Her Dragon King: A Dragon Shifter Paranormal Romance (Royally Mated Book 3)

by Bianca Cole

  He shakes his head. “No, you weren’t. I know every witch who is invited, but I don’t know you, unluckily enough for me.” His eyes narrow. “I intend to right that tonight.”

  I try to pull my hand from his. “I will leave, please, don’t hurt—”

  He pulls me into his chest, suddenly, stopping me mid-sentence. “I’d never hurt you, Ilsa,” he growls, voice low and deep. He looks overcome with desire. “I need to dance the first dance alone with a woman of my choosing. Would you do me the honor?”

  I shake my head, trying to pull away. “That would be a terrible idea. I’m the worst dancer ever.”

  He lets go of my hand, but his eyes flash at my refusal. He looks even more determined. He’s not going to let this go without a fight, but I cannot dance to save my life. I need to stay close to him to ask him about my family, but the idea of dancing in front of all these people makes me feel sick.

  “I’ll do all the work, and you trust me and follow my lead.”

  I raise a brow. “Are you asking me to trust a stranger?”

  Considering Aiden is the king, his conduct isn’t very royal. The last thing he should be doing is asking a random witch to dance the first dance with him. If rumors are to be believed, he’s supposed to select a dragon shifter princess as a wife tonight.

  I can’t deny that the idea of him taking anyone else as a wife makes me jealous, which is crazy. I don’t know this man.

  He shrugs. “I’m asking you to let me lead you through this.”

  Indecision plagues me as I wonder whether this is a trap. The king can’t want to dance with me. Although, it’s impossible to ignore the desire in his eyes. I find myself drowning in them as I nod my head. “Fine, one dance, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

  He laughs a deep rumble that rocks me to my core. “Warn me about what?”

  “How bad a dancer I am. Be prepared to be embarrassed.”

  He raises a brow. “That won’t happen, I promise.” He holds his hand out again.

  I stare at it. This man could hold all the answers I need to find my family. I may hate dancing, but I know they would do the same for me. They would do anything to save me, and now I need to do anything to save them.

  Slowly, I put my hand into his. I gasp, as a spark flows through my body, sending heat through every vein. Deep down, I know It’s not the only reason I want to agree to dance with him. There’s a connection between us—one I can’t explain.

  His eyes are fiery as he searches my face. I will feel so unbelievably inadequate, dancing with a man like him. He’s stunning. I’m just an average witch—one that has never had any hope when it comes to dating. The way he is looking at me makes me feel like the only other person in the room—the only other person in the world.

  I don’t know why he’s looking at me like that.

  “Come on,” he says, pulling me toward the dance floor.

  I swallow hard and try to ignore my anxiety. I repeat the truth over and over in my head.

  It’s for my family.

  I’ll do anything to save them, even if it means putting my life in the hands of a dragon shifter.

  Witches are naturally introverted, but I’m as bad as they get. I’m happy staying out of the limelight as much as possible.

  Aiden comes to a stop in the middle of the dance floor and pulls me close to him. His arm wraps around my waist, and he hoists me against his hard chest. “Trust me, love,” he utters.

  My heart pounds frantically against my rib cage as I stare into his eyes. The heat increases and travels to my cheeks as he looks at me like he wants to devour me. It’s a look that would scare most people, considering he’s a dragon. For some reason, it doesn’t scare me. It has the opposite effect.

  He gives me a reassuring nod. “Don’t worry. Follow my lead.”

  He’s talking about dancing like royalty, and I have no clue how. Somehow, the look in his eyes tells me everything will be alright. This man I don’t know will catch me if I fall.

  He pushes me away slightly, keeping his right hand higher up on my back and taking my right hand in his left. A beat comes from somewhere, and I know it’s about to start.

  “Ready?” he asks.

  I shake my head. There’s no way I could ever be ready for this. My knees wobble slightly as the anticipation only increases my anxiety about dancing in front of everyone. I might be kicked for ruining the king’s first dance after this, anyway.

  5

  Aiden

  My hand remains tightly entwined with hers as I lead her onto the dance floor. It’s time for the first dance, which the king must always open alone. Lance won’t like it, but I’ve found the woman I’m spending this night with. I’ve found the woman I’m spending the rest of my life with, even if she doesn’t realize it yet.

  She’s aroused. I can sense it in her movements. The way her lips keep parting temptingly every time I get close or touch her. I can scent it too. It’s damn well intoxicating and a miracle I’m keeping the reins on my dragon right now. He wants out. He wants to claim.

  I want to spend this night making sure this beauty has the best time possible. She looked uneasy when she first stepped into the ballroom, but on my arm, she seems at ease.

  Perhaps because she knows deep down, I’d never let anyone hurt her. I know she isn’t supposed to be here. She isn’t one of the witches we have on our side.

  I walk her into the center of the ballroom and come to a stop, pulling her close to me. She tenses in my arms for a moment before relaxing. “Trust me, love,” I whisper into her ear, trying to ease her anxiety.

  She stares into my eyes. There’s a mix of fear and desire in her emerald gems. I wish she knew there was nothing to fear, not when she’s with me.

  I give her a nod. “Don’t worry. Follow my lead.”

  Ilsa looks terrified as I push her away slightly. As king, I have to follow certain etiquette. It’s archaic if you ask me, but I have no choice but to follow the rules. My right-hand settles higher up on her back, and I take her right hand in my left.

  The beats come, counting down to the start of the music and dance. It’s right on time, as always.

  “Ready?” I ask, squeezing her hand softly.

  She shakes her head, making me laugh.

  “Tough,” I say.

  The music starts, and I swiftly pull her into a waltz across the clearing of the dance floor.

  Her eyes are wide as she desperately tries to keep her footsteps moving at the same speed. Within moments, she finds her rhythm. “I hate that everyone is watching us.”

  I shake my head. “Everyone is watching you, love. You are stunning.”

  She doesn’t take the compliment well, as a grimace flashes across her face.

  “Did I say something wrong?”

  She shakes her head. “No, it’s just this dress isn’t mine, it’s—”

  “I wasn’t talking about the dress. I’m talking about the woman in it.” I twirl her around, pulling her back into my chest and swaying. “You could be naked, and you’d be just as stunning, in fact, probably more.” I twirl her back away. “I wish you had come naked.”

  Her cheeks turn red at my shameless flirting, and she falls silent.

  Damn.

  Maybe I pushed too hard too soon. As I twirl Ilsa back toward me, I let my hand wander slightly lower on her back. She turns an even darker red. “Sorry for being a bit forward, but you drive me crazy.”

  Her brow furrows. “Is that a line you use on every woman?”

  Rage coils through me at the suggestion I’d be interested in any other woman. She’s my mate. I take a deep breath, trying to calm down. I need to remember that she’s a witch. She may be my mate, but witches don’t have mates. She may feel a connection, but it won’t be as deep as what I feel for her. It never could be. “No.”

  I twirl her away and then pull her back to me, leaning her over at the finale. Claps surround us from the other party guests, and they begin to join in for the second da
nce. “You are a great dancer. I’m not sure what you were worried about.” I link my hands with hers and pull her off the dance floor. “There’s something I want to show you.”

  She yanks me to a stop, pulling her hand away. “Where are we going?”

  It’s impossible not to note the suspicion in her tone and eyes. She doesn’t trust me, and that hurts for some silly reason. I know she doesn’t feel this the way I do. I force a smile. “It’s a surprise, trust me, love.” I hold my hand out to her.

  Her eyes flash again when I call her that, but she’s quick to accept, entwining her fingers with mine.

  I pull her through the crowd. Hundreds of eyes are on us—all of them judging us. The king shouldn’t be spending so much time with a female witch, particularly at a ball set up for him to select a wife. The rumor mill will be in overdrive by the morning. I can’t find it in me to care as I tighten my grip on my mate’s hand.

  We slip out of the ballroom, and I turn right, heading toward the library. I want some time alone with Ilsa to explain to her what this is.

  “Are you not going to tell me where we are going?” she asks, eyes on me.

  I glance at her. “Somewhere private,” I murmur, unable to hide the huskiness from my voice.

  She bites her bottom lip, and her cheeks turn a deeper pink. I’m glad she doesn’t question me anymore as I make it to the library. I open the door and pull her inside.

  Her eyes go wide as she twirls around, looking in awe at the room. It’s an impressive room. The walls are lined from floor to ceiling in books. “Wow, that’s a lot of books.”

  I smile as I watch her move toward one of the bookcases, brushing her fingers lightly over the spines.

  “Do you like to read?” I ask.

  She glances back at me. “I used to, but lately, I never get the time.” Our eyes meet for a long time in silence, and the tension rises between us. It feels like she sees right into my soul with those stunning green eyes.

  “What brought you here tonight, Ilsa?” I ask.

  She tenses visibly, breaking eye contact, and looking back at the books. “What do you mean?” Her voice is shaky, and I can smell the fear tinging the air.

  “I mean, I know you are gatecrashing this party. There’s a reason you are here, isn’t there?”

  She spins around, pressing her back into the bookcase. “Look, I don’t want any trouble. I just have some questions.” The fear has overtaken, and her pupils have dilated.

  I shake my head. “I’m not going to hurt you, love. Come on.” I nod my head toward a sofa in front of a fireplace.

  She moves cautiously toward it and takes a seat.

  I click my fingers, lighting the logs in the hearth.

  Ilsa’s gaze doesn’t leave me for a moment. She’s turned defensive as she keeps her arms crossed over her chest.

  I take a seat next to her, gently setting my hand on her knee.

  She shifts away, but it’s impossible to ignore the way her heart rate picks up.

  My dragon excites at the pattering beat flooding the air. He wants her aroused and on edge, ready for him to claim. I grit my teeth, trying to ignore the filthy thoughts racing through my mind. All I can do is picture her butt naked and ready for me.

  “You can tell me why you came. I have no intention of hurting you.”

  Intrigue ignites in her eyes as she glances from me to the blazing fire in front of us. She shivers.

  “Are you cold?” I ask

  She shakes her head. “No, just on edge.”

  I set my hand on her knee again, and this time, she doesn’t pull away. “Don’t be.”

  She swallows and meets my gaze. “I’m here to find out the truth about my family’s disappearance.” Pain flits across her face. “They went missing two days before your father’s death. The same day my brother went to meet with your father.” She draws in a deep breath. “They never returned.”

  Fuck.

  My father was an evil son of a bitch when it came to witches and warlocks, but I wouldn’t expect him to break her brother’s trust at a meeting if he agreed on a meeting. “My father wouldn’t hurt a warlock he had invited to a meeting.” I shake my head. “He could be brutal at times, but not that brutal.” At least, I hope not. My father often felt I was weak. If he had been luring witches under false pretenses to the castle, he wouldn’t have told me.

  Disappointment flits onto her face. “What explanation is there for their disappearance?”

  I shake my head. “I don’t know, but I’ll help you find out.”

  Her eyes widen. “You will? Why?”

  I swallow hard, knowing I need to tell her the truth. Keeping the fact that she’s my mate from her helps nothing. “I assume you know about fated mates for shifters.”

  The puzzled look on her face tells me she isn’t anticipating what I’m about to reveal to her. I’d hoped deep down, maybe she knew. “Yes, what’s that got to do with you helping me?” she asks, searching my eyes for the answer.

  Worry grips at my heart. I’m a total stranger to her. If she freaks out, then it could test the already weak bond between us. I grab her hand and squeeze. “Ilsa, it has everything to do with me helping you.”

  I hope she might grasp it herself, but she stares at me blankly. It’s now or never. There’s no way I want to watch her walk away tonight—I’m not sure I could. “You’re my fated mate.”

  She laughs at that as if I’m joking. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m a witch, and you’re a dragon shifter king.”

  I feel pain grip my chest at her refusal to accept the truth. My dragon, on the other hand, only feels uncontrollable rage. The rage takes over all other emotions—it always does.

  I clench my fists by my side and stand. The best thing to do right now is pace the floor, channeling the rage anywhere but at Ilsa. I don’t want to scare her, but I don’t feel in control right now.

  It’s hard at times controlling the beastly part of myself.

  “Aiden?” Ilsa says my name, and it draws my eyes back to her.

  The moment I set eyes on her, I feel my control slip. He’s ready to claim. I shake my head. “It’s not a joke, Ilsa. You don’t know what you are talking about. My dragon can recognize our soul mate, or are you questioning that?”

  I hate the anger in my voice and the way she pales. It’s impossible to control, particularly around her. She brings the beast to the surface so fucking quickly.

  She sinks back into the sofa, almost shrinking.

  I shake my head. “Sorry, I’m struggling to control myself around you.” I step toward the sofa, but she stands and backs away. The fear in her eyes cuts me to the core. “Please, Ilsa, listen to me.”

  She glances down at her dress, which is starting to change color from white and gold to black. “I’ve got to get out of here.”

  I watch as she spins around and starts to run from me. My dragon urges me to follow, and I can’t resist the pull of chasing my mate. It’s primal and archaic, and it drives me wild.

  She flings open the doors and disappears into the corridor.

  I follow her, surprised how quick she is for a witch. I’m so fixated on her that I don’t see Charles in my path. “Wow, Aiden, where are you going in such a hurry?” He holds his hands up to stop me, but I knock him out of the way. My dragon only has one thing on his mind right now.

  Ilsa should be easy for me to catch, but she’s already disappeared into the crowd ahead. I curse under my breath and break into a fast sprint, using my senses to track her. There’s no way we are letting her get away.

  6

  Ilsa

  I almost trip over my own feet as I rush down the castle steps.

  Aiden is in pursuit. “Ilsa, wait.”

  My heart is hammering as I rush away from the man that just told me I’m his mate. Aiden is a complication that I can’t deal with. Even if he could help me find my family, they have to remain my sole focus. Not to mention, my dress has entirely changed back now to the little black dress I
had on before.

  “Please,” he shouts, catching me up.

  “No, Aiden, please leave me alone.” I can feel tears welling in my eyes, but I’m not sure why. It hurts, running from him, which makes no sense. I’ve just met the guy—a man who is totally and utterly off-limits.

  “I can’t.” He grabs my hand, forcing me to a stop. “I would do anything for you. Tell me what you need help with, and I’ll do it.”

  I search the eyes of the shifter who insists he’s my mate. “We’ve just met. Why would you do anything?”

  “I told you, Ilsa, you are my mate. My soul mate.” He pulls me toward him and cups my face. “Let me prove it to you.”

  His eyes are blazing with a need that makes my thighs clench. I feel my lips part involuntarily, thinking about him kissing me—this god of a man.

  He moves closer, and his lips meet mine. A spark of pure lust rushes through me the moment our lips touch. He runs his hands to my hips, gripping hard.

  I feel his tongue probing at my lips, requesting entrance. It’s as if I’m powerless to resist as I let him in. I moan as his tongue tangles with mine. My body is turning to jelly in his arms. I let my hands move to his hard chest, feeling his muscles beneath his shirt. The dragon king shouldn’t be touching me, let alone kissing me.

  All I can focus on is how good it makes me feel. I want this man more than I’ve ever wanted anyone or anything in my life.

  How can this be happening?

  I came here to find the truth about my family’s disappearance. He promises to help me, but what if it’s a trap—a trap to capture me too. Maybe Aiden knows where they are. I can’t be Aiden’s fated mate. It’s not possible.

  He tightens his grip on me, pulling me harder against him and growling against my lips. “It is possible. I’d never hurt you, Ilsa,” he murmurs against my lips.

  I shake my head. “This can’t work… You know it’s forbidden.”

  He digs his fingertips harder into my hips. “It has to work because you’re mine, love,” he breathes, moving his lips to my neck and kissing me there. “Mine forever.”