Page 99 of The Exiled Dragon

“You can be Alpha,” I whispered to him. “If you want to, you can. I’ll follow you wherever.” Creed’s thumb pushed away a snowflake on my cheek.

“The only place I want to be is with you. You are my happiness. I will gain no joy being a leader and not spending every moment with you.” I hummed, leaning into his chest.

“Would you mind terribly if I offered your Dragon tribe haven until the winter is over? No offense, but your tribe's village looks like a bunch of brawling Dragons knocked it all over.” It was true. Everything had been destroyed. The only thing left standing was the massive archives building Amora had pointed out to me and a few small tents.

With Creed’s permission, the Dragons packed everything they could inside bags so they could fly both the children and their most precious things back to the Palace. Osirus had set up a refugee camp for those that had dealt with rogue Vampires and Witches the past few weeks. It would be large enough to hold the entire tribe of Dragons that liked to remain as close to nature as possible.

The rogue situation was getting out of hand. Osirus and Clara continued to talk about a possible large war starting soon. The Vampires took out the small packs, tribes, and territories before making their biggest moves on the Kingdoms. The obvious use of black magic was apparent. Vampires moved at impossible speeds, and despite them having low numbers, they could wipe a territory clean in seconds.

The Golden Light and Cerulean Moon Kingdoms were frantic, trying to store up enough food and shelter and having their soldiers and warriors prepped for a war that could happen any day. “We should make haste,” Osirus spoke to the Dragons. “Nightfall is approaching, and having a bunch of Vampires running rampant because the moon is out, will not favor us well with such a large group.”

“We will head back then.”

Clara and Kane ran over to Osirus. “We have sent the magic powder back to our pack. The Witches there will see if there is a counter spell we can use when dealing with Dragon’s blood.” Clara gripped Kane’s hand, leaning on his arm.

“You are tired. Let me carry you home.” Kane tried to scoop up Clara in his arms.

“I need to heal someone, and then you can carry me?” Kane pursed his lips, nodding. “If you must.”

Clara ran to the forest before shortly coming back out again, almost fainting. She tripped, but Kane caught her quickly.

“Baby.” Kane picked her up, nuzzling his nose into the crook of her neck. “You are resting for a week, no buts.” Clara couldn’t comprehend what Kane was saying. She allowed herself to be lulled back and forth until she finally fell asleep.

“Until then,” Osirus nodded to them both. Kane then transformed into a gigantic wolf beast, running towards their home.

“My fawn.” Creed walked up to me as I stood next to Melina. “I want you to meet someone.” Creed’s hand landed on the small of my back, pushing me towards the edge of the woods. The sun was setting, so the woods looked much darker than I would have liked.

“I want you to meet my father.” I smiled, looking deeper into the darkness. Clara must have come inside to help his father.

“Where is he?” I jumped excitedly. I was so happy to finally meet Creed’s father and see the man responsible for giving me such a wonderful mate. As he walked out, he was as tall as Creed. They had the same facial features. His beard was longer, his eyes tired, and his robe was covered in blood and dirt.

“I am Apollo,” his voice rattled. I greeted him with a smile. Just like his son, I didn't find him frightening.

“I’m Odessa, Creed’s mate.” Apollo’s warm smile had my Dragon purring. I walked up to him, hugging him like he was my own father. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m so happy Creed has you now!” His smile faltered, looking to his son, then to me.

“Tis, I’m happy to know tha’ a part of meh lives.” Apollo’s voice hung low; the air heavy from his words. “And ya can call meh Da.”

“Well, Da.” I laughed. “You are coming back with us, right? Melina said they were going to do a mating ceremony for us.” I beamed back at Creed. It would be a surprise but telling his father at the same time sounded better.

“Eh?” Apollo looked at his son. Creed shrugged his shoulders.

“Yeah, Melina got me all dressed up. Once we get back and everyone puts their things away, we are having not just a party to celebrate Creed beating Adam, but to do our ceremony as well! It will be a lot of fun. Please say you will come!” Creed’s father looked down at me, giving me a small smile. “Pleeeease!” I begged. He chuckled.

“I see why yar so smitten. She’s lov’ly.” Apollo sighed, shrugging his shoulders. “A guess ‘nother dah won’ ’urt.” I grabbed Apollo by the waist, hugging him. Creed and Apollo gave the same laugh. It was funny how they had almost the same mannerisms, and they had never met once before.

“Is everyone ready to go? I’m ready to get this party started!” Melina flew up into the air, fist-pumping. Amora screamed and whistled.

“Hell yeah! Let’s go! Bring on the ambrosia!”

“After your punishment,” Osirus half-whispered, joining her, hovering above the ground.

“But is it really punishment;” She threw a hand on her hip towards Osirus. “When I actually want it?”

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Creed

WithAdamnolongera threat to the tribe, to me, or to my mate, I did not realize more responsibility would befall me. Being an Alpha was never my intention, and it certainly will not come to pass. After years of being alone, seeing their faces as they jeered and hated me, my heart would not do justice to protect them even under a spell. The flashes of their faces would always haunt me, and when it came time to give judgment to tribe members if ever needed, I would pull from those memories.

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