Burning Hearts

Chapter Nineteen

Tana

I can’t help but to sob uncontrollably. I got consumed in my memory of our house in flames as it took my mom’s life. Casen held me close and just rubbed my back. I didn’t know.

“What happened?” Adrian asked. “She relived a memory of her childhood. Her home was engulfed in flames. She escaped out her bedroom window, but the rest of the house was consumed quickly by the fire. I think her mom perished in the fire.” Robyn explained.

“That’s awful,” Kalina commented.

I pushed away from Casen when I could control my sobs. I wiped at my face. All eyes were on me. I adjusted my position to look at Lyrai. “My mum is dead,” I said while looking at Lyrai. “I’m sorry your majesty.” “That is not what I meant.” Lyrai looked confused. Everyone did.

“Your father couldn’t find Shalia because she is dead. She burned in the fire.” Realization dawned across their expressions. “Shalia was you mom?” Lyrai asked. I nodded. “Your father must be the phoenix dragon then.” “What do you mean must be? Isn’t he dead too?” I asked. Lyrai and Rhistal smiled. “No. A phoenix, much like the legend of the bird, is always reborn from the ashes. It is debatable if the bird or dragon came first,” Lyrai explained.

“So, my father is alive, but has left me alone all this time. He let my mum die and…” I stopped talking because I didn’t want to think about what happened to me after my mum’s death. I’m not sure if I really want to meet my dad now. Which also means I’m not the only most rare dragon on Earth.

~~~

My arm is a little sore after training with Lyrai and Rhistal. They had me start with sword play, though I used a wooden sword to not hurt myself or anyone else. Casen and Orien trained by my side to help show me. Orien is going to be teaching all of us martial arts moves.

I feel slightly overwhelmed, but I am going to learn as much as I can. Corbin discussed more over breakfast about extending the invitations for Christmas out to not only all dragon kingdoms, but other magical and supernatural species. I guess technically they could come if they resided in his territory, but now it’s the world being included. I’m nervous about being revealed.

I watched as Casen was led through a particular routine, we all perform for the end of the year as a class. I keep having to have to control my growling each time a female classmate dances with him. I have to get this under control. I need to speak with Robyn since she’s been marked on how to do it.

“Do you want to practice together?” “Huh?” I turned my head up to the side to see Will standing next to me. “Uh, sure.” He put his hand out and I took it. We moved to an area to practice. Will started off the dance. I flowed with him. We danced around our little area. I felt like eyes were on us. I tried to ignore the feeling and concentrate on what I was doing.

Will spun me into him and dipped me by bending me at my back. I lifted my right leg to rest along his hip. “Grrrr.” I heard a low growl in my mind. I caught eyes with Casen before Will lifted me again. He was dancing, but his eyes bore into us. “We’re just practicing,” I said. “You’re practicing. He’s imagining f*cking you.” “No, he's not.” “Tana, I’m a guy. I know that look. You’re mine.”

I smiled at Casen when he could see me. I could see his concentration split between dancing and the desire and lust that he couldn’t hide for me. “Tonight, I’m all yours.” I assured him. “You’re mine after class. I can’t wait for tonight.” I smirked at him.

Casen snatched my arm up when the class moved into the whole class's participation. I added a little more sway to my hips, or exaggerated moves just enough to tease Casen. I was giddy on the inside waiting for class to end.

“That was a great session today class.” Our professor praised us. I moved to get my towel and things. “So, I was wondering if you would like to go out some time.” Will stepped up. “I, uh…” I couldn’t respond fully. “She can’t. She’ll be busy.” Casen interrupted.

“Busy with what?” Will questioned Casen. Casen grimaced. “Uh, Will, Casen isn’t just a good friend. He is my boyfriend.” I explained. Will looked between us. “Oh, sorry.” He replied and turned to walk away. “Happy now?” I turned to Casen. “No, not until I have you screaming my name.” I grinned and he crashed his mouth to mine.

Lyrai and Rhistal were waiting outside the building when we exited. I groaned internally. Casen squeezed my hand. We piled into my small car. It was a tight fit as Rhistal and Casen are so huge. Orien needed to run to his place to do a few things while we were in class. He took his car.

We burst through our room and Casen slammed the door shut. He reached out for me, but I stepped out of his reach. He arched his brow. I grinned. I ran for the bedroom. I had barely made it inside when his arms encircled me from behind. I squealed a laugh out.

I tried to squirm out of his hold, but it was futile. He walked us to the bed. He pulled my shirt up and off. He nibbled at my neck and licked and sucked where his teeth just nibbled. My body arched, pressing my *ss into his erection. He grunted and started tearing the rest of my clothes off.

I twisted in his arms and our eyes locked. I caressed the side of his face as I moved on my tip toes to kiss him. He scrambled to pull his shirt off. Casen broke the kiss yanking his shirt off the rest of the way. I climbed up onto the bed backwards, never taking my eyes off from him as he finished removing his clothes.

I looked at him. He’s perfect. I licked my lips. He smirked at me. He grabbed me around my back with one arm and pulled me towards the middle of the bed as he climbed onto it. He started kissing me as he moved to settle in between my legs. He pushed into me. I gasped as he filled me. He always feels so amazing each time he fills my body.

He started rolling his hips. “Ah, Casen, oh.” I moaned. He smiled against my mouth. His thrust became hard and deep. “Casen, ha, yes, f*ck.” I panted with a moan. “You’re mine Tana. Remember that whenever a guy touches you.” “Just remember you are mine too.” “Always, Baby. No other woman compares to you.” “Being the queen of dragons doesn’t sway you, huh?” I panted.

“No, I loved you before you were reborn. You are it for me.” “Good, because I love you.” “Never forget it.” He grunted and smiled down at me.

“Tana, Casen, where are you?” Robyn’s voice came through my mind. “We’re busy. We’ll meet you in ten minutes.” Casen replied. “Why so long?” There was a pause as we looked at each other to decide how to respond. “Oh, never mind. Ten minutes.” Robyn’s voice came back through. “I hope she didn’t open that chat to everyone else.” I said. “She didn’t.”

Casen didn’t miss a beat, thrusting into me. “Yes, yes, ha, oh, faster.” I moaned. Casen obliged me. My head arched back, exposing my neck for Casen to resume the attention he had started a few minutes ago. I thrust my hands into his hair, holding him to me. He moaned and grunted his pleasure. I felt myself ready to fall. “Case, oh, ho, Casen!” I screamed as my release took over me.

Casen growled as he found his release too. He peppered kisses over my face and neck. “I told you I would make you scream my name.” I half-heartedly hit him on his back. He laughed and I joined him.

~~~

Casen’s text alert sounded as we were getting dressed. The look he had as he read it had me concerned. “What’s the matter?” “Orien says that we should all fly to his house when we change to train. It’s important.” “Why are you telling me in mind link?” “He warned me to not make anything seem out of place and to not vocalize anything.” “Oh, okay. Let’s hurry then.” “I’ll tell the others.” He replied and I nodded.

A few minutes later, we were all gathered in the woods. Robyn put her finger to her mouth to show we should remain silent. Robyn handed Kalina Chase as he was wrapped in blankets tightly. Adrian changed into his dragon and Drew moved to wrap a scarf around Adrian’s neck as Kalina climbed up with Michael and Collin’s help onto Adrian’s back. She grasped the scarf tightly.

Collin changed next and Robyn had another scarf ready for Drew as he climbed on Collin’s back. “Change.” Robyn said low. We did. I am starting to worry though. Whatever Orien has to say can’t be good if we are bringing Chase, Kalina, and Drew.

“I’ll carry Rhistal,” Casen offered. Rhistal nodded. “I’ll carry Lyrai then.” “Are you sure? I can carry her.” Michael offered. “I’ll ride with her majesty,” Lyrai said, but gave a slight nod of a bow to Michael. We took to the air and Casen guided us to Orien’s place from the sky.

Orien was waiting outside for us. We landed and he began helping Kalina with Chase. Lyrai slid off my back. She was light as a feather as I carried her. I almost thought she wasn’t riding me a couple of times. I changed back into my human form. I’m getting faster at changing.

Orien ushered us inside. I noticed he had removed a lot of the cloth covering the furniture. He led us to a large sitting room for guests. “Sit.” He commanded us. Casen sat in a chair and pulled me onto his lap. When we settled down, Orien began to pace a little.

“What’s going on, Orien?” Casen asked. “You all need to move into here immediately. I overheard your dad planning to have a witch spell Tana. He wants to have control over her. He plans to marry her off to Callum during the ball when he reveals her.”

“What?” I shot to my feet. “He can’t do that. I’ll command him.” “He knows you could command him, but once the witch's spell is in place, any commands you give him will be negated.” Orien replied. “He’s right. You are no longer safe there.” Lyrai spoke up. “He’ll know we’re here though.”

“I can pull guards from Faylinn to stand watch,” Robyn suggested. “My father will lend warriors to guard Tana as well.” Lyrai stated. “It will take me a day or two, but I can bring some of my warriors here as well.” Kalina said. “My warriors will have to catch a flight, but they can be here in a day or two as well.” Drew stated.

“Sen, go alert the warriors in Faylinn and Black Moon. We only need about ten of each. Plenty to guard the property and be able to change shifts for rest.” Robyn ordered Sen. He nodded and left immediately. “Tana, Orien needs to tell his family about you. I can tell my family, but being protected by two dragon kings at least will mean war if Corbin attempts to spell you, kidnap you, or do anything untoward.” Adrian said.

“We need to do it now.” I said. “Orien, video call your father now.” He nodded and pulled his phone out. “Hello.” I heard over the phone. “Dad, are you with grandfather?” “Yes.” “Go somewhere private where no one can hear you or me.” “We are in your grandfather’s study.”

I put my hand out for Orien’s phone. “Your highness, and your majesty, I am Tana McCoy. You are going to be contacted by King Corbin to attend a Christmas ball with a special surprise. That surprise is me. I need your silence, but your help too.” “Why should we help you?” His dad asked. “Because I am your queen and Corbin plans nefarious things.” They looked unconvinced.

I handed the phone to Orien while it still faced me. I called on my flame. “I am your queen. I can command you to come, but I want you to choose. To prove my power though. Raise one of your hands.” I commanded both of them. Their hands shot in the air involuntarily. “Do you believe me now?” “We’re on our way.” “Be discreet, we will be staying in your home.” “Understood.” His dad replied and ended the call.