Vulrux:

The air stills as the transformation begins.

Pain fills my body. Near me, Dennox’s hands clench into fists, his expression agonized. My nails start to lengthen into claws, and I stare at them blankly. My mind is still hazy with pleasure, my body still sated and lax.

Dennox, with his soldier’s quickness, understands what’s happening before I do. “The transformation is upon us,” he gasps, his face contorted as his bones twist and reshape. “We must go outside.”

Bast! Of course. My house is many things, but dragon-proof it’s not. The mating bond took longer between Viola, Arax, and Nyx, but Viola hadn’t had Draekon blood flowing through her veins. Harper has, and the presence of the mutation must have accelerated the bonding.

Dennox hurtles through the house, and I follow on his heels.

“Harper, stay back!” I shout, and feel relief when she stops in the doorway, face stricken with worry. I don’t have time to tell her what’s happening. The dragon is upon me.

The driving rain hammers at my body as I sink to my knees, gasping in agony.

My skin tears. My bones break and reform. For an instant, I can’t breathe, and then I feel wings erupt. My skin hardens into scales, and my tail lashes to and fro.

For sixty years, the dragon inside me has waited for this moment. Now, it is free at last.

I rear up and breathe flames into the sky, bellowing my joy at the long-delayed transformation. At my side, a gleaming bronze dragon spreads its wings and arches upward. Dennox.

Alerted by my roar, people fill the clearing. My cousin Arax, and his pair-bond, Nyx. Rorix. Ferix. Thrax. Haldax. Their eyes widen with awe as they see the two dragons in front of them.

The rain hammers down, brutal and unrelenting. I snarl my defiance. I will fly today. I spread my wings, that glitter blue-green like the color of the underground lake, the color of Harper’s eyes.

Pain engulfs me once more as the rain shreds my wings.

Harper’s running toward me, as are the others. “Change back,” she screams. “Get to the safety of the paths.”

I try to yell at her not to stay where she is. To my ever-lasting gratitude, Nyx grabs her before she runs into the rain. Thank Caeron. I take a deep breath. My body seems to know how to transform by instinct because I don’t have to think about what to do to become a man again.

We crawl back to the paths. My arms are bruised, battered and sore, but I’m not badly injured; the rain didn’t have too much time to do damage.

Harper sinks to her knees beside us, her fingers running over our arms. “Are you okay?”

Dennox nods. “Just cuts and scratches,” he says, with a hardiness borne of long years of training. “It’ll heal by the morning.”

Harper slowly realizes that a hush has fallen over the camp, and every single person is watching us. Including the two scientists. Her cheeks go pink as she takes in the audience. The mating bond causes the transformation; every single Draekon knows that. We might as well have announced that we just had sex.

For a moment, she seems almost speechless, then she shrugs faintly, and her face splits into a broad grin. “Not to be a prude or anything,” she quips, “but I really think the two of you should put some clothes on.”

* * *

Harper:

Holy fucking tamales. They’re dragons. Call me superficial, but that’s totally, absolutely hot.

Dennox’s dragon is bronze and powerful. Vulrux’s dragon is bluish-green and looks sleek and fast.

And the fire-breathing? Is. So. Cool.

I can’t wait to jump them again.

The other Draekons crowd around my mates—and yes, I guess I’m calling them that—congratulating them, patting them on the back. Ryanna grins at me. “Let me guess, you couldn’t resist the hotties,” she says, under the chatter.

I laugh. “I guess not.” I give her an appraising look. “Which leaves Sofia and you as the single ones.”

She rolls her eyes. “Oh God, tell me you’re not going to become one of those people,” she says. “Everyone doesn’t have to be a couple, you know. Or a trio. Some of us are happy being single.”

I’ve watched Ryanna in camp. She totally has a crush on Thrax, and both Thrax and Zorux, have spent hours with her, patiently teaching her how to throw the bone knives they use to hunt.

Of course, neither men transformed into dragons when they laid eyes on her. Maybe that’s what’s holding her back?

“If you say so,” I reply, holding up my hands. “No matchmaking, I promise.”

Viola comes up to me. “Don’t say ‘I told you so,’” I warn her. “Gloating is a bad look on you.”

She doesn’t crack a smile. “Can I talk to you alone?” she asks, taking hold of my elbow and leading me away from everyone. When we’re out of earshot, she looks at me with a serious expression on her face. “I heard you went to visit Raiht’vi,” she says.

So much for Nyx being cool about me visiting the scientist.

“Yeah, is that against the rules?”

She frowns. “Don’t be flippant, Harper.” She looks around and moves closer. “I don’t trust her.”

“Why not? She’s not exactly winning prizes in the charm department, I grant you that, but she’s not that bad.”

She takes a deep breath. “I’ve never told anyone this,” she warns. “Not even Arax and Nyx. When you were unconscious, Arax and Nyx went to back to the spaceship to get our luggage, which sounds harmless, but wasn’t really, because the rains were imminent, and they hadn’t transformed.”

After seeing what the rains did to my two dragons, I can see why that would be dangerous.

“They wanted it to be a surprise,” she continues in a low voice. “When I couldn’t find them, Raiht’vi told me that they went to look for the Draekons that took Olivia and the others.”

“What?”

She nods grimly. “She was ill,” she admits. “And she might have been delirious.”

“But you don’t believe that.”

“No.” She gives me a steady look. “I think she said that because she knew I’d go looking for Arax and Nyx in the jungle. I think she was trying to get me killed.”

I give her a shocked look. “Are you sure?”

She shakes her head. “No, I’m not. But I don’t trust her, Harper. I don’t trust either of them. Be careful, okay?”

She turns around and goes back to the others. I stare at her receding back. I know I need to tell Viola about what Vulrux learned from Beirax. I need to tell Ryanna and Sofia too. Even if there’s only a slim chance that there’s a way out of this planet, the women deserve to know.

“I should tell Arax about what I learned from Beirax.”

The three of us are back in the underground lake the next day. As usual, it’s deserted, though I have a sneaking suspicion that the privacy is Arax’s doing, a way of encouraging the mating bond, and if so, thank you, Firstborn.

Dennox was right; yesterday’s rain-induced bruises are gone, and both men appear to be in perfect health.

The red narmi that scared the crap out of me the first day circles us, but I’m used to seeing it around, and I barely spare it a second glance. Instead, I look at Vulrux. He’s floating on his back, the narmi playfully butting him every five seconds or so.

“You haven’t told him? I thought that’s the first thing you’d do.”

“No, of course not, Harper,” he responds. “I wouldn’t have told him before I told you. You’re our mate. You always come first.”

I can’t help the smile that breaks out on my face. Seriously, I’m pinching myself this morning; I feel so lucky. Maybe that’s the effect of really good sex.

“Why haven’t you told him?” I ask Vulrux.

He has a pensive look on his face. “You didn’t know Arax’s life on Zoraht,” he replies. “From the moment he woke up to the moment he went to bed, his life was dictated for him. In the last year before the Exile, assassins targeted him three times. Palace intrigues, spies, secrets…” He sighs. “It’s not easy being the Firstborn.”

Dennox raises an eyebrow. “Not just the Firstborn,” he points out. “You were causing quite a stir yourself with your speeches in the Saaric.”

I find every description of Zoraht fascinating. Even the politics. “What kind of speeches?”

Vulrux shrugs. “The scientists wanted to expand their security force,” he says. “Among other things. I spoke out against it. Brunox, the head of their council, is a dangerous man, canny and power-hungry, and he had far too many allies.” His face darkens. “Including the Adrashian techmages.”

“You think Arax will worry about what’s happening on Zoraht.”

He nods. “My cousin is finally happy,” he says softly. “Nyx and Viola are really good for him. I’ve never seen him more relaxed, more content. I don’t want to ruin that.”

I gaze at the troubled man. “You can’t keep this from him though.”

“I know,” he replies. “I don’t plan to. Before the rains end, I will tell him everything.” His expression lightens. “In the meanwhile,” he says, “I just realized this cave is large enough for us to transform, and even fly.”

I look around the vast space. “You can’t fly much,” I point out. “More like hover.” I frown. “You should take it easy after yesterday’s injuries.”

He grins playfully. “I’ll take it just as easy as you did once you woke up from your coma, Harper,” he says with a wink.

Ouch.

Dennox’s lips twitch. “We should find out what our abilities are,” he says practically. “Otherwise, we won’t be much use when we look for the other humans.”

My eyes sparkle and I smile gleefully. “So the two of you are going to transform again? Yes, please. And are you going to breathe fire too? So cool.”

Dennox chuckles at me. He swims to the bank and pulls himself out of the water. Once again, I ogle shamelessly as the water sluices off him, and all that glorious nakedness comes into view. Yum. And it’s mine.

He takes a deep breath. I watch, transfixed, as he morphs into a dragon. I swear, if I live to be a hundred years old, I’m never going to get tired of the sight.

Vulrux gets up from his rocky perch and joins me. “Can you understand us?” he yells to dragon-Dennox. “Can you recognize us?”

Dragon-Dennox’s long neck curls toward us, and the massive head nods slowly.

Well, that’s a relief.

Vulrux keeps asking questions. “Can you hover?” he yells to Dennox.

The bronze dragon makes his way to the rock that Vulrux was sitting on, his tail slithering behind him. He’s using the rock formation as a launch pad, I realize. I watch as dragon-Dennox climbs the rocks, oddly graceful and cat-like. When he reaches the top, he unfurls his wings, jumps, and swoops low over the lake.

It lasts for about five seconds before he runs out of room and splashes into the water.

Most awesome five seconds ever.

Vulrux is almost bent over with laughter. Dragon-Dennox slithers out of the water. He shifts back and heads over, his eyes narrowed as he takes in the other man’s amusement. “Really?” he demands. “This is funny to you? You’re doing the next set of experiments.”

“Oh, come on.” I wrap my hand around Dennox’s waist. “That was hilarious.”

He tries to glare at me, but he can’t pull it off. His lips twitch, and finally, he too bursts out laughing.

Vulrux transforms next. “Let’s try breathing fire,” Dennox suggests to the blue-green dragon. “Can you burn that bush on the far side of the lake?”

The dragon opens his mouth and exhales a jet of fire. The bush bursts into flame and dragon-Vulrux looks smug.

I bounce on the balls of my feet and clap loudly. Dennox, on the other hand, has a frown on his face. “Did it just get colder here?”

He’s right. Now that he mentions it, I’m suddenly freezing, and when I look at the rocks, they’re covered with a thin sheen of ice.

“Try again,” Dennox shouts to Vulrux. “Aim anywhere.”

Vulrux opens his mouth, but this time around, only a wisp of fire leaks out before being extinguished. He shifts back. “That’s strange. What’s happening?”

Dennox’s brow clears. “You’re drawing heat from the air to create fire,” he says. “The temperature dropped when you burned the bush. I bet,” he adds, “that you’ll be fine once it warms up again. Or if you move to a different area.”

Vulrux looks thoughtful. “That is a liability.”

“Is it?” I ask quizzically. “I’m assuming you only need one burst of fire to do damage.”

Vulrux’s lips turn up. “You’re probably right.” His fingertips run over the swell of my breasts. “I don’t know,” he murmurs, “Why I’m exploring my new found abilities when I could be doing something much more interesting.”

Dennox’s hand moves down my back, and he cups my butt. “Mmm,” he growls. “I agree with Vulrux.” He fixes me with a heated gaze. “Why are you wearing your swimsuit today, diya?”

I roll my eyes. “Because I wanted to swim,” I reply. “If I were naked, I’m pretty sure none of us would have got into the water.”

Vulrux tugs at the shoulder-straps of my suit. “You swam already,” he says. “And now, the garment is just in the way.” He undresses me, pressing kisses on my heated skin.

“I have a confession...”

“Yes?”  Dennox pulls me to him and lifts me in his arms. I wrap my arms and legs around him as he walks me back to the smooth rocks where we fooled around before.

“The fact that you guys are dragons is a major turn on,” I admit.

“Turn on? What are you telling us, Harper?” the mischievous glint in his eye says he knows exactly what I’m hinting at.

I push at him. “Why would I tell you when I can show you?” I wriggle out of his arms, sliding down his naked body, tugging him to sit. I kneel before him and grip his cock again. “This time is all about you,” I tell him. He doesn’t protest. Smart draekon.

“You too.” I beckon to Vulrux.

He joins the two of us, wrapping his hand around my neck and turning me toward him. I taste one cock and then the other, marveling at the rich honey taste. “This is incredible,” I mutter.

“Does it taste good?” Vulrux asks.

“Yes. Like honey. Something sweet.”

As I suck them, they play with my nipples, pinching them and pulling them. My breasts go heavy with desire, and I gasp with pleasure at their touch. “So incredible…” Gotta love dragons. A thought strikes me. “Do you think I could ride on your back sometime? In dragon form?”

“We must make sure you are safe—” Vulrux starts, and I wrap my mouth around the head of his cock and suck lightly. His fingers fist in my hair, but I pull off with a pop.

“What was that again, Vulrux?”

The gleam in his eyes tells me he knows exactly what I’m doing. Before he can answer, I take a deep breath and engulf him as far as I can. His knees almost buckle, and he groans audibly. I work my mouth over him, sucking until my cheeks hollow. As soon as I relax the suction, he stumbles back, chest heaving.

Dennox chuckles as if he knows my game. I turn to him. “What do you think, Dennox?” I purr. “Can I ride you?”

“I don’t know, diya. Can you?” He leans back, his cock sticking straight up. Clearly, he wants me to ride him in this form. Normally I would hop right on, but today I want to blow his mind.

Nestling between his knees, I lick his balls and then scoot forward to wrap my boobs around his dick. His eyes widen as I squeeze his shaft between his two favorite things. “Like this?” I breathe, and bob up and down, sliding my breasts along his slick cock. On the down stroke, I bend my head to close my lips over his head.

Dennox’s hips jerk. “Harper,” he says through gritted teeth.

“Is that a yes?” I say, and stroke faster, sucking harder until he roars and thrusts his hips up high. “Mouth,” he grunts, his face contorted with desire. Obligingly, I take him in my mouth again. He’s close. His hand on the back of my head holding me close, he comes deep in my throat, and I swallow every drop.

“Harper Boyd,” Dennox gasps.

“Yes?” I ask, giving him my most innocent smile.

The dark-haired Draekon just shakes his head.

“You’ve robbed him of words, sweet one,” Vulrux says. He lifts me from my knees and smooths back my hair.

I smile up at him. “It’s your turn.” I close my palm over Vulrux’s fat cock, marveling once again at how thick and hard he is. My fist slides up and down his length, and he throws his head back in pleasure.

Dennox pulls me into his lap. He spreads my legs wide, and moves his fingers between my legs, unerringly finding my clitoris and strumming on it. Groaning with pleasure, I reach for Vulrux, and take his cock in my mouth, savoring the sweet taste of him. We’re both pretty close.

His fingers increase their pressure on my clitoris, and I moan into Vulrux’s cock. I’m so close, but I fight to hold on. My Draekons have given me endless pleasure. Today, I want it to be about them. I want Vulrux to come first.

Vulrux’s grip tightens in my hair. His normal control unravels, and he thrusts into my mouth. I did this to him. “Diya,” he gasps, his voice hoarse. Then he erupts, and I swallow every drop. Dennox’s fingers speed up, and I can’t hold back anymore. A dam bursts, and wave after wave of sweet release flows through me.

When it’s done, I lick my lips. Honey and cream. Delicious.

“Dragons are awesome.”