Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 223(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 149(@300wpm)
Rimi bit her lip. His skin was a quilt of bruises and scorch marks. She stepped toward him to help. Pressing her hand lightly to his ribs, Rimi whispered, “You could have died. Why did you cover me?”
“You’re too pretty to bruise. The colors will fade quickly. Dragons heal rapidly.”
The skin under her hand morphed to his normal skin color. Keres groaned. “That’s better. Those broken ribs were killing me.”
Moving her hand to another purple bruise, she heard him groan in relief. She tilted her hand to peek underneath. Unblemished skin. “That can’t be happening.”
“Try it again. Press your palm here. The back of my neck got sizzled.” When her cool fingers wrapped around the area, Keres smiled. “So, healing is a crystal dragon’s special talent?”
“I don’t know, Keres. I’m never sick. Let’s try more places.” She scanned his battered form. “This is going to take a while.”
“Damn, Mate. I can’t wait to have your hands around my cock.”
“Keres!” she said as her face heated with embarrassment. Thank goodness she was behind him. And that the next bruise she had to target was on his firm butt.…
Chapter 5
Rimi was completely exhausted—mentally and physically—at the end of their third day of travel. Being out in the open had her on edge every second of the day. She definitely didn’t sleep well, even with a black dragon guarding her. Keres pushed her as hard as he could, but his mate’s welfare was his priority.
Keres broke up the trip to his mountain into chunks with frequent rest breaks. His mate was not accustomed to flying long distances, only short bursts. When she grew too tired, he would have her shift and ride on his back. Despite the hard voyage, he loved having her only to himself.
Twice they ran into other dragons. Once a group of three appeared downwind of him and Rimi on the horizon. They changed course to intercept them. Keres’ concern flipped to confusion when they suddenly veered off-course. The second time, it was a solitary, young, green dragon. Keres had known he could take one easily, even protecting Rimi. Again, after getting within a couple of miles, the potential opponent turned and ran.
On the afternoon of their third day, they finally flew over the border of Wyvern. Keres sent a message to the horde.
I’ve returned. Did you give my mountain away? That, of course, could never happen until a full year passed. There were too many safeguards around Keres’ treasures, and his staff was too loyal to enable anyone to take over his possessions.
Keres? Drake’s message reverberated in his mind.
And Rimi. His mate’s voice spoke through the link with his horde.
Keres shook his head. He should have anticipated that Rimi would overhear the conversation. His mate’s mental voice sounded weak. He needed to get her home.
Everyone, meet Rimi. My mate. She’s a crystal dragon.
A million questions pelted their way. One voice stood out from everyone’s.
Oldrik demanded, sounding incredulous. Rimi?
Oldrik, I can’t wait to see you. I’m sorry I didn’t contact you before. We were busy. Her voice was weak, and Keres stepped in to stop any plans before they could be made.
Everyone will have to wait. My mate needs rest. Give us three days and then we’ll gather, Keres stated firmly. Oldrik, you may visit in two days.
Keres? Are you… okay? Drake asked.
Better than okay, Keres stated firmly. He shut off the rest of the questions coming to himself or Rimi. The horde knew they were in Wyvern and that his mental status had regained its balance. That was all that mattered now.
We’re almost to my mountain, Rimi. It’s there, ahead of us.
The one with the black rocks? She hesitated for several long seconds before admitting, I don’t think I’m ready to go back into a cavern, Keres.
Then, we’ll go into my home and explore my lair later.
Her relief flooded through their mental connection as she relaxed against his scales. Pleased she’d finally shared her worries, he rewarded her by altering their path slightly so she could catch glimpses of his mansion. The monumental building with marble columns stood out pristinely white against the green lawn and black rocks that wrapped around it.
Wow! That’s impressive. I bet it seemed almost magical when lights illuminated the front at night.
I think you will be comfortable here. A soak in a hot tub would soothe your muscles. Would you rather eat or bathe first?
I’m starving, but getting clean sounds like a dream.
Then our priority will be to get rid of the road dirt. While we do that, my chef will prepare a light dinner for us before bed.
You’ll have staff there? You didn’t plan to return, did you?
My staff is very loyal. They chose to continue as if I would be home at any moment.
Meeting them will be a pleasure.
Tomorrow, Snowflake.
She nodded against his scales. She was too tired to argue with him. Rimi wouldn’t be this easy to guide after a couple days of sleep and good nutrition. Keres would know when she felt better as her fire returned.