Page 85 of King of Tides

Instead, she reaches out to it as she speaks with the dragon. I can feel the anxiety of the water nymph. He’s concerned for her and ready to protect her if she needs him.

However, Zander looks comfortable with the dragon. I would say they are friends. She splashes water at it playfully and even goes as far as embracing its neck.

I look more closely at the dragon and recognition hits. I have crossed paths with this being. I know the dragon well.

So many centuries have passed since I’ve encountered this being. Those were different times. I begin to wonder how the two have become acquainted.

This is no ordinary creature. In fact, this seems to be out of character for the being. I am taken aback as I watch their next interaction.

Zander kneels in the water and the dragon lifts it’s hand to touch a claw to her forehead. A blue light begins to emit from the point of contact.

“He is blessing her,” I murmur to myself.

I can feel the water nymph’s confusion and panic. This is an ancient ritual the nymph wouldn’t understand. The dragon has chosen Zander.

“No,” I roar as the water nymph shoots an arrow at the dragon.

In the same instant, Zander has lifted from the water and now stands before the dragon, unknowingly stepping into the path of the arrow. The dragon knocks her out of the way just in time, but the arrow pierces its original mark.

I close my eyes as Zander’s screams fill the air.

I’m brought back to the present as I’m struck in the jaw. I’m startled by how much it stings. Now that I’m aware of my surroundings, I’m able to catch Billy’s fist before it connects a second time.

There are conversations to be had and questions to be answered, but those will have to wait. My mate is in distress. I restrain her arms and rock her back and forth as I coo to calm her.

“You are safe, my love. You are in my arms, and I will keep you safe. Nothing will ever harm you. I am here.”

Billy

I’m drowningin pain and so much torment. I latch onto Ardan’s voice and allow it to guide me away from all the chaos. Slowly, I open my eyes and look around.

I’m safe, I’m in our bedroom. Ardan has his strong arms around me as he rocks me from side to side. I close my eyes again and breathe him in, allowing his calming scent to fill my lungs.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he murmurs into my hair.

“No, I don’t understand most of it.”

“Then you can sleep in my arms. I will hold you and be here to protect you.”

“Thank you,” I say as I go to sit up.

He releases me reluctantly, probably thinking I intend to run away from him. Instead, I turn to straddle his hips and wrap my arms around him as I squeeze him tight and bury my face in his neck.

Lee giving me that hug the other day resonated deeply with me. I don’t often allow others to embrace me. Eddy has been the exception.

As I melt into Ardan, he tightens his arms, and I get the feeling he understands the depth of this gesture. I’m accepting him as my person. This isn’t the bond leading me, this is my heart.

“Ardan, I …”

“No need for words, my pretty mate,” he says in my ear and pats a hand against my butt.

I’m filled with so many raw emotions. I know I need to decipher those dreams, but the pain and torment I felt while in them has left me bare and aching.

“Sleep, my little one. Sleep.”

His deep, strong voice lulls me into comfort and my lids grow heavy. It’s like I’m wrapped in a cocoon of safety and love. If I ever questioned Ardan’s feelings before, I can’t say I do now.

I believe he’s allowing them to come through stronger than usual, so I push mine back. I may still have a hard time expressing the words, but my feelings are all in.

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