Mark nuzzled his head against Cyrus’s shoulder. “How did I get so lucky?”
They sat like that for a few minutes as the crowds dispersed. The news van, having gotten the story from Cyrus’s fire chief, left.
Mark turned to face Cyrus. “How is it possible, though? How can I be a dragon? My parents weren’t dragons. Eli wasn’t a dragon. How could it happen to me?”
“There are latent dragons,” Cyrus said. “It’s just a trick of genetics. And some of those latent dragons left the dragon kin so that they could live among humans. Some of them fell in love with humans and wanted to make lives with their human mates. Over the years, the latent dragons were forgotten.”
“Wow.”
“But I used to work with those dragons,” Cyrus said. “I was never high up among my kind because I wasn’t into the politics, but if a latent dragon came to us, they were sent to me.”
“And…what would happen then?” Mark said.
“I know how to call forth the hidden dragons inside. It can be difficult for some, but do you know what makes it easier?”
“What?” Mark asked.
“True love.”
Mark’s heart fluttered as Cyrus pressed his lips to Mark’s again.
“Mark?” Cyrus asked. “Are you interested in meeting your dragon form?”
He would do anything that would make him closer to Cyrus, make him feel more complete. Cyrus made him more complete, and now that would be in every way, in both of his forms. “Yes.”
Epilogue
Cyrus led Mark to the edge of the pond behind his house. At the bank, trees were scarce, and brilliant grasses were punching up through the snow. Winter wasn’t over yet, but already there was the promise of new life.
“I’m nervous,” Mark said, squeezing Cyrus’s hand.
“That’s normal,” Cyrus said. “But you trust me, right?”
“Of course I trust you.” The smile Mark gave him made Cyrus’s heart soar. It was better than flying, better than doing cartwheels through the sky, to be with this man.
“Are you ready to fly?” Cyrus asked. Mark had been nervous, but Cyrus knew what he was doing. Back when he’d lived with his kin, he’d coached those with latent dragon forms on how to bring forth their dragon. All it took was faith and love and a kiss.
He stepped forward and took Mark in his arms. Mark was waiting for him, lips slightly parted.
They were already naked, not wanting to ruin their clothes during the shifting process, and Cyrus could feel Mark’s hardness against his hip. Tempting, but there would be plenty of time for that later. A lifetime, in fact.
Mark kissed him eagerly, and while they kissed, Cyrus breathed heat into Mark’s mouth. Heat, love, and dragon power would call up Mark’s dragon.
Mark gasped, a look of surprise and wonder on his face. He stepped back, out of Cyrus’s arms.
Cyrus grinned at him. “You can do it, my love.”
Mark hunched over onto all fours, then gasped again as the air shimmered and sparked around him. He disappeared beneath the protective aura that came into place during a shift, and then, just as quickly, a glistening red dragon stood before Cyrus.
Mark.
He stomped his front feet and stretched his wings. Cyrus bent forward and brought out his own dragon. He pumped his wings and noticed how Mark studied him, them mimicked his movements.
Mark was a natural. As soon as Cyrus launched into the sky, Mark was right there with him.
It was just like Cyrus’s dream—he was soaring above the forest with a red dragon at his side. This was perfect.
“Prospect is beautiful from up here,” Mark said in his rumbly dragon voice.
“Everywhere is beautiful, when you’re a part of it,” Cyrus answered.
The two dragons circled and wheeled around in the sky, knowing that if not today, then tomorrow, the world would be ready for dragons and humans to peacefully coexist once more.
The End
Bonus Book: Bearly Knocked Up
Evan Williams glanced out across the crowd of people who had gathered to witness the graduation ceremony at the prestigious college he had chosen to attend. Truth be told, he had only invited three people himself, but he doubted they would make an appearance. For the duration of the last two years, he had entirely cut off ties with his friends and family back home, choosing, instead to focus on his career. Though his parents had seemed understanding, his best friend since childhood, pudgy young man named Dakota, had been furious. Evan was somewhat ashamed to admit that the situation had not quite been resolved before he severed communication. He knew in his heart that Dakota would be unlikely to forgive him, but… well. He had discovered some things about himself in the past two years that he was certain those back home would be unwilling to accept.
Looking across the crowd, he sighed softly. His parents were noticeably absent, though he couldn’t say he had expected otherwise. Where Dakota would have sat, family from the next row over had begun to spill over. The man in Dakota’s seat was a handsome specimen, and though Evan was unhappy that his loved ones could not make an appearance, he was pleased to be treated with some eye candy at the very least. He drew his lip between his teeth, watching the man as he awkwardly fidgeted in the seat-- which was too small for his broad, muscular form. Abruptly, the man looked up, meeting Evan’s gaze with a small smile. Evan reddened immediately, looking away and inhaling shakily.
It was coming close to time for the ceremony, and Evan knew he would be one of the last to cross the stage. He closed his eyes, leaning back in the uncomfortable seat he had been assigned to. He almost drifted off for the duration of the ceremony, only perking up when his name was called. Embarrassment jolted through him as he realized he would have no one cheering as he crossed the stage-- would be faced with the dead silence of his betrayal. He swallowed thickly, rising from his seat and moving to accept his degree from the Dean of the school. As he expected, there was silence-- at least, up until he gripped the degree in his hand. A loud and somewhat familiar whooping sounded from the crowd, and Evan wheeled around, eyes widening much like a deer in the headlights as he noted it was the man in Dakota’s seat. Though the man had initially seemed much the brooding type, that seemed to have melted away as Evan met his gaze.
“Way to go, E!” The man called out, using Dakota’s childhood nickname for Evan himself. Evan’s eyes widened in disbelief, and he hesitated on the stage a moment longer than was strictly necessary. The Dean cleared his throat, attempting to usher the young man along and across the stage. He obligingly began his journey once more, unable to ignore the pounding in his chest as he made his way back to his seat. The man in Dakota’s seat cheered once more before settling down, and he gave Evan a thumbs up as the younger man looked towards him. Evan was utterly confused, and that much was obvious. He had no idea who this man was, and how he seemed to be so familiar with Evan himself. The ceremony was coming to a close, and Evan lingered in his seat as those around him dispersed to be with their families. He swallowed thickly, eyes widening in surprise as the mysterious and handsome stranger rose from his seat, taking long strides in Evan’s direction. Evan shrunk back in his chair, wondering if this was some sort of prank. “Damn, Evan, way to make us both look like nerds. It’s like you don’t even recognize me.” The man announced, crossing his arms over his broad chest and quirking a brow at the new college graduate. Evan opened his mouth, hesitating for a brief moment longer before speaking.
“Who…?” He started, cutting himself off as the stranger looked towards him with an almost wounded look.
“Aw, hell. I haven’t changed that much, E. I know I used to be a fat kid, but come on. It’s still me! Dakota! Don’t tell me you forgot about me…” He trailed off, and Evans widened to an almost comical extent.
“You have to be joking. Dakota?” He sputtered, rising from his seat and stepping towards the other man. Dakota looked relieved, pulling the much slimmer man into his arms and giving him a tight squeeze.
“You… look great.” Evan said awkwardly, blushing and averting his eyes from the appraising look Dakota leveled in his direction. Dakota rumbled a deep laugh, and Evan felt a bit more at ease with his friend.
“You look great as well. Way to put the rest of our little town to shame.” Dakota smiled, giving Evan a gentle nudge. Evan reddened once more, brushing his shaggy hair behind his ear. “How about we go get some drinks? My flight back isn’t until tomorrow.” Dakota smiled, and Evan returned the expression with ease.
“We’re probably on the same flight! Drinks would be great. Drinking’s forbidden on campus, so--” Evan started, cut off by a snort of amusement from the other man.
“And you actually followed that rule? What a square.” Dakota teased, snagging Evan by the wrist and pulling him along. Evan squawked, but stumbled along behind the more muscular man, allowing himself to be tugged.
“You were never such a rule breaker yourself, D.” Evan said snidely, receiving a derisive snort in turn. Dakota paused, allowing Evan to fall into step beside him.
“I think it’s pretty obvious that I am not quite the man I used to be.” Dakota smiled, tugging his shirt up and exposing his abs. The pudge that the handsome young man used to carry on his frame was seemingly obliterated, and Evan had to swallow a large lump in his throat as Dakota winked at him before lowering his shirt once more. “I wish things were always this easy.” He said to himself, sounding almost melancholy. Before Evan could speak, the dark haired man was darting ahead, in the direction that Evan was vaguely aware of leading towards a bar. “First round’s on you, E!” He called back, and Evan sputtered, scrambling to jog after him. He had no real desire to argue with his friend, more concerned with smothering the awkward feelings rumbling in his gut. He certainly couldn’t deny the attraction blossoming upon laying eyes upon his friend after two years. As far has he knew, however, Dakota had always been attracted to women.
So had he, before his college years.
“How much have things changed back home?” Evan asked carefully, and Dakota rumbled a laugh, pausing to wait for the smaller man to catch up.
“Oh, you know, the same old thing. Strict parents, strict curfew. Got kicked out of my parents’ house for screwing around with the wrong guy. He’s been stalking me, since.” Dakota drawled, sounding hesitant about relaying the latter half of his statement. Evan stared at him for a long moment, mouth hanging agape as he tried to process what his friend had told him.
“Screwing around…” He started hesitantly, and Dakota paused mid-stride, turning to face him with a nervous smile.
“Yeah. For my folks it wasn’t so much that it was another guy, it was the fact that he… was bad news.” Dakota muttered, giving slight pause as he considered Evan. “I hope this doesn’t change your opinion of me.” He added, tapping his fingertips together. Evan chuckled warmly, stepping closer and resting a hand on Dakota’s arm.
“Believe me. It’s okay. I’ve discovered a few things about myself, as well.” He smiled. The larger man quirked a brow, catching Evan’s gaze. Much to Evan’s surprise, Dakota reddened slightly, resting his hand atop Evan’s and giving it a squeeze. The two stood in silence for a moment, and Evan wondered if similar thoughts to his own were running through the other man’s head. Dakota drew his hand away, averting his eyes and inhaling shakily.
“Things won’t be so easy once we’re home again. I’m not… such a great guy.” Dakota muttered, stepping away from other man’s touch and clenching his hands uncertainly.
“Of course you’re great. You’re my best friend.” Evan sputtered unhappily. Dakota breathed a sigh, glancing over his shoulder. Evan gave slight pause upon meeting his old friend’s gaze and drew his lip between his teeth. “How about those drinks, anyway? I’m buying the first round, like you said!” Evan said, trying to restore some sense of normalcy to the situation. Dakota looked uncertain, but nodded obligingly. Evan fell into step beside his old friend, offering a timid smile. Without a word, Dakota reached out, lacing their fingers together and continuing down the path towards the bar. Evan smiled to himself, enjoying the feeling of Dakota’s strong hand locked with his own. He wasn’t sure just how Dakota thought things would change once they got home, but he hoped they were in a way similar to what he had in mind.
***
The next morning passed in something of a blur, with the men boarding the flight home with what few belongings they had. They managed to find seats together, though Dakota seemed somewhat more guarded than he had the night before. Tension radiated from his body, and Evan was hesitant to try and make conversation with the other man.
Dakota was surprisingly the one to break the silence, facing Evan around an hour into the flight with a pensive expression. Evan fidgeted beneath the other man’s gaze, feeling more than a little exposed beneath his stare.
“Do you have a place to stay once you get home?” The broader man inquired abruptly, and Evan hesitated, shrugging uncertainly.
“I’m banking on the hope that my parents let me stay with them until I get on my feet.” He offered blandly, and Dakota rumbled a chuckle in response.
“You really think they’ll go for that?” Dakota drawled, draping an arm across the back of Evan’s seat. Evan cursed himself for the red that tinted his cheeks, shrugging once more and smiling self deprecatingly.
“I don’t really have any other options right now.” He muttered, rubbing his cheek in an attempt to soothe the heat in the skin there. Dakota watched him silently for a long moment, drawing his lower lip between his teeth and worrying it slightly. Evan tried not to stare at his friend’s mouth, and certainly tried not to think of the things he could do with it.
“You could stay with me.” Dakota offered softly, shifting his arm to wrap it fully around Evan’s shoulders. Evan’s eyes widened, and he considered his friend uncertainly. Dakota seemed hesitant to make the offer, and Evan knew the situation could prove more than a little awkward. He opened his mouth, snapping it shut after a moment and seeming to rethink his position. Awkward or not, it was an exceedingly kind offer for Dakota to make, and staying with his best friend sounded much more appealing than bunking with his parents. Truth be told, he suspected they had converted his old room into something that would further suit their needs. On the off chance they allowed him to stay, it would likely be on that couch his father refused to replace in spite of its odd odor. The situation would be made even worse if it somehow got out that he wasn’t… quite as straight as he thought he was, before leaving for college. His parents were notorious homophobes, much like the majority of his home town.
“It wouldn’t be a burden?” Evan muttered, wringing his hands together. Dakota rumbled a disarming laugh, reaching up to muss up Evan’s hair. Evan pouted slightly, resigning himself to messy hair for the moment.
“You are too precious, E.” Dakota murmured with a lopsided grin, receiving an indignant squeak in response.
“Quit teasing me, you ass.” Evan bit out, averting his eyes and crossing his arms over his chest.
“I’m not teasing. You are precious. You really think it would be burdensome to bunk with my best bud? Come on, man. Things haven’t changed that much in two years.” He drawled, looking far too pleased with himself when Evan met his gaze. “Come on. It’ll be fun.” He murmured, giving Evan a little squeeze.
“... If you’re certain. I wouldn’t want to come between you and any… personal life you may have.” Evan said hesitantly, and Dakota boomed a laugh that seemed to almost shake the walls of the plane. They received several furtive glances, and Evan sank down in his sink to avoid being seen.
“Believe me, you don’t have to worry about my personal
life. That is… unless you really want to.” Dakota purred. Evan turned wide eyes towards him, and swallowed a lump in his throat as he took in the predatory look the larger man had fixed upon him.
“I...I…” Evan stammered out, cutting himself off as the voice of the pilot came over the loud-speaker.
“We’re about 20 minutes out from our destination. If everyone could return to their seats and prepare for landing, we would be much obliged.” The pilot announced, and Dakota snorted, drawing away from Evan and going about fastening his seatbelt. Evan hesitated, wondering if the moment had been entirely lost; that is, if there had been a moment at all.
“Buckle up, buttercup.” Dakota snickered, looking in his direction. “Or will I have to do it for you?” He teased, receiving a glare in response.
“You would enjoy that too much.” Evan said unthinkingly, immediately wishing he could swallow the words back down. He glanced to Dakota from the corner of his eye, feeling relieved upon seeing the easy smile the other man wore.
“Suppose you have a point…” Dakota muttered. He hesitated, suddenly looking uncertain of himself. Evan rested a hand on his arm, feeling just how tense his childhood friend was. He had no idea what had Dakota feeling so out of sorts, and as he opened his mouth to voice the thought, Dakota interrupted him. “I just hope things… are easier. Now that you’re back.” He sighed. Evan could see the clenching of the man’s jaw, and he glanced out the window at their side. Evan followed his gaze, feeling slightly queasy at how swiftly they seemed to be descending. However, he could easily spot the vaguely familiar airport that sat a few miles out from their hometown. He exhaled a sigh, drawing his hands into his lap and pressing the back of his head against the headrest. His eyes fluttered shut, and he took a moment to center himself. He could feel Dakota uncomfortably fidgeting in the seat beside him, but allowed the sensation to melt away, along with everything else. He only opened his eyes when plane stilled altogether, and people began to rise from their seats. He glanced to Dakota, who met his gaze with a curious quirk of his brow.
The Dragon’s Flight: Gay Paranormal Romance Page 13