We glide through the air. Amelia is sitting on my back, holding onto my horns. I can feel the heat of her body and the beating of her heart even now.

That attack was extremely risky — but it paid off. My own heart fluttered when I received the message from the resistance, hidden in the feathers of a small bird. My mate was alive and well, and they had planned a daring escape for her.

And now, she is safe.

We have lost the pursuing dragon-riders in the clouds, but still I dare not make a soft approach for Koti. Once we are above the hidden town, I make a nose-dive.

My human mate screams as we barrel straight towards the ground. Moments before we hit the canopy of trees I pull up and shift back into my human form.

We crash through the branches and I land squarely on my feet. My curvy human mate falls into my open hands a moment later.

“Welcome to Koti,” I say.

Her face is as pale as the moon. After the shock wears off, her eyes narrow.

“Never! Do! That! Again!” she says, punching my chest with every word.

“I can’t promise that.”

She’s ready to give me another mouthful, but falls silent when she realizes the entire village has come out to see her. The wooden walkways are packed, everyone gaping at my beautiful, curvy bride-to-be.

Every second I spent without her in my arms felt like torture. This is where she belongs, her soft body pressing against mine, my strong hands caressing her curves.

The Celestial Mates have outdone themselves. Never have I felt a connection as strong, an attraction so powerful I have to fight to control it.

I kiss the top of her head and close my eyes to drink in her scent. I can not wait to explore every inch of her body in the days, week, months and years to come.

My cock hardens and presses against her backside. I know she can feel it, for her eyes widen in shock instantly.

“Y-you’re naked,” she stammers, her blue eyes scanning my broad frame.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Have you seen a dragon wear pants before?”

Her eyebrows furrow.

“Right, you’re a dragon. How could I forget?”

And on that note, she passes out, her cheek resting against my naked chest. Instantly, my heart starts to race.

“Eldrin?!” I bellow.

The healer comes rushing through gathered crowd — as fast his old bones can carry him, that is.

“Is she okay?” I ask.

He places his hand on her forehead. “She’s fine,” he answers. “Perhaps your fast descent proved too much for her. I suggest rest and a hot meal.”

I do not wish to rest.

I wish to make her mine, to undress and kiss and caress and drag my tongue over every inch of her naked, exposed, willing body.

The crowd parts as I carry her to my home. It is a simple dwelling, not much different from those that my people live in.

I don’t like to emphasize my status.

It is something Eldrin chastises me for — he says I ought to be proud of my heritage, that the people want and need a leader, and that I should display my power as such, but… we are constantly on the move.

I’m not going to waste precious resources on building me a bigger home, just to have to abandon it a few months later, when the Qroq get too close. I grew up in a big, beautiful stone palace, high up in the mountains, before the war… and I’ll return to it someday, victorious.

The wooden door falls shut behind me after I carry Amelia over the threshold. Two maids who are dusting my windowsill look up, their eyes big.

“Out,” I growl.

They bow their head and excuse themselves. I lay Amelia down on my bed and place my hand on her forehead.

It is as hot as coals.

I slide her robe down her shoulders in order to let her cool off, but I am not prepared for what comes next.

Her round, luscious breasts spill out, and I freeze in place.

Amelia’s nipples are hard and begging for attention.

I’ve never seen a sight more alluring, and my cock instantly hardens. My heart is beating like a war drum, and the dragon inside me roars, begging for release.

I can’t help but wet my lips.

I must have her.

Now.

My fingers hover above her pale breasts, as I try to fight my animal instincts. I remind myself that Amelia is brand-new to this world. I do not know what horrors the Qroq have subjected her to.

Waking up with me inside of her might be the last thing she needs.

And yet…

The dragon wants what the dragon wants.