Page 33 of The Aurora Marelup Complete Saga Omnibus

“Hmm, Alex sent several texts. Apparently, we have informants in the Ice Dragon and Polar Bear Compounds. Tomas is plotting to attack us as we cross the Bering Land Bridge on the two islands in the middle.” Dom’s eyes lift to meet mine, then shift back down to his phone as more texts come through. “Apparently, the Dragon Prince and one of the Polar Bears are part of the resistance. We are assured assistance, protection, and shelter along our journey.” More messages come through, and Dom reads through them quickly. “The prince has shipped a package to Aurora, but Alex has no clue what it contains.” Dom goes back to texting back and forth with Alex, informing him of the recent attack and Aurora’s near-death experience. Dom felt that the prince and the bear needed that information. “Alex said he’ll pass the news along once he hears from them again.”

“Shit. Well, we should start planning for the battle on the ice then.” I pull out my phone and bring up my mapping program and search for the Bering Land Bridge. It’s not fully intact yet, but it should be when we are ready to cross. I see the islands in question and show them to Dom. “If your brother’s information is correct, here’s the attack zone.” I don’t doubt Alex’s integrity, but I don’t know the other males involved to fully trust them yet. As we stop in the middle of the road, we draw the attention of Aurora’s father, Nico. Silent fucker almost scared my wolf white with the way he seemed to materialize before me.

“Holy fuck, Dad. You just scared the hell out of me!” I pause, my skin becoming paler. I just called Aurora’s fatherDad. Nico smirks at me—like father like daughter.

“It happens, son. What has drawn your attention to the phone? Is that the correct name for the magic information box?” His brows are furrowed in concentration, much like his daughter when she’s in deep thought. I retake my chances.

“Yes, Father, it’s a phone, and we’ve received intel from Alex about where Tomas is setting up to ambush us.” Dom takes this moment to show Nico the islands’ map and shows him the text messages from Alex. Nico starts to smile and lets out a slow breath.

“Wonderful news!” Nico says in probably one of the most jovial tones I’ve heard him use since seeing his daughter. “Alaric was just a hatchling when I last saw him. He was such a good boy. His mother is a Golden Dragon. They are known for their sense of justice.” His eyes light up as he reads further. He glances between Dom and me, then back to the message. “Can you find out when and why the prince is sending Aurora the present?” Nico’s dragon is so close to the surface that scales randomly ripple along his flesh. Dom looks up at the king, a little spooked by his behavior.

“Of course, Father. I’ll question my brother immediately.” Dom takes the phone back from Nico and fires off several questions to Alex, then begins pacing, waiting for the answer. I’m not used to seeing Dom rattled, but you can feel the anxiety coming off him in waves. Several pings of incoming messages fire off in quick succession. Dom’s face goes pale as he passes the phone to Nico. Dom locks eyes with me, and the look he has on his face makes me worried. On the other hand, Nico has that Cheshire Cat smile on his face, making him look like a deranged serial killer.

“Alex heard from the bear that it’s a Tizheruk skull with one of the prince’s scales.” Nico hands the phone off to Dom, then grips my left shoulder tightly. “Do you know what this means?” He gives me several shakes. Nicodeamus’s excitement level is turning frightening at an alarming rate. What kind of a shit storm is about to hit the fan for us?

“No, Father, I don’t. Remember, I’m not a dragon, and we’re all trying to get used to and learn dragon customs.” Okay, nowI’m genuinely getting concerned. Either the news is really good or really bad. I’m going to safely assume it’s okay because he’s still smiling.

“Forgive me, boys. I forget you have no clue. A male dragon bestows his prized skull to a female he swears fidelity to. In short, it’s a promise of protection and an offer to become mates.” He quickly snatches me up in a one-armed hug before turning and doing the same to Dom.

Nico takes off shouting for Dimitri and pretty much anyone else who will listen to him. Dom and I stare at each other, absolutely gobsmacked at the information relayed to us. Game changer, yes. On the positive side, we possibly have a legion of dragons on our side. However, we have a Dragon Prince—another alpha—to contend with.Fuck…Dom finally comes back to his senses and looks at his phone, then back to me.

“Okay... um, back to planning for the attack. We should probably find Dimitri and speak to him. Maybe he can shed some light on how the Polar Bears think and operate.” At least Dom isn’t shaken by the revelation that the prince is now involved.

“That’s probably a good idea, Dom. Let’s go back toward the center of town.” We start heading back, and as we approach the Alpha House, what do we find? My mother and Nico jumping up and down, hugging each other like they won the fucking lottery.

Both Dimitri and Andre look just as gobsmacked as Dom and I did at the news. We both pause to take in the scene before us. I personally feel like I’m in the middle of a shitty episode ofThe Twilight Zone. We start to walk toward the group again, and we can hear my mother and Nico discussing where and how to place Aurora’s skull collection so it may impress the prince. I facepalm, and my mother looks up after hearing my hand hit my forehead. Before I can react, my mother plows right into me and attempts to hug me to death.

“Isn’t it wonderful news! A Dragon Prince on our side for the battle!” She quickly releases me, then proceeds to take Dom hostage next. “Nico and I decided we’re going to build Aurora a Throne of Skulls. Imagine it: walking into the Alpha House, and next to the fireplace is Aurora sitting on her Throne of Skulls. Her hands are shifted to her hybrid’s with the dragon scales, talons gripping the Strigoi skulls.” Mom has that dreamy look in her eyes, pleased with her idea even though it’s creepy as fuck.

With the way my warped mother describes the scene, I could easily visualize it; my beautiful mate, her eyes pools of mercury. The dominance pouring off her in almost oppressive waves, forcing the weak to be subjugated before her. Her dragon scales coating her forearms and hands in their partially shifted state to look like armored gauntlets. Her long, white, hooked talons digging into the skulls of the Strigoi. Yet, she’s a vision of beauty in her blood-red gown, legs crossed at her ankles. Dom and Jayce, in their wolven forms, are sitting on either side of her throne. Their large, heavily muscled black Dire Wolves ready to attack at her command. As for myself, I stand at her right as her first mate, prepared to advise her or quell her rage. I blink my eyes rapidly, then look at Nico. The fucker is smiling at me.

“Did you just share that vision with me?” He starts laughing.

“Yes, I did. I also shared it with Dominik. With both of you fully bonded to Aurora, I had to test my theory. Soon, you will all be able to share visions as well as talk without sound. It’s a dragon thing. You’ll get used to it.” He smirks. “She is a vision of beauty on that throne, wasn’t she?” Dom and I nod our heads, and I turn to my mother.

“So, what do we need to do to make that vision a reality?” My mother looks to Nico, then goes up on her tippy toes and kisses his lips before leaving the room. What the fuck just happened? When the fuck did this happen? I fucking quit. I drop my head and follow my mother. Dom chooses to remain behind to catchDimitri and Andre up on what’s been transpiring behind the scenes.

I follow my mother back to her workshop. Apparently, she has already abducted every able-bodied male she could find. Mom is standing by the men, directing them as they carefully stack the skulls in crates. Another group is picking up the containers and carrying them through the back door of the house.

“Mom?” Slowly, my mother turns to face me. By the look on her face, she knows the question I was about to ask.

”Don’t look at me like that, baby boy. You look at me as if I am wrong to have any kind of relationship with anyone besides your dead father. I’ve been alone for the last hundred and ten years. I deserve to be happy too.” Unshed tears finally break free and silently roll down her cheeks. Okay, I absolutely feel like shit for making my mother cry. I move quickly and wrap my arms around her and hug her tightly. Gently, I press a kiss to the crown of her head.

”I’m sorry, Mom, I was just shocked. I’m glad you’re happy.“ I smile as I look down at her. Hopefully, she can see that I’m sincere. Mom’s eyes eventually find mine, and she smiles at me.

“I had a crush on Nico when I was a young woman. He was such a brave and selfless warrior.” Her eyes glaze over, and I can tell she is lost in a memory. “My sister and I were sent as emissaries between the clans. We were the ones versed in the most customs. On one visit, I had the chance to watch Nico sword fight a Red Dragon Prince,” she sighed softly. I look up and see Nico approaching, and I motion with my hand to halt him. “That was probably one of the most epic battles I had ever seen. Unbeknownst to the Red Dragon Prince, Nico was equally dangerous fighting with the sword in either hand. In probably one of the most unforgettable moves I’ve witnessed, he dropped the sword from his right hand to his left. He thrust it intohis opponent’s chest, ending the battle.” Mom giggled like a schoolgirl at the memory.

“I was instantly smitten with him. It’s amazing how quickly a crush is forgotten when your mate stands before you. The sun rose and set according to your dad. No one will ever take his place, but I can care for another.” Mom kisses my cheek, then walks into the house. Nico’s face is priceless. Apparently, he had no clue mom ever had a crush on him. I take a page out of his playbook and smirk at him before moving to grab a crate.

CHAPTER 28

Sebastian

I movethrough the Alpha House, carrying the crate of skulls and come to an abrupt halt. Apparently, the throne idea didn’t just happen. By the looks of it, they are halfway done with their little project. Now that I look at it, the throne seems kind of wicked. I place my crate close to where the guys are working before walking around the throne to study it. My mom honestly had a brilliant idea, and I know Aurora will love it. Dimitri enters through the front door with Dom following closely behind. They both stop dead in their tracks and stare at the half-way done skull throne.

“It’s a brilliant gift for Aurora, isn’t it?” Maybe I’m becoming just as daft as the others, but I’m starting to see the need for the throne. Dom looks to Dimitri, then back to me.

“Um, yeah. It’s a great idea, and I’m sure our mate will love it, but don’t you think planning our strategy is more important than home decor?” Dom and Dimitri assume the same stance, crossing their thick arms over their chests.I look at the two of them and realize they are fucking dead serious, so I text several more young pack mates to come assist with the project. I pull myself away and head toward the office off of the main chamber. Dimitri and Dom follow me, then close the door behind them.

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