More than four hundred years ago…
One look and Alenathos fell hard for the beauty bathing in his lake. He swam to her, shifting from his serpent form to human. “Aren’t you lovely? Have you lost your way?”
Her flaming red hair shone in the sunlight. Her eyes flickered with eternal flame. Ruby scales formed over her skin as she turned toward him.
A smile crept across his lips as he met the gaze of the breathtaking fire dragon. But what was she doing in his home?
“Why would you think I lost my way?” Her words were filled with smoke. “You don’t own this lake.”
He moved closer. “It is my home. Certainly you know who I am.”
Her smile widened. “I do not. Though I see you’re my enemy.” Light danced through her gorgeous eyes as she closed more distance.
“Why do we have to be enemies? You may be a fire dragon, but I hold no prejudice.” Though most dragons hated any element but their own. Alenathos had never been so closed-minded. However, he’d never heard of a fire dragon willing to acquaint themselves with a water dragon. If any two elements hated each other more than others it was the fire and water clans of dragons.
“I suppose we don’t have to be.” She reached out, trailing one finger down his chest as her scales faded away, revealing rosy skin. “No one can know of our friendship.”
Hope burst free. Perhaps she was likeminded. He leaned closer to whisper against her ear, “Who would I tell? My family disowned me.” Never mind why.
Saressa had tricked him into becoming her slave. The queen of the Water Realm had lured him in by capturing his newborn sister. He saved her, but Saressa stabbed him in the back with an enchanted blade. She enslaved him before healing his body. He’d searched far and wide for a way to escape for years. At least she only called on him when she had need of him. And the sadistic bitch often preferred to get her hands dirty, which left him free to roam Faery.
“A strong water dragon like yourself? I would imagine they would want to keep you close.”
He lifted a shoulder. “And how do you know my strength?”
“Look at you. Your aura flows with your element. What is your name?”
“Alenathos.”
Her brow arched. “And you don’t mind the company of a fire dragon?”
“Not in the least. And such a beauty as yourself probably hates my kind.”
“.”
“I crave your name,” he murmured, looking deep into her eyes.
“Fuerah.” She flattened her hand on his chest, pressing closer while running her nose up his neck. “I find you exciting and refreshing, Alenathos.”
“Not nearly as much as I do you,” he admitted.
“My family would prefer I choose one of my own. None of them stir up such interest or desire. None of them excite me like you.”
He licked his lips, staring at her deep red mouth. “And you excite me.”
One of her hands wrapped around his hip, pulling him toward the shore. “Let’s forget about our families and make some trouble.”
He nipped her lips and she kissed him, thrusting her tongue into his mouth. There was no denying her. She wanted him. He was going to make love to her until she forgot every last dragon she’d ever laid eyes on.
* * * *
Fuerah should have walked away the moment she’d heard Alenathos’ name. And yet, she’d never felt anything like what he made her feel. Alive, desired, wanted.
His kiss was passionate, almost desperate. He wrapped his arm around her, banishing any distance. His body was a drug. She couldn’t get enough.
He laid her back kissing down her body, tantalizing her senses. Alenathos explored her with seductive touches, passionate kisses. His mouth closed over one nipple as he cupped the other breast.
Nothing felt as good as his touch.
“Tell me you want me,” he murmured before kissing down her ribs.
She gripped a handful of blue hair and pulled him back. “More than anything. And I want you now.”
He caressed down her body, sliding his fingers through her slippery sex. “You do.”
Pushing his hand away, she gripped his length and pulled him where she wanted.
“I won’t deny you,” he answered huskily. Alenathos pressed into her, taking his time.
She rolled him to his back and rose up before sliding down, taking him all the way in. As she moved her hips, he sat up, catching her face and kissing her again.
Fuerah moved over him, instinct pushing her to a desperate pace. She only knew one thing. She needed Alenathos.
“Slow,” he whispered.
“Later,” she answered. In that moment she was ready to leave everything behind if she could have him always. Kissing his neck, she made love to him.
The bond formed, taking her breath away as she came with him.
“Fuerah,” he called out.
She kissed him softly, relishing the way he responded. His desire was as strong as hers. The beginning of something more.
He pulled her over him as he lay back. “My fire.”
“My heart,” she answered, closing her eyes.
Her mate. A dragon her family would never accept. A legendary warrior of the wrong element. “Tell me I can stay.”
“Yes,” he whispered.
* * * *
The sun had come and gone, only to return. Fuerah sat beside Alenathos, hand in hand, watching the sun fade away once again. He looked into her beautiful eyes. “You would give up everything for me?”
One brow arched. “I made the decision when we first touched.”
He sighed, looking out over the water. “I’m not a free dragon, Fuerah. I should have told you. Did you wonder why my family exiled me?”
She shook her head.
He stared out over the water. “Saressa took my infant sister. I freed her, and Saressa claimed me as hers.”
“In body?” Fuerah asked.
“She has not touched me. But she is my master.”
She smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder. “I have one. Her brother, in fact.” How ironic. His master was the queen of the Water Realm, while his mate’s was the King of the Fire Realm. Saressa’s goal was to wrest control from Reance and take both kingdoms, while he strived to keep them separate and offer refuge to those from the Water Realm who could escape.
“What a pair we make.” Sadness flowed through him as he took her hand. “I may be forced to fight against you in battle.” Not only was their love forbidden, but they could very likely be forced to kill one another.
“Reance would prevent that.” Fuerah sat up, looking into his eyes. “Do not fear. He will keep us safe.”
“You don’t know Saressa, Fuerah. She’s a cruel woman. The things she has done are more than despicable. She rarely has need of me, and I stay here, out of reach of the Water Realm, where she can’t watch over me.”
She leaned against his side. “And if we could find a way to break the hold Saressa has over you?” she asked.
“I’d take it.” He looked into her eyes. “I loathe her.”
“You’re still mine.”
He pressed his forehead to hers. “And you’re mine. That doesn’t mean I wish we could share every moment, but she can never know of our bond. And if she learned of us, she would do everything in her power to break the both of us.”
“I’m not afraid of her,” she answered boldly.
Looking away, tears filled his eyes. “I am. I’ve watched her destroy many people over the years.”
“She can’t take you from me,” Fuerah stated.
He wished she were right, but he knew better. If Saressa ever learned what Fuerah was, she would find a way to destroy their bond.
“She won’t,” Fuerah insisted.
He nodded, but couldn’t find words.
* * * *
After Saressa tricked Endiscot into becoming her mate, she demanded more of his time to ensure Endiscot stayed in line. His presence usually kept Endiscot from any transgression, but it took Alenathos away from his love far too often.
Not to mention, Fuerah’s family required more of her time of late, attempting to convince her to choose a mate. They didn’t know about him. That was his doing, convincing her to take an oath to prevent her from telling them about him.
So she had to pretend she was looking. He didn’t care. He knew the truth. And yet, it broke his heart to force her silence. He curled up in their bed and closed his eyes, praying Fuerah would come to him soon.
He drifted off.
Soon, he woke to her slipping into bed behind him, wrapping her arm around his waist. He turned, engulfing her in his arms. “I’ve missed you.”
Nodding, she kissed his collarbone. “I hate the secrets.”
“You know why I insist. If they learn, they could go to Saressa. They could tear us apart. I need you more than having the world know you’re mine. You’re my only escape from the horrors she forces me to witness.”
“How can you still be happy with me when all we have are stolen moments?”
He sat up, his head tipping. “Are you not happy when you’re in my arms?”
“I’m happy whenever we are together. I still think we should go to Reance. He may know a way to break the bond to Saressa. He could protect you.”
“At what cost? Fuerah, you were blessed with a good master, one who won’t abuse your will. Every time she calls on me, it’s a struggle. If I could kill her I would, in a heartbeat. There is no question in my mind I would end her life if I had the opportunity. She enjoys ripping apart those who find love around her. I think it’s because she doesn’t know what love is.”
“You said she’s mated to Endiscot,” she argued.
“She’s obsessed with him. She used magic to bind them. It’s not a true mate bond. She doesn’t have what we have. She has some sick, twisted version of it.”
“I’m not giving up on you.”
“Neither am I. You’re the only thing keeping me afloat. You’re my everything.”
* * * *
Years turned to decades, then to centuries. Their love never faded, never faltered. And yet, Alenathos couldn’t help feeling like time was slipping away from him.
They’d been through so much. Fuerah had waited for months when Saressa had tortured him for so long he thought he’d died and awoke in the abyss after Endiscot had fled Faery.
He’d gone as far as trying to help Endiscot’s beloved Jayde to kill Saressa. He’d been desperate. And in the decades since, Saressa rarely called on him.
He’d given up on escaping his master. He went to her when called upon and obeyed. Then he would go on his way. She believed him broken. That wasn’t why he acted so. But if she believed he had no hope left, she wouldn’t seek out the one person to give him hope.
Fuerah touched his shoulder. “What is it, Alenathos?”
“I feel like everything is coming to an end.”
“Why?”
He shook his head. “Saressa has become agitated. More so than normal. She hasn’t shared her plan, but I fear the worst.”
“Why?” she asked quietly.
“I don’t know. Maybe it’s ages of watching her destroy one person after another. When will it be my turn?”
“She relies on you from time to time.”
He laughed bitterly. “She’s destroyed those she’s counted on in the past. That doesn’t stop her.”
“You’re different. You have to follow her commands.”
He dipped his head. “You realize if she found out about our love, you would be the next thing she forces me to destroy? I wouldn’t survive.”
Sighing, she pulled him down, holding on to him. “And it’s why I’ve kept quiet all these years. As much as I hate it, I do it for you.”
He lay back, staring at the ceiling. “Are your parents still trying to convince you to marry?”
“Not often. It comes up occasionally. And I always tell them I wasn’t meant for the life they want. At least Reance has kept me busy lately.”
He closed his eyes. If he wasn’t terrified Reance would take revenge, he might go to him. Saressa would know and call him back.
She kissed his jaw, then his lips. “I love you, Alenathos.”
“I’ll always love you, Fuerah.”
* * * *
Months had passed. If he wasn’t at Saressa’s side, Fuerah was at Reance’s. He’d had a few stolen nights in all that time, but something seemed different about Fuerah. She held onto her glamor when she usually let it go. That didn’t matter. She was beautiful with or without and he couldn’t get enough of her.
“Alenathos, are you paying attention?” Saressa demanded.
He nodded. “I’m still waiting for you to tell me what has you so frazzled.”
Saressa pulled at her long scarlet curls as she crossed the distance. “That rotten bastard went and had a child.”
“What are you talking about?” Alenathos asked.
She pinned him with a glare. “Reance. He went and had a Storm Mistress with Aeryana. Isadora. He’s taking her to Earth to keep her safe. But you’re going to go and watch over her. When you have the chance, you will kill the little bitch and be done with it.”
“Earth?” he asked.
“Where else would Reance go? Henroyld can’t know his wife carries another man’s child. A man he’s been trying to slaughter for ages. And yet, my brother is always two steps ahead. So you will go to Earth and find a time my master leaves Isadora’s side so you can slaughter the babe before she has a chance to tear apart my reign.”
“Of course. When does he leave?”
“Tomorrow evening. I’ll call for you and open a portal when he’s left.”
* * * *
One night. That was all he had. He could see no other outcome than Reance killing him the moment he killed Isadora. He hoped Fuerah would be there when he arrived.
He strode into the cave they’d made a home and found Fuerah in their bed, nursing a scarlet-haired babe.
“She’s mine?” he asked.
Nodding, Fuerah smiled up at him. “I meant to tell you, but you’ve been so worried the last year, I didn’t want to make it worse.”
“Does anyone know?”
She shook her head. “No one.”
And he had only one hope that he could save Fuerah and his girl. “What’s her name?”
“Laniela. Come, hold your daughter.”
He moved to her, sitting on the bed and pulling Fuerah against his chest as he rubbed the red hair. “She’s beautiful, like you.”
“Strong like you,” Fuerah answered.
“You’re the strongest woman I know,” he admitted.
“Why?”
He looked into her eyes. “To keep our secret and never stop loving me.”
She leaned her head back and captured his lips. “You are stronger than any man I know with all you’ve endured.”
“Tell me about her and the pregnancy.”
She smiled. “These last months have been busy with Reance. I haven’t seen my family. She was born last night, in this very room.”
Laniela reached for Alenathos’ hair as she looked up at him.
Fuerah turned, facing him, and handed their daughter over. “She wants you.”
“My girl.” Tears filled his eyes. “You are so beautiful, Lana.”
“I like that,” Fuerah murmured. “Reance is leaving Faery. He’ll keep the bond to protect me from others, but he’s not likely to call on me. I can be a mother.”
He held Laniela, tracing her little face as tears filled his eyes. He couldn’t let Fuerah keep her. It wasn’t safe for her, or Laniela. The moment Saressa learned about them she would kill Fuerah and enslave Laniela. His girl deserved so much better than he’d had.
They spent the night talking in soft tones until Laniela fell asleep. Then he made love to his mate for the last time. Once Fuerah was deep under, he took their girl and went to Earth only to find Reance standing in the tree line near the portal he stepped through.
Maybe Fuerah had been right all those years ago. Maybe he should have asked Reance for help in the beginning.
The fallen king watched him as he approached. “I need your help.” As gifted as Reance was with clairvoyance, he had to know of their child.
“You have a daughter,” Reance answered.
He dipped his head. “She’s in danger in Faery. As much as I hate it, I need to protect her, and the only way I know is if Fuerah doesn’t know where she is. Which means Earth.”
“Fuerah will hate you for years.”
Tears burned his eyes. “I have no doubt of that. But how else do I keep them both safe from what Saressa would do? You know your sister would torture Fuerah until she died. She would enslave Laniela. The things she would force my child to do…I can’t leave her there. She needs a home, one I can see while I’m stuck here on Earth.” Not that he wanted to admit what he was ordered to do.
“Trying to murder my daughter,” Reance countered. Of course he knew. “You do realize you don’t have to do what Saressa commands while you’re on Earth. You can make excuses why you can’t act.”
Hope sparked. Alenathos perked up. “Truly?”
“She is still your master, but on Earth her commands don’t hold. Saressa can call you back to her side in Faery, but she cannot control you if she is not in the same plane. Only she has yet to figure that out.”
“And what if her spies see me not killing Isadora?”
“Then we pretend to fight. It will need to look real. I’ll protect Isadora with my life, but I will also ensure your daughter is safe as well.”
“I can watch Laniela as well?”
Reance nodded. “You will need to be careful not to be discovered, or at least why. But I can ensure she’s close to Isadora so it’s not too suspicious.”
“If you’re right, I’ll keep them both safe. I suppose we’ll see how well I can resist my master’s commands.”
“You can. You’ll see. We don’t have to be enemies,” Reance answered.
“You can’t tell Fuerah.”
“Of course not. She would only insist she come here and take her daughter. I plan to leave her in Faery. You won’t see her to break your silence.”
“Until Laniela is old enough and accepts what she is, it’s best if Fuerah never learns the truth.”
“She won’t, not from me. Not until it’s time for her to teach Laniela how to use her magic.”
“Just tell me one thing. Can Laniela have a good life?”
“Yes, she will. And this is the only way to bring all of you together.”
Alenathos forced back tears. “I doubt Fuerah will ever forgive me.”
“Time will tell. But I know a family that will keep Laniela safe and raise her as one of their own. She won’t know what she is until you decide it’s time, or she goes through the awakening.”
“This family will treat her well?”
“They will. Trust me. We don’t have to be enemies,” Reance assured.