“Destiny isn’t wrong, fy nghalon. You are everything the prophecy says you are. I can feel the white magic in you. It’s there you have just never been taught how to harness it. I can teach you. I can help you learn how to control it. Together we can do anything, and we will defeat the ddraig wen, but to do that you’re going to have to trust me. Can you do that?”
Inhaling deeply, she stepped back from him and met his gaze. “I know all of this should freak me out and make me seriously doubt your sanity, but it doesn’t. Scare me, yes, but I know in my heart that you’re telling me the truth. So I guess what I’m saying is yes, I do trust you,” she vowed. “Gareth?”
Meeting her eyes, he waited for her to continue.
“Your dragon purrs.”
“Dragons do not purr!” he chastised with a smile.
“I’m sorry, but yours does,” she responded with a grin as she fought laughter at the look on his face. “Seriously, though, I’ll go with you to your family on one condition,” she replied with a glint in her eye and a sly smile on her lips.
“If you’ll stop accusing my dragon of purring, I’ll give you anything. Name your condition,” he responded, knowing he’d give her the world if she asked for it. He was already in love with her, would already lay down his life to protect her.
“I want to see your dragon.”
Of everything she could have asked for, that wasn’t what he’d expected. Smiling for the first time since he’d found her, he shook his head. “I promise when we get back to Dinas Emrys, I’ll show you my dragon and anything else you want.”
“I do have one other question. Why does the back of my neck burn when you’re near?” It had been the one thing that puzzled her the most. It only happened when he was around, so she knew it had to have something to do with him, but she didn’t understand how.
“It’s the mating mark. It’s been there since you were born, but won’t be revealed until we complete the mating ceremony. The burning you feel is our bond growing stronger.”
Chapter Ten
Maelon Godwin stood in the shadows outside Cadence’s apartment, biding his time. Avenging his clan was something he’d been dreaming of for a long time. He’d devised the perfect plan to defeat the Red Dragons and see his beloved white dragons in control of the realm. He’d accounted for every possibility, every counter move Gareth could take, and he was determined to follow his strategy step by step.
If he allowed Gareth to bait him into acting too soon, then he would fail. Using the new blocking trick he’d learned, he cloaked himself. He knew Gareth could sense him when he drew close, and the blocking would give him the advantage he needed. Remaining undetected to Gareth until he was ready, was absolutely crucial to his plan. His new ability would come in handy if he was going to fulfill his family obligation. He had to be the one who finally put them in control of Dinas Emrys.
Steeling himself to the job he had to do, he managed to convince himself that the death of the unknown woman was a necessary evil. It didn’t matter whether he personally wanted to kill her or not, in order for him to complete his mission, she had to die. He forced any feelings he might have had about being the one responsible for the death of an innocent to the back of his mind.
Her blood would be on his hands, and he would always feel the taint of it. However, it was something that had to be done, and it had to be by his hand. He was the only one who could take on this vital undertaking. The risk of failure was too great to his family and his future. If he was thwarted, it would be disastrous to his people. He would fail his entire clan, his heritage.
Preparing himself for what his clan’s future required of him, he closed his eyes, settling his soul. Focused internally, his mind cleared. Inhaling deeply, he could feel his dragon’s calm. His beast centered him and gave him strength. Together as one, they would fulfill their fate. They must face their destiny, united in blood and sealed by death. It was their time to rise up and conquer.
In control, he dropped his mental shield and reached out to Gareth, steeling himself against what he must do. Enjoy your mate while you can, Gareth. She will not be the one to save you. She will be mine to do with what I wish. She’ll beg for death.
Gareth heard Maelon’s challenge in his head, heard the only thing that could shred him. Rage boiled in his blood and his dragon strained against his control. His dragon fought to be released, demanding to be allowed to defend their mate. You will never touch her! To try guarantees your death, he vowed, clenching his fists.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” Cadence asked, seeing his body language change. Tension rippled through his muscles and his eyes narrowed. It was obvious to her that he was angry. Laying her hand on his arm, she tried to soothe him. “Gareth…”
“We need to go. Come on, sweetheart. I promise it’s going to be okay.” Taking her hand, he drew her towards the door.
“Wait,” she hesitated, jerking her arm from his grasp. “What’s going on?” She peered into his eyes and saw distress mixed with fury for the first time. Witnessing the fear in her warrior caused her own terror to build as dread settled in her stomach.
Hugging her to him closely, he ran his fingers through her hair. “I don’t want to scare you anymore than I already have. A man named Maelon Godwin is the heir to the white dragon clan, the ddraig wen. As the heir, he believes it is his destiny to be the one to personally overthrow the red dragons, essentially me.”
“He knows the only way to defeat me is through you. You hold my life, my soul, and my immortality in your hands.” Pausing, he slipped his finger under her chin and gently tilted her head back so her eyes would meet his gaze. He was the one who caused the fear he saw etched on her face. If it wasn’t for the fact that she was his mate, she wouldn’t be in danger.
She was supposed to find love and safety with him, and instead he’d brought danger into her life. The indifference he’d long felt toward the white dragons transformed itself into barely-controlled deadly fury. He would rip every single one of them apart, limb by limb. No one would touch his magnificent beauty.
“Gareth, I don’t understand why we need to leave so quickly.”
“He’s outside on the street right now, sweetheart. We aren’t safe here, so we need to leave. The sooner we’re back in Wales, the safer I can keep you.”
“This makes no sense. What does that have to do with me? You said earlier that I’m the one in danger. If he wants to overthrow you, how does that put me in danger?” Leaning back in his arms, she peered at his face and witnessed the expression he’d tried to hide from her.
“Can we talk about this later, un annwyl? We need to go,” he all but begged her to let it go for now.
“No, we cannot. We will talk about this now, because I’m not going anywhere until you tell me.” Pulling away from him, she backed up and stared him in the eye. Hands on her hips, she planted her feet, refusing to move.
Blowing out his breath in a huff, he began pacing. He didn’t want to get into this now, but she wasn’t going to let it go. As frustrating as her stubbornness was, he also admired her for it. “Cadence, there is no easy way to say this, but Maelon wants to kill you.”
Facing her, he quickly stepped toward her and gently placed his hands on her arms. Running them up and down, he hated the situation he’d put her in. “I swear, I’ll protect you with my life. I will not let him get to you. I promise you that I’ll keep you safe, but I need you to trust me.”
Gasping, terror ran up her spine, “But why? Why does he want to kill me?” Blinking, she fought the tears that were determined to fall.
“It’s the ancient prophesy. He knows that if you die before we finish the mating ceremony, I will lose my immortality. Losing that leaves the red dragons vulnerable and more easily defeated. It weakens our people. Once the mating ceremony is complete, my immortality is shared with you, making it much more difficult for them to hurt us and overthrow our people.”
Dropping down onto the couch, Cadence hung her head in her han
ds. Overwhelmed by everything that was happening she struggled to find her composure. It was all so surreal. In less than twenty-four hours, her life had been turned upside down. She wasn’t sure which part upset her more. Finding out everything she’d known about her life was a lie, or that someone she’d never heard of wanted her dead.
Kneeling in front of her, he gathered her hands in his. “Un annwyl, I won’t let him hurt you. I know this is a lot to take in, but we’re going to be okay.” Kissing the back of her hands, he inhaled her scent. His dragon was on edge, demanding for release. It roared in his head, torn between wanting to protect its mate and wanting to tear Maelon Godwin to pieces. “Cadence…”
“I’m ready.” Meeting his gaze, she smiled. Resolved to face her future head-on the way her grandmother had raised her, she was determined to be true to herself. She was never one to bury her head in the sand and pray her problems went away. She would see the danger, come up with a plan, and tackle any obstacle that got in her way. “We’re in this together now. Let’s show him how strong our bond already is.”
Helping her to her feet, he was amazed by her strength and her bravery. Even in the face of danger, she was prepared to stand beside him. Unable to stop himself he dove towards her, taking her lips with his. Desire poured through him, burning as it flowed. As his lips met hers their tongues tangled, and she matched his passion.
Returning his kiss with equal desperation, Cadence moaned against his mouth. Backing her up against the wall, his lips devoured hers. Pulling her closer, his hard dick fit perfectly between her legs. A moan escaped her lips, bringing him back to the present and the dangerous situation they faced. He broke the kiss having started something they didn’t have time to finish. “Let’s go,” he ordered gruffly.
Chapter Eleven
Pausing before he opened the front door of the apartment building, Gareth dropped his head, leaning it against the door. “I’m sorry,” he apologized, blowing his breath out roughly. “I didn’t mean to be short with you.” Taking his anger out on her had never been his intention. It killed him to think he’d hurt her. Damn you, Maelon!
“It’s the dragon, isn’t it?” she questioned softly, knowing almost instinctively that it was his dragon driving his intense emotions.
“Yes, it senses danger surrounding you… and it’s difficult to fight him and you.” Stepping back from the door, he rubbed his face with his hands and pushed calm at his dragon. He needed to be able to focus on her and not it. His beast’s obstinacy made it difficult.
“Why are you fighting me, Gareth? We’re in this together now. This won’t work if we’re fighting each other.”
“I didn’t mean it that way, sweetheart. It’s not you I’m fighting. I started something with that kiss that I don’t have time to finish. Stopping was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but with Maelon right outside, making love to you has to wait whether I want it to or not. I have no idea what he has planned, add in my dragon’s fury, and I’m twisted emotionally,” he responded with a grim smile. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you, though, never you!”
Touching the side of his face, she smiled, “It’s okay, un annwyl. I forgive you.”
Meeting her gaze, her love shone bright. “You are amazing. Are you ready?” Leaning down, he kissed her softly, full of promise.
Slipping her hand in his, she nodded her head.
“I need you to follow me and do exactly as I say. I don’t know what Maelon will try, but whatever you do, stay behind me. Keeping you safe is all that matters.” When she nodded in acknowledgement, he squeezed her hand and slowly opened the door.
As they reached the bottom of the steps, Maelon stepped out of the shadows in front of them. “Hello, Gareth,” he goaded. His green eyes were ringed with the fire of his dragon. He stood with his feet apart, poised to attack.
Tucking Cadence in behind him, Gareth met Maelon’s glare. “Give it up, Maelon, you aren’t going to win,” he challenged as he prepared himself for the coming fight. The band around his arm flared to life with his dragon’s need for blood.
“There you go again, underestimating me. When are you arrogant Cadells going to learn not to do that? It’s only a matter of time before the ddraig wen is in control of Dinas Emrys. The only question is, how many of the red dragons will be alive to see it?”
“Seems to me you’re the one overreaching here. You will not defeat me, or the red dragons. Your family has already proven their utter failure when it comes to defeating us,” he boasted, needing his enemy’s anger focused on him and not his mate. Witnessing the crazed look that came over his face, Gareth knew he had succeeded. Growling in rage, Maelon attacked.
Spinning to block the knife glinting in the moonlight, Gareth used his body to protect Cadence. Thrusting his arm, he connected with Maelon’s nose, hearing the crack as it broke, and blood poured down his face.
Frenzied in his motions, Maelon dodged to the left, forcing Gareth to step away from Cadence. When the next jab of the knife came, he dodged away, leaving her unprotected.
Hearing her bloodcurdling scream, terror shot through his heart. Whirling around, he watched in horror as a second unnoticed man pulled a knife from her chest.
“No!” he screamed, tearing himself away from his fight and racing to her side. Grabbing her, he pressed his hand to her wound and caught her as her body slumped to the ground. Cradling her in his arms, he screamed as his dragon echoed the anguish in his head.
“The end has come,” Maelon taunted. “The ddraig wen will have its revenge and its place of honor in Dinas Emrys.”
Chapter Twelve
Gathering her into his arms, Gareth sprinted back up the stairs and down the hall to her apartment. Kicking the door open, he raced inside and gently laid her on the couch. He kept his hand pressed tightly against her wound as blood ran between his fingers and pooled on the couch. His dragon snarled, fighting to take control. It roared her name, pushing him closer to the edge.
Mam, help me! Cadence has been stabbed. Please, Mother…I need you! He begged his mother in his mind. I can’t lose her! Throwing his head back, his scream exploded from him.
Stop! You have to focus. I feel her life force fading. You’re almost out of time. Your blood is the only thing that will save her now. You know what to do. It’s the only way to save her now!
While his brain knew that was what he had to do, his heart hated it. The moment he gave her his blood, she would gain his immortality, whether she wanted it or not. Unwilling to accept the alternative, he jumped up and ran into the kitchen. Grabbing a knife from the butcher block, he scrambled back to her side. Quickly drawing the blade across his wrist, he lifted her head and brought his bleeding wrist to her mouth.
“Drink, baby, please.” His heart felt as if it was breaking into a thousand pieces. For the first time in his life, he didn’t care about Dinas Emrys or his immortality. If he lost her, he had nothing left to live for.
He held his breath, silently praying for her to accept his blood. She’s too far gone. Gareth, you have to force it into her. Do it now, before it’s too late. His mother’s voice screeched in his head.
Bringing his wrist to his lips, he sucked his blood into his mouth. He leaned over her and pressed his mouth to hers. Using his tongue to force her lips open, he spewed his blood with such force that she automatically swallowed.
Breathing a sigh of relief when he realized she was getting his blood, he ripped open her shirt so he could see the wound. He knew the minute his blood started working. The blood slowed to a drip and the hole in her chest began to heal. Leaning his head down until their foreheads were touching, he kissed her softly. It’s working Mother. The wound is healing.
She will sleep now. Gareth, get her to the airport; the plane will be waiting to bring you to us. Don’t hesitate! Her body needs to heal and you need to be here, where the land strengthens you.
Chapter Thirteen
Pacing outside his childhood bedroom at his parents’ home in Dinas Emrys, Ga
reth ran his fingers through his hair. Frustrated by how long Cadence had been asleep, he struggled to remain calm.
“You can come in now, impatient one,” his mother teased.
“You laugh, but I’m scared. What if I did something wrong? What if I didn’t give her enough of my blood? Shouldn’t she be awake by now?” Sitting down beside the bed, he gathered her hands in his. Reaching up, he stroked her hair back from her face. The dark circles under her eyes seemed lighter somehow.
“You did everything right. Your mate is healing fine. The wound is completely sealed and the scar is almost gone. She will awaken when she’s ready.”
“He’ll be back. He won’t stop until she’s dead.” Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed it gently. “He will lose this fight. I will not allow him to get close to her again. I failed her once. I will not fail her again.”
“This was not your fault. You did everything you could to protect her. You saved her life, and now you both are here in a place where you are protected by our family, our bond, and our strength. He can’t touch her as long as the two of you are here.” She blocked all emotion from him, not wanting to add to his concerns. While she said the words ensuring their safety, she knew it wasn’t the truth. Maelon Godwin and the ddraig wen were coming.
The voices around her reeled Cadence back to the present and away from her dreams of her grandmother. She wasn’t ready to give up that special time with Nana, but she could hear the suffering in Gareth’s voice. Her mate, the man she would spend the rest of eternity with.
“Gareth,” she whispered hoarsely.
“I’m here, love.” Leaning down towards her, he softly kissed her forehead. Breathing a sigh of relief, he only cared that she was okay. “How are you?”
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