Page 157 of Cast By Flames (Dragon's Breath)
Galadon tried to erase those images from his mind, but each dawn, when he lay down to rest, they resurfaced. It would be good when he could get far away from her and hopefully forget their unnatural attraction.
He gathered himself and set his mug down on the bench.
“I have heard that Javier is beginning work on a potion to subvert your slayer instincts, though he thinks it will take months to formulate since it’s unlike anything he’s done before,” Galadon said. He hoped the sorcerer was successful.
Rayna’s gaze dropped again. “I heard that too, but it doesn’t do me any good now. Plus, the Kandoran aren’t affected by the cold, so someone has to be out there eradicating them regardless of the weather.”
He supposed he couldn’t argue with her on that point. Perhaps along his way back to his territory, he’d fly over the land west of the Faegud border to ensure none were close to his toriq. Galadon didn’t like the idea of so many continuing to roam out there.
“Try not to take on more than you can handle,” he said. Although he didn’t want to show he cared, it was a suitable warning he’d give anyone under the circumstances.
Rayna’s lips twitched. “If it gets bad, Onyx can always help.”
“Yes.” He grunted. “With a horse at your side, you’ll be nearly invincible against any number of enemies.”
She let out an exasperated sigh, frustration in her gaze. “Take care of yourself, Galadon.”
“You, too,” he said.
Without another word, she walked away. He wanted to call her back—that foolish part of him that enjoyed her company—but he wouldn’t. Their truce was at an end. With any luck, he could avoid her and never see her again. It would be safer for them both that way.
Chapter 50
Aidan
It was mid-afternoon, and despite the chill of that morning, the sun’s warmth had chased away the cold. The temperature rose just enough for dragons to feel comfortable. Aidan and Bailey stood on the field by the fortress in front of hundreds of guests. Most were shifters, but some humans, sorcerers, and slayers attended as well.
He was more than pleased with the turnout.
Each female participating in the mating ceremony had a fresh wreath of purple and white flowers atop their head despite it being November. They’d gotten them from their greenhouses, which flourished no matter the time of the year. A special magic spell kept the petals from wilting too soon.
Bailey appeared lovelier than ever, wearing one of her newer camrium dresses. It was burgundy with black buttons running up the front and cinched at the waist. The tight long sleeves kept her arms warm, but the skirt only ran to her knees, leaving the rest of her toned legs bare. She also wore black sandals that made her feet seem even smaller and daintier.
As soon as he’d seen her after she finished getting ready, he’d wanted to take it all back off. Even in front of so manywitnesses, he was tempted to at least run his fingers through her shiny, flowing, black hair. It nearly reached her waist now.
Years ago, during Dragomas, they’d given each other mating arm bracelets. They had intended to wear them once they had their ceremony, but Nanoq never consented to the ritual and kept putting it off until Bailey fled. After she returned, they’d had to focus on the war.
Now, after six years as mates, they could finally make their relationship official.
They stood facing each other with a burning brazier waist-high between them. Aidan held her arm bracelet in his hand, and she held his. He looked into her eyes and knew he’d made the right choice all those years ago. No one suited him more.
“Bailey, misanna, you are my world,” he began, speaking solemnly. “From the first moment I saw you through the veil between our dimensions, I could think of no other female except you. Perhaps I didn’t realize how hard I would fall, but I knew I was drawn to you in a way I’d never felt before.”
This was the one time a shifter was expected to say all the words in their heart to their mate in public, and he would take full advantage of it. His toriq would be left with no doubt about what Bailey meant to him.
“I love your fierceness and the way you challenge me. There is no male anywhere who can say their mate supports them to the fullest while also threatening death if they do anything to ruin the peace and safety of others. While some may have their doubts about you being a slayer, the wisest know that if I ever abuse my power, you will be the first to stop it. I’m proudto know you will always keep me in line and look out for the best interest of my toriq.”
Bailey smiled, eyes watering.
“Always,” she whispered.
Both their family members and friends stood at the front of the audience. Some smiled and others had thoughtful expressions on their faces. Rayna had a wistful look on hers.
“With this bracelet,” he said, holding it up for all to see the simple gold band, “I pledge my mind, body, and soul to you, Bailey. I am yours forever.”
Aidan stepped forward and dropped it into the fire. Due to a magical spell placed on the flames, it turned violet. He willed good wishes for his mate for the next thirty seconds while the audience waited in silence. For Bailey, he wanted her to be happy. That was what mattered to him most, so he poured his thoughts into that idea before taking a step back.
Once done, he nodded at her. “Your turn.”
