Stolen by the Wind Dragon Prince: Dragon Shifter Romance (Elemental Dragon Warriors Book 2)

by Aria Winter

  Mauryn looks aggrieved. “I do not think your father would look for you here, but you should be prepared if he does.”

  He nods. “I will set up a perimeter defense system.”

  “That should suffice,” Dyren chimes in. “We will leave you two to your nest. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to let us know.”

  Our nest? My cheeks heat in embarrassment.

  Mauryn approaches me, carefully placing one hand low on my abdomen. “May the Gods bless you with many fledglings.”

  I give her a nervous grin. Instead of arguing that we’re not technically mates, I reply, “Thank you.”

  When they leave, I turn to Raidyn. Dyren’s words replay in my mind—he called this house our nest. Images of Raidyn and I wrapped in each other’s arms beneath the covers fill my mind.

  He takes my hand. I swear, with the way he’s looking at me, if he lifts me into his arms and takes me to the bed to ravish me like a romance novel hero, I won’t protest. “I must set up a perimeter defense system. You should rest, my mate.”

  A strange mixture of disappointment and relief washes through me at his words. I don’t have to make any decisions yet. Again, I don’t argue when he calls me his mate. I tell myself it’s because it’s not worth an argument, but secretly, I’m beginning to like it when he calls me his. He declared it with so much pride to the caretaker and his wife, two people who are obviously very important to him.

  He leaves and I head for the bedroom. I look around for pajamas but find none, so I guess I’ll be sleeping in my robe. Raidyn’s people probably sleep naked, since nudity doesn’t seem to bother them in the slightest. However, I don’t think I’m ready to go nude just yet.

  I must be more tired than I realized because I fall asleep quickly. A dip in the mattress behind me rouses me. I recognize Raidyn the moment he slips beneath the comforter and his delicious scent fills my nostrils. He curls protectively around me, and I’m too exhausted to protest. I trust him. He won’t try anything unless I consent.

  Tonight, all I’m interested in is sleeping.

  A soft puff of air parts the hair on top of my head as he scents me before gently nuzzling the spot and tugging me back into his chest. I rest my arm over the one he has draped around my waist.

  “Good night,” I whisper, closing my eyes as I allow myself to drift away.

  Chapter 15

  Raidyn

  I wake up curled protectively around my mate in the morning. My stav is fully extended from my mating pouch and painfully erect with the need to claim her. And though I’m sure we must be compatible to mate since we are fated, I do not know if she wants me, too.

  Although she does not feel it yet, she is mine. I am already hers; I have been since the moment I first saw her. I would have loved her then, if she had accepted me, but now that I have spent more time with her, I find my love deepening.

  My thoughts turn to my father and my cousin. How can they not see that it would be wrong to make the human females feel as if they had no choice but to pick a mate simply because they present them with eligible warriors? My father has truly gone mad beyond reason. I should have forced him to step down long ago.

  But I did not want to see him brought low—not after losing my mother nearly broke him. In our grief, at least we were united. He allowed me to rule from the sidelines while he occupied the throne.

  Tai warned me our arrangement might go wrong. His was a subtle warning, but still, I should not have ignored it. I didn’t want to believe that my father was beyond rescue. And now my mate is in danger because of my carelessness—my inability to act promptly.

  I could flee to the Fire Clan and seek asylum there. But what kind of life would that be for my Skye, to be bonded to an outsider?

  Besides, despite his anger, my father loves me above all else. Would he truly let me go if I went to live among the Fire Clan?

  I doubt it. He would blame my Skye—my linaya—for my leaving. And he would be right. He threatened to imprison her. I will not stay where she is threatened and I refuse to leave her side. Even if she does not want me as her mate, I desire only to care for her. I vow to do whatever I can to help her people make a life on our world.

  As much as the thought pains me, my mate will never truly be safe until my father no longer sits on the throne.

  She stirs softly, stretching her lithe body against mine. A small gasp escapes me when her backside rubs along my shaft; my stav throbs with need in response. Before I can restrain it, a low growl of arousal rumbles in my chest.

  Skye stills for a moment, then slowly turns to face me, uncertainty written across her features.

  I lower my gaze in shame. “Forgive me,” I whisper. “I have never been this close to a female. It is…” I pause, casting about for the right word before settling on, “difficult.”

  Rational thought and even the ability to form words is difficult while she lies in my arms. Surrounded by her intoxicating scent, my entire body hums in awareness of her.

  “It’s all right.” She smiles warmly. “I have never slept with a man. It’s kind of awkward for me, too.”

  I am glad that she does not pull away from me as she might have done before. However, I do not want to push her into mating if she is not ready. So, reluctantly, I stand from the bed. As I do, my stav twitches, still fully erect and extended from my body.

  Her eyes travel down my form and when she notices this, her lips part and her entire face flushes a deep crimson hue.

  Curious about her reaction, I ask, “Do I resemble your human males?”

  “Uh, I—um.” She quickly averts her gaze as she stumbles over her words. “I think you’re quite a bit larger and—uh—you have ridges.” Her voice rises in pitch on the last word.

  I frown. “Is that bad?”

  She blinks up at me, her expression still a mask of astonishment, before she manages a nervous smile. “No. If anything, it’s… good.” She clears her throat. “At least, from what I’ve heard.”

  My nostrils flare as her delicate scent thickens and I realize that she is aroused by my appearance. I meet her deep-blue eyes evenly, my voice rough even to my own ears. “I can scent your need, my mate.”

  Her robe slips off her shoulder as she stares up at me, revealing the creamy, pale skin beneath. The delicate curve of her breast is just barely visible above the hem, but the memory of her soft, luscious body when I found her in the pool surfaces in my mind, sharpening my need. I desire more than anything to touch her, to feel her petal-soft skin beneath the tips of my fingers.

  Her gaze travels down my form appraisingly again. Liquid beads on the tip of my stav and my every muscle tenses; I am desperate to claim her. Her small, pink tongue darts out to lick her lips. I cautiously move toward her.

  She stands and we stare across the bed at one another. I want nothing more than to pull her into my arms and bury myself in her warmth, but I will not push her to do anything she does not want. I will wait for her to decide what we will do.

  She steps closer and gently reaches out to skim the tips of her fingers across my chest. My scales light, glowing with the fate bond beneath her touch as she stares at them in fascination and wonder.

  “They seem brighter now,” she whispers. “Why?”

  “Because you are so near,” I rasp, my entire form tense with desire.

  She trails her hands down to my abdomen, tracing the dips and curves of my muscles as if memorizing me by touch. “You’re beautiful,” she whispers.

  I catch her eyes with mine. “You are perfect, Skye.”

  “Perfect?” She smiles.

  I reach out and tuck a stray tendril of her long, golden hair behind her ear then gently cup her cheek. “Yes, you are. Give yourself to me, my beautiful mate. Allow me to worship you.”

  She lowers her gaze. “I… I don’t know. I just…” She lifts her head and her blue eyes search mine. “How do you know you want me and it’s not just the bond influencing you?”

  Her questions are
strange, and I do not understand her hesitation. “This is the way of things, Skye. The Gods have fated us to be together.”

  Something about my answer displeases her and she steps back. “Can you please put on some clothes?”

  I regard her curiously. “Why?”

  “Because it’s… distracting that you’re naked.”

  I heave a sigh of frustration and will my stav to retract into my mating pouch. I wish I could do as she asks, even if I do not understand why. “I cannot wear clothing, as I had planned on shifting forms. My draka form is much larger than this one, so my clothing would not survive the transformation intact.”

  She nods. “Oh, right. I hadn’t thought of that.”

  I tip my head to the side. “Why are you so averse to my nudity?”

  “My people only get naked when…” Her voice trails off.

  “When what?” I ask, genuinely curious.

  Her eyes snap up to meet mine and her cheeks turn dark red yet again. “When we’re going to mate.”

  “Ah. Now I understand.” I arch a teasing brow. “So, when you are ready to mate, will you bare yourself to me as the signal of your acceptance?”

  She hesitates a moment before answering. “When I’m ready, I’ll let you know.”

  I note that she did not tell me, as she has before, that she might never wish to mate with me. Instead, she told me that she will let me know when she is ready to mate. This is progress, at least. She is starting to consider becoming mine.

  My stav presses insistently against the inside seam of my mating pouch and I struggle to calm down. She does not want me—yet. But I am a patient male. I will prove to her that I will be a good mate. And when she is convinced, she will open her heart, her mind, and her body to me, allowing me to fully claim her.

  “Why are you shifting forms again?” she asks, pulling me from my errant thoughts.

  “To check our perimeter defense.”

  “Oh. Can I come with you?”

  Normally, I would deny her, but I doubt anyone is searching for me here, so there is very little danger of discovery. And even so, she is safer with me than in the house by herself.

  While together, if we are discovered, I’d at least have the chance to escape with her again. Whereas if she was found here without me and taken, I would have difficulty rescuing her from my father’s guards.

  Unless they are still loyal to me. There is only a handful whom I know would still obey my command. The rest… I am uncertain.

  “Yes, you may accompany me,” I tell her. An idea occurs to me. “But first, let us pack some food for our trip.”

  “Trip?” she asks. “How far are we going?”

  “Not far. But there is a waterfall on this island that I think you might enjoy.”

  I am rewarded with one of her brilliant smiles. “All right.”

  We pack a light meal and then she climbs onto my back. I am glad I chose to travel in my draka form during this day since I am stronger and more capable of defending her against enemies.

  She releases a joyful cry as I spread my wings and we take to the air.

  I also prefer this form because it allows me to sense her thoughts. She loves flying with me.

  As I dip to the left to catch another current, the muscles of my back flex beneath her legs. She clenches her thighs to hold tighter to me and her thoughts turn without warning towards desire. Images of my nude form, my stav fully extended and erect, fill her mind.

  My mouth drifts open as she imagines touching me and allowing me to touch her in return. My heart hammers as she visualizes me grabbing her waist and hauling her against my form. She wraps her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist as I thrust my hips repeatedly against hers, driving my stav deep into her channel.

  The scent of her need fills my nostrils and a low growl of arousal rumbles in my chest. She wants me. She imagines us mating in several different ways. On the bed, in the bath, in the gardens, on the balcony, in a pool beneath the waterfall.

  I hold onto that image in my mind, beating my powerful wings to circle the perimeter and check that no trespassers have crossed the invisible barrier I’ve set up in defense. I cannot wait to reach the falls and find out if she will ask me to mate with her there.

  Surely that is why such erotic thoughts of me claiming her fill her mind.

  I will oblige her gladly.

  Satisfied that our perimeter defense is still intact, I fly as fast as my wings can carry me to the waterfall on the island. It is near the house, but far enough to afford us privacy if Dyren and Mauryn return for an unexpected visit.

  If my mate wants me to claim her, I do not want to be interrupted.

  As I touch down on the ground, I shift instantly so that I can gently lower her down my body with my hands around her slim waist.

  She smiles up at me and I take her hand to lead her to the expansive pool at the base of the falls. Crystal-clear, sparkling water tumbles over the rocky ledge above, spilling into the basin below. I ask her if she’d like to get in after we eat, remembering how she fantasized that I’d take her in the water beneath the falls.

  If she agrees to our first mating, I want to make sure she is well-fed before we begin. I plan on taking her several times once she decides to be mine and allows me to fully claim her.

  “That sounds good.” She smiles again.

  My heart hammers in my chest as I unpack our small satchel of food and sit beside her. She is so close, the warmth of her body radiates against mine as we eat our meal.

  “It’s so beautiful here,” she comments. “You are so lucky to have grown up in paradise.”

  I turn to her. “There are many beautiful places on Drakaria, and I would like to show you many more if you will let me.”

  “I would like that,” she murmurs as she lies back in the thick blanket of grass.

  Her long, silken hair spreads out beneath her like a beautiful golden halo and my fingers ache with the urge to comb through the soft strands.

  Feeling bold, I lie beside her and gently place my hand atop hers. She surprises me by turning her palm up toward mine and entwining our fingers. “It’s nice spending time with you.”

  I grin. “I am glad that you are happy.”

  Her expression falls, sadness pooling in her deep blue eyes.

  “What is wrong, my Skye?”

  “I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you. If not for me, you wouldn’t have to hide.”

  I roll onto my side to face her, gently stroking her cheek. “Do you not know that I would give up my entire world just to keep you safe?”

  Tears gather in the corner of her eyes, but she says nothing.

  “I love you, Skye. You are a blessing I never imagined could be mine. I would do anything to keep you from harm and to see you happy, my beautiful mate.”

  A tear slips down her cheek, which she quickly brushes away.

  “Do not cry, my mate. I am here and I will take care of you. I will protect you from all danger. My vow.”

  She smiles, softly biting her lower lip before she reaches out and traces her delicate fingers along the sharp ridge of my brow. She studies me intently as if memorizing the contours of my face. I lean into her touch and close my eyes as a deep growl of pleasure vibrates my chest.

  She laughs, pink blooming across her cheeks.

  My eyes snap open. “What is so funny?”

  With a soft sigh, she does her best to suppress a smile as she shakes her head. “You really need to wear some clothes when we’re alone.”

  “If that is what you wish, I will need you to carry them for me so that I can put them on after I shift.” I blink several times, unnerved. “Does my nudity bother you so much?”

  I anxiously await her answer. I thought she desired me, but if she keeps insisting I wear clothing, my form must offend her in some way.

  “No, it doesn’t bother me. Quite the opposite.” She grins. “I’d rather carry something to put over your mouth to stop you from saying things
that distract me even more.”

  I tip my head to the side. “I do not understand.”

  She reaches out to cup my cheek and I note sadness lingers behind her eyes, as it did the other night when she asked me if I would still want her without the bond. “I’m… falling in love with you, Raidyn. But, I—” Her voice catches and she lowers her gaze.

  I place two fingers under her chin and tip her face back up. “What is it? Why is it so wrong to allow yourself to be mine? I am already yours, my linaya.”

  A tear slips down her cheek. “That’s the problem. You only want me because of the bond. Without it, I don’t know if you would even see me.”

  My brow furrows deeply. “We cannot change what is, my Skye. The bond exists between us. Of this, I have no doubt.” I take her hand and place it on my chest, directly over my glowing scales. “Many question the fate bond because they are uncertain about the partner the Gods have chosen for them. I did not—and have never—felt this hesitation toward you.

  “You are a strong female. Fire burned in your eyes when you fought the male who attacked you. And when you thought I meant you harm, you fought me as well. Even after being thrown in a cell, you stood up to my father—the King. I admire your strength of spirit.” I stroke her cheek and stare deep into her eyes with a smile. “Despite your lack of natural defenses, you have a strong will that rivals any Drakarian female’s. I was proud when you threatened my guard, Tai; despite your fear, there is admirable fire in your heart. I am proud that the Gods have paired us. I am proud to be yours and I want so desperately for you to be mine as well.”

  She watches me silently and I wonder if I have said too much.

  “Forgive me,” I tell her. “I do not wish to make you uncomfortable.”

  She cuts me off by leaning forward and gently pressing her lips to mine.

  I’m so shocked, I do not move or dare to breathe as I wait to see what she will do next. This touching of lips is not customary among my people and I am uncertain how to respond. I saw this in her mind, but... I do not know what it means.