by Julia Mills
His laugh rumbled beneath her ear and soon they were all laughing together. Siobhan assured Kyra that it was not the first, nor would their kiss be the last she had witnessed. She further added that she was looking forward to the day it was her own son and his mate kissing in her living room. Royce and Kyra thanked the healer and promised to visit again soon.
Instead of heading home, Royce steered her towards the Town Square. Although she had been there at least a hundred times, this time was different, better somehow. She and her mate were walking hand in hand, browsing from shop to shop, and everyone they passed smiled and said hello, and some even offered their congratulations. All she could figure was that being in love, truly in love with your soul mate, really did make the world a better place.
They were discussing the mating ceremony and she had just commented that she was glad he had to plan it instead of her, when the woman that ran the flower shop yelled across the thoroughfare and asked to speak to Royce alone. Excusing himself with a quick kiss and a promise to hurry back, he jogged across the street as she continued to window shop. Every merchant in the lair was incredibly talented, but none so much as Emma, the jewelry artisan. She created gorgeous pieces out of otherwise unusable dragon scales, that rivaled anything Tiffany’s had ever displayed.
Kyra looked over, saw that Royce was still talking to the florist and decided she had time to pop in, say hi, and see what new pieces the jeweler had created. The little shop always felt so warm and inviting, and smelled of apples and cinnamon, even though Emma swore that she rarely ate in the store, let alone cooked in it.
Kyra was greeted with a big smile and hug from the sweet young woman. No matter how many times she saw Emma, she was always so surprised at the magic she felt in her presence. She had asked the jeweler about it on an earlier visit, only to learn that she was an orphan, found in a basket in the woods many years before by Mary, the sister of Malachi – the Spiritual Elder of the clan, and raised by the woman and her mate, Samuel, until their passing. The love for her adoptive parents was evident when Emma spoke of them, and the fact that she had taken up the trade of her father was a true testament to the power of that affection.
The ladies talked as Kyra browsed. There were so many beautiful pieces, but she kept coming back to what she thought was a bracelet. It was almost completely made up of tiny bells that had been fashioned from royal blue dragon shells, with a few green ones that only served to accent the brilliance of the blue, all hanging from a thin golden chain. When she picked up the jewelry, the tinkle of the bells reminded her of the laughter of the fairies her Auntie Della had taken her to visit when she was a child.
Kyra laid the piece across her wrist and Emma giggled. When Kyra looked up at her, her brow furrowed in question, Emma replied, “It’s an anklet.”
Together the women laughed and Emma helped Kyra try it on. It was as if it had been made especially for her and as she took a few steps one way and then the other, the sound of the bells filled the tiny shop. Royce chose that moment to appear. He walked straight to Kyra and kissed her long and deep. Only when she was sure she was going pass out did he pull back, but kept her tight to his side. As her wits returned, she looked up, and in the cheekiest tone possible, complete with her pretend English accent said, “Did ya miss me, love?”
Her mate answered in kind, “Aye, I did.” Then placed a kiss on the very tip of her nose before adding, “Besides, I heard the bells ringing and had to kiss ya’.”
“Huh?” was the only reply she could think of, and thankfully, Royce was quick to explain.
“Every time a bell rings, a dragon is kissing his mate. Ya’ didn’t want me to mess with Fate did ya’?”
“Absolutely not!” she giggled and then showed him her ankle. “I was just trying this on. Isn’t it beautiful?”
“It definitely is. Our Emma here is very talented,” Royce commented.
The fact that Royce had taken the time to compliment Emma and the resulting blush on the jeweler’s cheeks, just made Kyra love her mate all the more, if that was even possible. Reluctantly, she knelt down, removed the anklet and handed it back to Emma, promising to return and purchase it when things settled down a bit. Emma once again congratulated them and asked Kyra to come have coffee with her any time she could. Kyra left smiling, and wondering how she had ever lived so long without all the awesome people of the clan in her life.
~~~~~~~
It was finally his mating day and Royce was more nervous than he had ever imagined possible. He owed a huge debt of gratitude to the men of his Force, their mates, and his brothers, because without them he never would have gotten everything ready in just three days. Now, standing in the garden behind the house Kyra had been staying in, he was sweating bullets, praying she liked everything he had prepared. He’d had to get special permission for the first of many surprises he had planned for her.
The Elders had agreed to let him fly Kyra to Serenity Landing, the summit of the mountain that housed the Cave of the Ancients, where the ceremony was to take place. It was both special and symbolic of their relationship. His mate, no matter her stature, lifted him higher than he ever thought possible, and it was only fitting that he mark her as his own at the highest spot in the entire lair.
He watched as the two younger Guardsmen dressed in surcoats that almost exactly matched the royal blue of his beast, dismounted their horses and walked towards Kyra’s front door. Using his enhanced vision, he saw a dragon that matched the one he had worn on his arm, chest, and shoulder since his transformation embroidered in golden thread across the front, and the black and golden rope trimming the top and sides. His mind wandered for just a moment as he remembered Kyra’s tiny dragon tattoo, an exact match for his, and his mouth watered with the need to kiss that very spot and feel it react to his touch.
The sound of Lance’s whistle brought him back to the present and alerted him that it was time to transform. He called forth the dragon that had been with him for as long as he could remember. Magic filled the air, and from one moment to the next, Royce’s human form was replaced with his majestic royal blue beast. The massive warrior was as excited as the man to lay eyes upon their mate for the first time on their mating day. Neither was disappointed as Kyra exited the rear of the cottage, a Guardsman on both sides and a smile that shone so bright, even the sun paled in comparison. Her look of surprise was priceless, and the look of adoration that followed, absolutely breathtaking.
The dress he’d had made for her was perfect. It was the lightest color of lavender the seamstress could find to highlight the mesmerizing color of her eyes. Through the eyes of his dragon, he saw the tiny flames, just a few shades darker than the gossamer of her gown, that seemed to have no pattern but only served to accentuate the beauty of the woman wearing the garment. The royal blue satin sash around her waist showed off her beautifully full figure that would be his source of endless pleasure. As she walked towards him, the sun highlighted the slight tan of her shoulders, bare and tempting.
As they approached, the dragon laid on the ground, getting as low as possible for the Guardsmen to help his mate onto his back. Once she was in place, the dragon stood and prepared for flight. A quick thought to Lance had his brethren telling Kyra to hold the soft scales at the base of his neck. Just the feel of her hands on his scales caused the dragon to shiver. It was a unique experience for mates, and one both man and beast would not have traded for anything in the world.
The flight was less than ten minutes even with the detour around the mountain, but the feelings that flowed from Kyra through their mating bond let Royce know how much she enjoyed herself and the joy she felt that they were to be one for all time. Landing on the far side of the plateau, two more of the younger Guardsmen were standing at the ready to help Kyra down and escort her to her place next to the raised platform where the Elders would be seated. He noticed five chairs, but was more concerned with keeping his eyes on Kyra so the thought of the extra chair was completely dismissed.
&nbs
p; He was delighted at her oooohs and ahhhhs as she took in all the flowers, ribbons, and bows they had placed on the archways leading to the dais where he would mark her as his for all time. The tears of happiness that filled Kyra’s eyes when she saw her Auntie Della sitting to the side were worth every second of arguing with both the Elders and the Elder Witch he’d had to endure to have her present.
Once she was in place, Royce’s dragon moved behind a huge outcropping on the backside of the summit. Calling forth his dragon magic, he transformed back into the man that wanted to be done with the ceremony and alone with his mate more than he wanted his next breath. He watched through the foliage as the Elders ascended to their places and had to smile when Rian was among them…fifth chair explained. Just about to thank his mother for her presence even from the Heavens, he spotted his Force as they took their places to the left of the platform. Not only the five he was proud to call brethren appeared in surcoats matching the color of their dragons, but also the four Guardsmen from the Blue Thunder Clan and his younger brother Rory. The visiting Guardsmen in their royal blue dress uniforms, so like his, took their places behind the others. The two lines of men served as a reminder of his past and present. Each played a monumental part in molding him into all that he was… a man, a dragon, a warrior. and on this, the most special day of all…a mate.
He looked to Kyra, the one created for him by a Universe he had thought had failed him and a Fate he was sure was out to destroy him, and was completely humbled. She was the embodiment of everything Royce needed to be complete, whole, and…happy. She was his future and all he would ever need. Unable to wait a second longer, he walked to his place, dead center of the Sacred Circle Kyndel, Grace, and Sam had created with small flower filled ceramic vases. After a few seconds of silence, it was Rian that spoke, not Carrick as he had expected. Royce stood a bit taller, it was an incredible honor to have his own brother speak the words that would bind him and Kyra together.
“Long ago when knights and dragons fought side by side for King and country, it became apparent that dragon kin was no longer safe from those that would expose and destroy them. They sought to join with the knights that had so valiantly fought by their sides. Thus through magic and the will of both dragon and knight, the Dragon Shifters were born.
“In the infinite wisdom of our Founding Elders, clans were set up, one for each color of dragon, each assigned a region in which to make their home and to protect. Over time, some have flourished, some have ceased to exist, and others have been born from the joining of many. As the Head Elder of The Blue Thunder Clan and brother to Royce, it is an incredible honor to stand among those of the Golden Fire Clan. We are brothers in blood, brothers in battle, and brothers in loyalty.
“We are here today, in this most holy place of tradition, to honor what the Universe put into place all those many years ago. We are here to acknowledge and bless the mating of Royce Alan O’Reilly to the one the Universe made for him and him alone, Kyra Renee St. Croix. Will those seeking to witness this union please step forward?”
The ten men he was proud to call brethren stepped forward as one unit, and together, Rayne and Rory walked a few paces ahead. All the Guardsmen knelt and bowed their heads. After a few moments of silence, Rayne stood and faced the Elders “We, the five of the MacLendon Force, wish to witness and offer our blessing to the union of these two souls, two halves of the same whole. May they live long, fight hard, love harder, and produce many young to flourish when their souls have gone to the heavens.” He knelt and bowed his head again.
Rory then stood and addressed the Elders, “We, the five of the Aherne Force of the Blue Thunder Clan, wish to witness and offer our blessing to one born of our blood and the mate of his heart. May their lives now and forever be a testament to all we hold dear…love, honor, and loyalty. As you are one, let your strength see you many years and the children of your children smile upon you.” He also knelt and bowed when he was finished. Royce was in awe and would always remember that Kellan, although the Commander of the Force, had let Rory bestow the blessing. It was an honor that would not go without thanks.
It was Carrick that spoke after the moment of silence following Rory’s blessing, “Your witness and blessings have been acknowledged and accepted MacLendon and Aherne Forces. It is truly a blessed event to have two such honorable clans together. Royce O’Reilly you may go to your mate. Please escort her to the Sacred Circle and before the Elders assembled here.”
Royce walked towards Kyra, never once breaking eye contact, took her hands into his, and placed kisses upon both, before slowly walking her back to the Elders. It took all his considerable restraint to not grab her up and rush, but the sheer reverence of the moment made him go slow and savor every second.
Once they were in place, Rian spoke again, “The blue dragons were born of sea and sky. They are symbolic of the vastness of life and infinity, and they possess the ability to experience life from all aspects. They are highly protective and incredibly magical. Blue dragons are known for their patience and loyalty. The blue of their scales symbolizes the boundless sky and the deep calmness of the waters. Blue dragons will see every advantage, protect home and family with their very lives, and welcome the rising tide of change with calm acceptance. To mate a blue dragon is to accept all that they are and honor the power shared between mates.”
It was Carrick’s voice that rang with clarity and power, “Now is the time of the marking. May the Universe continue to bless you and yours all the days of your life,” and with that everyone but Royce and Kyra followed the path that led off the mountain.
~~~~~~~
Time stood still as Kyra stared into Royce’s eyes. She watched as a fire blazed in their deep brown depths, helpless to do anything but gaze upon her mate. Royce lowered his mouth to hers, stopping right before their lips would have touched and whispered, “Ta’ mo chroi istigh ionat,” and then touched his lips to hers.
Just the tender touch of his lips to hers started an ache deep in her soul that spread like wildfire through her entire body, igniting a passion that would burn bright and hot for eternity. They opened completely to one another, baring all that they were to the other half of their soul. Kyra could feel Royce in every fiber of her being, and felt a part of herself binding to him. He was becoming as much a part of her as she was of him.
A small light, barely a glow, started in her heart and then flashed to encompass her entire being. In that flash, Kyra experienced everything that Royce was feeling, and knew with all certainty that he shared her emotions as well. She felt a twinge on the left side of her neck, and Royce immediately left her lips, trailing kisses across her jaw and down her neck until he reached the tender spot. He licked and sucked until all thoughts of anything but their naked bodies loving one another vanished from her mind.
When they finally stopped kissing, Royce led her to the same path the others had used to exit the plateau, but when she would have continued down the path, Royce steered her to the right and through the opening of a cave that had been decorated with the same flowers as their mating ceremony. As her eyes adjusted, she saw candles burning on every available surface and a pallet of thick fluffy blankets stacked high in the center. It was her dream from all those weeks ago coming to life. They walked in silence until they stood at the edge of the blankets. When Royce spoke, his voice echoed all the love and passion she was feeling. “Our first kiss was on a mountain top and I spent more nights than I care to admit lying on a cave floor dreaming that you would be mine. I thought it only fitting that we spend our first night as a mated couple here. I hope you agree?”
Unable to form a single coherent thought, she threw herself into his arms and kissed him as if her very life depended upon it. Her hands slid under his surcoat and soon it hit the ground, along with the black t-shirt he had worn under it. His bare skin under her fingertips set off a series of electrical currents that caused an ache only Royce could cure. She slid down his body, randomly placing kisses and tasting specia
l spots she planned to revisit. She appreciated every inch that was her mate and enjoyed the hiss from his mouth as her body rubbed against his straining cock.
She removed his belt, unbuttoned his pants, and let her hand follow the trail of deep auburn hair that disappeared into his pants. Her fingers stretched to cover the girth of his erection and she smiled as it pulsed against her palm. Working her fist to the tip, she let her thumb caress the weeping tip, spreading the warm proof of his excitement all around. Royce threw back his head and in her mind, she heard his strained voice, “Kyra, mo ghra’, I love you with all that I am.”
Her surprise momentarily stilled her hand and she answered just as he had spoken, “And I love you, my very own dragon man.” Royce began to move his hips, dragging his cock through her palm. She listened as his breathing became ragged and watched the pulse in his neck beat a staccato rhythm as she marveled at the mark shaped like a flame riding a wave that she knew had not been there before. A piece of the conversation she’d had with Siobhan came to mind and she instantly knew it was their mating mark, and that she had a matching brand on her neck.
Passion shut off all further thought of anything but the man before her when more evidence of his ecstasy puddled in her hand. She worked her fist up and down his generous length, feeling him grow even harder. Using her free hand and with his help, she shoved his pants to the ground. As he kicked them out of the way, she placed her free hand on his thigh and leaned forward, taking as much of his cock into her mouth as she could. His essence on her tongue was like nothing she had ever tasted. He tasted of sea and air and purely Royce. She let her tongue massage the bulging vein that ran the length of the underside of his erection and felt him throb in reaction. Slowly, she let him slide from her mouth, only to tease the slit at the tip with her tongue. Royce’s hands held her head and she could feel the building tension as his fingers gently flexed in her hair. With her hand on his thigh, she felt his muscles quiver and knew he wanted to move his hips but was using his considerable strength to hold back. Longing to see her mate completely lost to their passion, she sucked his cock back into her mouth until it touched the back of her throat, sucked until her cheeks hollowed, and swallowed. The resulting groan from Royce and the shift of his hands to her shoulders in an attempt to push her back and dislodge his cock from her mouth let Kyra know he was close to where she wanted him. Her need to give him the same pleasure he had shown her and the feelings that were flowing between them spurred her on.
