by M. K. Eidem
"Yes, but I think we'll have to chance it," she told him before catching him by surprise to roll him onto his back while keeping his cock firmly embedded inside her.
"Oh, it's like that, is it?" Kirall questioned, half laughing, half groaning.
"It's exactly like that, mate." Autumn couldn't explain the way she was feeling. The power of the Hoard seemed to be seeping deep into her soul igniting a need and desire she knew only Kirall could satisfy. "I need you, Kirall," she growled, her claws sinking into his chest.
"Then take me, mate," he growled, gripping her hips as she began to ride him. Not to control her but so his thumbs could stroke her already swollen clit. "Take what you need for I will always give it."
It didn't take long for both of them to come again, not with the power surging around them, and how in tune to one another they'd become. As they reached their climax, Autumn leaned down and sunk her fangs into her mate's neck just as he did to her and together they soared.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Autumn let her mind wander as her dragon enjoyed navigating the swirling air currents left behind from the seasonal storm that had struck the night before. The sun had already broken over the lower lands and peaks driving away the mists, but not up here.
Today would be a momentous day on Mondu, for Dragoon and Other alike.
Today they would find out just how Tove acquired Jack’s crystal.
Today they would learn if he had been in contact with the Varana.
Today they would discover that there were more Supremes.
Today Mondu would be changed forever.
How had this happened? She’d only been trying to survive, to better herself after finally escaping all the drugs and pain that had been forced on her. She’d wanted to make something of herself, so the family she’d lost because she had been too weak to protect them would be proud of her.
In her mind’s eye, she could see them as they were before the Varana attack. See their smiles, hear their laughter, and feel their love.
No, she hadn’t been able to protect them, but she could protect her new family.
And she would.
The call from Kirall’s dragon letting Dacke know they were approaching his Lair brought Autumn’s mind back to the present.
‘We protect our family,’ her Dragon told her. While they were separate beings in body, they were one in mind. ‘We were young and unknowing before. Alone. Now we are not.’
‘No we are not,’ Autumn agreed and was surprised to feel them pass through Kruba's barrier as they flew over the peak of Krapis. Dacke must have been able to empower Krapis enough for him to no longer need Kruba's protection.
As the mists burned away, it seemed as if the last remnants of Tove’s presence went with it. Krapis was no longer a dark, intimidating place. Instead, it was gleaming white as a White Supreme’s Lair should.
After circling several times and Dacke not appearing, Kirall lead them down. Shifting, Autumn gave Kirall a concerned look.
“Do you think..?”
Before she could finish, Dacke came rushing out. “Sorry.”
“What’s wrong?” Kirall demanded.
“Nothing,” Dacke told him. “I just got caught up discovering more about my Lair.”
“You’re sure?” Autumn asked.
“Of course," he reassured her.
“Then let’s fly," Kirall said. "My father notified me they were en route.”
With that, four Supremes took to the skies.
Chapter Nine
“Elder Kiran.” In his Beast form, Cai bowed his head slightly as the Black Prime approached.
“Commander Cai, everything is under control, I assume.” Kiran had been surprised to see the number of Dragons circling Dramman waiting to land. He’d known there’d be significant interest and a large turnout for this Council meeting, but nothing like this.
“It is,” Cai informed him. “Although there will not be enough seating for everyone within the Council Chambers. Entrance is being granted by status.” His gaze went to the White Minors behind Kiran.
“Minor Daiki and his family will be accompanying me to the Elders area,” Kiran told him.
“Of course, Elder Kiran.” Cai bowed his head, acknowledging the order. “And the rest of your family?”
“They will be arriving shortly.”
“I see, then if you will follow me.” Cai turned to escort them from the landing area. Niccele’s hand slipped into the crook of her mate’s arm as he held out to her. As they followed Cai, Ravannah and Aisling fell in behind them, then Dacke’s family, with Zeb, Jariath, and Radko moving to form a protective barrier on each side and back in the off chance anyone thought to stop them.
The Elders Area was a private place behind where the Elders actually sat in the Council Chambers. It was where the Elders, their families, or those attending under their protection would wait before the Council convened. Before Cai could open the door, Kiran stopped him.
"Commander Cai, I believe it would be in the best interest for all if you were to remain inside the Elders Area until it is time for the Council to convene."
"Elder?" While Cai's expression didn't change, the question was easily heard in his voice.
"It will prevent anyone from claiming the Supremes were able to unduly influence you," Kiran explained.
Cai thought about that for a moment. He had meticulously detailed every moment of his time since he’d been assigned to be Keeper of Tove's second relay jewel. It included what he'd done, where he'd gone, and who he'd talked to, either in person or through his relay jewel. It also included the meeting with Elder Lando and Tove's females, the number of times Tove's relay jewel rang, and the one transmission he made to Elder Kirall informing him the Council would be reconvening. While he knew neither Kirall nor Autumn could influence him, not that they'd try, it made sense to not give anyone the chance to think it possible. "Alright, I will notify my Guards."
“Thank you, Commander.” Kiran then walked through the door Cai opened.
Kiran's gaze traveled over the suddenly quiet room as Cai shut the door behind them. Every Elder, except for the Supremes, was there along with those that would be sitting with them in the Council Chamber. It was then he noticed that Tove's family was seated with Lando.
It was Lando that broke the silence. “What is the meaning of this?!” he demanded, moving across the room to stand in front of Kiran.
“Of what, Lando?” Kiran asked casually.
“Of those White Minors being here. They are not of my blood, nor are they under my protection. They do not belong here.” He sent out a wave of power that would have brought Dacke’s family to their knees had Kiran not immediately blocked it.
“Don’t try that again, Lando,” Kiran growled. “For the moment, Daiki and his family are under my protection. Any attack against them is an attack against me.”
“What? Why? They’re not even your color,” Lando sputtered.
“What does their color have to do with it?” Kiran demanded. “Not only am I an Elder, but I am a Dragoon. It is my duty to see to and protect those on Mondu no matter their color or status.”
“This is an insult. I am their Elder. They should have come to me," Lando continued to bluster.
“Yes, well, we all saw how you treat those of your color," Kiran told him in a condescending tone.
“How dare you!” Lando exclaimed.
“I dare very much, Lando,” Kiran’s voice deepened even further as he released some of his power, “and unless you wish me to do to you what you did to Dacke, I suggest you step out of our way. Now.”
Lando paled, as least as much as a White Minor could. While infighting between Dragoons of the same color and status wasn't uncommon, it rarely occurred otherwise, because it would be unfair to the Dragoon of lower color or status. That’s what the Elders were for, to resolve those disputes in a way fair to all. But Kiran, one of the most powerful but calmest of all the Elders, had just stated he was willing to do ju
st that, and no one in this room would be able to stop him. Cautiously, Lando began to step back, his gaze never leaving Kiran’s.
“Welcome to the Elders Area,” Niccele said quietly as she slipped her arm through Femke’s guiding her to their sitting area. “It’s normally not this volatile, but I feel today it’s going to get worse before it gets better.”
“Wonderful,” Femke muttered.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Four Supremes circled high above Dramman, and while no one below could see them, their dragon-sight quickly took in everything going on below.
‘Looks as if all of Mondu is down there,’ Nixie commented.
‘There are many that want to witness Tove’s fate,’ Kirall told his sister.
‘They won’t all fit inside,’ Dacke said absently.
‘No, per Council rules those of the highest status and color will be given priority with the rest remaining outside.’
‘That hardly seems fair,’ Autumn chimed in. ‘Everyone should have the same rights.’
‘Perhaps it’s that way on Earth, but it's not that way here,’ Dacke told her and he better than all of them knew that. ‘My family?’
‘Are in the Elders Area with ours,’ Kirall told him. ‘If you concentrate you can sense them, even with all the other dragoons in the area.’
‘Well, I suppose we should get this show on the road.’ Three Dragon heads turned to look at Autumn, their gazes questioning. ‘It means we should go down and get this started.’
‘Not yet,’ Kirall told her. ‘Once the Elder Area has cleared, we will land. Our family and Dacke’s will wait for us there, and then we shall take our places in the Council Chamber. Together.’
‘When was this decided, and why didn’t you tell me?’ Autumn demanded, nipping her mate’s flank to show her displeasure.
‘While you were saying goodbye to Mom,’ Kirall said, moving out of range of her sharp teeth. ‘Dad thought it best. This way, everyone learns of the new Supremes at the same time.’
‘You still could have told me before this.'
‘We were a little busy making sure our Hoard was fully empowered,’ Kirall reminded her.
‘Is that what you call it?’ Nixie asked, her Dragon chuffing in laughter. ‘I’m surprised there’s a drop of power left in Kruba after the way the walls were shaking.’ Nixie’s dragon laughed even harder when it saw how dark Autumn’s red scales had gotten. ‘Did I embarrass you, little sister?’
‘No, but I think I’ll wait until you’re mated to explain to you exactly how we were able to empower Kruba so quickly.’
Nixie's browless forehead drew together. ‘I don’t understand.’
‘And you won’t,’ Kirall told his sister. ‘Not until you’re mated. Now, Father has signaled the other Elders have left. Shall we…' he looked to his mate, 'get this show on the road?’
This time when Autumn got close to his flank, she lovingly rubbed her snout against it. ‘Let’s go.’
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Kirall spiraled down first, landing in the now-empty Elders platform area. Shifting into his Other form, he stepped aside and watched as Autumn followed next. Kur, his mate was beautiful. He'd never get tired of seeing her in her Dragon form.
'Mine,' his dragon growled in his head.
'Ours,' Kirall growled back. After a moment, he felt his dragon's agreement before he growled.
'Too many males near her. Danger in the air.'
Kirall frowned at that. He hadn't sensed anything when they were flying in, but he'd learned long ago that his Dragon's senses were sharper than his, and he trusted them even when he wasn't in that form.
'Stay alert. Let me know the minute you sense it getting close.' It would use more energy for both he and his dragon to be alert, but Kirall didn't care. Usually, his dragon would retreat and only appear when Kirall called him. Not today.
'Will protect our mate.'
Autumn dug her claws into the stone landing platform where the Elders landed. It felt good to sharpen her claws this way.
'We will need them,' her dragon told her.
'What do you mean?'
'Death coming.'
'Death?' Autumn's large dragon heart began to pound with fear. 'Whose death?'
'Not know. But don't hold me back when it comes. I strong now. Protect our mate, our family.'
Autumn knew that was true. Not only was she stronger since arriving on Mondu, but her dragon was too, and she trusted her. ‘Alright, but don't leave me in the dark.'
'Never. It hurt there and lonely.'
"Autumn?" Kirall's questioning voice had her realizing she was still perched on the landing platform in her Dragon form. In an instant, she shifted and watched her mate's eyes flare with desire as she moved down the steps toward him in an outfit he'd never seen before.
She'd decided it was time to establish what her official 'Elder' attire would be. While the male Elders wore long robes in their Dragoon color. She and Nixie would wear something different.
She, of course, would wear red, as she had been before, but this time it would be one solid piece of material that covered her from neck to mid-thigh. Its long sleeves ended in a stylized single claw across the top of her hand and tall, over-the-knee boots wrapped her legs. While the gown showed off her figure and appeared skintight, it actually gave her the freedom to move any way she wanted. As a concession to the other Elders, over the gown, she wore a long, sheer, sleeveless robe. It was silver, representing her status as a Supreme, and had a massive red dragon embroidered down its back that flowed behind her as she moved.
"I think I'm going to start to like attending Council meetings," he growled, pulling her close for a hard kiss.
"I thought you'd like it," she said, smiling up at him. Stepping back, she took him in. He was once again wearing the loose shirt that looked like liquid silver to her and form-fitting red pants tucked into black over-the-calf boots. Just like the other Elders, Kirall's robe matched his color although it was sleeveless like hers and revealed the silver sleeves of his shirt.
They both turned as Nixie landed and as she shifted, Autumn sent out a wave of power transforming Nixie's outfit to match hers except her gown and the dragon embroidered down the sheer silver robe were Black. She did the same to Dacke when he landed.
As they both walked toward them, Autumn could see their shock at the change in their attire.
"Like it?" Autumn asked.
"Like it? I love it. This is amazing,' Nixie said, looking over her shoulder to see her Black Dragon covering her back. "But you shouldn't be expending so much power when we don't know what we'll be facing in there." She nodded toward the Council Building.
"Trust me, I'll be fine," Autumn reassured her then her gaze shifted. "Dacke?"
Dacke's gaze moved over his silver shirt, white pants, black boots, and white robe. "I haven't been recognized as an Elder yet. I shouldn't be wearing a robe."
"Are there any other White Supremes?" Kirall asked Dacke.
"No."
"Then you are an Elder, Dacke." Kirall turned as two Council Guards approached. Their surprise at finding four Supremes instead of two was readily seen on their faces. Finally, they seemed to collect themselves, and one spoke.
"The Council is waiting."
"Take us to the Elders Area," Kirall ordered, and without a word, the Guards turned and led the way.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
"There you are. What took you so long?" Kiran demanded as they entered the Elders Area.
"Really, Kiran," Niccele reprimanded. "What kind of greeting is that?" Moving around her mate, Niccele walked toward the Supremes taking in their appearance as she hugged each one. "You all look perfect."
"Thank you, Mama," Nixie said, kissing her cheek.
"Yes, Niccele, thank you," Autumn told her.
"Father, where is Cai? I expected him to meet us," Kirall asked as the females all moved together.
"He greeted us, but I told him not to greet you," Kiran told
him.
"Why?" Kirall demanded.
"With him being the Keeper of Tove's relay jewel, I thought it best there be no chance for someone to try to claim interference. After he led us here, Commander Cai remained in the room until it was time for the Council to convene. Every Elder and those with them witnessed it."
Kirall thought about that for a moment then nodded. "I can see the logic in that."
"Kiran." Niccele put a hand on her mate's arm. "Don't you think we should be going?"
Kiran couldn't stop his lips from twitching. He might be the Elder, but there was no doubt who was actually in charge of this family. "Of course, my mate. Zeb. Jariath. Radko." With that, they walked out of the room.
Kirall looked down at Autumn. "Ready?"
After taking a deep breath, Autumn nodded. "Ready. Nixie? Ravannah? Aisling?" she asked her gaze going to them.
The sisters nodded to their Keeper, and Nixie answered. "Ready."
"Dacke?" Kirall asked his friend.
Dacke looked to his family, who all nodded. "Ready."
Kirall's hand covered his mate's on his arm. "Then let’s go let Mondu know that our world has changed even more than they thought."
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Cai stood where he always did when the Council convened, on the floor of the Assembly in front of the hidden door that was off to the side of where the Elders sat. It was where he had returned to after escorting Kirall and Autumn into the Chamber the last time they were here. His gaze traveled over the area, taking in the placement of every Council Guard in their Beast form, and knew the area was as secure as it could ever be when Dragoons were involved.
Heads turned toward the Elders area told him someone had entered. Looking up, he saw it was Elder Kiran with his group, but it wasn't the same group that he'd escorted to the Elders Area. Kiran's unmated females and the White Minors weren't with him.
Where were they?
What was going on?
He turned to step through the hidden door to find out where the missing Dragoons were. They couldn't be allowed free access to the Elders. Before he could, a gasp went through the crowd, followed by shouts of anger, and his gaze shot back to where the Council sat.
