Coffer stood, buttoned his formal dress jacket and straightened his tie with a mock smile spreading across his face.
“She is the only Air Elemental in existence,” he informed snidely. “And thank the Elements she was raised by the Fire Faction, at least she’ll have manners. Who knows, maybe the young thing will manage to teach you a thing or two.”
“Damned politicians,” Axel snarled as he watched to two men stroll from his office as if they were royalty instead of him. “Damn them to hell.”
Chapter 2
Michelle Bastrop sulked on the balcony of her London flat. Not even the beautiful view of the park below managed to cheer her up. She’d spent all two hundred years of her life fighting to be taken seriously when all her guardians wanted to do was shower her with attention and affection. They treated her like a princess and although she’d enjoyed the lavish care as a child, adolescent and young teenager, she tired of it long ago.
She understood she was the last surviving female Air Elemental dragon, but she didn’t understand why that made her so precious that she should be treated like a porcelain doll and never allowed to simply live. Like Rapunzel, she’d lived in her spacious, lavishly decorated flat and rarely ventured far beyond a five-mile radius.
Now, she just learned she was betrothed to the Air Prince and expected to pack everything she wanted before traveling to America where she’ll first meet him and then marry him. She’d never so much as had a boyfriend and here she was being thrust off on a man she’d heard horror stories about all her life.
Leader of her faction, Axel Ashwind was fierce, crude and had a damn-the-world attitude. How he’d managed to hold his title still surprised her. But according to the two Elders who’d just paid her a visit, the man more than held the power to keep his title and the whole of the Council was more than a little afraid of him.
Elder Caroleena had voiced her displeasure of the union but the other Elder, Seraphina had simply told Michelle that she’d do her duty to the faction and complete the mating ritual with no objection or she’d find herself exiled and sentenced to death.
“So either I marry a monster, or I die, boy what a choice,” Michelle murmured and closed her eyes as the tears formed. Quickly on the tail of such an unwanted emotional outburst, she summoned anger to fill the void fear left behind. She hadn’t endured years upon years of training to let some male version of a spoiled brat ruin her life.
She’d never balked at a challenge, she wasn’t about to start now.
She allowed herself a few hours of desperate self-pity but then set about packing. Of course, the only things she truly owned where her clothing and a few precious mementos that belonged to her parents. They weren’t much, just a few porcelain knick-knacks of her mother’s and an old smoking pipe and leather bound bible of her father’s. All her furniture and flat furnishings belonged to her Fire guardians, so they would remain in her beloved home.
When the Elders came back to collect her for her trip to the States, she took her suitcase and with her head held high, she left behind the only home she’d ever known.
She remained quiet and contemplative throughout the long flight. She let her mind wander and dream over what her new life would be like. Arranged matings were not unheard of and since she was the last remaining female, she knew her freedom was short lived. But she’d never dreamed she’d be shipped off to marry the Prince like some outdated mail-order bride.
She wasn’t exactly a pauper, her parents had left her a rather wealthy woman, but what she craved more than money was freedom. She wanted to be her own person, she wanted to explore the world. But in no more than twenty-four hours she’d find herself released from one master and pledged to another and Goddess help her then.
She finally fell asleep, only to be rudely awakened on their descent and landing. She was then chauffeured into a stretch limo where she watched the scenery pass her windows in a speed much like her life. The trees represented every adventure she’d yet to have, flying past without so much as a smell of their leaves or touch of the rough bark.
Michelle couldn’t help but gawk at her new home as the limo rolled through the gates of a massive estate. Built more like a castle with its turrets and widow’s walk, she could only appreciate what creative mind had decided to mix gothic with modern. It was built in the square-method with a gargoyle guarding each directional corner. Large, gaping maws opened wide to discourage any evil spirits, the large stone monsters stood as sentinels.
“It’s beautiful,” Michelle murmured.
“Quite so,” Elder Caroleena agreed. “Too bad the master doesn’t reflect the same attributes,” she added and then grew quite when Elder Seraphina shot her a disapproving glare.
“Stop it or you’ll have the girl ready to bolt,” Seraphina scolded and then turned shrewd eyes on Michelle. “Axel is a very handsome man and an even more majestic dragon, any woman in your shoes would find herself the luckiest woman in the world. You should do the same.”
Michelle dipped her chin and bit her bottom lip to keep from telling the Elder just what she could do with her opinion. She wasn’t worried about how handsome the Prince was or what his dragon form looked like. She valued heart, soul and kindness more than material attributes. From what she’d already heard, she knew she was out of luck in that department. Prince Axel wasn’t exactly favored among the Four and even less liked by the other dragons.
Michelle knew that all she had to do was make it through the mating ceremony and the joining and give the Prince an heir and her job was done. She would be left alone to enjoy her life.
Once the limo rolled to a stop in the circular drive before the front entrance, Michelle lagged behind the other woman, allowing them to get out first. She took a few moments to calm her racing heart and then took the driver’s pro-offered hand as she too exited. She’d no more than got clear of the vehicle when a tingling erupted along the base of her spine and she lifted her eyes to a window on the third floor.
She inhaled sharply when her eyes met the most intense blue eyes she’d ever seen. He stood framed in the double floor-length windows, his wide shoulders all but filling the opening. His hands were jammed into the pockets of black denim jeans. She gave him a small smile which he refused to return as he turned from the window, thoroughly dismissing her as if she were not his concern.
“Well,” Michelle murmured to herself, more than a little miffed the Prince had so callously neglected her. “Here goes nothing.”
Chapter 3
Axel’s heart had skipped a beat when his betrothed emerged from the limo. He’d inhaled sharply, his breath all but lodged in his throat as he took in the exquisite female standing in his front drive.
Her long auburn hair hung in loose waves, blanketing her shoulders in a pool of silk. She was small, about five-feet-seven and couldn’t weigh no more than a hundred-thirty pounds. She was small for a dragon and he worried that he’d crush the life from her the moment he took her to bed. He tilted his head and watched as she looked around her new home and something in his chest thumped hard.
Her porcelain skin shimmered in the sunlight and a gentle wind picked up the hem of her summer dress as it swept through. But when her gaze lifted to where he stood at the french doors of his bedroom, his heart stopped beating. Her eyes were the lightest, crystalline green he’d ever seen. They were like pools of water, deep and inviting.
He started when she smiled at him and quickly turned from the window. He stumbled to the small sofa just inside the doors and allowed himself to fall onto the downy surface. Not a stranger to the wiles of the fairer sex, Axel had never felt such a reaction to another woman before. It was like she’d siphoned all the strength and breath from his body in one small gesture. If all it took for her to bend him to her will was offer a smile, he was in way over his head.
“Well, I’m fucked,” he growled. Ever since learning of the Elders and their meddling, he wanted nothing to do with the woman they’d chosen. He vowed he’d never let himsel
f grow soft toward any woman and yet with one quick study of his intended bride, he’d all but fallen prey to her easy charm and warm, inviting smile. Yea, he was fucked alright. He feared he was just about to kiss his obstinate ass goodbye.
“My Lord,” a meek voice called from his adjoining parlor room.
“In here Fredrick,” Axel called and waited for the small man to enter the spacious bedroom. “If you’re here to tell me that my new ball-and-chain has arrived, I’m already aware,” he grumbled. “Is her suite prepared?”
“Of course, Sir,” Fredrick nodded. “I had all her favorite things purchased according to the list Elder Caroleena provided. I hope she is able to feel comfortable.”
Axel snorted and went toward his closet to find some clean clothes. He had to formally meet her and invite her into his home.
“I hate playing the damned puppet, all these customs and shit are useless. We don’t live in the Stone Age anymore, why the hell can’t the Council evolve for fuck’s sake?” he grumbled as he shifted through the black tee-shirts and jeans. In the very back of the large walk-in, he found what he was searching for and sneered.
Cursing incessantly, he emerged with a black Armani suit. Fredrick clucked his tongue and rushed in to collect the other things needed.
He offered a sea-green tie, black silk socks and shiny black loafer to his master.
“Shall I fetch your father’s cuff-links?” the man asked. Axel snatched the accessories from his man and sneered, showing two large fangs.
“You may as well pimp me up all the way,” he complained. “I feel like a piece of goddamned meat. Dressing me up, parading me around like some fancy peacock,” he ranted. “What’s next?” He whirled on the squire with narrowed eyes. “They going to chain me to the bed until I knock her up?”
Fredrick suppressed the smile that threatened to form. He knew no good would come from patronizing his master. He’d been with Axel since the day the young Prince was born. Although he was nothing more than an Au Pair, Fredrick had raised the young dragon as if he were his own; never once forgetting his true place as butler, squire and all around servant.
He never complained, he never would. Bad-boy attitude aside, Axel had always treated him like a favored uncle. Sure, the Prince always managed to wear his rough exterior like second skin, Fredrick knew he harbored a heart of gold.
When Fredrick merely stared at Axel, waiting for him to continue his tirade, the Prince snuffed in exasperation and nodded briefly.
“How about the ones Mother gave him for their four-hundredth anniversary? You remember, the opal-eyed dragons?” Axel suggested and turned to study himself in the full-body mirror. He curled his lip in disgust but couldn’t help but admit he made the suit look damned good.
Fredrick fetched the small golden dragons and helped Axel insert them. He stood back and studied his prince with an admirable eye.
“Let’s rock this bitch,” Axel demanded.
Chapter 4
Michelle sat on the edge of the small sofa, her back ramrod straight and hands folded demurely in her lap. In addition to Elders Caroleena and Seraphina, two males also accompanied them. They’d been introduced as Elders Jewel and Coffer. From her study of dragon history, Michelle remembered there were twelve High Council members; three for each Faction.
Her late father had been one, a representative of Air. He and her mother had died when she was just an infant, so she’d never met them. Shortly after their demise, another stepped in to fill her father’s shoes on the Council and she’d been whisked away to be raised and protected by the Fire Faction. Known as the most reclusive of all the dragons, Fire would be able to provide her with the most safety.
“I see everyone has made themselves comfortable,” a rumbling male voice observed from the open sliding doors of the library. All eyes went to the very large man as he strolled in, with a smaller, older man on his heels.
Michelle rose immediately and gave a small, respectful courtesy. Her heart hammered in her chest but she managed to keep her face passive. When a pair of black, shiny loafers filled her range of view, she held her bow and waited for permission to rise.
“Quite submissive aren’t we?” he mused and extended his hand for her. “Please, do me the honor of gazing upon your beautiful face,” he mocked playfully; obviously throwing dirt on the manners and customs of their kind.
Ignoring his hand, Michelle rose to face him and tilted her head to study the looming figure. This time she studied further than just his mesmerizing eyes. He stood well over six-feet tall, broad shoulders encased perfectly in a custom suit. His jet black hair stood in sculptured spikes and dark eyebrows framed his exotic blue eyes. Yes, true to the Elder’s description, the man was beyond gorgeous. Full, sensual lips curled in his mocking smile and Michelle knew she was in trouble. Her body responded to him in a traitorous display of wanting.
Her eyes went to his still extended hand and twinkling cuff-links caught her attention. Golden dragons with opal eyes stared back at her. But it wasn’t the immaculate suit or fancy accessories that piqued her interest, it was the dark line of dirt nestled snugly under his fingernails. A few scuff marks marred the back of his hand and a few callouses lined his palm.
He wasn’t just some pampered prince, this man had much more to him that what met the eye.
Instead of giving in, Michelle merely quirked an eyebrow and turned to Elder Caroleena.
“May I retire to my room now?” she inquired sweetly, blatantly ignoring the sexy man facing her. Confidence and devil-may-care vibes oozed from him like a cheap cologne. She knew this was a man used to getting his way in everything. If she was going to spend the rest of her long existence with him, she wanted to make sure he knew exactly what his intended bride would and would not tolerate.
She slid her gaze back to Axel and almost laughed out loud at the sheer shock marring his face. Pleased that she’d pegged him right, his mouth gaped at her rudeness. A few moments of awkward silence passed before the small butler stepped forward and bowed formally.
“I’m Fredrick, My Lady,” he introduced himself. “I will escort you to your quarters if you would like.”
She gave the older man a genuine smile and extended her hand to him.
“That would be lovely,” she spoke softly. “Thank you so much for your kindness.”
Fredrick took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm. Michelle allowed the man to lead her from the room, leaving the open mouths and shocked people to sort things out without her.
***
Axel stared at the retreating figures and then turned a cheeky grin on the Elders surrounding him.
“Wow,” he marveled. “She’s got balls, I’ll say that. Maybe you stuffed shirts have good taste after all.” He waltzed over to the wet bar and poured himself two fingers of scotch. He tossed it back, reveling in the burn as the liquor made its way down his throat, before plopping heavily in his stomach. He relished the heat, savored the sensation.
“May I remind you Prince,” Coffer sneered. “She’s the only surviving female in your Faction, this isn’t a choice, it’s your duty.”
Axel chuckled and sat his tumbler on the wooden bar with a sharp thud. He spun to face the snarky man with an evil glint in his eye.
“May I remind you Council member kiss-my-ass,” he growled. “I don’t give a rat’s ass about your demands. I don’t follow your rules, I make my own. Now get the hell out of my house,” he ordered with a snarl. “You’ll be summoned should I decide she’s worthy enough to mate.”
He watched with a massive amount of satisfaction as the four Elders filed from the room with looks of shock and disgust marring their features. In spite of the anger gnawing the pit of his stomach, he gave each one a broad grin and even winked at the two women.
Once alone, his eyes immediately went to the ceiling where he knew his intended was being settled.
“And now,” he mused. “I think my fiancée and I need to have a little chat.”
He
shook his head in amusement over her spunky reaction to him. He’d never intended to formally accept her as his mate. He was very good at the “watch the right hand while the left was showing you the finger.” Having a woman forever underfoot would kill any man’s spirits, but instead of just having her for pretense only, she might prove to be quite interesting.
He exited the library and took his time in climbing the grand, winding staircase. He wanted to give her as much time to settle as possible and then he would barge in with metaphorical air horns blowing.
He knew he’d timed himself just right when he met Fredrick in the hallway leading to her rooms. The man had the audacity to blush and duck his head.
“Apologies My Lord,” the man murmured. “I didn’t mean to offend you by seeing the Mistress to her rooms.”
Axel waved the man’s apology away as if it were a gnat circling his face. He wasn’t angry with Fredrick for merely doing his job. However, if he wanted to be honest, a small bud of resentment had exploded at the ease in which the butler had taken the Lady’s request without waiting for Axel’s response.
But then again, Fredrick was merely following proper etiquette, something Axel had neither time nor inclination to bother with. Yes, Fredrick was more like a father to him, but he wouldn’t hold a grudge for the man seeing to his duties, even if they did conflict with his own childish antics.
“Did you get her settled?” Axel asked in a low, hushed tone lest she was resting. He didn’t give shit about disturbing her, he just wanted to make sure they were standing eye to eye when he did.
“Yes,” Fredrick answered.
“Very good,” Axel approved and then moved aside so that Fredrick could continue on his way. He wanted complete privacy with his new fiancée. He didn’t miss the way Fredrick lingered for a second too long, or the way he shuffled his feet nervously. But instead of disobeying, the elderly man simply shrugged his shoulders and sighed heavily before brushing past Axel and heading down stairs.
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