Magical Lover

by Karilyn Bentley

  Ari disappeared, followed by half the priestesses. Giving Keara’s hand a squeeze, Thoren transported himself to the Courtyard, reappearing next to Fafnir.

  The dragon stood, wings folded, the expression on his face suggesting he’d rather have his scales bent backward. Thoren felt a stab of pity, knowing he would hate to be in Fafnir’s scales, so to speak. After spending years away from Draconia—and those years in a cell—Fafnir had to be feeling shame mixed in with a heady dose of freedom.

  Or at least that’s what Thoren would feel. How embarrassing to admit that non-magical beings managed to confine you in a cell for over twenty years. It gave him the chills to think about it.

  Where was Enar? And Jamie? And Keara’s friend, Lily? Why did Fafnir arrive without them? Had something happened?

  Fafnir raised an eye-ridge at Thoren’s appearance. Thoren looked over his shoulder, expecting his aunt to be behind him, but instead he faced a whole lot of landscaping.

  Things have changed if the High Priestess is requested and I get you instead.

  Thanks. Thoren crossed his arms. Where’s my Watcher?

  A few hours behind me. Where’s the Halfling female?

  Safe.

  She lives?

  Yes. She’s watching.

  Fafnir’s head swung toward the windows of the dining area. Thoren turned in time to see Aryana walk through the Temple doors in all her splendor followed by an array of priestesses. No wonder he arrived to greet Fafnir before she did. He forgot the requirement that the High Priestess greet first time male guests in the robes designating her station.

  The dragon’s eyes widened as he watched Aryana approach. Fafnir’s nostrils flared and Thoren clenched his fists. The dragon should know better than to make eyes at his aunt, the High Priestess. Head held high, Aryana seemed oblivious to the male appreciation turned her way.

  She stepped next to Thoren, wearing the green velvet dress that signified she was the High Priestess. Gold embroidered dragons danced down the front of the dress, gold roses circled the hems of the sleeves. Upon her head sat a gold tiara in the shape of a dragon, his thin body elongated into a circlet that highlighted her black hair.

  As she approached, Fafnir remembered the politeness protocol and dropped his gaze, bowing his head, male appreciation banked.

  “I am the High Priestess Aryana. How may I help you?”

  Thoren listened as Fafnir explained his predicament, ending by asking if anything could be done to reverse his dragon form.

  Ari placed a hand on Fafnir’s flank, a strange look dancing across her face before disappearing. “I’m sorry, but I am unable to help you. However, I will research the matter. There might be a way, but I cannot promise you anything.”

  Fafnir sighed, his breath blowing beads of dirt across the grass, ruffling the hem of Aryana’s dress. I had to ask.

  His head popped up, twisting away from Ari, his gaze sharpening on a point behind Thoren. Thoren didn’t need to turn to know Keara stood behind him. Fafnir’s interest in Aryana was one thing—she was an attractive female who garnered a lot of male staring. But the fact that Fafnir focused so intently on Keara’s presence made steam rise in the back of Thoren’s throat.

  She belonged to him.

  Thoren pressed his lips together in an attempt to keep a snarl off his face. Wasn’t this wonderful. The dragon inside wanted a fight with the dragon standing in front of him.

  Focus, Thoren, focus. No fighting on the Temple grounds.

  Keara stood beside him, one hand raised in greeting. “Hey, Fafnir. Nice to see you again. Where’re Lily and Jamie?”

  Fafnir’s lip curled, exposing a row of pearly whites in a dragon grin. They are coming. How are you? Is this male treating you well?

  Keara wrapped an arm around Thoren’s waist. “Very well, thank you.”

  Fafnir nodded and glared at Thoren. He better.

  Why did the dragon act protective of Keara? Probably since she came from the same dilapidated town he was found in. All Draconi males tended to be protective of females, whether or not those females belonged to them.

  But still. Keara belonged to him. Did Fafnir imply Thoren couldn’t keep care of his own female?

  Aryana narrowed her eyes at Thoren and turned that look on Fafnir. Her lip caught between her teeth as her eyes darted between the three of them. Thoren recognized her look, that brain-whirling look of concentration. Problem was, he didn’t care. Something about Fafnir’s focus on Keara brought his dragon halfway out and it was all he could do to keep the other half in place.

  “Fafnir, you must want purification. If you would follow me, I’ll lead you to the ritual baths.” Ari gestured with her hand and with one last glare at Thoren, Fafnir turned and walked with her around the corner of the Temple, the priestesses following, their murmurs like a flock of gnats’ wings.

  Closing his eyes, Thoren breathed deeply. A couple of breaths and a cleared Courtyard later, he managed to bury the possessive, jealous dragon deep inside. When he opened his eyes, Keara stood in front of him, arms crossed.

  “What was that about?”

  “Fafnir asked if Ari could change him back into human form. She can’t.”

  “I caught that. I mean that stare and glare between the two of you.”

  She caught him in the act. He shrugged. “Fafnir doesn’t seem to like me.”

  “You think? Why?”

  “We’re both...protective of you. This creates problems.”

  Her brows dug a trench through her forehead. “Why? I think it’s nice that you both want to protect me.”

  She didn’t understand. Now was the perfect time to inform her. To let her know she had a mate who would bond with her for life. But did she want him?

  What difference did that make? It was biology, plain and simple. Plus he was giving up a promising career to be her male, didn’t that stand for something?

  Yes, yes it did. And yet, Thoren wanted her to need him. It meant more to know that the female he bonded with chose him too. Would Keara find the news she belonged to him no matter what a good thing or a bad one?

  He needed to ensure she found him a good thing.

  “I’m glad you think so. Because I’m very protective of you. I don’t like other males focusing on you the way he did.”

  “He was just being nice. Speaking of other males, why aren’t there more here?”

  “Because the Temple is run by females. Females have the direct link to the Goddess. Males only visit here. Would you like to return to lunch? I’m hungry.”

  Smiling, she disappeared. Once Enar arrived and they met with the Council, he’d talk to Keara about bonding. With any luck she would be receptive.

  A Draconi male was nothing without his mate.

  Chapter 15

  How did the Draconi choose their mates? Maybe Aryana told her and she didn’t listen. Was it common for a female to ask a male to join with her, or was that taboo? Was sex casual or only offered during rituals? What did she really know about Draconi customs?

  That question Keara knew the answer to: little to nothing.

  Aryana returned to the dining room as Thoren and Keara rose to leave. The High Priestess would know the answers to all her questions. Provided she would talk to her.

  “Thoren, I need to speak to Aryana.”

  “What? Why?”

  Wild dragons couldn’t make her tell. “I need to speak to her about what expectations she has for me. Now that I’ve returned to the land of the normal I need to know.”

  “She’s busy. She’ll need to return to Fafnir to complete the purification ritual. You can speak with her later. We need to return to your lessons.”

  “Maybe, but I think I’m going to ask her anyway.”

  Using her newly learned magic, she appeared in front of Aryana. The High Priestess blinked, her fork hovering in midair.

  “I need to speak to you.”

  “About?” Aryana stuck a piece of food in her mouth.

  “I need to know
some things.”

  A chew and a swallow. “Can it wait until tomorrow?”

  “Um,” Keara looked over her shoulder at Thoren, who stood where she left him, arms crossed, a glower like an impending storm on his face.

  “I see. Have a seat while I finish eating.”

  Keara sat across from Aryana, looking at her clasped hands.

  “Might as well loosen those lips. I have things to do.”

  “Sorry. Thank you for listening. I...I need, I mean want… I want to know mating customs.”

  Aryana took a sip of water. “What about them?”

  “Everything. I mean, how does one go about convincing a male that you want to join with him?”

  “Keara, love, a male only has one mate. There is only one female who complements him. When he finds her, he becomes possessive to the point of idiocy. There is a test for mating compatibility. If you are not compatible, then you are not mates. Even if you want Thoren, if you are not compatible, you are not his mate. Do you understand this?”

  A hollow cavity formed in Keara’s chest. What if he wasn’t hers? What if he belonged to another? “Can you do the testing?”

  “Of course. Would you like to be tested?”

  Might as well. Finding out now would save her heartbreak later. “Yes. Can you do it now?”

  “Not now, but later.” A pause. “You’re not going to ask what the test involves?”

  Not that it mattered. “I guess I should. What does it involve?”

  Aryana took a sip of water. “We put one of you in danger in a place where the other has never been and see if you can transport to the one in danger. Now, don’t worry, you won’t be hurt. Your instinct takes over when your mate is in danger, be it real or imaginary, so you’ll react as if they are about to be harmed.”

  Keara gulped. What kind of danger? Would the dragon’s instinct really overtake her higher reasoning and convince her Thoren was to be harmed when she knew he really wasn’t? What a strange test.

  “Was there anything else you wanted to know, Keara?”

  She might as well ask all her questions while she had a semi-willing audience. “What will happen to Fafnir?”

  “He will go live with the other males in dragon form. Why?”

  “Maybe I could help him. I can take illnesses into myself and turn them into something no longer harmful. Perhaps I can absorb the energy it takes to remain in dragon form and allow him to turn back into a man.”

  Aryana’s mouth gaped like an opened present.

  “I didn’t think of that. If I remember correctly, there is an ancient ritual, but it would involve using the male’s offspring. Fafnir says he never mated, so it probably wouldn’t work, but perhaps using a priestess or other female relative would. Strange, I don’t recall anyone named Fafnir going missing years ago, but there are many Draconi.”

  “I wouldn’t expect you to know them all. The priests in my town didn’t know everyone. If you need help, I’d be happy to assist anyway I can. I like Fafnir.”

  “I’ll ask if the time comes. Thoren is waiting for you and I need to run. Stop by my room tomorrow if you have any other questions.” Aryana stood and rested her hand on Keara’s shoulder. “We’re glad to have you here.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate you taking time to talk.”

  “No problem.”

  As Aryana walked away, Keara wanted to cry. Thoren might not be her mate. Although Aryana welcomed her, Keara couldn’t imagine a life without Thoren in it. And watching him take another mate? She swatted at the tears. Silly things. She’d cried more since she came to Draconia than she had in her entire life.

  “What’s the matter? Did she upset you? Do I need to have a talk with Ari?” Thoren’s fists slammed into the table as he leaned against it.

  “I’m fine. There’s just something about the air in Draconia that makes my eyes tear up.”

  Thoren’s face held doubt as he pierced her with a stare. “So, you want me to give you another magic lesson?”

  Just what she needed. More reason to fall in love with him. Oh, Goddess, did she use the “L” word? Yes she did. She pulled out the big, scary word. Only love explained the thrill of her heart when Thoren came near, the happiness felt when he spoke to her, the pride when his protective side roared in defense of her. And if he wasn’t her mate? If Aryana tested them and found them incompatible, then what?

  Her eyes would be stuck on permanent water mode, her heart aching from ribbon-like slashes.

  “I’d like that.”

  “Great! We can practice my favorite move, throwing an energy ball.”

  ****

  She was not meant to throw energy balls. Keara rubbed her upper arm while watching Thoren demonstrate an underhanded throw. Overhand, underhand, it didn’t matter, her arm muscles apparently weren’t designed to lob an energy ball.

  “Now watch. To get maximum velocity on this...”

  If she threw one more energy ball...”Thoren?”

  He stopped moving mid-motion. “Yes?”

  “I need to go check on Conr.”

  His gaze darted from her arm-rubbing to her face. One hand ran through his hair. “I’m sorry for not noticing sooner that your arm hurts. Want to take a break? There’s a really nice reflection pool behind those bushes. I’m sure Annaliese has Conr under control.”

  As much as she wanted to check on little Conr, Thoren was right. Annaliese knew how to take care of him. And if the child took a turn for the worse, they would know about it. Zeke would want Thoren there with him.

  “You haven’t shown me the reflection pool. I’d like to see it.”

  Thoren grabbed her hand, his green eyes twinkling, loose strands of his hair blowing across his face. Priestesses milled around the Courtyard, the noise from their conversations drifting around her like the wind, but when she looked at Thoren, the noises faded.

  What would she do if he wasn’t her mate? If the testing showed them incompatible?

  She refused to think that way. He belonged to her and that was that.

  The warmth of his hand caressed the skin of her palm as they strolled along stone paths. Keara held out her free hand, touching the bushes blooming with autumn flowers. The pleasing scent of nectar wafted on the air, carried by the breeze. How peaceful and relaxing the Courtyard was, with its red and gold trees, flowers, and bush-lined pathways.

  Thoren led her to the reflection pool, a rectangular shallow pool surrounded by thick bushes, giving it a secluded feel.

  “It’s beautiful!”

  “Not as beautiful as you.”

  Keara’s heart flip-flopped. He liked her. Or at least he thought her beautiful, which was a start. A really good start.

  She felt her cheeks warm and glanced at the ground, looking up at him from under her lashes. “You’re pretty good-looking yourself, you know.”

  Thoren’s hand lifted her chin, his lips brushing against hers. And as quick as a snap of her fingers, she became lost in his kiss, in the strokes of his tongue against hers, the feel of his hands on her back. Their bodies pressed together and she felt the hard length of him against her stomach, her core flooding with wetness. His hand stroked to her hip, his fingers gathering her skirt. At this moment, he belonged to her.

  And then he stopped.

  Keara tightened her grip around his neck, trying to draw his lips down to hers, but he grabbed her wrists.

  “There’s a commotion in the Courtyard.”

  And that mattered, why?

  Footsteps slapped in a dash against the stones, bushes rattled and an out-of-breath priestess darted into the clearing.

  “Thoren!” she gasped. “The High Priestess sent me to find you. Your Watcher, Enar, has arrived.”

  Lily! Keara stepped from Thoren’s arms, sexual heat forgotten as she hurried to the main area of the Courtyard, Thoren and the priestess behind her. Was Lily all right? Had Enar hurt her? And Jamie. How was her apprentice? She hiked her skirt above her knees as her feet flew across the stones and
grass.

  Enar stood in a circle of priestesses, his blond hair easy to spot in a crowd of black-haired beauties. Keara scanned the area, looking for Lily or Jamie. Where were they? They had to be here. Enar wouldn’t have left them behind, would he?

  As if hearing something she didn’t, the gawking crowd turned as one toward the Temple, watching as the High Priestess made her appearance. Aryana strode across the paved stones, still wearing her finery from meeting with Fafnir. As she walked toward Enar, the crowd of white-clad priestesses parted, allowing Keara a glimpse of her friend.

  Lily stood nestled against Enar’s side, his arm clamped around her shoulders. Her wide blue eyes stared at the crowd surrounding them, her face paler than usual against the black of her tunic. Keara didn’t see Jamie.

  “Lily!” Keara pushed past a gaping priestess and sprinted to her friend, grabbing Lily in a hug.

  A little thinner, but other than that Lily felt the same. Red tinged the pale skin of her face from where her cloak failed to cast shadows, and dirt stained her clothes, but overall she looked fine.

  Keara released the breath previously frozen in her chest. Her friend was unharmed.

  “Enar, my friend. How are you?” Thoren stepped around Keara and clasped hands with Enar while simultaneously smacking him on the shoulder. Enar returned the whack-on-the-back. All fine and dandy for them, where was her apprentice?

  “Keara!”

  Keara snapped her head toward the sound of Jamie’s voice as a brown head poked up from behind Enar’s back. The little imp had turned the Watcher into a packhorse. How had Jamie managed that?

  Keara reached for Jamie, stopping when she saw the crudely fashioned sling he was wrapped in. Why was he in a sling?

  “Jamie?”

  Pain-filled eyes focused on her. Oh, Goddess, he was hurt. Steam roiled in the back of her throat, her hands cranking into fists.

  “What did you do to him?” She hissed at Enar, steam escaping through her teeth.

  Thoren placed a hand on her shoulder. “He didn’t—”