Mating the Dragon (Dragon Ruins Book 6) (13 page)

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily. I just needed to find the perfect thing to wear.”

“You’re already perfect. Clothes are irrelevant. They’re probably not going to survive the night anyway.”

Karla felt her face burn, glad that her friends couldn’t hear his voice. If only she could talk back to him, that would be pretty awesome.

Jayrian and another dragon landed next to Gretchen and Lisa, and they all climbed on and were carried up the cliff to the lair.

With time running out, Karla and the girls headed into the room they had shared last night, and began to get dressed. There were no mirrors here, so Karla had to remember what she’d looked like back in the store. “Here, I’ll take a picture,” Gretchen offered, and pulled out her phone.

Karla looked at the photo, eagerness welling up in her. She expected to feel some sort of doubts, or at least a little uncertainty, but there was no hesitation at all. Only pure excitement and anticipation.

“Are you decent in there?” her father’s voice called from outside the room.

“Yes, come on in,” Karla called back.

Her father’s eyes misted up when he saw her. “You look beautiful,” he said softly. “If only your mother was here to see you.”

Karla’s eyes filled with tears too. “I wish she was, Dad. But I’m very, very glad that you are.” She came across the room and gave him a hug, the huge skirt almost swallowing him.

After giving her a tight hug, her father held her at arms-length, to have a look. “You look beautiful. Are you ready to go?”

Karla nodded, suddenly unable to speak around the lump in her throat.

Her father held out his arm and Karla took it, glad of the support as they walked down the sandy hallway. At least she’d had the sense to wear flat sandals, not high heels. That would never have worked in this sand. 

When they walked out into the main room, Taurian’s face lit up in a smile. He straightened up from where he’d been talking to some dragon children and crossed the room towards her.

He’d changed clothes too. His leather pants covered his full leg, with criss-cross laces down the side showing an inch of skin through them. That was probably how they’d managed to get them on, since they were even tighter than his shorts had been. 

Not that she was objecting.

A leather tunic with an etched image of a dragon breathing fire on the front covered his chest and his black hair was slicked back.

Karla’s blood quickened at the sight. Soon he would be her mate. Forever. 

She released her father’s arm and half walked, half ran towards Taurian.

There was a cheer from the surrounding dragons. The sound warmed Karla, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away from Taurian to look at them. 

As soon as his hands touched hers, his fire ran through her, as though her skin had just been waiting for him to set it alight. Karla began to wonder how long this ceremony took, and whether she could keep her hands off Taurian until it was complete.

Apparently though, hands off wasn’t necessary. Taurian tucked her in close to his body, his hand around her waist, and whispered in her ear, “That is a beautiful dress. I can’t wait to rip it off you.”

Karla’s face burned, half from embarrassment, half from desire. “Why are we waiting then?” she whispered back. 

Taurian gave a laugh, and looked down at her, his eyes dancing. “I have no idea. Something about including the clan I believe?”

Karla gave a giggle, and her breath hitched. “Well, let’s get it over and done with then.”

She wasn’t really too sure what was involved. The little bit of the ceremony she’d seen with Wayrian and Taurian indicated it was pretty low key. Eat some food, chat with the clan members, then go to bed. She was pretty sure she could handle that.

So she wasn’t at all prepared when Mesrian and Kyrian stepped forwards, their faces solemn. “Are you both ready?”

They looked so serious, in stark contrast with Taurian’s joking, that Karla began to be concerned. It probably would have been a good idea to ask Taurian what the mating ceremony entailed before this point. She looked up at him, and he smiled back, completely at ease and unconcerned. His confidence stilled her nerves, and she nodded when he did. 

“We’re ready,” Taurian said.

“Come with us.” Without waiting for a response, Mesrian turned and headed for one of the tunnels nearby with Kyrian following.

Taurian steered Karla after them. She was a little surprised that they seemed to be going away from the clan. Wasn’t the whole point of this to involve them? What were they going to do? Karla took a deep breath. She would find out soon enough. Nothing that happened here could be any more serious than the bond she and Taurian would share after the mating was complete, so she just had to wait and see.

Mesrian led them to a small, empty room, then she and Kyrian turned and faced Taurian and Karla. “Before the ceremony begins,” she said quietly, “I need to be sure that both of you understand the seriousness of the relationship you are about to enter into. Once you mate for the third and final time, you will be bonded for life. Nothing on earth can break this bond, even death. If one of you dies, you both do.” She met both their eyes, then turned to Taurian and asked, “Do you understand this, Prince Taurian of Rian clan?”

He nodded. “I understand, Elder.”

Mesrian turned to Karla. “As a human, you have not grown up with this sort of relationship,” she said. “So it is doubly important to be sure you understand the commitment you are making. There is no infidelity in dragon mating’s. All desire for anyone other than your mate disappears. This relationship is like nothing you’ve ever experienced as a human.” She looked into Karla’s eyes and repeated the question. “Do you understand, Karla of the humans?”

Karla nodded. She already had no interest in anyone other than Taurian, so their warnings didn’t even concern her. Taking her cue from Taurian, she repeated, “I understand, Elder.”

“Good, we can begin the ceremony then,” Kyrian said, his face suddenly all smiles.

The four of them walked back out into the main area of the lair and Mesrian and Kyrian smiled at the expectant crowd. “Both parties have confirmed their understanding of the seriousness of the bond they are about to enter into” Mesrian said. “If you will all take a seat, the ceremony is about to begin.”

The dragons sat cross legged on the sand, forming a semi-circle around Taurian and Karla. The humans, her friends and family, sat on one side. They had all elected to remain in the dragon lair for the ceremony, just in case Ultrima changed his mind, or was tricking them. And because they didn’t want to miss any of this. Karla wasn’t too sure what would happen long term, but there was time to worry about that tomorrow. Right now, all she could think about was tonight.

Mesrian and Kyrian stood to one side and Karla and Taurian stood opposite them.

“Welcome, young couple,” Mesrian said solemnly. “As you stand before me, your love for one another is obvious, but a mating requires more than just love. Especially for a royal couple. It requires a commitment, it requires working together for the good of the clan, even when you are angry at each other personally. It requires accepting that you are both mortal, and can make mistakes. Are you both willing to put the needs of your relationship, and the clan, above your personal needs?”

Wow, this was serious. But not something she hadn’t already thought of, and been through in her own mind. So Karla was able to nod as readily as Taurian did.

“I can attest to the fact that they have both already demonstrated their ability in this regard,” Kyrian said. “I believe they have the dedication to each other, and to Rian clan, to have a successful mating while being rulers.”

A shiver ran up Karla’s spine. Kyrian believed in her? After how dead against her he had been in the beginning? 

Now she was suddenly getting cold feet. Could she really do this? This wasn’t just about loving Taurian and mating with him. She had no doubts about that anymore. This was about helping him rule his clan. Essentially, she was choosing to be a dragon over being a human.

She looked around at the dragons and humans in the crowd. All of them smiled encouragingly at her, even the dragons. Their doubts had fled when she had stood up to fight for their clan. And hers should have too.

Karla looked back at Taurian, whose smile was certain and unwavering. 

Truth was, she’d already made her choice. Or her heart had made it for her. Either way, she was committed to making this work. And she would.

They both would. Together.

Mesrian smiled. “Then let us share a meal together as a clan before you solidify your personal relationship.”

“Just one thing first,” Taurian interrupted.

Before Karla could ask what, he pulled her close, bending his head towards her. When his lips met hers, all the anticipation that had been building for the last few days burst out, flooding Karla with desire. He deepened the kiss, pulling her up against him. In every place they touched, she felt her body burn, even through the thick satin and three layers of gauze of the wedding dress.

There were cheers and whistles from the crowd. “More, more, more,” they chanted.

Karla felt her cheeks heat, but she didn’t even try to pull back from Taurian’s embrace. She didn’t want to. She pulled her arms free and lifted them to throw them around his neck, holding onto him as though her life depended on it.

Who cared about food? She wanted Taurian. Now. 

It wasn’t to be. After her whole body was thrumming with need and want, Taurian pulled back and smiled down at her. His own eyes burned with need too, and a wry acceptance that they had to wait.

Hard as that was.

He didn’t let go of her hand as they walked across and sat down on a pile of furs in front of the feast that had been laid out for them. 

Turned out, sharing a meal together was a big excuse for trying to keep the couple apart for as long as possible, while watching them squirm in their anticipation of the final mating. 

Not that Taurian and Karla were really apart. Taurian didn’t break physical connection with her once. Even when he needed both hands to eat, his leg pressed up against hers. The contact kept a constant need burning through Karla, and yet, there was no chance she was going to pull back from it. 

In fact, she craved the constant contact as much as he did. Food seemed almost unimportant, but Karla forced herself to eat some. Mostly because she suspected she was going to need the energy later.

Every time she thought about later, her whole body flushed with a warm heat. Where Taurian’s leg touched hers, it burned. Karla edged a little closer so her leg up to her hip was pressed against him. Taurian looked down at her, his expression smouldering.

His arm slipped around her waist and pulled her up against him. 

A little better, but not close enough.

“Can I sit with you for a minute?” Wayrian’s quiet voice was like a bucket of cold water, reminding Karla that while she might be thrilled with the turn of events, everyone might not be.

“Of course,” Taurian said quietly. He patted the ground on the other side of him. 

Karla pulled back ever so slightly, though not quite breaking contact. She might feel bad for Wayrian, but not bad enough to give up Taurian. Not after all they’d been through to get here.

The general chatter in the room died down to a low hum. Karla was sure that everyone was wondering what would come of this conversation. 

She was wondering herself.

“I just wanted to congratulate both of you on your mating,” Wayrian said quietly. “I’m truly happy for both of you.”

“That’s very kind of you,” Taurian said solemnly. “I’m sorry this has been such a difficult few days for you.”

Karla wasn’t quite sure what to say, so she settled for, “Thank you.”

“Wayrian, get back here.” Ostrian’s voice was strident and loud. Everyone turned to look at him, and their expressions weren’t impressed. 

Wayrian rose hurriedly. “I have to go, sorry.”

All the slightly guilty feelings Karla had had about the young dragon girl rose to the surface. Mating with Taurian may have been a way for Wayrian to get out from under her family’s thumb. Now she’d lost that. Karla wished there was something she could do to help, but she suspected her interference would only make things worse.

Not so Taurian. He fixed his golden eyes on Ostrian and frowned. “Were you just interrupting my conversation, Ostrian?”

Ostrian was immediately self-effacing, but Karla was certain his attitude was fake. He was going to be a constant challenge for them. 

“Sorry, Prince Taurian. I was concerned the girl was annoying you.”

“Perhaps next time it is best to watch for a few moments and see if I am annoyed or not before speaking?”

“I’m sure you would not display your annoyance,” Ostrian said promptly. “You are too well mannered for that.”

Taurian frowned. “Then I shall make it clear to you. Wayrian is not annoying me. Leave her alone.”

“Of course, Prince Taurian.” Ostrian’s voice was meek and he bowed his head and backed away. Karla didn’t miss the look he threw Taurian when he thought he had looked away though. He was not impressed.

“You’re going to have to watch that one,” she said quietly.

Wayrian’s eyes flicked over to her grandfather, then back to Taurian and Karla. Her forehead creased. “I’m sorry for my grandfather. He is not at all respectful enough.”

Taurian put a hand on Wayrian’s arm, and Karla’s blood heated. She had to make a concerted effort to remind herself that Taurian was just being kind. He wasn’t attracted to Wayrian, he’d already shown that.

“You don’t have to apologise for your grandfather’s behaviour. It is not under your control, and it does not reflect on you.”

Wayrian nodded automatically, but Karla was pretty sure she didn’t believe Taurian’s words. “I’d better go,” she said softly. “He will get more angry if I stay.”

Her words made Karla feel bad for her. 

“If he ever bothers you, come to me and I will sort things out,” Taurian told her.

Wayrian nodded, but Karla was pretty sure she wouldn’t. She would have to watch the situation. As princess, maybe she would be able to do something to help the girl.