Chapter 21
Valorie struggled against the ropes that tied her hands together. She knew her skin would be almost raw from how many times she jerked against the ties, but she couldn’t free herself. She had passed out in the alley behind the saloon and when she woke, she was tied to the stairs in what looked like a basement of some type.
She had to get out of there. What they did to Sonar…it kept playing over and over in her mind. How could they do that? Markus was going to be devastated.
Hearing movement on the floor above her, she glanced around, trying to see if there was some way to escape. There was a small window high up on the other side. Maybe she could loosen the wooden handrail she was tied to?
Wiggling and shoving, the baluster moved a little. Scooting around she put her feet on the wooden post and used her entire body’s weight to shove at it. Finally, it broke loose. She was still tied too tight to free her hands, but she was able to slide up and off of the baluster.
Getting to her feet, she swayed a little. She reached out and caught herself on the wall with her still-bound hands. She then moved her way quietly over to the window. It was pretty small, but she thought she could squeeze out of it. Moving a box over to stand on, she pushed the window open, then pulled herself up. It was hard but she managed to get out.
Once outside, she looked around in the dark and realized that she had no idea where she was or in what direction she should go.
“She’s escaping!” Dyson yelled from below the small window.
Val ran, not caring which direction she went as long as it was away. A body hit her from behind, knocking her down. She struggled to get free.
“Be still, female!”
A loud roar from above had both of them freezing. She knew that it was her dragon coming for her and he was pissed. She looked up at the man that knocked her down. “I would get off me if you still want to live.”
Many more dragon roars sounded all around and the guy must have realized that he was outnumbered. He scrambled back but didn’t make it far. A dragon swept down and grabbed him, taking him to the sky.
Another dragon dropped from the sky right in front of her, making the ground shake a little. She knew this dragon. “Markus!” She got up and ran to the dragon, pressing her body against his scales. Beneath her hands she felt his body shifting. Then she felt warm flesh.
“Valorie!” Markus crushed her to him, ripping the rope from her wrists. “I was so worried for you.”
Tears streamed down her face. “Sonar…I’m so sorry.”
“He took his final flight as a warrior, protecting you.”
“What about Dyson?”
“He got away, but he’ll answer for this. Did he say why he took you?”
“Only that he wanted to study me to find out how it was that I mated with you and took the dragon fire while others couldn’t.” Her legs gave out and he caught her easily.
“Come, let’s get you home.”
She rubbed her face against his neck. Her body was trembling from the adrenaline and fear. “Yes, please.”
*****
One Week Later
Markus paced outside the bedroom waiting for the human doctor to finish looking over Valorie. He was worried over why Valorie had been getting so sick these past few days. He had argued with King Reichardt about allowing the local human doctor come to see her, but in the end Markus got his way. A bondmate was so precious, they must be protected at all costs, even at the exposure of their kind.
Surprisingly, the older Doctor “Doc” Reisner was already familiar with paranormal beings, having encountered what he called a werewolf when he was just a young man coming out of med school. They became friends over the years as Doc was the only person the werewolf trusted for medical assistance. After a few minutes of discussion, Doc Reisner was deemed trustworthy by the king and allowed to see Valorie.
“Mom’s in there, too. She’s going to be fine, Markus.” His sister put her hand on his arm, reassuring him.
The door opened and his mother and the doctor came out smiling. That had to be good news, right?
“Is she okay?”
Doc Reisner put his hand on his shoulder. “Congratulations son, you and your…mate are expecting.”
Confused, he looked between his mother and the doctor. “Expecting what?”
“A baby, or whatever you call a baby shifter.”
“A dragonet on Drakonia, but a baby here on Earth,” his mother answered, moving to give him a hug and kiss on the cheek. “Congratulations, son! I can’t wait to be a grandmother.”
“I’m going to be an aunt!” His sister hugged him on the other side.
“A father? A baby? I didn’t think it was possible. She will have to be protected. Can you move here to the ranch in case the baby comes?”
Doc Reisner laughed. “She’s got quite a while to go yet. Your mother says the women on your planet have a six-month gestation, and humans have nine. I’m estimating the baby will come around seven or eight months.”
“You’re guessing?”
“This is the first crossbreed between humans and Drakonians, so it’s new to all of us. However, I will be checking her every month, tracking the baby’s progression. This is exciting, sure has perked up this old man’s life! Now, I believe your mate is anxiously awaiting you.”
He rushed past him, turning to yell out, “Thank you!”
Entering the room, he found Valorie sitting on the bed. She had both hands on her flat belly as tears trailed down her face.
“Valorie, are you okay?”
“I’m pregnant.”
He knelt down on his knees in front of her. “I know. I’m overjoyed, but you don’t look as pleased.”
She laughed then smiled. “I am ecstatic. I just don’t know what kind of mother I’ll be.”
Placing his hands over hers, he murmured, “You will be an amazing and caring mother. Our child will never be left behind or forgotten. He or she will grow up with family and friends and will know exactly where they belong.”
He must have said the right thing because Valorie launched herself into his arms and threw her arms around him.
“I love you, Markus.”
“I love you too, my mate.”