by Julie Wetzel
Mica smiled broadly as he considered the girl. Mischief glinted in his eye. “He used to help the queen when she tended the hatcheries. I hear tell he was pretty good with eggs. The young maidens at court were always after him to sit on their clutches.”
So the man knew more than he’d claimed! Patrick thumped his tail angrily on the ground. “Mica! I will eat you,” he growled.
It was true, his status as orphan had left him free game to the dragon maidens of the court, and being the adopted son of the king had made him a prime subject for pretend father to many clutches of eggs. At least, until he realized he could tell them no and they couldn’t do more than cry. But by that time, he had spent hours with rocks under his wings, pretending they were eggs.
Mica chuckled at the threat in the lord’s words. “Let me see your wing.” The mage stepped closer to inspect the injured joint.
Patrick hissed as the man applied pressure on the wound. Damn that hurt!
“Well, it doesn’t appear broken.” The man stepped back from the heat. “Looks like you might have dislocated it. Resetting it will have to wait until you’re off those eggs.”
Tell me something I don’t know! Patrick nodded. “Then get someone in here to sit on these.”
Daniel rumbled with laughter. “I’ll see what I can do about finding a volunteer.” Lifting himself from the sand, he turned back to the edge of the water, amused.
“Don’t tell them what they’re volunteering for.” Patrick raised his head and yelled at his second. “If they know it’s to sit on eggs, they’ll run.” They may be willing to take on a rogue dragon, but eggs scared most men.
Daniel rumbled again as he slipped into the water.
Patrick laid his head back down and rolled it so he could see Kathryn next to him. Contentment washed through him again. Mine! She looked okay, but the other girls had been here longer. Hopefully they were okay, too. Patrick turned his attention back to the mage. “Check out the maidens,” he called to Mica.
Mica nodded. “Are you hurt, My Lady?” he asked Kathryn.
Kathryn looked at the dragon, then up to the nude man. She turned her face away from him, blushing her embarrassment. “I’m fine.”
Patrick snorted out a soft laugh. Obviously, with all the excitement, she had forgotten the men were naked.
Mica bowed to them both and turned to check on the other ladies.
***
Patrick was glad when Daniel finally returned with two of the smaller dragons in the flight. He was starting to cramp up from lying still for too long.
Turning, Daniel looked at each of the new dragons. “Go lay next to Lord Mylan—one on each side—and be careful of the eggs.”
The two dragons looked at each other. “Eggs?” one asked. “I thought you said we would be on guard duty.” He looked over towards the two black dragons curled together.
“You are.” Daniel grinned at them—a terrifying gesture on the face of a dragon. “You get to guard the eggs. Now, make sure they are safe and warm.”
Patrick snickered at Daniel’s deviousness. Trickery would be the only way to get the warriors to sit on eggs.
Reluctantly, the pair of volunteers came over and snuggled up next to the clutch.
Kathryn backed away as Patrick wiggled out from under the wings of his replacements. Turning around, he gave them a pointed glare. “Don’t let them get cold,” he warned. The queen would tan all of their hides if they let something happen to those babies. Now free from the eggs, Patrick held his wing out for Mica’s healing hands.
With a quick jerk, the mage had Patrick’s wing reset. “You may want to stay off that for a few days,” he warned the lord.
That went without saying. Patrick nodded and looked around. Now that things had settled down, it was time for him to get out and send a message to the prince. They were going to need someone from the royal hatcheries to come help with the eggs. Once the pair sitting on the eggs got out and warned the others, they were going be hard pressed to find volunteers for anything.
Turning his mind away from the egg-sitting issue, Patrick considered the cave and its watery entrance. “Is there another way out?” he called to the men now milling around. It would be nice if they didn’t have to swim out. The dragons could do it easily, but the women would have to be carried.
Mica turned and asked the question of the maidens.
“Not that we have found,” the youngest of them answered.
“Then we will have to take them out by water,” Patrick confirmed. Not a choice he really wanted to make, but they would manage it. He looked over at Mica. “Explain it to them,” he growled.
It took a little while to convince the girls of the plan, but soon they were all matched up with a dragon that would carry them through the water and out of the cavern. All except one.
***
“But I want to go with you,” Kathryn complained to Patrick as Mica tried to get her to pair up with him. There was no way she was going to make that trip again unless it was with Patrick.
“He can’t take you,” Mica insisted. “He has a hurt wing and cannot fly when he gets out of here.”
“I don’t care.” Kathryn pressed herself into Patrick’s side. “I’ve lost him once today, and I don’t intend to let him go again.” She wrapped her arm around his neck near his shoulder.
The purr Patrick let out rumbled up her side. Bending his neck around, he caught the edge of her skirt in his teeth. Kathryn followed as he pulled her around and rubbed his head into her middle. He chirped and squeaked something that she didn’t understand. Warm air washed through her clothing as he drew in her scent.
Kathryn wrapped her arms around his head. “I’m not leaving you.” She leaned forwards and placed a kiss on his head. No matter what he said, she would not allow someone else to take her out.
A snicker slipped out of him, and he nudged her with his nose.
Releasing her love, Kathryn backed up to look at him.
He chirped at her again, but she still didn’t understand him. He turned and chirped at the waiting mage.
Mica nodded and looked up at Kathryn. “He says he will not leave you, but he can’t carry you out of here.”
“I will not go with anyone else,” Kathryn said. Crossing her arms over her chest, she turned around, ignoring the men. She thought she had lost Patrick once already. She would not leave without him.
Patrick chirped again and rustled his wings.
“My Lord?”
The concern in Mica’s voice caused Kathryn’s ears to perk up. She listened as Patrick shifted in the sand and chirped again.
“But that will leave a hole in your armor,” Mica warned.
The one side of the conversation Kathryn could understand disturbed her. She turned around to watch the men.
Patrick chirped again and shut his eyes.
Mica shrugged and ran his hand over Patrick hide. Horror raced through Kathryn as the man found a loose scale and slipped his nail under it. He was going to tear a piece out of Patrick’s hide! “What are you doing?” Kathryn asked as saw Mica wiggling the scales back and forth. “Stop that!” She came over and tried to stop the mage, but he had already gotten the scale loose.
Patrick groaned as Mica ripped the scale off.
Kathryn gasped at the trickle of blood that ran out of the wound. Shoving the mage out of the way, she pressed the end of her skirt against the hole, trying to stop the bleeding. Why would Patrick let the mage do such a thing to his beautiful hide?
***
The hole where Mica had pulled out the scale ached, but it was Kathryn’s concern that made the pain bearable. Patrick let out an amused chuckle as he shifted back to his human form.
Kathryn gasped in surprise.
Catching up her hand, he pulled her into his arms. God, she felt good against him.
Shock held her stiff in his embrace.
“It’s all right,” he whispered as he held her. “It will grow back.” His hand ran down her back, soot
hing her. “Thank you for defending me.” Pleasure tingled through him as he held her. Mine.
As she slowly relaxed against him, Kathryn wrapped her arms up around his shoulders, holding him to her. “I thought I lost you.” Her voice wavered with remembered fears. Laying her head on Patrick’s shoulder, Kathryn buried her face in the crook of his neck.
Patrick could feel her tears trickling down his chest. “Shhh,” he soothed her, stroking his hand down her back again. Tilting his head over, he rested it on hers, comforting her as she cried. “It takes more than that to put me down.” Not much more, but he did survive it. After a moment, he sighed. “But what Mica said is true.”
Kathryn raised her head to look at him.
“I could carry you out of here, but the swim across the lake would likely drown us both.” He raised his hand up and caressed her face, wiping her tears away. “I promise I will never leave you.” He gazed into her eyes, gauging her reaction as he spoke. “We have much to talk about, but dragons bond for life. I am yours, if you will have me.”
Surprise, fear, and delight flashed across her face. She froze as answering words eluded her.
Patrick leaned in and kissed her before she could find something to say.
She melted in his arms again.
“You don’t have to answer me now,” he said as he held her, “but I do have something for you.” Releasing her, he caught her hand before turning to Mica.
Kathryn’s eyes fell to the flash of red as Patrick took the scale from the waiting mage. They followed it down as Patrick wiped the scale across his thigh, cleaning the blood away. Blushing, she turned her face away from him.
Letting out a soft laugh of amusement, Patrick held the scale up between them. “This is for you.”
Kathryn turned back and looked as the crimson scale. It sparkled in the low light of the cavern. “What?” she asked as Patrick raised her hand and laid the glittering piece in her palm.
“It’s customary to share a scale with one's chosen mate.” He closed her fingers around the warm scale. “Usually, the process is more complicated than this, but a true sharing can wait for a more appropriate time.” He took a deep breath and let it rush out of him as he looked down. “Something else we will need to talk about.”
Waving the issue away for a more appropriate time, he looked back into her eyes. “For now, I want you to keep this.” He wrapped his hand around hers, closing his scale inside her fist. “This is my promise to you. I will not leave you.” Folding her arm up against her chest, he pulled her back into his arms so her hand was pinned between them. “I love you.”
Joy flashed across Kathryn’s face as she yanked her arm out from between them and threw it around Patrick’s neck. “I love you, too.” Tears burned in her eyes as she held him and smothered his face in kisses.
Laughing, Patrick caught her head in his hand, pressing his lips to hers. After a moment longer, he released her from the kiss. He held her to him, letting his emotions roll through him. He had held women before, but none of them stirred his soul the way a true-bonded mate could. They still had much to discuss, but he let himself embrace the instincts pulling him towards her. Mine. The thought had been passing through him all day, but this had a note of finality to it that warmed his heart. Even if she decided that life with a dragon was too much, he would always be hers.
Drawing in her scent one last time, Patrick nuzzled her hair before pushing her back out of his arms. He looked around at the cavern once more. Guards were set, both to watch the two rogue dragons and to keep the eggs warm. He would have to contact the prince as soon as they got back to the castle. Hopefully, Zane had already made it with his letter, and things would be in motion. His biggest problem would be dealing with the townspeople. Oh, that was going to be a joy.
Sure that everything here would hold, he turned back to Kathryn and squeezed her hand. “Go with Mica. He will get you out and to shore. And I will join you there.”
Kathryn opened her mouth to protest.
“Please,” Patrick cut her off. “I need to know you’re safe, and I can’t do that right now.” Pulling her back into his arms, he pressed his forehead to hers. “I will meet you on the shore, and we will go to town together. I promise.”
She pulled back and looked at him. “The town?”
Patrick let out a joyless laugh. “I have to explain to Eustace and the villagers why their castle is filled with dragons.” That was a conversation he was sure wouldn’t go over well.
Concern crossed Kathryn’s face.
“Please,” Patrick begged again. “Go with Mica, and I will see you on the other side.” He petted her hair back and cupped her face.
Slowly, Kathryn nodded. “All right,” she agreed.
Patrick could tell she was not happy with the outcome, but no other answer would do. “Thank you.” He kissed her forehead and released her to the waiting mage.
Mica shifted into his grand form and scooped her up.
“Take a deep breath and hold on tight,” Patrick coached as Mica limped over to the water’s edge with Kathryn clutched in his claws. “You’ll be fine, and I’ll meet you on the other side.”
Kathryn nodded and clung to Mica as they disappeared into the water.
Seeing nothing else he could do here, Patrick shifted back to his greater dragon form and followed his love out. It was time to deal with the village.
12
Two fights with a rogue dragon, four swims across the lake, two runs between the lake and the town, a badly injured dragon with eggs, and a wing dislocated twice made for a very long day. And it wasn’t over yet.
The walk back to town was much more leisurely than Patrick had planned. He had tried to get Kathryn to climb on his back so he could carry her, but she refused. Instead, she insisted they walk at a relaxing pace. At first, it had irritated him. He wanted to get back and deal with the town so he could get things done, but now, he was grateful for the time. While Kathryn’s fingers slid over his scales, soothing the tension from him, he thought about what he was going to say to the elders. He now had something intelligent to say and wouldn’t just blurt out the first thing his tired mind could come up with.
Cresting the short rise that hid the town, the towers of the castle came into view. Patrick stopped to look over the shallow valley. This was his domain—at least, it was for now. The entire area was buzzing with activity. Dragons circled over the castle as the townsfolk scurried around in fear. He didn’t see any pitchforks or torches, but Patrick was sure those weren’t too far away. Maybe they would attack him when he returned. Maybe they would listen. But that didn’t matter. He had chosen this path, and he would walk it proudly.
Taking a deep breath, Patrick reared up on his hind legs, flared his wings, and roared his return. An answer echoed from the castle as the people of the village scampered for cover. Settling back to the ground, he ruffled his wings and set off towards the village with Kathryn at his side. The feel of her hand on his shoulder gave him the strength to face what he needed to do. As long as she accepted him, he didn’t care what the villagers thought.
***
The village was quiet as Patrick and Kathryn made their way to the center of town. Shutters creaked as eyes watched through holes in the wood. The stench of fear was everywhere. Coming to the center of town, Patrick sat back on his haunches and curled his tail around his feet.
Kathryn stroked her hand down his side. “I’ll be back,” she soothed him and left.
Patrick turned his head to watch her go. Drawing in a deep breath, he let it out slowly. He would stay until someone grew brave enough to face him. His eyes scanned over the homes, catching movement from doors and shutters. There were people here, and they were watching. He just had to wait them out. The sound of a door opening drew his attention, and he shifted to face the brave soul. It was Eustace.
“Stories are told of a time when dragons walked as men,” the old man said as he left the safety of his home. “Are you friend or foe?”
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Bowing his head, Patrick closed his eyes. At least the old man was willing to talk to him before breaking out the pitchforks. But he would need to shift back to talk with the town elder. Of all the things he had considered while they walked back, standing around naked in the village square hadn’t been one of them. He would just have to buck up and hope his dignity could stand the humiliation.
“Friend,” Kathryn said as she ran back into the square. Shaking out a sheet, she flung it over Patrick’s back.
What a clever girl! Purring his delight, he lowered himself to the ground and shifted. The thin material draped over him, covering him from view. It took a few moments to work the cloth into place, but he stood up with the thing wrapped toga-style around him.
“Thank you.” He touched Kathryn’s hand before turning to face the old man. The surprise on his face made Patrick smile. “I am not your foe.” He looked around as the shutters on the houses were pulled back. Amazed people looked out.
“The dragon has been dealt with,” Patrick announced, raising his voice so it echoed through the town square. “He will not bother you again.”
A commotion from the castle drew his attention, and he raised his hand out to the line of maidens streaming from the gates. “The maidens he took are safe.”
Eustace turned to see the women come racing into the square to greet Kathryn before a few went to find their families. “Are they well?” the town elder asked as doors were flung open and the girls were embraced.
Patrick nodded. “They are well.” He glanced around at the happy scene and drew in a deep breath. Here came the tricky part. “My men and I will remain at the castle and work to repair her defenses. We are dragons, but we will offer you no harm.” He looked around at the faces of the villagers. It was hard to tell what they were thinking. “We offer you our protection and help until you ask us to leave. At that time, we will make arrangements for a new protector and go without question.”
Seeing no answer was coming, he bowed to Eustace. “If you will please forgive me, it has been a long day and there is still much to do before I can rest.” Turning, Patrick held his head high and started off towards the castle.