Dragon Fire & Wolf Blood

Chapter 13

It took both of his dads and Addaste to take him down. Everyone was so enthralled in the conversation they missed how long it had been. Alexander had hoped the spell wouldn’t take effect by just communicating. He was beginning to understand the curse was tied to his mate bond. As deep as whenever it was being tugged on.

He had been having dreams about her, and even then, the curse was attempting to kill him. Twice now, he had woken his fathers and Addaste was staring at him, waiting for his reaction. After each situation, he would end up bandaged up. They were trying to keep things as quiet as possible. Surely people would be concerned if they learned he might be stepping down. Worse would be the curse. They would consider the curse to have been caused by the coven they helped. They wouldn’t understand. It was best they didn’t know of anything.

Once they were sure, Alexander was level headed and no longer being harassed by the curse, they allowed him to go out and about to prepare for his departure. His absence would be noticed, but the story was he was out on a mission. If the wrong people found out he was going to see the dragons, it could put him and them in danger.

Very few knew of their location. If that information got into the wrong hands, it would cause other problems to arise. The humans had been quiet, but that didn’t mean they would remain so if they found the location of the dragons. They were finally thriving again. The last issue they needed was a war.

Time flew, and before everyone knew it, it was time for Dante, Vatra, and Abellona to take them. Alexander decided to take his brother Emmit and his best friend, Hercules. They were both excited about getting to go. This opportunity was not going to come often. At this point in time, Emmit and Damon had been notified of the full situation regarding Alexander. They understood one of them would become King if/when Alexander stepped down. Damon wasn’t as understanding as Emmit was. He didn’t want to have to become King. He had lived his life with the understanding that Alexander was going to be King.

Damon didn’t like how much responsibility that came with being king. He would have to mature and quit his shenanigans. Their fathers were going to get it figured out. Neither of them really had a choice. It was going to be up to King Ryder and King Jace. They had combined the Lycans and werewolves, but since Rayne had two mates it wasn’t as simple as one would think.

It wasn’t going to be all that simple with Alexander taking over, but it could cause unrest that he might step down. Everyone had always believed Alexander would be King. Since he could be leaving, it was causing concern. They needed to keep everything tied up until Alexander and Ember made an official decision.

Alexander had a small bag packed for the journey. Jaxon would keep him warm in the sky. Humans wouldn’t be able to survive the journey. It was too cold for too long. Dragons use their fire to keep them warm. Dante’s body would also provide some heat as they journeyed. They would be stopping to sleep at half-way. Carrying their getting back wouldn’t put too much stress on them, but the fact that they would be getting their body heat would require them to work harder to keep themselves going.

Rayne was worried sick about her son. Mothers are always worried about their young children. This was the farthest he'd ever been away from her. Not quite the longest, but it could turn into the longest if anything went wrong.

She had been delving deep into researching witch covens and communicating with them to break the curse. She didn’t want to see Alexander go, but she also didn’t want him to be hurt for the rest of his life. If Ember were to ever take a chosen mate, Alexander would surely die from the pain his wolf feels. Although he couldn’t feel the bond, the curse would surely cause him excruciating pain if she were to move on.

It was a theory they would rather not test.

Dante, Vatra, and Abellona arrived a few days later. They were tired from their journey. They would need a day or two to recuperate.

Damon got one look at Abellona and was back into one of his lustful rages. She, of course, wouldn’t give him the time of day. Her beauty was quite exquisite, but she was here on business. It was not on her agenda to entwine herself into a complicated situation ship with Alexander’s brother.

Alexander enjoyed the banter between the two of them. Damon finally found a woman who wouldn’t give him the time of day. It had Damon perplexed. He had always been a ladies’ man.

Dante was quite the character. He was always so serious, but Vatra would pop off and he would be all smiles and laughter. One minute he looked as though he could fight the world. The next minute, he was a big teddy bear for his mate.

That gave Alexander the idea of talking with Dante. He knew what the mate bond felt like. If anyone could help him understand a Dragon’s mate bond, it would be him. After dinner, he invited Dante out for a drink in the cool night air. There was a beautiful set of furniture on the side of the house. Detailed concrete is laid out beneath them. Beautiful designs covered the slab. They were perfectly placed as they allowed one to watch the sun set behind the world.

Once they sat, they each took a glass of liquid and took a drink. It was called Dragon magic. It is quite potent, but had a sweet taste to it. It would remind one of ice cream. Once the bitter taste faded, an aftertaste consumed the tongue.

“I feel this conversation has a purpose.” Dante looked closely at Alexander.

Something else Alexander struggled with was understanding how Dante could look so young, but be so old.

“You caught me. I need your wisdom.” Alexander felt insecure. He felt like a toddler talking to the wise.

“Speak and let your fears be quieted.”

Taking a deep drink of his liquid. He felt his stomach warm.

“How does the mate bond feel for a dragon?”

“Ah, I see. Ember does not reciprocate with passion. Therefore, do you question the validity of your bond?”

Alexander gave him a nod.

“The dragon’s bond is quiet and cautious. Untrusting creatures we are. It does not draw us as yours does. Our breed has required caution for centuries. The bond has learned from us. Bonds have been betrayed and broken without care. Our Goddess sees our pain and protects us. You must be patient as our bond requires trust to grow. Unknown to one another. She must protect herself.” Dante’s words resonated with Alexander.

Wolves haven’t had a history of unrest. Their bonds are strong. It was rare for rejection and betrayal. Only the most selfish and hateful beings could break their bond. Their actions were taboo. Dragons had betrayal and death. They had to be less trusting of their bonds.

“Trust your bond. It feels like you.”

Dante finished his drink and quietly left the area. Allowing Alexander to consider his words.