Academy Obscura - The Scorched Summer: A Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance

by Cassia Briar

  The scene before me followed the narrator’s words, showing a cold, dark, and devastating time for dragons. I shivered in response. Perhaps the desire for sunlight was an instinct rather than simply a preference.

  She went on to explain the time period I was more familiar with, when witches hunted and killed dragons. The history’s illusion showed scene after scene of robed witches, then knights slaying my kind. A few dragons sought revenge, only to have their lives end in bloodshed.

  “Eventually, we retreated,” said the narrator. The visual morphed to various caves and islands. “We faded from history, becoming legends and myths. Today we are still in hiding. We care for our own and our numbers remain small.” Her voice faded and the scene dissolved, leaving me with an emptiness in my gut.

  Liam spoke through the chamber. “Are you ready for the next one?”

  I steadied myself and nodded. “Go ahead.”

  “This one says Politics and Royalty.”

  Oh goodie.

  I spent hours in the chamber watching the visual records. As I’d guessed, my family, the Gataki’s had ruled for generations, since before dragons had gone into hiding.

  The next crystal went over dragon customs, including the mating ceremony, which had me blushing scarlet from my chest to my hairline. That was going to be fun to tell the guys about. Okay, moving on…

  To reach full form, dragons had to take four mates. That was the same for both genders. The mated quintet was often a mix of males and females. Other times completely heterosexual focusing on a central member. And some were fully homosexual groupings.

  In general dragons were a proud, formal race with passionate hearts and overprotective tendencies.

  Next up was an overview on dragon abilities. Each of the four elemental colors, like my uncles, had some control over those domains. There were also others: Purple dragons had telepathic abilities, white ones were healers, and grey could control the weather and storms. The last color was black, like me.

  Black dragons were the only ones who could absorb and use magic. Because of this, witches deemed them the most dangerous. We were also the rarest color. From what the narrator said, I could easily assume I was the only black dragon alive at this time.

  Even black dragons were vulnerable to curses though. Our scales absorbed curses the same as any other magic, but it was toxic. I was so glad I had been cautious last term and not tried to break the curse on Jaxon and Angel by myself. It could have killed me. Liam had tried to remove the silencing spell and the curse had struck him. He’d been lucky to survive, with only the permanent damage of that claw and circle mark over his heart.

  All dragon kind could turn invisible. I guess that’s how Iria and her mates traveled without being seen. We all hoarded our own unique treasures, were attracted wealth, and of course breathed fire.

  The last cylinder was different from the others, with no narration at all, titled A Message. A brightly lit cavern appeared in the sphere. Lavish furnishings decorated the enormous, high ceiling room. Against one wall stood a large group of dark-haired people.

  An older woman in the center took a step forward. “Daughter of Lyra, if you are seeing this, then Iria has found you. My name is Rhea and I am your grandmother.” She lifted her arms, spreading them wide. “This is your family. Your grandfathers: Nikos, Calix, Orrin, and Alec. Your aunts Iria and Ariana , and their mates. And your three cousins.”

  I stared back at all of these people. My family.

  My chest squeezed and my eyes stung. I had blood relatives out there across the Atlantic. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. I may have lost my mother and my father, and Isabella, but I’d gained a whole new family. I hoped this one couldn’t be taken away from me.

  My grandma continued, “We look forward to meeting you one day soon. Take care of yourself and know you have our love.” She vanished, leaving me in the cold, dark trial chamber.

  I felt horrible that my family had to live, hidden away, in caves. Could I one day change that for them?

  A moment later, Liam folded me in his arms. He held me without speaking, lending support while letting me process my emotions. I relaxed into his lemon and orange scent, and the warmth of his body.

  We hugged for some time before I finally pulled away. “I need you to do something for me.”

  “Of course. Anything.” His green eyes lit with interest.

  I stepped back several feet. “I want to know what my scales do with fae magic. Will you send some at me?” Shifting to my half form, I waited.

  Liam’s palm filled with a green light orb. He flicked his wrist and the magic flew across the space between us. It hit my scales, I felt the impact, but then the ball of light dispersed—my scales did not absorb its magic. Interesting.

  “That bounced off you, didn’t it?” Liam asked, head cocked, lips pursed.

  I shifted down. “Yeah. It seems only witch magic has any affect. I guess that’s why the knights in the tales were all witches and not fae.”

  “Fascinating. I’ll have to research that further.”

  I couldn’t help the smile that touched my lips. Scholar Liam was sexy.

  With a glance around the windowless room, I said, “I have no idea how long we’ve been in here. We should get going. We have lots to tell the others.”

  Liam led the way through the narrow tunnel and out the door. Dawn greeted us on the other side. The morning light muted by a dense cloud cover threatening rain. We’d been in the chamber for nearly six hours.

  My phone chimed with an incoming text. I took it from my pocket and furrowed my brow at the many missed calls, all from Iria. She’d left one voice message. I clicked the play button.

  “Caprice. I only have your number, and have no one else to call.” Iria sounded concerned. “We were attacked when leaving your Academy. We are all okay. Zafer was hit with a spear, but the wound is only a graze. I wanted to warn you. Be careful. We are returning to Cyprus now. Contact me when the war is over. Best of luck to you.” The message ended.

  Right, I was on my own from now on. Or at least without the support of Iria and my uncles.

  “What is it?” Liam asked.

  “Iria. They were attacked by the Tromara when they left. They’re all okay. She just wanted to let me know they’re out there now with spears.”

  “I’m glad they made it away safe.” Liam glanced up at the sky.

  “Me too.” I put my phone away.

  A large shadow emerged from a nearby cedar, catching our attention.

  Montrell approached unhurried. “May I have a word with you, Caprice?”

  “How long have you been here?” I asked.

  “A few hours. I wanted to catch you on your way out.”

  “Okay… What did you want to talk with me about?”

  Montrell glanced at Liam. “Alone, if I may.”

  I thought I caught a smirk on Liam’s lips as he turned away. “See you at Jaxon’s place,” he called over his shoulder. I squinted at his retreating back. He knew something and obviously wasn’t going to tell me.

  I faced Montrell. “What’s on your mind?” As he drew closer, my dragon fixated on him. My skin warmed and my heartbeat hastened. There were so many things I wanted to say to him. I wanted to tell him I loved him, needed him. I’d been terrified when he’d disappeared on me. I was overwhelmingly happy when he reappeared, alive and unhurt. Grateful that he’d brought Angel back to me. I had no idea where to begin with any of these words.

  “I had some time to think while I was away.” He folded his burly arms. “To gain a new perspective, too.” We gazed at each other for a few seconds before he continued, “I’ve decided to accept your proposal. I’ll be your fourth mate. If you still want me.”

  My heart simultaneously skipped a beat and plummeted at the same time. His stoic expression led me to believe he was doing this because we all needed him to—not because he loved me. I had to give him an out. I could find someone else to mate.

  “I’ve
also been thinking about that a lot recently.” I licked my lips. “You don’t have to do this. I was thinking of getting to know Heller a little better and maybe…” I hadn’t really been considering the werewolf alpha, but it was an out if Montrell wanted to take it.

  His hazel eyes flared. “No, you don’t understand. While you were talking with Iria, her mates gathered Angel, Liam, Jaxon, and me for a little chat. I questioned why I was there until Zafer told us how Iria was a seer and she’d seen the four of us with you—as your mates. Your uncles wanted to make sure we understood what that meant.”

  My cheeks heated. Wow, my new family was meddlesome. Montrell completely felt pressured into being with me. How could he not after all of that?

  “I have a feeling you’re taking this all the wrong way,” he said, letting his arms drop.

  “I just need to know one thing. Do you want to do this?”

  He nodded. “I do. We need your dragon form, or we’re all doomed.”

  There is was. The truth behind his motivations.

  I pushed the hurt away. We were at war. I couldn’t let my feelings get in the way of doing what needed to be done.

  “I agree. We do need my full form.” I motioned up the pathway. “We should get on with it then.” Turning, I started to walk away.

  “Damn it,” Montrell’s voice rumbled. He took hold of my upper arm, pulling me to a stop. His other hand cradled my neck. “I don’t have the right words for this, little girl. I’m sorry.” He angled his mouth over mine, the kiss full of hunger.

  His need sparked my own. I pressed my body to his and took his face in my hands. Kissing him back, I parted his lips with my tongue, exploring his hot mouth. I gripped his shoulders, trying to get closer. I wanted everything from him. More than he was willing to give me. His heart. His love.

  Montrell grabbed my butt and lifted without breaking the kiss. I wrapped my legs around his hips. He tasted sweet and salty. I wanted to run my tongue over every inch of his skin, feel him in me, his weight on top of me. I groaned with frustration and need.

  He took a couple steps forward until my back hit the trunk of a large maple. “I need you,” he said, releasing my lips. “Please.”

  “I need you, too.” I fisted the opening of his shirt and yanked it apart. Buttons flew into the nearby ferns.

  A deep rumble sounded in Montrell’s expansive chest. I clung to him as he undid my jeans and pulled them down my thighs as far as they would go. A belt buckle clinked, then his smooth hardness nudged my bare skin. He took my hips in his massive hands. In a fluid movement, he entered my wet folds and plunged in.

  I gasped at the sudden fullness. Then gasped again as he pounded into me with the force of his heavy body behind each thrust. His forehead bowed, touching mine, and our breaths mingled.

  This kind of wild abandon was not what I’d expected from the reserved and deliberate Montrell. He fucked me like there was no tomorrow, and it was the most delicious experience. All I could do was hold on. Both my dragon and I relished in the electrifying sexual energy.

  We panted and moaned, eyes closed.

  “I will share you.” His firm grip on my hips pulled me onto his thick cock, over and over. “As long as I also get to have you to myself when I want.”

  I murmured an affirmative noise. My inner walls clenched. Pressure built low in my belly, coiling tighter with each thrust. Montrell let out a low groan and slightly adjusted his angle. His dick hit that sensitive spot inside.

  “You’re mine, little girl. You understand?” His voice was husky and raw.

  I shattered with a cry.

  He drove into me, relentless and erratic. With another rumbling groan, his body shuddered with release. His hips pumped until he was completely spent and buried deep in my core.

  Gradually, our breathing slowed. I opened my eyes to find him peeking at me through thick black lashes, a crease between his brows.

  “You didn’t answer me,” he said. “Do you understand?”

  “And you’re mine.” I leaned forward and kissed him. His tense mouth softened against mine. With a grunt, he pulled his cock from me and set me on my feet.

  Montrell straightened, his gaze sweeping my face and that furrowed brow returned. “I hadn’t meant to—” he cut himself off and swallowed hard. “Did I hurt you?”

  I ran my palms up his shoulders. “No. I’m more than okay.” I offered a tentative smile.

  He cupped my face and kissed me again.

  Doubt lingered, nagging at me. He said I was his, but were those merely words spoken in the heat of passion?

  “Would you still choose me, if you were free to choose anyone?” I asked, my throat tight.

  “A million times over.” His lips brushed mine. “I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to see my feelings for you. Will you forgive me?”

  “Of course.” My stomach filled with so many flutters I thought I was going to be sick. “We should go tell the guys.”

  12

  Caprice

  I caught sight of myself in the mirror on Jaxon’s living room wall and headed straight for the bathroom, leaving Montrell, shirt front open and clothing rumpled, alone with the guys. That was one way of breaking the news.

  At the sink, I picked moss and leaves out of my hair. Geez, we looked like we’d just had wild sex in the forest. The flush in my cheeks reminded me that this was the least embarrassed I was going to be all morning. Topic of conversation up next: Mating.

  Slowly, I emerged into the living room. Four sets of eyes watched me: Grey, green, amber, and hazel. Jaxon studied me with interest. A private smile lifted the corners of Liam’s mouth. Angel cut off a growl mid-rumble. And Montrell stood off to the side, arms crossed and stance wide, like he was preparing for battle. What a crew they made. My dragon smugly thought: Mine. A sense of possessiveness coursed through me.

  I settled on the arm of one couch where I could easily see everyone. “Well, uh, Montrell has agreed to be my mate.”

  “Good,” said Jaxon.

  Liam’s smile widened. “That’s wonderful.”

  “About time,” Angel muttered, shooting the shapeshifter a pointed glare.

  Montrell remained silent, but his shoulders came down a little at their responses.

  “Can you take your full dragon form now that you’ve…been with…all of us?” Angel asked, his gaze on me.

  I shook my head. “Not yet. According to Iria, there’s a ceremony that needs to be performed first. A mating ritual.” My skin flushed deeper.

  Liam leaned forward on the couch. “Better to just lay it out there for them, sweetheart.” That comment confirmed that he had watched all the dragon records from the control room. At least one of them knew what was coming.

  “Okay. Well. First the witnesses gather and form a circle, usually in a large cave or outside in nature, it doesn’t matter which. Then you guys each take a cardinal direction within the circle. Lastly, I enter. Then we exchange vows.”

  “Sounds like a variation on a modern day wedding,” Jaxon said with a shrug. “At least there’s none of that kinky wolf stuff, like getting naked and having sex in front of everyone.”

  I shot him a startled look. “How’d you know?”

  “Oh. So we will have to do that. Figures.”

  “And what do you mean by kinky wolf stuff?” I asked, glancing at Angel, who scowled at Jaxon.

  “It’s common among my kind to consummate the marriage in front of witnesses,” Angel said. “It’s part of the ritual, not kinky at all. The pack will expect that of us when I officially become Supreme Alpha.”

  “When, exactly, were you going to tell me this?” I couldn’t believe he’d left me in the dark about this. Not exactly a minor detail.

  Angel had the decency to appear apologetic for half a second. “I figured I’d tell you when it was relevant.”

  Like I said, half a freaking second.

  Montrell’s gaze bored into me, a deep crease between his brows.

  “Is this com
mon among beast shifters and shapeshifters?” I asked him.

  “No. It will be a new experience.”

  “That’s for sure.” I sighed. “Now that we know how to do this ritual, I don’t want to wait any longer. I want to get some sleep, because I’ve been up for an eternity, then set up the ritual for late tonight.”

  Liam said, “We can manage that. Right, everyone?”

  The others murmured their consent. Holy shit we were going to do this. We were going to make me a full dragon. Tonight.

  I yawned, the long hours catching up with me. “We don’t need anything special other than the witnesses. The vows are already prepared—traditional dragon vows. The rest of the details we can figure out later.”

  “Yes, we can.” Jaxon stood. “Let’s get you to bed, cupcake, you must be exhausted.”

  “I am.”

  Montrell stepped forward, arms still crossed, and said, “I believe I’ve earned the privilege of having you in my bed, Caprice.” The words were for me, but his eyes drifted to each of the guys as he said them. A challenge to them.

  Jaxon’s jaw worked, but he held up his hands in surrender. Brow furrowed, Angel gave a curt nod. Liam’s green eyes radiated satisfaction.

  I was too tired for all the male posturing. “Goodnight, guys,” I said. Standing, I stretched, then took Montrell’s hand and led us out of the apartment. He took over in the hall, towing me to his own quarters and let us in.

  His private space was much like his office. Rich wood and leather furnishings held stacks of books and tidy papers. Bookcases stood against three of the living room walls. In the bedroom, was a huge bed, dresser, and more bookshelves.

  Even though I was tired, I couldn’t help being curious about each and every title he’d collected. My fingertips trailed over the spines as I took in my surroundings.

  “You like to read,” I said. It wasn’t a question, he had his nose in a book whenever he wasn’t busy teaching. I liked that about him.

  “I do.” He moved toward the closet and pulled off his shoes. His shirt was next, then his trousers. The dim light illuminated black ink tattoos that started on his right thigh, crawled up his back, and ended over his opposite shoulder.