Dracian Legacy

by Kanaparti, Priya

  “Don’t be silly. They were as much my parents as they were yours. Now pick one.”

  “This one.” I pointed to the simple arrangement with cherry blossom pink lilies and just a hint of greenery peeking among the creamy gardenias.

  My mother would love it, without a doubt.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Axel parked in front of a huge warehouse labeled “Karter Raid.”

  He zipped out of the car, locking the doors.

  “Stupid Dracian,” I muttered under my breath. “Show off!” I yelled louder.

  A sly smile tugged up the corner of his lips. He unlocked my door and pulled it open while extending his hand toward me.

  “You’ve been beating me to the punch.” He pulled me to him, slamming the door shut, leaning me back against his car. “I can’t have you opening your own door, especially when we’re on our date.”

  “A girl could get used to this.” I leaned into him, kissing his yummy lips.

  “You deserve everything good life has to offer,” he said with a charming smile that sent me soaring like an eagle on the wind. I let out a sigh as he chuckled. “Come on.”

  Once we were inside, Axel asked me to take a seat while he stepped up to the counter. He ran back to me with a huge grin on his face, handing me a helmet and a red jumpsuit.

  “I hear you’re unbeatable in kart racing.”

  I cocked my eyebrow at him. “Huh.”

  He pulled me to him and kissed the tip of my nose. “I would’ve never figured you for a racer.” His voice dropped low and husky. “It’s incredibly sexy.”

  I laughed nervously, feeling my knees weaken. “That’s so not fair.”

  He rewarded me with his rare boyish grin before hauling me into the arena.

  “Ready?” he asked over the revving of the race karts.

  I winked at him just as the buzzer sounded.

  “I can’t believe you took me kart racing.” I elbowed Axel teasingly in the ribs as we walked out of the building. “I had fun kicking your butt.”

  He grinned triumphantly. “And I loved watching you get all competitive. It’s win-win, really. And not to mention, you looked sexy as hell in that red jumpsuit and helmet.” He opened the door, waiting for me to slide in. “Now, are you up for the next activity on the agenda?”

  “Here.” Axel handed me a bouquet of gardenias with blue and white orchids.

  I tore my eyes off the archway that read White Oaks Cemetery to look at him.

  “I know you miss your parents. I promised you a day you’ll never forget. It only seemed appropriate…” He looked down into my eyes. “We don’t have to go in if you don’t want to, but I want you to know I want to be part of your life. All of it. I want to make you cry with happiness and I want to be here to wipe away the same tears when you’re sad.”

  “What did I ever do to deserve you?” I reached out to him and held his hand. “Let’s go.”

  This was where I first met Axel seven weeks ago. Seven weeks. Never did I imagine this was where I would be, holding the hand of a man willing to make my past and present part of his future, helping me build these joyous memories.

  I looked up to him with a smile, surprised how happy I felt considering I was headed to my parents’ grave. That wasn’t a feeling I was familiar with when I came here.

  “This is where we first met,” I said, walking across the cemetery, weaving my fingers into his and leaning my head against his shoulder.

  “Not true.”

  What? I dared a glance, only to find him trying to hide a twitch of a smile.

  Axel parked his car at a familiar scene. “Last stop.”

  He slung the monstrous hiking bag over his shoulder. He took my hand in his and we walked toward the falls—our falls.

  He walked past the water and up the trail, going deeper into the wilderness. Good thing I had experience rock climbing, although I wouldn’t have minded changing into more appropriate attire. When Axel finally stopped, I knew why he’d taken me so far. The hike was well worth the risk.

  “I couldn’t think of a better place.”

  I nodded, unable to believe the scene in front of me.

  The cascade of water rushed over the precipice of land quietly, crashing to the surface below, making the air surrounding us cooler, glittering with moisture. Its serene touch mesmerized me, spellbinding me to its beauty.

  My eyes absorbed each detail that surrounded us—the seclusion, the fullness of the beauty, the unique experience of my throbbing senses, and the flowing waterfall like angels descending from heaven.

  It was utterly ridiculous that a simple collection of molecules, atoms, and light could create such a pleasurable experience for the human senses. I felt more connected to my surroundings right in this moment than I ever had before. Perhaps it was because of our primal connection or our ancestral retention of nature in its purest form.

  “Ren.” Axel’s voice called to me as smooth as warm honey. My eyes locked with his. From the look he gave me, he’d been calling my name for some time.

  “This is… wow… majestic and magnificent. No words can do justice to its beauty.”

  He smiled at me knowingly. “Ready for dinner?”

  And on cue, my stomach growled. Déjà vu. “I’m famished.”

  He turned on his heel and started setting up our picnic area. While I watched him work, something feather-light landed on my outstretched hand—a beautiful orange butterfly with black and white spots. I slowly brought my hand to eye level, examining it.

  “I should be jealous.” Axel approached me cautiously. “Did you know butterflies taste through their feet?”

  As his hand neared the butterfly, it flew away. I laughed and leaned back on the oak tree, my hand placed above my head, wrapping around the curve of the mossy trunk.

  “And why would you be jealous, Alexander?” My voice sounded sultry.

  His eyes turned dark blue and took on a possessive gleam.

  I gulped. This is new.

  He moved ever so slowly, inching his body closer and closer, like he was floating on water. He placed his hands and legs on either side of my shoulders and hips. He had a wicked smile that made my heart skip a beat and my stomach drop and my toes curl. I automatically placed my hand on his abs, feeling the ripples of his hardened muscles.

  He leaned toward me and inhaled deeply. His chest rose and fell, almost touching mine with each heavy breath. He leaned down to my ear and a shiver snaked up my spine. He chuckled. I melted to the ground when he whispered into my ear. His lips grazed the ridges with every word he spoke.

  “Because you’re mine and sharing isn’t part of my dictionary.” He kissed the curve of my neck before he pushed himself back.

  He gave me one last look before walking backward, beckoning me to follow him.

  “You hungry?”

  “Yes.” My voice was raspy. I was hungry. Hungry for something that wasn’t on the menu.

  He settled on the quilt and patted his hand on the space next to him. The picnic site overlooked the small canyon below with the waterfalls crashing to the bottom. The horizon shined with vibrant colors of orange, blue, pink, and a tad bit of green.

  I took a bite of the sandwich he placed in my hands. “Yum.” I all but slobbered all over myself.

  I chewed, feeling the meat satiate my taste buds and the delectable juices flow into my mouth. A little moan left my lips before I could stop it. I mentally face-palmed myself for my lack of ladylike skills.

  “Sorry,” I mumbled, swallowing the food. “This is so good. What is it?”

  “It’s a secret. I’m glad you like it.” He traced his thumb across my bottom lip before bringing it to his mouth and licking it with a light satisfied groan. “What?” He handed me a Crush, shaking his head at my open mouth.

  “Thank you.” The can opened with a hiss and I took two thirsty gulps. “This is amazing.”

  “Come here.”

  He opened his arm to me, urging me to come closer.
I gripped the sandwich in one hand and scooted closer to him using the other to propel my movement. He gripped my shoulder firmly with a squeeze. I snuggled closer, placing my head at the curve of his neck and shoulder.

  “Mmhmmm…” I purred.

  His chest rumbled against my shoulder.

  “Laugh all you want, but this is one hell of a sandwich.”

  “I’m going to have to remember what I put in it.”

  “Wait, you don’t know what you put in here?” I asked, surprised.

  “No, I’m a non-conventional cook. I like to throw in a little of this and a little of that.”

  “You’re a non-conventional cook?”

  “Do you have the repeat button turned on?” He teased before kissing my forehead.

  I elbowed him in the chest, earning a chuckle and another endearing peck on my temple.

  We sat silently and watched as the sun set across the horizon. The air around us turned brisker. I felt warmth tug around my shoulders along with a pair of arms that engulfed me, urging me to get closer. If only time could freeze in this moment. I sighed.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  “Hmph…” I hit the mat headfirst.

  The training room ceiling came into view, bright with colorful birds dancing above my head. I inhaled deeply.

  That. Hurt. Like. A. Bitch.

  Everything except my face was on fire. The heat crept up like a slow flame boiling my skin. A pair of feet rushed to my side as a shadow obstructed the bright lights.

  “You okay?” a rich-honey voice asked, which sent piercing tremors reverberating through me.

  I got my wish—day fourteen into my training for which I practically begged Axel.

  “It can be fun,” I’d told him.

  Ha! Well, the joke was on me. Axel the trainer wasn’t as sweet as Axel the boyfriend. Axel the trainer had no trace of fun or easygoing attitude. This Axel commanded devotion and respect, not by demanding, but by his demeanor.

  “Just peachy.” I grunted.

  Axel’s features softened as he crouched in front of my sprawled body. “For someone with no combat training, you’re doing excellent.” His voice filled with pride.

  “I don’t need an ego boost.”

  “Ren. You’re getting better at this.” He sighed. “And I’m not just saying it because you’re my girlfriend or because I’m afraid of the doghouse.”

  I rolled my eyes. Axel insisted on defensive training over offensive tactics. So every day since, I learned to block, duck, roll, and avoid getting punched, kicked, thrown, or captured.

  “And you need to pay more attention to my body.” He pulled me up to a standing position.

  “That is the problem.” I winced at the stabbing pain in my ribs.

  “You’re not okay, Ren.” He reached for me with concern.

  I waved him off.

  My greatest distraction was Axel. Of course, it didn’t help he wore a sleeveless shirt, showing off his well-defined biceps, and how tightly the athletic material hugged his impossibly perfect body. A tight coil sprung within, bouncing about my insides. Thank God he hadn’t gone shirtless. Yet.

  I stepped back and wiped my hands on my butt. “Again.”

  He gave a curt nod. “Concentrate.” He tapped his temple. “Even the most skilled fighter will give something away.” Then he attacked.

  A fraction of a second before his foot made contact, I noticed his eyes divert to my waist. I deflected the attack with a brutal swipe of my arm and then ducked with a squeal as his left hook made its way to my head. He was superfast—inhumanly fast. I sprang up, only to be taken down with the swipe of his foot. And because I was so very talented, I took him down with me. Somehow he managed to land at the bottom, taking most of the impact, but the fall still knocked the air out of my lungs.

  “Much better,” he said, breathing easy, while I panted like I’d finished a marathon.

  “Hmm… I agree.” I licked my lips with a sly smile.

  I leaned into him, wrapping my arms around his neck, my fingers buried into his silky brown hair, and kissed him. His mouth curved up in a smile and he kissed me back.

  “Make-out sessions are part of combat training now?” Tyler snickered, stepping into the room. “Swee-heat. When do I get my turn?”

  Axel growled.

  “Go away, Tyler,” I said.

  “No can do, princess.” I heard others step into the room, feet shuffling.

  “I guess that’s all the time I get…” I painfully separated myself from his embrace.

  “I could skip prac—” Axel started to offer.

  “You will do no such thing.” As soon as the words left my mouth, my conscience glared at me, shaking her head. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  Axel pulled me closer, his hands resting on my waist as he gave me a smile that said, You’re my world. My insides tingled as his warm fingers found their way under my shirt, lingering, caressing the bare skin. It was so full of care and longing, it felt natural—like that was exactly what he should do.

  “Yes, even if it’s the end of the world.” He leaned into a kiss.

  “Don’t worry, princess. We’ll take care of your boy.” God, how I wanted to cuff Tyler in his face. “You could stay. We could spar.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

  I scoffed.

  “Weapons training. Marcus, Tyler—Bojutsu.” Axel instructed.

  A tall girl with long hair black as night stood next to Marcus and Tyler. She wore skin-tight black pants and a tank that hugged her every curve. Her stance was confident and arrogance was written all over her face. She stared at me with annoyance and something else I couldn’t quite figure out—jealousy, suspicion?

  What’s her problem?

  “Trinity, Kenjutsu, balance beam.” Axel ordered.

  Each gave a curt nod and headed to the weapons room.

  Trinity paused, throwing a glare over her shoulder before she disappeared into the room behind the boys.

  Yeah, I don’t like her.

  Axel laced his fingers between mine, jolting me back from my thoughts. He slung my duffle bag over his shoulder. “Ready?”

  I sighed with a nod and walked outside toward my old beat up Beemer, the last of my parents’ gifts to me before they… No, I wasn’t going to think about that, not now. I wasn’t ready. Would I ever be?

  “How come you’re training them?” I asked once we stood next to my car.

  “I’ve been at it a lot longer.”

  “How does it feel?” I drew circles on his arm over a tattoo of five daggers wrapped in golden barbed wire. “I mean, having magic. Have you always had magic?”

  “Somewhat.” Axel pitched my duffle in the backseat. “The dormant gene is awakened when the Dracian turns seventeen. We’re stronger, faster, and have a stronger sense of hearing than a human before then. But once it’s activated, everything is amplified tenfold. It feels like a blood rush, like everything inside is bursting to come alive and anything is possible. Everything’s clearer.”

  “So you’ve been awakened for…”

  “Eight years.”

  “But you’re only eighteen.”

  “Nineteen.” He corrected me. “I’m a freak of nature. Five months after I turned eleven, I found the mark, indicating my magic was awakened.”

  “Mark?”

  “Yes, every Dracian is marked when their magic is awakened.”

  “Oh. So… is this the mark?” I pointed to the daggers on his arm.

  “No. These are the tokens for my pledge to the Legion. Each dagger represents a ranking. Six daggers is the highest honor you can get.”

  “Oh!” He had five; that meant he was higher up in the chain of command.

  I held his pale-blue gaze, grasping his hand. The more time I spent with him, the more I wanted to touch him, feel him. His touch seemed to alleviate any pain, doubts, or anxiety. I loved the feel of his skin against mine.

  His eyes seemed to change color based on his mood too. I could almost tell wh
en he was overpowered with strong emotions because his irises started to glow. Right now, something was bothering him—I could tell.

  “I’m patrolling for the rest of week.” He paused.

  Oh, that’s why his eyes are pale blue.

  “Time to pay up.”

  “Pay up?”

  “Yeah.” He drew my hand to his lips and kissed each finger softly, sending tingles straight to my heart. “I’m covering for Tyler this week. But, it’s worth it.”

  “Oh!” I remember Axel telling me he had to take up a week’s worth of patrolling to get my phone number. Guilt gnawed at the walls of my heart. “I’m sorry.”

  He put his finger under my chin, lifting my face to his. His eyes emitted so much emotion my heart ached in a whole other way. And God, he smelled so good, even after the workout.

  So freaking not fair.

  “Don’t be.” Standing at five feet five without heels, I was quite a bit shorter than his six feet two. He bent down, pressing his lips to mine. We both sighed in satisfaction at the same time. “You are”—he kissed my palm and wrist—“my favorite kind of hell.”

  My heart fluttered as I drank in his intense stare. I knew exactly what he meant. It hurt to be away from him, but knowing I’d see him again made the pain bearable.

  “Hey, lover boy, if you’re done sucking face, E wants to see you.”

  “How are you guys related again?” I asked, shaking my head at Tyler. “I better get home.” Despair tightly coiled itself around my chest, making it hard to breathe.

  “I’m really proud of how well you’re doing, Ren.” He kissed my forehead. “Next week we’ll start with offense training, perhaps.”

  “Yay.” I squealed in delight.

  Axel chuckled, opening the car door for me.

  “Thank you so much for accompanying me.”

  “Are you kidding me? I’d rather do this with you any day than play video games with Joshua.” I hugged Cassie tightly. “I’m so excited to have you as my sister.”

  Despite her best efforts, tears threatened to seep through Cassie’s lashes.

  “I know I can never replace your mom, but I’ll try my best to be the role model you deserve, Ren. You can always trust me and come to me if you need anything. Anything at all,” she said with emphasis. It took me a minute to understand to what she was referring.