbone.

  Kaden let out a low growl of pleasure. “If you keep doing that, neither of us will be doing much talking.”

  “Oh.” Olivia pulled back with a shy smile. Kaden reached over and took her hand in his.

  “The beginning… Let’s see. I should probably start by telling you who I was before the curse.”

  Olivia smiled, curious to learn something about him that he hadn’t been able to tell her before.

  Kaden chuckled. “It’s not what you think. I have to admit that I was selfish and arrogant. I was rich, spoiled, and …what’s the phrase? Rebellious?”