Total pages in book: 120
Estimated words: 111252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 556(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111252 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 556(@200wpm)___ 445(@250wpm)___ 371(@300wpm)
Sucking in a steadying breath, Xiang wrapped his fingers on the hilt. A buzz of energy entered his body, crackling along his arm to fill every inch of him. Whispers filled his head, but he couldn’t tell what they were saying. A heartbeat later, a rumble of thunder and the crash of waves on the shore drowned out the voices. This was the sword of a dragon who commanded the rains and rivers.
With the sword in hand, Xiang jogged to Kai, holding the weapon over his head. “Kai! I have it! I have your sword! Come back to me!”
The dragon’s head snapped around and those eyes remained narrowed on him as if he didn’t recognize him. That long carp mustache wriggled with a life of its own and his mane flowed about his body with a charge of lightning. As Xiang was questioning his own sanity, Kai’s golden eyes widened, and he could feel his mate’s joy.
Pushing off the wall, the massive creature rushed across the room, snatching up Xiang and the sword before busting through the opposite wall and into the night.
Xiang might have screamed in terror.
But the fear passed as Kai’s happiness washed through him. The dragon twirled over in the air as he flew above the clouds to be gilded in the bright moonlight.
“Kai! What about the clan? We have to help them escape!” Xiang shouted, hoping he could be heard over the wind.
I’ve already sent them all home with magic.
There was a bit of smugness to those words as they danced across Xiang’s brain. Yes, the dragon could do just about anything when he could use his magic. But right now, he wanted to celebrate, and that meant flying across the night sky with his mate in his arms.
“How did we get the sword back?” Xiang shouted.
Jiang Chong fears me. He threw the sword out of the dead realm rather than risk me coming after it.
“Can you?”
No. But he doesn’t know that.
Xiang tightened his fist on the hilt of the sword that had grown quiet since Kai had scooped him up. With his free hand, he reached out and caressed the ivory and gold scales closest to him, marveling at the beautiful soul that held him. How could he love someone so much?
When it came to Kai, the answer to that question was very easy.
I love you too, my mate. My vampire.
“Home, Kai. We have a family to celebrate with.”
And a war to plan.
Chapter 31
Kai
Kai ached to keep flying. Just soaring higher and higher. Let the wind caress his scales and whisper joyous songs. Up here, he could smell the rain and the freshness of all the world. He longed to keep going on and on, with his mate and sword in his arms, but they couldn’t.
Without being told, he knew Xiang was eager to get back to his clan. They might have retrieved his sword and witnessed the death of Queen Belladonna, but the fae problem was turning into a hydra. As soon as they lopped one head off, another popped up with the same maniacal glee for death and destruction. Plus, Xiang needed to be reassured that his family was all safe and well.
Their family.
Yes, the Zhang clan belonged to him now. They’d welcomed him as Xiang’s mate. They were family, and he needed to get to them to ensure their safety from this Jiang Chong and the fae.
Rolling across the sky, Kai shifted direction slightly and dove toward the earth, wringing excited laughter from Xiang. The vampire was finally learning that Kai would do nothing to harm him, especially while they were flying. They circled the property once to find all the vampires were exactly where Kai had placed them—in the center of the driveway. He shifted while he was still a few meters in the air, using his magic to put Xiang’s feet on the ground before joining his side.
Mei Lian squealed and bounced over to his side, grabbing his arm with both of her hands. “Next time, can I go flying with you and Xiang? The magic zap was nice, but I want to fly,” she begged.
“Of course. We’ll plan a flying trip,” Kai agreed happily.
Xiang moved from person to person, looking them over. “Everyone is okay? Nobody was hurt? We all got out?”
“As if I would have forgotten anyone!” Kai gasped.
Chen snorted while Moon outright cackled. At least Xiao Dan had the good grace to clear his throat to keep the laughter out of his voice. “We are all here. I think the worst sustained are some minor bruises and abrasions. Nothing serious.”
“Is that it?” Junjie demanded with a jerk of his chin toward the sword in Xiang’s hand. “Is that the sword Kai received from Huangdi?” All eyes snapped to the sword and even Xiang appeared to stare dumbfounded at it, as if he’d forgotten he was holding it at all.