Dragon Storm, page 24
“If you think it’ll help.” Josie moved uncomfortably in her seat. This felt too much like when she’d been younger and subjected to the tests of her grandfather’s Clan. She’d passed every one of those with flying colors. She shouldn’t be nervous. It was anger more than nerves that prompted her to shift rapidly, sitting on her haunches in the elaborate chair.
Josie looked around at the gathered company, trying to remember she was a princess. These people could only intimidate her if she let them.
“Did you feel her spark?” Shanya whispered. “Did you feel the surge of magic? She is potent. Josie is stronger than her forefathers. The mixing of blood benefited her snowcat. It did not harm it in any way. She is stronger for the addition of other blood.”
Josie decided to show these cats a little of what she could do. As a female, she was smaller and lighter than these big males. There were carved protrusions on the walls of this chamber much like the ones in the throne room she had climbed for Tor’s amusement. These were spaced farther apart and were smaller. Scaling these walls would be a real test of her agility and skill. Perfect.
Josie bounded out of her chair and leapt onto the table, using it as a springboard for her initial leap onto the wall. She circled the room, gaining speed and height as the group below watched.
For her big finish, she used the central chandelier that hung high over the center of the huge table. Padding off that, she launched into a twisting, spinning leap that landed her on all fours on the huge stone table. She landed with a flourish, doing her best to look bored as she flicked her tail toward the snowcat leader.
As nonchalantly as she could, she hopped back into her chair between Darius and Connor. In a shimmer of magic, she shifted to her human form, glad to see she hadn’t even broken a sweat.
She looked at the faces of the snowcat men. A few tough customers looked guardedly impressed while some of the others seemed truly blown away by what she’d just shown them. Good. Let that be a lesson about what a half-breed girl snowcat could do.
“Impressive,” was Raith’s comment. “You give me hope for our offspring, daughter of Marpa.”
“Oh, I think you’ll be even more impressed with the kits you and Shanya produce. I’m half human. No magic from that side of my family at all, I’m afraid. Shanya is one of the fair folk. In many ways, she is a much better match for you than any other being I know. Her people live as long as you do.”
“Is this true?” Raith looked deep into Shanya’s eyes.
“It is. The Mother of All sees everything. She knows what is best for those in Her care.”
Epilogue
The snowcats were amazed to learn that Shanya’s people had the same longevity as theirs. They were also impressed by her magic and her Sight. Raith couldn’t take his eyes off her, which was a condition the mated dragon brothers understood all too well.
“You are welcome in Draconia.” Roland smiled kindly at the newly mated pair.
“Thank you for the welcome. We came prepared for war only to find we have made a grievous error. Forgive us.” It was Teuren who answered, an indulgent smile on his face as well.
“There is nothing to forgive,” Darius said impulsively, taking one of Josie’s hands. “We understand what it is to seek a mate. After traveling through the magical storm twice, we also surmise it took a great deal of effort to create the rift between our world and Josie’s without the amulets.”
“You know of the amulets of power?” Teuren seemed astonished. His eyes only widened further when all three mates pulled their amulets from around their necks.
“It shows as an armor breastplate when we are in dragon form,” Connor commented. “Josie’s becomes an elaborate collar, as you saw when she shifted for you.”
“How did you come by such sacred objects?” Teuren looked in awe at the gleaming necklaces.
“I foresaw the twin princes must have them,” Shanya spoke up, surprising the snowcats. “Gryffid had them. He gave them to me to bring to Darius and Connor, though I wasn’t sure which set of twins they were destined for until I saw them for the first time.”
“And my grandfather took us to Marpa’s cave.” Josie picked up her part of the story. “This amulet revealed itself to me, and Grandfather said it was meant for me.” She wouldn’t mention the gifts her mates had walked away with just yet. She wanted to see how the snowcats dealt with this first. “The three together allowed me to call the storm to bring us here. To bring my mates home.” She spared a loving glance for both of them before continuing her speech. There were things the snowcats of this world had to know. “There is little magic left in my world. After the wizards battled, they dispersed all magic. It only survives in a few isolated populations of shifters. There are no dragons at all—shifter or otherwise. There is only one village of snowcats, high in the tallest mountains and they keep to themselves. Shifters live in secret among humans, who dominate the planet with their ingenuity based on science and technology.”
“We saw some amazing things while we were there,” Darius confirmed. “We flew across an ocean in a metal machine with a hundred other people seated inside. We saw images beamed to a small box from miles up in the heavens. None of it was magic, our mate assures us. It is amazing what the human race has accomplished on her world, all without magic.”
“But the other shifters we met…” Connor broke in, speaking in a subdued voice. “They had to disrobe before they could shift. Their magic was potent, but very limited in scope. It was kind of sad. None of them had ever seen a dragon.”
Silence filled the chamber as the words sank in. Finally, Nico drew everyone’s attention by clearing his throat. It was a calculated move by the man known as the Prince of Spies. He was no doubt, up to something.
“As my brother stated, you are welcome in Draconia. We have recently begun to interact with the fair folk on Gryphon Isle, which is located over the water to the south of our land. Perhaps some of you would like to discuss a possible visit with Shanya and the gryphons who nest near our castle? And there are other enclaves of fair folk. I could help you there. I have contacts among several of them.”
All the dragon brothers looked at Nico in surprise. He only grinned. The Spymaster of Draconia always had a few tricks up his sleeve, it seemed.
Raith looked from Shanya to his brother, Teuren, and back to Nico but he addressed his words to Roland, as was only proper. One leader to another.
“I must go back to my people and hold Council. They need to know what we have learned. Then I would very much like to bring a delegation into Draconia with the idea of contacting the enclaves of which you speak on behalf of my brethren.” He looked back at the girl in his arms. “Does that sound about right?”
Shanya smiled beautifully at him. “It is perfect. Oh, if only you could see what I see. The future of the snowcat Clan is filled with happiness.” She sat up straight, and her face turned solemn. “But there are enemies who would cause trouble for all people of good will. It is my hope you will consider working with the Draconians to battle the evil in the North. The Citadel is at serious risk.”
Raith’s expression hardened. “Then we will take the risk seriously, my lady. Our village is hidden in the mountains near the Citadel. In return for your help connecting with the fair folk, we will pledge our support and assistance in fighting evil in the Northlands.”
A satisfied grin broke over Nico’s face. Roland was more circumspect, but he also looked pleased.
“To that end,” Raith continued speaking, “we have news that might be of help in your dealings with the Northern Tribes. Salomar is no more, but his pet warlock seeks to bring the tattered remains of his army back together. To my surprise, he is succeeding. He also has the help of the North Witch.”
“Loralie?” Roland asked sharply.
“The very same.” Raith looked disgusted. “She is more powerful than you know. With her help, Gebel will no doubt be able to step in where Salomar left off.”
“Gebel,” Nico mused. “We have heard that name before. He is a warlock, you say?”
“So he claims.” Teuren picked up the story. “He does have some magic, but it is weak. His use of the North Witch though, that makes him powerful.”
“Why does she follow him if she’s so strong?” Josie wanted to know.
Teuren turned sad eyes on her. “Gebel holds Loralie’s daughter hostage. If the mother does not do his bidding, he tortures the girl.”
The snowcats went back across the river, and Shanya went with them. Dragons monitored what went on in the army camp from afar. News traveled quickly when a shout of joy went up from the gathering attended by most of the snowcats. No doubt, they had just learned of their leader’s mating and that there was hope for them as well.
Josie could feel the joy vibrating in the air as she rode on Darius’s back the next day. They’d been invited to the snowcat encampment where a party was in progress. The rest of the snowcats wanted to meet the half-snowcat woman from the world of their ancestors and her new mates.
Darius and Connor were hesitant at first but when the snowcat men welcomed them with joyous hearts, they began to relax. For her part, Josie had never felt more welcome in her life—except maybe among her new family of dragon shifters. Few people in this world looked at her with expectations she couldn’t meet. They accepted her for what she was and even loved her for it.
This, then, was her home. The place she was meant to be. With respect, love, wholehearted acceptance of who she was…and her mates at her side.
About the Author
Bianca D’Arc has run a laboratory, climbed the corporate ladder in the shark-infested streets of Manhattan, studied and taught martial arts, and earned the right to put a whole bunch of letters after her name, but she’s always enjoyed writing more than any of her other pursuits. She grew up and still lives on Long Island, where she keeps busy with an extensive garden, several aquariums full of very demanding fish, and writing her favorite genres of paranormal, fantasy and sci-fi romance.
Bianca loves to hear from readers and can be reached through Facebook, her Yahoo group or through the various links on her website.
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Brotherhood of Blood
One & Only
Rare Vintage
Phantom Desires
Sweeter Than Wine
Forever Valentine
Wolf Hills
Tales of the Were
Lords of the Were
Inferno
Dragon Knights
Maiden Flight
Border Lair
The Ice Dragon
Prince of Spies
Wings of Change
FireDrake
Dragon Storm
Resonance Mates
Hara’s Legacy
Davin’s Quest
Jaci’s Experiment
Grady’s Awakening
Gifts of the Ancients
Warrior’s Heart
String of Fate
Cat’s Cradle
StarLords
Hidden Talent
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I Dream of Dragons Vol. 1
Brotherhood of Blood
Caught by Cupid
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Keeper of the Flame
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Master at Arms
Brotherhood of Blood
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Will the fire within burn them all to cinders?
FireDrake
© 2012 Bianca D’Arc
Dragon Knights, Book 5
Years ago, Drake left everything behind for a life in the shadows. While it broke his heart to leave his grieving dragon behind, serving his land as head of a network of spies suited him better. Far better than never quite measuring up to Mace, the “perfect” knight his father wished he could have been.
Mace has always done his duty. Drake, his childhood friend and rival, had been the charmer who effortlessly stole every woman who caught Mace’s eye. Some things never change—not one day back in town, and Drake’s already putting the moves on Krysta, the woman Mace has been courting.
The three of them take on the dangerous task of rescuing a kidnapped prince. Each day that passes on their perilous journey, Krysta sinks deeper into the complicated relationship between the two men and their meddling, matchmaking dragons. Mace is clearly the safer choice as a mate, yet Drake tantalizes her with that unpredictable gleam in his eye. When the three of them come together, any sense of torn loyalty burns away in their fiery passion.
The safety of the stolen prince hanging in the balance, Krysta accepts the challenge to unite two strong men—and their dragons—into a real family.
Warning: Features an intensely magical ménage between two former rivals and a woman bold enough to take them on. Heated bickering and explosive love scenes may cause your senses to ignite.
Enjoy the following excerpt for FireDrake:
“Is this seat taken?”
The feminine voice was strong and not at all flirtatious, but Drake almost dreaded turning to find another of the cooing maids at his side. That the female had been able to sneak up on him at all was a testament to his distraction. With an inward sigh, Drake turned to face the woman.
And stopped short.
This was no maid. This was a warrior woman, in the gray uniform tunic of the Castleton Guard. She was an enforcer of the law, a keeper of the peace, and she was clearly on duty, though apparently on her dinner break.
She looked tired. There were circles under her pretty gray eyes and a weary set to her shoulders.
“I was saving it just for you, milady.” Drake’s charm was automatic and the fire that entered her eyes was his reward. It wasn’t a spark of interest, but rather of battle. Drake was intrigued. He looked at her more closely as she sat next to him at the now-crowded bar.
Her jaw was set in a stubborn line, and her features were strong. Some might say her features were unfeminine, but Drake would not. No, he’d always preferred strong-willed women over the more meek style many men seemed to favor. This girl was beautiful in a harsh sort of way that appealed to him greatly. Sleek muscles moved under her close-fitting tunic, and she wore her badge of office with clear efficiency and pride.
She wasn’t armed that he could see, but then that didn’t mean much. Each of the town’s Guards was armed in some way, carrying the weapon or weapons of their choice. For some, that was a sword or even a bow, but others had different specialties. He wondered idly what hers was while he finished off his meal.
The serving girl who’d replaced Devyn behind the bar greeted the woman with a friendly, familiar smile. Apparently this Guardswoman was known to the people in Devyn’s employ and welcomed by them. That spoke volumes for her character, as far as Drake was concerned. Jinn didn’t usually accept outsiders easily, and Drake read not only acceptance, but genuine friendship, in the serving girl’s words and actions toward the other woman as she served up a healthy portion of stew and a lighter beer that would leave the Guard with a clear head after her hearty dinner.
Drake observed, not intruding on the bundle of feminine power sitting next to him while he finished his own meal. She ate with neat manners, though it appeared she was used to rough living, as most warriors were. Often, women didn’t choose professions where they would be in the thick of a fight, though there were a good number of female Guards who worked in administrative ways or who dealt specifically with domestic issues and violence against women or female prisoners. This woman, however, showed every sign of being a patrolling Guard—one of the most dangerous of the Guard jobs.
“Quiet night so far?” Drake asked conversationally when it looked like she was finishing up her meal. It had been far smaller than his own, considering her much more petite size compared to him. She was trim and lithely muscular in a way that made his mouth water.
She looked at him with resignation, and Drake got the distinct impression she’d rather be left alone. Too bad. He had no intention of leaving the puzzling beauty to her own devices. He wanted to get to know her and then he wanted to bed her. It was that simple.
Suddenly, learning the feel of her body beneath his became of paramount importance. He had little doubt he could charm his way into her bed. He’d perfected his art over five lands, so why should his homeland be any different?
“It was a quiet day,” she said with the beginnings of annoyance in her tone. “We’ve yet to see about the night.”
“You’ve been on duty all day?” Drake was surprised and more than a little alarmed. No wonder she looked so tired. He felt a crazy impulse to protect her from the long and potentially dangerous night ahead.
She nodded wearily. “We’re shorthanded with all the new sectors to patrol. Excuse me.” Her gaze brightened as she slid from the stool and headed over to the far corner of the big tent. Drake followed her movements, his gaze glued to the enticing roll of her hips. She had a great ass from what he could see, and he looked forward to seeing it bare and ready for his desire.
He was so entranced by the way she moved, he almost missed the action going on across the tent. A drunk was getting a little too forward with one of the serving girls. She was struggling to free herself from his groping hands, to no avail. Drake was on his feet and moving across the crowded room before he thought about his actions.
But by the time he got there, the Guardswoman already had the serving girl free and was escorting the unruly drunk outside. Drake followed hot on her heels. He didn’t like the look of that drunkard and feared the man might not go peacefully on his way.
