“You’re not pregnant.” The technician showed both Drayce and Satin the readout on the scanner, and with little or no emotion he walked away onto the next task for the day.
To him it was nothing. Pregnancy Scan=Check. Results: Negative=Check.
But to Drayce it was a moment of relief, and yet, a moment of sadness. Part of him had hoped for a child. A miniature mixture of the two of them, their offspring. He knew there was time for a family, but anticipating the test had him mulling over the options ahead of him.
“Gods, that’s great news.” Satin beamed.
“It is.” He wrapped his arm around her, walking her out of the lab, and down the hall toward the back door which would lead to the paddocks and dragons.
“This is it. I can’t believe today is the day.”
Drayce grimaced, his insides knotting with worry. “Yes, are you excited?” Previously he’d always been excited about the battle, unable to sleep well, his adrenalin rushing through his veins, and the desire to just roar with the prospect of battle.
But this time was different. He had a wife, and although she had proven herself as capable with a natural instinct for riding and controlling Azure, never faltering even in her training periods with maneuvers. Her skill and prowess seemed beyond compare.
Which means I have nothing to worry about.
Wrong. He seemed to worry more. If she’d been less than ready, or struggled with any area of command, he would have grounded her, forcing her to practice strategies and moves required for battle. Inadequacy would have been a great; it would have meant his treasure would be safe, guarded by the soldiers and beasts left to protect the estate
Instead, he agonized most of the night.
Will I lose her today?
She could be killed. Sacrificed during battle. Yes, her dragon would do his best to protect her, but he was a beast after all, not an invincible tank or fortress. As mammoth as Azure was, he could be killed, taking Drayce’s wife with him.
Drayce had shaken off the anxiety and spent a good portion of the night fucking and holding his girl. By the Gods of Alpheas, Azure and Scarlett would have their sexual scent all over them. He hoped that it would heighten their protectiveness, keeping them safe.
Stopping outside of the barn, he held both her hands, looking off into the distance he noticed that the sun was just setting on the horizon, casting long shadows on the ground. “Listen we need to discuss the rules again.”
Rolling her eyes, Satin sighed loudly. “Nooooo. We’ve talked about them already. A couple of times.”
“We’re discussing them again, now pay attention.”
Her eyes opened, and she nodded quietly.
“Good girl. You know the plans.”
“Yes! I’ve memorized them.”
“Attitude.” He wagged a finger in her face. “You’ll ride where?”
Satin responded in a flat, rote voice. “Right next to you.”
“That’s right. And if we become separated, what do you do?”
“I call you on the communicator and wait for you and Scarlett to find me.” She twisted around looking toward the paddocks and barn, he assumed in search of her dragon.
Grasping her chin between his thumb and forefinger, he drew her attention back to him. “Zayvoc is going to ride Sapphron, the orange dragon. As the handler, he’ll be there to assist with any disciplinary issues you may have with Azure and help you if I’m…busy.”
“I know all of this, Drayce. Can’t we just go?”
“You’ll stay safe, or else. Where’s your communicator?”
She pulled it out of her pocket. The velvet riding outfit hugged every curve she had, and for battle, Dragon Warlords kept their tail out, making it obvious to anyone who observed that they were given the title based on their gifting. Satin’s suit was a deep navy blue, and her azure tail contrasted beautifully, but not as sensuously as her plump ass.
Cupping a buttocks in his hand, Drayce groped her gratuitously. “You’re so fucking gorgeous. I swear I could fuck you right here, right now.”
Giggling she shoved him away. “We did that already. Several times!”
“I never weary of you.”
“If you follow all the plans and behave, I’ll fuck you senseless tonight.” She batted her eyelashes at him.
“Saucy brat!” Weaving his hand through her hair, he dragged her to him. “Stay safe, my love.”
“I will, dear. I love you, Drayce. Now let’s go kick some Zelorian ass!” She shook her fist in the air, her excitement contagious.
Zayvoc had the beasts adorned with their chest plates protecting the most vulnerable parts of their body. The dragons stomped around noisily, roaring with their excitement, the adrenalin surging through their veins as well.
Azure and Scarlett, approached both Drayce and Satin. Azure sniffed Satin so much that he almost knocked his girl to the ground. “Okay boy, slow down.”
“He smells you on me, right?”
“I’m assuming.” It was then that Scarlett nuzzled Drayce, sniffing loudly, her nose taking what seemed like an inventory of each limb and body part, inhaling deeply. The red beast pulled back, staring deeply into Drayce’s eyes, before licking the side of his face.
“She seems to approve. One more kiss.” Cupping the back of her head, he sensually kissed his wife, reveling in the softness of her lips and mouth that tasted like honey but when his cock stirred, he eased away, pecking her lips one more time.
“Up you go, my dear.” Drayce helped her climb Azure, watching her settle into her saddle, strapping herself into the seat. “Put your headset on so the comm set is on auto and you will answer all my communications, clear?”
Another eye roll had his back teeth grinding.
“Yes, Sir. I know, I know.”
He pointed the finger at her before stalking toward Scarlett. Climbing into his saddle, he also strapped in and set his comm set to auto as well. “Are you there, Satin?”
Satin sighed loudly into her microphone before answering in a resigned manner. “Yes, Drayce. I’m here.”
Shaking his head, he swore she’d try the patience of the Goddess Gem.
Drayce looked to the right and saw his brother, Cloven, upon Jade, an emerald green dragon that was stunning in his color and size. Saluting to his brother, Cloven smiled and saluted back. “You and your little dragon wife ready for her mission, Drayce?”
“Yes, brother. We’re set.”
Looking to his left, he found Artemis, his friend from his youth. “Ready for formation, Artemis?”
“Yes, Commander.” With a flap of the gigantic black dragon’s wings, Onyx and Artemis rose above the flock of dragons and their riders, hovering over the ground as the front dragon, waiting for the command to charge.
Onyx was the largest of the dragons, and his fire could shoot easily one hundred feet in front of him. The beast was impressive, as was the Warlord on his back. Artemis was also the largest of the Warlords, but the most gentle of the men. Rarely did he ever shout or become angry, Drayce figured it was due to his size. When your very presence frightened people, you didn’t have to make your might or authority known.
He’d been a trusty friend to Drayce and a soldier that he relied upon. His instincts were solid, and strategically he knew how to respond in every situation, directing the dragons behind him.
This would be a battle that they would need their wits about them, one that could become bloody and chaotic quickly if they weren’t on their toes.
Drayce took a deep breath, calming his nerves.
“Zayvoc, how soon until the missile launch?”
The dragon handler checked his hand held system, swiping through screens. “We’ll be striking in seven minutes, Sir.”
“Moving forward, Satin.” He tugged on the reins moving Scarlett forward through the ranks, with Azure and Satin close on their heels.
Plodding toward the paddock the soldiers and handlers had organized the dragons and riders into the formation. The beasts stomped the dark earth, snorting steam from their nostrils, the air becoming thick with their humid breath.
The sky had turned dark, the clear stars sparkling above their heads. If it weren't so tragic that they were attacking Satin’s planet, taking her father and family by surprise with their missiles and dragons, it would be a romantic night for a dragon ride. But tonight was anything but romantic, it would be devastating, and he worried about how his delicate wife would react emotionally after the battle.
Many grown men would suffer the effects of trauma from war, crying and shaking in the middle of the night with terrors that gripped their souls. It took a courageous stoic person to separate the sights and sounds of battle, not allowing them to affect their daily lives.
Will my wife be one of those people? Is she courageous enough to survive these battles?
The dragons along the front lines pawed at the earth, the dirt flying in clumps around them, the only thing holding them back from taking flight was the tight grip the riders had on their reins. These beasts lived for the battles, soaring gracefully, the whoosh of their wings slicing through the night air, eerily the skies were silent except for the whisper of their wings.
Drayce had flown many missions with Scarlett, and for every single one his heart raced, his adrenalin had his body trembling and his insides roiling. But the thrill of it all made him want to roar like one of his dragons.
Zayvoc and Sapphron quickly entered the paddock, the ground shaking with the large beast’s heavy quick steps. “They saw the missiles coming; they’re attacking. We need to fly now!”
Drayce raised his voice and roared. “Dragons take flight! Artemis, lead us!”
With minimal direction from the riders and Warlords, the beasts all rose from the ground their wings flapping, snorting and roaring with excitement. As a child, he would watch from his bedroom window his father directing the dragon army and Drayce dreamed of being a fearless Commander and Warlord. He wondered if the day would ever come that he’d take this role for granted.
He hoped not.
Marveling at the thrill of commanding such a beast would be enough for a lifetime, but the privilege of commanding an army of dragons was beyond anything he could imagine. He turned looking around him. Hundreds and hundreds of these beasts filled the sky with the colors of the rainbow. The full moon shimmered off their shiny scales, their eyes glowing like embers of a fire.
The synchronization of the animals amazed him, their formation similar to that of geese on Terra. Through research, he had heard about the migration of these earthly fowl, their formation not by mistake. It was aeronautical and precise, taking into account the weakest and strongest members of the flock, just as the dragons did on Trexotera.
The Dragon Commanders and Warlords could convince themselves that they orchestrated these beasts, but in all reality they barely contained them, placing minimal boundaries upon them. The elegant dragons were a force to be reckoned with, and they placidly allowed the Warlord they trusted and chose to direct their flight. But in reality, the beasts chose and guided their Warlords.
Drayce laughed at the concept, realizing for the first time that it wasn’t unlike the relationship he had with his wife. She chose him, allowing him the privilege of containing and directing her, placing boundaries but overall her courage and natural abilities drove her gifting and love, he had been given the privilege of orchestrating and loving his wild wife who was a force to be reckoned with—and he would always be thankful for the opportunity.
Drayce heard through his earpiece, Zayvoc speaking into the comm set. “Sir, the missiles are thirty seconds from their targets, the dragons will have us there within five. Our missiles will take out theirs, protecting us all from return fire.”
“Thank you, Zayvoc. Keep me apprised.”
“Satin?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Are you okay, baby?”
“Yes, thank you for asking.” The genuineness in her voice had him relieved; she was calm and composed. His brave girl.
“Team, Zayvoc just apprised me that we have missiles landing in thirty seconds and these missiles will also cancel any return fire they have sent our way, protecting both us and the dragons.”
Satin expelled a long breath. “What a relief. At least we won’t have to dodge any bombs.”
“We’ll be on time, Commander,” Artemis’s deep voice rumbled through the comm headphones.
“Thank you, Artemis.”
Cloven chuckled. “You won’t start to cry, becoming hysterical will you, little girl?”
Damn his brother!
Before he could rebuke him, Satin’s voice came through loud and clear “Fuck you, Cloven. I’m not one given to tears in case you haven’t noticed. I’ll kick your ass taking down more men tonight than you’ll ever take down.”
“Enough! I’ll not have this turned into a competition, that’s how Warlords lose their lives, and I refuse to lose either my brother or my wife on this night. Stay focused and keep to the plans.” He paused containing his temper. “And brother? Shut the fuck up!”
All the men laughed, loudly.
“Love you, Drayce.”
“I love you too, Princess.”
Scarlett reared her head, whining loudly. Drayce chuckled patting her neck affectionately. “I love you too, Princess Scarlett.” He and his dragon had been through some pretty difficult battles and some close calls. She had been a cover for him countless times, taking bullets and arrows saving his life with her own every time, without hesitation.
Looking over he watched his wife flying on her first mission. Her tail was airborne behind her, matching the color of her dragon exactly. His cock stiffened just staring at her tentacle; he viewed it as a sexual toy now.
My dragon girl.
“Sir, we’re approaching! Coming in for battle!”
Pulling out the horn attached to his wide leather belt on his black riding outfit, he brought it to his lips, blowing on it—loud and long. Pausing he did it again and then after a pause blew again. Although their planet had made technological advances in every area, when it came to battle with the dragons, the old systems worked best. The dragons responded best to the old-fashioned horn, and their bodies became rigid, and they roared in response, their competitive nature and aggression rising to the surface with the blow of the horn.
The riders leaned forward, hugging the necks of their dragons the spikes on their spines shielding them. Each rider knew their dragon and how to communicate with them, some preferred talking to them, some stroking them, and some riders roughly slapped their thick skin, urging them forward to battle.
Searching the front line, Drayce found Artemis and marveled once again at how graceful Onyx flew with Artemis as his Warlord. As young boys Artemis and Drayce had played together, attending the same schools. His black hair draped down to the base of his spine; his deep black eyes were similar in color to his dragon. Artemis liked to joke that his eyes were as dark as his soul. Many had given him that reputation, but only Drayce and those close to him knew that the tenderness of his heart made that saying ridiculous.
But as an outsider, the duo of Artemis and Onyx seemed to be a match made by the Gods. They were a formidable pair and having them lead the army; they would scatter citizens in total fear, which was the goal, making it easier to push them back into surrender.
The roar and screech of Onyx up ahead was a signal to them all to brace for battle. Pulling his gun from its holster, Drayce prepared, and quickly looked over to find his wife already aiming, using the ossifications on Azure’s back as a buttress for her rifle, the spikes supported the weapon perfectly. He couldn’t help but chuckle, knowing that Scarlett would never tolerate such behavior from him, but Azure placidly allowed her to manipulate his plates in any manner she desired.
Artemis discharged his rifle, the automatic emission of bullets sprayed onto the castle and the soldiers shooting back at the Trexoteran soldiers as well. The rest of the Warlords and dragons began shooting. The graceful swooping of the beasts circling the castle and grounds of the Tempest estate.
Drayce could only hope that Satin’s family were sequestered safely in the dungeon or basement of the castle. The warhead of the castle, however, was teaming with soldiers.
The dragons roared, blasting the turrets and warhead with flames, destroying the structure and any citizens present. The missiles had decimated large areas of the castle and Drayce did not doubt that much of the castle would be inhabitable at this point.
Dozens and dozens of dragons and riders swooped circling the castle, spewing forth fire, while the riders shot at the enemy.
Drayce circled the barn and fields watching for stray armaments that would make a surprise attack from behind, the field was bare, and it made him realize that Alistair Tempest’s army was nowhere near as large as they had anticipated.
He wondered at burning down the barn but feared there would be innocent animals or workers in there and decided to leave it alone. There was no need to destroy it when it appeared that they would win this battle easily.
Coming back around he checked the dragons and riders to the left, assessing them, and once he realized that they weren’t in any real danger, and the Warlords were following the plans, he went back to find Satin and Artemis.
Scarlett dipped to the right of the castle, and he wondered what she was seeing, it wasn’t until Onyx and Azure came into view, both breathing long trails of fire onto an onslaught of soldiers who were shooting a large volley of arrows at the dragons, hoping to injure them with the darts, wearing them down, that he knew his dragon knew they needed their assistance.
Scarlett came from behind the attacking soldiers, surprising them with fire in a direction they hadn’t expected.
Speaking into the comm set, he shouted, “Back up Artemis and Satin, we’re coming in for a surprise fire fight.” Dipping down and flying at a high rate of speed, Drayce whispered to his girl, “That’s a girl, Scarlett; you got this girl. Such a good girl.” He slapped her neck affectionately, ducking his head behind the plates and gripping her tightly.
The wind whipped his face, the smell of singed hair and clothes filling his nostrils, and he fought the urge to gag on the stench of war. His heart raced, and his legs shook clenching them around the vast girth of the beast. Scarlett trembled under his legs, her screeching had ceased and with a deep inhale, her chest expanding, spreading his legs further apart, the beast roared fire spewing with such force that the sky turned yellow and Drayce saw nothing but stars, his vision becoming white. Closing his eyes, he held on for dear life, listening to the screams and gurgles of death below him.
Will I ever become accustomed to those sounds? I pray that the Gods never allow such callousness.
“Yes!” Artemis shouted from a distance, and that’s when Drayce realized that they had slaughtered the enemy and were flying upward to swing back around.
“Drayce, are you okay?” Her voice wavered with fear.
“Yes, Satin, I’m doing all right.”
“That was fucking amazing!” Once she realized he was safe, her excitement became evident.
“It was, wasn’t it?” He laughed, patting his dragon. “You did it, Scarlett. Good dragon.”
Circling the castle, he looked his shoulder at the area they’d just left, and the bricks and turrets were singed from the fire, and only a few soldiers were left, the rest had been cremated. Before they could approach, Onyx and Azure had begun their fire fight again, finishing the rest of the area off, leaving that portion of the castle, free of danger.
“Sir! Sir! I’ve been shot; someone took my dragon. Someone took Sapphron!” Zayvoc’s panicked voice startled them all. Drayce felt his heart clench, his breath expelling.
“I’m going in!” It was Satin’s voice coming through the comm set before Drayce could even respond to Zayvoc.
“No! You will not go there. I’ll take care of this.” Drayce growled through the communication device. “Satin, you come back here this instant. I command you to turn around. I’ve got this soldier, stand down!”
He turned Scarlett around and made to chase his errant wife and her dragon, but he was too far behind to catch up.
“Drayce, she’s already gone. I’m following.” Artemis was on her heels, giving chase.
Damn her!
“I see him! Oh my…it’s …Why are you here? Rython, you can’t take that dragon, it’s not yours. No! No!”
Drayce couldn’t stay back and watch; he needed to get closer to her. Defend and protect her.
“Satin! Is it your brother? Is your brother there? Fly away! Do not stay there! I’ll take care of Sapphron. Get out of there, soldier!”
“I’ve got this, Drayce. I’m going to rescue her.” Artemis and Onyx swooped down on the top floor, near the burned out turret. The large beast blew fire onto the whole area.
“What is happening? Speak to me, Artemis. Do you see her?” Drayce could barely breathe, the fear gripped his whole being. He’d lose her— would this be the day that he lost his wife? Would this be the day he lost her on her planet, to her brother, in a battle with her father? It didn’t make sense, none of it…but nonetheless, he knew that this wouldn’t be a day he’d forget. He just hoped that it wouldn’t be the day he lost his wife forever.
The screeching of the dragons meant something tragic had happened. The sky had an orange-yellow hue to it from the smoke and fire of hundreds of dragons, and it added to the eerie sadness that hung over the battlefield like a blanket. The weight of sadness and loss made it difficult to breathe.
“She’s been captured, Commander,” Artemis’s resigned voice came over the comm set.
Flying straight and fast as an arrow, Scarlett dove into the area where Onyx and Artemis were situated. But he was right, Azure and Satin were no longer present.
“Where? She was just...how did they…did you…did you see where they went?” Drayce couldn’t focus, his head swiveled, and he twisted so in his seat that he feared he might lose his balance. His panic was upsetting Scarlett, and the dragon screeched maniacally, her keening cries filling the air. He knew he needed to calm down or she’d dissolve into despair, burning everything in her path, risking all the soldiers.
Breathe! Breathe! You must think, Drayce.
He forced his breath to fall into a steady rhythm. Her brother, Rhython, had shot Zayvoc, taking Sapphron, but how did he capture Satin and Azure? It made no sense to him; it wasn’t a small feat to capture a dragon and its rider.
Did she voluntarily leave? Could it be that she’d stolen two dragons from his fleet and would now start her army with her father? Would she do that to me—to us?
“Sir? Commander? Drayce, are you listening?”
Swiveling his head, he met Artemis’s gaze. “Yes, sorry.”
“Commander, we’re at risk. We need to check on Zayvoc and get the fuck out of here. The battle is over. We’ll fortify and plan for the recapture of your bride.”
“I…I can’t leave her.” Drayce looked around. The night had become mysteriously quiet, and still, all the dragons had left. The scent of smoldering wood from the castle filled the air, tendrils of smoke rose like ghosts into the inky night. But his bride and her blue dragon were gone.
His soul ached. How would he go home without her? Could he survive without his Dragon Princess?
But he also knew that there was no way that he could protect her or save her if he were shot down or died. He needed to go home. Talk to his father, gather his army and return. Return to defeat the scoundrels who’d stolen his wife and her dragon, defending her and bringing her home to him again.
I’ll keep her cocooned in our estate, never letting her leave—ever!
“Come on, Drayce, we’ll come back and kill all of these fuckers. Next time we won’t leave without her or Azure. But tonight—you have to go back to Trexotera, you can’t put all of your soldiers at risk without a plan.”
His friend was right. Artemis had been with him through thick and thin; he’d been closer than any brother. Drayce trusted him with his life…and that of his wife as well.
With a longing look over his shoulder and a tear sneaking down his cheek, Drayce whispered. “Sleep well, my Princess; I’ll be back to exact revenge for you. Until we meet again.” He choked on a sob and wept like a child, his tears wetting the cold red scales of his dragon. Gripping Scarlett’s plates in each hand, he sobbed, his heart-rending in agony.
“Drayce, listen, man. We won’t delay…trust me on this. We’ll plan all night and come back tomorrow. We won’t let them keep her. You have to hold it together. Your men, the dragons, and your girl are relying on your strength and fortitude. Don’t let them down…do it for them.” Artemis’s black eyes burrowed into him. Anyone else would fear that the man was ready to kill Drayce with his bare hands, but Drayce knew him better than that. The emotion behind his words said that he’d kill the enemy, if necessary, but his loyalty and love were endless for his friend and his wife. He’d do anything for them, and Drayce would never forget it either.
“You’re right, my friend. I’ll hold it together for them. I’ll focus my energy and anger into exacting a plan. She’ll be home by tomorrow evening. We’ll be one again. She’s Mine!”