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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 3, 2010 18:17:48 GMT -6
Longing for a Dragon’s Kiss Prologue ~Sheets covered furniture throughout the large house, drapes were drawn, and darkness clouded every room. And although Melita’s great, great grandnephew left everything to her on his death, she wanted no part of it. She was finally free. Free from her life among her human family. Free to go home to the dragons where she belonged. Her father was a Dragon Slayer born hundreds of years ago and he had taken a captive female and mated with her, producing Melita. She was the fourth of her kind, the number branded into her right forearm, just as the other half-breeds born before and after her. For a while, she even thought that her father truly loved her mother, but then he married a human and had a son. As her father had, her half brother also worked with the slayers, and once her father died, her brother took care of her, and so forth through the generations until all that remained was Miles Tanner. At least Miles had given her a name instead of just a number when he came along, and nearly seventy years ago, he took her away from the Dragon Slayer’s compound, telling her that the dragons, including the other half-breeds, were dead. However, a few months ago, she learned differently. For the last ten years, she worked at The Other World Gazette a small tabloid dedicated to paranormal activity. But when a co-worker, Rusty Carson failed to return to work from a secret assignment he was working on, she was sent to find out why and where his story was. She found him at his condominium dressed as a ballerina, wearing a pink tutu all the way down to pink toe slippers with satin laces around his calves. It was disgusting to see Rusty dressed like that considering the man was rather portly, but he had given her two rolls of undeveloped film, said he couldn’t remember what was on them, and he had quit his job since he no longer liked taking photos. When she went home and developed the film in her dark room with the hope of maybe making up a story, after all, they did it all the time, shock rushed her to see the dragon in it that was one minute in his human form, then his large black dragon form, before returning to human. Shock turned to horror though when she developed the second roll and saw the slayers raping and beating the male. It broke her heart to see such a magnificent creature demoralized like that, especially considering she was half dragon herself. She confronted Miles and he admitted he had lied all those years ago. With his confession, she swore she was leaving to return to the dragons, but he made one request. He was dying and he didn’t want her leaving until his death. He had given her a home and freedom from the slayers, so she granted him the request. He gave her a file with all the information that she needed to find the dragons, and now that he was gone, she was going home. She sat at his desk in the large study with the small lamp lighting the papers in front of her. She had gone through the file everyday since he gave them to her, reading everything she could about the dragons. Lord Sebastian Black was the Ruler when Miles worked for the slayers, but that was sixty years ago. She didn’t have any updated information, but at least it was a place to start. She would go to the Ruling Territory and with any luck, she would locate the male in the pictures. She didn’t know why she was so drawn to him, but she couldn’t bear what happened to him. If he weren’t free, she would make sure the ruler knew he was a prisoner and hoped they would find him. She didn’t know how the dragons felt about half-breeds, in fact, she was embarrassed to know that they were so beautiful when she couldn’t even completely transform like they could. When Miles rescued her, he removed the slave bands from around her wrists and neck, and she had transformed for the one and only time in her life. But unlike the magnificent male in the photo, she grew from her small stature of five feet five to a little over six feet. Her white hair grew longer to reach her hips with white wings sprouting from her back and a spindly tail with a triangular shaped tip from her rump. Her emerald eyes elongated, giving her a wider peripheral view, while her fingers turned into claw with white talons on the end. And from her head, goodness gracious, she actually had white horns. It was shameful. The black dragon was amazing. It was difficult to know exactly how large he was, but he had to be at least fifty feet from the top of his head with his black pointy horns, down his sleek neck, over his wide body, to the end of his long pincher-like tail. Large wings expanded from his back, stretching wider than his length, while a solid black mane fell over his neck. He was beautiful and to see what the slayers did to him was horrifying. One way or another, she would help him even if it were the last thing she ever did. However, she would have to reach the Ruling Territory first and she still had a full day and a half drive to reach them. Sighing, she closed the file making sure the pictures that she had developed were stashed in the back of it, never wanting anybody to see what had happened to the male, but knowing she might have to show them to the ruler if she was to gain his trust and help. Flipping off the light, she pushed out from behind the desk, stood, and headed for the door. With one look back into the office, she closed the door and headed to the front door. The realtor was waiting and she gave her the key. “I hope the new owners enjoy it.” Then she walked out of the house and climbed into her car. She looked up at the two-story mansion for several minutes, but her life wasn’t here. It was in the Ruling Territory, home among other dragons. She hoped the other half-breeds were there as well. It had been too long since she had been among her kind and she was eager for their companionship. No longer would she have to hide her identity, change homes, and jobs every few decades to keep the humans from knowing she didn’t age. She would be among those who understood. The file told her how the dragons fought a battle between the ancient clans centuries ago to win the right to live as humans without revealing themselves to the humans, but at least they lived in a way where they never had to worry about the humans knowing what they were. She hadn’t. She lived with that fear daily. The fear that she would accidentally transform in front of the humans. She would be a freak and no doubt, a few agencies would love nothing more than to experiment on her, much the way the slayers did the full-blooded dragons. However, those days were long gone now. Smiling, she pulled out of the drive, never looking back as she drove away. She was finally going home.
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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 3, 2010 21:24:28 GMT -6
Chapter 1 Darius McKenzie walked into his home, shut the door, and set the security system before heading down the entryway. There were advantages to being High Commander of the Dragon Slayers, and having his own personal home was just one of them. Unlike his teams who had to stay on the compounds, Darius enjoyed living in a two-story condo with all the luxuries life could afford. And at his high rank, he could afford a lot. It had been a long day though, and he was glad to come home finally and ignore the world for a bit. Headquarters was only two miles away, so if there was a problem, it was easy to get back quickly. Of course, the only problem he had over the last three months was hiding his transactions among the slayers from The Guild members who followed him. Unfortunately, his decision to kill Jake Benet had started his recent problems with the guild members, finally forcing him to leave his double life behind. Jake was the slayer who had destroyed the Ruling House and captured by Rafael Santaria, a guild member who was the dragon rider to Lord Vileo Draco, Ruler of the Dragon World. If Darius had been smart, he would have sent somebody else to kill Jake, but he believed he could do it and keep The Guild from knowing. He wanted to see Jake’s face when he killed the man for disobeying his orders to stand down from attacking the Ruling House. His need was his downfall among The Guild. When they discovered the slayer’s death, Darius made the biggest mistake of all. He tried to blame Rafael Santaria for the murders, but apparently, Rafael was trusted more than Darius was. He ended up with guild members following him everywhere. His priority was to the slayers, so finally, he had to give up on leading his double life. It screwed up many of his plans, but there were other slayers hidden in the guild that would report to him what was going on. It wasn’t as good as him playing the double agent as the High Commander of The Guild, but it would still work. He grabbed a glass of wine from the kitchen and then went through the dining room to the living room. When he entered, he froze to see a man sitting on his sofa with a black gnarled staff with a black crystal resting inside the mouth, at his side. He was a powerfully built man with long golden hair that hung over broad shoulders. When he turned to look at Darius, he saw the black eyes with gold flecks and he knew that this was no man. He was a dragon. Snarling, he lunged to the right where his roll top desk sat for the weapons he had in the drawer. Without more than a flick of the dragon’s wrist, Darius found himself pinned against the wall unable to move. “What do you want dragon?” He rolled into a standing position, every move throwing off power, and moved to stand in front of Darius. “You.” Darius dropped to the ground when the power holding him released. He looked up at the male with a glare. “Who are you and why do you want me?” “I am Lord Desiderio and I want the slayer’s aid.” He stood back and waved a hand to the dark green recliner, and Darius moved to sit in it, curious now. “You killed Jake and he was my contact among the slayers. Therefore, I have come to you instead. I figure working with the top guy might be more beneficial than working with an idiot.” Darius sneered. But he finally frowned at the male. He had heard the name before, but what was it he was told? Something about mages, but it didn’t interest him at the time, so he set it aside. After all, playing with the mages was dangerous, especially since their slave bands wouldn’t hold a mage. “Jake was more than just an idiot, he disobeyed, so I killed him. But how did you know him?” Desiderio shrugged his shoulder and sat back down on the sofa. He crossed one leg over the other and stared at Darius. “I am the one who led him to the clan of crystal dragons that he captured.” Darius didn’t show his surprise. The dragon betrayed his own kind, an entire clan that Darius divided among all the compounds for different experiments, and Jake’s reward was becoming the Commander of the compound near the Ruling Territory. It could help Darius in the end if the dragon was telling the truth. But that didn’t explain what the male wanted with him. “And now?” “Have you heard of the Trueborns?” He felt excitement, but he wouldn’t reveal that to the dragon. He would give his right arm to have one of the Trueborns. There were two of them, twin brother, and sister that lived in the Ruling Territory. They were the only true younglings born to the very first dragons ever to exist. As High Commander of The Guild, Darius had learned that the Firstborns, Lord Calador and Lady Annora, lived on an island, Elyssa, which they hid from the other dragons many, many millennia ago when they grew tired of the warring between the different dragon clans that they had birthed. After a long time with just the two of them, they grew lonely again, and birthed two more younglings that they kept hidden on their island. To these two dragons, they shared their entire peacock coloring as well as all of their powers, unlike the other dragon clans that had their colors and powers divided among the different colored clans. However, after many millennia, they realized they could no longer keep their young hidden on the island. If nothing else, they needed mates, so Lord Calador lifted the foggy veil that hid their island and allowed Athelos and his twin sister, Zarina, to leave. They had lived among the dragons in the Ruling Territory for about ten years now. They were powerful, and it was Athelos who had stopped Jake’s attack on the Ruling House three months ago by sending the man two thousand miles away with nothing more than a flick of his wrist. Darius would give anything to have one of them. With that kind of power, it would possibly help them learn how to destroy the dragons. “I have,” he answered while watching the dragon through narrowed eyes. Desiderio’s lips twitched. The man was trying to hide his excitement. It was easy for him to sense it, but he would let the man play his game. “I am going to capture one of them and I need the slayer’s help.” Darius cocked an eyebrow. “Really? And why would you be willing to betray the Trueborns or for that matter, any of the dragons?” His eyes narrowed on the slayer and growled low. “I am a mage. At one time, I was the most powerful mage to exist. However, my daughter, Mystic who now rules the mage council stole my powers and I want them back. And once I finish regaining my strength, I will destroy all the dragons for their betrayal.” Darius nodded. Now he knew what he had heard about Desiderio. The mage had attacked his own daughter when she was eight months pregnant with her son Storm. Although Desiderio claimed it was Mystic who stole his powers, reports to the guild said that it was the unborn youngling that protected himself and his mother, in turn, absorbing the mage’s abilities. The youngling was born premature, but since he absorbed the powers of Desiderio and the other three mages that attacked Mystic at the same time, he was also born with all their knowledge and abilities. The power was too much for one so small, and he was born blind. Rafael had talked of the youngling and his freaky ways, including that he could speak telepathically with a roomful of dragons, but it was in the voice of a mature male, not the small youngling who still had all the impulses of a normal five-year-old now. But Desiderio had fallen off the radar over two years ago. “Where have you been over the last two years? If you don’t have any powers left, how do you plan to capture a Trueborn?” Desiderio frowned. Damn, had it been that long? Time traveled differently in The Shadow Realm and what he had thought was nothing but a few months, had in fact been two years. But it was worth it. Lord Braillios Draco, Ruler of the Wraith Shadow Realm, had spent the time teaching Desiderio how to use their combined powers when they merged while Desiderio used the time to make himself stronger. Since he had stolen some mage powers from weaker mages, he was finally able to forge a new staff, using the black crystal that Braillios made out of the land near the volcanoes in The Shadow Realm. Once he had it, he used the rest of the time working to channel his diminished powers through the staff and crystal until he had perfect control. Between the black crystal and Braillios’ power, he was growing strong again. However, he wasn’t nearly strong enough to defeat Mystic and her demon son, Storm yet and ultimately, that was his goal. But, if he had the power of one of the Trueborns, he would definitely be strong enough to defeat them. “Where I’ve been is of no importance. However, how I plan to capture a Trueborn is.” He waved his hand and a set of manacles appeared on the coffee table in front of Darius. “Those are a set of the mage manacles, created by mages to hold a mage prisoner if it was ever needed. They have been empowered with an added spell that should hold one of the Trueborns. If it doesn’t hold them, it will at least weaken them long enough to do what needs to be done.” “And what needs to be done?” asked Darius while staring at the manacles. He looked up at Desiderio when he gave a dark laugh. “Justice.” Frowning, Darius leaned forward to pick the manacles up to examine them. They were similar to the slave bands, a two-inch flat surface that would bind the dragon, but there wasn’t a lock on them, or even an opening that Darius could see. He was guessing it took mage magic to make them work. He didn’t know what kind of justice the mage had in store for the Trueborn, but with one of them as his prisoner, Darius just knew they would finally find a way to terminate the dragons quickly instead of the long, drawn out process from the ones they had now. Aligning himself with such a dark mage though was dangerous, so he would have to watch Desiderio closely. But despite that, he was more than willing to work with the male. “I’m game, but how do you plan to get these on the Trueborn?” Desiderio stood and laughed darkly, waved his hand, and the manacles disappeared again. “I think it will be easier than you think. Leave that to me, but have a small squad ready to transport the dragon once I catch him or her.” Darius stood, easily intimidated by the large male who stood close to five inches taller than he did. However, one thing he learned decades ago was never to back down in front of a dragon. They abhorred weakness and if they believed the cohort or enemies were weak, they would dominate over them. He refused ever to allow a dragon to dominate over him. Nodding his head, he reached a hand out to the mage. “I will have them ready, just let me know when.” Desiderio sneered at the hand offered him and then met the man’s eyes. “If you fail, I will kill you.” Darius swallowed hard when the mage disappeared as easily as he had appeared. Sighing, he sat back down again while raking a hand through his salt and pepper hair. He had worked hard and long to destroy the dragons and if he had to align himself with this male to accomplish it, he would, but then he would kill the mage as well. He never wanted to have a dragon reappear anywhere on the face of the planet again and Desiderio was providing the perfect weapon to make sure it happened. He could just imagine the mage’s reaction when he learned he was the creator of his own downfall. Darius fought the glee he felt. The dragons’ time on the Earth was limited and it was a dragon that was bringing their doom
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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 4, 2010 19:25:40 GMT -6
Chapter 2 Sergio Black leaned against the windowsill in his sitting room, watching the activities below. The ruler of his clan, Sterling, and his mate, Athena, were preparing a full-blown fancy wedding for their riders, Alexander and Sabrina. There was a time he would be down there leading everything, but that time was over. Three months ago, he ruled the clan instead of Sterling, but after a rescue mission to save a bunch of captive dragons and the rest of the half-breed clan from the slayers, Sergio made the biggest mistake of his life. Ignoring the law that there were to be no humans in their homes, especially the Ruling House, he brought several of the injured guild members into the home. There had been a huge confrontation between him and his sister’s mate, Lord Vileo Draco, and in the end, he walked out, giving the rule of his clan to Sterling. It wasn’t long after that and the slayers captured him. After beating, raping, and torturing him for almost a full day, the slayers attacked the Ruling House in retaliation for attacking their compound. They took Sergio with them and dropped him on the lawn so everybody could see what had happened to him. He had hoped he would die, wanted it, craved it, but instead, Athelos sent the slayer army two days travel away, and then saved Sergio. The first thing they did was remove the slave bar that stretched from one wrist, around his neck, and to the other wrist. He had transformed into his dragon form, healing his body, but not his spirit. He wasn’t sure exactly how long he lay in his catatonic state, but eventually, he did pull out of it. He pushed to be feral on purpose, knowing Vileo would put him down if he were a raving lunatic, dangerous to the other dragons. However, Sterling made him listen and he finally decided he would try to live. He was still volatile, his emotions chaotic, but when he returned to The Delightful Haven Inn where all the clans had to live while the Ruling House that was destroyed in the battle was rebuilt, he discovered a rider that was strong enough to handle him. Tyr was a mountain of a man at six feet five, with a wide barrel chest and broad shoulders. He was the only black man from The Guild, but Sergio was drawn to him the minute he saw him. He had long dreadlocks that reached below his muscled shoulders, usually held by a strip of leather so that when they flew, it stayed out of the man’s dark brown eyes. Having such a strong, but calm rider had helped to balance out some of Sergio’s aggressive behaviors, but already Sterling had had to remind him a few times that he no longer ruled the clan. It was difficult not to step up as their ruler, but he had abandoned them, leaving them to fight their battles on their own. He would never rule this clan again. He was supposed to be down there helping them set up for the wedding that would take place shortly, but seriously, what use was he in something so frivolous and pathetic. He couldn’t understand humans. Why did they need this big celebration to become mates? Dragons were easier. Dragons couldn’t scent the opposite sex unless he and she were mates. Naturally, this made life a lot easier, since they couldn’t respond sexually to anybody but their mate – well, except for the half-breeds, but that was an entirely different matter. Once the dragons scented their mate, it would light their mating fire, drawing them to each other until the male claimed the female with a kiss, blending their fire for eternity. They either answered their fire, or eventually burned to death painfully. And once they answered that fire, they were mates, free to decide if they would remain together or not. He had seen few males reject their mates, considering males were protective of what was theirs, and that included their mate. However, he had seen females that rejected their mate, but even half of those ended up back with their mate, their fire drawing them together to seek out sexual relief. Humans on the other hand, had this long drawn out process of setting a wedding date, throwing a huge celebration, making others wear ridiculous clothing, such as the tuxedo hanging on the back of his door in his bedroom that he was supposed to be putting on, but refused to. He wasn’t a human and he refused to wear that monkey suit. He liked his leather pants, t-shirt, the leather jacket hanging loose around his waist, and his biker boots. Why would he wear something that would constrict his breathing and movements, while making him look ridiculous? It was more than annoying. “You’re supposed to be getting dressed,” said Tyr from the sitting room doorway. Sergio shrugged. “I am dressed. I refuse to wear that damned outfit. It looks ridiculous.” He turned around to look at Tyr, rolling his eyes when he saw his rider wearing a tuxedo identical to the one hanging in Sergio’s room. “You look ridiculous.” Frowning, Tyr adjusted his bowtie, straightened his silver cummerbund, and then looked up at Sergio again. “I do not. I think I look suave and debonair.” Snorting, Sergio pushed away from the windowsill and headed across the room. When he stopped in front of his rider, he growled and looked up at him. “Ridiculous.” Tyr’s lips twitched, but he followed Sergio into the hall and down the steps. “Surely you’ve worn a tux before. How about the night of the Naming Ceremony when your grandfather named Vileo as the new ruler?” “The slayers kidnapped me before the ceremony, so I didn’t end up having to wear such ridiculous clothing.” Sergio shuddered. The first time he was kidnapped was nothing like the second time. The first time, he was beaten while waiting for the rest of Xavier and Declan’s plans to come together, but that was the extent of it. This second time was different. Rolling his shoulders, he tried to relax and ignore the reminder of what happened to him. As he reached the bottom step, he frowned when a soft jasmine scent rushed over him and his mating fire responded. Oh shit, this was not what he needed or wanted. He glanced around the lobby until he saw her. She was a beautiful and petite female standing at the registration desk. She had long white hair that reached her hips, with soft curves that enticed him, even as he rejected the idea of a mate. She was talking to Tawnisha, the owner of the Inn, about a room. Her voice was soft and lilting, gentle and soothing, but the last thing he needed right now was a mate. His moods were just too unstable to bring a female near him. She turned her head, almost as if she sensed him watching her. Her emerald eyes widened in her small heart-shaped face. Her red lips were full and pouty, and they parted on a gasp when she saw him. Her eyes dropped shyly before lifting to him with a soft smile. He had the unusual urge to pull her against him and let her soft scent soothe him for the rest of his life, but it would never work. Not with the way he was right now, but how could he ignore his fire? It would only continue to grow hotter until he took his mate, but she merely watched him as if she didn’t have the same pull. Frowning, he took the last step, drawing closer to her, but as he did, he not only scented her soft scent, but her human scent as well. She was a half-breed. The knowledge shocked him almost as much as it confused him. He already knew the half-breeds responded differently with mates. That was how Kieran, ruler of the half-breed clan, was able to take Khalid, another male, as his mate. Unlike the full-blooded dragons, the half-breeds could choose whom they wanted as their mate. There were certain times during the half-breed’s life that their fire would soar, the first time being right around the time they reached their majority at age twenty-five, and then they would seek a lover. It was how so many of the half-breeds ended up preferring males. They only had four females among their clan, and one of them was much too young to take as mate. With nobody else to satisfy their burning need, they turned to each other, and some, such as Kieran and Khalid, still preferred a male. It was unusual, but since the dragons were willing to accept the half-breeds among them, they had to accept everything, including the odd relationships. On that note though, he realized that meant the female before him, his mate, the one he was destined to have at his side for all eternity, had already had a lover. She was supposed to be his, but another male had taken her first. He growled low and her eyes opened wide, as she took a step back. He felt Tyr place a hand on his shoulder and he shrugged it off. “Save your nasty temper for somebody else, Sergio Black,” growled Tawnisha from behind the registration desk. “Here is the key to your room, Melita.” Slowly, Melita turned back to the gold dragoness behind the desk. She had auburn hair neatly arranged in a beautiful bun on the back of her head, with small wisps of hair brushing her soft face and neck. Her amber eyes turned gentle while watching Melita, while still watching Sergio cautiously. She hadn’t expected to walk into the Inn and immediately stumble across the very male she was searching for. But he didn’t seem too happy about her being here, which was odd, since she didn’t even know him. Grabbing the key, she turned, but came face to face with Sergio. He hovered over her, his face dipping to her neck while he scented her and she stepped back again, confused. There was fire dancing in his eyes, but an angry glint as well, one she didn’t understand. But his strong spicy scent enticed her, making her body weep. Moving closer, she lifted her head and scented him, drawing closer until she nearly pressed her face against his neck. She already knew how the full-blooded dragons responded to a mate, she had seen it many times while at the slayer compound, but she also knew half-breeds didn’t respond the same. However, they were still drawn to the scent of the one they wanted, and there was no doubt about it, she wanted the male standing in front of her. He was six feet four of power and muscles. His wide shoulders were encased in a black leather biker’s jacket with silver studding on the front pockets. It was open in the front, revealing a wide muscular chest and hard abdomen. His hips were narrow and he sported a tough looking pair of black biker boots with silver clasps. She looked up again at his sinfully black eyes that still held fire in them. His black hair was smooth and long, hanging over his broad shoulders and half way down his back. Damn, he was sexier in person than he ever appeared in the photos. She stepped back again when he growled, but she knew he was her mate. Apparently, he wasn’t too happy about that, but how could she blame him, knowing what he had endured? Sighing, she looked back at Tawnisha. “Thank you for your help. It looks as if I’ve arrived at a bad time though.” Tawnisha smiled and shook her head. “No. We’re having a wedding for two of the human riders that live here now. You’re welcome to join. I can find Kieran for you if you like.” “Kieran?” she asked confused. “He is the ruler of the half-breed clan,” answered Sergio, giving Tawnisha a dark glare. “I can introduce them.” Tawnisha lifted a brow, but crossed her arms over her chest. “You are in a bad mood, Sergio, so I’m thinking I should do it.” Sergio shrugged his shoulders and looked back at Melita, his gaze taking in her beauty. Her full breasts pressed against a dark blue blouse with a scoop neckline before she had it tucked into the waist of a pair of dark blue jeans. Her hips had a slight swell to them, and her legs were long before dropping to her feet where she wore a pair of white sandals. Looking back up to her emerald eyes, he was stunned to see interest in them, and eagerness he didn’t understand. Maybe she wanted him to introduce her to Kieran after all. “The choice is yours.” Melita smiled up at him. “I wouldn’t mind if you take me.” Tawnisha tossed her hands up and headed around the desk. “Fine, but remember your manners, Sergio.” She looked up at Tyr. “Make sure he behaves.” Tyr chuckled when she stalked out of the lobby, leaving the three of them alone. He watched Sergio closely though. He knew how volatile his dragon was and how easily his temper could flare. He suspected what was happening between Sergio and the female, but he didn’t know what would happen since she was a half-breed. She did seem to like Sergio, had even leaned in to inhale his scent, but that didn’t mean she wanted him as her mate. “Sergio Black!” They all turned to the door when Sterling walked in. He was a large male at six feet eight, with long silver hair hanging down to his hips. His eyes were silver set in a face that was strong and at the moment, appeared very angry. As were the rest of the clan members and their riders, Sterling was dressed in a black tux with a silver cummerbund, taking on the role as his rider’s best man. “Sterling,” answered Sergio with a deep drawl. “You are not dressed for the wedding,” Sterling accused angrily. “You were supposed to be out there helping with the setup, yet you haven’t even bothered to put on your tux yet.” Growling, Sergio rolled his eyes before glaring at Sterling. “I am not wearing that ridiculous monkey suit. I will wear my leathers or nothing at all.” Melita giggled softly, but then held a folder in front of her mouth when they all looked back at her. She couldn’t help the small laugh though. She could just picture Sergio going to the wedding in nothing at all. It would do wonders for her libido, but not much for the ruler who appeared to be seriously vexed with his clan member. “Sorry. Poor timing.” Sergio’s lips twitched and he cocked his head to the side. He liked her soft laugh and wanted to hear more of it. “You will take your ass upstairs and put on the ‘monkey suit’ or I swear, I will haul you up there and dump you in it myself,” growled Sterling, ignoring the female altogether. Snarling, Sergio snapped his furious glare at Sterling. He stepped closer to his ruler, lifting his head a fraction. “Just try it, Sterling. I’ll tear you apart.” Sterling roared and shoved Sergio back into the wall. Then he towered over the male, a low rumbling moving through his chest. “I will remind you for the very last time. I rule now, Sergio. You walked out on the clan, abandoning them to me. Do not push my patience. I love you man, but I’m getting tired of your defiance. Do it again and I will tear into you. Now this day is for Alex and Bri. We don’t like wearing these clothes either, but for them, we’re willing to make the sacrifice. Now you will take your ass back up those stairs and put on the tuxedo, or you and I will go a round, and if you make me do that on my rider’s special day, you won’t walk away.” Sergio clenched his jaw, but he finally dropped his head submissively. Damn he hated this, but Sterling was right. He had walked out on the clan. Conall, Sterling’s adopted son and second in command, had almost died. The Ruling House was destroyed and many dragons injured. He might not have been able to prevent the attack, but he could have been there to fight with his friends and family. Should have been there to keep them safe. They were his clan, but he abandoned them, telling Sterling he could have rule of the clan. He knew how much Sterling loved Conall, not to mention his rider, Alex. If he ruined this day, Sterling would take it out of his hide. Sterling ruled now and Sergio made it possible. Now, he would have to live with the choices he made. Sighing, he nodded his head. “Fine. I’ll be ready in a minute. Melita is going to join us as well. I need to introduce her to Kieran.” Sterling stepped back from Sergio, giving him a nod of approval. “I will make sure the female finds Kieran. You get ready.” Sergio growled again and glared up at Sterling. “I have the right to take her.” He glanced over at her, watching as different emotions moved through her emerald eyes. “She is my mate, so it is my right.” Spinning, Sterling stared at the half-breed female stunned and then back at Sergio. There was a definite fire in the male’s eyes while he watched her. Nodding his head, Sterling moved further from Sergio. “So be it, but make the introductions after the wedding. We’re almost ready to start.” Sergio spun and rushed up the stairs, taking them two at a time with Tyr following him at a more sedate pace. Melita looked up at the humongous silver dragon. “I’m sorry to intrude. I didn’t know there was a wedding taking place. If you would like, I do have a couple of nice dresses I can wear. It won’t take me but a few minutes to change.” Sterling nodded. “Go, but be quick.” Melita grabbed her bags and hauled them up the stairs, turning to the left to search for her room. When she found it, she unlocked the door, walked over to drop her bags on the bed, and then returned to shut the door. She glanced around the room, admiring the queen-sized bed with dark blue comforters and white sheets. There was an entertainment center across from the bed, a large dresser just inside the door, and when she walked into the bathroom, she gawked. It was enormous. There was a large garden tub in the corner of the room, a two-person shower stall, a double sink with cabinets. She didn’t have time to do a full examination of her quarters. She had to get ready for the wedding. Hurrying to the sink, she washed her face, pulled the brush out of her small bag, and quickly ran it through her white curls. Then she pulled it up into a twist, securing it with a jade clasp from her bag, and dabbed a touch of gloss on her lips. Returning to her bedroom, she laid out her clothing, searching for one of her dresses. When she found the emerald one, she pulled it out. It wasn’t the best one, but it would have to do on such short notice. She stepped into it, sliding it up over her narrow hips, and secured it below her arms. The sleeveless dress hugged her body when she zipped up the side. It covered her breasts before sliding into a tight ‘V’ shaped waist and then flared out into a full skirt made of gossamer layered in different directions in a ‘V’ shape as well. Rushing to her bag, she switched out her white sandals for the black ones, looked in the mirror, and then dashed out of the room. By the time she reached the lobby again, Sergio was waiting for her, pacing the floor back and forth. She could see the frown between his eyebrows, a dark glint in his eyes. He kept rolling his shoulders while clenching and unclenching his hands. The man that had been with him earlier leaned against the registration desk, his chin pulled to his chest, while his eyes watched Sergio’s pacing. His arms were crossed over his expansive chest and although he gave the appearance of being relaxed, she could sense alertness to him. She wondered if Sergio was like this before his attack, or only since. If it was after, she could definitely understand his pensiveness. Her question though was if he gave up his clan before or after. But she had to admire Sergio in his suit. She thought he was sexy in his leather, but in the tuxedo, he was stunning. The black jacket hugged his broad shoulders before dipping down to his waist where it was secured with two buttons and she could see the silver cummerbund around his narrow waist. Black slacks covered his long and powerful legs, and now he wore a pair of black loafers instead of the biker’s boots. She watched him yank at the bowtie, adjusting it while he paced. He was obviously very uncomfortable. “I’m ready,” she called as she took the last step. Sergio sighed with relief. The sooner they got this over with, the sooner he was out of the monkey suit. He turned to her and stopped, his eyes roaming over her appreciatively. Damn she was beautiful. The dress was snug on her curvaceous body, leaving her slender shoulders bare. He growled low, moving over to her. He dropped his face to her neck, inhaling her soft jasmine scent. He had no business being so interested in her beauty though. He should just take her and let her go. She deserved a mate that wouldn’t explode at the drop of a hat. But what he should do and would do were two different things. He offered her his hand. “You look radiant.” Melita blushed at his compliment, took his hand, and followed him out of the Inn. Sergio hooked her hand over his arm and led her through the copse of trees that separated the main house from the twenty cottages on the other side. Everybody gathered on the back lawn for the wedding. On the small hill, Sterling had built a small gazebo, trimmed it with tons of white and black roses and silver sashes that curled in and out of the railings. There were several chairs on the lawn, split in the middle by a long red carpet. Bouquets of white and black roses with silver ribbons hung on the end chair of each row. In the first row, Vileo sat with Ariana and their nine-year-old twins, Almena and Triston. Other attendees filled the chairs, waiting for the procession to begin. In the front of the first row, Alex stood waiting. He was six feet two with blonde hair and green eyes. Sterling stood beside him, resting his hands on the man’s shoulders while brushing his chin over his head. Sergio figured Sterling was probably trying to calm his rider, but what would he know of that? He never once got so cuddly with his rider. Conall stood next to Sterling. He was a red dragon with dark brown hair and chocolate brown eyes. He was a muscular male, shown off by the tuxedo he wore nicely. Behind him was Aydan, his human rider. Aydan was interesting. In most aspects, he was just like any other human. He was six feet three with black hair, but he had one sea green eye and one dark blue one. Delaney was next in line. He had white hair with pale blue, green, and purple highlights and eyes that shifted from a pale crystal blue to dark indigo depending on his mood. Nicoli stood next to Delaney. He was Sterling's older brother. He was six feet nine with long silver hair and silver eyes and like his brother, he was extremely muscular. Athelos stood next to Nicoli. He was almost seven feet tall, with long black hair that had blonde, gold, silver, auburn, and brown highlights. His eyes were amethyst as were his twin sister’s and parents’ eyes. As a Trueborn and Firstborn, they were the only dragons to have the amethyst eyes. Athelos didn’t have a rider. It would take one powerful human to ride the dragon, but that wasn’t to say that someday it wouldn’t happen. Beside Athelos stood Jarrett. He was six feet five with long white hair and emerald eyes. And like Athelos, he didn’t have a rider either, but it was only because he hadn’t found one yet that he was willing to make the Vitae Bond with. Rigel, a blue dragon with pale blonde hair and dark blue eyes, stood beside Jarrett without a rider as well. Then Shea, a timid but stronger crystal dragon stood beside Rigel. He had the same coloring as Delaney, but like the rest of the clan, he didn’t have a rider either. Sergio didn’t think Shea would take one either. He was quiet and withdrawn, but he had been that way since they rescued him some time back. Across from the males were the females of their clan. Athena used to be the ruler of most of those females, but when she became mates with Sterling, she allowed him to rule her clan as long as he allowed her to rule at his side. She was five feet ten with long black hair down to her waist. She was wearing a soft black dress made from gossamer that fell in gentle waves over her distended tummy. She was barely three months pregnant, but dragon younglings were larger than humans babies were, so she already looked like she was five months pregnant in human terms. Beside her was Alida, Conall’s mate. She was five feet four with soft waves of blonde hair around her shoulders and dark blue eyes. She wore a black dress similar to Athena’s, but it hugged her curves more. Natalia, also known as little pixie in their clan, was standing beside Alida. She was Vileo, Sanju, and Naria Draco’s baby sister, barely over her thirty-sixth birth year. She had golden blonde hair that fell to her waist and black eyes flecked with gold. Beside her was Nyssa. She was a black dragoness, with black hair and black eyes, and she had been Athena’s second while Athena ruled. Next in line was Lilith, another black dragoness, followed by Brenna, a white female with long white hair and emerald eyes. Tori was a red dragoness with dark brown hair pulled into a plait down her slender back, and dark brown eyes. Last, was Alyce, a gold dragoness with auburn hair and amber eyes. Besides Athena, the only female to have a rider was Nyssa, and her rider, Shayla stood behind her. Athena’s rider, Sabrina, or Bri as everybody called her, was the one getting married, so Sergio wasn’t surprised she wasn’t out here yet. Once he reached the front row where Vileo and Ariana sat, he stopped and looked at Melita. “Since you’re my mate, it would only be appropriate for you to sit with my sister.” She nodded but blushed. He kept calling her his mate. She knew their fire responded differently, and she was glad he was her mate, but he announced it loud enough that eyes swung to them with curiosity. Ariana stood with a soft smile and Melita looked her over. She was five feet six, slim with an athletic build, with black hair plaited down her back and black eyes that watched her curiously. “Hey sis,” said Sergio, leaning over to give her a quick kiss on her cheek. “This is Melita. Will you make sure she’s alright while I do this thing?” Ariana chuckled and brushed her hand over Sergio’s cheek. “Of course. I’m pleased to help with your mate.” She turned to Melita, offering her a hand. “Come and sit with me and my family.” Melita watched the male that stood behind Ariana. He was six feet six with golden blonde hair tied in a neat queue over broad shoulders. He wore a tuxedo like Sergio, but it hugged a body so ripped that Melita could only gawk at his strength. He wore a pair of black wraparound shade over his eyes. She thought it was unusual, but she couldn’t care since her eyes could only roam over him appreciatively. “Vileo rules the dragon world,” said Sergio, leaning forward to whisper in her ear. “You have to acknowledge him.” Melita closed her mouth, embarrassed that she was caught speechless by Vileo’s raw power. Now she understood where that power came from. He had to be strong to rule the dragon world. Clearing her throat, she bowed her head. “My lord.” Vileo chuckled. “I’m pleased to meet Sergio’s mate. He needs a gentle hand to tame him.” Sergio growled low, but sighed when Vileo lifted an eyebrow at him. “This is Melita. She just arrived, but I promised to introduce her to Kieran after the wedding.” Vileo nodded and sat back down. Ariana grabbed Melita’s hand. “Join us and we’ll get to know each other later.” She glanced at Sergio, but he gave her a reassuring smile, so she sat down beside Ariana while Sergio went to stand at the front. She felt awkward sitting here in a wedding where the only one she knew was Sergio, and even him she didn’t really know. She’d only just met him. Stranger’s eyes kept watching her, and she shifted uncomfortably, glancing around until she saw familiar faces. One was sitting beside Two. It had been years since she had seen them, but they were among other half-breeds, some she recognized, and some she didn’t. She saw One who suddenly nuzzled Five’s neck and she smiled widely. It suddenly occurred to her that they would no longer have numbers, but names. She wondered if One was Kieran, the ruler, or if one of the other males were. Either way, it was still good to see them. It had been sixty years, but they looked the same to her. One was just as tall as ever at six feet five, with black hair that fell over broad shoulders. And it definitely looked as if Five was enjoying One’s attentions. Five was close to One’s size, with the same black hair and black eyes, but he shifted in his seat several times, his eyes closing briefly, with his lolling back onto One’s shoulder, before finally snapping at One. Shaking her head, she looked at the rest of them. Next to them was Twelve who was nuzzling Two’s neck. She chuckled lightly. She knew that some of the males still preferred males, so it didn’t disturb her at all. She was just grateful that some of those males had been at the compound when she reached her periods of needing. She frowned. She also hoped that wouldn’t be a problem since Sergio was her mate, but she would have to deal with that at a later time. Music started playing and everybody stood, so Melita did as well, turning to face behind them when everybody ‘aww’d’. There was a woman coming up the aisle and she figured this must be the bride. She was five feet eight with light blonde hair piled on her head with small white flowers in her hair. She had pale blue eyes that seemed to focus on the man in front of the chairs, her smile growing as she walked up the aisle. Her dress was lovely, with a sleeve going down her left arm, while her right one was bare. The bodice hugged her curves before flaring over her hips into a long skirt that was split in the center, halfway up her thighs. When she reached the front, and Melita sat down and could see the woman’s back, she smiled. Apparently, the woman liked sexy clothing. The bodice barely reached around her sides and held together by black satin ties that crisscrossed over her back. On her right shoulder was a black dragon bond mark with the dragon in flight, clutching a red rose in its talons. She smiled when the ceremony started. She had left her human life to find her home, and already, she felt the overwhelming sense of belonging. She had found her half-breed friends, and although they had many years to catch up on, she knew they would. She had found the male in the photographs, and what did you know, the sexy thing was her mate. How could her life get any better than this? Her grin grew when Sergio looked to her, and he smiled at her with a brief nod of his head before returning to the ceremony. Without a doubt, she had come home.
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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 4, 2010 22:42:16 GMT -6
Chapter 3 Sergio couldn’t believe it. They had gotten all dressed up in the most uncomfortable, ridiculous clothes to exist in the world of man, only to have the ceremony last nothing more than a few minutes. Words were spoken, vows exchanged, rings placed on hands, a passionate kiss, and that was it. Wedding over. Something was seriously wrong with this picture, but then again, pictures had to come next. But of course, that meant remaining in this damn monkey suit. As soon as the pictures were over though, Sergio had to laugh. Sterling was the first one to yank off his bowtie and toss it aside while unbuttoning his shirt. Naturally, the entire clan followed suit. Finally free to do what he wanted, Sergio gathered Melita and led her through the crowd of well-wishers in search of Kieran. He looked at Tyr following them with a dark glare. “If you ever get married, you better hit the damn Goth theme; otherwise, I’ll kick your ass.” Tyr laughed. “In your dreams dragon.” Sergio rolled his eyes. He and Tyr played this game. He would threaten his rider and his rider would laugh it off. He would hate to learn what would happen if they ever got into a real fight. As strong as Sergio was, he wasn’t certain he could take the powerful man. Moreover, Tyr knew it as well. He was growing frustrated though when he couldn’t find Kieran or Khalid. It would seem the two had disappeared and who knew where. Seeing the young half-breed female, Zaphina, he went over to her in hopes of gaining information. “Do you know where Kieran is?” Zaphina turned her impish face up to him, her black hair spilling over her slim shoulders. “He and Khalid went into the copse somewhere. Do you want me to find them for you?” Sergio shook his head. “I’ll find them, but thanks.” He led Melita through the crowd that was working their way into the main house for the reception dinner Mejia, the chef at the Inn, who was also known as, Zarina, Athelos’ twin sister, had prepared for dinner. They walked through the trees silently, Sergio searching for any sign of the two males. He wasn’t sure what to say to Melita though. His fire was responding to her nearness, her scent driving his body into overdrive. He stopped though when he heard deep moans and a blush crossed his face. He hated to interrupt them, but seriously, making out in the woods where anybody could stumble on them wasn’t the wisest move to make. Khalid held Kieran against the tree. He’d been going crazy over his mate’s scent all through the wedding. Kieran had a deep warm musky scent that always teased Khalid whenever they were together, but Khalid had made it clear when they met on the night of the big battle with the slayers, Kieran might rule the clan, but Khalid ruled in the bedroom. He pressed his hard body against the male, rocking his hips against him while he moved his mouth over Kieran’s demandingly. He thrust his tongue inside, savoring the warm flavor that was unique to Kieran. He groaned, his *C* he didn’t know if they were going to make it back to the cottage before he had *C* his mate. Kieran’s hands unbuttoned Khalid’s shirt, sliding his fingers over the taut muscles that strained against him. Khalid was nothing but hotness to the max, his muscles bulging in his biceps, shoulders, and chest. He was sensual and sexy, his body built for delight. He would never get enough of the male. He moaned, wanting to turn and rub his back submissively against Khalid chest, but doing that against a tree wasn’t the best idea in the world, but how the hell was he going to make it back to the cottage when he wanted Khalid now. He had teased Kieran all during the ceremony, his fingers sliding over Kieran’s neck and shoulder, his face dropping to his neck with light nips that had Kieran’s *C*, he wanted to jump up and race his mate back to the cottage for an afternoon of wicked delight. “I hate to interrupt,” called Sergio, standing a ways off in case the two males needed a few moments of privacy before they joined them. “But I need to speak with Kieran.” Khalid growled and lifted his head from Kieran’s neck. “We’re dressed, so you can come over.” Kieran tried to push his lover back, but Khalid pressed against him, making Kieran groan with need. His breathing was ragged and his need about to drive him insane. He didn’t know what Sergio wanted, but he had better be quick about it and then leave. Sergio cleared his throat when he saw the two males against the tree. Kieran’s face was flushed, his lips red and swollen from Khalid’s kisses. He held his hand out for Melita, pulling her closer for the two males to see. Khalid gasped, a smile growing wide on his handsome face. He moved away from Kieran even as Kieran saw the female and his smile grew too. “Four!” they shouted in unison, rushing to grab her around the waist. Khalid lifted her off her feet and swung her around. When he set her down again, Kieran grabbed her into a hug as well. Sergio’s eyes darkened, but it was obvious they all knew each other. He wondered if one of these males was her lover when she needed one. A stab of jealousy rushed through him and he growled at the males darkly. “I gather you know each other.” Khalid chuckled and nodded his head. “I knew her until the slayers switched me, Loukas, and Kenjiro to another compound. Kieran was born shortly after that, so she knew him after we left.” “My name is Melita now,” she said happily, once more reaching up to hug the males. It was so good to see them again, to be with other half-breeds, or for that matter, just to be with other dragons. “I’m Kieran,” he said, giving her his name instead of his number, “And this is Khalid.” She lifted an eyebrow. “So you rule?” Khalid growled and wrapped his arms around Kieran’s waist, pulling the male back against his chest. “Only the clan.” She laughed, unable to miss the show of dominance Khalid had over Kieran as lovers. Sergio watched the ease in which they all slipped into companionship. Melita wasn’t even the slightest bit uncomfortable with the two males being lovers, while it still made Sergio nervous. He never wanted a male at his back again. “I can see you’re in good hands. I’ll return to the Inn.” Melita grabbed his arm. “You don’t have to leave.” Sergio gave the two males a dark look, his mind still wondering if one of them had been her lover. His breathing turned sharp and deep, his jealousy something he never experienced before in his life. He glared down at her, furious she was so friendly with two males she hadn’t even seen in a long time. “I will return to the Inn.” He stalked away, but she grabbed his arm to stop him. “Tell me what’s wrong, Sergio.” He looked at the males again and then her emerald eyes, seeing concern and confusion in them. He didn’t want to hurt her, but he had to leave before he hurt one of the males in his jealous rage. Stepping closer, he glared down at her. “Has one of them been your lover?” Melita gasped, taking a step back. Her cheeks blushed and she clasped her hands together. She knew this was going to be a problem, but it wasn’t as if it was her fault. Either she took a lover when the time came, or she died. It was as simple as that She glanced over her shoulder at Khalid and Kieran, watching the play of anger that flashed in both of their eyes. She shook her head to them and turned back to Sergio. “You must understand. We don’t have the same responses as you do. We can respond to each other whenever we want, not to mention we have our times when we must take a lover. It is the same for you when you find your mate, as you have now. Your fire burns out of control and if you don’t take your mate, it will kill you. It is the same for us during that time.” Growling, he stepped closer and glared at her. “That didn’t answer my question. Have you had either of them as your lover?” Dropping her head, she nodded. “Khalid was the one I chose when I went into my first time of needing.” Sergio’s breathing grew ragged and he glared at Khalid, watching as Kieran stepped away from the male. Khalid lifted his head and returned his glare. He wanted to kill the male for touching his mate. She was his and he was going to prove it. Grabbing her into his arms, he held her tight against his body, one hand holding the back of her head that he tilted back. He dropped his mouth onto hers, demanding entrance into her warmth. She moaned, her hands snaking up to wrap around his neck, even as his tongue plundered her mouth. Sergio wanted to punish her, but his body melded against her and his hands loosened their grip to stroke her gently. Melita leaned against his muscled body. She was in heaven. She had never had somebody claim her so thoroughly, and when his hot and spicy fire soared through her, she accepted it, blended it with hers, and held it within her body. She savored the strength in it, the need she could feel growing inside of him. Then she returned their combined fire to him. Sergio moaned when he tasted her mixed within his fire. His *C* his body demanding what belonged to him, but he wasn’t a monster and he would never take her like this. Lifting his head, he held her tight against his body and glared at the two males who stared at them stunned. “Mine,” he said with a threatening growl. Khalid’s lips finally pulled into a smile and he nodded his head. Reaching for Kieran, he pulled the male against his chest once more. He dropped his face against Kieran’s neck, placing small kisses along it. Then he looked to Sergio again. “Mine,” he said. Kieran shuddered. Never had Khalid made such a bold statement to any of the other dragons, but now that he did, Kieran’s body ached to have his mate take him. Sergio lifted an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn’t thought about it, but it was more than obvious that the two males were mates, an item that wouldn’t be separated. He was jealous of a male who only wanted a male. Now wasn’t that stupid? Sighing, he nodded his head and released his tight hold on Melita. She turned in his arms and leaned against his chest, chuckling when she watched Khalid and Kieran together. They were just so perfect for each other. Both of them strong, both of them capable of ruling, but Kieran ruled the clan while Khalid ruled Kieran. Kieran rubbed his body against Khalid, the need to have his mate *C* overwhelming. Khalid growled and loosened his hold on Kieran, pushing him towards their cottage. “Go. Now!” He started to follow his mate, but stopped long enough to speak to Melita. “I’m glad you’re home where you belong. We want to visit, but right now, we have another matter that needs attention. We’ll catch up with you later.” Melita nodded her head, watching Khalid go after Kieran. It was quite obvious what had to be taken care of. She glanced up at Sergio. “I suppose we should go back to the Inn.” Sergio dropped his head and placed a kiss on the tip of her nose. “I’m sorry I got so jealous. I know you couldn’t help the need to have a lover, but it burned me to know he had you when you should have been mine.” Smiling, she turned in his arms. “I am yours, Sergio. My time with another male was one of necessity, not because I wanted him as a mate. You however, I take as my mate.” His dark looked softened and he dipped his head to give her a light kiss again. “I will try to remember that in the future.” “So, are we heading back to the reception?” asked Tyr, having watched the exchange between the four dragons cautiously, especially when he saw Sergio’s anger. He didn’t know if he could have stopped the male if he went after Khalid in his jealousy, but he sure as hell would have tried. Sergio nodded his head while still holding Melita against his chest. “We will return but later, you and I have business to finish.” Melita smiled and pressed herself against his body. She couldn’t wait to see what would happen when they were alone. She liked Sergio’s strength, his claim over her, and his need to keep her all to himself. At least she would never have to spend another time of needing without her mate, which was fine to her.
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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 5, 2010 19:02:04 GMT -6
Chapter 4 It was growing dark. Desiderio was impatient to begin his attack, but he wanted the cover of full darkness first. It was always easier to attack the dragons at night than in the daylight. At night, they were relaxed, settling down for bed, and less likely to have an army of armed dragons waiting. However, he didn’t want to wait until too late. He did need the dragons awake still since his plan was to have the slayers bombard the dragons with tranquilizers. He hoped to catch Zarina in the open as well. Females were always weaker than males and he had a better chance of taking her down than he did Athelos. At this point though, he didn’t care who he got, just as long as it was one of the Trueborns. He listened to the slayers rustling restlessly with irritation. The humans were noisier than dragons, but they were far enough away that it didn’t matter. Since the dragons were using the Inn as their home while the Ruling House was rebuilt, Desiderio took advantage of the forest that surrounded the new house that was in progress of being rebuilt, and waited impatiently inside it. Once nighttime arrived, it would be a simple matter to cross the road, move through the forest on the opposite side of where they waited, and head straight to The Delightful Haven Inn. By crossing the road like that, it would only be a mile and a half at the most, and then he would have what he waited for so long to have. Two years. He still couldn’t believe it. Storm would now be five years old, his daughter capable of bearing another youngling coming as well. He wondered if she would attempt to have another youngling, a normal one that didn’t hold all the powers that Storm did. Of course, he also wondered if all of her younglings would be like Storm, a demon with untold abilities. The females only went into season once a year. It would last for two weeks with their scent growing stronger daily, driving them to mate with their mate. However, once a female had a youngling, she wouldn’t go into season again for at least five years, but he couldn’t help but wonder if Mystic would risk having another demon child. The thought of his daughter made him think of his life-mate, Alexandria. He wished they could have had another youngling, but Mystic was an anomaly, one incapable of repeating. There was a time when his mate, Ria, was everything to him, but not anymore. As a mage from the Ancient Black and Silver clan, her powers were almost as strong as his were. Normally, two mages couldn’t have younglings, but after the Clan War over fifteen hundred years ago that separated the ancient clans, he and Ria stripped the dual colorings of the dragons that were leaving for the human world. They used their magic to make them one solid color, thereby weakening their powers, spreading them out among the new clans. It had weakened him and Alexandria, their magic almost nonexistent for several months. It allowed Ria to get pregnant when she went into season during that time, and Mystic… he had such high hopes for her, such pride in her ability to control her powers. He and Alexandria took their daughter into hiding, knowing that any mage would want to get their hands on the young female to exploit her powers. They had still failed to protect her though. Leandria, a dark mage, had found them and when she saw Mystic, she attacked Desiderio. Not knowing that she shouldn’t handle her father’s staff, Mystic tried to get it to him to battle the dark mage, but her powerful mage abilities soared through his staff, almost killing him and Alexandria. Leandria kidnapped Mystic and then using one of the dark spells in the Book of Nostradamus, she hid the truth of what happened all the years before from Mystic. Lady Selena, who was the Ruler of the Mage Council after Desiderio willed his powers as the ruler to her, discovered Mystic apprenticing with a dark mage in the Ruling Territory over ten years ago. She took Mystic under her wing, helped her attain her Full Mage Status, and then went about preparing her to take over as the new Ruler of the Mage Council. If Selena had brought Mystic before the council for testing, Desiderio would have known his daughter lived much sooner. Instead, he learned only days before Selena died and passed the powers to Mystic. She should have returned the position as ruler over to him, since he had ruled long before she did, but she believed Mystic and her younglings were going to save the dragons in some future battle for power. He scoffed. If Selena had followed protocol, he would have ruled and there would not be a threat to the dragons now. As soon as Mystic became the new ruler, she invited the disgusting and traitorous Dark Mages into the Council Hall, demanding the true mages accept the dark mages among them. It infuriated him and the other mages, so they stormed the council hall, determined to take back their life as the mage council. What he hadn’t expected though was that Mystic would be able to thwart their attempts, using her unborn son’s abilities to help her. She stole his powers, as well as those of the other three mages that helped. It threw her into premature labor. When Alexandria went to see Mystic and her newborn youngling, Storm stole Alexandria’s powers as well. Alexandria. He didn’t think of her often anymore. He couldn’t stand to remember what he had done to his life-mate. She no longer held any appeal to him when she lost her powers. She was weak, nothing but a shell of the strong female she had been previously. He had offered to siphon some mage powers to her as well, much the way he was doing, using a mage who had the ability to be a conduit to pass the abilities from one mage to him. She had refused. She was content to remain a powerless female. Granted, having the conduit siphon powers to him killed the mage he stole them from, but he had to have his mage abilities back. That was how he became the vessel for Lord Braillios, but he was grateful to have the powerful Shadow Realm Lord knocking around in his head. The last mage he stole powers from had the ability to hear restless souls, including those of the mages he had killed to obtain their power. They constantly screamed in his head to the point that he believed he was going insane. But once Braillios bonded with him, the voices silenced. If he was going to have a voice in his skull, he damn well wanted the strongest that had as much of a purpose as Desiderio did. Shortly after bonding with Braillios, he realized Alexandria was sympathetic to the plight of the dragons he captured for information. When he sent one particular crystal dragon with Jake as prisoner, he sent Alexandria as well with the instructions that she wasn’t to be killed. She was still his life-mate and if she died, so would he. He had broken their life-mating bond so he couldn’t hear her call for him, feel her emotions, pain, etc, but they couldn’t break the bond enough to stop the process of dying when the other did. Life mating was forever. It bound the mates’ emotions together, joining them so they could sense each other’s pain, love, fear, or any other strong emotion, including hate. Additionally, they could speak to each other telepathically. Surprisingly, before he broke their bond, he didn’t feel hatred from Ria, even when he sentenced her to a life as a slayer prisoner. There was nothing more than acceptance. He wondered what life was like for her, but he already knew how the slayers treated their captives. He still couldn’t believe he had sent her away, but she deserved it. If only she would have accepted some of the power he was willing to obtain for her, but she wasn’t. “Your thoughts are clouded and morose. You don’t have time for that when the sky is dark and our time to attack upon us,” said Braillios in Desiderio’s mind. Desiderio snorted and tamped down on the emotions and thoughts moving through him. He had no more use for them. They only interfered with his plans to destroy the dragons. Yes, he missed his mate at times, but she chose her life just as he chose his. The sky was dark now and the time to attack at hand. “Let’s move,” he said, leading the slayers through the forest. Darius had sent a large squadron, each of them armed with one of their tranquillizer guns and a pouch full of darts. Desiderio had given the instruction just to start darting the dragons at random and with any luck, they would get the ones they wanted. He had given the slayers a description of the Trueborns though, telling them to dart them before attempting to capture them. It was useless to do if the Trueborns could use their full powers. He went across the road, down the gully, and into the tree line, always moving closer to his destination. He frowned though as they drew closer to the edge of the forest and heard the sounds of what seemed to be a party at the Inn. Reaching the border, he watched the dragons moving around the yard. The copse of trees separating the main house and cottages glowed with hundreds of tiny white lights while dragons and humans, danced to some slow music playing softly in the background. It was a surreal picture that made him furious. The dragons were having a party, dancing no less, in the middle of a war. Did they not understand the dangers that lurked in the darkness? He should be ecstatic. This would make his job a lot easier, but he couldn’t help wondering what Vileo was thinking allowing his guard down so much. But of course, Vileo was one of the dragons dancing with his mate under the soft lights, so he could pretty much guess what the male was thinking. It was surprising however, to see the humans dancing together beside the dragons. He frowned while he watched them. Why were there so many humans with the dragons? Shaking his head, he lifted his hand. It didn’t matter why they were there. They were an encumbrance just as easily dealt with as the larger number of dragons than he expected. Lowering his hand, he watched the slayers move forward, aiming their guns, and shooting darts at the dragons while they moved out of the tree line. He would stay back and wait, watching for any signs of the Trueborns. Pandemonium scattered the dragons, but he watched perplexed as several of them transformed and a rider leaped onto their back. Then he understood. The dragons had made the Vitae Bond, binding their blood with the human riders on their backs. Frustrated, he moved further into the shadows while he watched the attack. Sergio cradled Melita’s body in his arms while he moved through the trees to find a safe place to put her. When he reached the porch, he set her down on the swing. He hated to leave her there, but she should be safe while he fought the slayers. He cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb over it gently. They had been enjoying the dance before the slayers attacked. Her body fit perfectly against the curve of his with her soft cheek pressed against his chest while they swayed together. It had been difficult just to hold her in his arms when what he wanted to do was sweep her up into his arms and carry her upstairs to make her his mate. But he would be as patient as he could. The day was a perfect opportunity for them to get to know each other, despite his desire to pounce on his mate, but he wasn’t a monster. She deserved better than for him to attack her like a beast would. Restraint was the key. He saw Kieran and Khalid return during the dancing, and they immediately began dancing together, the lovers clinging to each other with the slow hum of the music. It had to be nice to be so open about their relationship, never once worrying what others thought. Once they met and knew they wanted each other, they didn’t hesitate to spend the time together ever since. There weren’t any doubtful waiting, no games to play, nothing. They merely accepted each other as mates and went with it, even if it did take the full-blooded dragons by surprise. Now, he would have revenge against the humans that harmed his mate. They were near the edge of the copse when the slayers attacked, and one o their darts found Melita’s neck almost immediately. Leaving her here on the porch seemed the safest place though. He pushed away from her when he felt Tyr’s heavy hand on his shoulder. Glancing at him over his shoulder, he saw the man had already returned to his room to grab his crossbow and bolts, ready to go into battle. They didn’t have time to go for the harnesses, but he already knew Tyr could ride well enough without them. Moving off the porch, he spread his arms wide while his transformation began. The wind blew around his body, his wings pulling out of his back, while his legs became his haunches and his arms his forelegs. He threw his head back and roared his challenge as his body finished its transformation. Shifting from left to right, he waited for Tyr to climb onto his back. Already, Sterling and Athena flew in the sky with their riders. Several other dragons took off just as Sergio did. There were several dragons lying on the ground, the tranquillizers having knocked them out. They would have to protect them from the slayers so they couldn’t take any of them away. Tyr shot bolts from the crossbow at the slayers, his aim precise. Sergio lifted into the sky and then dove for the ground, determined to make sure the slayers paid for their attack. They hadn’t had an attack for three months, and they should have been prepared for it, should have made sure there were guards in the forest. But who would be stupid enough to attack the dragons when they had all the strongest ones here at the Inn? It baffled him, but he didn’t have time to analyze it. Dragons were still falling to the darts from the slayers and they had to destroy the squadron. He watched the dragons that were still in human form trying to help those that were knocked out by the darts. Males had grabbed their swords and were striking at the large squad of slayers, even as the dragons and riders in the sky attacked from the sky. Suddenly, there was a ferocious roar that split through the night, bellowing above the din of chaos on the ground. Sergio twisted to his right to search for Athelos, knowing only he was capable of the creating such a vicious roar. The ground quaked and black clouds formed, lightening splintering through the dark sky. When Sergio found Athelos, he held his twin sister’s body in his arms and he realized one of the darts had hit Zarina. No wonder the male was so furious. Blasts of energy flew from Athelos’ hands, throwing the slayers back in an explosion of bodies, rock, and dirt. Trees toppled onto more of the slayers, dragons dashing out of the way to avoid the fury of the powerful Trueborn. “We have to calm Athelos,” he told Tyr. Their clan mate wasn’t paying attention to who was in the way. Dragons ran for shelter while Athelos continued to blast at the slayers with energy blasts. Athelos held Zarina with one arm, while blasting the slayers with powerful bursts of energy balls. When he saw his sister fall and slayers moved for her, his rage that they would dare to attack his sister rushed through him. Lifting his head with a furious roar, he started attacking anything around them, throwing the slayers back from her body before they could capture her. He had never known such rage in his life. He adored his twin sister, even if she did annoy the hell out of him at times. But overall, she was a sweetheart who adored the dragons, working beside them with so much gaiety and gusto, that she wore him out at times. She could have stayed far from the dragons, but like him, she wanted to help them, despite their father’s mandate of ‘observe not interfere’. He could already hear his father shouting in his head for breaking that mandate now. But his rage would not be denied. He wanted revenge on the slayers that would harm his sister and if his father didn’t understand that, they tough shit! Four slayers rushed him with their guns trained on him, but with a flick of his wrist, they flew backwards until they slammed against a tree. “That is enough, Athelos!” shouted Calador in his son’s mind. "Return home now!"Athelos snarled while he laid his sister on the ground. He rushed into the swarm of slayers, throwing his hand out so that the men slammed into each other with a sickening sound of bone meeting bone. They dropped onto the ground and Athelos pressed forward, attacking the rest of the slayers that rushed him. He was tired of this shit. Roaring, he lifted all of the slayers from the ground, clenching his fists while he watched their eyes open wide in surprise, moments before the eyes turned hollow from him squashing them from the inside out. Then he slammed them all together into a puddle that grew on the ground of nothing more than blood and bones, body parts unidentifiable. When there wasn’t a single slayer remaining, he threw his head back with a victorious roar. Then he spun around to search for his sister. How far had he traveled in his bloodlust to end the slayers? When he rushed out of the trees, he saw a male clamping manacle over her wrists, but before he finished, Athelos roared his furious challenge once more. The male turned to him sharply, and stood, stepping away from Zarina’s prone body. Athelos’ eyes narrowed. “Desiderio or should I say Lord Braillios?” Desiderio growled. He was so close to what he wanted, but he hadn’t anticipated the human riders, or Athelos’ vengeance in which he fought. Always in the past, he sent the slayers away, or even battled as any other dragon would with a sword. This was the first time he saw the Trueborn lose it like that so that every slayer Desiderio brought with him was nothing but a pile of bloody gore. “Does it matter?” he asked, waving his hand to create a black oval portal. He glanced at Zarina again, but he knew he would never reach her before Athelos stopped him. He had to escape before Calador knew Braillios was out of The Shadow Realm again, since Calador was one of the only creatures able to stop him. Quickly, he stepped through the portal, cursing when he closed it behind him. As always, when he was in The Shadow Realm, Braillios’ bond with him separated, leaving him in an ethereal body until he joined with his other half. “They have made the Vitae Bond with The Guild members,” said Braillios darkly. Desiderio nodded. He wasn’t sure how to handle that problem. The dragons flying in the sky could attack the slayers easier than on the ground. He followed Braillios sedately, thinking of their newest problems. “This means they can attack better.” Braillios nodded. “So I noticed. You should gather your clan of mages together. The ones that have not bonded with wraiths yet, should bond with some of the slayers so they have riders as well.” Desiderio frowned. He hated the idea of having a rider on his back, especially one of the slayers. “Can the wraiths be a rider?” Sighing his impatience, Braillios shook his head. “They don’t have a corporal form, so no. Frustrated, Desiderio nodded his head. “So be it, but we must wait to approach Darius until Calador won’t be on guard and searching for your presence.” Braillios agreed. “Rest then and shortly, we will go to him.” Desiderio headed through the black castle where Braillios dwelt. He wouldn’t get much of a rest since time moved differently, but he would a short one. Then, he would return to the realm of the living, gather his mage army, and bond as many of them as he could to the slayers.
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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 6, 2010 21:46:04 GMT -6
Chapter 5 Sergio stared horrified at the carnage left by Athelos. He could feel his rider’s repulsion, but Sergio understood since he felt it as well. He always knew the male had more power than what he used, but to this extent – it flabbergasted him, almost making him ill. There was little left to the slayers to call bodies, blood, body parts, and gore surrounding the lawn that only minutes before, had been a dance floor. Now he understood why Calador gave the mandate that Athelos and Zarina were to observe, not interfere. It wasn’t as if Sergio had any great love for the slayers, in fact, he hated them with every fiber in his body for what they did to him. But nobody deserved to die this way. The power that existed that could have stopped Athelos though, was Calador and Sergio wondered why he didn’t stop his son. Surely, he didn’t approve of this slaughter. When Sergio saw Athelos pick up his twin sister, he noticed the male’s face was pale, beads of sweat on his upper lip. “Are you alright?” he asked Athelos. Athelos nodded and cradled his sister in his arms. “I have to go home. Zarina needs a chance to recover from the tranq, but Father is also in a rage with what I did here today.” He glanced over his shoulder to look at the destruction before meeting his clan mate’s eyes. “I’m not a monster, Sergio. I lost control.” Sergio bobbed his head in understanding. Didn’t most of them live on the line of being out of control? With their instincts to protect what was theirs, they always walked a fine line between what was acceptable and what wasn’t. It was the same with Sergio, especially since his capture. That rage boiled just below the surface of his control every waking moment and even carried over into his nightmares. Athelos waved his hand, the carnage of butchered slayers vanishing into the night. Yet the smell of death hung heavy in the air, reminding everybody what happened here tonight. Sergio watched Athelos disappear, and then he pivoted, taking in the remains of the wedding celebration. There were dragons helping the wounded, several still knocked out by the tranquillizers. Turning his head back to Tyr, he nudged him gently. “I want to get Melita and take her upstairs. I can feel how sick you are over what happened here though. Go.” Tyr wasn’t willing to argue. He had never seen anything like that before. Bodies thrown together so hard that they melded into each other, unable to identify which remains belonged to which human. At least Athelos cleaned the mess instead of leaving it for the rest of the dragons to sort out. Still, he needed away from here, away from the stench of death. He would forever be haunted by what he saw happen. He despised the slayers and what they did to dragons, but such butchery was beyond his comprehension. He had never seen such total disregard for human life, even if it was directed at the slayers. Fighting in a battle to protect what was theirs was one thing, but this massacre was something totally different. It made him wary of the dragons now. Did they all have that ability, or was it just a few of them? He would have to deal with this on his own though. He didn’t think he could do it with his dragon. Maybe he should talk to Rafael. He knew it was impossible to leave once he made the bond with a dragon, but he had to deal with this somehow. “I need a couple of days to deal with this – alone please.” Sergio sighed as Tyr leaped to the ground. He could sense his rider’s new distrust and his horror at what happened here. It made him angry that Athelos’ loss of control might put a wedge between the dragons and the riders. But he nodded his head. “I understand. I’ll be here waiting when you’re ready.” He watched Tyr spin around and head for the main house, a hand over his stomach as if trying to keep from being ill. Sighing, he followed his rider. When he reached the porch, he transformed, wishing he had Athelos’ ability to put clothing on his body. But he would grab some from his room as soon as he had Melita settled in her room. Lifting her into his arms, he headed into the lobby and up the stairs. When he reached her room, he shoved the bag and folder on her bed aside to lay her on it. The file dropped onto the floor but he paid little attention to it. The tranquillizer would keep his mate knocked out for several hours. He dashed to his room quickly and pulled on a pair of leather pants and t-shirt before returning to Melita’s room. He helped strip her of her clothing, admiring her soft curves before tucking her beneath the covers. He really shouldn’t have let his eyes linger on her sleeping body, but how could he ignore her beauty? Her face was pale and soft, her dark lashes against her cheeks, while her full lips were opened, breathing deeply in her drug induced sleep. Once she was settled, he picked up the bag on her bed and placed it on the top of the dresser behind him, and then went over to pick up the file on the floor and all the papers that slid out of it when it fell. He glanced over some of the papers, discovering information on the dragons. This must have been how she learned to find them. But as he started to pick up the rest of the papers, he stared in horror at the pictures spread over the floor. Quickly, he gathered them together, his revulsion growing by the minute as he sorted through them. He saw pictures of himself in his dragon form and then his human form. There were pictures detailing his rape and beating, and he felt ill all over again. What the hell was she doing with these? Where had she gotten them? And more importantly, what did she intend to do with them? These had to be the pictures that that disgusting man took while he was at Jake’s compound, but how did Melita get them? She had witnessed his degradation. She knew exactly everything that had happened to him in crystal clear details. His breathing turned sharp and painful in his chest while he tried to control the rage and disgust he felt. Leaning over her, he grabbed her shoulders and shook her, her head lolling back on the pillow. “Wake up!” he demanded. He wanted answers and he wanted them now. What was she planning to do with these pictures? Show his humiliation to all of the dragons? Or did she get some pleasure out of seeing what was done to him? He wanted to make her answer, but the drugs wouldn’t wear off for several hours. Furious, he slammed the file shut and tossed it onto the table near the window. He paced back and forth, trying to bring his anger under control. He couldn’t understand how she got them, much less, why she would keep them. His humiliation was there in black and white for the entire world to see. Had she sat back and laughed at how weak he was? He couldn’t fight what the slayers did to him. Did she enjoy it, enjoy his shame? His thoughts were chaotic, the rage in his heart ready to explode. But he would not leave this room until he had answers, and then, he was destroying those photos and any negatives she had! Zarina’s den was on the Eastern shores of Elyssa. Athelos flashed them directly into her room where he laid her on her overstuff bed, covering her lightly with one of the quilts. Sighing in frustration, he stepped back. Her breathing was deep and even, her dark lashes fluttering against her cheeks. She would be fine once the drug wore off, but he wasn’t entirely certain how well he would survive this day. He could feel his father’s rage while he waited for him in the valley near Calador’s home. It wasn’t going to be a mild punishment for disobeying his father this time. He had completely lost control and obliterated all of the slayers at the Inn. Normally, he would have sent them far away, but with his sister’s attack, he lost all reason and went on a rampage. With a flash of his powers, he changed from his black leathers pants to the white iridescent pants. His father didn’t approve of material from the human world on the island and although he normally defied that rule, his father was already in a rage, waiting to put a world of hurt on Athelos. There was no sense in making him angrier, even though Athelos normally lived to piss his father off, but this one time, he would forgo it. Flashing out of Zarina’s den, he stood in the wide-open valley below his parent’s den. He could sense his father, but when he stood in the valley, he didn’t see him. A moment later and he heard a furious roar split across the island, but before he could spin around to meet his father’s onslaught, Calador attacked. Pain ripped through Athelos’ body when his father’s claws ripped through the skin on his back. He dropped to one knee, the pain overwhelming, but this was only the beginning. Looking up sharply, he glared at his father. “I didn’t mean to lose control.” Calador roared again and rushed Athelos. His son stood, his feet planted firmly on the ground, and clashed with Calador’s body. Teeth and claws ripped into each other, Calador making sure to inflict as much pain on his son for his defiance as he could. He had warned his son repeatedly not to use his powers to interfere. Now, he had done more than interfered. Several of the riders were wary of their dragons, which in turn, could cause major problems with the bonded dragons. They attacked each other viciously, claws ripping into flesh, teeth gouging skin until they were both bloody. Calador healed almost immediately though, so his strength was overpowering his son quickly. Athelos used to be able to heal as fast, but because of disobeying his father’s mandate, yet again, he no longer healed as quickly. To save Storm and Mystic during birth, Athelos used his ability to heal to help the youngling, but Storm had absorbed some of his healing powers. He would still heal on his own, but at a much slower rate than his father would. But he didn’t have time to worry about how slowly he was healing when his father was attacking so quickly that he didn’t even have time to catch his breath. Pain riddled his body, blood seeping into his white pants until they were almost completely red from the blood. Breathing hard, he staggered forward, dropping to his knees while pain washed through him. He expected his father to put him into a submissive hold as soon as he dropped, but he didn’t. Instead, Calador backed away, his eyes still glaring at his son. “I have told you not to interfere,” he growled angrily. Athelos left his head down, waiting for his father to finish this. It confused him that he didn’t move quickly to do it when he always had in the past. “Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do, Father. They were after Zarina. I was protecting her.” Roaring, Calador rushed Athelos, his knee lifting to bash his son in the face. Athelos flew back and Calador dropped over him. Breathing hard, he grabbed Athelos’ hair and lifted his head. “Liar! If you were protecting Zarina, then how come you left her on her own to go after the slayers?” Fury rose in Athelos and he lifted his legs, hitting his father in the back to send him over Athelos’ head. Then he leaped up, spinning around, but Calador was faster. As Athelos spun around, he met a fist in his face that sent him sprawling over the ground. “Desiderio was after Zarina, Father!” Calador stood to his full height of over seven feet tall, and lifted his head. “Zanados!” A black oval portal opened and a wraith in human form entered the valley. He had black misty hair that blew around what used to be powerful shoulders, his dark eyes taking in the scene in front of him. Athelos was dragging himself up, his body riveted with gashes on his shoulders, back, and chest. Blood covered him, soaking his pants, and he sway when he climbed to his feet. Zanados lifted one wispy eyebrow. “Wow Father, keep this up and you won’t have any sons remaining.” Calador growled but ignored his comment. “Is Braillios loose again?” Zanados tilted his head to the side while he searched The Shadow Realm. “Nope. All accounted for.” “You will stop Braillios from leaving in Desiderio’s body!” Zanados shrugged his shoulders. “As long as he is there, I am not required to do more. Remember, observe, but not interfere. It is your own mandate Father.” Calador roared his fury and spun on Zanados. “That is not why you are a wraith. You betrayed the dragons, but I gave you this form with the instructions of keeping all the wraiths and the Shadow Creatures where they belong. If Braillios is leaving The Shadow Realm through Desiderio, then you aren’t doing what you’re supposed to.” “As long as a part of him remains in The Shadow Realm, I am. If you wish to give me a body again, then I will gladly move about the human realm to stop him.” Zanados opened a portal and stepped through, leaving Athelos and Calador alone again. Calador threw his head back and glared at his son. “Desiderio has nothing to do with the massacre you did to the slayers.” Athelos narrowed his eyes. “He brought them to the Inn. I already told you though; I didn’t mean to lose control.” “You will learn to obey me son or I will tear you apart for your disobedience!” Athelos roared and stormed his father, stopping when he stood face to face with him. He was tired of this shit, tired of fighting his father, tired of being told what to do. What good was it to have all these powers but unable to protect his friends with them? “Then do it! I defended my friends and I would do it again in a heartbeat. They destroyed Alex and Bri’s wedding, they kill without any regard for what it does to the dragons. So why the Funk should I care if I killed a few slayers? How many dragons have they killed?” Calador launched himself at Athelos again, slicing his son’s skin open across his chest. Roaring his fury, he charged Athelos, once more belting him in the jaw to send him sprawling backwards. Athelos rolled over to pull himself up, but Calador was on his back in an instant. He dug his claws into his son’s shoulder while wrapping one arm around his throat. Then he bit into Athelos’ right shoulder, holding his struggling body firmly. “You will obey me son!”Roaring, Athelos flung his head back, his body bucking as he tried to dislodge his father’s hold. “Funk you asshole!” A furious growl swept through Calador’s chest, his claws sinking further into Athelos’ shoulder, and his teeth sank deeper as well. “I am tired of this Athelos. I am tired of you disobeying me. I have the mandate for a reason. You can change the dragon’s future with your destruction. Submit!”Athelos rolled his shoulders and when his father’s hold on his lessened, he lunged forward, shouting with pain when he ripped his father’s claws and teeth from his shoulders. He leaped up and spun around, swaying back and forth while he glared at his father furiously. “I refuse to submit ever again. You’re wrong. Those are my friends and I will not leave them to die when I can do something to prevent it!” Calador roared, his rage so powerful he barely contained control of it. Black clouds formed overhead, lightening splitting through the night sky. “Do you realize what you have done? The riders, who openly trusted their dragons, are now wary of them. They fear what the other dragons can do. With one selfish act, you have put a gap between the dragons with the Vitae Bond and their riders. Do you understand what that means? What if the riders decide to leave the dragons? The dragons will be lost without them, including Vileo!” Athelos lifted his chin and glared at his father. “At least I did more than sit on my ass and watch everything happening around me. At least I mingle with the dragons, accepting all of their flaws and weaknesses instead of hiding away on an island for eons, ignoring the life created.” Breathing hard, Calador narrowed his eyes and moved to stand in front of Athelos, his anger barely held back. Lightening flashing across the sky was the only indication of his fury. “One way or another you will learn obedience. I am tired of telling you this. I am tired of your defiance. Do you know what it does to your mother every time we have this damn battle? Do you even care what it does to me? I don’t enjoy this son, but you will obey me!” Athelos snorted. “Obey. That is all you’re interested in, isn’t it Father? Well, I have one thing to say. Funk you!” Calador backhanded Athelos so hard his son flew backwards to land on his back. Rushing him, he dropped over his son, pressing a knee into his chest while he lifted his head to glare into his furious eyes. “I’ve had enough!” “No!” shouted Annora, materializing next to the combatants. She had felt Calador’s fury and she agreed with him about Athelos taking too much freedom with his power, but she couldn’t allow him to do what she knew he was getting ready to do. “Please Calador, don’t.” “You are banished from Elyssa,” continued Calador, ignoring his mate’s pleas. “You will not be welcomed here again until you learn to respect me and my mandate. You will not be allowed any of your powers while you are banished. If you decide you can live by my rules, merely call for me. If I am ready to forgive your disobedience, I will come to you.” “No!” shouted Annora, pounding on her mate’s back. She pulled at his shoulders trying to get to Athelos, but Calador moved back, keeping her behind him so she couldn’t reach their son. “You are a big disappointment son. I believed in you. I trusted you in the world among the dragons, but you have defied me for the last time. Leave and never return until you have learned control and accept my laws. You will have nothing to do with your mother and Zarina will not be allowed to return to the dragon world until you learn obedience. I will let Vileo know that you are completely under his laws now instead of mine,” growled Calador. Athelos stared at his father defiantly while he pushed himself off the ground, but horrendous pain suddenly flashed through his body as he felt all of his powers hampered, including his ability to heal. Roaring, he started to leap up, but he found himself on the lawn of the Inn, his parents gone, his sister trapped on Elyssa. “Father!” he shouted, throwing his head back with a loud roar. He knew his father wouldn’t answer him though. He had banished him from his home and family, leaving him alone in the world of dragons. Furious, he pulled himself up to his knees, throwing his head back to roar. “Father!” Silence greeted his calls and he dropped his head. His father had said he was disappointed, but it felt as if he hated Athelos for what he had done. He couldn’t imagine never seeing his mother or sister again. How long before his father forgave him? How long would he have to endure their absence in his life? What about his young brother and sister? Would he never meet or bond with them? Was he forever excluded from his family? His home was here among the dragons, but he always knew he could return to his mother any time he wanted. The separation was painful, his heart feeling as if it was about to explode. Lifting his head again, he roared his agony until his voice was hoarse. Exhausted, he pulled himself to his feet, stunned when he felt the heavy weight on his shoulders. He had never realized how much his powers made life easier for him. His injuries bleed profusely, his body wracked with pain. He tried to materialize leather pants, but he was unable to. Stumbling forward, he started for the main house. Once he reached his room, he dragged himself into the shower. He sat on the floor, letting the hot water pound over his injured body. He groaned, the pain of his injuries almost sucking him into darkness. Hanging his head, he pressed his hands against his temples, trying to sort out the pain of the numerous cuts in an attempt to bring it under control. He finally gave up when nothing he tried helped. He would have to live with this agonizing pain until his father decided to forgive him. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, wishing his father would take him back home. Only the sound of the water beating against his body and the shower stall filled his ears. Annora pounded on Calador’s broad shoulders, fury in each strike until he grew tired of it and clasped his muscled arms around her to hold her against his chest. “I’m sorry it hurts you, Annora, but Athelos must learn control and obedience. I don’t like hurting him. He is my son and I love him, but I can’t allow this to continue.” “Bring him back!” she cried, shoving at him until she grew tired of fighting his hold. Then she hung in his arms limply, crying against his chest. “Bring him back.” Sighing, Calador wrapped her in his arms, trying to comfort her as much as he could. “No, not until he accepts my mandate. I will not tolerate his defiance, his mouth, or disobedience anymore.” She shoved against him, stumbling backwards when he released her. “All you’re interested in is obedience. You got rid of Zanados when he didn’t obey…” “I had nothing to do with Zanados’ death. He betrayed the dragons. He died in the war he started among the clans for more power!” argued Calador. He couldn’t believe his mate was now trying to accuse him of Zanados’ death. “And now that we have two new younglings incubating, it is easy to toss Athelos aside. He has to be here when they hatch or they won’t bond with him. You’ve left him to heal on his own after you all but mangled him. You’ve left him without his powers to protect himself, knowing full well he’s used to having his abilities to fight. It is your fault that he and Zarina don’t understand the world out there. You kept them locked away on this damned island for eons, and then let them go with orders not to help the dragons with their powers. In birth years, they are ancient, but in years of living among dragons, understanding the consequences of their actions, they are younglings. It is your fault for hiding them here. Will you do that to our new younglings when they hatch?” Calador sighed in frustration and raked a hand through his hair. Annora was lonely for younglings again, so they had laid two more eggs, another son, and daughter soon to hatch. Athelos didn’t even know yet, but Calador couldn’t allow him to continue down this destructive path. It would destroy him in the end if he did. “I know I am partially to blame, Annora. That is why I have tried to be patient with him, but he is only getting worse, his behavior getting out of control. If he doesn’t reign it in right now, he will lose that control and we will lose our son forever. Do you want that?” Furious, Annora rushed him and shoved him back. “Bring him back!” “No.” She roared and slapped him twice, then continued to rain blows on his chest. “I will never forgive you until you bring him back! You might as well learn to make yourself comfortable in the front of the den with the eggs, because you are not sharing my bed until my son is home.” She disappeared and Calador growled. It pissed him off that his son’s defiance had caused this battle between him and his mate. It had happened more and more over the last years when Calador tried to punish Athelos for his disobedience. Now, his mate didn’t even want him touching her. Frustrated, he flashed himself inside the Grecian-like temple at the top of the mountain, and walked over to the heating stones that held the three-foot high eggs. Using his fire, he warmed the stones, caressed the eggs, and then dropped onto the floor. He shifted uncomfortably for several minutes and then with a sigh, flashed a softer bed beneath him. If he was going to sleep out here, he might as well be comfortable. It was going to take more than one day for Athelos to learn his lesson. His son was stubborn, not to mention a male full of pride. He hated to knock his son down a few notches, but he had to learn control. If this were the only way to do it, then he would do it this way. He only hoped his son didn’t take too long to ask for sincere forgiveness, especially considering he still had to tell Zarina she was grounded to the island until Athelos learned his lesson. She wasn’t going to be happy and he anticipated another fight. Just what he needed.
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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 7, 2010 2:38:49 GMT -6
Chapter 6 Pain throbbed behind Melita’s eyes and she rubbed them with a soft groan. Blinking them open, she frowned when she realized she was in her room. What happened? The last thing she remembered was dancing with Sergio. A smile spread across her face as she snuggled against her pillows. She had loved swaying against his body, his warm scent wafting over her, teasing her senses until she thought she would go crazy with the need to touch him. She had lifted her face to his, but then a sting hit her neck, and that was the last thing she remembered. Frowning, she pushed up in her bed and looked around her room. The sun was barely starting to peek over the horizon, casting a shadowed glow through her room. She saw her bag on the dresser, the entertainment center across from her, and – she smiled. Sergio was sitting in one of the lounge chairs watching her. “What happened?” “The slayers attacked,” he answered darkly, watching her through narrowed eyes. Reaching for the file on the table, he leaned forward and tossed it onto the bed. “Care to explain?” Melita picked up the file, gasping when she realized he must have found it on her bed. Now that she knew he was safe, she intended to destroy the photos, but there was the wedding, and then the attack, and she never got the chance to. “I can explain.” He growled. “How did you get those photos?” Scooting up in the bed, she pulled the covers up high and rested her hands in her lap, twisting her hands together. “I worked for a paranormal tabloid with Rusty. He went missing after a secret assignment so I went to his home to look for him. He was there, but he gave me two rolls of film, told me he didn’t know what was on them, and that he quit his job. When I took them home to develop, I discovered what was on them. I was excited at first because I had been told all the dragons were dead, but when I saw what was happening in them, I was horrified. I wanted to come here immediately, but my human nephew was dying and he asked me to wait. As soon as he died, I came here. I only kept the photos so that if you weren’t rescued, I could ask for help finding you. I swear it, Sergio. I only wanted to make sure you were safe. I wouldn’t have shown the photos to anybody except the ruler I needed to request help from.” Snarling, Sergio leaped up and stood over her, placing one hand on each side of her hips so their faces were mere inches apart. “Did you enjoy looking at them over and over again? They have been handled repeatedly, the edges worn where you held them. Do you get your jollies watching another tortured?” She gasped and slapped him, glaring at him. “I was heartbroken to see what was happening. I admit I have some different sexual enjoyments, not just regular sex, but that wasn’t one of them. They were raping you, dammit, and I didn’t enjoy that.” Sergio growled while he looked her over. He couldn’t help but wonder what ‘different’ sexual enjoyments she liked. Her soft jasmine scent grew stronger and he realized she was just as affected by him being over her as he was by being near her. Snarling, he pushed away from her, glaring at her as he moved to the end of the bed. “Do you know what it is like to know my degradation is in those photos? Why didn’t you just destroy them?” Melita chewed on her lower lip while she crossed her arms over her chest. She thought he was going to lean down and kiss her. Damn but she wanted him to, but instead, he walked away. “I’m sorry. Now that I know you are safe, I can destroy them. I will destroy them.” She lifted the file again and lit her fire, watching the file burn in her hand. Now that she was home where she belonged, she didn’t need any of the information in it. She should have burned it as soon as she arrived and met Sergio instead of risking him finding it. Of course, she hadn’t anticipated having her evening with him destroyed by slayers. The edges of the photos curled into themselves as the flame grew. Climbing out of the bed, she carried them into the bathroom and dropped them into the sink, watching as they completely burned. She met Sergio’s gaze in the mirror. “I’m sorry. I wish I could change what happened to you, but I can’t. I wish you didn’t see the photos before I destroyed them.” “I am ashamed that you have seen them. Horrified to know that you know what happened. They have finally completed my shame by letting my mate know they raped me repeatedly.” She watched the anger burn in his eyes, saw him close himself off to her, and she spun around. She wouldn’t lose him because of this. She wanted him as her mate. Rushing to him, she threw her arms around his waist and nuzzled her face against his chest. “No, Sergio. I am not ashamed of you. I am furious that they harmed you, yes, but it wasn’t your fault. You were chained, beaten, and…” She couldn’t bring herself to say it. She wanted to cry for him, cry for the pain she knew he endured, cry for the warm male she got to know last night. “Raped,” he snarled while prying her body away from him. “Let me love you, Sergio,” she whispered, her eyes pleading with him. “I would never hurt you.” Sneering, he shoved her away. “I don’t need a pity Funk. I don’t need anybody making everything all better. It can’t be made better. I remember every horrid detail of what was done to me and if I had started to forget or believe maybe it wasn’t as bad as I imagined, those photos reminded me I was wrong.” She gaped at him. “Is that what you think? That I just want to give you a pity Funk? You’re my mate. Before long, your fire will start hurting you. I don’t want that to happen, Sergio.” “Too bad,” he growled moving out of the doorway and into the room. He stormed to the bedroom door. “Did you know I wanted them to kill me? I hoped they would, but instead, they brought me home to show off my shame in front of all the dragons. My clan, my sister, grandfather, everybody knew what happened to me. Now, so do you. I will never take you as mate. Find somebody else to fulfill your needs, but leave me the hell alone!” She gawked when he slammed out of the room. She wanted to hate him for his cruel words, but she understood he was hurting. She wanted him as her mate, but how could she get through the barrier he held between them. Frustrated, she knew she needed some advice. And who better to talk to than Kieran and Khalid? If anybody could help her think of a way to break though his anger, they could. Of course, she wasn’t sure it was anger so much as disgust with himself. She saw it in his eyes, the way he saw himself. She had to convince him that she didn’t see him as anything more than the sexy male he truly was. Hurrying into the room, she rummaged through her bags until she found a pair of her jeans and a blouse. She yanked them on, slipped her sandals on, and then hurried out of the room. She had seen them head to the cottage yesterday, so with any luck, they would be easy to find. Rushing down the stairs, she crossed the lawn, through the copse of trees, and to the first cottage where she saw them go yesterday. Knocking on the door loudly, she waited for somebody to answer. She hated to disturb them at such an early hour, but she had to figure out a way to reach her mate. When the door jerked open, she gave Khalid a wan smile. “I know it is early, but I really need to talk to you and Kieran. It’s personal, but urgent.” Khalid stepped back and opened the door wider and Melita entered the cottage. To the right was a family room with a large sofa, entertainment center, and two lounge chairs. She went to one of the lounge chairs but looked at Khalid before she sat down. He only wore a tight pair of black leather pants, his muscled chest bare with his long black hair falling over his broad shoulders. She had forgotten how sexy he was, especially with all his muscles revealed to her viewing pleasure. “If you’ll wait, I’ll get Kieran,” he said, returning to the bedroom. She sat down on the edge of the chair, leaning her elbows on her knees while clasping her hands together. She only hoped they could help her. Things were different with full-blooded dragons and she didn’t know how to entice her mate into taking her. He seemed determined to keep away from her, which infuriated her considering that yesterday he was making all sorts of claims on her, including his claiming kiss in front of Khalid and Kieran. A shiver ran through her body. She could still feel and taste his fire blended with hers, but she wanted to share so much more than that with him. Would her fire start to grow since she had blended their fires? She didn’t know how her body would react to having a full-blooded dragon as her mate. Oh, there was no denying that she wanted him. But she didn’t know if her fire would grow out of control, much as it did when she was in her time of needing. The bedroom door opened again and Khalid and Kieran joined her in the living room, both of them dressed in leather pants and a leather vest. They sat on the sofa, Khalid in the corner with Kieran wrapped under his arm and against his side. “What can we do for you?” asked Khalid. “This is a bit awkward, but how do I make a full-blooded dragon want me?” Khalid choked while Kieran chuckled. “You’re serious?” asked Khalid when she didn’t look away or change her question. She nodded. “It’s like this. I learned about the dragons still being alive by some photos a human took of Sergio while he was a prisoner. I won’t tell you what was in them, but I’m sure you can guess.” They nodded and she sighed before continuing. “Well, he discovered I had them before I could destroy them. Now he claims he will never take me as mate, even though I know his fire will kill him. So how do I make him want me enough that he will forget that I saw the photos?” Khalid gave a low whistle and then looked at Kieran. Kieran shrugged and both males glanced back at Melita. “Well,” said Khalid, his brows creasing between his eyes. “I know the mating fire will pull at him, but if he is determined to ignore it, but you are serious about wanting him, then we will have to do something to make him change his mind.” “I am serious about wanting him Khalid. You saw how he reacted to knowing we had been lovers, so you know he wants me as well, but after our discussion…” She shook her head. She wanted to break down and cry for the loss of her mate. She had to convince him that she cared about him, that the photos didn’t disgust her. “You’ve had Kenjiro as a lover before, right?” asked Kieran. She frowned. “Kenjiro?” “Three,” he replied, giving Kenjiro’s previous number. She smiled and nodded. “Yeah, before you three were taken from the compound, he and I were fairly much regular, although I know he also liked males.” Kieran chuckled but nodded. “I’m thinking you and Kenjiro should get acquainted again. Nothing sexual mind you, but it wouldn’t hurt to spend that time, oh…say somewhere close to Sergio. I know,” he said, raising a hand when she started to protest. “It will make him jealous as hell, but your first step is to make sure he realizes he wants you. To do that, you have to let him see you with another male. I say Kenjiro because he does like females as well as male. Hang on. I’ll call him while you’re here.” She watched Kieran head to the bedroom and smiled when Khalid watched him with a heated look. “I’m glad the two of you are together.” Khalid looked at her and gave her a wicked grin. “He is delicious to be sure.” She chuckled. “I’m curious. Do you know if we respond differently when we share our fire with a full-blooded dragon?” He shook his head. “No. I’ve actually wanted to do that with Kieran ever since I saw the claiming kiss between you and Sergio, but I’m not sure if it will work since we’re both males.” She gasped. “You haven’t marked each other as mates?” “I want to, trust me,” he said with a growl, his eyes growing heated when he thought about it. “But I don’t know if we can. I suppose Kieran and I will have to explore those things and experiment. I want the world to know he is my mate.” “Kenjiro will be here in a minute,” said Kieran, sitting on the arm of the sofa beside Khalid. He brushed his fingers through Khalid’s hair, smiling when the male moaned softly. “Once you have Sergio’s attention and his fire starts to grow hotter, you shouldn’t have any problems convincing him to take you as his mate.” Khalid glanced up at Kieran and the male nodded to him in agreement. A few minutes later and the door opened, Kenjiro walking in with a wide grin. “Ahh…lovely female, gorgeous hunks…looks like I’m in for a wonderful day. Anybody up to a foursome?” Melita rolled her eyes, but it was hard to take them off the male. Damn he had gotten sexier over the years. He was six feet two and filled from top to bottom with layers of muscles. His shoulders were broad, his chest wide, while his stomach tapered down to narrow hips. He was wearing leather pants and vest identical to Kieran and Khalid’s, but they were so snug on him, she could see the outline of each muscle on his delicious body. Dark brown hair fell over his shoulders, and his chocolate brown eyes twinkled when he saw her. “Kieran says your name is Melita now,” said Kenjiro while he sat on the sofa across from her. She nodded and reached a hand out to his knee. “And you are Kenjiro. I like that. It suits you very well.” He gave a deep chuckle and then looked at Kieran. “So, how can I help?” “Melita needs an interested male who can also keep from taking her to bed. She’s trying to get her mate jealous so he won’t ignore her.” Kenjiro lifted an eyebrow and looked back at Melita. He couldn’t imagine any male ignoring the beauty. Her white hair fell in soft waves around her slim shoulders with her emerald eyes watched him expectantly, while her small hands twisted together. He wanted to take her for real though, not just make another male jealous. Growling softly, he moved to his knees to sit in front of her, brushing his hand through her hair and over her shoulders. “Any male who ignores such beauty is a fool.” Melita shivered and leaned into his touch. It had been a long time since she had a male and Kenjiro had always known how to please. Sighing, she pulled back from him. “I appreciate the thought, but Sergio just needs a little nudge. He had a bad experience, so he thinks to keep himself apart from me.” Kenjiro frowned and moved back to the sofa. “Sergio had more than just a bad experience. Are you sure you want him as mate? Ever since he returned home, his moods have been unstable, borderline feral even.” She nodded her head. “He gave me a claiming kiss yesterday, so we are mates. But he knows that I know about what happened to him while he was a prisoner, so now he thinks I’m only interested in giving him, and I quote, ‘a pity Funk’. I want more than that from him, but convincing him will be difficult. He’s determined to stay away from me. I think he wants his fire to kill him, but I can’t let that happen. Will you help me, Kenjiro?” He watched her closely. She truly wanted Sergio, but it chapped his hide. She was a beautiful female, soft spoken, with doe eyes that pleaded with him. He could see the swell of her breasts through the scoop neckline of her shirt, and he felt his body harden. He hadn’t wanted a female like this for a very long time. Growling low, he leaned closer, dipping his face to her neck. Her scent of jasmine rushed through him, and although his body responded, he wasn’t pulled by the undying need to pounce her. Yes, he wanted her, just as he would want other beautiful females, but she wasn’t meant to be his mate. Sighing, he leaned back again. “I will help you, but you must understand something. I am fighting the need to take you as a lover, but not as mate. So don’t be offended if I touch you, or even kiss you. Especially if he is near. If you freeze when I do something like that, he will know you aren’t truly interested.” She sucked in her breath. How could he think she wasn’t interested? Damn, her body all but begged him to bury his face against her neck again, but he wasn’t her mate. She only wanted Sergio to do that for real. Nodding, she smiled at him. “I’m sure I can fake it,” she said with a soft laugh, reaching across to grasp his hand. “I am attracted to you Kenjiro, as I always have been, but Sergio is my mate and he is the only one I want.” He cocked his head to the side and smiled, his fingers toying with her hand. “I will aid you in your quest to snag your mate then. It will be such a hardship, truly, but I think I’ll manage. However, be warned. If the male is stupid enough to walk away still and allow his fire to burn him up, I’m taking you to bed.” Kieran and Khalid laughed. “Good,” said Kieran when Khalid stood. “Now that we have that settled, you two head on unless you truly wish to make this a foursome. Watching the two of you has made me hot and I either get my mate into bed or we pounce on both of you.” Kenjiro’s *C* and he met Kieran’s grin with an upraised eyebrow. “If I thought Khalid wouldn’t kill me for touching you, I’d take you up on the offer. However, I will take Melita to breakfast and let you two enjoy yourselves without my help. But, if you should need a helping hand, just give me a buzz.” Khalid watched Kieran escort the two to the door. He was having a difficult time holding onto his human form though. It pissed him off when Kieran suggested that Kenjiro join them. Jealousy rushed through him like a wild fire, and any time strong emotions hit him like this, it was difficult for him to remain human. As soon as Kieran shut the door, Khalid let the beast loose and transformed. Wings pulled out of his back, the vest he wore making it easy for them to spread wide while his spindly tail pulled out of the opening in his leather pants. As he grew taller, the pants rode up his legs until the ends of them reached the bottom of his ankles. Scully, a male who owned his own custom made leather shop over at the Misfits’ Plaza, had designed and made the leather outfit for all of the half-breeds, making them so that the clothing worked in both their human and dragon form. He growled low when Kieran turned to him and he lunged at his lover, slamming him back against the door. “You would take Kenjiro to bed?” Kieran chuckled and brushed his hands over Khalid’s chest, down to his waist. “It was only a thought, but I would have shared him with you.” Khalid snarled and buried his face against Kieran’s neck. “You are mine. I don’t share what is mine.” Kieran shuddered when Khalid bit his neck. He had made his mate jealous. How wonderful. Maybe he would consider punishing him for it. Grinning, he pulled on Khalid’s hair to get his mate’s face away from his neck. “It was just a little sharing.” Khalid growled and pressed his body against Kieran, his **C** hard against his lover’s stomach. “You are mine. Say it, Kieran.” He sighed and nuzzled Khalid’s neck. “Make me.” Khalid grabbed Kieran’s hair and forced his head back, glaring at him. He didn’t know what game his lover was playing at, but he would make sure the male didn’t doubt whom he belonged to before the morning was over. Dropping his head, he plundered Kieran’s mouth, his tongue sweeping inside to taste him deeply. Kieran’s unique flavor moved over his tongue and he decided it was time to find out if they could claim a mate the same as the full-blooded dragons. He sent his fire through Kieran, waiting to see if the male would take it. Kieran groaned, taking Khalid’s fire as it soared through him. Curious, he took it inside of himself, blending it with his. The taste was so strong and spicy, just like Khalid and it made his cock throb for release. He sent the fire back to Khalid, groaning when his mate accepted it. Moaning softly, Khalid released Kieran’s mouth and nuzzled beneath his ear. “It would seem we can claim our mate the same way.” He lifted his head and tugged Kieran’s head back again. “I am also going to mark you as mine. After today, nobody will ever doubt who you belong to.” Kieran’s breathing grew raspy. He loved it when Khalid dominated him like this, but he also liked it the few times the male allowed Kieran to dominate. It hadn’t happened often over the last three months, but a few times, and Kieran adored it when the strong male allowed himself to be taken by Kieran. “I may have to mark you as well, mate.” Khalid growled. “We will see.” Pushing away from the door, Khalid tugged Kieran and then shoved him forward through the cottage. When they reached their room, he slammed the door shut, his anger at Kieran for even suggesting Kenjiro join them still very much evident. Kieran was his and he refused to share him with anybody, even Kenjiro. Kieran turned and watched Khalid with amusement. He knew why his mate was so angry, or more to the point, jealous. He had flirted with Kenjiro openly, something he hadn’t done since he and Khalid had started their relationship three months ago. He had meant it only in fun, teasing the male who was obviously very much interested in Melita, but now, he was glad he had done it. It had Khalid primed and he loved it when his mate got all bossy with him. Khalid tucked his wings against his sides and leaned against the door. “Take off your clothes.” Kieran lifted an eyebrow, but only stood in place. Khalid growled and pushed away from the door. He pulled Kieran against his body. “I said take off your clothes.” Kieran was in the mood to be defiant. He loved watching these emotions from his mate. It made him feel special made him feel wanted and loved. He wondered if Khalid did love him. They had never said it in the three months they’d been together, but Kieran already knew he loved Khalid. He had loved him from the moment he laid eyes on him. “Make me – if you can.” **CENSORED BUT KHALID?KIERAN LEARN THEY CAN LIFE MATE (this was a one time thing...maybe... *** Khalid truly loved him. They were one now, their emotions joined as tightly *C*. “I can feel you!”Khalid chuckled and stroked his hands down Kieran’s back to his *C*, nestling him against his side tightly. “As I can feel you. I guess we can let the other half-breeds know that they can life mate, even if it is male/male.”Kieran sighed with pleasure, enjoying the feel of Khalid in his mind. He had wondered if they could do this and now that they had, he was pleased. He didn’t regret driving Khalid into a jealous frenzy though, not when it ended so wonderfully for both of them. He might have to do it again just for shits and giggles – and to make sure his mate got all bossy with him again.
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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 7, 2010 14:11:44 GMT -6
Chapter 7 Kenjiro pulled out a chair for Melita and once she sat down, he pulled another chair around the table so he could sit beside her. Carlie, the half-breed female that started working with Zarina in the kitchen, came over to stand at the table with a wide smile. She was five feet three, full and buxom, her large breasts barely contained in the leather tank top Scully made for the females. She had white hair with highlights of blue, green, and purple hanging over her shoulders to her hips, and eyes that shifted from crystal blue to indigo. Kenjiro looked her over appreciatively, but next to Melita, Carlie’s beauty and appeal paled considerably. She leaned over the table, flashing him the swells of her breast in her top, and practically purred at him, all but ignoring Melita next to him. “Hey stud, what you needing this morning?” He felt Melita shift uncomfortably beside him and he gave Carlie a dark look. He had the female, no doubt about it, but he had never bonded with her or any of the other half-breeds. “Breakfast for me and Melita,” he said with a deep growl. Carlie sighed and stood up, casting a look at Melita. She gave her a dark look but finally turned back to Kenjiro. “Zarina is missing again, so I’m doing the cooking. We have ham and cheese omelets, sausage and bacon, biscuits or toast, and plenty of fresh fruit.” He nodded. “We’ll take all of that as well as some orange juice and coffee.” He looked at Melita. “Do you drink coffee?” She chuckled and nodded her head. “I’m a serious caffeine addict, so please, give me my java.” He smiled at her. She was so beautiful when she gave him a smile and her laugh was a deep husky sound that washed over him in soft waves. He turned back to Carlie, frowning when he saw the murderous glare in her eyes. “We’ll both have coffee.” Carlie spun around and headed for the kitchen, and Kenjiro sighed. Later, he would have to talk to her and remind her that he wasn’t her mate. He could damn well enjoy breakfast with anybody he chose. Perhaps it was time to end his little trysts with her though. She’d grown more possessive lately and he had already stopped seeking her out too often. After all, there was always more than one willing male among their clan, so why risk Carlie thinking he belonged to her? He dropped his arm over the back of Melita’s chair, his hand lightly brushing over her shoulder. She shifted uncomfortably again and he leaned over to her ear. “Relax.” Sighing, she nodded, but it wasn’t easy to do. Kenjiro was stirring up all kinds of wicked things in her body, but she wasn’t supposed to want him. She wanted Sergio, but it had been so long since she’d had a lover that her body naturally stood up and took notice of somebody as strong and sexy as Kenjiro. He nuzzled the side of her neck. “How long has it been since you’ve had a male, Melita?” She shifted again, desperately trying to hold back a groan. “Over seventy years.” She couldn’t look at him, but she felt him tense beside her. Kenjiro couldn’t believe she’d been so long without a lover, but that brought another question to mind. “How long until your time of needing?” Clasping her hands in her lap, she twisted them together nervously. She knew why he wanted to know. They had their first time of needing around age twenty-five when they reached their majority. It was quite similar to a human’s puberty stage. Their next one was seventy-five years later at their hundredth birth year, followed again seventy-five years after that. Then they would have one around two hundred, when they had their final major growth spurt. After that, their needing hit every seventy-five years, and if she hadn’t had a lover for over seventy, she had to be close to hers. She shrugged her shoulders and finally met his gaze. “Any time now. I don’t have an exact date, since trying to keep up with it in the compound was impossible, but I had my last one before Miles took me away from all of you.” “Funk!” Kenjiro sat back, his nostrils flaring as he inhaled her scent. She didn’t seem to be in it yet, but if she was right, there was going to be one hell of a problem soon if Sergio didn’t take his mate. The half-breeds would scent her need and they would all be on her like moths to a flame. He wouldn’t allow the other males to take her like that, but neither could he expect her to suffer when she would have no choice but to find a lover. Leaning forward, he nuzzled her ear again. “Listen to me. If Sergio is a fool and doesn’t take you as his mate, I want you to come to me when you hit your needing. I will keep you away from the other males, but understand that I will also take you to bed. I won’t be able to help it anymore than you will.” Melita closed her eyes and groaned. She’d had Kenjiro as her lover and she knew how hot he was, and how accomplished. She could only imagine he had gotten better over the years, but she didn’t want anybody but Sergio. However, she understood what Kenjiro was doing. He wasn’t being greedy and trying to keep her for himself. The other males would scent her need and they wouldn’t hesitate to take her repeatedly, even fighting each other for the right. If she went to Kenjiro, he would keep her away from them so that they didn’t scent her, but then he would also take care of her problem. Her body heated just thinking about Kenjiro taking her again. She was really getting close to that time. Otherwise, she would be able to resist him better. The closer she got to her time, the harder it would be to resist. Dammit, she hoped this plan worked to make Sergio jealous. She didn’t want any other male except him during that time, but she wouldn’t be able to stay away from Kenjiro if Sergio rejected her again. Kenjiro chuckled softly and nuzzled her neck. “I bet you’re still wild in bed, but I’ll leave that for Sergio to discover, if the idiot can get his head out of his ass and take you. If not,” he purred against her ear. “I will enjoy tasting you for days.” She glowered at him. He knew what he was doing to her. It was there in his eyes when she met them. Huffing, she put a fraction of distance between them but it wasn’t easy with him sitting so close to her. She glanced around the dining room, smiling briefly at Sterling who sat at a table across the room with his mate and Conall with his mate. “Sterling rules Sergio’s clan, but Sergio used to rule it, right? What happened?” Sighing, Kenjiro backed off. He was acting like a horny male who hadn’t had a female in years when in fact, he’d had sex just last night. Maybe not with a female, but sex nonetheless. He followed her gaze to Sterling, noting the male’s narrowed eyes on them. He chuckled and leaned over to nuzzle behind her ear again. Maybe Sergio’s ruler could help the male pull his head out of his ass. “Three months ago, Sergio and his clan led an attack against the slayers compound. They also had several guild members with them. After the attack, there were several injured humans, and Sergio broke dragon law and took them to the Ruling House. Needless to say, Vileo went ballistics and he and Sergio fought. Not that it was much of a fight. Vileo demolished Sergio without barely batting an eyelid. Anyway, Sergio got pissed, handed Sterling rule over the clan, and then walked out. Shortly after that he got captured by the slayers.” Melita sighed. Poor Sergio. His choices had led to his attack and she could understand why he despised himself so much. However, everybody made mistakes and that didn’t mean they continued to be punished for it. She really hoped this worked to get Sergio’s attention. She wanted to soothe his pain and show him some tenderness that he probably needed. Sterling watched Melita and Kenjiro acting like long lost lovers. Why wasn’t Sergio stopping them? He growled low when Kenjiro nuzzled Melita’s neck again and it was all he could do not to go over there and demand answers. “What’s wrong big guy?” asked Conall, hearing Sterling’s growl and dark look. He followed Sterling’s look and watched the two half-breeds together. “Damn. If Sergio sees that, he’s going to go nuts.” Sterling nodded. He already had a difficult time keeping Sergio from going feral. If he saw his mate cuddled up with one of the other half-breeds, he would be uncontrollable. “I should stop them.” Athena reached over and put a hand on his arm. “It isn’t your place.” Sterling growled again but his body relaxed. He would just have to deal with Sergio. He caught movement out of the side of his eyes and saw Athelos walking into the dining room. His jaw dropped. The male looked as if he had battled hell itself and came out the loser. There were bruises on his face, gashes on his arms, and he walked slowly as if every movement pained him. He knew Calador would lay into his son for last night’s fiasco, but damn, Athelos looked like death warmed over. He frowned. Why wasn’t the male healed already and why did he move as if he could barely manage to place one foot in front of the other. Leaping up, Sterling grabbed Athelos’ arm and helped ease him into a chair. Athelos sighed and nodded his appreciation. “Thanks,” he said, adjusting until he was as comfortable as possible, which considering how badly he hurt wasn’t very comfortable. He raked a hand through his hair and leaned against the table, taking several breaths to ease the discomfort in his ribs. “What happened to you?” demanded Sterling once he sat down again. Athelos raked his fingers into his hair while resting his chin in the palm of his hands. “My father.” He groaned and leaned back in the chair, and then glanced at Sterling. “He was pissed about last night. We battled. Obviously, I lost – again.” “Yeah, but you always lose. Why aren’t you healing?” asked Sterling. He shrugged his shoulders, cursing when pain washed through him. His shoulders were the worst since that was where his father buried his claws and teeth into him the most. Sweat beaded on his forehead and upper lip, and he took several shallow breaths to bring his pain under control again. “He also banished me from Elyssa, stripping me of all of my powers. Now I get the luxury of healing like you guys do.” “Damn!” said Conall, watching his friend suffer with every move he made. He glanced at Sterling. “Yo, dad. Promise me you won’t do that to me. I almost went nuts stuck in the hospital for over a week while I healed from the broken bones. This kind of pain…” He shook his head. “I’m seriously not game for it. Besides, my mate would have to hurt you since she couldn’t climb into bed with me during that time.” Alida rolled her dark blue eyes, flipped her blonde hair over her shoulder, and met Conall’s mischievous grin. “Ha! It is more like you got upset because I wouldn’t crawl into bed with you. Not that I couldn’t, but wouldn’t.” Sterling growled low. “Hush pup.” He watched Athelos sadly, knowing that it was more than just the pain of his body that was hurting. Despite the battles he and his father got into, Athelos loved his father and mother very much. “Are you going to be alright?” Athelos nodded and sighed. “Yeah. I just have to learn to live without my powers. Once I eat, I’m going back to bed, but tomorrow, I want to head out on my bike. I want to explore and learn how to see and hear things without the added sensory that I have with my powers. It is almost like being a newborn. I have to learn everything over.” Sterling nodded, but when he saw movement at the entryway again, he glanced over. “Shit!” Sergio stood watching Melita with Kenjiro. He saw the male’s eyes burn, his jaw clench, and his hands ball into fists. Surprisingly though, he merely pivoted and joined the rest of them at the table. Confused, Sterling watched Melita and Kenjiro. Melita watched every move Sergio made, even as Kenjiro nuzzled her neck again. He frowned though when he saw Kenjiro watching Sergio with an angry glare. What the hell was going on here? When Sergio sat down, he turned to the male. “What is going on with your mate?” Sergio growled low. He was having a difficult time not going over there and ripping Kenjiro to pieces. When he saw them cuddled so close together, he wanted nothing more than to kill the male, but he had told Melita to find another and it looked as if she hadn’t waited. “Nothing.” Sterling scoffed. “Obviously, but I want to know why she is all lovey with Kenjiro when you are her mate.” Sergio snarled and glared at Sterling. “If you must know oh mighty ruler, I told her to find another mate. I don’t want her.” Sterling gaped at him. Was the male insane? He couldn’t just ignore his fire. It would burn him up in a matter of days. “Care to explain?” Sergio leaped up with a deep snarl, sending plates and silverware toppling to the floor when he shoved at the table. “What is there to explain? I don’t want her so I told her to find another. She has done so.” Turning sharply, he headed for the entryway, but he stopped to glare at Kenjiro and Melita. Melita met his furious gaze, her cheeks blushing, but he merely glared at her with so much anger, she doubted she would ever get passed it. Then with a curse, he headed out of the dining room, and slammed out the front door. A few moments later and she heard a engine rev on a motorcycle. Depressed, she pushed her food away. That didn’t have the desired affect she had hoped for. “Give it time,” said Kenjiro against her ear. He wanted to kill Sergio for ignoring his mate. It was more than obvious it pissed the male off to see them together, but he still walked out instead of taking what was his. He nuzzled Melita’s neck again, but he saw a tear slip down her cheek. Wrapping her in his arms, he held her against his chest, the need to comfort her overwhelming. If he kept this up, he would want to bond with her, but she wasn’t destined to be his mate.
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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 7, 2010 23:22:32 GMT -6
Chapter 8 Since Sergio disappeared on his motorcycle, the plan to make him jealous seemed rather moot, but that didn’t mean Melita couldn’t enjoy the day with Kenjiro. They walked next door to the Misfits’ Plaza. At first, she thought it was an odd name, but as soon as she met some of the characters working there, she realized it was perfect. Magnus Grey, who owned the plaza with his mate, Jinx, not only had a strange clan of misfits, but they seemed to be a couple of misfits themselves. Magnus was tall at six feet four with sandy brown hair and pale grey eyes. Muscles bulged everywhere on the male, even beneath the gold blood-bonding band on his right bicep, but he had a charming smile that he flashed often, especially at his beautiful mate. Jinx was five feet four with a curvaceous, but athletic figure. She had white hair with pale blue, green, and purple highlights and eyes to match. She was a feisty female as well, having quick short retorts for her mate’s teasing. At her side was a black panther named Rasha that came here from the rainforest when Jinx started searching for her missing clan. Other than a couple of stragglers from the rescue Sergio made at the compound a few months ago though, they hadn’t found her clan. Magnus had a strange cat at his side as well, but they had explained that he came from the island of Elyssa, and once they were in privacy, he had Tamus show her his true form. She stared amazed. Tamus was black with golden spots, but he had feathery wings from his back and feathers on the tip of his tail. His eyes changed colors from amber to green, but he seriously freaked her out when he spoke in her head. Now that was unexpected. Throughout the day, she met members of Magnus’ clan. There were females with pink hair, males with mohawks, tattoos out the wazoo, and even earring piercings. Melita had loved all of it though. They had been more than friendly, sharing laughs with their ruler and his mate easily. But when she entered Behind the Seams, a shop owned by Sasha who made custom clothing as well as sold some made by the red clans, that she discovered a delightful haven in the back of her shop. Sasha called it her ‘naughty spot’, but Melita called it heaven. She had helped herself to numerous items from gels and creams, cuffs and paddles, down to some of the sexy lingerie. She thought poor Kenjiro was going to have apoplexy watching her, but she had laughed at the heated look in his eyes. She might want Sergio, but she had a great time with Kenjiro. It was such a pity she couldn’t have them both. After dinner at Jinx’s restaurant, Little Heaven, Kenjiro walked her home reluctantly. Standing outside her bedroom door, she smiled up at him. “I really had a great time.” “Umm,” he said while moving closer to her. “It doesn’t have to end you know.” He lifted her chin with one finger, his thumb brushing over her lower lip. Dipping his head, he brushed his lips over hers, groaning when she nipped at him. He wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her closer to his chest. Damn what he would give to have her as his. She was small against his body, her white hair tumbling over her slim shoulders. She suddenly tensed in his arms, gasping while staring over his shoulder. Glancing behind him, he saw Sergio on the landing, glaring at them with such fury that Kenjiro thought the male was going to tear the place down. Well, they wanted to make the male jealous and it would appear they had succeeded. Sergio breathed hard while trying to regain control. He’d spent the day away, thinking about Melita. He knew she hadn’t meant to hurt him with the pictures, but it had humiliated him to know she saw them. However, when he saw her with Kenjiro, all reason left his brain. Yet all day long, he wondered if she had spent the time in bed with the half-breed until he was in such a jealous rage he had to come home and find her. She was his. End of story! He hadn’t expected to come up here and find Kenjiro’s hands all over his mate. The jealousy he’d barely reigned in all day, burst free, and he struggled to maintain a semblance of control. She leaned against Kenjiro, a large black plastic bag in one hand, while the other delved in Kenjiro’s brown hair. There was heat in Kenjiro’s eyes and it was more than obvious he was about to kiss Melita. Roaring his fury, he rushed Kenjiro, shoving him away from Melita. Then he stood between Kenjiro and Melita, facing the male with fury. He lunged at the half-breed again, his fist striking him in the face and knocking him to the floor. Then he stood over Kenjiro and yanked Melita against his side. “Mine,” he growled. Kenjiro clenched his fists and rubbed his jaw. If this weren’t what they wanted, he would gladly retaliate. Instead, he glared up at Sergio. “Then might I suggest you quit acting like an ass and take what is yours? Why, I don’t know, but she wants you asshole.” He shoved to his feet still glaring at him. “We hoped to bring you to your senses before she goes into her time of needing. Look, do I want her, hell yes. I’d have to be a blind fool not to, but she has spent the day upset because you don’t want her. Not me. You!” He started for the stairs but glanced back at them with a glower. “She will hit her needing soon, man, and if she doesn’t have a mate, all the half-breeds will want her. It lasts for three days though and can be hellacious for a male. If you need help, just give me a call. I don’t want to risk any of the other males harming her.” “I can take care of my mate on my own,” growled Sergio while still glaring at the male. There was no way he was allowing another male to service his mate for her time of needing. She was his and only he would take care of her. Kenjiro snorted. “Yeah, I noticed all day long.” Sergio started for him but Melita grabbed his arm, but she looked at Kenjiro with sadness. She really had enjoyed her time with him and he did make her hot, but she wanted Sergio. “Kenjiro…” His eyes softened and he smiled at her. “Go with your mate, little one. This was what we wanted.” She smiled and nodded her head. “Thank you. I had fun today.” He chuckled. “Me too.” He looked at Sergio again and then headed down the stairs. Sergio tugged on her hand and pulled her into his room. Slamming the door shut, he spun her around and pressed her against the door. “You will never kiss him again. You are mine!” She snorted and glowered at him. “You didn’t want me, remember. You even told me to find another to fulfill my needs.” “You didn’t waste any time either, did you?” he growled. He held his hands flat against this door above her shoulders, his face mere inches from hers. It made him angry how quick she found a replacement, but a frown crossed his face. What was all that shit about this was what they wanted? “Why did you go to him?” She dropped the bag with a sigh and snaked her hands up his chest to wrap around his neck. “Because I wanted to make you jealous. I wanted you to want me, and it was the only thing I could think of doing. Kenjiro is a friend. Yes, he makes me hot, but not as much as you do, Sergio. It is you I want, not him.” A rumbling growl moved through his chest. Pushing back, he grabbed her shoulders and spun her around so she faced the door, and then he pressed his hips against her body. He dipped his face to her neck, inhaling her soft jasmine scent. “You are mine,” he said with a snarl while he snaked his arms around her waist. ****HEAVILY CENSORED***** At this point, I trust you not to hurt me, so darling, I say let’s have at it. Especially since I’ve discovered I have a little sex kitten for a mate.” She purred and then laughed when he flipped her to the bed. She had created a sex monster, but damn, she would enjoy every bit of it!
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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 8, 2010 18:32:13 GMT -6
Chapter 9 There were conveniences to time travelling differently in The Shadow Realm, one of which was that it didn’t give Desiderio time to grow impatient while waiting for things to happen in the world of the living. He’d sent a message to his clan of mages as well as Darius not too long ago and now, only a few hours later, it was time to meet with them. What had been hours for him had in fact been several days for them. It made plans of annihilation so much easier. When he exited The Shadow Realm at the slayers’ headquarters, he was greeted by Nimbus, one of his mages. Darius stood in the exercise yard with several of his slayers at his back. Desiderio still wasn’t comfortable with taking slayers as riders, but there wasn’t any other way for them to battle the other dragons and riders. At least it would put them on equal footing, and of course, with his clan being all mages, it would make for an interesting war. Normally, as ruler of his clan, Desiderio would choose the leader of the slayers as his rider. But Darius was too weak. He was nothing more than a paper pusher with a high rank and title. Yeah, he made the decisions, but he wasn’t out in the field fighting. That wasn’t what Desiderio needed in his rider. Holding his black staff, he went over to stand in front of Darius, meeting his glower nonchalantly. “I will choose the first rider, but I must have the strongest from your fields.” Darius turned and looked at the group of slayers at his back. They parted until one man stood alone. Nicholas Dryden stood half a foot taller than the other slayers. His short brown hair was cut military style, and there was a hard glint in his dark brown eyes. He had powerful muscles bulging beneath his slayer uniform, while he glared at the dragon at the head of the group. Desiderio nodded. This was indeed a strong man, but that didn’t make him a strong fighter. He would determine that when they made the Vitae Bond. If he wimped out, Desiderio would kill him before making the bond and choose another. But he had a feeling the man would pass his test. There was a lethal power emanating from him that spoke volumes about what he was capable of doing. Moving to stand in front of him, Desiderio studied him quickly. The man didn’t flinch or back down. He merely gave him a piercing gaze. “Can you fight as a rider?” “I can handle anything you dish out, dragon,” answered Nicholas. Desiderio’s lips twitched. Then he turned to Darius. “Once this bond is made, the riders will no longer belong to the slayers. They will belong to the dragons. Is the compound that Jake used to use available?” Darius nodded. “It is in disrepair since we didn’t fix it after the dragons attacked, but most of it is still useable. Why?” “We need a place close to the Ruling Territory that both the dragons and riders can use while we fight. That one is close enough without actually being in the Ruling Territory.” He looked back at the slayer. “What is your name?” “Nicholas.” Desiderio nodded and started to pull his mage’s robes off. “Come with me.” He turned around and when he reached the open court, he dropped his robes and staff onto the ground. He stood in his black silk pants, facing Nicholas while the man pulled his uniform shirt off. His muscles shifted with a fluid grace as he tossed the shirt aside and rolled his shoulders. Then he took a fighting stance across from Desiderio. Desiderio was eager for the battle. He hadn’t fought anybody in hand-to-hand combat in a long time. He always relied on his staff and magic, but against a human, that wasn’t possible. Rushing Nicholas, they clashed, Nicholas growling when they locked their arms in a struggle for dominance. Desiderio met his dark look. There was a lot of hatred in the man, and it made him wonder if he would make a good rider or not. “You hate dragons.” Nicholas growled. “No. I hate a few dragons, but I am willing to annihilate all of them if it means making those I hate pay for their crimes.” Desiderio flung Nicholas aside, but the man leaped up and threw a drop kick at Desiderio. He caught Nicholas’ ankle and flipped him head over heels. It surprised him when the man still landed on his feet and charged Desiderio again without blinking an eye. He was full or anger and his strength was fabulous. He would indeed make a good rider. Satisfied, Desiderio charged Nicholas again, flipping him over his shoulder. Spinning, he grabbed Nicholas around the throat and clamped his teeth into the man’s shoulder. Nicholas’ body tensed and he threw his head back, but he didn’t shout from the pain burning in his shoulder. That impressed Desiderio greatly. Pulling his dagger out of the sheath in his boot, he sliced his palm open and slapped his bleeding hand against Nicholas’ bleeding shoulder. As their blood began to mingle, Desiderio shared his fire with his rider. Out of the fire, the shape of a black and gold dragon in flight while holding a mage’s staff in his right talon appeared on both of their shoulders. Desiderio sheathed his dagger and stepped back from his rider. He watched Nicholas stand, and the man turned to face him, lifting his chin a fraction. He nodded at the man. “You now share my fire.” He looked at the man’s uniform. “You will need other clothing. Those restrict you, but also they mark you as a slayer. You are no longer a slayer. You are a dragon’s rider. A mage at that.” Turning, he faced his clan of mages. “Choose your rider well. They will help us in this battle to destroy the dark mages and regain our rightful place in the mage council hall.” He hadn’t told the other mages that he planned to obliterate the other dragons. What was the point? They would go on the defensive and fight with the dragons against the slayers. As long as they believed that it was necessary to have the aid of the slayers to destroy the dark mages, then that was all the information they needed. Later, they would learn the truth. However, by that time, it would be too late. While the mages started choosing their riders, Desiderio joined Darius. “As soon as this is finished, we will take our riders and go to your compound. Once we are there, we will need a couple of days of practice for them to learn to fly with their dragon. You need to send a squadron of your slayers to the compound as well.” Darius snarled. “The last squadron I sent with you ended up slaughtered.” Desiderio shrugged his shoulders. “It was a loss, but if we are to gain a Trueborn, it is necessary. I will have to work out a different way of capturing a Trueborn though. I almost had Zarina, but her brother stopped me. He’s the one who obliterated your men. I will capture him, one way, or another, you can be sure of that. Once I have him and have his power, you can have the male.” “He will be useless if you steal his power before I can at least get some of his blood to the scientist. I will send a few of my scientists with the squad so that they can take some samples from him before you steal his powers. Once I have that, then you can do what ever you want with the dragon.” Desiderio nodded. What were a few more minutes? He could allow Darius this small boon since it wouldn’t really matter. He was going to destroy the dragons anyway, but if it kept Darius compliant, he could handle allowing the scientist their research. Who knew, maybe it would come in handy down the line somewhere. He saw Nicholas rejoin him, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt that stretched taut across his muscled chest. Now he could use The Shadow Realm to move him and Nicholas to the slayer’s compound near the Ruling Territory. “The human can’t come into my realm,” growled Braillios. He wanted Desiderio to have the rider so they could fight the dragons, but he was a living a human, and couldn’t exist in The Shadow Realm. “You should have told me that before I made the bond with him,” argued Desiderio. “You had to make the bond, so it didn’t matter. Go with him. I will return to the shadow realm while you prepare the slayers.”Desiderio frowned. He was used to having Braillios in his mind. If nothing else, he kept the other voices quiet. [i[“No. Stay. I can’t concentrate if the other voices are shouting in my head.”[/i] Braillios growled, but he knew it was true. If he abandoned Desiderio now, the voices from the mages that Desiderio killed for their power would begin shouting again. If Desiderio couldn’t concentrate, he couldn’t prepare the war. Why the hell did he link himself to this pathetic excuse of a dragon? He had thought he was a powerful mage, and to an extent, he was. But he was much weaker than Braillios realized. What he needed was for Desiderio to find his son. Once his son was located, Braillios would link with him and abandon the mage to his death. Hell, he might even kill the male himself. Until then though, he had to remain with Desiderio. “I will stay.”“Thank you.” Desiderio looked at Nicholas. “Do you have a vehicle?” Nicholas nodded and pulled out his keys. “When the dragons have finished making their bond,” he told Darius, “Send them to the compound with their riders. Make sure the squad and scientists leave today as well. I will let you know of our progress in a few days.”
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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 8, 2010 22:36:20 GMT -6
Chapter 10 Athelos stared at himself in the mirror. His black hair hung over his broad shoulders in wet strands, but at least his shoulders had finally healed. There were still scars on his right shoulder from where his father’s teeth gouged him during the battle, but as with all dragons, his fire had healed everything. But he missed his father, missed his mother, even managed to miss his twin sister. He had his clan, but there was just something about belonging to family. After eons living with nothing but his parents and sister, he thought he would actually enjoy this forced sabbatical away from them. Especially with the way that he and his father seemed to argue more and more over the last few years. “Obey my mandate. Observe, don’t interfere.” The litany was so well ingrained in his brain that he could imagine hearing his father whisper the words to him right now. “Father?” He waited to see if he would answer, but after several minutes of silence, he knew he wouldn’t. His father was never going to forgive him. He was on his own, but he would survive. “I am strong, even without my powers. I am capable of fighting and being useful. I am… talking to myself in the mirror.” He sighed. He was reduced to giving himself pep talks now. Great. Could anything else go wrong in his life? “Teacher?” Athelos smiled. He hadn’t seen Storm in several days. At least the young mage appeared in the bedroom instead of popping in the middle of his shower. With some of the youngling’s powers, he was capable of doing great damage. It was one of the reasons Athelos was his primary teacher. Control was the key. Yet when it came down to Athelos keeping control, he blew it. No wonder his father was pissed with him. How could he teach a six year old to maintain control when Athelos couldn’t even manage to do it? “I’ll be right out Storm.” He grabbed his leather pants and tugged them on, grateful he no longer moved like the ancient dragon he was. As he healed, the soreness left his muscles and now he could function normally again. Well, as normal as could be for an all-powerful dragon who no longer had any powers at all. When he went into his bedroom, Storm was jumping on the bed. He shook his head. It was hard to believe that inside that small body were the powers of ancient mages. Storm was already over four feet tall. He would be humongous when he finally reached his majority. His black hair bounced over his slim shoulders in soft curls while he jumped on the bed. It surprised Athelos that the youngling hadn’t bounced right off the bed already since he was blind and couldn’t see the end of it, but he also knew Storm was capable of many things. One of his powers was illusion. When he got mad at Petri, one of the Elites from the Ancient Black and White clan, Storm made Petri look like a naked female. Needless to say, Petri didn’t appreciate the situation, but everybody else did. “You shouldn’t jump on the bed, Storm. You’re going to hurt yourself.” Storm giggled and stopped bouncing, while holding his arms out for Athelos. When Athelos lifted him into his arms, Storm frowned and searched his with his white eyes. He held onto one of Athelos’ fingers and ran his eyes over his teacher. “You are different.” The corners of his lips quirked. Yeah, he was different in a whole lot of ways. He knew Storm was borrowing Athelos’ sight to look at him, and the young mage’s piercing gaze ran over his face. Sighing, he sat on the edge of the bed and set Storm on one leg. “I know. You can quit rummaging through my brain, little mage. My powers are gone. My father took them away.” Storm’s frown deepened and he switched his communication to telepathy. It was difficult to express what he wanted to say when his verbal speech was still that of a six year old. “Why would your father risk your safety by taking your powers?”“For the same reason I keep warning you that you must control your abilities. I lost control of mine when the slayers attacked a few days ago at Alex and Bri’s wedding. I obliterated them.” He felt shame in having to explain to the youngling about his failure when he constantly fussed at the young mage about control. It was key to their success, key to saving the dragons from annihilation. Storm tilted his head to the side and clasped Athelos’ face. “You are sad, which makes me sad. I know you didn’t mean to lose control. You always work so hard to do exactly what you’re supposed to. I’m sorry your father is angry with you. Will he return your powers do you think?”Athelos sighed. It was hard to remember that he was speaking to a six year old. The voice in his head was a deep warm voice, that of a mature male, the same voice Storm would have when he was an adult. But that was still a long way off. “I don’t know if he will forgive me, but we’ll see. In the meantime, you can do your lessons with Gallien and Adair, as well as your mother. I’ll be by to visit though.” He was loathed to give up Storm, no matter if he didn’t have powers. Storm was almost like having his own son, and at times, he could understand his father’s frustrations with him, but it wasn’t as if he killed the slayers intentionally, at least, not mostly. He was furious with them and they had tried to take Zarina. But if he was honest with himself, and his father, he had attacked the way he did because he was so tired of the battle between the dragons and slayers. All they had wanted was one day of fun for two of their riders. Instead, the slayers had to destroy it. So, yeah, it pissed him off. “What will you do now that you don’t have your powers?”Athelos shrugged. “Right now I’m just learning how to function without them. Everything is new to me, and I’m more aware of dangers. I didn’t really worry about some of the dangers in my life before because…well…I had the power to fix things, heal myself, etc. Now, I throw a fit when I stub my damn toe. Annoying really.” Storm laughed and wrapped his arms around Athelos’ neck. “Don’t quit teaching me just because you don’t have powers. You still have a world of knowledge and I know I can be…difficult…at times.”Athelos laughed. Difficult was mild, but he would accept it for now. “Not to worry, little mage. I will still be around. You had better head home before Gallien and Adair start searching for you. You have lessons to attend to just as I have lessons of my own today.” Storm released him and leaped off his lap. “Be careful while you’re out, Teacher.” With that, Storm disappeared leaving Athelos alone again. However, seeing Storm reminded him of the two younglings waiting to hatch on Elyssa. Would he ever meet his brother and sister or would his father keep him away from them? Of course, a lot depended on if his father would ever forgive him for his mistakes. He knew how difficult it was to gain his father’s forgiveness. All he had to do was look at Zanados. His eldest brother still lived with their father’s hatred, but to an extent, Athelos could understand. Zanados incited the entire world of dragons to war with each for more power. The only thing Athelos did was to disintegrate and entire squadron of slayers. Not to mention the time he saved Magnus’ life, but that was necessary. Magnus and Jinx were supposed to discover Elyssa. If the male died, so did Athelos’ chance for more freedom from his father’s mandate. Then there was the time he healed Mystic so she could give birth to Storm, which in turn, gave Storm part of Athelos’ healing abilities. Ok, so maybe he had taken advantage of his powers more than he should have, but did that truly warrant banishing him from Elyssa? That seemed like a more harsh punishment than the crime, especially since he and his father battled it out – again. Maybe that was one of the problems. He knew his father was tired of the battles, especially since Athelos would only leave, heal, and then do what he damned well wanted to do afterwards. He had pushed his father into this course, and now he wanted to wimp out after only a few days. He was stronger than that and maybe, just maybe, there was a lesson for him to learn after all. It wasn’t just how to function without his powers, but why he shouldn’t interfere they way he was used to doing. He raked a hand through his hair and with a sigh, stood, and went to his closet. He pulled out a black t-shirt, yanked it on, and then slipped his black leather biker’s jacket on. Once he had his boots on, he returned to his bedroom, grabbed the keys to his motorcycle, and headed out of the room. As he did, Sterling walked up to his door. “I was just coming to look for you. I have a favor to ask. Rafael is holding a meeting in the conference room with all of the riders,” he continued when Athelos nodded. “A lot of them are upset about what happened with the slayers. Some of the dragons are starting to get edgy because they’ve been separated from their riders for a few days. Would you talk with them and let them know that the other day isn’t normal?” Athelos sighed. His father was right. He had created a problem between dragons and riders. Until he fixed the rift, both of them would have a difficult time. This wasn’t the time for dragons and riders to be separate. Even though their bond was well established by this time, it was difficult for the dragons not to have their riders with them. The dragons weren’t only protective of what was theirs, but they were also affectionate with those that they cared about. And they cared about their riders. “Yeah. I’ll take care of it, and then I’m heading out for a short ride.” Sterling frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. “While you had your powers, I didn’t have a problem with you riding alone. Now, I think you should follow the same rules I have for everybody else and take a rider with you.” Athelos growled low. “Puh-lease. I’m damn near seven feet tall, I have enough muscles to make The Hulk envious, and you think I need backup?” “I don’t care if you were built like the damn Titanic. We don’t ride alone. Conall has been cooped up for a few days, not that it has been traumatic for him since his mate was in season, but I know he would like a ride out. Take him with you.” Athelos sighed with frustration. It seemed everybody was determined he needed help now that he didn’t have his powers. It wasn’t as if he was going to break. He just had to learn to do things differently, to do them the same as all the other dragons. “Fine,” he finally growled. He went down the hall to the conference room, ignoring the dark glower from his ruler. He had to remember that he agreed to live under a ruler and since Sterling was that ruler, he had to obey. Damn, there was that word again. He was really getting sick of it. But that did cause an interesting question. Would his father intervene if he thought his son’s life was in danger? Not that he would purposefully head out to find danger, but he couldn’t help but wonder if his father would do something to keep him alive. Did he really want to risk knowing his father wouldn’t help though? Not really. Sighing, he walked into the conference room, nodding to Rafael while many of the riders watched him warily. “I was wondering if I could speak with the riders for a minute?” Rafael nodded. He stood up and moved back from the table. He was six feet two with dark brown hair and dark blue eyes. He was Vileo’s riders and the leader over all of the riders from The Guild. “Thanks,” said Athelos and took Rafael’s place at the head of the table. “I wanted to discuss the battle the other day. Normally, I don’t attack like that. I was in a rage and I lost control over my powers. Just so you know, my father, Lord Calador doesn’t approve of that kind of behavior. As punishment, he has stripped me of all of my powers, so I can’t even make a popcorn kernel explode right now, much less a human. I am sorry for what I did. There is no excuse for it, but please understand. I am the one who did it, not the other dragons. They miss having their riders with them, so I hope you can forgive me and return to your dragons.” He shifted nervously and looked at all of the riders. Alex and Bri sat beside each other near the head of the table. Gage, Nicoli’s rider sat next to Aydan, Conall’s rider, but opposite from Alex and Bri. The rest were spread out around the table. “I tried to tell you,” grumbled Alex while glowering at the other riders. Bri held his hand and nodded her head, while Aydan and Gage merely watched the rest of the riders at the end of the table. Tyr sat at the opposite end of the table with the riders who were upset about the events that took place. Even a man as strong as he was could fear the power of a dragon if it wasn’t under control. They would be helpless against a dragon who turned his fury on the nearest human, even if their own dragons couldn’t do it to them without dying as well. It appeared some of the riders understood what happened though, while others weren’t so sure. The ones who were still uncomfortable shifted nervously while watching Athelos. But he could understand their fears. Dragons were powerful creatures, even without his extra abilities. After what he did, he was lucky they didn’t run screaming for the hills. Rafael clapped his hand on Athelos’ shoulder. “I appreciate you talking to them Athelos. I’m sure everybody will settle down and return to their dragons.” He gave the riders a meaningful look. Vileo had told him that the bond was permanent, and he had given the riders that information before they decided they were interested in becoming a rider. He left the room knowing that Rafael and the riders would work it out on their own. He had given his explanation and hopefully it would help. If not, there wasn’t much he could do about it. He couldn’t change the past, only the future. But then again, that was exactly what his father was afraid of. He worried that if Athelos didn’t keep his powers under control, he would kill somebody, or end up changing some event that would make a world of difference to the dragons in the future. He knew why his father was upset, why he insisted he follow his mandate, but how did his father know that Athelos wasn’t a part of the whole picture. What if he was supposed to kill those slayers? What if by not killing them, one of the slayers dominated the world of Dragon Slayers and put a world of hurt on the dragons? Couldn’t this work both ways? He growled. Out! He had to get out. He was tired of wracking his brain with all of the possibilities of this could happen or that might have been. Who truly knew what the future held? Yes, he could get glimpses of it, just as his parents did, but it was glimpses of a whole picture, not one specific individual. If he had one specific person or dragon, he would take care of just that one, but it was like looking at a finished canvas, only, events that happened kept changing the picture. But that was fate. That was destiny. And he was tired of trying to play with both of those. He would leave it to his father and that was it. He only wanted the freedom to ride right now. It would clear his brain and allow him to work on honing his senses without his powers. He had done this for the last three days. Just headed out with no real destination in mind, and just listened to the world around him. It was different without his powers. Quieter, calmer, and more serene. He didn’t hear the group of younglings playing off in the woods anymore. He didn’t sense eyes from all directions seeing him, while at the same time, not. He was in a world of solitude when he rode. Just him, the road, and the air around him. It was perfect.
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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 9, 2010 0:28:57 GMT -6
Chapter 11 Perfect didn’t exist in a world that was in the middle of a war, and Athelos should have known it. However, that didn’t mean he should have expected to find an entire squadron of slayers at the old compound either. He’d ridden this way yesterday and the compound was nothing more than a dilapidated mess from The Guild members exploding the main barracks. Now however, there were vehicles parked inside of the fence and… Was he truly seeing what he thought he was seeing? He climbed off his motorcycle and crept closer to the fence line. Sure enough, he saw several dragons in their true form, with slayers riding on their backs. Oh hell! He had to let Vileo know. He tried to flash himself home, as he normally would have done, but suddenly remember. Oh duh, no powers and since he wasn’t used to carrying a phone, lucky him, he didn’t bring his. He really had to get a grip on this new life of his before it ended up killing him. Spinning around, he rushed for his motorcycle. When he started it up, there was a loud roar. Glancing over his shoulder as he spun off the dirt track, he saw a large black and gold dragon, with a rider climbing onto his back. That had to be Desiderio. He was the only black and gold dragon he knew of that would be with the slayers. He considered calling for his father’s help. After all, Zanados was supposed to make sure Braillios didn’t enter this realm through Desiderio. But he knew his father would ignore his call, just as he had for the last three days. It was time to test the endurance of his beautiful custom-built Hayabusa. Speed wasn’t a problem on it, but how well would it handle those speeds for a long period, while zipping around other vehicles, jumping ditches, or possibly even hitting rocks. More to the point, how would his body handle it if his bike didn’t hold out? No time like the present to find out. He lay over the body of his bike, gunning the engine as high as he could, while peeling out onto the asphalt. Rocks scattered behind him, but he didn’t look back to see if he was being followed. He could hear the roar of the dragons closing in on him. His bike went from zero to one hundred in nothing flat, eating up the road quickly. He knew the dragons could fly fast, but could he go faster than the dragons? He glanced over his shoulder to see several of them fall back, but apparently, Desiderio was determined. His rider held a crossbow, and he lifted it to aim at Athelos. Great, now his life was going to have bolts shot at him from out of the sky. Why not just pin him to the wall and take pop shots at him all day. “Father!” As expected, nothing. No roar of the one dragon that could save him in an instant. “Dammit Father! I need help here!” Something flew past his shoulder and an explosion blew up the road in front of him. Terrific! He flew around it, glancing over his shoulder again. Desiderio was falling behind, but his rider seemed determined to blow him up. He shot another exploding bolt at him, and he turned just in time to see the road explode again. He zipped around the new crater in the road, deciding he would alternate his ride so he wasn’t on just one side or the other. Maybe it would make it more difficult for the rider to blow him up. An explosion hit the side of the road, throwing rocks and debris on top of him. Ok, so that didn’t work. Maybe he should just handle a straight line. He glanced over his shoulder again. Desiderio was giving it an effort, but if Athelos was right, the mage was falling behind. Ready to whoop, he turned back around in time to see a car pull out onto the highway in front of him. “Shit!” At the same time, Desiderio’s rider shot another explosive, which blew up in front of the car. “Ah hell!” The front of the car dropped into the shallow hole and Athelos laid his bike to the side, skidding beneath the bumper of the car. He groaned when he rolled over, his body feeling as if it had just run the derby on asphalt. Didn’t work. He crawled on hands and knees, looking up to see Desiderio closing in. Pulling himself up, he went around to the driver side of the car. He yanked the door open and stared stunned at the beauty in the seat. She had blonde hair pulled into a long ponytail down her back, and her wide dark blue eyes looked up at him with fright. Her full lips were parted and her small hands clasped the steering wheel tightly. But her scent that reminded Athelos of a rainstorm on a cool Spring afternoon, hit him like a thousand volts of electricity. Now, right here, in the middle of trying to save his blasted neck, he met his mate. Fate really hated him. Danika didn’t know what to make of the male gawking at her, anymore than she knew what to make of the explosion that left a hole in the middle of the road. Where had it come from? Where had he come from? She could easily forget the explosion as long as she could continue gawking at the male. Damn he was sexy. All muscle and power, and his scent… he smelled of ancient rain forests, where the fairy fae used to wander, deep and musky. Ok, so she had stuck her head into too many books lately, but the male was magnificent. She had to crane her head all the way back to see his face, which was set hard as granite, his thin lips pulled taut. She didn’t know where he came from, but her mating fire made it more than clear why he was there. She was supposed to meet with Mystic at the Mage Council Hall in a few hours, and so that’s where she was heading. It seemed like such an innocent trip when she left her home, but now, she wanted to know who the hell decided to blow her world into pieces. Her plans always seemed to backfire. It was inevitable. That’s why she had left in plenty of time to make her appointment, but now, she would be late. And why? Because somebody was blowing up the road! She frowned. Somebody was blowing up the road? She glanced behind her and gasped when she saw the large black dragon with golden mane flying towards them. Oh shit! Somebody blew up the road and they were determined to continue. The man on the dragon’s back took aim, and she leaped out of the car, knocking the male back with her. The explosion rocked the side of her car, but at least it was still in one piece…mostly. The fender fell off, but that could have happened from the first wreck. Who knew, it was possible. However, this was a new car, having purchased it only last month when her family and blue clan moved here to the Ruling Territory. She was proud of her car. It was her present to herself for having passed her test and obtained full mage status. Now, her gift to herself was wrecked and it was all because of that damn dragon flying towards them. Furious, she leaped up and grabbed her staff from the car, and then spinning, lifted it to throw an attack at the dragon. She sent a powerful wave of energy at the dragon, hitting its breastplate dead center. The dragon roared and lifted forward, rearing up so that the rider on his back went slipping down his side. She used the distraction to turn to the male, gaping when she saw blood on his forehead. His motorcycle was lodge underneath the bumper of her car, so she figured he must have hit his head when he crashed. She chewed on her lip. What to do, what to do? She saw the dragon righting itself again, so she sent another attack at it, growling when he banked to the left and flew to the side. She had to get the male into her car, but she wasn’t into weight lifting and the male was huge! His eyes suddenly blinked open and she gasped when she saw their amethyst color. Holy shit! He was a Trueborn. She stood and pointed at the dragon, dancing from one foot to the other. He could battle the damned thing. “They’re coming back. Do something!” Athelos shook his head to clear it, and looked up at the sky. Desiderio was determined to destroy him. “What do you expect me to do? Throw a rock at him?” He stood and yanked his bike out from beneath the car. He heard the female screeching, and when he looked at her, she used her staff to attack Desiderio again. “The worst that is going to do is tickle him. Get in the damn car!” “You have amethyst eyes, which mean you’re a Trueborn. Attack him!” Athelos growled and grabbed her arms, stuffing her inside the car. She crawled across the seat and he had a nice view of her ass as it wiggled while she moved to the passenger side. Once she was in, he leaped in, gunning the engine. The car shot forward, driving over the fender, and then bouncing back onto the road. He watched in the rearview mirror as Desiderio started closing in again. “Why don’t you attack him?” asked Danika. He glared at her. “Because I don’t have any Funking powers right now!” She gaped at him. He had to be kidding! She finds a Trueborn, which turns out to be her mate, and just her luck, he doesn’t have any powers. Her life really sucked some times. Athelos pushed the engine of the car hard, growling as it slowly gained speed. “Why couldn’t you have a damn car that has some real power to it?” She snorted at him. “As if I knew I was going to be blown up while doing nothing more than taking a nice trip into town to meet with Lady Mystic. Do you think I have a crystal ball or something? I can’t predict the future. Why don’t you have your powers?” He growled. Females. They were such a pain in the ass. But this one definitely had some spunk to her. And it was finally dawning on him that she was his mate. Kind of hard to think beyond the fact that slayers are trying to blow him to smithereens. He glanced over at her and quirked his lips. “I pissed my father off, so he took them away.” She huffed. “Next time you should consider pissing him off after dealing with the mad dragon trying to kill you. Why is he trying to kill you?” He looked out the window. The car had finally gained enough speed to leave the dragon behind them. He saw him finally turn and head back the opposite direction. Sighing, Athelos settled back in the seat. He glanced at her again and took her appearance in. She wore a beautiful dark blue tank top with white flowers embroidered around the edges of the scoop neckline and a pair of blue jeans. Her pale blonde hair had wispy tendrils around her impish face, but in her right hand was a black mage’s staff with a sapphire grasped in the claw at the top. She was a mage, which is probably the only thing that bought them some time to escape. Otherwise, they would have been dead. That answered his question about whether his father would intervene if he were in danger. Just what he lived to learn. His father would have allowed him to die. Just Funking fantastic. He looked at the road again. “Have you heard of the mage, Desiderio?” Danika nodded. “Yes.” Then she gasped and her eyes grew wide. That was a black and gold dragon. “That was him! And I stopped him?” Athelos chuckled. “No. He has a slayer as a rider, but I know for a fact that he didn’t have one a few days ago. That means it is a new bond so they aren’t used to flying together yet. Additionally, they didn’t have any harnesses or anything, so that was making things difficult as well. If they had been better prepared, trust me, we would not have gotten away so easily.” “That was easy?” She turned and flopped back against the seat, crossing her arms over her chest. She glanced sideways at him and then chuckled. “Wow. It isn’t every day that you meet your mate by falling into a hole caused by a mage who wasn’t prepared for a rider, so his rider was busy falling off. If that gives you a clue, you know what kind of life you’ve just walked into.” Athelos burst out laughing. She was odd, that was for sure, but he had a feeling his life just took a turn for the better. He might not have any powers, a father who would just allow him to die, and his motorcycle was crushed beyond repair, but he had a beautiful, spunky mate. A wide grin grew on his face. Life was fantastic! Desiderio was furious. His rider was useless. He’d made an attempt though, he had to give the man credit for that, but his inability to remain on his back caused them to loose Athelos. But something was off about that entire incident. Not once did Athelos attack and he could have completely wiped them out with his powers. Instead, the mage in the car blasted them, and although it was a puny attempt, it was enough to delay their capture of the Trueborn. Why didn’t Athelos attack? He didn’t disappear, didn’t hit them with any powers that had wiped out the squadron only a few days ago. He even ended up eating asphalt in his attempt to escape. The more Desiderio thought about it, the more he realized several things. The Trueborns normally exhibited a strong power that emanated from their bodies. It was a natural occurrence, one that was easy for mages to recognize. However, there wasn’t any power blasting from the male. It was almost as if… Desiderio sneered. As if Athelos didn’t have his powers. Could his father have taken his powers away from him because of the incident a few days ago with the slayers? If so, it meant Calador was truly pissed with his son’s destruction. That might work in Desiderio’s favor. More importantly though, if Athelos didn’t have any powers, that made capturing him a lot easier. Once he caught the Trueborn, he would exchange Athelos’ life for the Firstborn’s power. Oh this was just too good. Didn’t Calador think about how vulnerable he would leave his son without his abilities? Apparently not. Either that or he simply didn’t care. If he didn’t care, Desiderio’s plans could blow up in his face. But it was a risk worth taking. Now all he had to do was to make sure his rider could stay on his back while they fought together. “Nicholas!” Nicholas glared at his dragon. He’d listened to him cuss him out the entire way back to the compound. But it wasn’t as if it was his fault. Trying to stay on the dragon with nothing more than his mane to hold onto didn’t work. And naturally, the dragon didn’t like him holding onto his mane either. What was he supposed to do? “We need materials to make riding harnesses. I’ll give you a list of what we need. Go into the nearest town, purchase the stuff, and then return here. It will only take a couple of days to prepare it, and then we’ll practice again. Additionally, I want you to prepare more of the explosive bolts. That worked amazingly well. Next time though, I expect you to aim better. I don’t know why Athelos didn’t use his powers, but we got lucky. It’s possible he doesn’t have them any more, and if that is the case, it will make capturing him a lot easier. While you prepare the harnesses, I am returning to The Shadow Realm. I need to rest.” Nicholas nodded his head, but he narrowed his eyes on the dragon. This was his chance to report in with everything going on. He had spoken the truth when he told Desiderio that he only hated a few dragons, he just failed to mention which ones those were. He hadn’t really liked the idea of bonding with the mage, but if he didn’t accept it, his position among the slayers would be jeopardized. He couldn’t afford for that to happen. As for attacking Athelos, that idiot should have stayed on a straight path. It was so much easier to avoid him that way. When the male zigzagged across the road, Nicholas wanted to box his ears. He couldn’t understand why Athelos didn’t use his powers to stop Desiderio either, but he hoped to learn more when he spoke with Rafael. Desiderio told him to go to the nearest town, and if that just happened to be in the Ruling Territory, then so be it. It worked for him. He could pick up what he needed while reporting to Rafael personally instead of by phone. He had to be cautious though. With their bond, Desiderio could sense his emotions, not to mention speaking to him telepathically. He had to watch them closely so that the mage didn’t realize he truly had a guild member on his back. He knew Rafael wasn’t going to be too happy about him being Desiderio’s rider though, but he figured if nothing else, that this would definitely give the guild and dragons an advantage. As long as he had a way to contact Rafael, he could give the dragons and riders the heads up on anything happening from the mages before they attacked. Desiderio watched Nicholas closely. The man didn’t ever say much, and he had such tight control over his emotions it was like coming up against a brick wall. “Find my son and daughter, Desiderio! You haven’t searched for them very hard,” growled Braillios. It frustrated Desiderio to no end that Braillios continued the same litany repeatedly. Find his son and daughter. What good would it do to locate them? However, he had given his word that he would and since he liked the voices in his head to remain quiet, he would do so. “One more thing,” he said before Nicholas could leave. “Lord Braillios Draco is the Ruler of The Shadow Realm. Before Vileo’s father, Lord Viralaco, killed Lord Braillios for rule over the ancient clans, Braillios had a son and a daughter. Vincent and Kiana Draco. They’re Lord Vileo’s cousins. I need to find them, but I haven’t had much luck yet. I want you to do a search as well.” Nicholas frowned. He hadn’t heard about that. He wondered if Rafael or even Vileo knew Braillios was searching for his missing younglings. It was just one more thing he would have to discuss with Rafael. Damn, being Desiderio’s rider definitely had some pluses to it, and information was just one of them. “I’ll start a search while I’m in town. Until we are connected out here, it’s useless to work here. I’ll be a bit, but I should be back by late this evening.” Desiderio nodded. He had to return to The Shadow Realm. He felt exhausted, all of his energy draining from him. Was it possible that Braillios was draining his energy the same way as a wraith would drain its summoner? If so, then why did the creature link with him? He had to have all of his strength to fight the dragons. “I will trust you to get everything accomplished. Right now, I must rest.” Nicholas watched the mage open a portal and step through, but something wasn’t right. The portal had wavered, almost weakening before Desiderio went through it, and it was more than obvious his strength was gone. Why? It was just one more thing for him to discuss with Rafael. Man, he had a lot to talk to his commander about and get new instructions on how to handle this situation.
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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 11, 2010 1:13:07 GMT -6
Chapter 12 At first glance, The Mage Council Hall looked like any other building. There were three stories with the first floor having wide-opened tinted windows. Athelos parked the car in front of it and climbed out, walking around to open the door for Danika. It had been an interesting ride into town, one he definitely wouldn’t forget. She was as quirky as she was adorable, and she had made him laugh several times. He needed to speak to Rafael, but Danika was upset because she was going to be late for her appointment and blamed him. They still hadn’t resolved that issue, but he figured it didn’t really matter. He would bring her to see Mystic and then he would go to the Inn to talk to Rafael. While he was here, he could check on Storm and see how his lessons were going while Danika visited with Mystic. Danika climbed out of the car. She craned her neck trying to see Athelos’ eyes. “Holy snicker doodles, you’re tall!” She was merely five feet three, while he was a giant. “You must have eaten your Wheaties when you were younger.” Athelos quirked an eyebrow. She was such an odd creature. He watched her turn around to lean into the car, her derriere sticking up in the air. Tilting his head sideways, he admired the gentle curve hugged by her jeans. Reaching out, he ran his hand over it. Danika shrieked. Spinning, she started to topple but he caught her against his chest. She gave him a glare and huffed before pulling away. “Don’t do that. I have to make sure I have everything in order.” She turned back to the car and opened her large bag that could almost be classified as a suitcase. “Tissues, handi-wipes, Band-Aids, extra hair bands, brush, extra sandals, extra pens and pencils, pencil sharpener – times two, notebook paper, spiral…” “What the hell is all that for?” She looked up at him while standing and bumped her head on the top of the car. The hair band holding her ponytail popped and her hair fell around her shoulders. She gave him an irritated glare. “You distracted me!” She looked at the blood on his forehead and turned back to the car. Grabbing some wipes and Band-Aids, she handed them to him. “I’m always prepared for anything and trust me, anything can and does happen.” Once more, she returned to the car, pulled out her brush and a hair band, and pulled her hair back into a ponytail again. He could only stare stunned at her. She was a walking menace. Maybe life wasn’t so fantastic after all, especially since he didn’t have any powers to repair what broke, including his neck. “You’re clumsy?” She snorted. “Clumsy I could deal with, it’s more like a disaster waiting to happen. And don’t worry, once I walk into a room, the disaster happens.” Athelos choked. Ah hell, not exactly what he needed right now. Danika closed the door, and then grimaced when the bumper fell off. She glared at him. “That wasn’t my fault,” she said, pointing at the offending item. “That is your fault.” “My fault?” “Desiderio was after you, not me. I just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, which is the story of my life.” Athelos scoffed. “Thereby making it your fault by being there.” He grinned when her jaw dropped. Then she did the most unusual thing. She kicked his shin. “Hey! What was that for?” “Because you’re too tall for me to slap. If you want to lean over here, I’ll be happy to do it, but in the meantime, I’ll kick your shin.” Athelos braced both hands on the side of the car, one on each side of Danika. Then he leaned over so that his face was in front of hers. “Better?” Danika inhaled sharply. Oh, hell he was gorgeous. It wasn’t just the sexy grin of his, or the body muscled up to the max, or even the light way his fingers toyed with her hair. It was that supreme look of confidence in his beautiful amethyst eyes, which watched her so intently she just knew her body was going to combust. His warm musky scent moved through her, while her mating fire went to work on her body, leaving her panting like some little slut puppy in heat. She wanted to crawl all over every luscious inch of her mate. With as tall and powerfully built as he was, she could start at the top and work her way to the bottom, and still have plenty left over for dessert. She licked her lips and watched his eyes heat while she slid her tongue over her bottom lip. He groaned and leaned closer. She held her breath, afraid he would kiss her, and afraid he wouldn’t. What happened if he kissed her and the entire world exploded? She wouldn’t get to enjoy that kiss or a single inch of his deliciously well-sculpted body, and she wanted to take full advantage of who Fate gave her as mate. Oh yeah, her life just got a lot more steamy, but it was a hardship she could handle. “Should I kiss you?” he asked, leaning so close to her body that she could feel the heat coming off his body. His voice was low, barely more than a whisper, sultry, sensual, inviting her into compliance. Hell, whom was she kidding? It didn’t take much for her to be compliant. She wanted him to kiss her, wanted to feel his fire. She just knew it would be as powerful as he was, as sexy and invigorating, ready to rock her world. She couldn’t answer. Couldn’t even nod her head. All she could do was wait with eagerness. His lips brushed over hers and she groaned, melting against his hard body as his tongue swept into her mouth. He plundered her thoroughly, tasting every part of her mouth. Then his fire soared through her, a power so raw and masculine that it stole her breath away. It was hot and spicy, exciting, and devastating to her senses. Her body leaped to life, her mating fire soaring to surge into his. She blended their fire, savoring the unique flavor that would always be with her, and then she returned it to him. Athelos hadn’t intended to claim her right now, but how could he resist? She was so cute and adorable, with her impish face, her playfulness, even her over exaggerated preparedness for any calamity that might happen. She said the oddest things and wasn’t afraid to do something as silly as kick him, as if that would truly make a difference. It was nothing more than a mosquito bite, but he adored the way she did it nonetheless. She invigorated him. She wasn’t even in awe that he was a Trueborn, although lacking in the powers department right now. For that matter, his little mate had more power than he did, which actually tickled him tremendously. He always imagined his mate would be either some powerful female he would have to battle into compliance, or so meek he would be terrified of touching her. Instead, he ended up with Danika, a spunky mage who barely acquired her full mage status, and left disaster in her wake. He wanted to laugh at the incongruity of it all, but he was too intrigued with Danika’s wonderfully sweet taste blended with his fire. Moaning softly, he wrapped his arms around her waist, and lifted her high against his body. Fate really should have considered giving him a taller mate, but as far as he was concerned, she was perfect. The curves of her small body pressed against his muscled one, her soft hands delving deep into his hair. When he lifted his head, she looked up at him with soft doe eyes, a look of such pleasure that it damn near melted him into the ground. She was soft where he was hard, she smelled of the aftermath of a rainstorm, the crisp clean scent rushing through him. He held onto it tightly, unwilling ever to release it. She was his, the possessive thought bursting through his brain in an instant. He growled low and moved forward, pressing her against the window of the car. Sliding his hands to cup her bottom, he pulled her closer to him. “My sweet little ray of sunshine, my own personal disaster waiting to happen…what have you done to me? I am strong and powerful, but with you in my arms, I feel like a newborn kitten waiting to cuddle.” Danika sighed when he dropped his face into the crook of her neck. It felt strangely right to be dangling there against his body, his warm mouth moving over her skin, while she held onto his powerful shoulders. It pleased her to no end to know that she weakened him. She adored his strength, the muscles that held her against his body so easily. She could stay there forever and let him sample her until she was shouting his name. Unfortunately, they couldn’t. “I don’t know what I’ve done to you, but I do know I’m late for my appointment. However, when it is over, I say we explore the realm of what I have done to you and see if I can do it again – without breaking something.” Athelos chuckled and lifted his head. “I’m tough. I’m sure we can handle it.” He kissed the tip of her nose and set her back on the ground. She grabbed her bag and staff, and holding his hand, they walked into the building together. The building was decorated in soft smoky gray tile, with lounge chairs to the left, and a half-circular reception desk in the center. There was a young female sitting behind it reading a book, and as Danika and Athelos approached, she looked up from the book with a smile. Her eyes raked over Athelos, making Danika want to claw her eyes out. He was hers, and no other female had the right to look at him with such desire and disappointment. She knew why the disappointment was there. He didn’t make the receptionist’s fire soar. Only Danika’s would respond to him like that. That should have pleased her immensely, but with the female watching him, it only pissed her off. “Hi, Athelos. How can I help you?” Danika noticed she asked Athelos the question and not herself. Of course not. If she had asked Danika, who was obviously a mage, signified by the staff she carried, so thereby allowed to be here, she wouldn’t be able to flirt with Athelos. Maybe she only asked Athelos because she already knew him. How long had she known him? Did he make trips here often? Did he normally flirt with her? Wow, jealous much, she asked herself. “I am Danika, and I have an appointment with Lady Mystic,” she said, drawing the female’s attention away from Athelos. The female looked at her and then back at Athelos. Danika bristled, and a soft growl escaped. Athelos grinned, but he dropped one arm over Danika’s shoulders, pulled her close against his body, and then wrapped his other arm around her shoulders. Danika felt victorious and she lifted her chin, giving the pretty, petite female a hostile glare. She wanted so badly to say he was hers, but he had more than made that obvious, and it was dangerous to have too much of a good thing. Especially for her. The female lifted a phone and dialed a number, letting Mystic know about Danika’s arrival with Athelos. When she hung up, she looked concern. “Lady Mystic asked if you could both go to the Library, especially you Athelos. She’s having a problem with Storm.” Athelos grabbed Danika’s hand and headed around the half wall that separated the reception area from the tall gilded doors behind it. He rushed through them and turned right, dragging Danika with him. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Later,” he answered curtly. As they rounded the curved hallway, he turned to the right again and entered the large library. Danika stared astonished. There was a youngling stomping across a table, book spread out across the room. Gallien, who she had met when she tested, was plastered against one wall, and it looked as if he couldn’t move. On the opposite wall was Adair, another one of her testers. Gallien had golden blonde hair that was flying around his broad shoulder, while his black and gold-flecked eyes had a flicker of red around them. He was pissed, but he was controlling himself extremely well. Which didn’t surprise her any. Gallien was a powerful mage and ruler of the Ancient Black and Gold clan. She was amazed now to see just how well he could handle his anger. Despite the slight glow of red, he wasn’t attacking with his powers. Adair, on the other hand, looked a little worse for wear. His long white hair had streaks of red in it from a gash on his forehead, while his emerald eyes watched the youngling with caution. Mystic was trying desperately to talk to the youngling, but he ignored her and continued to stomp across the table while throwing bursts of energy around the room. Each one ended with more books flying across the room, before he turned, and stomped the other direction. His white eyes held a tinge of red to them, burning brighter as his anger grew. “ Out!” he growled, his childish voice booming across the room. Athelos dropped her hand, held her shoulders, and placed her against the wall. “Don’t move.” She nodded. What more could she do, but he didn’t have any powers, so how was he going to stop this youngling on a rampage. “Storm Rosso!” shouted Athelos, his mighty voice bursting across the room. Suddenly, Storm stopped and turned towards Athelos. “Out!” shouted Storm, throwing his hands out to send Athelos against the wall. “Out! I want out!” Athelos fought the power that held him against the wall. “You will release me now Storm, or when I do get free, I am going to bust your ass until you can’t sit down for a month!” Storm stopped and he lowered his hands, releasing his hold on everybody. He breathed heavily, glaring at his teacher while the red in his eyes continued to grow. Athelos staggered forward when the young mage released him. Gallien started forward, but Athelos held his hand up. “I’ll deal with him.” Nodding, Gallien stepped over some of the books and went over to check Adair. Storming across the room, Athelos stopped when he reached the table and glared up at Storm. “Just what the hell do you think you’re doing?” “I want out. I’m tired of being cooped up in studying. The other six years don’t have to spend this much time studying. Why do I?”Athelos growled. “You’re telling me you destroyed this room, hurt Adair, and slammed me and Gallien against the wall all because you don’t want to do your lessons?” Athelos’ voice grew louder as he spoke to Storm, his anger with the youngling enormous. Storm roared and lifted his hands, but before he could slam anybody with his powers again, Athelos grabbed him off the table. He lifted one knee and dropped the youngling over it, spanking his bottom twice before setting him back on the table. He knew he risked pissing the young mage off even more, but there were just times he had to do what was necessary. If a little punishment now saved him from a bigger one later on, then it was well worth it. He blanched as that thought slammed through him. Damn, now he was starting to sound just like his father. Storm stared at Athelos wide-eyed, but the red ring around the white eyes dissipated while his chin started to tremble. Tears filled his eyes and he reached for Athelos. “Teacher.” Sighing, Athelos pulled the youngling back into his arms and cradled him against his chest. He brushed his chin over the top of the young mage’s head, while brushing his hands over Storm’s back. “This isn’t the way to handle your anger, Storm. What if you had seriously hurt somebody?” Storm sniffled and buried his face against Athelos’ neck. “I’m sorry. I just don’t understand why I have to spend most of my day doing lessons while other younglings my age are playing.”Athelos turned and climbed over the mess on the floor. When he found a chair, he pushed the books aside and sat down, holding Storm on his lap. He saw Mystic picking up some of the books, and Athelos shook his head. “Storm will clean the mess, Mystic. Danika is here to meet with you. Why don’t you two have your meeting while I deal with Storm?” Danika stepped further into the room, and several of the shelves collapsed. She stopped and gawked at them, and then glared at Athelos when she saw his lips twitching. “That wasn’t my fault!” Athelos chuckled. “Of course not, little one. Go with Mystic and I’ll find you as soon as I’m done here.” He watched her shoulders slump until Mystic placed one hand on them and guided the mage over the mess Storm had made. He wanted to burst out laughing, but now wasn’t the time. He still had to deal with Storm. “We’ll be in my quarters, Athelos,” said Mystic as she guided Danika out of the library. Athelos looked over to Gallien and Adair. “Everybody alright?” They both nodded, but watched Athelos and Storm quietly. “We will start with why you must study so hard,” said Athelos. He looked around the destruction in the room. “This mess is the biggest reason. You can’t just attack when things aren’t going your way. You can’t just destroy everything around you. It isn’t right. Just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you should.” He stopped as he realized he was repeating his father’s words. He was more like his father than he even realized. Dammit. It pissed him off, but not because his father had said it, but because his father was right. No wonder he stripped him of his powers. The mess Storm caused was a prime example of what would happen if they didn’t control their powers. It was strong and deadly. He had killed an entire squadron of slayers without mercy because he lost control, because he didn’t think it would affect anybody, wouldn’t harm anything to destroy them. But he was wrong, so very wrong. He sighed and ran a hand over his face, and then he held Storm against his chest, on hand on his head. “You can’t be destructive just because you’re angry little mage. You must control your powers. If you don’t, you could accidentally hurt somebody you love. And I’m not just talking about physically hurt them. I hurt my father by disobeying him. I was wrong and so were you. Your mother is disappointed, and she could have been injured. You hurt Adair, and pushed Gallien into a rage. Fortunately, he was able to control his rage because he didn’t want to harm anybody. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?” Storm pushed away from Athelos and wiped a hand across his cheek. “I know, Teacher. I’m sorry, I really am. But why must I study for so long? Why can’t I be like the other younglings?” Athelos pulled him into his arms again with a heavy sigh. It wasn’t fair to the young mage, but what could they do? There was so much power in his little body, and he could kill in an instant. If Storm attacked an innocent on purpose, the attack would come back at him as well. If a mage attacked Storm first, he would absorb his powers as well. He couldn’t control his abilities as it was and Athelos hated to see what would happen if he absorbed more power. The war with Desiderio was growing, and there was a very good chance the mage would try to attack Mystic and Storm again. If he did, Storm would most likely absorb not only the new powers Desiderio had, but also the abilities of any mage with Desiderio. However, they couldn’t keep Storm a prisoner in the mage hall or at home. He needed more than just his lessons. Granted, he still had more than that, but they tended to forget he was only six years old. He needed more socialization with other younglings, but that would be difficult since Storm studied at the mage hall while most of the younglings were at the Inn. Terra, Daison and Mystic’s niece, lived at their home, but that was the only other youngling, and half the time she was over at the Inn for her lessons and to hangout with Vileo and Ariana’s twins, Triston and Almena. Their younglings started attending classes for half a day at age five, and by the time they were seven, they were in class for the full day. But, because of Storm’s powers, he had to start learning from day one how to manage them, or incidents like today would happen more often and a lot worse. But, they had to find a way to include Storm with everybody else. He looked at Gallien and Adair, pleased to see the understanding in their eyes. “What if half of the day, Storm studied his regular lessons with the other younglings? Then he after lunch, you could bring him back here for his mage lessons.” Gallien and Adair glanced at each other and then back to Athelos. They nodded and Athelos looked down at Storm. “Will that be better?” Storm smiled widely and lunged at Athelos, wrapping his arms around his neck to hug him tight. “Yes! Thank you, Athelos!” Athelos chuckled and hugged Storm back. “You will start tomorrow. However, today, you will clean this mess.” Storm lifted on hand, but Athelos grabbed it. “Not with your powers, by hand.” “Aww…” whined Storm and he gave Athelos a dark look. “You made the mess and you will clean it up. It is your punishment for this destruction. Then you will apologize to Gallien, Adair, and your mother. Understood?” Storm sulked, but he nodded his head. Athelos moved the young mage off his lap and stood. “I’m going to meet with Mystic and Danika. When I head back this way, I had better see some progress.” Storm started picking up books, and then walked over to stack them on the shelf. Athelos knew they wouldn’t end up in the proper place, but at least they would be neater, making it easier for somebody to come in a finish straightening things up. He gave Gallien and Adair a curt nod, and then left the Library. When he reached the hall, he turned to the right and went to the end where he knew Mystic kept a small apartment for when she was at the hall. He went in the open door and found Mystic and Danika sitting on an overstuffed black sofa, both of them drinking a cup of tea. He was surprised to see Danika hadn’t broken the cup or something else in the room, but he had been occupied for a bit. Maybe he missed it. It was hard to believe that catastrophe struck when Danika was in the vicinity. It had to be coincidence. To watch her now, it seemed impossible. She held the dainty tea cup with her thumb and forefinger, taking a delicate sip before placing it back on the saucer she held in her left hand. He smiled and leaned against the doorjamb, listening to the soft laugh while she talked with Mystic. Mystic saw him standing in the doorway and stood, motioning him over to join them. How could he refuse? He sat down on the sofa next to Danika, resting his arm over the back of the sofa above her shoulders. She glanced up at him and smiled, and he returned it. “Danika told me you two are mates,” said Mystic. Athelos glanced her way. She was a lovely female. She had the most unusual black hair with gold highlights and one streak of silver from her temple down to the ends of her long hair. Her eyes were black with gold and silver flecks swirling in them. Everything about her spoke of mystical magic. He could understand why Lady Selena named Mystic as the new Ruler of the Mage Council before she died. “Yes,” he answered. She nodded and gave a very soft smile. “I’m glad. You’re a good male, Athelos. I’m glad you’ve been here to help with Storm. It almost feels like his powers are growing stronger the older he gets. I’m worried the day will come when none of us can control him.” He nodded. It was his concern as well, especially without his powers. If he had his powers when Storm was throwing his tantrum, the young mage wouldn’t have plastered him to the wall. “Storm will be fine. Just give it time. His powers are growing strong, but he has learned a lot of control since the day he was born. But we have to remember he still has the impulses of any six year old, and as such, he will act accordingly. However, we may have helped a wee bit for now by allowing him to do his basic studies with the other younglings. He’s already ‘different’ than they are. There isn’t any reason to make him stand out more.” “Good. We’ll see how it goes. In the meantime, I wanted to meet with Danika to determine if she was going to remain a mage with her clan, or if I wanted to place her with a different blue clan. However, since you two are mates that resolved that issue easily. I will place her with your rogue clan. You aren’t classified as a mage, so I am content to send her to your clan. She said she can move to the Inn with you immediately.” Athelos lifted an eyebrow. He hadn’t thought about where Mystic would place Danika. After all, they were mates and it only made sense she would stay with him. The females generally stayed with their mate’s clan. And since he didn’t have his powers that could be helpful. “I’ll help her get moved. I just hope we can do it without the world collapsing around us.” Danika slugged him in the side, her lips twitching when he pretended it hurt. As if she could ever cause him any real damage. He chuckled and brushed his fingertips over her shoulder, smiling when he saw her shudder. He had an amazing affect on her. “There is another problem you should be aware of,” he said, looking back to Mystic. “Desiderio and his clan of mages have all taken riders.” Mystic gasped and held a hand to her throat. “Slayers?” He nodded and she stood to pace in front of the large bay window. “Don’t worry Mystic. We’ll be ready for him. His riders haven’t learned how to ride yet. The one Desiderio had almost fell off when they attacked me. It will give us some time to prepare.” “My father is determined to destroy me, to destroy Storm.” She turned to face him with worry in her eyes. “I won’t let him hurt my son.” Athelos growled and stood up. He went to Mystic and lifted her chin with one finger. “I risked a lot for that youngling, as you know. I gave him part of my ability to heal so that he could be born. He is as much a part of me as he is you. I will find a way to protect him from Desiderio, even without my powers.” Mystic nodded and smiled up at him. “Thank you Athelos. Not just for protecting him, but for loving and teaching him. You have been a wonderful influence on him, even if he does lose control every now and then.” She lifted a hand to his cheek. “We all lose control sometime, Athelos. Quit beating yourself up for the destruction you caused the other evening. I don’t know why, but that had to happen, just as it had to happen for you to lose your powers for a time. Your father will forgive you. He loves you, Athelos, never doubt that.” Athelos choked. The pain of the emotions he’d held in check since his father banished him washed over him. There was an empty void in his heart without his family. He missed them more than he ever imagined he would. He felt a soft hand at the base of his spine, and Danika moved around his side. She smiled up at him and before he could stop himself, he pulled her into his arms to cling to her body. She was a fortress for him to hold onto. She was a strange female, one whose life caused catastrophe by merely walking into a room, but she was his and he was grateful to have her.
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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 11, 2010 2:53:35 GMT -6
Chapter 13 Zarina flashed herself to her parent’s den, joining her father in the outer chamber where he laid on his overstuff mattress, lightly caressing the two eggs that quivered. She had been surprised when she woke up from the drug and went to her parents’ den and discovered her father watching over the two eggs. Normally, her mother would be out there with her father, but since Annora was angry with Calador, she’d retreated to her den. It was her father’s responsibility to make sure that they stayed warm anyway, but Zarina knew how attentive her mother had been in previous months. She would lay curled around them, her large dragon body protecting the younglings from any harm. She would caress their soft shells lovingly, while talking to them about Elyssa, their father and siblings, and even about the human world. The eggs were beautiful, growing more vibrant in color day by day. When her mother first laid the eggs, they were a pasty, whitish color, but now, as they neared hatching, they had turned more colorful with deep violet as the base color, while soft lilac and bright plum swirled around the eggs. When the eggs were first laid, their shell was thick and rubbery, but now as they were closer to hatching, they had turned thin and brittle. Her mother was the only dragon that still birthed the younglings from eggs instead of as humans did. Considering the headache she and Athelos gave them, she would have thought they’d be terrified of having more, but obviously, she was wrong. “What are you doing?” she asked as she sat on the edge of his bed. Calador shrugged his shoulders and rolled over on the bed. He held his hands behind his head while he watched his daughter. “Just keeping Canteros and Elora warm.” She reached out to touch one of the eggs, smiling when it quivered beneath her hand. They were so warm, the shell already turning brittle in preparation for them to hatch. “You were talking to them weren’t you?” Calador smiled and looked at the eggs. “Yeah, just keeping them company type of thing.” He rolled onto his side again to watch Zarina brush her hands over them. “It won’t be much longer and they’ll hatch.” Zarina nodded, but she didn’t look at her father. She understood why he was upset with Athelos, but surely this banishment had gone on long enough. She missed her twin and desperately needed to know that he was all right, but her father blocked her not only from teleporting off the island, but also watching what Athelos was doing. It pissed her off at first, but then she finally accepted it. Until he was ready to talk to Athelos, he would ignore his son. “If Athelos isn’t here when they hatch, they won’t bond with him,” she reminded him. He curled into himself tighter, a sad chortle barely escaping. She looked at him with concern. There were dark circles under his eyes. He looked exhausted, looked depressed, a deep sadness in his amethyst eyes. He missed Athelos, but it was more than that. “What’s wrong, Father?” He shook his head and watched the eggs. He didn’t want to talk about it. He couldn’t bring himself to admit his mate still rejected him until he thought his heart would remain broken forever. He’d never gone this long without his mate at his side, without touching her mind with words of love, without making love to her. He closed his eyes and struggled to bring the pain in his heart under control. He wanted her back, but he wasn’t ready to bring Athelos back yet. Soon, but not yet. He knew Athelos was starting to understand why he insisted on the mandate, but Calador wasn’t ready to face his son. It had been difficult to ignore his calls, especially when he knew his son was in danger, but he banished him for a reason. Athelos had to learn control. It seemed the harder Calador tried to teach him, punish him for breaking the mandate, the more Athelos fought him. He would have to wait until Athelos fully understood the consequences of his actions. “Father?” Calador smiled and brushed a tear off his face. Shaking his head, he held an arm open for his daughter. Zarina climbed up on the bed and snuggled against her father’s chest, watching the eggs with the warm glow of the heating stones beneath them. “I’m alright, little one. Just a little tired.” He kissed the top of her head. Zarina nuzzled her father. She knew he was lonely, knew he missed his mate. The only thing that would allow Annora to return to him though was if he brought Athelos back, but until he was ready to do that, Zarina knew her mother would stay away from him. “Bring Athelos home, Father. Please. I miss him just as much as you and mother do. He needs to be here when the eggs hatch. Not to mention I’m worried sick about him.” He shook his head. “No. He’s fine. He had a small run in with Desiderio, but thanks to his mate, he escaped.” Zarina gasped and sat back up. “He has a mate now?” Calador smiled and nodded his head. “Yes. An interesting little mage, but you’ll meet her when I bring Athelos home.” “You’ve been spying on him,” she accused. What could he say? He had. He wanted to make sure Athelos was safe. It was all he could do not to heal his son’s injuries, and when he continued to call for him, Calador had to struggle not to go to him yet. He wanted to hold his son in his arms again, wanted to play in the river with him, fly over the valley together again. Athelos wasn’t calling for him as often anymore though, and that was starting to concern him as well. Would he forever lose his son because of this? He hoped not, but if he did, he would go on, just as he did when he lost Zanados. “Why spy on him but not bring him home? He belongs here with us. You’re being stubborn, almost as stubborn as he is. Where do you think he gets it from?” Calador growled and rolled off the bed. He stood and started to pace as his anger grew with his daughter. He was tired of being badgered. Athelos chose his behavior, chose to disobey, and ignored everything Calador tried to teach him. It wasn’t as if he wanted to punish his son. He hated it. Hated the battles between them, hated having to cut his son off from his family as well as his abilities to protect himself, but he had to make the male understand the consequences of his choices to interfere with his powers could devastate the future. He knew there was always the chance Athelos was supposed to kill the slayers, but most likely he wasn’t. If Calador had kept his younglings here on Elyssa, then the dragons wouldn’t have Athelos’ powers in the battle any way. Maybe he shouldn’t have kept them hidden on their island or maybe he shouldn’t have released them. He couldn’t second-guess those things now, but he could make sure his son didn’t interfere with the lives of the dragons. Aid, yes, help even was understandable, even saving a life here and there. It still broke his mandate, and he would punish accordingly, just depending on how serious the offense was, but to kill an entire squadron of slayers blatantly was unacceptable. Therefore, he did the only thing he knew to do that would get his son’s attention. He banished him and took his powers. He would eventually bring him back – if he seemed to have learned his lesson, but he would bring Athelos home when he was damn well ready to. He would quit spying on him even if that’s what it took, but he wasn’t going to allow his daughter to censor his decisions. “I don’t care. He is not coming home yet. I’ve already told you I will do it soon, so just accept that, and quit harassing me about it!” Zarina glared at him but stood as well. She started across the den to enter the back. “You’re as big of an idiot as he is!” She ignored his furious roar and went through the temple, moving through some of the wide columns into the back where her mother denned. When she entered her mother’s chambers, she found her in dragon form, lying on the covers on the bed. She was at least a hundred and twenty feet long with beautiful blend of peacock colors of purple, reds, blue, gold, and silver. Annora watched Zarina walk over to the bed, but she didn’t lift her head or speak. She was heartsick. She missed Athelos, missed her mate, and wanted to be out there with him tending to the eggs. But until the stubborn fool brought their son home, she refused to be near him. He’d made several attempts since he banished Athelos to bring her from her den, but she refused. She wouldn’t speak to him, wouldn’t even look at him. Right now, she was just too angry with him even to be near him. If she were, she would risk hurting him to make him bring their son home. It was similar to when Zanados died. Oh, she knew he died because he led the war between the clans, inciting them to fight for more than what they had been given. But her son had apologized over the centuries so many times, that the words should be engraved on the temple by now. Still, Calador ignored him, refusing to give him another body so that he could live again. She knew he wouldn’t make the same mistakes, but Calador didn’t care. He didn’t care about Zanados anymore than he cared about what happened to Athelos. She’d heard her son’s call several times over the last few days, and she wanted to hold onto him tightly and never let him go. But as long as Calador said he couldn’t come home, then he wouldn’t. She was afraid of the anger she felt in her heart against her mate. What if she couldn’t remove that anger, even after Calador brought Athelos home? What if this permanently broke them apart? She couldn’t imagine a life without being with her mate. She loved him, but the anger that continued to grow seemed to be overpowering that love. Maybe when she forgave him, she would still find all the love still there. She hoped so, but she couldn’t guarantee it, and that frightened her more than anything else did. She wanted to go to her mate, but until he quit being stubborn and brought their son home, she wouldn’t, no matter the cost. She had lost one son, lost an entire race of dragons. She wouldn’t lose her heart now. Nobody was more important than her younglings were. They were her life, and she would give anything and everything for them, even at the expense of her own heart. “Mother?” Annora chortled softly but that was the only acknowledgement she gave her daughter that she heard her. She felt as if she were dying a little bit everyday until now, she simply didn’t care anymore. She wanted her son, needed him home. Zarina sighed. “This is so stupid. You love Father. Father loves you, yet both of you are ignoring each other because of Athelos. Father will bring him home in a few days when the eggs hatch. He said so. Not only that, but he’ll bring Athelos’ mate as well.” Annora lifted her head. “He has a mate?” Zarina nodded. “Father has been watching him to make sure he doesn’t get hurt. His mate saved him from an attack by Desiderio.” “He can watch, but he won’t allow either of us to. Seems a bit hypocritical if you ask me.” She laid her head back down and watched her daughter. “Talk to him. You can convince him to bring Athelos home.” “I already tried. He refused so I refuse to speak with him until he brings my son back to me.” She turned her head away from Zarina, closing her eyes wearily. She’d slept little over the last several days. Zarina threw her hands up in frustration and flashed herself to her den. Annora waited until she was gone, and then she lifted her head. “Zanados.” A black oval portal opened and Zanados stepped through. He frowned when he saw his mother but no sign of his father. “You summoned?” She bobbed her head. “I need a favor please.” He snorted. “This ought to be good. Why should I help you or Father when you aren’t willing to allow me to live again? I’ve learned from my mistakes.” Sighing, she rested her head on the bed again. “I will try to convince Calador to give you another body, but it will take a bit. I’m not speaking to him right now.” Zanados laughed. “Finally pissed you off enough, huh?” “You will remember I am still your mother. You will speak with respect or go back to The Eternal Light.” Sighing, he walked closer. He’d always adored his mother, and she had more spunk in her than his father ever gave her credit. Of course, she adored her mate….normally…and rarely argued with Calador’s choices. “What would you like me to do? Barbecue him? Roast him like a marshmallow? Or perhaps a nice Filet Mignon.” She rolled her eyes and shook her head. “No. I need you to watch Athelos for me until Calador lifts his banishment. He’s already had one run in with Desiderio and since Braillios is linked to him, it more than triples his strength. I can’t bear to lose another son. Please, please watch over him for me.” Zanados frowned. Wow, his father had actually banished Athelos. That surprised him. He knew how much Calador adored his son, but of course, Athelos was the only son that had all the powers of his parents. It was what Zanados had wanted when he started the war between the clan. He wanted as much power as his parents. As young as he was then, he didn’t understand he didn’t need all of it. But it was too late to go back and repair the damage done. He was dead and his father despised him. However, his mother…his sweet, sweet mother, had a heart of gold. She’d loved her son even after he turned the dragons against each other. But he had hurt her horribly in the process, something he would never forgive himself for doing. She was the only one who truly didn’t deserve that. Sighing, he nodded his head. “I’ll see what I can do about keeping Desiderio and Braillios in The Shadow Realm. If they should emerge again, I’ll try to severe the link between the two and force Braillios back to The Shadow Realm. He can’t exist outside of there without a corporal form, so that won’t be a problem.” She smiled. She wished she could hold him, but he was nothing more than a foggy mist, his wraith-like body shifting in its human form. “Thank you my son. I will do what I can to make your father give you another chance.” He bowed his head. “For you, Mother, I would give the world.” Then he opened the portal and returned to his wraith world.
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Post by Urban Bucket on Jun 16, 2010 18:54:36 GMT -6
Chapter 14 It had been difficult for Tyr to come to terms with what Athelos had done, but after the meeting this morning, he’d spent several hours talking with the other riders and then went for a walk through the forest to think on his own. But he knew Athelos was right. The riders couldn’t hold their dragons responsible for what one dragon did wrong. And as Athelos said, even his father didn’t approve. The slayers were there to kill the dragons, a fact that couldn’t be changed and although the way that Athelos dealt with it wasn’t good, he had done it to protect the dragons. He could understand that. Now all he had to do was figure out a way to approach Sergio. He had spent three days apart from his dragon and if he was honest with himself, he missed Sergio. Despite the fact that the dragon wasn’t overly affectionate with him as some of the other dragons were with their riders, Tyr had a deep respect for the male. It didn’t matter to him that Sergio didn’t give him the affection the other dragons gave their riders. He didn’t become a rider to get all cozy with Sergio, but to fight with him to destroy the slayers. He knew what happened to Sergio, and despite it, the dragon was trying to go on with his life. There were times when Sergio was surly and ill-tempered, giving Tyr hell if he got too close, but overall, the male was strong and he cared about his family and friends. There were times he was morose and withdrew, but it was during those times that Tyr found Sergio was more than willing to allow his rider to stick closer to him. It often made Tyr wonder what was going on in Sergio’s mind that he would feel more comfortable to have his rider with him than family or friends, but Tyr didn’t mind. He wished he could take away all of his dragon’s pain, but he knew it was a process the male would have to go through before he finally opened up completely. With any luck, his new mate would help with that endeavor. He knocked on Sergio’s door after finally deciding the best way to handle the reunion with his dragon was a straight approach. Sergio wouldn’t appreciate subtly or a hedged approach. Sergio liked to get direct to the heart of things, which meant that Tyr would have to simply face him and admit his wrong in walking away. He hoped that Sergio understood his need for space while he sorted this out. When nobody answered at the room, Tyr headed downstairs to the dining room where several of the dragons were already in the dining room for dinner. As he hoped, Sergio was at a table with Melita and more surprisingly, Khalid, Kieran, and Kenjiro. “May I join you?” he asked when he reached the table. Sergio glanced up at Tyr and smiled at his rider. He’d missed having his presence at his side over the last few days, but at least he’d kept himself occupied with Melita. He’d stayed with her while she got to know the other half-breeds and he even managed to enjoy talking with Kenjiro. The male still watched Melita with interested and heated eyes, but he never once made any moves towards her, despite her time of needing getting closer. It was something Sergio was very much aware of, as were the half-breeds. He knew any day she would hit that time. Her scent had grown so strong it was all he could do to keep from hauling her upstairs and keeping her locked away with him until her time of needing was over. He had hoped that Tyr would come around before then so that they could spend some time together before he secluded himself away with Melita, so when Tyr asked to join them, Sergio pulled out an empty chair for his rider. “You bet.” For the first time since taking a rider, Sergio felt the need to show his rider some affection, but he wasn’t sure Tyr would accept. He had missed having him around. If nothing else, he helped keep his moods a little more stable, balancing out his tendency towards anger. All it usually took was Tyr clasping his shoulder in a comforting squeeze, and Sergio would relax. He wouldn’t get cozy with the large black man, but for once, he wished he were taller than Tyr was so that he could do something as simple as brush his chin over the man’s head. Seemed silly really, but it was one of the biggest ways they showed affection, either that or a nuzzle and he couldn’t see himself nuzzling Tyr. He liked the man, but not that much. Tyr shifted nervously under Sergio’s piercing gaze. “I wanted to apologize for freaking about what happened the other day.” Sergio’s smile grew and he clasped Tyr’s shoulder. “Don’t think anything about it, rider. I understand. It was a bit shocking, even for the dragons.” Tyr relaxed. He was glad to be with his dragon again. He suddenly realized that no matter what happened, he wouldn’t be able to leave Sergio. It wasn’t until that moment that he understood exactly what the Vitae Bond meant. They were a part of each other, and now that he was back with his dragon, he felt calmer, as if the incident never happened. He should have known he could trust his dragon, but the sight of what Athelos had done was just too much for him to comprehend. That much power in one dragon was dangerous, but he was glad to know that it was something Athelos couldn’t do again. “I wish we could have riders,” said Kieran, breaking into the silence that had suddenly descended at the table. “But unfortunately, with our partial transformation, it isn’t possible.” “Yeah, but your transformation is still awesome,” said Tyr, giving the male a fleeting smile. He glanced back at Sergio, smiling when he saw the male lean over to his left to nuzzle his mate’s neck. “I’m glad to see you and your mate have worked out your problems.” Sergio chuckled and dropped his arm over Melita’s shoulders. When he nuzzled her neck again, he felt her shudder and her beautifully strong scent wafted over him. Even Kieran and Khalid’s nostrils flared, and he knew he would have to be careful about exciting her. If Kenjiro was right, which he believed the male was honest about it, her scent would incite other males to claim her during her time of needing, and there was no way in hell he would let another male take her. He looked at Kenjiro and saw his eyes had fire in them while he watched Melita. He growled low and Kenjiro gave him a bored look with a raise of his eyebrows. “I can’t help my response, Sergio. She’s very close now, so it is only natural,” said Kenjiro. He pushed away from the table and stood, giving Sergio and Melita a heated look. “As I said before, it is for three days and is a hellacious period for any male. That’s why it usually takes two males to get a female through their time of needing. Once again, I ask that should you need…assistance…please call me. I’m not trying to take your mate, Sergio. I like her a lot and think she is a beautiful female. I would hate to risk her being injured if any of the other males should try to take her. However, I’m afraid I must go find some *C*. Her scent is driving my fire to the point I’m in agony.” Sergio frowned when Kenjiro left, walking stiffly through the dining room and out of the Inn. With the male’s tight leathers, it was easy to see his *C*, so he imagined the male was in extreme pain if he was leaving the group like this. Kieran and Khalid also stood. “I’m afraid we must take care of our needs as well,” said Khalid while his eyes dropped to Melita. “Hell, I prefer males, but her scent is still making me *C*, so I think it is best if we leave for now.” Melita shifted uncomfortably. She’d noticed throughout the evening that her discomfort was growing, almost to the point of being painful. But, she didn’t want to steal Sergio away from their friends. It pleased her that he had worked hard to become friends with Kieran and Khalid, but most especially with Kenjiro. She liked Kenjiro a lot and if Sergio hadn’t been her mate, she would have taken him as a lover. Sergio frowned when the other two males left and he looked at Melita. “Mate?” She groaned and met his eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to spoil the evening, but it has started.” He growled and stood. “At least that explains what is happening to them, not to mention me.” He glanced down at Tyr. “I’m going to be unavailable for at least three days. I know we need time together, but I won’t abandon Melita during her time.” Tyr stood and smiled. “I understand, dragon. I’ll catch up with you when it is over.” ****CENSORED***** He was in heaven, in a hellacious sort of way.
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