Draechen's Mate [Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 2] (Siren Publishing Epic Romance, ManLove)

by Scarlet Hyacinth

  Together, they tumbled in a world where only the two of them existed and mattered. Karein was still in awe of it, but he’d long ago forsaken any doubts. The love and acceptance Sari had unexpectedly brought into his life had given him real hope that he deserved a chance for a real future.

  His dragon lay tamed at Sari’s feet now, content and anchored by Sari’s gentleness and honesty. The bond between Karein was so strong and so bright that he couldn’t even imagine why he’d ever feared it wouldn’t be enough. A million emotions and sensations swirled through him, both his and Sari’s. And then, Sari’s voice drifted into his mind, overwhelmed and blissful. “Karein…”

  No other words came, but Karein felt what Sari had intended to say. “I know, baby. I love you, too.”

  Unfortunately, nothing quite so perfect could last forever. The orgasmic haze began to dwindle, and Karein was thrust back into reality. He released his hold on Sari’s neck and licked the wound, not wanting the blood loss to in any way endanger Sari. He couldn’t help a wince when he slid out of Sari’s body, but the true essence of their connection remained just as real within him. When he collapsed at Sari’s side, he did so with a smile.

  Sari curled against his chest once again, his lazy, contented thoughts slowly drifting into Karein’s mind. Karein reveled in the simplicity and beauty of it, in having his mate so close to him at the most intimate level possible. Not only their bodies had become connected, but everything they were, including their souls and their rational sides.

  A regretful whisper at the corner of Karein’s consciousness reminded him of Prince Kael. No wonder Karein’s ancestor had run amok if he had been forced to give this up.

  “Don’t worry.” Sari’s hand landed on Karein’s chest, straight over his heart. “It won’t happen to us.”

  No, it wouldn’t, because Karein wouldn’t let it. He would do anything he had to in order to protect his mate and their bond. Nothing was more important than Sari, not the war, not Ornoz, not even Karein’s loyalty toward Prince Kael.

  Sadly, it seemed that Karein’s self-appointed task had to begin early. A knock sounded at the door of Karein’s quarters. He groaned, reminded that his father would be awaiting a report after the wedding night. “He expects you to have drawn the secrets of Ivenia from me so soon?” Sari asked through their bond. “What are we going to do?”

  Karein brushed a kiss over Sari’s temple, his fingers dancing over the gem in the middle of the fae’s forehead. It flashed lightly as arousal coursed through Sari, and Karein made a mental note to explore it again, a different time. Shaking himself, he slid out of Sari’s tempting embrace and left the bed. “I’ll just tell him you haven’t allowed me to bond with you just yet,” he replied. “Eventually, it will stop working, and when that happens, I’m going to say that we mated, but you know nothing about Caelyn.”

  “But do you think he’s going to believe that?” Sari asked, his incipient sexual excitement melting into concern.

  Karein shrugged. “Likely, he’ll have his doubts. I’ll have to try to give the story a different spin, maybe say your mother was behind it.”

  Sari’s discomfort with the idea swamped Karein. He obviously cared about his mother a great deal. Karein had seen that much in his memories. It therefore made sense that Sari wouldn’t like Karein’s proposal. Unfortunately, given the circumstances, it was the only thing Karein could do. “I’m sorry, baby,” Karein sent to his mate. “I’ll try to come up with something different, but the fact of the matter is that your mother is likely the most untouchable person in the world of the magical creatures. Even if I blame this on her, nothing can be proven, and my father wouldn’t be able to do anything about it.”

  Sari released a heavy sigh. “I suppose I understand. It’s just…I don’t like it.”

  Karein would have done anything to keep that expression of concern off Sari’s face. The knock sounded again at the door, but Karein was still looking at his mate, wondering if he’d already failed in his resolve to make Sari happy.

  Sari laughed, although the sound held no mirth, but rather affection. “Would you stop? I’m not made out of porcelain, and you can’t keep everything from touching me. I’m convinced that whatever you decide will be for the best.”

  Just like the time Sari had reached out to Karein’s dragon, the fae’s confidence in him soothed Karein. “You have no idea how much that means to me,” he replied. Grinning, he added, “Wait, you do.”

  This time, when Sari started chuckling, the bright peals of laughter were like a joyous melody, crystalline and pure, reminding Karein of Sari’s gem. He was very tempted to go back to bed, but he couldn’t afford to lose himself in Sari again.

  Shaking off his lustful daze, Karein walked out of the bedchamber and to the door of the main apartment. As he opened it, he found a wary-looking guard facing him. “Highness, the Emperor has requested that you meet with him at once.”

  Karein nodded. “I will be there shortly. Return to your post.”

  With that, he closed the door, dismissing the guard. When he turned around, he found his mate watching him from the entrance of their bedroom, clad in only a sheet. “I suppose it would be too much to ask not to go greet people naked,” he commented.

  Karein arched a brow. He hadn’t even given a second thought to the fact that he was nude. Modesty couldn’t be an issue for a shape-shifter. Nevertheless, Sari’s words made Karein’s dragon purr in pleasure. He went to Sari’s side, crowding his mate against the doorjamb. “I could be persuaded to limit the occurrences,” he whispered in Sari’s ear, “for a price.”

  Sari shivered, his arousal flooding Karein through their bond. Sadly, he proved to have more restraint this time and pulled away. “I’ll gladly pay it,” he answered, “but later. Go already, so you can come back earlier.”

  It was hard for Karein to leave his mate the very morning after they had married, but it had to be done. Forcing himself to look away from Sari, he rushed toward the bathroom and cleaned up a little. Once finished, he returned to the sleeping quarters and pulled on his uniform. He was always aware of his mate quietly watching him. Sari might not have said it out loud, but he remained unsettled by the Emperor’s summons. Not that Karein blamed him. He himself didn’t look forward to meeting with his father. But he’d lived for centuries at Kavehquader’s side, and he’d learned how to handle his sire.

  After he was dressed, Karein turned toward Sari once more. Still wrapped in the sheet, the fae looked so beautiful, young, and brave that Karein’s heart clenched. “Don’t worry. I won’t be long.”

  Smiling, Sari leaned over and pressed his lips to Karein almost chastely. “For luck,” he whispered when he broke the kiss.

  Karein caught him before he could pull away and crushed their mouths together. Sari moaned, wrapping his arms around Karein’s neck. The sheet slid off his body, pooling at his feet and granting Karein access to his mate’s naked skin. For a few moments, Karein allowed himself the luxury to taste the ambrosia of Sari’s mouth while mapping the silk of his flesh with his fingers. Oh, how he craved this man. Every fiber of his being, both dragon and man, screamed to claim him again.

  It would have been easy, so very easy to tumble Sari back in bed and thrust his cock inside that delicious ass. But the Emperor didn’t like to be kept waiting. Besides, Sari needed to rest and recuperate. He might have enjoyed what they’d done together very much, but the fact remained that he’d experienced some discomfort. Karein couldn’t allow that to happen again.

  Forcing himself to break the embrace, he repeated, “For luck.”

  Ignoring his dragon, who was roaring to get back to Sari now, Karein turned his back on his mate and practically ran out of the room. Sari had anchored him all right. He was too busy being aroused to even dwell on anger or nightmares. Distantly, Karein wondered how in the world he was even going to manage to keep his reputation as the scariest shifter in existence. It would take some work.

  In the corridor, he noticed the sold
iers giving him curious looks, which they were desperately trying to hide. Karein ignored the first couple, then started to return them with glowers. The Emperor would doubtlessly be monitoring both Sari and Karein’s reaction to the wedding. Showing weakness would practically be asking for trouble.

  He just had to imagine something happening to his mate because of it, and he was practically seething. The other draechen scampered from his path, throwing startled exclamations of “Your Highness” and “Greetings, General” his way. On the whole, Karein reached the throne room with no particular problems.

  The guards in front of the large doors took one look at his face and rushed to announce him. Finally, after what seemed like forever, Karein was allowed in his father’s domain.

  Steeling himself, Karein sought the calm he found in Sari’s love. His mate was right there with him, supporting him. “It’s going to be all right, Karein. He can’t separate us. Nothing can.”

  Karein wanted to smile, but instead, he kept a straight face and walked into the room. Today, his father hadn’t even bothered to wait on the pile of jewelry. He stood in front of the thrones with Karein’s mother. “What did you learn, Shtamakarein?” he asked.

  Still keeping his glum facade, Karein walked to their side. “Greetings, Your Majesty,” he said. “I’m afraid the fae has proven to be more resilient than expected in that regard. He has not allowed me to claim him.”

  “That isn’t what I heard.” Rowenasheb narrowed her eyes at him. “The entire palace is speaking of his…enthusiasm during your wedding night.”

  They must have heard Sari’s cries. Karein supposed he wasn’t really surprised. His mate had been very vocal, indeed, and as thick as the palace walls might have been, some things couldn’t be muted even by brick and stone.

  “He was,” he admitted. “But the sexual pleasure I drew out of his body didn’t suffice to convince him, at least, not yet.”

  “So you think it will happen eventually?” his father inquired, his tail sweeping onto the floor in a show of agitation. Karein half expected his father to hit him with it, but no such thing happened.

  “I do,” he replied. “He is loyal to Ivenia, but I have faith I will earn his trust.”

  For a few moments, neither of his parents spoke. Karein wondered if they were using a mate bond to communicate. Then again, a part of him doubted fate or the Overlords would grant them something so precious. Perhaps they were merely lost in thought.

  At last, his father delivered his decision. “You have one month for…diplomatic methods. After that, you are free to force the information out of him, in whatever way you see fit.”

  One month. That was actually more than Karein had expected. Bowing, he said, “I live and die by your command.”

  “In the meantime, make sure our troops are well organized,” the empress said. “We want to be ready for when the time comes for the war.”

  “Of course,” Karein answered. They were giving him too much leeway. He had to be careful and tread lightly, because they would undoubtedly be watching him. “Should the Wyverns cease searching for rebels of the ninth caste?”

  Rowenasheb shook her head. “Not at all. Continue with all activities. We don’t want to warn our enemies that we’re planning something.”

  “Of course, the fae might already suspect,” the emperor mused, “but that won’t help them. Will it, Shtamakarein?”

  Judging by his father’s tone, Karein could only offer one answer. “I’ll make sure it doesn’t.”

  * * * *

  It was a little frightening to see the emperor and empress through Karein’s eyes. Sari had been aware before that the draechen rulers wanted to start a war, but the way they spoke of it, so ruthlessly, made shivers run down Sari’s spine.

  To distract himself from it, Sari decided to clean up, too. After making the bed and putting the filthy sheets in the hamper, he took a brief shower, then returned to the room and rummaged through his wardrobe. As he did so, he realized with a gasp that his clothes had been replaced by an entirely new set. These particular items of clothing seemed to have been crafted by draechen standards, likely more appropriate for the cooler weather. Sadly, they were also very tight, and putting them on would be close to wearing next to nothing. He was accustomed to them since they were pretty much what Karein and the other shifters used—when they deigned to even cover themselves. Dressing in these garments, though, would be a different matter entirely.

  Upon closer inspection, Sari found the silken robes hidden further back, but the draechen style outfits were clearly what he was expected to wear. With a sigh, Sari pulled on some tight pants and a shirt, completing the outfit with a pair of boots. When he was finished, he went on to the excruciating task of untangling his hair. Unfortunately, in his quest for clothing, he’d let it dry without combing it appropriately, which was, suffice to say, a recipe for disaster.

  With a huff, Sari sat in front of the mirror and got to it. Between monitoring Karein through their bond and struggling with the tangles of his locks, he had his hands full. However, he was interrupted from his task by yet another knock at the door of the apartment.

  Sari glanced at his reflection and frowned. He wasn’t really presentable, but he’d tamed his hair a little. Besides, he wouldn’t be going in public. Likely, he shouldn’t even be worried about it at all since he had a feeling his visitor would be someone familiar to him.

  Satisfied with his conclusion, Sari abandoned his comb and went to get the door. As he opened it, he was only a little surprised to find his father at the other side. He had expected a visit from Selbrian, although not quite so early. His father had been very worried about him yesterday, especially after learning about the tattoo Sari would have to wear for the rest of his life.

  “Greetings, Father,” he said, gesturing for the older fae to come in. “It’s a pleasure to see you.”

  Selbrian slid into the room and closed the door behind himself. Instead of replying in words, he hugged Sari tightly. Sari waited, knowing that his father was likely creating a shield that would allow them to speak freely. He felt the wave of power settle over the room and knew the spell was complete. At last, Selbrian released him and said, “I’m so very sorry, my son. I wish I could have spared you this fate.”

  The pain in Selbrian’s voice nearly choked Sari. He desperately wanted to tell his father the truth, to soothe the guilt he saw in Selbrian’s eyes. Obviously hearing his thoughts, Karein whispered in his mind, “Tell him. You trust him to do what’s right for us, so share your news with him.”

  “But do you think it’s safe?” he asked.

  “It’s only fair,” Karein replied. “Hareem and Sage know on my side. Your parents love you. They deserve to be informed.”

  He was right, of course. By keeping this from his mother and father, Sari was hurting them. Taking Selbrian’s hand, he smiled. “I have no regrets, Father. In fact, I’m very happy.”

  Selbrian took a deep breath, as if struggling to control a great pain. “Sari, you’ve been speaking in riddles. What is it about this situation that can make you happy?”

  “Karein is a good man,” Sari replied. “And he’s my mate. My true mate.”

  For a few moments, Selbrian just stared at him. “Are you certain, son?”

  “I would stake my life on the truth of it,” Sari replied without hesitation.

  “And Ivenia?” Selbrian’s posture straightened, and from father, he became king. “You would risk that, too, by trusting this…good man?”

  “There is no risk,” Sari answered. “Karein is on our side. He is aware of everything. He sees into my mind, and he wants to protect me. It goes both ways, Father. I have faith in Karein for good reason.”

  “So you’ve allowed him to claim you,” Selbrian said. “I hope you’re right about Prince Shtamakarein. I know he helped your friend, but that isn’t enough to qualify him as trustworthy in my book.”

  “You don’t know him like I do,” Sari replied. Likely, Selbrian neve
r would, because Karein had told Sari private things that he would never share with another soul. “But I don’t expect you to. Just…trust me, all right? You know how much I love Ivenia. My true mate wouldn’t be someone who would harm it.”

  Selbrian didn’t look convinced, but eventually he nodded. “I suppose there’s nothing I can do but believe.” His tone changed, growing almost ominous. “There’s something I have to tell you. Charlize and Misael have started asking questions. They’re surprised you’re so affectionate to Prince Shtamakarein given that he was supposed to have killed Caelyn.”

  Oh. It had never occurred to Sari that Karein’s scheme would come back to bite them in the ass in that particular way, which, in hindsight, had been stupid of him. “Likely, they won’t be the only people to notice.”

  “You have to pretend you don’t know about it. The news spread in limited circles, but the draechen are aware you were very sheltered. They would believe it if you told them your mother and I kept it from you.”

  “He’s right,” Karein said in Sari’s mind. “Father hasn’t brought it up, but he will undoubtedly do so at one point.”

  Sari’s heart fell. This automatically meant that, when someone from Draechenburg came to him with the information, he’d have to pretend to be grieved, broken-hearted, and more importantly, furious with Karein. He’d have to renege of his bond with Karein. Just the thought made him sick to his stomach.

  “Karein and I will handle it,” he told his father with far more conviction that he felt.

  “Very well. I will be leaving with Onyerre, Misael, and Charlize. If I’m right, they won’t rest until they figure out what’s going on. I want to at least have them on Ivenian soil when that happens.”