by Dahlia Rose
“What is this new destiny?” he asked.
She met his gaze. “I’m to be the guardian of your children and your children’s children for generations to come. Your blood tied with hers will be powerful, and her mother’s venom treatments from her youngling days have changed her more than she realizes. In this war, when the King of the Shen is finally found she has a big role to play.”
“This is all very surreal,” he said. “I don’t know how to feel about any of it.”
“That’s the key word, ‘feel’. Allow yourself to feel what you know is already there from the time you set eyes on Michelle. I’m truly happy for you.” Larissa stood and dusted off her skirt like there was grass on it. Mursi knew it was a habit from when she actually was alive and even in death it had not changed. “I must go, I’m needed elsewhere.”
“Elsewhere?”
She looked down at him and laughed. “I am not alone in this new life, know that I am happy as well.”
She disappeared after those cryptic words. He understood that even in the afterlife there was love and she’d found someone. He wanted to be jealous but it didn’t come, he wanted to be angry and that seemed to be fading. He focused on the gods and how they twisted him and Larissa to suit their fate and mood. Even as he thought it he knew that wasn’t the truth. Maybe it was time to let go and move on. He’d done such a horrible job of alienating those who loved him that he wondered if the bridges burnt could ever be rebuilt. He knew he had to try because the bond with his fellow warrior brothers was one that went past blood. Sitting back he realized how much he’d missed. He was so close to Aki and he had yet to share a meal at his table with his mate Shanna. He hadn’t seen Kalv’s new son or taken a gift of honor to the new baby. He hadn’t eaten an evening meal in the great hall in months, choosing to separate himself and eat in his room if he ate at all.
Things had to change because as the weakest link he could put everyone in danger. It was time to put himself second and everyone else first. It was time to apologize for being such a horse’s ass and make things right. Especially to Michelle because as much as he said it wasn’t true, he was affected by her on all levels of his life. He wanted to mate her and be the father of her children. He hoped it wasn’t too late because he spent so much time hating, angry at the world and everyone in it. It was time to put it all in the grave and let it lie in peace. Mursi closed his eyes and lifted his face to the sun and let the warmth fill his core. He stood and took off his clothes leaving them on the ground. He let the joy of his shift fill him and took flight in his dragon form, soaring into the sky. As he flew he let the shackles of his rage and turmoil go until he finally felt free.
* * * *
Michelle walked from the palace to a house in the village. Orin gave her the large iron keys. In the low light of the evening she assessed it from the outside, a massive structure made of all stone. An ivy-like plant crawled up the walls with pink and yellow flowers in bloom. The shrubs and trees around it were neat and that told her that even while no one lived there for a long time Orin and maybe his father made sure the property was clean. She took a deep breath, used the key to unlock the door, and stepped inside. She found the lighting system and turned it on, flooding the inside with light.
Everything was covered with sheets of cloth. Even a large picture over the fireplace was covered, and she reached up to pull it down. Michelle gasped in pleasure seeing a painting of her mother. Her brown eyes were laughing, and behind her the artist had added in her dragon self in the sky. Michelle couldn’t take her eyes off the piece of art. It was like her mother came to life for just a few moments and she took to the sky in Paladin, her bronze scales almost seeming to shimmer on the canvas. She half expected her to open the door and walk in laughing and windblown after following the wind currents and soaring to the stars. Tears slid down her cheeks in sadness because Michelle knew that would never happen. Her mother had died in human form, sick with a disease that should never have claimed her. In the end her mother couldn’t even take her dragon form to die as she chose. Instead, her last breath was taken on a pillow in her sick bed. Michelle stared at the painting for a long time, remembering flying wither her mother in a sky that was her second home.
Michelle pulled herself away and went through the house, taking canvases off of chairs and getting rid of dust. She opened the windows to let fresh air into the rooms and cleaned as she went. Hours passed and she worked tirelessly trying to give life back to a home that she’d never lived in.
She went upstairs to the massive bedroom. After she pulled away all the covers she sat in front of the vanity where she saw her mother’s things still arranged neatly. Michelle smiled. Her mother was always a neat freak at home and it seemed she was the same way in this world. She opened the drawer of the carved wood and saw jewelry that had to be worth a pretty penny and beneath it an envelope. Michelle moved things aside, more interested in the letter than the jewelry. Her name was written across it in elegant letters, and she traced the letters not knowing if she wanted to open it and see her mother’s handwriting. The ache inside her was so palpable from feeling her mother again, even if it was words on a paper. She slipped the paper from its envelope and ran her fingers across it. Michelle took a big breath and opened the letter.
My daughter,
I write this with you in my belly as I say goodbye to my home, the one I love so much. I gave it up for the good of them all.
My King, your father, chose wisely in his wife. I was always more of a warrior than a bride. But he gave me one true gift and this is you. I know you are a girl, I can feel your heartbeat with mine. You’ll be strong, I shall make sure of it.
I do not leave in shame, but to give my King and his new Queen peace of mind, and it is my choice. Queen Dammir should not have to see the face of the women who vied for her King.
I know you will find your way home, this is why I left this letter. Paladin warriors protect humans, my darling girl, and you are not alone. It was only a matter of time before your paths crossed. I leave everything the way it is now, for you. This is your home and I want you to cherish it. Find yourself a wonderful mate and while you travel through the portals always make your way home
My love always
Vatryn
Daughter of the 7th house of Paladin
Michelle raised a shaking hand to her mouth and re-read her mother’s words. She sacrificed, oh, she had sacrificed it all for Paladin. Mursi said it was for shame but how wrong he was. It was for love, of her king, her new queen, and her home.
“I’ve seen your mother at the table of your ancestors, she looks quite happy.”
Michelle turned around to see the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen. Her blond hair practically glowed and the smile on her face was ethereal. No one had to tell her that this was Mursi’s wife. She seemed to like popping in from beyond the grave, and apparently it was Michelle’s turn.
“Um hey.” Michelle stood and held up her hands. “I don’t have designs on your husband so if you’re here to hoodoo me or slip me a spiritual mickey you don’t have to.”
Larissa laughed. “How oddly you speak. I like it, you will make a fine mate for him. He can be very stubborn.”
“This destiny thing won’t work out—Larissa, is it?” At her nod Michelle continued. “We are like oil and water, and half the time we’re fighting or kicking each other’s ass.”
“He needs a good, as you said, ass kicking every now and again,” Larissa answered.
“You said you saw my mother?” Michelle asked hesitantly.
“She sits at your bloodline’s table with honor. All know what she gave up for our people,” Larissa answered. “She sends a message, do you want to know what it is?”
Michelle nodded.
Larissa tilted her head as if she was listening to someone speak before she said, “Be well daughter, I look forward to seeing my grandchildren thrive under the summer sun of Paladin. I will watch you from the stars.”
It w
as the same words that were in her mother’s letter, the same she heard just before she died. Michelle smiled and gave a laugh through her tears. Knowing she was out there and watching over her made Michelle feel a lot less alone.
“Don’t give up on Mursi so easily,” Larissa pleaded. “Our time is over but it was a long one, time heals wounds and new love can mend a heart shattered by loss.”
“He loved you so much and I cannot be in a love match with a ghost,” Michelle pointed out. “I doubt that with all that has been said between us there is an easy fix, if any.”
“Maybe so, or maybe you both will find the steps to take on this path,” Larissa said. “Destiny is what we make it and every choice can change it in any direction. If this is meant to be, you both will find your way to each other. And with my blessing, as it is my wish to see you both happy.”
“We’ll see, I can’t promise you anything, we may end up killing each other,” Michelle pointed out.
Larissa laughed. “Or finding a love that will last a lifetime. Many of the warriors have faced such loss. None of them handled it well, but because they found a new love they also found something to fight for and were given hope.”
“Again, no promises,” Michelle said, even though she felt her resolve of trying to dislike Mursi waver.
Larrissa nodded. “And I ask for none. Be well, Michelle.”
“Same to you,” she replied.
“I am.”
Those were the last words Larissa said before she disappeared, and Michelle was left looking at the spot where she stood for a moment. It was a lot to take in, her mother’s letter and then Larissa’s appearance. Could one person be thrown so much in such a short time and digest it all? She went from being alone to having a place to be, from wondering if she’d ever find a mate to having two prospective choices. Plus, with being thrown into heat while being so close to so many males, maybe going home would be the best thing. Only time would tell what would happen with Mursi, she was not going to seek him out. If Mursi wanted her he’d have to find her. Human or dragon, she never chased a man and wasn’t about to start. Put up or shut up, she thought and secretly hoped he’d rise to the occasion.
Chapter Five
She would be leaving with Bior the next day but first she needed to seek out Valencia’s help. Her symptoms were driving her insane. She found Orin’s wife sitting between the lush plants and flowers of the indoor garden. She was bouncing baby Dammir in her lap and with her was Ginna, Kalv’s wife, who was patting the back of their son. She was a bit hesitant speaking about her issue, but both women had children and maybe even though they were human they would understand.
“Hey Michelle, are you ready to go to back to Florida?” Ginna looked lovely wearing a soft blue dress. Ginna had just had the baby ten days before, and she already looked healthy and glowing.
Michelle sat on a bench across from them. “Kind of yes, my people are there and I can’t leave them defenseless for too long. They’re the only family I’ve had before I knew of Paladin. I can’t forget about them and just stay here.”
“And well you shouldn’t,” Valencia said firmly. “I’m so glad to hear that regular people like us are manning a fight against those serpents. When I met Orin I was being chased by those things. God knows what would’ve have happened to me if he didn’t intervene. People need to fight back and give them hell.”
“They do that and more,” Michelle replied and cleared her throat. “Valencia, I was hoping you could give me some help. I need to use one of your healers.”
“Are you ill?” Valencia asked worriedly.
“I’m suffering from the effects of my heat,” Michelle took a deep breath and fanned her warm face. “It’s like human ovulation and menopause rolled into one, except way worse and the symptoms are too much to deal with. I think when I came to Paladin, being around males really made it kick in.”
“What’s it like?” Ginna asked curiously.
“Like being turned on and drinking Red Bull with bouts of period cramps and spontaneous orgasms,” Michelle said bluntly.
Ginna’s eyes widened. “Oh my.”
“Exactly,” Michelle sighed. “I can’t go around feeling like this, and I don’t have a mate to help relieve the…um, ache, so I need to deal with it another way.”
“Bior has been very vocal about his interest, or so I’ve heard,” Ginna said.
Valencia shook her head. “No, she’s to be the mate of Mursi, remember Larissa came to them and said there was a higher destiny for them?”
“Oh yeah.” Ginna smiled. “You are between a rock and a hard place.”
“And in the middle of a dragon soap opera. Does anyone not know what’s going on?” Michelle asked in despair.
Ginna smiled when her son burped. “They are like brothers, including the squabbles and the likes that goes with it, so technically we know everything. Luckily you’re talking to us instead of Raven. She’d want to write it all down for her archive. I’ve already been interviewed about Finn’s birth and our feelings.”
“Raven is Raul’s wife?” Michelle asked.
“Yes,” Valencia answered. “I’ll get our healer summoned to help with your problem before you go.”
‘Thank you so much,” Michelle said gratefully.
“No thanks necessary, Michelle. You are my sister-in law, we’re family,” Valencia replied.
That touched her more than she even thought possible. Orin could have been a dick about her being born, there could have been so much drama and trouble with finding out about her existence and how her mother fled to Earth. Instead she was welcomed with open arms and given a new home. Learning she wasn’t alone in the universe was one thing, gaining a family was another. She was both humbled and thrilled and took her mother’s words to heart. Wherever she went she would always return to Paladin and home.
* * * *
It was sunny when she and Bior got into Florida and made their way back to the Florida everglades where her houseboat was moored.
“If you want to stay here you’ll have to sleep on the sofa, your feet will hang off,” Michelle said apologetically.
Bior laughed. “Um no, we will not be doing that. We have a house in the Keys that is perfectly acceptable and has more room.”
Michelle put her hand on her hip. “Why do I feel like you’re thumbing your nose at my house?”
“It’s not your house per se. I’m just accustomed to more room,” he answered.
“You’re a snob,” she teased.
“Call it what you will.” Bior inclined his head. “Where do we go from here?”
“I have a car that we can take to the safe house where my people are staying,” Michelle said. “Let me get changed and we can go.”
The clothes she’d taken to Paladin had run out a few days ago, and she was down to her last pair of panties. Being in heat had the side effect of getting wet with each hot flash of arousal that coursed through her body. If she could only call it wet that would be easy, soaked panties was an entirely different scenario. She went into her small bedroom. Bior was right, after being in Paladin only a short time and walking around her mother’s home that was now hers, she felt claustrophobic in her own space. Michelle got into the shower and turned it to cool. The cool water helped with her symptoms. The remedy Valencia’s healer had given her only worked for a short time. Washing quickly she got out, dried off, and began to get dressed.
“Even over your soap I can scent you, you’re getting into the height of your heat,” Bior called out and she heard him easily through the thin walls.
“I thought we decided that no one would say anything about my personal business anymore,” Michelle called back.
“As a dragon one can’t help but notice,” he answered. “The scent is intoxicating to us males.”
Michelle was hopping around pulling on her shoe and she looked around the door with a smile. “Is that an offer I hear?”
Bior sighed. “Ah, if only, but you belong to another. Bes
ides, I’m too young to be mated, home and hearth, just the thought gives me hives.”
Michelle stepped outside. “Then what was with all the flirting and little winks, the offer to go flying by the waterfalls, all of it?”
“I was having fun poking a very grumpy bear,” he laughed. “Mursi may think it’s not obvious but we can all see you circling each other. It’s only a matter of time before you collide.”
Michelle pointed at him. “All of you suck, especially you, Bior, for leading me on.”
He grinned and teased, “Yes, you seem very upset.”
“We wouldn’t have worked out anyway, you’re way too pretty, I don’t want to fight for my mate’s attention,” Michelle said diplomatically.
“Please, I’m as manly as they come,” Bior scoffed. “Are you ready to go?”
Michelle grabbed the keys to her old car out of a dish next to the table. “Let’s go. I’ll drive.”
“Good, since I don’t,” Bior said and opened the door for her. “I have no use for big metal things with engines.”
“Look at you being old world classy. I bet you ride a mean horse,” Michelle teased and stepped outside. “Teaching you to drive would be a hoot.”
“It will never happen.” He fell into step beside her on the small dock and then onto the mossy ground of the Everglades.
She laughed as they walked to her car. It was a little ways off because there was technically no road to where she moored the houseboat and built the small dock. They walked to a tiny gravel road that lead to nowhere, and that was where she left her old dusty blue Ford Bronco. She saw the look on Bior’s face and chuckled to herself. He was a snob because he looked at her vehicle in disdain. He was probably accustomed to a chauffeured Mercedes as a way to get around. She didn’t have the luxury of Paladin money or resources, so she had to stick with what she could afford. Besides, she kept the inside spotless and settled into her comfortable car happily while even though he pushed his seat back all the way, Bior’s knees nearly touched the dashboard. She pulled out from the gravel-covered road and took the interstate heading toward Miami.