Dragon Prince

by Charlene Hartnady

  He looked angry and pretty darned scary. Meghan knew there was nothing to be afraid of. He was just highly protective of Candy and his unborn child. It was really sweet actually. She only hoped that someone cared for her as deeply one day.

  Meghan smiled at Torrent. “Yes, that’s right. I’ve upped the schedule from the recommended two sessions a week to three, however.”

  Torrent growled so loudly that she flinched. His lip curled back and his eyes were narrowed on her. Even his teeth seemed longer than normal.

  Tide stepped forward. “You need to calm down.” It was weird to see him step out of position. Although he was always there and she was continually aware of him, he never actually said or did anything.

  Torrent’s eyes flashed to Tide. “We are talking about my mate and our unborn child.” He sighed, looking back at Meghan. “You must please forgive my reactions. I am … nervous.”

  “Of course, it is completely understandable.”

  Torrent pulled in a deep breath. “Let’s try that again. Why are you increasing the recommended sessions, is that not dangerous?”

  “As previously mentioned,” she needed to tread carefully, “it is not completely without risk and it would be wrong of me to advise you otherwise, but I will do everything to minimize the risk as much as possible. One of the reasons we have stepped up the sessions to three is so that I can lower the contact with silver significantly. We’ll meet more often and take a safer route rather than upping the contact time or dose. I hope that makes sense.”

  Candy nodded. "Yes, it does. We would like nothing more than for our son not to have to suffer from this potentially life-threatening allergy and to see a cure come about for the rest of the dragon shifters. At the same time, the lower the risk, the better."

  “It’s a balancing act. I will monitor you and the baby every step of the way. With you, it’s more important because you don’t suffer from the allergy, but chances are almost a hundred percent certain that your baby does. Sky just left about half an hour ago. It is helpful that she can tell me if she’s not feeling well. We can look for symptoms of discomfort and illness because if she’s feeling it, then the baby certainly is as well. With you, that’s not the case, so we’ll need to take it much slower, just to be sure.” She paused. “On the other hand, you are not as far along, so we have a little more time.”

  Candy nodded. Torrent clutched his mate’s hand, holding on for dear life. His focus was on her belly.

  “Shall we begin?” Meghan asked.

  “Yes, I’m ready.” Candy smiled, but she could see that the other woman was tense.

  Meghan glanced at Torrent but he still wasn’t looking up. She could see deep frown lines on his forehead.

  “It’s okay, honey.” Candy squeezed his hand and Torrent grunted once, not sounding convinced.

  Meghan opened the pack of needles, removing one. "This contains the lowest dose of silver. It didn't seem to have any effect on the babies, even the newborn. For this first session, I will touch the silver needle to your skin. I don't expect it to have any effect, but it is a good place to start."

  “So the needle won’t actually penetrate my skin?” Candy asked.

  “No. We’ll keep it at five minutes of contact time only. We can progress to …”

  “But you said that the babies had no reaction whatsoever?” Candy frowned. “Surely just touching me with that needle won’t help anything?”

  “We said we’d rather keep the risk to a minimum.”

  “But within reason right?” Candy asked. “I know I said I wanted to keep the risk down, but at the same time I’m hoping for results.”

  “Listen to the doctor, my love. She knows what she is doing.”

  “It just seems silly. I remember you saying that the more sessions we can fit in the more chance of him not having the allergy.” Candy cleared her throat. “I don’t want to take unnecessary risks but I also don’t want to waste any time. We have a real chance of this working.”

  “It is possible but I don’t want you to get your hopes up either.” Meghan shook her head. “Maybe if we used you as a test subject, Torrent.” She had heard of this working in the past when parents were nervous about procedures, or when children were worried. Let the parent experience it first.

  “What would it entail?” Torrent asked.

  “A few minutes of contact time with the needle to begin with,” she said.

  “Hun, please hold that needle,” Candy spoke to Torrent. It was quite comical because he did exactly what she asked without question, picking it up.

  Torrent did frown however. “You really should listen to the doctor …”

  “And?” Candy raised her brows, looking pointedly at the needle.

  “And nothing ‒ but I’m a grown male in my prime. I’m the king. You can’t compare me to an unborn whelp.”

  “Even though you sometimes act like a big baby,” Tide said and from right next to her. “Did I give you a fright, doc … Doctor Roberts?”

  Her heart raced. She swallowed hard. “Yes, I didn’t hear you move.”

  “I’m really light on my feet for a big SOB.”

  She turned her head and there he was, grinning down at her. So close she could smell him. You’re working, Meghan. Stop your shit!

  “Go back to being a guard. You’re not invited to this therapy session,” Torrent said, between clenched teeth.

  “You’re being prickly and downright aggressive.” It wasn’t lost on her how Tide put himself between her and Torrent.

  “I’m not going to hurt the female,” Torrent snarled.

  Candy gasped. “Stop it you two, please.” She tried to sit up.

  “No, stay where you are,” Meghan said. “Stay calm. The baby’s heart-rate has gone up a little.”

  “What?” Torrent snarled.

  “Calm the fuck down,” Tide cautioned, voice low.

  Torrent bashed chests with Tide. “I am calm!” he roared.

  “Like hell you are,” Tide’s voice was even. “Get yourself under control or get out.”

  “I’m not leaving Candy or the baby.” He sounded less aggressive.

  “Then calm down.”

  “I told you, I won’t hurt her.”

  “Not on purpose but …” Tide sighed. “I wouldn’t let you hurt the doctor. You would have to go through me. Do you hear?”

  “No-one’s hurting anyone.” Meghan stepped forward. “How is your hand feeling?”

  Torrent looked down, she could see that he had completely forgotten that he was even still holding the needle. “I’m fine.” He frowned, looking shocked. “It feels absolutely fine.”

  “Let me take a look.” She took the needle from him and sure enough, his skin was unblemished.

  “That’s a good thing, right?” Torrent asked.

  Meghan nodded. “Yeah, it would be great if we could prick you with the needle. Then we’ll wait a minute or two to test for a reaction. If that’s clear, we can insert the needle and leave it in for a little bit longer. Then maybe, if you’re both okay with it, we can try the same with you, Candy?”

  Candy nodded.

  “Okay. Let’s test it on me first. I like that idea.” Torrent held out his arm and she pricked the soft tissue of his inner arm, removing the needle immediately.

  “How was that?” Candy asked.

  Torrent shrugged. “I didn’t feel anything. It feels fine. It was not bad.” He breathed out in one big exhale, looking relaxed for the first time since coming.

  “I think I’ll leave you to it.” Tide had this little half-smile. When she looked his way, he winked. “I think you have things under control, doc.”

  “Thank you,” she mouthed to him. Even though Tide had been doing his job ‒ it hadn’t been anything more than that ‒ she was still grateful he had stepped in. It wasn’t always easy to stand up against your superior, even if the person was family. The shifters seemed to take hierarchy even more seriously, so it would have been difficult for him.

/>   Tide winked at her a second time. This time there was a definite flirtatious edge to it. It made her feel … something. She wasn’t sure exactly what. More lust. Must be. He looked so damned sexy when he winked. It was a good thing he wouldn’t be around for much longer. Better that way.

  Chapter 20

  The group of males sat in stunned silence for a few moments. Or maybe they were waiting to see if Meghan was going to say anything more. When she didn’t, the whole room erupted and everyone spoke at once. The only males not shouting some or other question at Meghan was him, Torrent and Blaze. Everyone else was yelling, growling, or shouting.

  Coal was on his feet. “Silence. Silence!” he commanded, his voice drowned out by the madness. Okay, so Coal was yelling, but not questions like the others.

  Blaze slapped his hand on the table. Every glass vibrated. One of them even fell over, smashing and spilling its contents. “Quiet!” He looked around the table. Everyone calmed. Those standing sat back down. The feeling of stress still reverberated around the room.

  “I realize that this is a lot to take in. An amalgamation of the four species?” Blaze shook his head, he looked at Meghan.

  “Yes.” She nodded. “In essence, the human-dragon shifter offspring are a completely new species,” she went on.

  “What?” Thunder barked, jumping to his feet. “I’m not sure I understand what it is you are saying.”

  “Sit down,” Blaze said, still completely calm. He paused until Thunder obeyed. The male still scowled heavily. “You heard the healer. She explained things very clearly. Young born of a human-dragon mating all have the same DNA. They are, in essence, the same. It does not matter if the father is Earth, Water, Air or even Fire.”

  “That can’t be.” Thunder was frowning darkly.

  Granite looked deep in thought. "Interesting." He rubbed his chin. "What are the implications? I mean," he paused, "will they all be the same in their abilities?" Tide knew precisely why Granite had asked the question. He wanted to know more about his own son's ability to breathe fire. Tide wondered if the male would come clean. Torrent had urged him to do so.

  “I don’t know. Not at this stage,” Meghan answered.

  “Would you be able to research and find out?” Blaze asked.

  “I’m not sure. It could take months. I’d need to ascertain the mitochondrial inheritance pattern. Find that specific DNA sequence. In short, I’d have to dig much deeper. These things start to get very involved when we have to isolate specific … it’s complicated.”

  “Is it possible though?” Blaze asked.

  “Yes, but my main reason for being here is to find a cure for your silver allergy. I’m here to develop a vaccination. That would need to be my key focus.” Tide loved how she stood her ground, even against a male like Blaze. The Fire king was powerful and dominant. Even a human would pick up on that and yet she didn’t flinch under his gaze.

  “There is something I need to … mention,” Granite said.

  Here we go. Tide exchanged a look with Torrent, who sucked in a deep breath. Meghan sat at the head of the table. There were four males between himself and the healer. He didn’t like it. Hadn’t liked it when he’d been instructed to sit there earlier. Truth be told, he hadn’t expected the Earth king to come clean.

  “Something happened,” Granite went on, “something that I need to disclose.”

  Blaze shook his head. “This is not the forum—”

  “Actually,” Granite swallowed thickly, “it is. My son, my second born, Quake … it happened the other day. He was upset, crying and it just … happened.” He paused. They had agreed that Granite was not going to mention anyone else having been witness to the event.

  “What happened? Why is it pertinent?”

  Granite huffed out a breath. “It’s very pertinent. Our children are a new species. They are unique. It stands to reason that we do not know what to expect. It was a shock when flames shot from his mouth.”

  Thunder shot to his feet. “You must have been mistaken!” he yelled.

  Blaze frowned deeply. He shook his head. “That cannot be,” he said, almost to himself.

  “I know what I saw. My mate saw it too. There can be no mistake, Quake can breathe fire. He has done it again since.”

  Tide’s gaze shot to Torrent who shrugged. His brother hadn’t known about the new development.

  “His chest has flecks of gold within the mark,” Granite continued. “At first it was just an outline and then there were golden flecks. They appeared after he breathed fire for the second time.”

  “What of Declan?” Blaze asked. “Has he too breathed fire?”

  “No, his markings are still just an outline and there has been nothing out of the ordinary.”

  Blaze was taking this well. He looked calm and together. “Have you seen anything out of the ordinary, Thunder?”

  “No.” The male shook his head. “Nothing! My son’s markings are but an outline.”

  “What of your son, Blaze?” Torrent asked. “Any sign of anything untoward?”

  Tide held his breath.

  “No!” Blaze raged, his fists clenched. Oh shit! Here we go. “And before you ask, Coal’s son has not exhibited any strange abilities either.” He looked like he wanted to say something and then thought the better of it. “I think that this needs to be explored, Doctor Roberts.” He turned to her, eyes blazing. “Shall we bring a second geneticist on board or will you be able to tackle both projects?”

  “I will do my best, but I need to warn you all that it could take time.”

  Blaze nodded. “You will let us know if you need more staff?”

  “Yes, certainly. I understand the reluctance to employ more outsiders. I will do my best with the time I have.”

  Tide breathed out, feeling some of the tension drain. Again he marveled at how well Meghan had handled herself.

  The Fire king looked calm again. “I appreciate that,” Blaze said. “In the meanwhile I need you all to report any incidences. Do so immediately.” He looked from one male to the next. “One more thing. There was a child born to one of my warriors. The boy is a result of a human-dragon pairing.”

  “What?” Torrent asked, eyes narrowed. “Why were we not told of this?”

  “The child has the same marking as the royal young ‒ there is no silver to speak of. He should probably be tested—”

  “We should have been told!” Thunder roared, slamming his fist onto the table, which made a cracking noise. “It was my understanding that there were only royal children born of human matings. What is this?” he added with a snarl.

  Tide looked at Meghan who had sunk back in her chair. He wanted to jump to his feet, to go into protection mode and shield her with his body, but he was afraid that one move could provoke violence. The peppery scent of anger was strong around the room. It was that and adrenaline with a good dose of testosterone. A potentially disastrous concoction.

  “I chose not to disclose—”

  “That wasn’t your decision to make!” Thunder shouted, his focus on Blaze.

  “I am the fucking leader, I—”

  “I am also a king. Yes, we follow you and yes, you ultimately rule but there needs to be honesty and respect or it won’t work. Not telling us—”

  “Was a decision I made and one I stand by,” Blaze’s voice was raised. “It was not pertinent at the time.” His neck muscles roped.

  "Not fucking pertinent? Fuck!" Thunder roared, smashing the table a second time. The crack evident at this point. One more blow and the entire thing would break up into pieces. As it stood, every glass was smashed, the various contents spilled over the gleaming wood, dripping on the floor below.

  “Do not forget that the human female is still in attendance.” Tide held up a hand. “Please, can everyone calm down?” This was getting more and more out of hand by the second. Tide rose to his feet. He gestured for Meghan to do the same. Her eyes were wide, her face pale. She might not have his senses but she could feel the
brewing violence. She nodded once, doing as he said and doing it slowly and carefully.

  Thunder narrowed his eyes. “This new breed of lessers and royals are indistinguishable. That’s what you’re saying, right?”

  “All except for Granite’s second-born.” Blaze was frowning deeply, his eyes bright. Too fucking bright for his liking. Tide carefully made his way to Meghan, putting an arm around the female. He eased her behind him, stepping away from the table and towards the door.

  “Does that mean that Granite’s second-born will rule all of the kingdoms then? Since fire breathers are the ones in control.” Thunder hadn’t just said that. "Because it seems to me that whoever can breathe fire wins." The male wasn't thinking before opening his trap.

  “It means …” Blaze said, his voice too deep, his muscles flexed. This was bad. “You need to shut the fuck up. The healer will do her job. We will soon know exactly where we stand. All of us. We’ll soon have a greater understanding of the situation and will be in a better position to make decisions.” Although Blaze’s voice had returned to calm, a tendril of smoke wafted from his right nostril.

  “You mean you will?” Thunder muttered.

  “Hold your tongue.” Blaze pointed at Thunder. “Or you will lose it!”

  “I won’t keep quiet!” the normally easygoing Thunder roared. “You mean you will know where you stand. The rest of us—”

  “I already know where I stand.” Blaze vibrated with anger. His eyes glowing, his teeth sharp.

  Thunder smiled. There was no humor there. “Your son on the other hand …”

  Tide turned and covered the human with his body, pulling her to him and enclosing his arms around her.

  Hot.

  White hot.

  She screamed, squeezing her eyes shut and burying her face in Tide’s chest. He roared, his whole body seemed to turn to stone. More roars and screams came from behind them. She smelled burning. Smoke filled the room, filling her lungs. Tide was moving though, dragging her. No, carrying her. Still shielding her body with his. The door was slamming shut and he was picking her up, carrying her. Running now. His face a mask of determination. His forehead dripped with sweat.