by Crystal Dawn
“Yes, pretty much, but you left out the challenge.”
“The challenge that requires you and an unlucky group selected from among all kinds to find their fated mates or see magic removed from our world? It sounds like you were set up to fail.”
“Yes, it does and that’s what I said. But I thought a lot about it including the limited time we have to claim our mates, and I hope she underestimated us.”
“In what way?”
“She thinks magical beings incapable of the love that draws humans to their families, but she’s wrong. Many of my kind simply never find that special person that would make their life complete. Allendra believes humans will be selfish and uncaring of what happens to those granted power they don’t have.”
“Why would humans care?”
“Other than the fact that these magical beings are their life mates?”
“Yes, other than that.”
“When you mate me, you will gain my long life and some of my abilities. I don’t know how it works with other kinds, but with my people, we share much with our mates.”
“So you think if we are the selfish sort, we’ll also be greedy enough to give in to get those things?” He wasn’t sure of he was insulted or tempted at this point.
“Why would wanting to spend eternity with your lover be greedy? It’s only natural to want love to last forever, if it can. I’ve heard the sweetest tales about fated mates whispered in the dark when eavesdroppers were nowhere near. Beautiful stories of love everlasting and sacrifice for someone they loved more than life itself. That’s more wonderful than anything else.”
“A romantic warrior? It sounds beautiful, too beautiful to be true. And you said all this must take place before the Blood Moon?”
“Yes, that’s the deadline she gave us.”
“Then I have found a lie in your story already.”
“What do you think you’ve found?”
“The Blood Moon is twenty-nine days away.”
“Alright?”
“You said when she hands down this challenge, the Blood Moon is twenty-eight days away in the morning. That would mean the challenge isn’t issued until tonight.”
Serena laughed. “You are an intelligent and capable man, but you know nothing of magic. Have you ever had a dream that told you something before it happened?”
Flint felt cold wash over him as he remembered his dream woman. He knew right now, without any doubt, the dreams had alerted him that Serena was on the way. Now he was speechless, unwilling to admit, but unable to deny the dreams he had recently had.
“I see you have. Is that unusual in a human?”
“Unusual, but not unheard of.”
“I know about as much about humans as you know about supernaturals. Not very much at all.”
“It seems we both will be learning something. You know you can’t continue to be Sere, right? I can’t be seen wooing a male soldier. My father wants lots of grandchildren and I am sure he hopes to make an advantageous match for me someday.”
“How will we explain my sudden appearance and Sere leaving suddenly? And what about my dragon?”
“Your what? Oh, no, wait a minute. That incredible horse you rode in on is really a dragon?”
“Yes, he’s young and still growing, but he is my companion. Sir is the best and he doesn’t like the stables, but he is behaving and hasn’t eaten anyone yet.”
Flint began to laugh almost insanely. “I have a crazy mate with a dragon that eats people. This will all end well.”
“It can end well. Just accept me as I accept you.”
“Tell me, would you have accepted me so readily had you not been challenged? And if the challenge didn’t threaten your way of life, would you have taken it?” Serena’s silence was damning. “Speak up, woman!”
“I had planned to wait until I was older to mate. Since I wasn’t sure I believed each of us had a fated mate, although I knew some did, I wouldn’t have searched you out. My life has been such that I didn’t believe there would be someone out there made just for me. Can you understand that?”
“I suppose I can. You said you wanted to wait until you were older to mate? How old are you?”
Serena blushed a becoming shade of pink. “I’ve just turned fifty.”
“What? I didn’t hear that properly.”
“I said I turned fifty.”
“You’re as old as my mother?”
“If your mother is fifty. Supernaturals age differently. Fifty is more like a teenager among my kind. How old are you?”
“Damian is thirty-one and I am twenty-nine. Ender is twenty-eight and Forest is twenty-five.”
“That’s not so bad.”
“You certainly don’t look older than me. I want you to meet my father, but I don’t know what we should tell him.”
“Can we tell him the truth?”
“I don’t know if he’ll believe it and even if he does, I’m not sure how he’ll react. I’m still trying to come to terms with it myself.”
“I understand. So what now?”
“We’ll introduce you to my family and get them used to you. We’ll move your dragon to the royal stables and say he’s yours and that Sere only rode him here for you and he went back leaving you in my care.”
“How did I get here?”
“You rode with a merchant who dropped you off and left?”
“Sounds plausible. Hopefully, we can figure out how to answer any questions they might have.”
“And their concerns like why you’re dressed like a ruffian.” Flint observed, right before his eyes, she did it again, and now she was dressed like a princess with her hair in sophisticated braids. She was so beautiful, it hurt his eyes but he couldn’t look away. “That will work.” If she was any other woman he’d been around, he might have worried that he’d hurt her feelings by not flattering her, but she was a warrior. They were well known for keeping things simple and saying the least they could.
He held out his arm and she laid her hand on it. Now it was time to find his parents. Flint wondered what they would think of this gorgeous and magical creature. Of course, they wouldn’t know about her magic, not yet anyway. If her perfection and incredible beauty didn’t make them wonder, then maybe this would work.
Flint had reservations, after all, he was a cautious man. Caution was good in a soldier and even better in a general. When he entered the main greeting room where his father often held court, it fell immediately silent as those present stared at the enchanting creature at his side.
“Flint, who have you brought to me?”
“Father, this is Princess Serena of the White Dragon kingdom.”
“Princess Serena, welcome to our humble castle. I am King Menos and this,” he said, pointing to the woman sitting on a smaller throne next to him, “is my queen, Garlynn.”
Serena curtsied perfectly, smiled sweetly, and looked innocent as she replied, “Thank you for your warm greeting.”
For being such a skilled warrior, he would not have expected her to be such a perfect diplomat. Right before his eyes, she managed to charm both his parents. His father whispered to his guard and the man reacted immediately. He began shooing the people from the room telling them the king was done for the day. In no time, the room was empty save his parents, him, the princess, and the guards who were a part of the lives of royalty as much as their crowns and their thrones.
“So tell me, dear Serena,” his father shrewdly observed her, “Which son have you come to make an offer for?”
She blushed beautifully. “I’m not sure if you have seers among your people and possibly you’ll think I’m foolish. A seer that has never been wrong sent me on this journey. She said my fated mate would be found here. The woman said he would be the second son to a proud and wise king and his beautiful queen. I hope to get to know Flint and see if a match can be made.”
“You’ll take him away from here?” He asked quietly. Perhaps he had never truly thought about any of his sons leaving
and making their way in life away from him.
“It would have to be so. My father has all daughters and as the eldest, my husband and I would rule together. What a wonderful legacy for you and your queen to have. Two kings ruling prosperous kingdoms.”
King Menos brightened as if the thought had never crossed his mind. That would be a fabulous legacy for any king and for any father. “Two kings, what more could a father ask for.”
Flint felt caught up in fate. This was the only way his father would willingly release him. Especially with Damian hiding in his room. It was hard to say what was worse, the irresponsible way Damian had always been; or the new Damian who practically hid under his bed quivering with fear.
“How did you get here, Dear?” His mother asked.
“She snuck in with a merchant. Sere, the strange warrior we were all watching come to town, is her guard. He distracted everyone while she came here undetected.”
“Where is this Sere now?” his father questioned.
“He left, but the horse belongs to the princess and he stayed behind.”
“I am most interested in your horse.”
“He was given to me at birth. I am attached to him more than anything I have. We could discuss you getting a similar horse as part of our negotiations.” Serena offered.
“That would be an interesting offer. Perhaps a stallion to put some new blood into our herd?” Menos asked.
“That’s a definite possibility.”
“Why don’t we get to the meat of the negotiations? When do you plan to leave and what are you offering in exchange for my son?”
“I hope to be leaving within a week. My kingdom is far away, several months travel. I have the main item with me, but anything else will have to be sent to you.”
“That makes sense. What do you have with you?” Menos asked.
“A treasure chest consisting of your son’s weight in gold and precious gems. It is the biggest portion of what I have to offer. Some of the gems are priceless, just like your son.” Serena praised.
“Where is this chest?” Menos questioned.
“In the room your son and I just left. We could go there now and I can give you the background of some of the jewels.”
“Yes, I am very interested in seeing them.” Menos agreed. Flint’s mother seemed excited by the thought of the jewels, too. He wasn’t sure how he felt about all of this. It was as if his parents were ready to sell him off without even asking how he felt.
They walked back to the receiving room he’d been in with Serena and he wasn’t even surprised to see the ornate chest sitting in the center of the room. It was made of a hard wood he’d never seen before. The wood was ebony in color with light stripes running through it. There were metals bands holding the wood in place that were gold in color and jewels were set in eye-catching spots.
There was a giant lock keeping the box from being opened and a key appeared in Serena’s hand, almost as if by magic. “Who would like to do the honors of unlocking and opening the chest?” Serena asked.
Flint’s mother jumped forward grabbing the key. She put the key in the lock turning it quickly and the lock opened. Removing the lock, she threw the lid open and gasped at the brilliant stones and the shiny metals inside. “These are incredible. I’ve never seen jewels such as these.”
The king moved closer and picked up a lump of rock. “What is this?
“It’s titanium. It will make the strongest sword known to exist.”
“What stone is this? I’ve never seen anything like it.” The queen asked.
“It’s a one of kind Elvira stone from deep in the mountains. Legends say that a great king lost his true love and the sunburst as its center came into existence when his heart broke and he died. It’s a sad, but romantic tale.”
“What a terrible story about such a beautiful stone.” The queen murmured.
“I expect to also get a pair of horses like the one you have and we’ll conclude the agreement. Flint will be a great king for your people.”
“I know he will be.” Serena agreed.
Flint had just watched his mate seduce his parents with words and riches. She was impressive and if he wasn’t careful, he’d be seduced himself. Although his father had struck a deal, he’d not made up his own mind yet. There was more to the story, he sensed that, than she’d told him.
Flint was shocked when his father walked up to them with the ribbon from his mother’s hair, and hand fasted them on the spot. “No point in wasting time.” Menos said, as he took in Flint’s surprise. “We always wanted a daughter. I know we’ll not see you often, but I hope you make the trip when our first grandchild is old enough to travel.”
Lock, stock, and barrel, he’d just been sold to Serena and her kingdom. He, the valuable second son, the one that kept everything going so his father wouldn’t have to. That was something he hadn’t seen coming at all. Perhaps he’d given his contributions too much value because he never believed his father would ever allow him to leave.
He’d been thinking of leaving anyway, so this wasn’t the end of the world. It could be a beginning if he wanted it to be. But what about Ender? He’d promised to take him along but he hadn’t expected things to work out as they had. Flint now had the equivalent of a wife and he would be helping her with the duties the heir to the throne had.
Little would change in that regard, except her father was an asshole. Damian was one, too and he’d learned to deal with him. Now that he was married his mind was drifting to the wedding night. That kiss had given him a taste and he wanted more. If life was going to go crazy, at least he could milk some enjoyment out of it.
“My princess and I have plans to make and things to discuss.” Flint said.
His father’s smile was knowing. “Make sure you plan thoroughly.” His mother blushed as she figured out what was being discussed.
“I will be most thorough.” Flint assured him. He grabbed Serena’s arm and pulled her out of the room. “Come, we’ll go to my room.”
“What about Sir?”
“Who is Sir?”
“My dragon.” She whispered.
“We’ll take care of him after we get to know each other better.”
Serena blushed and he wondered if she was innocent, but since she was fifty years old, he decided that was unlikely. Leading her down the hall to his room, his body began to harden as thoughts about what they were going to do ran through his mind. The woman was gorgeous and seductive as hell. Any man would want to be in his place, but she was his.
Opening the door to his rooms, he gestured for her to enter first. When he shut the door and turned the lock, it echoed as it dropped into place. Once he turned, he began to undress and she stood there and watched him. His shirt hit the floor and he tossed his sword and scabbard on a chair. Toeing off his boots, these were his shortest pair thankfully. He dropped his pants and they fell to the floor.
Even though he stood before her in socks and underwear, her eyes widened with appreciation. He used one foot to pull off a sock and then the other foot to pull off the last one. Now for the great reveal. Slowly, he pushed down his underwear until his cock popped out. The underpants slid down to the floor as his rigid member shook and pointed at her.
Her mouth dropped open and her tongue slid across her lips, making him wonder how it would feel sliding across the head of his staff. “Need help undressing?”
She snapped her fingers and all her clothing disappeared. That was a neat trick. Now, it was his turn to stare as lust hit him hard in the gut. Gorgeous didn’t do her justice and he wondered if all her kind were equally stunning. Serena turned and walked away from him lying down on his bed and spreading herself open to his gaze.
Whatever shyness she had displayed before was now gone. On his bed lay a seductress of great skill. Her breasts were high and full, her waist narrow, and her ass plump enough he could hang on to it. Every other woman he’d ever seen before was impossible to recall. This female was everything to him and that hi
t him like a ton of bricks.
Flint moved to the bed sliding on top of her. She was a sensual buffet lying there waiting to be consumed. He kissed her sweet lips before moving on down her throat giving her soft kisses that made her squirm beneath him. When he reached her breast, he inhaled her nipple and tugged hard on it.
Serena moaned and arched upward as her fingers threaded through his hair. He moved to the other nipple and gave it the same treatment. Flint moved down her body kissing and licking her, fanning the flames of desire that made her burn. Laving her belly button, he then moved down and soon his face was between her thighs breathing in the sweet scent of her need.
The musky scent drove him crazy and had to have a taste. His tongue slid along her seam and pushed inside. Her sweet ambrosia made him long for more. His tongue dove in and out tasting and delighting in the honey that coated her channel.
Greedily, he devoured her pussy using a thumb to worry her clit. Her fingers grabbed his hair holding his head in place, as if he would move before he got his reward. His tongue fucked her hard and fast as his thumb moved over her little bundle of nerves and his other hand held her ass up so he could access her more easily.
His mate’s moans made heat rush through him as he pushed her closer to her release. It made his mouth water as he imagined her filling his mouth with her nectar and thrashing out her orgasm against his face. Flint’s cock ached to sink into her delightful heat, but first he needed to bask in her sweet juices as she climaxed. Serena made a garbled sound and he knew she was ready to explode.
He tongued her faster and pinched her clit sending her over into a passionate release. She filled his mouth with a sweet reward and he gobbled it up shamelessly. Flint didn’t wait for her thrashing to quiet, he slid up her body and sunk his rock hard cock deep into her welcoming sheath. Never in his life had he felt more of a sense of belonging than he did in the moment they joined. Serena fit him like a glove as he thrust deep into her.
Her magic was flowing over him or maybe it was the magic of fated mates finally joined. He’d heard stories about that but he’d never believed them. Pounding into her, he’d never felt more excited or more at peace. It might seem impossible to feel both those things and yet, he did.
