Page 6 of Fate and Flame
“You would demand the Sengen to give rides like a common horse?” He stood, his great muscles tightening as he coiled and soared into the sky, bellowing while leaving us all in a heavy cloud of dust.
I would and you will. There is no negotiation here. I’ve not shared your name, nor the power over you it gives to me, but don’t think I won’t.
“If I agree, you will release me.” He moved across the sky until his great wings blocked the sun, taking the tiny bit of warmth with him.
“I don’t feel like negotiating. Now be a good dragon and let us up.”
“You have got to be kidding me. I’d rather walk.” Lichen inched backward until he stepped into Greeve’s solid form, then yelped and moved away.
Wren’s eyes were wider than a wagon wheel, but she didn’t step away.
“You’re perfectly safe, Lichen. He can’t and won’t hurt you,” I assured him.
“I need specific details. How are you commanding him?” he asked. “And what about the other dragons? Are they under this new authority also?”
“That’s between him and me. Best let your balls drop, Lich. We’re riding a dragon today.”
“I want to laugh, but I’m afraid I’ll piss myself,” Kai whispered.
Greeve chuckled and I smirked at him. At least I knew he and Fen would come with me. They were fearless. I think Wren would too. She looked scared, but not as much as Lichen. When we left the dragons last time and the others didn’t make a move toward us, I knew I had ensnared the Sengen. They were all bound to him, and thus to me, because I knew his name. The name of a dragon was a powerful piece of information.
He landed, lifted his long neck to the sky, and roared a stream of fire until the ground shook and the heat beat down on us.
I tapped my foot impatiently. “When you’re done with the dramatics, dragon. It’s time to go.”
He snorted a murky cloud of smoke and lowered his stretched wing until it was flat on the ground.
One more thing, if one of my friends even gets the feeling you’re going to attempt something dangerous, life-threatening, or scary, I’ll order you to kill the others and then yourself.
The rugged sound of dragon laughter filled the air as he hissed and his body shook. “I think I quite like you, little liar.”
“Seriously can’t believe you just made best friends with a dragon,” Wren said as the six of us moved up his wing and sat on his massive back.
“Well, you know what they say.” Kai chuckled nervously. “What doesn’t kill you will just give you a lot of unhealthy coping mechanisms. Or a sparkling personality.”
“How are we supposed to hold on?” Lichen cried out.
Are you sure you don’t want me to drop that one?His scent is fishy. His mind is void of loyalty to you, unlike the others.
Stay out of their minds. Lichen is just a whiny old fae. He’s fine.
The mind of your mate is quite scandalous and even now the draconian contemplates ways to kill me.
Out of their minds, Path.
The blond one is funny. I quite like him.He tremored with laughter.
“Can you guys put your mental shields up? Damn. He’s reading you all like books right now.”
“Calm,” Fen whispered into my ear. “Not all mental shields can hold out a dragon. You’re just an exception to every rule.”
“You’re a scary bitch.” Wren linked her arm with mine. “Let’s get out of here.”
“Whenever you’re ready, dragon.” I laid my head on her shoulder. In that moment, I knew home was where my people were. They were mine and I was theirs.
Chapter Two
Temir
