Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 231(@200wpm)___ 185(@250wpm)___ 154(@300wpm)
The instant arousal, which had flared inside him at their bonding, roared into an inferno. Delicious heat filled him, making Oldrik crave more. He swept his tongue lightly over the seam of her lips, feeling her tremble. His mate clung to his shoulders as she allowed him to deepen the kiss.
He tightened his arm around her as a growl sounded behind. Oldrik’s possessiveness flared. Skye was his mate. Ardon would have to grow accustomed to seeing him kiss their mate. The sensation of her heart beating against his chest reminded him of her fragility. He pushed his need to claim her away.
When he lifted his mouth, Oldrik steadied Skye as Ardon stepped forward to draw her into his arms. She kissed the bronze dragon with the same enthusiasm and desire. Their mate was very receptive to pleasure. Her small greedy sounds did not help calm Oldrik’s cock.
To his surprise, he enjoyed her interaction with Ardon. Had that caused the other shifter’s growl? Arousal instead of possessiveness?
Oldrik smiled at that thought. Perhaps sharing his mate from time to time with the other dragon wouldn’t be as hard as he suspected. He had gleaned from kissing her she wasn’t a complete innocent, but Skye was definitely not used to the cascade of sensations that came from being with a dragon. Or, two.
When Ardon lifted his mouth from hers, Skye looked back and forth between the two dragon shifters as she tried to process what she’d set into motion. Ardon’s bronze eyes glowed hot, signaling to Oldrik that Skye’s other mate had enjoyed the kiss they’d shared together. Their mate was perfect for them.
Am I going to have dragonlettes? Is that what they call them? Or lay eggs? What is the result of mating? She interrupted his thoughts.
Ardon’s lips twitched, and Oldrik squashed his own humor at that question. Of course his mate would have a myriad of questions about her new life. He had not expected her to skip so many steps to that particular consequence.
Only a female dragon can bear young. They are rare. Oldrik explained without allowing his answer to hold a ring of amusement.
He didn’t share that he had a sibling who was female. Only his horde was aware he had a sister, and no one could locate her—even Oldrik. It was information that Skye didn’t need to know now.
Is that why you need mates?
Dragons live for hundreds of years. Alone, they risk losing their connection to the world and being trapped in solitude and even madness.
Like Keres?
Oldrik’s gaze met Ardon’s in shock. How had their mate picked up on this in the short time it had taken for the black dragon to fly her back to Wyvern? Why did you think of him, Skye?
His inner darkness is growing. I could feel his need but didn’t understand what he was missing. Will he find a mate before anything bad happens?
We do not know, Oldrik admitted.
Let’s focus on you, Little One, Ardon suggested. You are exhausted. We will fly you home to eat and rest.
I need to go back to the square. I forgot my sketch pad.
Lalani has it, My Treasure. She and Khadar will visit soon and return it to you. In the meantime, we’ll find you more paper. Ardon promised as he stood.
He held out a hand to help her rise. When she hesitated to place her palm on his for a second time, he assured her, “No more pain, Little One. The mate bond has already snapped into place. As long as we stay close until the connection matures, you will have no further pain.”
When she stood next to Ardon, Oldrik rose to his feet as well. They each took one of her hands to consider the dragon shape that now appeared fully formed on her skin. The other mates only had one mark. Oldrik was not surprised that his mate was special.
I’ve had short-term boyfriends before. Never two at the same time.
Having two mates is new to us as well. Ardon and I have already discussed how we will handle this, Oldrik said.
Don’t you think I get any say about this?
It is up to your mates to care for you. If you have concerns, of course we will listen. Ardon stepped forward to run his hands down her arms to reassure Skye.
Skye swayed, and Oldrik looped an arm around her waist. Blunze.
I’ll bring him, Skye, Ardon assured her as he leaned down to collect the stuffie and her backpack.
Chapter 4
Skye slid off Oldrik’s back with a sigh of relief. The challenge of staying close enough to two dragons for the mating bond to not hurt her was almost impossible. Combine two alpha creatures with big wings and force them to cooperate and the result would either be dangerous or inventive.
Skye rushed forward to wrap her arms around his waist as soon as he’d shifted to human form. Thank you for flying above, Ardon. She had picked up on Ardon’s natural hesitation to expose his belly so closely to another dragon. He had made himself vulnerable for her.