Page 196 of The Forbidden Dragon King
“Fuck.” Daire and I stumble back frantically, as the fearsome dragon lands, shaking the ground.
Aurelius spreads his wings and stalks towards us like we’re prey.
My heartbeat kicks up.
Ignatius roars a greeting that Aurelius returns.
I enjoy the fact that it makes that Alphahole Aquila jump.
I will never grow tired of seeing Aurelius like this with his horns curving from his head and his sinuous neck weaving intimidatingly. Shadows coil around his back and disintegrate from the tips of his wings like ash.
Daire appears frozen, staring wide-eyed up at the dragon who is towering over us with his wings outstretched.
They’re beautiful together, like fire and frost, Aurelius’ voice drifts like smoke into my mind, much softer and more loving than I’ve heard it before.
Daire startles at the same time as I do.
“You heard that, aye?” Daire says out of the corner of his mouth. “Because otherwise I’m going crazy, and we’re about to be dragged off for some sacrificial bondage.”
Do you have to make your ritual death sound like an orgy?Aurelius demands with a cool amusement.
I don’t have to.This time, Daire’s reply sounds in my mind by telepathy.
I can hear you!I jump up and down in excitement.I can hear you both.
Daire chuckles.I knew that it would only be a matter of time before the great King Aurelius found a way to even invade my mind.
Only, it doesn’t feel like an invasion or a violation.
This three way telepathy creates a depth of connection that’s even greater than sharing pheromones with Aurelius in his study or emotions through the snowflake with Daire.
We’re truly in each other’s minds. No one else can communicate with each other like we can or know what we’re talking about.
We’ve created a secret world between just the three of us.
Can we always talk like this?Daire’s expression becomes calculating.It’d be useful.
Only when I’m in dragon form.Aurelius cocks his head, lashing his tail. How is he managing to look cute, when I know that he’s the deadliest creature in the realms?You do know that this is me publicly claiming you? Am I making that clear enough? It was meant to be romantic.
Butterflies swarm in my stomach.It is romantic. Perfect. But also, you can’t do this. No one else knows what has happened yet. Why don’t we pretend that we can’t hear each other and that we just really like to stare deeply into each other’s eyes? Bonding you is forbidden.
I’m not bonding you, Aurelius corrects.I’m claiming you as my dragon riders and mates. I’m courting you.
Daire winks.I’ve always wanted to ride a dragon. And if this is you actually acknowledging your Omega, as you always should have done, then you need to do it bloody right.
How?
Daire smirks.Gifts are always a good start. These last few weeks have been hell. Why don’t you take our Spark out somewhere to celebrate?
Aurelius huffs smoke.I’ll take you both out this weekend to the Carnival of Shadows.
You’d take us out into Bael?Daire reaches up to push a wet curl behind his ear, nervously.Have you forgotten atriumphal parade? A certain impossibly handsome fae being dragged in a cage, while your citizens hurled insults and rotten fruit at him? Now, you want to take me out into the same city not in chains but on a date?
I’m the King. Aurelius leans back, his reptilian eyes becoming dangerous.I’ve never been to the carnival either. If I want to take out my dragon riders, treat my Omega, or indulge a fae king as my mate, rather than as a prisoner pet, who dares stop me?
“What is going on?” The instructor storms through the rain, casting nervous glances at Aurelius.
I twirl to the instructor with a grin. “Daire and I are King Aurelius’ dragon riders.”
