book #3 DARK KNIGHT ***COMPLETE***

#15 desire

Zara woke up in leifs arms. her head lay on his rock hard chest as she traced her fingers over the lines. this man was hers now. every inch of him belonged to her as she belonged to him. she never thought she would have that. she thought back to when she was told by the moon Goddess that she did not have a fated mate. she was devastated and angry. then she remembered a feeling that washed over her. it was a feeling of relief. if she would have had a fated mate she most likely would have been stuck and not allowed to be a warrior. she knew she would have spent the rest of her days serving her mate. she watched as his chest rose and fell with his breath. for the first time since she decided to become a warrior she didn't mind being tied down. she trusted Leif wouldn't make her be a house wife like a domesticated animal. that kind of life wasn't for her. she was an adventurer and needed that life and he was the same as her. warriors through and through. Zara hadn't been particularly upset anymore about not having a mate. pouring herself into her work and role as a princess was more important to her than anything. meeting Leif and having him on this journey made her realize how much one person could mean to her. other than her family she really never gave anyone the time of day to get to know her. Leif was different. he was a good guy and encouraged her to be herself. she smiled at the sleeping man beside her. his voice sounded out like a deep sultry song. his voice calmed her thoughts. " you know we don't have time for this, we have to get going."

Zara couldn't help the laughter that came out and she immediately put her hands over her mouth. " you have me giggling like a stupid school girl." she got up out of their make shift bed to find her clothes.

"I wouldn't mind role playing when we have more time mate." she felt him slide his hands around her hips and pull her in close to his rock hard chest. he smelled different today as both of their scents mingled together. mate. such a foreign word for her to hear. he was her mate. he was hers and she was his and they had chosen each other. they chose to love each other. Ultimately, that's what they were. they were choosing to love each other and nurture each other.

"that word sounds pretty sexy coming off your tongue. you keep calling me mate and we definitely aren't leaving this room yet."

she felt his hot breath on her mark as he kissed it gently. she had never felt that sensation before. every time he touched her sparks danced across her skin igniting a fire of desire, lust and love. she felt her body heat up at the sensation. he moaned softly on her shoulder and the vibration sent chills running up her neck causing her brain to remain in a constant haze. There was no doubt this man was sending her to heaven and hell all at once and she wanted more. she whimpered as she felt his touch leave her body. instantly the heat began to cool and she missed his closeness and the warmth only he could provide her. "baby, when this is all over I promise we will spend all day in bed just exploring each other." she turned and watched him get dressed. "but right now we have to go. we need to get princess Avaly on the throne and beat Jonathan in order to do that."

she knew he was right. they needed to gain ground and push on with their journey but she couldn't help the desire that he sparked in her. he was like a new drug that filled her with ecstasy and she loved every second of it. she loved that he was hers and no one else's. for the first time she had something that was never promised to her but that she had chosen to work for. it was a something she never knew she wanted and now she would do anything in order to keep it. "fine." she sighed giving in to her duty and pushing her desire aside. she had a job to do and she was going to do it and do it well. she quickly dressed and then followed Leif to the others. she felt different. she felt new and alive. she felt like she was seeing the world for the first time. everything was so much brighter and vibrant. she knew they had to keep their head straight and she closed her eyes counting to ten trying to clear her mind of all thoughts.

"Princess Alana, when we leave here, how long until we make it to the palace?" Leif was standing there trying to form a quick plan and needing to know the dangers that they would face. they all knew this was going to be life or death.

"from here it is three days on land." Zara perked up at her words.

she looked inquisitively at Alana. "what do you mean by land? is there another way?" Zara caught the smile spreading across Alanas face.

"such a curious mind. yes there is another way." she smiled as she pointed to the group of us. "however you all won't like it."

Zara knew what she was about to say.

"the sea." Zara looked at the group. the dragons she knew would be fine. however, if they transformed it would draw unwanted attention. they could have covered a lot more ground by shifting but they were laying low knowing they needed the element of surprise. "how much time by sea?"

"one day up the coast." she looked at the group and watched as Zaras eyes flickered back and forth between her emerald green eyes and a dark grey. her wolf was partially taking over.

"you guys we need this. we go by sea." Zara spun to face Alana. "if we have the dragon shifters shift and fly us low to the sea how long until you need to be in the water?"

"I get to come? oh I can stay out of the water for 24 hours before it becomes necessary. the way we are going though, I can swim and give myself extra time."

Zara nodded and could see the look on Leifs face. it was one panic. he didn't trust the sirens. Zara knew this but in this moment in time she needed him to overcome it. " Leif, it will be fine. we will do better this way and we can still surprise Jonathan. he won't expect us so early. right now he is forming an army to fight us. we need to get there before he can gather reinforcements." Zara knew she had him there. she could feel his emotions all over the place. it was something she was not prepared for. his hand rested on her arm as he pulled her closer to him. she felt his lips brush hers as he kissed them gently.

"I know you are right. it's just so hard letting go of everything I had been told and trust." Leif looked deep into her eyes as she placed her hand in his cheek. she felt him lean into her hand and sparks were sent up her fingertips.

"we will be fine." he left a kiss on her fingers as he pulled himself together. Zara glanced at their group and nodded her head. it was time and they needed to leave. showing up days earlier would give them an advantage but if they waited much longer the advantage would be lost to them."let's head out. dragons will shift when we get to the surface not before. Avaly you do not shift. you ride with me. we need to hide you for as long as possible. you are most important here."

avaly did not fight Zara. she knew what was at stake here. Michael stwpped forward and spoke up. "Zara, avaly. you both ride on me. I would give my life to male sure Avaly is safe." Zara shook her head and they all followed Alana to the edge of the cave. they stood there for a moment as Alana took everyone to the surface. the only ones left in the cave were Zara and avaly.

Zara could tell there was something bothering her. "what is it zara?"

"it's just.." Zara paused for a moment before finishing it. letting out a sigh she finished speaking. "if we have to fight. promise me you will get to safety."

"you are asking me to hide?"

"Im asking you to survive. " Zara turned towards avaly.

" I can't promise you that Zara. what kind of queen would I be if I let people die for me while I hid like a coward? no I will stay and fight with you. my people need me." Zara knew she was right. she didn't like it but Zara knew she wouldn't be able to change Avalys mind. their silence was broken by the splashing of Alana coming to the surface to take them to their group.