The Dragon Within

When morning came Michael found himself stretched across an empty bed. On the verge of getting angry his dragon settled down quickly when he tried to push himself up. As soon as they began to raise a weight upon his back shifted quickly causing them to freeze instantly. Lowing himself back down Michael looked over his shoulder to find Sky face down on his back naked. When had she lost her clothes, thought Michael as he laid his head back on the pillow. Feeling her twitch right before she mumbled she began to roll. Rolling on to the other side of the bed Michael stared at her and wondered if this happened all night, and he didn't know it. Michael knew he wasn't a sound sleeper but he also knew he wasn't a light sleeper either. Some things he could sleep through, but he didn't think getting rolled all over would be one of them. Then again it had to be, because somehow he wound up taking up the entire bed and Sky wound up on his back. Trying to slide out of bed without disturbing her, Michael paused when Sky scooted toward him and snugged into this side. Even if it gave him the warm and fuzzies his heart still hurt as he looked at the scabs on her shoulder where his teeth had been. On the flesh in-between the teeth mark little silver lines sparkled like spider webs in the early morning light. Reaching out he brushed his fingers across the red irritated flesh. Sucking in a breath Sky's back arched into him as her eyes shot upon. Shock and confusion registered in her eyes as she brought her hand up to the bight mark as if what he did hurt. "Tell her she's okay," roared his dragon as he shot their hand up to wrap around her.

"It's okay, it was just me," said Michael brushing her hand out of the way so he could lay his hand on top of the mark. As soon as his skin contacted hers Sky's back arched again, and she choked out, "Oh Goddess."

Pulling his hand away Michael watched Sky looking between it and her shoulder quickly. He could see the gears turning quickly as she tried to reason things out. Sitting up quickly she touched the bite mark herself and then eyed his older one. Reaching out Michael groaned as her fingers lightly rubbed over it. Leaning into toward him, Michael could her taking in a deep breath of air. Pulling her hand back quickly she looked between the mating mark she gave him years ago and his now fully awake manhood. Crawling out of bed with a studious expression she jumped into her underwear and pants before looking around for her bra and shirt. Finding them on the floor she slid into them before heading out. Finding the man she was looking for at the door Sky greeted him before pulling the collar of his shirt to the side. Not being able to see properly she looked into Samuel's tired eyes. "Can you take your shirt off please?"

Raising a brow in question Samuel obediently disrobed as Michael made his way out of the tent. Laying her hand over the scar on his shoulder Sky could still hear Claire's voice clearly saying, "I give you my heart and all that is mine to give so that I may love you till the end. I will bear the pain of this and more if it will only make you mine forever."

"What in the-" exclaimed Grant witnessing the impossible. Touching the mark on her shoulder Sky didn't hear anything. Just to make sure again she steppe up to Michael and slid her hand into his shirt at the neck. Groaning again he instantly hit his knees. Without a second thought Sky spun around and searched the passer by's to find a mated dragon. Snagging one as he walked by Sky asked him, "Can you remove your shirt please?" Looking between the King and Sky the man began to undress when the King nodded at him. Once his armor and his shirts were off Sky found his mark wasn't on his shoulder but on his back. Not wanting to ask questions, Sky laid her hand on it. Just like with Samuel she could hear a woman's voice making a vow to him. Figuring this wasn't a coincidence Sky had to see if it worked the other way too. Which wasn't going to be easy since the two closest women she knew were unmated. Then Sky remembered that all of the Land of Earth Lords were still there. Turning to find everyone looking at her Sky looked at Jamie. "Where is your mother?"

"In a tent to the west of here," replied Jamie as he pointed. Taking off in that direction everyone followed in her wake as she tried to piece things together in her head. She had lots of pieces and some were falling into place but more pieces always popped up. So may question and more just piled on top. "To the left my Queen," said Jamie from behind her. Taking the left Jamie guided Sky to his Parent's tent. Without etiquette or announcing herself Sky walked right in startling the occupants as they sat eating breakfast.

"Your Majesty," greeted the High Lord getting to his feet quickly.

"I hate to bother you at this time, but can I borrow Lady Silvanus for a moment," asked Sky looking around at the Lords gathered around the table. Setting her fork down Lady Silvanus rose to her feet and wiped off her mouth.

"I am always at your service Your Majesty."

Figuring this was not the place Sky made her way behind the curtain separating the dining area from the living quarters. Once the curtain fell closed behind them Sky asked, "Can I see your bite mark please?"

"Pardon," asked Lady Silvanus as her eyes grew round.

"Your mating mark done by teeth. Do you have one, and can I see it," asked Sky as she furrowed her brow on why she seemed so shy about it?

It wasn't like the last two were, but then again she had asked them to take their shirt off. So maybe that was the difference, maybe asking the see the mark was taboo. Either way she had already done it and a tent were now deathly quiet. Undoing the buttons on her blouse Lady Silvanus exposed her left breast. Sucking in a quick breath as Sky reached for it Lady Slivanus exhaled it quickly as she looked at Sky in shock. "I hear his voice so it works both ways," said Sky to herself.

"Um My Queen," said the High Lord as his dragon made his way into the back room. Bright yellow eyes looked from the hand on his mate's breast before looking up at Sky. "That feels really odd."

"Wait," exclaimed Sky pulling her hand back quickly. "You can feel that?"

"Yes My Queen I can."

"What does it feel like?"

"If feels like my mate just got into a scolding hot bath on a cold winters day, but yet I'm standing out in the ice and snow," replied the High Lord.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean for you to feel uncomfortable," apologized Sky backing away from the two.

"It's fine My Queen. It's amazing you can touch it at all," informed Lady Silvanus as she buttoned her blouse back up.

"What do you mean," asked Sky adding more questions to the already growing pile.

"Normally the only one who can touch a mating mark is your mate. It hurts if anyone else does," stated Lady Silvanus.

"Umm," replied Sky before making her way around the couple. "Thank you for the information."

"It is our job to serve," replied the High Lord as Sky walked passed Jamie and Michael who were standing by the entrance of the tent. Working her bottom lip in thought Sky made her way back to their camping spot as she continued to reason things out. What she had learned is that bite marks could be anywhere on the body. Now did these marks and the ones that appear on the back work the same way? When she'd touched Michael's he acted like it hurt. Lady Silvanus said that only a mate could touch the mating mark because it would hurt. Yet no one hissed in pain or jerked when she did it. Making her way back to the tent Sky found Samuel being relieved by Tom and Jerry. "Hey Samuel can you take your shirt off again?"

"Claire is going to yell at me again if you go poking at her," joked Samuel as he began to strip for her a second time.

"She'll get over it, can I see your mating mark on your back," asked Sky as he pulled his last shirt over his head. Turning his back to her Sky watched as lines began to appear on the upper portion of his back. Running her fingers over the lines Samuel's skin twitched. Pulling her hand back quickly Sky asked, "I'm sorry did that hurt?"

"Nope it tickled a bit and Claire is yelling at me again, but I'm fine," replied Samuel as he cut her a smile over his shoulder.

Turning around quickly Sky perused the faces behind her and she landed on Jeffery. "Your turn, take off your shirt so I can see your family crest."

"He doesn't need to take his shirt off," stated Tanner eyeing Jeffery. "You should be able to see his on the back of his neck."

Cutting Tanner a sharp glare Sky sneered at him, "And you should never judge a book by its cover." With his shirt removed everyone stared at the family crest that ran from the nape of his neck to the lower portion of his back. "No way," said Jamie making his way to stair at Jeffery's family crest. "How is it bigger than a Lord's crest. That doesn't make any sense. What rank is between a Lord and the King"

"Yes it does," said Sky tracing the outline of the unicorn and lion that stood on either side of a shield. "He is the son of a King in the south."

"I used to be," corrected Jeffery turning a sad look to the ground. "Now I'm a reformed slave."

"Ah but it doesn't matter that your family is dead. Because you still live, the family name continues on through you. It doesn't change your blood, and your blood is the blood of Kings. Does this hurt," asked Sky laying her entire hand on his back now.

"No not at all." Turning back to the group everyone stood there staring at them with their jaw on the floor.

Except for Kyle, who seemed a little bored by all of this. Taking one more look at Jeffery's back Sky turned back to Michael who quickly shook his head no. "Not out here I am not. I will in the privacy of our tent, but not out here in the open. Plus I have to practically get naked."

"Really," asked Jeffery tucking his shirt back in. "How far down does yours go."

"To his tail bone," informed Sky grabbing Aprils hand and pulling her along behind her.

"That's huge," said Jeffery shocked by that information then his tone changed as he continued, "Oh that's going to suck."

"What is," asked Sky as she turned to look back at Jeffery as Eli slugged him hard in the arm.

"Nothing, never mind," replied Jeffery as Eli growled at him. Figuring it was nothing, Sky continued her way back into the tent and pulled off her shirt.

"What are you doing," asked April as Sky grabbed her hand.

Before April could guess what she was doing Sky slapped her hand on her shoulder. Biting back a scream Sky hit the ground in excruciating pain. The air blew out of her as she choked on another scream as the ground shook below their feet. "That was dumb," snarled Michael as his dragon yanked her off the ground.

As soon as his tongue hit her searing flesh it felt like ice water had just been tossed on a red hot poker. The pain quickly shifted to pleasure as she tried to crawl up his body. "Out," snarled Michael and a herd of people rushed out.

"I'm sorry I didn't know she was going to do that," apologized April.

"I said out!"

With that Sky and Michael were left alone in the middle of his tent as he continued to lath his mark with his tongue. "You're playing with fire woman," growled Michael as Sky rubbed herself against him. Sky's body screamed out louder this time with a need she didn't understand, but she knew she needed something. "I need," groaned Sky as Michael nipped at his mark taking care not to reopen her wounds. "I need."

Taking a hold of her rear Michael packed her toward the back of the tent. Michael growled in Sky's ear as he laid her back on the bed. "What is it that you need my mate?"

What she needed right now was for him to be closer. She needed to feel Michael's skin on hers. Pushing himself between her legs Sky sucked in a breath as the searing heat of the rock hard length that he pushed into her. Her dragon purred at him while she drug her fingers down his back. At the sound of ripping cloth and the tang of blood in the air Sky yanked her hands back and looked at her claws in horror. "I am-"

"Don't you dare," snarled Michaels dragon as he rattled at her. "You are going to do that again, and again," growled Michael as he ripped the shirt from his chest.

"But I-"

"Do it again," roared Michael before he bit down on his mark again.

Instinctually Sky sunk her claws into his shoulders as she cried out. The sound of claws on scales filled her ears as she slightly lost her sanity. It was strangely erotic and made every nerve in her body stand on end with awareness "Goddess please," cried Sky incoherently as pleasure coursed threw her body make in her need even greater.

Throwing himself backward Sky sat there panting on the bed as she looked into eyes filled with desire. She'd seen eyes like those all her life as one mate looked at another. He was her mate, that's what he'd said. The mark on her shoulder said he was her mate. "I need," stammered Sky trying to voice what she needed, but what was it?

Michael shook, not like he was holding back his dragon, but he was holding back something. Yes, his dragon was out with his scales and horns on display making Michael look even more appealing. No, he shook like he was cold or like he was fighting for restraint. Restraint from what? "I need," whimpers Sky as she tugged at her own pants. "I need," she said again kicking them off before fighting with her underwear. "I need," moaned Sky as she shucked those too, along with her bra. It didn't matter that Michael was looking at her. It didn't matter he wore a look of pain as she began to touch herself. She had too, she had to do something, anything to satisfy this need. She had woken up with this pain, with this need and she'd ignored it. Forcing it away as she distracted herself with her questions and her curiosity but not now. "I burn," whispered Sky as she plunged her finger into herself.

Instantly something shoved Sky's legs wide and pulled her hand violently from herself. Opening her eyes quickly as if remembering where she was Sky closed them again as Michael's tongue circled her clit. Moaning Sky took ahold of his horns as Michael feasted on her flesh intensifying the growls as they rumbled out of him. Losing himself in her taste and her mews of pleasure, Michael lifted her up off of the bed so he could have better access to her liquid ambrosia. Michael wanted to pleasure her more but his dragon wouldn't go down enough. Already he could smell her blood as his claws dug deep into her gloriously round ass. He didn't want to inflict more on her sensitive parts. After several moments of struggle his dragon surrendered their right hand if only to please their mate. As soon as their claws were gone he drove them deep into her slick and quivering channel. As he pumped them in and out of her his her muscles clamped down on them greedily. He could feel her building orgasm as his finger snagged on something that made her hiss in pain.

Jerking, Sky tried to craw out from under him with a look of hurt on her face that melted back to ecstasy as she flopped back on the bed at his questing finger. Twirling his fingers around inside of her erasing the pain he'd caused Michael went back to investigate what he'd snagged. "By the Goddess," said Michael softly as he slid his finger against small membrane at the entrance of Sky's woman hood. It had never crossed his mind that Sky had never been with anyone. That she'd never practice mated with anyone. Then he remembered the first time he came into season and how he felt and how he...Michaels thoughts cut off as Sky whimpered, "I burn."

That's right, thought Michael, I burned and no matter what I did the burning never stopped until I… "Fuck," snarled Michael as he painful pulled away from Sky intensifying her cries of distress. That's when he smelled it, wrapped up in the scent of peppermint and pine. A strong overwhelming scent of cloves and it was coming from Sky. Looking at his bite mark Michael rolled his tongue in his mouth and winced slightly as the sting. The glands under his tongue were swollen and tender. These glands had two purposes, one was to coat their mouth in a thick substance so that the fire they breathed didn't hurt the tender parts of their mouth and throat. The second was to pass their mating hormone off to their mate through kissing and biting. If enough of the hormone entered her system it would send her into season early. That of course was if they were mates, and without a doubt they were mates. This broke down the last resolve he had of not claiming her. Having dreamed about this day he'd wanted to take it slow and claim her right. Michael wanted her she screams out his name multiple times before he ever slid into her soaking wet heat. But her season changed things, a lot. Her dragon wouldn't be satisfied with slow and sensual. She'd demand it, need it hard and rough. He was not about to let her burn and then seek out another to sate her needs. No, she was his and he would see to her every need. Stripping out his pants Michael crawled back on top of his withering mate. Spread her legs with is hips he positioned himself as best he could as she rubbed against his length. At the rate she was going he was going to topple over the edge before he even entered her. Whimpering she looked up at him with pleading eyes as begged, "Please, I need." Pressing his weight down into her in an attempt to hold her questing body still he asked, "What is it you need?"

"I..I..I burn," whimpered Sky she pushed her body into his weight like she needed more contact with him. Bringing his lips inches from hers Michael breathed, "What do you burn for?"

Seeing her nose flare and her eye widen at the smell of cinnamon he knew was on his breath she took ahold of his face. Crushing her lips to his, he groaned as she sucked at his tongue needing more, craving more of his pheromones. Rattling in pleasure his dragon rolled in victory knowing his mate would be carrying his scent forever now. No matter where she went everyone would smell his scent markers on her. No one would dare to touch her after today. Sky made love to his mouth as her body continued to seek out release until the head of him pushed at her entrance. Drawing back Sky looked between their bodies before looking up at him with doe-like eyes full of innocence and wonder. "I'm going to make you mine Sky," rumbled Michael pressing forward a little, but not enough to take her body's innocence. "I'm going to make sure you always burn for me." Pushing in a little farther he could now feel the resistance of her innocence barring his entry. "You are my mate, and I am what you need."

Covering her mouth with his Michael forced his way through the barrier and swallowed her sharp cry of pain. He continued to kiss her as her body adjusted around his length and girth. She was built for him and as she loosened enough for him to push the rest of the way in he could feel himself pressing against her cervix. Her sweet warmth rippled around him as he she began to wimpier and squirm beneath him. Pulling himself out he drove himself back in as he claimed her moan as he deepened his kiss. Raking his irritated glands over his teeth as he drove his tongue into her mouth he fed her more of him. She feasted on the taste of him making him grow impossibly harder. She clawed at his back, his sides, his ass, and arms. All of it was driving him to the edge of oblivion, and then she snatch up a horn. Yanking his head roughly to the side it shifted his weight enough for her to access her mark. With that she sank her teeth into him pushing him over the edge into oblivion. The roar his dragon unleashed shook the earth as his death exploded around him. Sky purred in response as her body responded by milking him for all that he was worth. With shaking arms he lowered himself to the bed. Not wanting to crush her under his weight, but he also didn't want to disconnect from her yet so he wrapped his arms around her. Holding Sky tightly he rolled them over onto his back. Panting and drenched in sweat Sky lay with her head on his chest for several long minutes. "That was so much better than cookies," said Sky finally breaking the silence. Roaring in laughter Michael held his still innocent mate against his chest. When he was able to breathe again he chuckled, "I'd hope that was better than cookies."

"Now I understand why people practice mate all the time."

"True but practice mating has nothing on real mating. It's one hundred percent better hands down in all ways," murmured Michael as he buried his nose into the hair at the top of Sky's head.

"That's only because you had to worry about killing them. It can't be any fun to watch your practice partner crumble to dust," stated Sky like that fact was no big deal.

Hugging her tighter Michael hummed as he looked back at the most explosive orgasm he'd ever had. True, some of that was because he didn't have to worry about his death killing Sky. Even so, the majority of it was because it was Sky that made it better all the way around. "Nope I believe it was because of you," replied Michael as his dragon rumbled in pleasure.

"If you say so I'll believe you," replied Sky laying limply on top of him. "You think they heard you in town?"

"Probably, but I know the entire campground heard you," joked Micheal.

"Can I stay in here for the rest of my life," asked Sky refusing to move from her warm and comfortable spot.

"No, you need to come out and eat breakfast or should I call it lunch," snapped April from behind the curtain. "You need to make up for not eating yesterday and all the days before!"

Laughing Michael patted Sky on her delectable rear, "Well you heard the lady up and at'em."

Shaking her head no Sky replied, "Nope, not moving. I can't feel my legs."

"I will come in there and spoon feed you if I must," snapped April angrily from the other side of the curtain.

"Ugg, Fine! You mean old heifer!"

Pushing herself off of Michael Sky slid down his body until her feet hit the floor. Bringing herself upright she stumbled back into the dresser. Holding onto it for the support she took a steadying breath. Opening her eyes she found Michael at the end of the bed poised and ready to catch her as well as April directly behind her. "My legs are jelly."

"I can tell, maybe a bath before you eat," said April with a sheepish smile.

"Do I stink that bad," asked Sky smelling herself.

"No but we need to clean you up a bit." Looking at her hands and arms, Sky made her way down her body trying to figure out why she needed to be cleaned up. Finding blood between her legs Sky inwardly groaned. "Man not again," complained Sky. "I don't want to have to deal with Owen and Tom again."

"You think your pre-season was bad," chuckled Michael getting out of the bed. "You have an army of male dragons behind you now and you are truly in season this time."

"That makes a difference?"

Making his way over to the privy to clean up Micheal chuckled a little. "You think those two were bad then? I can just imagine what'll be like now." Nibbling her shoulder as he stopped beside her, Michael pulled out a new set of clothes. "This should be interesting."

Getting dressed quickly he made his way out of the room side of the tent. Moments later Eli and Tanner stepped into the room. Both dragons regarded her carefully before preceding to the tub. As they passed by both dragons did not make eye contact as they made a clicking sound at her before preceding to the tub. The process repeated as they made their way out of the room. The only difference was on their way passed Eli's dragon stopped to caress Aprils cheek. Leaning in a little into his touch was the only hint he needed as his dragon broke into a massive grin before leaving. Once Sky couldn't hear their footsteps any more she asked in a hurt tone, "So what was all of that about? They wouldn't even look at me?"

"Because you're in a full season. Their dragons are afraid of you, because of your dragon. If she thinks they are trying to make a pass at her she'll flat out attack them, because they are not her mate. You are mated to Michael and he's the only one she'll let close. Plus on top of that contact will other males during this time will be extremely uncomfortable and could cause the same reaction. For that reason, everyone is going to be very protective of you. Since you are bleeding your body is signaling that it's readying itself for a baby. Baby's are precious and they will die before they let anything happen to you that may prevent you from conceiving. Since you are Queen with an army at your back this should be interesting," laughed April shoving her toward the bath.

"What? What does this have to do with babies," asked Sky concerned and confused as she climbed into the tub.

"You did just mated with the King. His seed is inside you, and you're in season. It's the optimal time for growing a baby inside your body," informed April forcing Sky down into the water.

"It only takes once," gasped Sky completely shocked at this information.

"Some time it does, others it takes more," informed April gathering up the shampoos and soaps. "Conception is hard for dragons that's why on average couples produce two babies at most. Some are super lucky like Eli's mom to have many, but more tend to have none. That's why dragons get so protective of their females. Without them our races die, because we carry and birth the next generation."

"So in short everyone's going to know I'm in season, and Michael is going to want to do it that a lot," stated Sky pointing to the bed that April was currently stripping.

"Well of course. If you get pregnant it'll be the first child a King ever had. Everyone will be super stoked. The kingdom's morale will be off the charts. I mean as soon as this news gets around everyone will be excited. You'll be the talk of the town."

"For one, I don't want to be the talk of the town, and for two, I don't want to have Eli and Tanner constantly in here clicking at me so I can take a bath. It wasn't this bad last time," grumbled Sky as April looked at the ruined matrices. "It's probably because your mate was claiming you for the first time. Honestly I'm not sure. Remember I haven't come into a full season yet. Everyone I know who has their dragons their blood is light. Unlike the humans who look like they're bleeding to death," informed April leaving for a brief moment.

Moments later Kyle came in with Owen. Rolling up the mattress they packed it out as Sky groaned, "Oh this is so embracing," before sinking down into the water.

Waiting for her to come back up April poured shampoo on top of her head. "I don't know why. It's not like we care at all. Honestly I'm excited for you. I couldn't be happier for you right now. An as far as everything else, it's natural. From what I've been told is that when your full season comes you pretty much have no choice but to mate. Your body drives you too it. Now I've gotten horny and ran the gambit before as you know, but they said mating while in season it the greatest. Mating with your real mate in season in out of this world. Sex is great in general, but out of this world sex sounds awesome too," laughed April before shoving Sky's head under the water.

"I understand that. Last time just touching myself knocked off the edge of this need I couldn't explain. I know now what that need is because my hand wasn't doing it."

Laughing so hard April snorted, "I assume not with your mate in the room with you. On top of that I'm sure he's better equipped to handle the job if you know what I mean."

"Is this really what women talk about," asked Jamie as he entered the room.

Looking at each other Sky and April laughed as they shrugged their shoulders. Shaking his head Jamie made his way over to them while saying, "The council has asked me to verify your season My Queen. May I check the status of your health?"

"Sure," replied Sky as she watched Jamie's blue eyes turn to yellow as he stepped up close to her. Crouching down Jamie's dragon clicked at her as his hand stopped halfway to Sky. It hovered in the air as if it had hit a wall and didn't move. "Jamie are you okay," asked Sky as her dragon made her way up to check on his safety.

"I can't do it," replied Jamie lowering his hand. "I physically can't do it." Reaching for his hand Jamie's dragon clicked loudly before sending him to the floor. The smell of his submission started to fill the air as Skys dragon looked into Jamie to see all of the memories of when bigger dragons were mean to him growing up. Trying to reach down to him Sky slipped and fell out of the tub. Almost taking a set of horns to the head Sky's body roll over the top of her and landed roughly on top of Jamie. Hearing the crash Michael, Eli, Tanner, and Kyle where instantly in the room. "What in the Goddess's name is going on here," asked Eli before he snickered at the wet and currently smushed Jamie.

Righting herself Sky groaned as she rubbed her head. "I don't know? I reached for Jamie and he went all submissive and stuff. Then I couldn't reach him so I leaned further and I fell out of the tub," explained Sky while Jamie's dragon was laying perfectly still beside her.

"Well I guess if he can't perform his duties I'll have to find a new physician," growled Michael forcing Jamie to move.

Reaching out with a shaky hand Jamie tentivily grabbed Sky's ankle as she stood. Sky could feel his magic flow into her. April had said her dragon could react violently to the touch of a random male and she was slightly right. Her dragon hissed at him and created a sound Sky had never heard before. It sounded like an animal version of a little kid running a stick across a picket fence. Everyone, including Michael took an involuntary step back. Rolling his neck and shoulders as if trying to shake something off, Michael steps back toward Sky. Raising her eyes from Jamie to Michael as he approached Sky's body went very still as her dragon repeated the sound. "Jamie, don't move," whispered Michael as he and his dragon forced their way forward.

"I won't lie. I'm about to piss myself," replied Jamie with a shaky voice.

"Yeah, my bad buddy. I didn't have a clue. Hang on," said Michael through gritted teeth as his dragon rattled at Sky.

Hissing at Michael, Sky tried to back away from him but came to a stop as her left foot was held in place. "This is about to go bad," breathed Jamie into the floor as he could feel her anxiety raising and her dragon was beginning to stress. "I can feel her wings starting to bud, but they are too early. Her skin in on fire. It's trying to change to scales, but something isn't right. I don't know what's wrong."

"Don't let her go. And don't move," ordered Michael as he began to strip out of his clothes.

"Easy for you to say," choked Jamie keeping his eyes on the floor. "She doesn't outrank you by like tenfold right now. She's going to eat me."

"She is not," chided Michael stepping out of his pants causing Sky to hiss and create that sound that instantly froze his blood. "Okay she might," added Michael as Sky's teeth began to elongate too that of her dragons.

"She's in a lot of pain, and I'm not sure my hand is helping," informed Jamie as his arm began to shake.

Covered in scales and ready for the worse Michaels dragon rattled at her as he inched closer. "I don't think challenging her is appropriate right now your Majesty," said Jamie who was still looking at the ground and not the threatening look Sky was giving him.

"It is if I want her attention on me and not you," informed Michael inching closer.

Feeling power beginning to be pulled from the ground Jamie couldn't help but stare at her feet. Even if he couldn't see it, he could feel it pouring into her like a flood gate had just been opened. "I think she's about to jump. She's drawing in a lot of-" Jamie cute his words off as the world shifted around him instantly making him nauseous. "And now I'm alone in the woods with a dragon that wants to eat me, and I need to vomit. Oh this was a very bad idea."

Feeling his head getting jerked to the side, fear settled deep into Jamie's bones as he met Sky's glowing eyes. He'd never been close enough to see that under the glow were real eyes. There was no slit in the middle of the iris like a dragon. Her pupil was oddly big and round like a human. It shifted and moved as she focused on him like a cat's eyes would do before it pounced. He would have been intrigued by this development if he wasn't afraid Sky was going to rip his throat out. "Toughing me was a bad idea. I would sugges-" Out of nowhere Sky disappeared as water erupted from somewhere in front of him.

Crawling backward quickly Jamie scrambled out of the way as Michael slammed into the ground where he'd once been. Clearing out of the way and hiding behind a tree Jamie watched as Sky's skin rippled across her belly. Turning almost a pure white Sky winced before retreating a couple of steps issuing Michael a hiss. "You think all of these sounds are from her dragon," asked Michael as he circled Sky. "I figured she always hissed because she likes cats, but now I'm not sure. That weird high pitched nocking like sound is so unnatural. Honestly it scares him a little," said Michael in-between fighting rounds.

Unable to match Sky's speed Michael was just happy he had on his dragon armor. Her punches weren't powerful but he also knew you couldn't fall a tree in one swing. No you hit it over and over in the same spot. She was deadly accurate with each punch, and they weren't random. Repeatedly striking the same spots he was sure he'd have a couple of bruises tomorrow. "I'm honestly not sure if she's really a dragon anymore," said Jamie as he pointed toward Sky as what seems to be fine white hairs began to appear where scales should have been.

"Okay so maybe I'm mated to a cat," joked Michael blocking Skys kicks and punches.

"Are you getting turned on by her whooping your ass," asked Eli jogging up behind Jamie.

"Don't judge me," shouted Michael just before Sky socked him hard in the kidney with one hand and took out his knee with the other.

Catching Sky's heel just before it came crashing down into his chest, Michael didn't miss the slight smile that tugged on her lips. Giving her foot a good yank Sky almost did the splits over him. Within one quick move Michael had her on the ground under him growling as he nibbled at his mark on her shoulder. Laughing Sky flopped weekly back onto the ground panting. Giving Sky's dragon a rattle of wanting Michael ran his hand across her supper soft belly. When the flicker of light caught his eye Michael looked down at his hand. As he ran his hand through the fine fur on her stomach blue flames danced in its wake. Rumbling in pleasure at the feel of Michael's hand Sky watched him run his hand over her stomach again. "Yep, round two," laughed Eli before giving them his back to afford them some privacy.

Sky was panting and grinning from ear to ear as she tried to catch her breath. Giggling Sky squirmed on top of Michael has he ran his fingers up her spine. "Whum," rumbled Michael as Sky twitched again.

"That feels weird and tickles," complained Sky squirming as Micheal rubbed her fur the wrong way.

"Just like a cat," laughed Michael. "I think I'm mated to a cat."

"Meow," joked Sky.

Out of nowhere the sound of barking filled the woods. "Alivia," breathed Sky as her dragon took charge again.

"Wait," roared Michael but Sky was already gone.

Instantly breaking apart his dragon rushed after his mate who was blindly racing into danger. Gathering around her Michael pulled himself back to gather when he saw Alivia face down covered in blood with Jeffery on top of her. Sky's feet began to glow as she took the last few steps between her and Alivia. A wave of energy shot out of her hand sending Jeffery flying back off of Alivia. Jumping protectively on Alivia, Sky snarled at all of the bodies descending on them. Watching Sky draw in a deep breath, Michael figured her dragon was about to roar at them in warning, but what came out was anything but. A high pitched cry like that of an elk came out sending everyone to the ground in an instant. Unwilling to submit, but unable to stand Michael sat in the middle of the woods on his hands and knees. Jeffery's dragon was chattering and chirping as he clawed at the ground trying to get to Alivia. The terror in his dragons face pulled at his heart strings, but even he was powerless right now. Whirling around Sky's dragon tried to figure out what was going on and why there was blood all over Alivia. Had Jeffery attacked her? Surely not. Wiping the blood out of the way something sharp cut Sky's hand. Blue flames dripped from her hand as the blood fell onto Alivia causing her to cry out. Licking her hand quickly to close the wounds Sky examined what had cut her. Not knowing what this thing was she tried to heal it, but that only made Alivia's pain double. Scrambling to her feet Sky found Jamie face first in the dirt again a good distance behind them. Blinking over to him she jumped them right back. "What is this," asked Sky pointing at the sharp barb. "Why is it hurting her? Why does she bleed?"

"Sky I can't see what you are talking about unless you release your hold on me," groaned Jamie as if a massive weight was on him. "I can't move currently."

Michael watched her do a shooing motion over Jamie as if sending something the rest couldn't see a way. Within moments Jamie was pushing himself up timidly. Not moving fast enough to suit Sky she grabbed him by the horns and yanked him forward. "Look!"

"By the Goddess," exclaimed Jamie. "Release everyone right now! I need them all," shouted Jamie shoving Sky out of the way and jumping onto Alivia's back. "If you don't want Alivia to die, do it!" Looking at the completely different dragon then she had ahold of before, Sky napped her fingers. Instantly Jeffery was on his feet and again at Alivia's side as Jamie began barking orders. "Jeffery out of your shirt now!.... To slow," snapped Jamie ripping his shirt off. "Eli help me get her up." Barking in distress Alivia's dragon railed against Eli and Jamie as they picked her up and practically throw her into Jeffery. "Tanner sit behind Jeffery and hold onto her arms tight. Put your knees into Jeffery if you need too! Alivia feel free to bite Jeffery as hard as you need too, its his fault anyway. I would suggest you bring your scales up Jeffery," stated Jamie pulling his boot knife out. "Alivia, this is going to hurt really bad."

Knowing what was going on and what was about to happen, Michael's dragon rapped his arms around Sky in a vice-like grip. He didn't know how she'd react but he did now her dragon wasn't going to like this either. With one quick move Jamie buried his dagger into Alivia back. Screaming out in pain Alivia trashed around. Covering Sky's mouth before she could remake whatever sound that had frozen them in spot Michael was dragging a ball of raging blue flames farther from the men. "It's for her own good," snarled Michael as Sky sank her teeth into his hand.

"Hold her Tanner! Kyle I need you," shouted Jamie as he slid a second knife in right beside the first.

Grabbing both handles Kyle replied, "Got it, boss," before he wrenched them apart with a sickening crunch.

Blood gushed from the wound as Jamie reached his hand into it. "Oh come on," growled Jami as he placed his foot into Alivia's back for better leverage and pulled.

Watching something began to slide out of the wound Jamie yelled for Eli and he responded, "On it!"

With that Eli wrapped his hands around the thing and pulled as hard as he could along with Jamie. There was a sucking sound that was followed shortly after by Alivia's screams that drowned everything out. Turning to her other shoulder they repeated the process until two sets of wings lay limp at Alivia back. "The bleeding won't stop," shouted Jamie turning dragon yellow eye toward Sky. "Your turn."

With that Micheal let Sky go as she raced back to Alivia. Moving out of the fireballs way Alivia screamed as soon as Sky's fire engulfed her. Free from Tanners grasp she clawed at Jeffery as the flames spread across her body. Michael had to give credit where credit was due. For every slash and every cut Alivia gave him he never flinched or wavered. He held her tight through it all. Even as the blue flames sealed his wounds he never moved. When the flames died down Alivia had her teeth barred into Jeffrey's neck. There was no hiding that mating mark. Well maybe if he grew his hair out long he could sense it was more toward the back of his neck, but until then it wasn't happening. Seeing Sky beginning to sag against Alivia, Michael knew what was coming next. Picking his clothes up off the ground was Eli had hastily dropped them he got dressed. Leaving his jacket off he leaned Sky back against him. Laying the jacket on her he gently scooped her up. Jerking slightly Sky's eyes shot open before drifting closed again. Once he had her safely in his arms, Jamie hauled off and hit Jeffery in the back of the head hard. Catching himself before him and Alivia fell forward Jeffery snarled at him as his dragon pushed himself to the surface. "You are as stupid as our King," roared Jamie load enough both Sky and Alivia stirred a little before drifting back to sleep. "You are pushing her dragon too hard! She could have died just now. What would have happened if all of us weren't here? What would have happened if Sky wasn't here? She would have bled to death that's what would have happened! You keep going and her dragon will come threw her skin too early and she'll die. You Moron!"

"You shared your fire too huh," asked Michael with a shrug. "Some times shit happens."

"You should be happy you're holding our Queen," snarled Jamie before storming off. "I'm done with you fools!"

Making their way back to the camp sight Michael found his bed had been replaced and a new set of blankets were on it. Tucking Sky in he also decided to take a nap as well. Hours later Michael awake to an empty bed. Tossing some clothes on quickly in his worry he found it unneeded. As soon as he rushed out of the back of the tent he found Sky laid out on the table surrounded by empty plates. Wearing one of his shirts and a pair of undies she was defiantly not Queen material at the moment but she looked cute as hell. Strangely enough Samuel sat right beside her with his hand on her back lightly glowing. Looking between the two, Samuel shrugged. "I think it's because he's mated," stated Jamie sitting in a chair on the far side of the tent. "Lord Shelby stopped by earlier too and her dragon didn't mind him touching her. You can tell she doesn't like it, but it wasn't anything like when I or Tom touched her."

"Tom touched her too," asked Michael wondering how he slept through her dragon losing control again. "Yep but as soon as she made that odd sound he was out the tent like a scared cat," laughed Samuel causing Sky to crack her eyes open a little. "She's not fully asleep but she's almost there. Her dragon is sucking her energy reserves down. It's like she trying to force the change. Currently she's got some interesting ears."

Brushing Sky's hair out of the way Michael looked at her wolf-like ears. Cupping the soft white ear in his hand Michael ran his finger through the longs white hairs at the end that reminded him of a lynx. Looking into the sapphire blue dragon eyes as they looked at him Michael leaned in and kissed the side of her head. "You need to slow down there my little dragon. You are running before you know how to walk. If you keep it up you'll kill you both. Come on back to bed with you."

Picking her up, Michael tucked Sky back into bed before returning to scavenge something to eat. For such a small thing she could pack away food, that was for sure, thought Michael making him a plate while Samuel began to pick up the empty dishes. Sitting down with a huff Michael could feel Jamie's glaring eyes burning a hole through him. He knows Jamie was angry, no he was pissed, and for good reason. Michael hated to admit it but Jamie was right. Sky's dragon was pushing herself too hard to grow up and he wouldn't be able to bare it if they had to pull her wings out. On top of that he'd die if she returned to the mother and that's a fact. At this point he couldn't live without her. If he was honest he knew he couldn't live without her since the night she hung from his horns. Even if he had acted angry and tossed her at Eli. She'd already made a spot in his heart. At that point he just wasn't willing to admit it. Heaving a big sigh Michael pushed his untouched plate away. "Jamie go get your father." Without a word Jamie stormed from the room. Without looking at the other bodies that stood at the entrance of the tent Michael continued, "Eli I need to talk to you."

"What you need to do is eat," replied Eli sitting down across from him and pushed his plate back into his direction.

"I will in a moment," said Michael running his figures throw his hair in frustration. "First things first you are going to dismiss Alivia."

"On what grounds," snapped Eli going from passive to aggressive instantly.

"On the grounds that her dragon needs distance from Jeffery."

"That's not her fault," spat Eli throwing his hand out pointing to Alivia who was probably standing just outside currently.

"No, but it's not Jeffery's either. Her dragon needs time to maturing on her own without an outside stimulus. Her dragon isn't the only one, and I'd much rather have her guarding Sky than a fledgling who hasn't even finished guards training," stated Michael.

"William is a great guard! That little shit took on Tanner with two blades yesterday," snapped Eli visibly more upset about the fledgling thing than losing Alivia.

"Good, then you won't mind trading," informed Michael.

"No," shouted April making her way into the tent with panic in her eyes. "William stays with me!"

"He's a fledgling of what? Almost sixty years," stated Michael giving her a flat and level stare. "He's old enough to fly the nest. He belongs to the guards and ultimately I make decisions on who becomes a guard."

"You can't take him!"

"April," snarled Eli getting to his feet as his dragon came to the surface asserting his dominance over April.

Tears rolled down her face as she cowered a little, but still unable to back down. "I can make my own decisions," snapped William barging into the tent. "I would be honored to serve under Eli. Besides the Queen, I would be the second youngest guard ever to serve under the King."

"No you're too young," snapped April as her dragon made her way to the surface.

"April," snapped Eli.

"No! He's my son," snarled Aprils dragon pushing herself all the way up exposing her small feminine horns.

Pushing himself to his feet Michael looked at April's multiple colored scales. Why was he cursed to be surrounded by a bunch of women who's dragons hadn't reached breading age? Now he had to deal with a protective mom, not mom. "Do you not trust me or Eli to take care of your little brother? If I can't use him then, I guess we don't need him."

"No your majesty. Please all I've wanted to be was a guard like my fathers. Please April," cried William almost in tears. "I can go. I'm big enough to take care of myself. It's not like you'll be gone long! I like Sky, I really do, but I don't like having to hang around girls all day. I can fight! I'm a good fighter! Maybe not as good as Tanner or Eli but I can learn, and I can learn from the best," pleaded William and his dragon as his tiny horns pushed from his head.

Making his way over to William, Eli tugged him back a couple of steps so that he could stand in the middle. "You can't keep him under your wings forever. It's a testament to your faith and dedication that your brother is standing here today. Not only just standing here but being brought into the fold as a King's guard. Let him serve the memory of your Fathers well. I can't say he will always be safe, because that is a lie, but I can say he will never be alone. That is my promise to you."

Out of nowhere Eli was blown to the ground as a grumbling Sky shuffled over to them. Taking Aprils hand Sky laid her forehead against hers. Laughing slightly April sniffed a couple of times, before shaking her head no. "I don't care if you want a snuggle buddy. I'm not crawling in the King's bed with you." Taking a step back April wiped the tears from her face. "Fine you can go William."

"Really! Thank you," shouted William before wrapping his arms around her in a big hug. "Don't thank me, thank Sky," sniffed April giving her brother a half-smile.

Instantly dropping April, William ran to Sky as she made her way back to bed. Rapping his arms around her as everyone yelled, "No." William picked her off the ground and spun in a circle yelling, "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!"

Sitting her down Sky mused the hair between William's small horns. "You can't say I never did anything for you little one," yawned Sky waving him off before disappearing behind the curtain. Happy as can be, William made his way quickly out of the tent and the first thing everyone hears was, "Did you hear that Tanner! I get to work with you guys now!"

Chuckling Michael returned to his seat while April made her way outside the tent looking defeated. Eli on the other hand was still laying on the floor looking up at the roof with smoke rolling out of his nose. "Spit it out Eli," stated Michael around a bit of food after sitting there for a while in silence. "My hor~~~~~~~~," mumbled Eli under his breath.

"I didn't hear a word you said," informed Michael as Jamie and his Father stepped into the tent.

"My horns ~~~~~~~," mumbled Eli again.

"Eli why are you on the ground," asked Jamie stepping over him. "You're head is at a weird angle. That can't be comfortable."

"Sky gave him a magical shove," said Michael setting his fork down before walking over to his best friend to figure out why he was still on the ground. "Oh man I'm surprised they didn't break." laughed Michael.

"Shut up," grumbled Eli as Michael placed a foot on either side of him. Reaching down Michael took a hold of Eli's horns and pulled. When his horns broke from the ground so suddenly Michael went stumbling back landing on his rear. Taking Eli along with him Michael grunted in pain as Eli's face landed right in his crouch. "Well isn't this interesting," replied Shelby as he and the council walked in.

"I hate your mate right now," mumbled Eli pushing himself up from the ground as his face turned bright red.

"What does the Queen have to do with you being face down in the King's private parts," asked Lady Noctis with a deep scowl. "We know they are in season but still, and why is there a clump of grass wedged between your horns?"

Holding himself as he rose to his feet Michael stood bent over at the waist for a moment before raising all the way. "How is it that I might help the council this afternoon," asked Michael adjusting himself before tenderly making his way back to his chair. Stepping forward Lady Winter clasped her hands together. "We've been talking and we've come to the conclusion that Sky should travel to the Land of Fire next."

"I figured you of all people would want the Queen to travel to the Land of Wind next since your land should have been first and all," said Michael finally turning to his lunch.

"It is very true, but if the Goddess is willing and Sky conceives this week the Land of Fire would be easier on her. Since none of us know how she'll give birth we reasoned the warmer climate would probably be a better solution. On top of that it's closer to the White Woods in cause she needs to go there. Of course that is if you still wish for her to continue the classes," replied Lady Winter.

Taking a drink to wash his food down Michael replied, "I think it's more important now than before, so yes. She needs to know about all of her people and I feel this is the best solution."

"Maybe no more fighting classes then," asked Lady Noctis with a hopeful look.

Michael shrugged his shoulders. "I'll leave that up to her. She enjoys sparing and I'm not going to take away something she enjoys. Now of course, until we know for sure she's not caring my child than of course no more fighting classes. Either way by the time she makes it to Hestia the doctors there will be able to determine if we have been blessed or not."

"It has been a while since I've been home. I wouldn't mind leading a small escort team into the Land of Fire. Maybe we could even swing by my brothers on the way through and convince him to work with his hammer once more. I'm sure he could make a sword she can't lose," stated Shelby looking at the empty scabbard hanging next to Sky's black and silver saddlebags.

"She didn't lose that one," stated Lord Silvanus. "She broke it."

"Must have been a cheaply made one then," scoffed Shelby.

"Nope she spent a pretty penny on that one," replied Lord Silvanus pointing at the empty scabbard. "It was top of the line from one of the town's best blacksmiths. I took it to him after she left to get her money back for it. Even if I was being an asshole I was making sure no one was taking advantage of her. The Sword-smith I took it to said that whatever happened to it was not from faulty smithing. Something else made it shatter."

Rubbing his chin thoughtfully Eli began to count on his fingers. "That's five swords that she's broken."

"Impossible," stated Lord Troy looking at Eli skeptically.

"Completely possible. She broke one in training when she was little. We figured it was because it was a midget sword on its third leg. Then she broke the one fighting the pirates. Again we didn't give her a real one. Then Owen said she broke William's fighting the harpies. Again we passed it off as a crap sword because he had just passed his guards entrance exam meaning wall duty. Who needs a good sword on wall duty? Then she broke one at the training grounds and we passed that one off on being a crap sword, and that one makes five. Maybe it wasn't the swords at all. That's two many shattered swords for them all to be bad swords," stated Tanner making his way into the tent. "I wouldn't mind going too. Between the two of us maybe Uncle can make her something she won't break. It's been a while since we've been home. If It's all right with you that is your majesty."

Nodding his head Michael pushed his empty plate away. "That is fine. Make preparations, as soon as her season is done you are to head west. Lord Silvanus will supply the other guards for traveling. I guess we will also need to see if Mayaya will be staying here or traveling with. Now if you excuse me I've got a mate in season I need to pester." With that everyone left abruptly.