Kaylor ignored the two men, her eyes locked on the little dragon in her hands. With a smile she rubbed its head, between it s horns and the dragon made a sound of contentment. Dragie likes Kane s. Baron said, having moved over close to her. It would seem so. She said in wonder. I like Kane s too. Baron said, laying his head on her arm. I like you too Lockie. Kaylor said, holding back tears. She never thought she d have anyone to care about and now she had two. Taker sat on the edge of the bed and leaned backward, looking at Kaylor s back while she held the dragon, he looked up at Kane and shook his head. Daddy I want dragie. Baron said, climbing into Taker s lap. No. Taker said, remembering the pet sea monster he d had. Like. Baron said. When you re older. Taker said, hiding a grin. He reached over to pet the dragon and it snapped at him. He frowned and then watched as Kaylor gently moved it to her side, out of his reach and stiffen.

Kaylor saw Taker s hand reach to pet her dragon, but it snapped at him and she was afraid he d kill it, so she slowly moved it out of his reach and knowing he d get angry, braced herself for the blow she thought was coming. My brother isn t going to hurt you sume. Kane said softly at her left side and she raised her eyes to him. She didn t say anything, just looked back at the dragon. He s not going to hurt your pet either. So Dragie doesn t like him, he ll get over it. Kane said with a smile. I ll keep him away from the ruler, I swear. Kaylor said softly, already the dragon meant something to her and she was afraid it would be taken from her like everything else. Kane ran his finger s through her hair and said Kaylor and I going away for awhile. I ll let you know where we ll be. You can t. Taker said softly, bracing himself for the explosion he knew was coming.

What do you MEAN I can t? Kane asked, his fingers tightening in Kaylor s hair. The ceremony is in three days. Taker said, standing and walking toward the door. Kane sucked in a breath and said I ll be right back. He followed Taker out into the hall, ready to do battle with his older brother. You re not sleeping with her. Kane hissed, his eyes on fire. No I m not, but everyone will think I did. Taker said. And how is that? Kane asked. Remember when we were little and you wanted to get me into trouble...you made yourself look like me. Yeah so? Kane said. So in three day s I ll be you and you ll be me and you ll mate Kaylor, looking like me and only we will be the wiser. That way the underlords are pleased, you have your mate and Talen won t kill me. Taker said. It could work. Kane said, his hands behind his back as he started walking. I ll have to tell Kaylor of course. Kane said. No you won t. She has to really think it s me or she might do something to give it away. I won t tell Talen and you won t tell Kaylor, until after it s over. Taker said. Talen won t like it. Kane said. Talen won t see it. Taker answered. I m not even telling Paul. Kane nodded and said Ok, but if Talen tries to chop my balls off, I m coming after you. Taker just smiled and said You have nothing to worry about.

For three days Kane and Kaylor stayed in his room. He wanted her to rest and she really didn t want to have to see anyone. She was having fun with Kane, Baron and her dragon. Dragie had already grown a foot and was trying to fly. He d flap his little wings but couldn t lift off the ground. I think you re feeding him too much. Kane said with a laugh, watching Baron and Dragie play with a toy castle. Baron trying to get him to hop on it so it would fall. Do you really think so? Do you think I m hurting him by feeding him? Kaylor asked, worry filling her tone. No, I think he is going to be one very big, spoiled dragon. You re not hurting him sume, don t worry. Kane said, leaning over and kissing her cheek. Something he d been doing a lot lately. Kaylor blushed and lowered her head, she couldn t understand the feelings she was having for Kane. She looked forward to hearing his voice, watching him open his eyes in the morning, feeling his arms around her when she went to sleep. She even quit telling him to stop calling her sume, it gave her a little thrill every time she heard it.

Taker and Talen mostly left Kane and Kaylor to themselves, just coming to get Baron for his meals and bed, every night he d ask to stay with them and they would tell him no, knowing that Kane and Kaylor needed some time to get to know one another. Kaylor had fallen into a pretty comfortable routine with Kane and she wasn t worried about having to please Taker. He never made a move on her and she never saw him without Talen being close by. At night Kane would get in bed beside Kaylor and pull her next to him, but that was all, Dragie would sleep at the foot of their bed. In the mornings he d wake her by running the petals of a rose across her lips and cheeks before leaning down and gently kissing her. They would then feed Dragie and Kane would ask her what she d like for breakfast. She always said it didn t matter and she always ate what he put in front of her. She was gaining a little bit of weight and he was glad. This morning had been no different and she looked at him through her lashes, Dragie sitting on her lap and licking her fingers. Do you want something sume? Kane asked softly, feeling her eyes on him. Kaylor blushed and said I would just like to ask you a question, if you don t mind. Kane smiled and said Ask me anything that you wish. Kaylor took a deep breath and then shocked Kane to his toes.

Where can I get a job? She asked. A job? He repeated, just looking at her. Yes. She answered. Why do you want a job? Kane asked, keeping his temper under control, did she think he couldn t take care of her? So I can pay you and your brother for all the food I ve eaten and for the clothes you ve given me. Kaylor said. Realizing what she wanted to do, Kane smiled and leaned over, kissing her on the lips softly. Sume, you owe us nothing, don t let that thought cross your mind again. But, I have to... Kane cut her off with a quick kiss that turned into a long kiss.

Kane leaned in and she knew he was going to kiss her. She d stopped protesting because the ruler didn t seem to mind and she was beginning to enjoy kissing him. He deepened their kiss and leaned into her more, causing her to lay back on the bed. Covering her body with his, he moved his hands up her sides, wanting to be closer.

He was just getting ready to put his full weight on top of her when he felt something jump on his back and before he knew what was happening, Dragie started digging in his hair. He was making high pitched screeches and walking around in Kane s hair. Kaylor pulled away and whispered I think he wants to go to the bathroom. Kane popped up and pulled Dragie out of his hair, muttering under his breath as he walked to the door that led into the courtyard by his room. Kaylor stifled her giggle as Kane carried Dragie out the door.

Kane stood by the door and watched as Dragie ran around the yard, digging holes and then running more. He took a deep breath, knowing how finicky dragons were and waited. 15 minutes later, he was ready to walk over to the dragon, grab him by the ear and make him go when Taker appeared beside him. I see he s already spoiling your plans. Taker said, looking at the dragon with disgust in his eyes. We re trying to housebreak him and once he gets big enough, he ll stay outside. Kane said, looking over his shoulder. She s fine but her back isn t healing as well as I d like. Taker said with a sigh. I know. I check it every morning and do a healing chant every night, but it s not working. Kane said softly. You know that tonight s the night of the ceremony right? Taker asked his eyes widening when he saw the dragon run toward his herb garden. Yeah, I know. I LL KILL IT! Taker shouted, taking a step off the landing. He s just eating the weeds. Kane said, his arm on Taker s. Those aren t weeds, dip shit, they re my HERBS! Oh....well...um....if I d known... Kane started then disappeared. Taker shook his head when he reappeared in front of Dragie and he heard him say Come on baby, Uncle Taker doesn t want you in his garden. Dragie followed him out and then seeing Taker, he lifted his hind leg, Taker jumping in the door before Dragie could get him.

Stupid damn dragon. Taker muttered, picking himself up off the floor. Kane walked in, laughing his head off, leading Dragie by one of his paws. Taker narrowed his eyes at the dragon and then huffed That thing just SMILED at me. To which Kane laughed harder. While Kane was trying to catch his breath, Dragie trotted over to Kaylor and licked her cheek. He s going to eat both of you one day, wait and see. Taker growled. Kaylor gently pulled Dragie onto the bed, putting him on the far side of Taker. Dragie you mustn t upset the ruler. Kaylor whispered. Dragie just snorted and laid his head in her lap, his eyes never leaving Taker. You do realize how big that THING is going to get right? Taker asked, giving the dragon a disdainful look. 40 or 50 feet. Nothing major. I think he s one of the smaller breeds. Kane said, having gotten his laughter under control. Taker just shook his head, watching the way Kaylor petted it s head and the way the stupid dragon let his tongue hang out it s mouth, almost panting like a mortal's dog. He rolled his eyes and walked to the table in the corner, motioning for Kane to follow him.

Dragie I know you can understand what I m saying so PLEASE don t piss off the ruler. He could have you killed and I wouldn t be able to stop him. Kaylor whispered, talking to him like a child. Dragie lifted his head and looked her in the eyes before leaning in and licking her cheek. I m telling you, that thing will end up eating you two alive one day. All it ever does is lick her, he s whetting his appetite for humans. Taker growled. Dragie wouldn t hurt Kaylor if he had too. He loves her. Kane said, smiling at his mate and her pet. So are you ready for tonight? Taker asked softly. Yeah, but I want you to know that I don t like the idea of mating Kaylor in front of the whole realm. Kane said softly. I don t like it either, but it s got to be done. Taker said. So how are you going to keep Talen away from the hall? Kane asked. Don t worry, I ve got a surprise for her. Taker said, a grin on his lips. Kane just shook his head, not brave enough to ask him what it was. They talked a little longer and Kane looked over at the bed, seeing Kaylor asleep he smiled. Taker looked over and didn t see the dragon so he decided to take one last look at her back while she was on her side. Kane followed him, keeping his emotions under control.

Taker leaned in a little and then jumped back with a shouted SON OF A BITCH! Staring him right in the eye was just the head of the dragon, a hiss escaped its lips and its forked tongue flicked out at him in anger. Kane laughed, unable to stop himself at the look on Taker s face. I HATE that thing. Taker nearly shouted. Maybe that s why Dragie doesn t like you. Kane answered, trying hard not to smile. I hear they are great cooked. Taker hissed at the dragon. Dragie just shut his eyes and disappeared. I can t believe he s learned to disappear already. He s not more than a month old. Kane said. It s not your kid Kane...it s a pet. An ugly pet. Taker said, curling his nose up in the direction of the dragon. He s like my child. I love him and I won t let anything happen to him, besides, Kaylor adores him. Kane said, his hand running though her hair. You re sick. Even I didn t act this bad over Talen. Taker said, turning on his heel and walking toward the door. Whatever. Was Kane s reply.

Taker walked out the door and Kane crawled into bed with Kaylor, snuggling up to her, he smiled when he felt Dragie s tail wrap around his back.

Kaylor was petting Dragie, watching Kane and Taker under her lashes when her eyes got very heavy. She tried to fight off the darkness but it was no use, her hand curling around Dragie s back, she drifted into the black void. She saw herself in a long red gown, Kane leading her into a hall and putting her in front of a black stone. She opened her mouth to ask him what was going on when he disappeared and Taker was standing before her, his eyes burning. He reached for her and she locked her legs to keep from running, she heard mummers in the background and looked over his shoulder as he leaned in to kiss her, seeing Pac and some of the people from his realm. She glanced to her left and saw Kane kissing Talen and pulling her out of the hall, Dragie snapping at him the whole time. Don t. She whispered, not thinking she could do what she was supposed to do...she wanted Kane and no one else. I must. She heard Taker s voice reply and as he leaned in to kiss her, she closed her eyes.

NNNOOOO! Kaylor s voice jarred Kane from his nap and his eyes popped open, seeing Dragie at the foot of the bed and Kaylor sitting up, her head in her hands, crying. Sume, what s wrong? He asked, pulling her into his arms. I can t. She whispered. Can t what? He asked, stroking her hair. I just can t. Please don t make me. She said, pulling away from him and looking at him with tear filled eyes. Make you what? Sume, I don t understand. Kane said. I m sorry. Kaylor whispered, getting out of bed and pulling on some clothes, she walked out the door. Kaylor, wait...come back. Kane said, getting out of bed as Dragie hopped up and followed her out the door. Dragie caught up to her and nudged her hand with his head. I don t want to be here anymore Dragie. Kaylor whispered, she d had one of her dreams and they always came true. She didn t want to belong to the ruler she wanted Kane. Dragie stood on his hind legs and licked at the tears running down her face. Kaylor wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his wing. She knew that sooner or later, she d end up the plaything of the ruler. Maybe I can talk Kane into leaving. Would you like to go away Dragie? Kaylor asked, looking at him. Dragie screeched at her and she smiled. I ll take that as a yes. She said. Kane had followed her outside and saw her standing with her arms around Dragie. His temper kicked in when he heard her ask Dragie if he d like to go away.

Why do you want to go away mate? Kane asked softly. I can t explain. Let s just leave. Right now. Kaylor said, turning to look at him. We can leave later, if you d like. However tonight I have....something I have to do. Kane said, his big hand coming up to cup her cheek. Can t it wait? Kaylor asked, leaning her cheek into his palm. No sume, it can t wait. Kane whispered. Come and lie down with me. Kaylor nodded and walked into his room, Dragie following them. They got back in the bed and Dragie laid at their feet, Kaylor curled up to Kane s side with her head on his chest. Kane smiled, for once he was truly happy.

Taker was pounding into Talen s body with his own, determined to give her pleasure before he took his own. He took great delight in hearing her cries of passion when he took her. Dropping his head on her shoulder, he let out a hiss and emptied himself into her. A few minutes later, Taker rolled over and pulled his mate into his arms. I love you. He whispered, squeezing her to him. I love you too. Talen said with a smile. Taker just hoped she would still love him after tonight.

Kane drifted off to sleep but Kaylor stayed awake trying to think of a way to get out of what was going to happen. Maybe she could talk to the ruler and see if he would listen to reason. Carefully she got up and walked to the door, looking over her shoulder at Kane she hoped she was doing the right thing. Quietly she opened the door and walked out into the hall.

Taker got out of bed and dressed, needing to talk to Paul about tonight s ceremony . He looked at Talen s sleeping form as he dressed, even after 4 years of marriage he still couldn t get enough of her, with a smile he walked out of the room.

He was walking down the hall when he saw Kaylor. He knew the minute she spotted him, he could see the way her body tensed and the fear in her eyes as she approached him. Are you lost matiqa? He asked, keeping his voice soft. No ruler, may I speak with you? Kaylor asked softly. You may. Taker said with a grin. I know that you are planning to take me, but I would like to...beg you not to. I ll leave if I must and you can tell everyone that I ran away. Kaylor said, looking up at him. I can t do that Kaylor, you couldn t run from me. Taker said softly. Then tell everyone I died. I don t care, just please...please don t do this. Kaylor said, beseeching him with her eyes. I m sorry Kaylor, the ceremony will be carried out. I can t afford to have discord with any of the outer regions. Taker said softly. Kaylor dropped her head and whispered I understand. May I leave now? You may go back to Kane s room. Taker said a frown on his face as he watched her turn and walk away. He felt a pain in his heart and turned, seeing Talen standing behind him, tears running down her face.

Talen. He started but she cut him off with I understand. Then before he could catch her, she was gone, running down the hall and to the moon room. With a heavy sigh, he followed her, hoping she would listen to him when she had calmed down.

Talen blindly ran to the moon room, her heart breaking at the thought of her beloved mate sleeping with someone else. She couldn t understand how he could do it. Her body and mind repelled at the thought of another man touching her. She thought he had the same connection to her that she had to him. We share the same connection mate, but I have to do what I can to keep my power over the outer regions. I hope you can understand that I did what I had to do after the ceremony takes place. I don t want to hurt you, I only hope you ll understand. Taker s voice filled her mind and her soul with warmth and love. She couldn t stand to be without him, even after he admitted he was going to hurt her. I m leaving with Baron. We ll be back sometime tomorrow. Talen sent to Taker as she turned to walk out; he appeared in front of her.

You ll not leave me. Taker said, his face harsh with what looked like desperation. I m only going to earth and I ll be back tomorrow. I hope you understand that I can t..can t stay and know that you re doing this. I have to leave. Talen said, fresh tears filling her eyes. I forbid it. Taker said, fighting an inner battle with his soul. All he wanted to do was tell her what was going to happen but he couldn t. She could inadvertently give the plan away and then he would really have to take Kaylor. Before she realized what was on his mind, he grabbed her and held her tight against his body. With a sigh, Talen leaned into his body, his warmth, her soul keeping her where she really wanted to be.

Kaylor slowly walked away from the ruler and turned the corner. Taking a deep breath, she slid down the wall, wrapped her arms around her knees and let her tears fall. She didn t want to leave Kane, but she had no choice, she would not be used by the ruler in front of Pac. She didn t care if they killed her, at least she d show them that what she didn t have in her life, she would have with her death, dignity. Wiping her eyes, she stood and slowly walked the rest of the way down the hall. She walked outside and to the door in the garden leading to Kane s room. She looked in the glass and saw Dragie. With a smile she watched him get off the bed and trot over to her. She opened the door and let Dragie out, her eyes never leaving the figure on the bed. Picking up Dragie s paw she whispered We are going on a great adventure. Then she led Dragie away.

They had just made it past the garden gate when she heard Where Kane s going? She stopped short and dropped Dragie s paw. I m just taking Dragie for a walk. She said. Going. Baron said, walking over and picking up her other hand. No Baron, not this time. It s too cold out here and you re not wearing a coat. You go back inside where it s warm and I ll see you later. Kaylor said, her heart breaking at telling him a lie. Got coat. Baron said, looking up at her and grinning big, his coat wrapped around him. Thinking quickly she said Ok, go tell your mom and dad that we re going for a walk. Baron started to run off then stopped, he slowly turned to look at her and said Kane s come too. I ll wait here. Kaylor said, her finger s crossed. Dragie come. Baron said. No, your father doesn t like him. Kaylor said, hiding her smile at her quick thinking. Won t go. Baron said, walking back to her. Then you can t come for a walk with me. Kaylor said. Will stand here. Baron said, placing his hand in hers again. Before she could say anything else she felt arms wrap around her and she heard What s going on out here?

Biting back a curse of frustration; Kaylor took a deep breath and said Just taking Dragie for a walk. Then with a huge smile, she said Baron wanted to come too, but he doesn t want to tell his mom and dad. Why don t you take him and tell them we re going for a walk? Ok, come on Lockie. Kane said, reaching for Baron s hand. Together they started to walk off when Kane stopped, running into an invisible wall. Baron kept going, dropping Kane s hand and then stopping to look at him. Shaking his head, Kane took a step to his right and tried to move forward. Again he hit the wall. Lockie come here. Kane said and watched as Baron ran toward him. He jumped in Kane s arms and said What doing? Kane lifted his hand and felt the wall. Put your hand up here Lockie. Kane said and watched as Baron held his arm straight out in front of him. Kane put his hand beside Baron s but still couldn t extend his arm full length. Suddenly, with a great empty feeling in his soul he turned toward Kaylor. You re trying to leave me. He whispered in disbelief.

Kaylor was feeling pretty proud of herself. She d gotten Kane to take Baron inside giving her time to get away from the castle. She had turned her back, not wanting to watch Kane walk away from her, she was scared she d call him back. But she couldn t, she had to go, for Kane. She d been so deep in her own thoughts she d not noticed that Kane had stopped and his little experiment with the wall. She did, however, hear his whispered comment and her heart dropped to her knees. She turned in time to see Kane rush toward her and then Dragie was in front of her. Dragie hissed at Kane but all Kane said was Move Dragie. Dragie screeched at him but moved to Kaylor s side. It s not what you think. Kaylor whispered, taking a step back from him. It s EXACTLY what I think, my soul wouldn t lie. Kane hissed, his fear turning into anger. I have to leave. Kaylor said softly, hoping she wouldn t make him angrier. I FORBID IT! Kane yelled and Dragie screeched, spreading his wings behind Kaylor s back.

Kaylor had had it with men telling her what she could and could not do. She was tired of being frightened by them and she was tired of bowing to them. Her temper flared and before she could stop herself she yelled YOU CAN T STOP ME! Before Kane could say anything they both heard But I can. Kaylor looked over Kane s shoulder and saw Taker, eyes full of anger and she knew this was her last chance and now it was gone. Since you insist on this foolish... Taker started then stopped, taking a deep breath he said I can t spend time chasing after you Kaylor. You ll be placed under guard until after the ceremony takes place. Then he waved his hand and she disappeared. She reappeared in Kane s room, sitting on the bed. She stood and walked toward the door, after five steps, she hit an invisible wall. YOU SHOULD JUST KILL ME! She screamed at the wall, hoping that Taker heard her and it made him mad enough to do just that. She plopped back on the bed and sighed, she d not cry again. She lay back and smiled when Dragie appeared beside her. He laid his head on her stomach and closed his eyes. Some adventure huh boy? She said, stroking his head. He hummed a little in answer and turned his head to look at her. I know, but I don t want to hurt him. She said softly at the accusing look he gave her. I mean I know my leaving will hurt him, but at least I won t have to share a bed with his brother. That would hurt him more than my leaving. Dragie rolled his eyes and shut them again when she found the one spot on his head he loved to have rubbed. His hum of pleasure filled the room.

I can manage my OWN mate. Kane said, his eyes on fire. Really? So that s why she was running away. You re doing very well little brother. Taker said, his own anger over hurting Talen coming out. FUCK OFF! Kane yelled, getting in his face. DROP DEAD SHIT HEAD! Taker yelled back. They narrowed their eyes at each other and then at the same time, both jerked their arms back to punch the other. STOP! Baron screamed at both of them. They turned to look at him and he said STUPIDS! Then he turned and marched toward Kane s room, muttering under his breath like his mother. He walked into Kane s room and saw Kaylor laying on the bed. KANE S STAYING! He yelled and then kicked a chair. Dragie raised his head to look at him and then lowered it back to Kaylor s stomach. Taker and Kane walked into the room and Baron turned on them. ME WANT DRAGIE TOO! Then he dropped to the floor and started screaming at the top of his lungs.

Part 5

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