Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Rimi has existed in the haze of a mountain shielded by clouds. Always dreaming of the sun, she’s never risked basking in its warmth. As the last hope for desperate dragons, being cherished as a fated mate is not this female’s destiny.
Keres has lived without a mate for too long. His battle to cling to sanity is coming to an end. Only one choice remains—abandon his need for a Wyvern mate to hunt something more elusive. The clock is ticking as blackness consumes his mind and soul.
Change has come to Wyvern. A centuries-old pact between the founders and their powerful allies could save the inhabitants of the city once again, but only a dragon Daddy can truly guard his mate from harm
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
Prologue
Nestled in the center of a ring of imposing mountains, the village of Wyvern has existed for hundreds of years. Its quaint town center wraps around a square featuring a commanding dragon statue elevated on a block-wide platform for all to admire. The words chiseled into the risers of the stone steps are a mystery to most. Almost all the ninety-plus commemorative etchings feature the last names of the founding families of the town without explanation. During the prosperity of technological tools, most forgot the old ways.
One female descendant of each founding family has traditionally served as the keeper of knowledge. Passing a huge tome from generation to generation, that woman ensures the pact the original settlers made with the first inhabitants of this land can’t be forgotten. The agreement between the huge, lethal creatures living in the mountaintops and the struggling, besieged humans sealed the duties for both sides. Promising protection for the people and fated mates for the dragons, this pact has evaporated from the minds of most of the citizens of Wyvern. But the dragons have not forgotten.
When all things powered by technology suddenly ceased to function, the worst features of humanity erupted as people struggled to survive. Once again, the strength and power of the massive beasts who have guarded the city is needed. Revealing themselves to the current-day citizens, the dragon horde fulfills their promise.
As descendants of those original families are found, mate bonds are forged between dragons and humans. The old ways are essential to the survival of all, and the ancient pact will soar in importance once again. For there are dragons, and they hunt for more than prey.
Five dragons of the horde have recently discovered their mates in the growing population of Wyvern. Others still search, hoping that each day brings their mate back to their ancestors’ home. The stakes are dire for the shifters. Mates create a balance between their human and dragon identities. One teeters on the brink of madness without the companionship of a mate.
Chapter 1
Flames heated the sky in front of Keres. He snapped back into his own mind mid-plummet. Ahead of him, a young amethyst dragon frantically flapped his wings in a desperate attempt to stay in front of Keres. A few more minutes and the last of the smaller dragon’s energy would run out. Keres could end him with one snap of his powerful jaw.
Keres shook off the blood lust that sizzled through his veins. Seizing control, Keres diverted from his target and flew in the opposite direction without another look at his prey. The black dragon wanted to end the usurper for daring to appear on the horizon. Even though Keres was miles from his territory, he’d reacted as if the other dragon had trespassed. His lack of control both angered and frightened him.
And I had no idea what was happening.
The animal side of him had taken complete control, pushing Keres’s logic and reasoning out of his skull. A roar burst from his throat as a final warning to his victim, who had disappeared from view as his dragon refused to back down completely. His jumbled thoughts continued to untangle until Keres could think rationally.
Still pissed off, he headed toward his mountain. Keres could isolate himself there until he was totally back in control. A movement to his left made him wheel around to face the incoming threat. Claws ready to attack, Keres readied his fire.
Keres! Stand down. Two mates are here. Drake’s voice echoed in his head.
The alert didn’t process. Battle lust raged inside Keres. How dare the dragons approach his territory? He would teach them a lesson they’d never forget.
Rising into the sky, he loomed over the bronze, blue, and gold dragons. While he recognized them as those of his horde, Keres didn’t think past them trespassing on his land. He screeched with anger, not to warn the invaders, but to make sure his voice was the last thing they remembered.
Keres! Please don’t hurt my Daddies!
The quiet voice sounded both scared and brave. That made him hesitate and allowed Keres a moment to think. He couldn’t attack horde members. They were the only ones he trusted. Shame filled his heart.
Skye. Tell your Daddies to leave my mountain!
Keres? You’re over Ardon’s lair. We’re going to visit for a tea party with Aurora. Come join us. You must be hangry.
Her sweet logic rocked him out of the blood rage filling his thoughts. He looked around and discovered Skye was correct. He wasn’t on his land.
Wheeling, Keres headed for his lair. Drake, Oldrik, and Ardon sent him messages he didn’t bother to hear. It would be the same old Keres, you have a problem, panicked message they’d sent repeatedly the last few weeks.
Keres, I’m worried about you. Skye’s voice registered on him. He could feel the concern in her thought.