Page 31 of Marked Dragon

“Everly?” Errol said, and I jerked my gaze to him.

I swallowed hard and cleared my throat, not wanting to sound broken. That would only make Drake feel more powerful. “Yes?”

“It’s time to exchange vows. I need you to look at Prince Drake,” he said with a sad smile.

He knew something was wrong.

It’s time,I connected with Thorn.Where are you?

I’m in the chateau,he replied.Almost there. Delay them however you can.

Drake gripped my arms and forced me to turn to him. He smiled, but his eyes were devoid of warmth. He was playing the part he wanted the attendees to see. “Hey, I’m right here with you. No need to be nervous.”

Then Errol said the words I’d been dreading. The very words I hoped he’d never get to. “Do you, my prince…” He trailed off, giving me the chance to actnow. If I didn’t, everything would be over.

CHAPTERELEVEN

The next wordscame too fast from Errol’s mouth. “Do you, my prince, take Everly to be your wedded wife?”

My heart raced as Drake’s mouth opened. I dropped the bouquet, ready to attack, just as he said, “I—”

Glass shattered behind the white curtain, and I kneed Drake in the crotch. Eyes bulging, he inhaled sharply and grabbed his junk.

Drake dropped to his knees, and the guests broke out into startled murmurs. Just as Drake opened his mouth again, the white sheet behind Errol ripped away, revealing the chateau and Thorn.

I froze, unable to look away, afraid he was a mirage.

Thorn was gorgeous, determined, and worthy of being painted. He wore his typical jeans, Timberlands, and a black shirt that hugged his body. I could see every curve of muscle, and my mouth puddled. His shaggy dark hair was a little longer, hanging in his sky-blue eyes, and his teeth were clenched, emphasizing his strong jaw.

He was here, as promised, to save me.

He raced to Drake and punched him. Then he declared loudly, “As the first-born prince, I do take Everly to bemywife.” He turned to me and pulled me into his arms.

My skin jolted, electrified by our fated-mate connection, and I inhaled his scent, minty amber with a faint hint of brimstone, which indicated he was a dragon shifter. I was home, but if we didn’t get moving, I wouldn’t be for much longer.

I pulled back and searched those around us. Four guards stood on the terrace, their tranq guns aimed at Thorn, and two dragons were flying toward us.

“Uh…” Errol’s mouth hung open as more warriors barreled down the aisle.

A broken gasp from Queen Mira had me glancing behind me.

“Thorn?” Her face twisted in agony. “Is that really you?”

He tensed but didn’t take his eyes off me.

Drake got back onto his feet, though he stayed hunched over. He snarled, “Kill himnow. Then I’ll take Everly as my wife.”

Thorn’s roar rattled the ground and the terrace. His pupils elongated. “You willnothave what ismine. She is myfated mate.”

“What?” the queen whispered, sounding shocked, but now wasn’t the time to contend with her emotions.

The tallest warrior in the back aimed his tranq rifle at Thorn just as an arrow shot across the clearing and pierced the warrior’s neck. The arrows kept coming as someone launched an attack from above. The four warriors with tranqs were taken down in seconds, and whoever was on our side turned their attention to the rest.

It had to be Vlad. He had trained Thorn.

Leaning toward me, Thorn connected,Get your sister, and take her inside the chateau. Top floor, the bedroom all the way to the left as you’re facing the house now. When you get there, let me know, and I’ll come after you.

My heart thumped. I didn’t want to leave him, but he wouldn’t budge until I was safe.

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