Dancing with the Dragon, Chosen

This is a work of fiction and contains scenes of explicit gay sex. Any resemblance to actual places, persons, or events is coincidental. If you are not of the legal age to read adult stories, or are uncomfortable with gay themes, please stop reading now and close this document.

Dancing with the Dragon: Chapter 44, Bear Nekkid, Copyright 2019 Tripp Savidge. All rights are reserved. Do not duplicate or distribute in any form without express permission of the author.

Dancing with the Dragon Chapter 44: Bear Nekkid by Tripp Savidge

Chapter 44: Bear Nekkid

• Scene 1 *

Skye startled awake, the memory of the nightmare taking his breath away. But it wasn't a nightmare, was it?

It's okay, babe. We've got you, Garrett's voice whispered in his mind.

Skye opened his eyes sitting up and looking around for his mate. He would have sworn Garrett was with him. Garrett?

"Hey, hey. We're here, you're safe," Nik said, wrapping his arm around Skye's waist from where he was snuggled up against Skye on the bed. River was there as well, but across the room, stepping out of the bath wrapped in a towel.

"Garrett?" Skye asked out loud. Regardless of what they said, he didn't feel safe.

I'm with you. Just not with you, with you. Garrett's mind voice was strong, and Skye could feel the hint of remorse.

"Huh?" Skye was confused. Why was Nik in his bed? Why was River there? Where was Garrett?

"Garrett's still up on the ship in space dock, Skye. But he has been monitoring you so he could let us know if the nightmare came back." River came over and sat on the edge of the bed.

I've got to get some rest now, babe. I'll check in on you, I promise. Love you, Garrett sent.

Love you too. Thank you for staying with me. Wish you were here, Skye responded. He felt shaky and confused, now remembering River coming into his room after the nightmare. "What happened?"

"We're not sure," River said glancing over to Nik.

"We think you had a nightmare or more likely a sending," Nik explained. "It hit you pretty hard, and it was strong enough that parts of it came through to the rest of us. Maybe not everything but enough to freak everyone out."

"Sorry..." Skye rubbed his eyes. "It was so real." He shivered as images replayed in his mind.

"That's why we think it was a sending," Nik said.

"What does that even mean?" Skye asked, pulling the covers around him.

"Lord Eluf said it's when magic is used to send a vision. He got enough of the spillover to recognize it. Said he's been on the receiving end before," River said.

"Lord Eluf, how does he even know, and when did you talk to him?"

"I think everyone in the wing got at least some of the vision, including Lord Eluf. He contacted me a few minutes after we got you back to sleep. Everyone's worried, bro. That wasn't a happy, friendly sort of message." River looked at Skye intently. "You okay?"

"I don't think so."

"Not surprised. Maybe you'll feel better after a shower and some food. Dillon and Rilien went down to get breakfast for us. Thought you might want to just eat in the room." Nik crawled off the bed and pulled on a robe.

Skye watched Nik and knew he was off when he had no reaction to seeing the sexy dragon and didn't care that Nik had covered himself. Mistral, are you still with me? Skye thought to his dragon.

'Yes... I don't feel quite right either, but I am well.'

"Mistral's okay too? We couldn't seem to get through to either of you when you were in the nightmare. Lord Eluf thought it was more evidence that it was a sending." River rubbed Skye's leg through the covers.

"He is. I'm pretty sure it was from Underhill," Skye said, looking into his brother's blue eyes.

"Teak and Dillon said so too. Teak said it looked familiar and Dillon thought he'd seen the room with doors in illustrations from his studies."

"Wait, you heard from Teak?" Skye asked in surprise.

"Yeah. I didn't even know the guys all knew how to reach my comm unit. No one ever contacted me before, then last night - bam."

"I had Braden make sure everyone in the wing had each other's contact info. Just didn't think it would be needed because of me. So you said illustrations? What does that mean?"

"He couldn't remember much. He thought maybe you should talk to Lady Telawynn to see if she would know more," Nik said before stepping into the bathroom.

"You still up to going to the Academy today?" River asked as he stood and picked up his clothing.

"Yeah, I'll make it. Don't think bad dreams would go over as a strong enough excuse to call out."

"Hm. Probably not-" River was interrupted when a knock sounded at the door, and the guard spoke.

"Venci Lopez to see you, Prince Skye."

"Please, send him in."

"Good morning, Prince Skye, Prince River," Venci greeted as he walked in.

"Problem?" Skye asked, drawing the covers tighter around his waist.

"You tell me..." Venci glanced over at River, who was just finishing getting dressed. "Prince River?"

"You can drop the formality, Venci. Nothing more since the vision. Garrett monitored him to make sure."

"Thank goodness."

Skye could feel the weight of Venci's questioning gaze and knew his assistant was worried when he wasn't being his normal, flirty self. "I don't know, Venci. But Lady Telawynn was telling me about Underhill sending messages to the elves. Maybe it's related?"

"You're going to talk to her, right?" River asked.

"Yeah, Venci, could you help me set up a meeting for when I get back from the Academy?"

"Of course. Are you still up to meeting with the bear-shifter? You have that before dinner. Also, where do you want to meet? Your office isn't an option for another day or two. Maybe, here?"

"I think that might put him off. How about Frankie's? We're not talking about anything secret, just letting you meet him," River said.

"Works for me. Did you give Pater a heads up?" Skye asked.

"Last night. I'm supposed to give him an update after you talk with him."

"I'll call and make sure it's okay with Frankie to meet there and try to see if Lady Telawynn could speak with you after dinner here in the palace." Venci pulled up his comm and began dictating notes to himself.

"Maybe I should be there when you talk to Lady Telawynn. And you realize you are not going to Underhill without me this time?" River was staring at Skye in challenge. He was still just wearing a towel, and Skye wasn't so out of it that he didn't notice his brother had put on more muscle.

"I figured, yeah... But I was hoping to wait until Garrett returned. He said it should be soon."

"We ought to think about who else should go. You said Underhill doesn't like shifters." River stood and started pacing.

"That was the impression I got. I don't think it was that Underhill wouldn't let non-magical creatures in, but that humans, and I'm assuming shifters, would be trapped unless someone else brought them in and took them out. No idea how it would react to Leesai but Kwill and Beck are definitely a 'no.'"

"Why? I know the lore related to humans but nothing on psions," Venci asked, taking a seat at the small table.

"I don't know any lore. But when we were preparing for the Moon Festival, we discovered that the magic of the fae attacked Kwill if he tried to enter their kingdom. Since that is currently where the only gate to Underhill is, it-"

"Effectively keeps him away. Right. Makes you wonder if it is a spell that was intentionally set." Venci shared his thoughts out loud.

"Wouldn't be that different than the dragons coming up with those jammers. Our wing-mates aside, you gotta admit elves are a bit snooty. Can't imagine they'd like having anyone around who could see through them." River had stopped pacing and had finished getting dressed in his uniform for the Academy.

"Can't argue with that," Venci said. "Gilian would be a likely choice. Maybe Teak if you could get him to come out of hiding. They've at least been there before."

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure Dillon would refuse, even though he's familiar with it and I don't want Rilien there until we're sure it's safe for him. He also wouldn't be much help since he's never been."

"Where haven't I been?" Rilien asked as he helped Dillon carry trays of food into the room. They set them on the table beside Venci, and Rilien turned his gaze on Skye.

"Underhill," Skye said.

Rilien gave a visible shudder. "If it looks anything like your dream, I don't ever need to go there."

"The Underhill I visited didn't look nearly that bad. Sure things were withering and not all the areas were open any more, but it was still a pleasant place," Dillon said, uncovering the food as he began to hand out plates.

"Do you think it has gotten worse?" River asked, accepting the food from Dillon.

"I'm sorry, Venci. I didn't know you were here or I'd have brought you breakfast too," Dillons said.

"I already ate, but thank you, Dillon."

"I don't know if it's gotten worse or if Underhill was showing me places that aren't used anymore. I got the impression from Teak that Underhill used to change itself, opening and closing sections and growing or shrinking depending on need."

"That certainly ties in to the legends," Venci added.

"Anything in the legends about who the hooded guy was with the horn?" Nik asked, stepping back into the room, fully dressed in his uniform.

"I would guess the Master of the Hunt. But, Venci, you probably won't find much. Most elvish history and lore is considered sacred and is carefully secured. My teachers were always telling us that we must never share with 'outsiders.' But since they exiled me, I don't feel very sympathetic. I'll tell you anything I can." Dillon spoke absently as handed out the other plates.

"I guess we're back to me speaking with Lady Telawynn." Skye accepted the plate and tried not to feel awkward about eating his breakfast in bed.

"I'll do my best to get you on her calendar, Skye. I'll also see what Braden and I can find. There may at least be speculation from dragon scholars even if they don't have access to the original elvish works."

Skye ate, but the food seemed bland. He stared at his plate still feeling the shadow of pain from the thorns in the vision. He kept looking at his hands and arms, expecting to see blood.

• Scene 2 *

Skye stepped out into the late afternoon sun and looked around to see who'd be escorting him back to the palace. The Academy had numerous buildings on the base and today, he'd spent most of his time in one of the classroom buildings. A very boring and tedious day if anyone were to ask.

"Prince Skye!" a voice called.

Skye turned and smiled as soon as he saw his two guards walking toward him with River and Nik.

"Feired, good to see you," Skye pulled the silver into a hug and turned a serious gaze on his cohort. "Are you supposed to be back on duty?"

"I'm fine, Skye," Fiske huffed staring at the ground.

Skye pulled Fiske into a gentle hug and held him a moment while he pulled his magic and checked for himself.

"Come on, Skye. They released me, I swear. I've shifted twice, and there's not even a scar!"

Don't you ever scare me like that again, Fiske. Skye hugged Fiske tighter to him and let out a sigh now that he'd confirmed that the gold was indeed in good health. Skye gripped the sides of Fiske's face and kissed him before running his fingers through his silky hair, pulling out the tie and letting the chestnut waves fall to the guard's shoulders. "Better."

"You ready to head back?" Fiske asked with a blush.

"Yeah. Did you both have to train today? Should you still be on duty?" Skye asked.

"We'll make sure you get back to the palace and..."

"And what?" Skye turned to look at Feired.

"If it's okay with you, we'd like to stay nearby for the evening. Mica thought it would be best if we had a couple of us always close in case anything happened again..." Feired said haltingly.

"With training, there aren't enough of us to be on duty, but you know, if we were just sort of in the area," Fiske continued.

"I'm fine with it, and you can come with River and me to meet the guy he pardoned. Venci confirmed we're on for Frankie's West. What I'd really like is if we were all living in the same place and could spend our time together like we did at the cabin. That would be perfect."

"I agree," River chimed in.

"I called ahead for the other guards to meet us on this side of the gate," Feired said. "How was training today?"

"Boring. They ran us through the Temmero's communication and sensor array and what all the various things did. Not substantially different than what was on the Phoenix but way more powerful. Did you know the Temmero's sensors can scan a ship and determine not only that there are lifeforms on board but what species they are with a ninety-five percent accuracy, but most of the day was reviewing protocol and procedures. How about you guys?"

"How to achieve the appropriate ration of proteins, starches, and nutrients in synth when programming new menu items, so they don't taste like shit," Feired responded.

"Ew, I don't think I want to know. Couldn't you like... learn how to make eggrolls? That'd be good," River said.

"Don't think you'd like the synth version." Feired laughed bumping shoulders with River.

"No, man. I meant the real thing. I miss eggrolls." River moved closer to Skye. "They made us study the technical specifications of the new weapons array being installed and said we'd be tested. I thought I was done with tests when we left Earth."

"They already tested my class. They wanted to establish a baseline for what we already knew about the star charts and solar systems within the Empire," Nik said. "Sorry love, but you'll never escape tests."

"How about you Fiske?" Skye asked.

"Not too exciting either. Introduction to the systems that will be used for surveillance and monitoring. Some of it's new but mostly a re-hash of stuff I learned years ago."

"Did you have an opportunity to speak to them about splitting your time with the Mage Hall?" Nik asked.

"No, but I guess Prince Argos or someone else did. My schedule has already been updated with alternating days at the Mage Hall. It will make Rilien happy," Skye said.

"Why doesn't River have magic training. Wouldn't he have similar potential?" Nik asked.

"Huh... Good question. River have you checked your schedule recently?" Skye asked.

"Not since this morning." River pulled up his bio comm and looked through several small holo screens hovering above his arm. "Shit."

"What?" Nik asked, moving up beside his mate.

"I have the Mage Hall on my calendar too." River's eyes went wide as he looked at Skye. "Did you do this?"

"Not me. I'd guess either Master Quanta or Prince Argos-maybe both. They didn't mention you when they said they wanted me to train, just Garrett. Nik, maybe you should check too."

The others all circled around Nik as he pulled up his bio comm and searched. "Fuck! Is this bad?" He looked up obviously waiting for Skye to give him reassurance.

"No, or at least I don't think so. Don't all dragons get trained on how to use their magic abilities?"

"Not really, Skye. Most of us can do some minor things but hardly worth training. Golds can do more, but why bother?" Feired glanced over his shoulder and then turned. "Looks like the rest of the escort is here. We should get going."

"But you can do magic! Why wouldn't you want to learn everything you could?" Skye couldn't believe they'd waste such an amazing ability. He didn't want to be contrary, but he thought the idea of being able to do magic was awesome. Maybe he could learn to speak fake-Latin like Harry Potter.

"So I can make my hand glow or unlock a door? Big deal. I have tech for that, and it doesn't make me tired or give me a headache." Feired nudged them along shaking his head.

They headed toward the exit of the Academy base.

"I think they used to train dragonlings on magic before our technology got to the place where it was more dependable. At least, that's what I'd assume based on our stories and what we're taught about our history. Now they really only push it for those with a true gift," Fiske said.

Skye shook his head. He couldn't imagine having something as cool as magic and not using it. What if the tech didn't work, what if magic was the one thing that could save you?

'I agree. We should learn as much as we can and then make sure our wing- mates are prepared. Once they see what we can do, it will be easier to convince them they should learn,' Mistral responded.

It's a plan, Mistral. We'll start with Garrett and Nik. I'm pretty sure River will be all in once he starts.

• Scene 3 *

Skye felt like they stood out as he walked down the street in Capital City. He and River were accompanied by four of the emperor's guard as well as Feired and Fiske. At least Feired and Fiske were in their training uniforms. The guards had insisted they all come since Feired and Fiske weren't on duty. Nik had planned on joining them but was pulled away by Pater before they even got changed.

"You getting off on everyone staring at you?" River asked, the teasing clear in his voice.

"No. What makes you think they aren't ogling you?"

"Hmm, let me think... maybe because there aren't countless nekkid holos of me out there for guys to jack off to? Or maybe because I didn't have sex with a dancer or a hot green dragon - in public - for all to see?"

"Dick."

River laughed and wrapped his arm over Skye's shoulders as they walked. "Love you, dude. You don't know how happy it makes me that you're getting all the attention. Certainly never saw that one coming. My quiet brother who denied he even liked guys. HA! It's like a dream come true."

"Yeah, if they only knew. You are way more crazy, and if you keep it up, you'll have bedded a lot more guys than me," Skye accused.

"Um... not really. I haven't fucked anyone you haven't. Maybe I've been with a few of them more often than you, but nope, you're still ahead. Let's see, there's Teak and Ian and Lord Eluf and ..."

Skye turned to look at his younger brother and gave his best glare. Which would have been satisfying if it hadn't caused River to break into laughter or caused Feired and Fiske to snicker.

Fiske came in from the other side and put his arm around Skye's waist so he was sandwiched between River and his guard. "We love you just the way you are and wouldn't change a thing."

"Lie. I call lie!" River barked between laughs.

"Fine. Maybe more sex would be good." Fiske glared at River and blushed.

"At least I'm not the only one who has to suffer because River can read minds now."

"Do you want us to keep our distance or stay close?" Feired asked as he pulled open the door to the pizza parlor.

"Maybe get the table next to us. The guards are going to intimidate him enough," Skye said. He stepped in and paused to inhale the scents of home.

"You sure we can't just take these guys with us?" River asked.

"Even if we could, they couldn't get the ingredients. We'll just have to get our fill before we go."

River snorted. "Not possible, bro."

The guards agreed that they didn't have to hover but would have two stand outside the door and two inside. It wasn't a big restaurant. As soon as they were inside, Simeon, a silver and one of the owners rushed out to greet them.

"Your Majesties! Welcome, welcome."

Skye smiled and patted Simeon's arm to reassure him. "Don't make a fuss. It's all good." Hey, Mistral, why didn't we tingle? Last time we touched Simeon, my magic noted him. Not strong, but it was there.

'Maybe something has changed. Let's see if we get a different reaction with Frankie.'

Mistral had barely finished his mental response when they heard an "Oh, God," and Frankie ran out of the back and then down the hallway to the restroom. Simeon shrugged but didn't seem upset.

"Please excuse my mate. He's being a bit of a wuss about this whole pregnancy thing. Can I get you gentlemen started with drinks?"

Skye and River ordered before sending Simeon over to Fiske and Feired.

"I don't see your Ninja nanny. Did I miss him?" Skye asked, looking around. It wasn't like anyone could hide unless the guy was in the restroom or the kitchen.

"No, he's not here yet. Mica is bringing him. I know we'll have dinner later but do you mind if we get a pizza anyway?"

"Duh, of course not." Skye couldn't help but watch the hallway wondering what was up with Frankie. River caught him and poked Skye in the chest.

"Hey, if you're worried about him, go and check. Do your magic scan thing, and I'll order while you're gone."

Skye raised an eyebrow wondering what River was up to, but since they liked the same pizza, he didn't figure it could be too bad. He let Feired and Fiske know what he was doing and signaled to the guard who was standing near the kitchen door so he didn't freak.

Skye stepped into the restroom and could hear Frankie heaving his guts in one of the sanitary stalls. He leaned up against the wall and waited. It wasn't long before a somewhat green Frankie stepped out and washed his hands before splashing water on his face.

"You okay?"

"Fuck. Of course, the prince had to see me heaving my guts. Other than being mortally embarrassed, I'm fine or at least that's what they tell me," Frankie responded.

Skye felt bad for the guy. Frankie was a big man, probably six-foot-four and built like Garrett and with his Italian heritage, similar in coloring. Well, except for the green tinge. "You mind if I check for myself?"

"Huh?" Frankie asked.

"I have some talents. I promise it is nothing invasive." Skye held up his hands as if showing he wasn't holding a weapon.

"Go for it." Frankie leaned back against the wall.

Skye closed his eyes for a moment while he pulled his magic and then looked into Frankie's eyes and ran his hands over the man without touching him. Skye concentrated trying to sense anything out of the ordinary. Of course a man having the parts to carry a baby and being pregnant was farther out than most would expect. Skye reached out and put his hand on Frankie's arm over the bond-mate "tattoo." No tingle or surge from his magic, just warm skin.

"Well?" Frankie asked.

Skye pondered a moment and put his hand directly on Frankie's still flat stomach. "Sorry, I want to double-check."

"Sure. Is something wrong?"

"No. You mind if I ask - was the pregnancy something unexpected?"

"Yes and no. You're not going to get pregnant by a dragon by accident - too many steps. Simeon had a health scare, and the medics said he was at risk of losing his eggs. We decided to move up the timeline and had them put his remaining eggs in cryo. Not as fun, but if we want another dragonling..."

"Okay." Maybe that's it, Mistral. Maybe being pregnant means he can't play the part my magic expected, or even scarier maybe it's because of Simeon's health.

'Let's not say anything about that possibility. Are you going to tell Frankie about the other?'

Yeah, I should. "So... Frankie."

"You sure it's not bad?" A nervous edge was in Frankie's voice.

"You might want to hire some help. The reason you're as sick as you are is you're carrying twins. Even though you are super early in your pregnancy, your body is already struggling to keep up. You'll need to eat more and probably get more rest."

"Fuck. Twins?" Frankie stared at Skye a moment before a huge smile lit his face. "Seriously? So two little dragons inside me?"

"Well, dragon shifters. They'll look and seem quite human until they've tried your patience for years."

"Can I tell Sim?"

"Of course. But seriously, consider getting help. You're not going to be able to work like I'm sure you have been."

"Fuck!" Frankie flew out of the restroom, the door slamming against the wall in his wake. "SIMEON!"

Skye followed him out and sat beside River. He glanced around and still didn't see signs of the "bear-man," but he couldn't help but notice the exceptionally large pepperoni pizza that took up most of the table.

"What happened?" River nodded toward the kitchen where a loud and animated conversation was going on.

"I told Frankie they were expecting twins. You didn't have to get such a big pizza. You know we have dinner in a few hours?"

River looked at Skye like he was crazy. "Dude, pizza? You could really tell that?"

"Yeah. I could also tell that he needs to eat more. So this guy I'm meeting. Does he have a name or should I refer to him as Ninja nanny?" Skye was tempted to start eating but thought he should wait for their guest.

"It's Arc or actually Arcturus, but he goes by 'Arc.' He didn't tell me his last name, and I didn't ask. And speaking of... there he is."

Skye looked up to see the huge man ducking to step into the restaurant. Somehow six-foot-seven looked even bigger in person. He was as muscled as River had said and had a head of dark curly hair, shaved close on the sides and a close-cropped beard that was so thick you couldn't see skin. Skye stood with River until the man noticed and came their way. He glanced between the two of them and shook his head.

"Twins?" Arc asked.

"No, brothers but obviously, I'm the better looking one," River said. "Thank you for meeting us."

"Yeah." Arc pulled out a chair and looked at it hesitantly before sitting.

Skye was again struck by how huge the guy was. Bear shifter wasn't really a stretch for the imagination, and his arms were even bigger than Garrett's. When he sat, Skye saw that Mica had come in with him and had joined Fiske and Feired at their table. Skye wanted to check in with Mica, but he couldn't do so without seeming rude to their guest. He felt a tingle from one of his bonds and glanced around to see Feired staring at the shifter with an odd look.

"Thank you, Arcturus for agreeing to meet us here, this is my brother, Prince Skye D'Or Drakken." Skye noticed the bear-shifter's gaze focused on the table with his guards.

"Ah... the Bloody Prince. Mica told me a bit about you, and I overheard the guards speaking of you," Arc said looking back at Skye.

"All exaggerated, I'm sure. You can call me Skye and please help yourself to some pizza." For such a big guy, Arc was incredibly nervous, which looked out of place. His face was a bit gaunt, but his dark brown eyes were warm and friendly. While no competition for his mate, Arc was handsome. Skye lowered his shields so he could get a good read on their guest.

"Not sure what you want to know..." Arc said hesitantly.

"Go ahead, Skye, check him," River said.

Both Arc and Skye turned to look at River.

"Pardon?" Arc asked.

"River, let's talk first, maybe ask some questions." Skye switched to telepathy. Are you nuts, River? Are you trying to scare him off? What if my magic reacts strongly?

But if your magic reacts to him then it's just a matter of 'how' to work things out and if it doesn't why bother?

Because that wouldn't be polite. We need to help him get re-settled regardless of whether my magic recognizes him.

"Are you two doing the mind-talk thing? Mica said you might." Arc looked back and forth between the brothers like he was trying to see inside their heads.

"Yes, sorry. Arcturus, perhaps you could tell me about how you came to be in prison? I know you told River, but it would help for me to hear it directly." Skye sat back and listened as Arc repeated the story. Skye didn't listen as much to the recap as he paid attention to the thoughts in Arc's head and his emotions. River had done an admirable job of capturing the highlights because he didn't pick up any new facts. But what wasn't making sense was the reaction or if the perpetrator was dead, why was there such a blowback?

"So, there you have it. I'm now a shunned bear with no sloth and no future - all because I protected a cub from an abuser who had wealthy and powerful friends."

"You couldn't go to another pack?" River asked.

"Sloth and no, they petitioned the council to have me shunned by all Draga sloths. I'm now an 'undesirable rogue' and not even permitted to mate."

"How can they do that?" Skye asked, the pizza almost to his mouth. "You're a citizen of the empire."

"If you have enough money and influence, you can do a lot. It means that no one in a sloth on Draga is permitted to acknowledge me."

"What about your family?" River asked.

"They forced my father to disown me. If he didn't, they'd have taken his job and shunned him as well."

"No mother or siblings?" Skye asked monitoring Arc's thoughts.

"My mother left once I was weaned, that's pretty standard for bears. We don't mate for life. I have a younger half-brother, Charlie, sired by my father. I don't know what happened with him once I was arrested. I'm sure there are other half-siblings, but I don't know them."

Skye saw that River had opened up his comm and had started taking notes. "What will you do now?"

"I have no idea. The sloth and the cubs were my life. I..."

"You were a teacher?" Skye felt Arcturus beginning to spiral into panic and hoped to pull him back.

"Yes, and what you'd call a counselor or mentor. I taught the basics of reading, writing, and math to cubs just beginning their education, and I worked with cubs going through the change. We'd do outings in nature, and I'd show them how to survive and taught them life skills. Now, I'm not even permitted on sloth lands."

"Did you get that Skye? He was a Scout pack leader," River said.

"Sloth. Wolves have packs, bears have sloths." Arc spoke absently as if it was second nature to correct people.

"Yeah, and I'm also thinking we need to take this back and do more digging. I have the sense that the reaction to Arc's crime is because there's more that they're trying to hide," Skye said.

"Already on it," River responded.

Skye sat back and looked at the bear-shifter. What do we do with him, Mistral?

'We stop delaying and see what our magic tells us. Do you notice how he keeps glancing over at our wing-mates?'

You mean, how he keeps staring at Feired? Yes. A pretty strong reaction to a stranger and while I agree Feired is attractive, Arc hasn't given a second look at Mica or Fiske. Curious isn't it?

"Arcturus, I have what's going to sound like a strange request. Would you let me touch you?"

Arc's eyebrows shot up, and he glanced nervously around. "You mean... there?"

Skye picked up the mental image and gasped. "GOD, NO! I mean, no, just let me touch you know... your arm or something." Skye felt Mistral's vibrating laughter in his bones.

'This bear may be more of a fit for our wing than you thought!' Mistral roared.

"Um, sure." Arc pulled back his sleeve, revealing a hairy but powerful forearm.

Skye reached out and gently laid his hand on Arc's arm, the jolt was immediate and went straight to his dick while he let out a yip of surprise and landed on the floor.

"What?" Arc looked at his arm as if it had betrayed him, then turned to River, opening his mouth as if to ask more but couldn't think of the words.

"S'okay, he'll explain in a minute," River said with a smirk.

"Well, shit," Skye muttered as he climbed back into his chair. "Sorry about that, Arcturus, I guess I should have warned you. If you didn't guess, that was magic - not static electricity."

"Oh." Arcturus blushed and became more interested in taking a slice of pizza.

Skye took a couple of breaths and tried to get a sense from the bear- shifter. No question the magic had caused a similar reaction in the big man. There was really no way to miss the prominent bulge in his pants or the way he had to adjust himself.

Mistral, I'm pretty sure he's bigger than Garrett.

'Definitely. Greggory will be thrilled.'

Skye let out a laugh, and all heads turned to him.

"He does that, just ignore it," River said around a mouthful of pizza.

"So, Arctucus, how would you feel about being part of a wing? I know it's not the same as your sloth, but we are a brotherhood and do have each other's back."

"I'm a bear, not a dragon," Arc said not even looking up.

"My wing is a little different. We have humans, shifters, elves, fairies, a felecian, dragons, and a male nymph." Skye kept his mind open to Arc to see if he sensed a reaction. He wasn't going to mention the psions, that might be too much.

Arc looked up in surprise. "Shit, you serious?"

"I am. There are some other differences as well." Skye looked around to see if anyone was paying attention to them. There was a steady stream of customers, but maybe it was the presence of the Imperial Guards because most were opting to take their pizzas to go. "We share a bond. A connection like dragon-mates but weaker."

"I don't think I'm cut out to be a guard. I might be big, but I'm not really a fighter." Arc's words were honest, and Skye also picked up the underlying hope that there might be somewhere else Arc could "belong."

"Not all of my wing-mates are guards. I'm not really sure where you fit or what you'd do, but if you're interested, we'll figure it out. We'd make sure you are taken care of until you get settled. Only warning is that it's somewhat of a lifetime commitment. As far as River and I understand, you can't leave the wing once you're bonded."

"Huh..." Arc went back to eating.

Skye, you make it sound like he has a choice. I thought once your magic noticed him you had to bond, River said in Skye's mind.

I thought so too, but when I checked Simeon and Frankie, the pull of my magic is gone. And remember the first time it didn't notice Corey, then it did later. I'm beginning to wonder if decisions and circumstances can change it.

"Arc, if you've been banished from the sloths, does that mean you can't take a mate?" River asked.

"Yes and no. Bears don't mate like dragons or some of the other shifters. We come together to make a cub and then once he or she is weened the she- bear moves on. We don't have fated mates. Being banished means that unless I found a she-bear who was also rogue, I can't make a cub and I can't have sex with anyone in a sloth on Draga. They're required to shun me."

"I'm so sorry, Arc," Skye said as he struggled to reconcile the words with Arc's thoughts and emotions. Something wasn't making sense.

"So... you like sex with she-bears?" River asked making Skye gasp.

"River!"

"Oh, come on, you want to know too," River said, rolling his eyes.

Arc chuckled and smiled. "So, what Mica and the guards said 'was' true? Nah, I prefer male company, and while I'd love to have cubs, I wasn't looking forward to being with a she-bear to get them."

"Wait. What did the guards say?" Skye asked as River reached over and poked him.

Told you he was a good fit.

Arc blushed. "They were...um...discussing how you only had the most handsome guards and that you took care of them very well. They were also talking about some club and how they wished they'd seen it in person. I kinda picked up that you were into men. Mica didn't say much other than saying you were the best, and I should trust you. He also mentioned you had guilt issues."

Skye felt the heat rush to his face, but the next thought he picked up from Arc had him laughing out loud. Arc was thinking how glad he was that River and Skye didn't know what he thought about River when he first met him. How he'd really wanted to see the platinum stripped and spread for him. Or that he'd jacked off several times last night thinking about River, not to mention the hot blond, Mica who was in the next room. And now, looking at the Bloody Prince, he was really hoping the rumors about Skye were true.

"I think we pushed him over the edge," River said skeptically to Arc, and then his eyes went wide, and he turned beet red. Fuck, are you kidding me? River's gaze turned back on Arc. Well, shit.

Skye laughed even harder. Yeah, little bro, reading minds should not be taken lightly. Never know what you might pick up. Like the big hulk beside you fantasizing about pounding your cute ass.

"Well then," Skye began hesitantly. "Obviously, I'm a bond-mate to a male dragon so I can't really argue about that. And, I guess it's no secret I am 'very close' to my guys, but I do try not to just, you know, bed anyone. And the club thing I'm blaming on the strong drinks."

"Why?" Arc asked as if confused.

"Why am I blaming the drinks?" Skye asked before he picked up the thought behind it and stifled the inner groan while ignoring Mistral's amusement.

"Why not bed whoever you want? Unless they lied to us, dragons aren't monogamous."

"Oh, believe me, they didn't lie. Dragons will fuck anyone who stays still long enough. You do know Skye and I both got dragon forms so while we were born human, we're now considered dragon hybrids?"

"I knew you had dragon forms. Seems I know more about you and dragons than you do about bear-shifters. Bears are as promiscuous as dragons. Even she-bears in heat will take multiple partners. That's why we have to test to see who the sire is because usually there are several possibilities. Since we don't pair off, no one really cares who you sleep with - male or female."

"Cool. What Skye didn't mention was that being part of our wing and sharing the bond adds an attraction - like sexual attraction - to your wing-mates. So Skye and I taking care of our guards isn't just because they're attractive, it's part of that connection and the type of dragons we are."

Arc nodded and then glanced back over at the other table, his eyes obviously focused on Feired again.

"That's Feired. He's a silver dragon, Fiske is a gold, and you met Mica, also a gold dragon. I understand Mica got you settled last night?" Skye said.

"He did. Thank you for that. I had no place to go and have no idea what I'd have done. He let me stay in his spare room. Feired, you said? He's beautiful."

"All my wing-mates are beautiful, but I may be biased. You'd be the first bear-shifter, but we do have a wolf, a panther, and a were-dagger. I can give you a few days to think about joining. I'm not trying to pressure you, and regardless of what you decide, we'll help you find a job and make sure you're settled."

"I don't need to think about it. I'd be honored to be part of your wing." Arc glanced back at Feired again who was openly staring back.

Skye picked up that Arcturus was both serious and quite certain of his decision and if it happened to let him be closer to the gorgeous silver- haired man, then that was a bonus. He sure wouldn't mind getting intimate with the two brothers.

"Excuse me a moment," River said, jumping up and heading back to the counter.

"I want to be useful, Prince Skye. I fully intend on working and maybe I could get a job teaching at one of the public schools. Dragonlings and dragi can't be that different from bear cubs."

"We'll figure it out. It might take a few days but-"

"Got it covered. We can use Simeon's office," River said interrupting.

"Use Simeon's office?" Skye asked, and since his shields were down, he picked up River's immediate mental response.

**Here? Now?**Skye sent back.

Yeah. Why not? He's decided, your magic noticed him, and he's hot for us. River was practically bouncing on his feet, waiting for Skye to get on board.

Geez, River. You and your dragon lust. I sure hope this stage passes soon.

Ask Mistral, bet he's on board with bonding Arctucus now.

'No need to ask, your brother is being very wise. We should do it now before he gets away or things change. Shouldn't take chances,' Mistral said in Skye's mind.

Skye sighed and glanced over at Mica and the others before opening up a connection. Guys, looks like I'm bonding Arctucus. If you didn't feel it, my magic noticed him and he's okay with being part of the wing. Can you chill for a bit? River said we can use the office in the back. Mica, maybe you can let the guards know?

I will, Mica responded. He stood and walked over to the guard at the door.

"You're doing it again, right?" Arc asked.

"I was. I can speak telepathically with anyone, but it's easier with wing-mates."

"Can they speak back?" Arc asked.

"They can. And if I, or soon, River help they can speak mind-to-mind with each other. I should warn you that once you're bonded and part of the wing, you'll hear and feel them in your head. Not like everything or all the time, but you'll sense emotions, and if they mentally shout at you, you'll understand."

Arc looked back over to the other table, and Skye realized that all his mates were nodding. Sorry I forgot to close down the link.

We don't mind but it may get awkward when you and River get into it with him. You might also need to help River shield, he's starting to broadcast like you did, Fiske sent.

What have I gotten myself into? Skye looked down to see they'd completely demolished the pizza. River was already guiding Arc into the kitchen, presumably the path to the office where he was expected to claim the bear-shifter. Crap, I'm going to have to explain this to Garrett.

Skye felt Mistral's laughter as he followed.

• Scene 4 *

Simeon's office was small - as in really small. There was a desk which had been cleared except for a large bottle of lube, a desk chair, and an uncomfortable-looking guest chair. That was it. But as Skye thought about it he realized they didn't need filing cabinets and storage, the dragons had gone paperless long ago.

"So how does bonding work?" Arc asked as he sat on the edge of the desk.

"Do you want the sex or no-sex option?" River asked.

"River!" Skye glared at his brother, but given the lube, he was sure River had his own agenda.

"What? You make everything so complicated. I'm trying to move things along."

"Before I answer, what have the others picked?" Arc folded his arms across his very large chest.

"Everyone except Leesai and Gilian went for sex with Skye, but Gilian will tell you not taking the sex option was a mistake. Oh, and Zo, but he didn't really have a choice being tied up and gagged," River said.

"He's the prince who got in trouble, right?"

"He's-" Skye began

"Yeah," River continued. "So he wasn't given a choice and extenuating circumstances and all." River waved his hand through the air as if dismissing Zo completely.

"Leesai is the felecian?"

"Ye-" Skye tried.

"Yeah, not quite as tall as you but you know they have a reputation for being rather violent during sex. Nasty claws and all," River said still not letting Skye get a word in.

"So to be bonded I have sex with both of you?"

"River, stop!" Skye yelled. "No, you don't have to have sex with anyone, but I can include others and make them part of the bonding. It doesn't change the bond itself."

"What he said. But if you want us both..." River winked.

Arcturus stretched out an arm and pulled River into him he leaned down and kissed River, sliding his tongue into the willing mouth. Arc gripped River's ass and pulled him tight to his body.

"Okay then..." Skye felt a little awkward watching his brother play tongue wars with the shifter, but there wasn't really a way to avoid it without leaving the room.

Arc pulled back and smiled. "Both is good." He grabbed the bottom of his shirt and pulled it off, tossing it on the floor. River stepped back and began stripping as well.

"Wow," Skye muttered as Arc's chest was revealed. His pecs were huge and covered in dark hair, and his nipples were large enough to be dragon worthy.

"You like them?" Arc made his pec flex and put his hand under it like he was offering it to Skye. "Come on, go for it."

Skye couldn't resist and closed in taking the hard nib in his mouth and sucking.

"Oh, yeah," Arc groaned. "No need to be gentle."

Skye felt River come up beside him, taking Arc's other nipple in his mouth.

"Damn, you are so smooth," Arc murmured.

Skye pulled back and saw Arc looking down at his brother, running his hand down River's back and stroking his ass.

"Have you ever been with a dragon?" Skye asked.

"No, just bear-shifters and most are hairy like me."

"Dragons and some human bond-mates don't have body hair."

"Nice. What else is different?" Arc tipped up River's jaw and kissed him.

"For those born as dragons, they also have an appendage that slides inside your dick to collect your seed. Their bodies absorb their lovers spend. River and I don't have those. They also have nubs in their ass that stroke and caress you when you're inside and well, we can have orgasms like a female without ejaculating. And their nipples leak dragon milk."

A huge smirk lit Arctucus's face. "You're telling me if I suck your tit, I'll get a treat?"

"Um... yeah. I don't know about River, it was one of the changes that happened more slowly for me."

Arc slid his hand down River's chest and teased his nipple. "That true?"

"You might get a little, but I don't produce much yet." River voice came out breathy as his tit hardened and pebbled at Arc's touch.

"Arc, we want this to be good for you. What do you like?" Skye asked.

"Men. I'm not a cub and have been enjoying sex with other men for a long time. I learned early on that flexibility is good. A bear is much more likely to give up his ass for you if you'll do the same. I like it all, sucking, being sucked, rimming, fucking, and being fucked."

"Shouldn't you get undressed, Skye? And Arc, if you'd be willing, I really want you to fuck me." River ran his hands over Arc's furry pecs and down his thick body until he started unfastening his trousers.

"Sure not going to turn you down. Doubt there's ever been a bear that could say he got to fuck a dragon prince."

"Ha ha. Do a good job, and I'm pretty sure you'll be fucking several dragon princes on a regular basis."

Arc gave a nervous laugh and then growled as River released his cock from his pants.

"Shit, that's big." Skye paused in the middle of undressing to just stare at the massive cock. It had to be eleven inches and as thick as Garrett's. Mistral was right, Gregg would love to get his lips and ass around that beast.

'Who are we kidding? I want that monster inside us!' Mistral purred.

I'm sure, but River claimed him for today. I think there will be plenty of chances to try him before we leave Draga. I think we're going to be plowing that big furry ass.

'Mm... yes. And we'll mark him as ours.'

"Aw, fuck you're good," Arc groaned as River got a good portion of his shaft down his throat.

Now naked, Skye stepped up and ran his hands over Arc, teasing his nipples until they were both hard. "River and I have well-endowed mates so we get lots of practice. Though you are a bit bigger."

"Is that a problem?"

"Not at all, just means you'll have to do more prep with some of your wing-mates. Not everyone is used to taking such a massive prong."

Arc chuckled. "Fuck, I think my life just took a major turn. And shit, look at you." The bear's eyes raked over Skye appreciatively. "You must work out like a demon."

"More like I have a demon for a workout coach, but thank you."

"Maybe you'd let me map all those golden muscles with my tongue and take a long, slow detour with that beautiful dick of yours."

"Today is about you, Arctucus. I think River and I will be doing a good bit of the mapping."

"Okay, stop, beautiful. You suck me much more, and I'll be pouring my load down your throat."

River pulled off with a plop and smiled. "You make it sound like that's a bad thing."

"Not bad, but way too fast. Climb up on the desk so I can reach you better." Arc helped River up on the desk then pushed him back devouring River's cock on the first go.

"Mm, yeah..." River moaned.

Skye ran his hands over Arc's broad back and down to his ass as he knelt on the floor. Arc's ass was full and round, and Skye pushed the mounds apart to reveal the hairy crack. He bit playfully on one of the globes and Arc shuddered.

"So you know, I'm all clean. Mica told me I should prep like I was going out for a hook-up."

"He's a smart dragon," Skye whispered as he buried his nose between Arc's ass cheeks. He smelled fresh and a little musky. Skye licked at the trench and soon had the hair wet enough to find his goal. A sweet, tight little rosebud, winking at him in anticipation. A swipe of his tongue and then Skye dove in.

"FUCK!" Arc pushed back and groaned around River's cock as Skye ate out his ass. Garrett's talent was hard to replicate, but as often as his mate did this for him, Skye had learned a few things. Most notably, how to do a partial shift into dragon form to enlarge his tongue. Given the size of his dragon, Skye didn't need to do much until his tongue could reach the bundle of nerves inside Arc that made his whole body quiver.

Skye, River mentally called out. I need you to help me get ready for him. He's bigger than Nick, and I don't want to wait.

Skye realized he hadn't pulled his magic to help Arctucus either. He slowly gathered his power and sent it into River, searching out his passage and stimulating it, stretching and opening up his dragon hole so he was ready for Arc. Once he knew River was ready, he turned his attention back to Arc, sending his power deep into his balls and tweaking his nipples.

"What?" Arc moaned releasing River.

"My brother works magic when it comes to sex, just enjoy it," River said before turning over and offering up his smooth tanned ass.

"Fuck, that's sweet." Arc tongued River's hole, and soon it was River's moans echoing along with Arcturus's.

"Just fuck me already!" River cried out and flipped over onto his back, pulling his knees up to his chest.

Arc grabbed the lube and slicked himself up before sliding a finger into River's ass. "Holy shit, your ass is sucking me in!"

"Use your dick, I'm ready," River pleaded.

Skye reached around Arc, gripping the base of his shaft and pushing him forward until he'd breached River's outer ring.

"Fuck, yeah. All the way." River's body readily accepted Arc and Skye knew the nubs would be a new sensation for the bear-shifter.

"Wow," Arc moaned as he fully seated himself in the dragon hole.

Skye lubed up his cock and spread Arc's cheeks, nudging against his opening. He knew his magic and rimming had relaxed the bear enough there'd be no pain. He breached Arc's muscled ass and slid into the warm heat.

"Ugh," Arc grunted.

Mistral, I sort of can't believe I'm inside him. He feels so good, and he's so into it. River was right, he is perfect for our wing, and he likes sex as much as the dragons.

'Our magic does not make mistakes,' Mistral responded while urging me to move.

Uh, do I need to remind you about Frankie and Simeon? That qualifies as a mistake in my book. Shit his ass is tight. How is that possible if he's been having sex with guys hung like him? Skye drew more on his magic so he was ready. He hadn't stopped stimulating Arc, and River was doing a damn fine job of distracting the shifter by latching onto one of his nipples while Arctucus fucked him.

"So close. River, your ass is fucking amazing, and I think I've found a new favorite. Never been in the middle before."

"Uh-huh, one of my favorites too." Skye began thrusting harder, forcing Arc deep into his brother's ass. He pressed into Arc's back and kissed up his spine. The man was as big and solid as a tree. Skye wasn't tall enough to reach Arc's neck or shoulders but had already decided the bear was going to get his mark on his back.

"FUCK!" Arc and River both cried out. Skye felt Arctucus's ass squeeze tight on his cock as the bear-shifter orgasmed and filled River with his load.

Skye pushed his magic into the bear as his own release exploded and he bit down on the warm flesh over Arctucus's spine. He continued pushing the magic into Arc as his cum pulsed deep in the recesses of his lover's body and his magic filled every corner. Arc's anal passage quivered and tightened as a second orgasm took him.

"UGGHHH," Arctucus cried out as he collapsed onto River, taking Skye with him.

Skye slowly withdrew and then checked to make sure River was okay. From the smile, he seemed to be doing just fine.

Fuck, bro, that was awesome. His dick is so huge it hits like everything inside at once and feels bloody incredible. Can't wait to have Nik try him, maybe we can put him in the middle again.

I think he'll be pretty popular. Now we just have to figure out what to do with him. Can't really just keep him around for sex. Skye grabbed his clothes and started to get dressed.

"A little help?" River said out loud as he held a limp Arc in his arms.

"Ha, yeah, I guess he's out isn't he?" Skye carefully lifted Arc, making sure he didn't hurt his brother pulling the massive cock out of him. Arc was still hard, so it took a little teamwork. Skye lifted the shifter awkwardly trying to compensate for how long his limbs were. The weight wasn't a problem but not getting tangled up or running into things in the small office was. Skye sat him against the wall and stood back.

"He is a hunk."

"Thanks, Skye. I needed that." River dressed as he looked over Skye's shoulder. "You think the dragons can handle a dick that big?"

"Kleitos said they could. He said it takes more prep, but I think they're up for a challenge."

A soft knock sounded on the door. Skye opened it slightly after he lowered his shields and realized it was Mica. What is it?

Word got out that you're here. Don't come back into the restaurant. I'll stay here and make sure Arctucus gets back to my place. The guards already called for replacements so they can leave from the front door. New guys will be waiting in the back and Fiske and Feired already moved to the kitchen so they can stay with you.

Okay, thank you. Um... Arc is still out of it. Can you explain things when he wakes up?

Of course. Thanks for shielding River by the way. We got a little, but it wasn't too bad, Mica sent then snickered.

What?

Um, you and River... must have been good. You're both glowing.

Skye glanced down at his hands and stifled a groan. Reach out to me when you're safely back home and I'll do the same when we get back to the palace. Skye avoided any mental comment on his glow, thankful that he and River would be sneaking out the back.

Take care, Skye and don't worry. Some of the other guys are coming over so we can answer Arc's questions and welcome him.

• Scene 5 *

"What a day," River sighed as he leaned back into the chair.

"Do you think Pater pulled me away on purpose?" Nik added the sweetener to the tea before handing a cup to Skye.

"He couldn't have known I'd end up bonding Arctucus tonight. I think it's just bad luck." Skye took a sip and slid back into the corner of the couch.

"Don't worry, Nik. He's a wing-mate now, you'll have your chance," River said as he adjusted so Nik could sit in his lap.

The door to the study opened, and Lady Telawynn stepped in. She was as elegant as ever in a long dress in deep reds and golds. Her hair was pulled back in a queue rather than her usual up-do.

"Gentleman," Telawynn greeted in her gravelly voice.

"Good evening, Lady Telawynn," Skye stood and gave a bow. He gestured to the tea cart. "Would you like a cup of tea?"

"Yes, that would be lovely, and please sit. I can manage." She prepared her tea and sat in one of the other club chairs.

"Thank you for meeting with us, I know it is late," Skye said.

"Hardly and it's always a pleasure to speak with you, Prince Skye. Having your handsome brothers join is a bonus. How can I help you? Your secretary said you needed some help understanding some elvish history."

"Not really history, though knowledge of past events might help." Skye glanced at River and Nik and got encouraging nods. "We think I had a vision, a sending from Underhill."

"Oh, my." Lady Telawynn leaned forward and set down her cup. "Can you tell me about it?"

Skye repeated everything he could remember from the nightmare, and then River filled in on what the wing-mates experienced and that one of their men suggested it was a sending and not just a bad dream.

"It is different than what the others have described; however, there are a few similar elements," Lady Telawynn said softly as if thinking to herself. "The Master of the Hunt is new, as are the thorns and the room of doors. The voices or cries for help and the ruins are common in what the others have seen."

"Do you know who the Master of the Hunt is, or are you familiar with the room?" River asked.

"Not from my own experience. Though I agree with Dillon, I have seen illustrations of the room. It was from a time when Underhill was strong and vibrant. Our histories say that our king and queen could visit any of their realms by stepping through one of those doors. The heartstone of Underhill stood on a pedestal in the center of the room and none but royalty were permitted to enter."

"Does Underhill still have the heartstone?" Skye asked.

"We assume that it does, but it hasn't been seen in my lifetime. The hooded man is also more legend than anything. Our stories say he was once the king of the Unseelie when there were two courts, not one. The fae had split, not necessarily light and dark or good and evil as some of your Earth histories implied. We were taught that the Unseelie court, or Winter Court, were the grotesque and ugly, those who fraternized with the humans and other non-fae races. They used science and machines and welcomed change."

Skye, do you get a bad sense of where this is going? Not to be all doom and gloom but from what we've seen in the fae court, I'm not sure the Summer Court were the good guys.

I agree, River. Rejecting Dillon and using the excuse he had human characteristics sounds like it fits with their history. Skye thought a moment then spoke out loud.

"So you think the Master of the Hunt is the Unseelie King? Where is he now? I understand elves live a long time, but if this is from legend, that has to be a least a few elf generations, right?"

"It was from the time when we left Earth. Our history puts a nice spin on it but implies that the king and queen, tricked the Unseelie and when they were led through Underhill to our new home, they were sent elsewhere. I can't begin to explain or make apologies for my ancestors, Skye. To me, it sounds terrible, but I hardly know enough, nor does anyone else alive today, to pass judgment."

"So what is the Wild Hunt? Even if we're not sure who is leading it, I felt the presence that Skye did in his nightmare, and I saw the glowing red eyes staring back. That was not a 'good' thing," River said.

Lady Telawynn stood and made another cup of tea. "Realize that I'm sharing more stories than fact." Lady Telawynn didn't turn or look at them as she spoke. She took her seat again and paused before speaking. "There are several different legends pertaining to the Wild Hunt. I'll focus on the one most related to the fae. It is said that one of the elvish gods leads the hunt and that he brings a contingent of warrior souls on magical steeds accompanied by a pack of Hell Hounds. The belief is that the hunt came on the night of the full moon but often presaged an impending war or disaster. The hunt was sent to either capture or kill someone, and they would take the soul of anyone who interfered and make them part of the host."

"Who sends them?" Skye asked.

"I do not know," Lady Telawynn admitted. "From your vision, I would say the king of the Unseelie or perhaps Underhill. But as to how he came into possession of the horn, I have no idea."

"Well, crap. We're not much farther ahead than we were before," River muttered.

"No, we didn't know about the Unseelie or the fae who were banished. That might help make sense of things if Skye gets another vision," Nik said.

"Do you have any idea when you might be able to return to Underhill?" Lady Telawynn asked.

"Not for sure. I'll speak with Garrett later this evening, but if all goes as planned, he'll be returning tomorrow. The simulations and installation went better than expected. He wouldn't get in until late so assuming at least a day to recover before we could make the trip."

"If you let me know, I can make sure Regent Thillean has a team ready to escort you."

"Lady Telawynn, are you sure you don't have any ideas why Underhill wants Skye to return?" Nik asked.

"I wish I did, Prince Nikias. I know you may not want it, but perhaps Underhill will send a vision that makes things more clear."

"Yeah, um, not looking forward to that. Especially if it's anything like the last sending. I prefer to pass," Skye said.

"You do realize that what we want has never stopped Underhill before?" Lady Telawynn brushed her skirts as she stood.

"Aren't you just a ray of sunshine?" River scoffed.

"No, my handsome prince, I have learned to be a realist. When your own daughter locks you away for decades, you learn to see things clearly. Lying to yourself is just a waste of time." Lady Telawynn gave a slight bow.

"I look forward to hearing from you, Prince Skye. Perhaps we can meet again when topics are more pleasant."

"It would be an honor, Lady Telawynn." Skye stood and bowed in return as he watched the elegant queen mother leave the study.

Nik crawled out of River's lap and helped him to his feet.

"You sure you don't need us to stay with you tonight?" River asked.

"I'm sure. You guys need to reconnect, and I'm tired and ready to relax for the rest of the evening. A couple of the guys are staying with me, and Dillon will keep Ril company."

"Oooh, reconnect. That's like a fancy word for fuck, right?" River laughed and squeezed Nik.

"Well, I sure hope so," Nik said.

"'Night, bro."

• Scene 6 *

Skye set the repeater crystal on the foot of the bed and scooted back. He'd decided he'd had enough of socializing for the evening and had returned to his room and changed into comfy loungewear.

Fiske and Feired had retreated to Dillon's room to give Skye some privacy for his call with Garrett. He assumed Dillon was already with Rilien.

Skye's bio comm buzzed. He accepted the call and transferred it to the repeater. Garrett's image formed at the foot of the bed as clear as if he'd been standing there in person.

"Hey," Skye greeted, remembering to shield, so he didn't get echoes of their conversation.

"Hey, babe." Garrett's eyes widened and he scowled. "That is so unfair. Okay, you can at least give me a better view - up on your knees." Garrett gestured for Skye to move.

Skye got on his knees and put his arms up like he was stretching.

"Fuck, baby. I miss you something terrible. Damn, you look good."

"You like?" Skye teased, grabbing his crotch. He knew the sheer cloth didn't really hide as much as tease.

"No, love is the word, and I miss your beautiful dick. Need it bad."

"Well, then." Skye dropped back to the bed and crossed his legs. "Guess someone better get his sexy ass home so he can claim me."

"All set to leave first thing in the morning. But I won't get in 'til real late. Like middle-of-the-night late." Garrett didn't even try to hide Skye's effect on him. His hard cock was obvious through his uniform.

"It's okay. I'm sure you can coax me awake. So, how was your day?"

"Really good. Everything went as smoothly as it could have. Systems are all up and tested. Or at least these are. There are still more installations and testing to be done, but Captain Nekko is taking care of the next round."

"You still like him?" Skye asked.

"I haven't seen him again or talked with him. He sent a message confirming his plans. Jerrick and Taleel say he's a good guy."

"I guess I trust them to make a good call. Thanks again by the way for being with me last night."

"Father Dragon, Skye. You don't thank your mate for that shit. Of course I was there for you. Now, I would appreciate it if you didn't scare the scales off us like that again. That was beyond creepy."

"I um, never got a chance to ask, what did you see?"

"Aw, not much, just from the falling until you thought you were dying part! Father Dragon, Skye what in the seven hells?"

"We're pretty sure it was a 'sending' from Underhill. So not really a nightmare or dream, more like a magic message. Which I should point out is not my fault and not in my control."

"Yes, my love. I assume we'll be making a trip to Underhill upon my return?"

"Lady Telawynn is making arrangements, but I asked for an extra day so you could rest."

"Rest?" Garrett laughed. "Skye, I'm in your head, and you have no plans on letting me rest. Let's see there's fucking you on your stomach, on your back, on the couch, in the shower... against the door?" Garrett chuckled. "Such a horny little dragon. Hm, and then there's my favorite part, eating me out and pounding my ass into the bed until I can't walk straight."

"Fine. I'll let you rest in between."

"Believe me, I'm looking forward to my day of rest. So what happened today that you're trying not to talk about?"

"You know, Garrett, sometimes you're a real shit." Skye tried to put on a good face, but it didn't appear to be working since Garrett was laughing harder.

"Well?"

"You um... know that prisoner that River had to pardon?"

"Yes, Skye. Get on with it."

"Well, I met with him, and my magic noticed him. Hey, did you know that my magic can change its mind? When we were at Frankie's, I touched both Simeon and Frankie and nada, nothing. Not even a tingle. I didn't know that could happen, but Mistral thinks it's either because Frankie is pregnant or Simeon's not well."

"Skye, just tell me," Garrett said with a sigh.

"You don't want to know about Frankie being pregnant? They're expecting twins."

"No, Skye. I want you to tell me about the prisoner River pardoned."

"He's a bear-shifter, Arcturus and well... I bonded him today... in Frankie's. River was there." Skye waited for a response and groaned when he saw Garrett's smirk.

"You knew. Shit! Of course you knew, you could feel the bond as soon as I did it you jerk!"

"Yeah, but I wanted to hear it from you. So big dick, huh?"

"UGH! Garrett! Okay, yes he is very well endowed and is a big guy. And so we're clear, his 'big dick' was in River, not me."

Garrett rolled with laughter and turned away for a moment. "Oh, baby, you are so precious. I don't care who you fuck, or who you let fuck you. I know, as Father Dragon is my witness, that no man, no matter how amazing his cock is, will make you scream like me."

"Geez, Garrett, you are so friggin arrogant!"

"No. I'm a dragon, and I know how our bond works. Just like no other creature in the universe satisfies me the way you do."

"Just remember that and come home so we can catch up, okay." Skye battled tears that threatened to leak out as he was struck again with how much he loved Garrett.

"You're not sleeping alone tonight, are you? Much as I hate to say it, I'd even be okay with Kleitos as long as someone is with you."

"Kleitos has something going on, but Mica said a couple of the guys will spend the night. Dillon is going to bunk with Rilien since the dream freaked him out last night."

"I love you, Skye."

"Love you, too. Get home to me soon."

• Scene 7 *

"Prince Skye," a soft voice called as a warm hand jostled him. Skye opened his eyes and couldn't help the smile when he saw Chaz looking down at him.

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

"Corbin and I are relieving Feired and Fiske. I think you fell asleep reading," Chaz said tugging the data pad out from under Skye.

"Maybe. I'm glad you're here. Where's Corbin?" Skye asked, looking around the room.

"He's getting ready for bed, which I think is a good idea for you too."

"I claim the middle," Skye said as he walked to the bath. He found Corbin at the sink brushing his teeth.

Skye wrapped his arms around his muscular guard. "Good to see you, Corbin. Thanks for staying with me tonight."

Corbin rinsed and turned in Skye's arm, laying a gentle kiss on his brow. "Believe me, it's my pleasure."

"Oh, it will be, I promise." Skye ruffled his hand through Corbin's short brown hair.

Skye came out of the bathroom to find the lights turned down with Corbin and Chaz already in the large bed. Corbin on the left and Chaz on the right with plenty of room for Skye in the middle. Skye crawled between them pulling the cover back so he could get in bed.

"Whoa, no, huh-uh, sorry guys, lose the sleep pants. Only naked men in my bed," Skye said as he got himself settled.

"We were trying to be polite," Chaz said as he slid off the pants and tossed them. Corbin did the same before both were back under the covers.

"Well, for future reference, I consider that rude. My bed, my rules, and rule number one, all sexy men must be naked and 'ready' at all times."

Corbin laughed as he snuggled into Skye. "Fine, you are the boss."

"Hot as fuck, sexy, demanding boss," Chaz added as he moved in from the other side, his long waves of hair, tickling Skye's skin.

"Exactly. And before you get comfy, I expect two loads from each of you, in my body, before anyone thinks about sleep."

Chaz kissed up Skye's neck before capturing his lips. "Two, huh?"

"Mm, yeah, two. Ass or mouth but have to have every drop."

Corbin ran his hand down Skye's smooth abs to tease his cock. His lips laying gentle kisses over Skye's chest. "Do you pick or do we?"

"As long as I get fucked, I don't care. It will help me sleep," Skye said.

Chaz continued to kiss Skye, while Corbin moved down his body, laying gentle kisses and licks as he went.

"I'll be back," Chaz said as he broke the kiss and moved down to Skye's nipple. He licked and nibbled until Skye arched his back. It was at that moment Corbin took Skye into his mouth and began to suck.

"Oh, God." Skye tried to memorize every touch and caress. While he tried really hard not to play favorites, Corbin and Chaz still affected him more than many of his wing. His only regret was that he couldn't actually see them and appreciate how stunning his men were.

Skye gripped the sheet in his fists as Corbin and Chaz began sharing his cock, licking from both sides, taking turns sucking him and then teasing his balls and the surrounding area with their tongues.

"You feeling sleepy yet?" Corbin asked.

"Ha! Haven't given me your sweet cream yet, dragon. Quit slacking." Skye closed his eyes and "felt," not only with all the nerve endings firing in is body, but with his mind, opening up to his lovers.

I love you both, so much, Skye sent in a mental whisper.

'We should use our magic. They deserve every pleasure we can give them,' Mistral coaxed.

Skye was just about to focus on his magic when Chaz lifted his legs and Corbin dove into his hole. Now he had Corbin's tongue in his ass and Chaz's mouth wrapped around his dick. It took a few moments for his mind to settle enough from the onslaught to pull his magic. Once he felt the power, he asked Mistral to help him concentrate enough to do what he wanted. First objective was to open them up and get them ready.

Chaz groaned around Skye's cock, sucking harder as Skye not only massaged his passageway but began milking his prostate. He moved around and threw his leg over Skye so he was straddling his face and within seconds, Skye took Chaz's dripping cock into his mouth and sucked.

Not wanting to release Chaz's beautiful, tasty cock for even a second, Skye used his telepathy to reach out to Corbin. I'm ready Corbin, I want you to fuck me. Fill me with your dragon seed. I want every drop.

Oh, believe me, that is my pleasure. Corbin moved in, and within seconds Skye felt his thick cock nudging its way inside. Skye's nubs drawing the dragon in. Skye wrapped his legs around Corbin and dug his heels into his ass to pull him in deeper.

"Fuck, you have an amazing dragon hole!" Corbin cried out as he thrust harder and faster.

Skye knew his gold was probably far enough gone that he didn't even notice Skye's magic milking his nipples and squeezing his balls or the pressure building inside his own dragon hole as Skye got him closer and closer to an anal orgasm.

"Switch places," Skye cried hoping the brief respite would delay things.

Now, Chaz was thrusting deep inside, and Corbin was straddling Skye, sucking his dick while offering up his own dripping cock. Skye sucked Corbin in and savored his taste. His dragon was leaking a lot of pre-cum which Skye considered a bonus.

It wasn't long before Skye knew everyone was close again. "Switch!" Skye called and eagerly sucked Chaz's thick, long dick into his mouth. With his heightened dragon senses, Skye could taste his own musk as well as Corbin's on Chaz's cock. To Skye's mind, it just made it better and even more intimate.

Chaz was just as far gone as he was and Skye knew that the were-dagger would soon be filling his mouth and throat with his cream. Skye sucked harder and struggled to keep his own orgasms at bay. He was in serious danger of getting multiple from both his ass and his cock. Being fucked by both of them was even hotter than he'd imagined.

Chaz and Corbin cried out at almost the same time, and Skye felt their releases filling him. The hot elixir poured down his throat, and he savored every drop until he had to stop as a simultaneous anal orgasm hit when his cock exploded in Chaz's mouth. He could feel his body tightening and stroking Corbin. He'd long since decided that the changes he got with his dragon form were very welcome. At the moment he was enjoying one of them, the nubs and increased sensitivity in his ass that let him feel every bit of Corbin's pulsing cock.

"Mm," Chaz groaned around Skye's dick as he sucked down Skye's cum, never even pausing his up and down motion.

Skye released Chaz's spent cock and swallowed the last drops as he fell back on the pillow. He felt a sense of loss when Corbin pulled out. But now Corbin had his mouth planted on Skye's dragon hole, sucking out every bit of his seed that Skye's body hadn't absorbed.

Both of his wing-mates moved up and wrapped themselves around Skye.

"Amazing," Skye whispered.

Chaz playfully bit Skye's neck. "Not done yet. That was only one load each. How do you want the next ones?"

"Give me a minute." Skye closed his eyes and let himself enjoy the scents and feels from his men. Their hands seemed to be all over him and his body, or at least his dick, was coming back to life.

"So beautiful," Chaz murmured as he kissed Skye's neck and then moved down laying gentle kisses over his shoulder and down his arm.

"I need to see you. Zeus, increase indirect lighting twenty percent," Skye called out. While he and Corbin were glowing, it wasn't quite enough to illuminate Chaz. The room filled with soft light and Skye could immediately appreciate the were-dagger in his bed. God, Mistral, they are both so hot.

'They are, and yet so different.'

"Corbin lie on your back and spread your legs. Chaz get on your hands and knees and show our Mr. Quinn Corbin how magical that mouth of yours is," Skye instructed as he moved off the bed and took position behind Chaz.

Skye ran his hands over Chaz's lean back and narrow hips, pausing to appreciate the sweet round ass, with its light dusting of dark hair. He gently gripped Chaz's globes and separated them, taking time to appreciate his beautiful hole.

Skye kissed once ass cheek then the other before sliding his tongue down the silky furred trench, stopping at Chaz's opening and tonguing his delicate rosebud. Damn, Mistral, he tastes so good.

'You should do him like you did Arctucus earlier. Our mate has taught us how to do this well, and then when we have him moaning, we can fuck him.'

Skye smiled at the pride in Mistral's mental tone. Skye might struggle at times with how attracted he was to his wing-mates, but Mistral had no such issues. He'd gladly take any and every one of them every chance he got.

Skye pulled his magic again while he used his mouth, tongue, and fingers to turn Chaz into a quivering bundle of sex-starved nerve endings.

"Please, Skye, just fuck me already!"

"Yes, please, Skye before he sucks my balls out through my dick," Corbin moaned.

"Corbin, why don't you turn over and give Chaz your ass," Skye suggested.

"Fuck, yeah." Corbin wasted no time in getting on his hands and knees and bending forward, so his chest was on the bed and his ass, open and spread for Chaz. "Do me."

Skye grabbed some lube and reached around Chaz, stroking him and getting him slick. It was probably overkill since Corbin was turned on enough he was likely already dripping wet in anticipation. Skye helped guide Chaz in, and when he was firmly buried in Corbin's ass, Skye turned his attention back to Chaz's ass.

He licked and sucked and slid his tongue inside while Chaz made slow, gentle thrusts into Corbin - trying not to interfere with the amazing tongue work Skye was giving him.

Skye pulled back and poured some of the lube on his fingers, gently easing them into Chaz to open him up. His magic had already relaxed the muscles, but Chaz had a human ass and didn't open as easily as a dragon - it took prep. "That's the way, Chaz, ride my fingers. Get them deep inside you. Ah, there's the spot. You feel that don't you?"

"Fuuuuuuuuuck," Chaz moaned.

Skye slicked his cock and pushed inside. When he was fully seated inside the velvet heat, he began moving in concert with Chaz. He let his were- dagger do most of the work, going deep into Corbin before pushing back to get Skye as far inside his ass as he could.

"That's the way, Chaz, plow yourself with my dick and fill Corbin up with your seed. He wants it. He wants you to breed his dragon ass so he can absorb every bit of your essence."

"Father Dragon!" Corbin cried out, and while Skye couldn't see much, he did see the jets of white hitting the headboard and slowly sliding down.

"Cuming!" Chaz cried, and his movement became fast and erratic as he simultaneously plowed Corbin and himself.

Skye didn't try to hold back and added his magic to the mix to make sure both of his partners got the maximum pleasure out of their orgasms. His own release made him see stars as he gripped Chaz's hips to keep himself steady. The slurpy sucking sounds of his load being pummeled into Chaz's tight hole only added to the intensity.

They collapsed onto Corbin while they caught their breath.

"Fucking amazing as always," Corbin moaned.

"Yeah." Chaz carefully pulled out and eased Skye onto the bed, before jogging into the bath and returning with a warm cloth to clean them up and deal with the puddles of Corbin's cum.

"Now, I think I can sleep," Skye murmured nuzzling into Corbin's thigh.

"Um, Skye. This is nice and all, but if you bury your face in my balls, I am not going to be sleeping."

"Fine. You can be the little spoon, and I'll be the medium spoon. Chaz, you can be behind me and be the big spoon." Skye rolled Corbin onto his side and snuggled in, pressing his cock in between Corbin's muscular ass cheeks.

"Uh..." Corbin started.

"Shh. If my dick happens to slip inside when we're sleeping, just remember it's a dream," Skye said.

"Can I use that?" Chaz wrapped himself around Skye and pressed against his ass.

"Of course. Thank you, I really needed you tonight." Skye buried his face into Corbin's shoulder and took a deep breath. His wing-mate smelled like family, and he felt a lot of the tension he'd been holding slide away.

"We love you, Skye. We're always here for you," Chaz whispered as he kissed Skye's neck.

• Scene 8 *

Skye growled at the poke in his back. "Chaz," he muttered when it didn't go away.

He opened his eyes and sat up. "Shit, shit, shit." Skye looked around at the dark rubble-strewn corridor and moved the piece of stone causing him discomfort. Mistral, are you still with me?

'I am, for what it's worth. Another sending?'

It sure feels real. Skye stood and then cursed, realizing he was naked again. Geez, why can't I have a dream with my clothes on?

Skye looked around, trying to determine if anything looked familiar. It didn't, and there was no sign of the cloaked figure, but for the moment, Skye was taking that as a good sign. He looked both ways and decided it really didn't matter, so started carefully walking forward, watching where he stepped.

This time feels different, Mistral. Less like I'm caught in a dream and more like it's real.

'I'm also present this time. I observed before but could not respond.'

Skye stopped when he reached an intersection. Left or right? He squinted and tried to see if there was any stronger light coming from one of his choices. He closed his eyes and listened and then heard them, voices like before, calling out for help.

"Right it is," Skye said out loud. As he walked the air around him became colder, and the voices became louder. "Come on, Underhill, can't you just tell me what you want? Do we have to play these puzzle games?"

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, a glowing smoke started to coalesce farther down the passageway. "Crap."

The smoke formed into what appeared to be the cloaked figure. Skye still couldn't see a face within the cowl, and this time, there was no sign of the horn.

"Hello," Skye called.

The figure extended a hand like it was beckoning Skye forward then turned and walked away.

"Shit. Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut," Skye muttered.

'No, I have the feeling he would have appeared regardless,' Mistral responded.

Skye followed and had only gone a few yards when he heard something behind him. It was a scritching sound intermittent with low growls. "Okay... that can't be good."

'Something is following us.'

Skye turned to peer into the darkness. He didn't exactly understand how the lighting worked down here. It wasn't pitch black, and it wasn't bright, but he couldn't see any source for where the light came from. He was about to give up and assume he imagined it when he saw the glowing red eyes.

"Well, fuck." Skye turned back and moved more quickly in the direction the cloaked figure had gone. Mistral, do you have the same sense of impending doom that would be caused by being followed by Hell Hounds?

'No, but my sense is that they are herding us forward. If we can shift, a Hell Hound is no match for a dragon, even an entire pack.'

I'm going to hurry along and not take chances. If you're wrong, I doubt I'll have time to revel in the "I told you so."

The farther Skye moved into the tunnels, the louder the voices became. They were still repeating similar messages: "Save us, Skye;" "Please, help us;" "You must come quickly!" They became loud enough that Skye was tempted to cover his ears.

The tunnel around him began to look familiar, and then he found himself at an ornate doorway. The jambs and lintel were carved with intricate runes, something he hadn't noticed before. He could see the cloaked figure beyond and stepped through.

Skye realized he was back in the room of ornate doors. Unfortunately, the black vines and thorns were still there, but for the moment, not moving. He took a moment to look around, again noting the mosaic floor - no sign of his blood where he was sure he'd bled out on his previous visit. Each door looked a little different, and in some places where the vines weren't as thick, he could see that they also had carved openings. He looked more closely at the spiral of black thorned vines in the center of the room and realized there was something inside. A faint blue glow, almost hidden. The heartstone? he mentally whispered to Mistral.

The cries for help quieted suddenly, and a single voice rang out. "Time is running out." This voice was different, deep and rumbling and seeming to come from the very walls. The wails and cries began again.

Skye turned to the figure but still couldn't discern any more. His edges seemed to come and go in a dark, swirling smoke.

"What do you want from me?" Skye shouted to be heard over the other voices.

The figure pointed to the open door across the room. "You must save them. Restore the balance."

Hesitantly and watching every placement of his bare feet, Skye approached the open doorway. He wasn't taking chances on being surprised by the vines again. He was about halfway when he jumped and screamed as one of the vines twitched and moved toward him.

"Oh, no. Not this time." Skye moved quickly and peered beyond. The gray clouds parted, and Skye saw people, and a village surrounded by smoke and fire. They were screaming and running. A man carrying two small ones and herding people away turned and looked toward Skye.

"Oh, my God," Skye gasped. "Why is Taleel?" he stuttered as the dark man turned back and quickly moved away. Mistral, did you see? He looked like Taleel, smaller but the same skin and hair color, the same pointed ears...

Skye heard growling and heavy breathing behind him. He turned and saw a half dozen huge black dogs with glowing red eyes. Well, perhaps calling them dogs was being generous. They were the size of ponies and as vicious looking as a were-dagger. They slowly began moving forward. The vines trembled and began moving as well, slowly crawling across the floor and walls.

"That is not good." Skye backed up, realizing that he was cornered. The only place he could retreat was through the doorway. He turned to look and saw fire and molten lava moving through the village. "Mistral?"

Skye tried to shift, and nothing happened. He tried again. His magic wasn't responding, and the hounds and vines were getting closer.

"Shit!" Skye turned to the opening and moved to step through.

"NO!" voices echoed in his mind. His body shook, and then a fierce cold enveloped him.

"He's back, he's back. Grab the towels. River, let the others know Skye's back with us."

Skye shook his head, trying to clear the muddled thoughts. He looked up to who was shaking him and saw Chaz's beautiful blue eyes. He only had a second for it to register before Chaz's mouth slammed on his and he was being kissed savagely.

End Chapter 44 | (Characters included below)

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Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the story. Comments, questions, and feedback are welcome at trippsavidge@gmail.com. Please note, the notification list has changed and is now on Google Groups at "dancing-with-the-dragon." You can request to join through Google Groups or send me an email, and I will invite you.

A shout out to Gecko who was missed on acknowledgment for Chapter 43. Thanks to the volunteer beta readers/editors who helped with this chapter: Mark, Mike, Patrick, and Scott.

The Family:

• Argos D' Or Drakken, human, Prince, bond-mate to Darius, 'Pater' of Garrett, Zopyros, Kleitos, & Nikias. Adoptive father of Christos. Born on Earth - Greece. Has some characteristics and magic of a red dragon but not a dragon form. Artist.

• Christos D' Or Drakken, were-panther, Prince (without rights of succession), adopted son of Darius and Argos. Born on Draga. Student. A member of Skye's wing.

• Claudius D' Or Drakken, gold dragon, without royal rank, brother of Darius. Executed for Treason.

• Darius D' Or Drakken, gold dragon, Emperor, Father of Garrett, Zopyros, Kleitos, and Nikias, Adoptive father of Christos and bond-mated to Argos.

• Garrett D' Or Drakken, gold dragon, Prince, oldest son of Darius/Argos, heir apparent to the Empire, bond-mate to Skye Tomas Eklund. Commander within Galicon. A member of Skye's wing.

• Kleitos D' Or Drakken, [KLEE-tos] Gold dragon, Prince, third son of Darius/Argos. Medic. A member of Skye's wing.

• Nikias D' Or Drakken, gold dragon, Prince, fourth son of Darius/Argos, bond-mate to River Markus Eklund. Student. A member of Skye's wing. Temero: Astrogation and Engineering

• River Markus Eklund D'Or Drakken, platinum dragon. Prince, bond-mate to Nikias. Born human on Earth - U.S.A. Student. A member of Skye's wing. Temero: Tactical and Weapons

• Skye Tomas Eklund D'Or Drakken, platinum dragon, Prince, bond-mate to Garrett. Born human on Earth - U.S.A. Temero: Communications and Medical

• Tiev D' Or Drakken, blue dragon, partner of Claudius. Executed for Treason.

• Zopyros D' Or Drakken, gold dragon, currently without royal rank, second son of Darius/Argos. Medic specializing in non-dragon/magical species. Being held by the priesthood in penance for crimes against the Royal family.

• Charlie Eklund, human, grandfather of Skye and River, married to Nancy. Born on Earth - U.S.A.

• Nancy Eklund, human, grandmother of Skye and River, married to Charlie. Born on Earth - U.S.A.

• Rilien Eklund, (formerly Rilien Meadowdove), Elf, 5'6" often described as delicate and pretty with fair skin, ash-blond hair, and green eyes. He has a slender, fit build. Rilien has magical ability and is expected to become a mage. His father was a high elf mage, his mother was a meadow elf married to Tiberius Meadowdove. Skye's ward and a member of his wing.

• Willow Eklund, Nymph, 5'10" muscular and voluptuous, large dark nipples, with golden green skin, blue and green eyes, and greenish blond hair. Skye's ward and member of his wing.

Skye's Wing: (excluding family relations)

• Arcturus, bear-shifter, 6'7", black curly hair with thick beard, dark brown eyes and fair complexion. Notable body hair on a thick muscled body. Unusually well-endowed with an eleven inch cock. New to the wing and position and placement is not yet decided. Living with Mica temporarily. Has a younger half-brother Charlie.

• Beckus "Beck," psion, 4'7" (138.4 cm), blue skin, blue eyes, and white hair. Bonded as a pair with River and also a member of Skye's wing. Son of Kwill.

• Braden Thomas, Ensign, gold dragon, 5'10" robust, dark blond hair, round face, pale gold skin, light blue eyes - Personal Assistant to Prince Skye and Prince Garrett. Member of Skye's wing. Previously served in HealthCorps.

• Bryan O'Dell, gold dragon, 5'10", bodybuilder, red hair, pale complexion, and emerald green eyes. Member of the guard and Skye's wing. Temero: Biology and Anthropology

• Chaz Blackclaw, were-dagger, 6'1", Ranger - athletic build, medium complexion, shoulder-length dark brown, wavy hair, chiseled face with dark brows and lashes, a neatly trimmed beard and striking blue eyes. Member of the guard and Skye's wing. Temero: Security

• Corey Armstrong, human. College mate of Skye from earth. 5'11", fit, athletic build, dark tan, brown hair, brown eyes. Former Prince Consort to King Tertian of Pembra. Bonded to Ronan D'Or Talon, a gold dragon. Member of Skye's wing.

• Dillon, Elf, 5'9" slender and fit with auburn hair and green eyes. Grandson of the former Queen Caladwen and brother of Gilian. Serve's as Skye and Garrett's valet but is treated more like family. Biologically changed by Skye's magic - enabling him to bond and carry a dragonling. A member of Skye's wing.

• Lord Eluf Sorenson - formerly human, Vampire King. 6'2", lean, fit build with white blond hair and blue eyes. Dark ivory skin. Distant ancestor of Skye and River. Due to bonding with Skye must feed on dragon blood. Member of Skye's wing.

• Feired Fornay, silver dragon, 5' 11", slender swimmer's build, pale complexion, silver-white shoulder-length, straight hair, pale blue eyes. Member of the guard and Skye's wing. Temero: Food Services

• Fiske Abusson, gold dragon, 6', lean muscled swimmer's build, warm gold skin, slender hips, thick, straight shoulder-length brown hair, blue eyes. Member of the guard and Skye's wing. Temero: Surveillance and Data Analysis

• Gilian, elf, Ranger, 5'4", slender athletic build, long, rich brown hair and brilliant green eyes. Sister of Dillon and granddaughter of the former Queen Caladwen. Member of the guard and Skye's wing. Temero: Botany

• Greggory Wolf, werewolf, 6', muscled athletic build, short dark beard, dark hair, and pale green eyes. Member of the guard and Skye's wing. Temero: Geology and Archeology

• Ian Cornell, human, 5'11", human bond-mate, Priest at the palace, stocky athletic build, pale skin, dark hair, bright blue eyes, perpetual five o'clock shadow. Bonded to the gold dragon Nelson "Nels"

• Jayce Roberts, gold dragon, 5'10", pretty, ripped athletic build, notable 'v' torso, curly shoulder-length, golden brown hair, brown eyes with gold starburst. Member of the guard and Skye's wing. Temero: Medical

• Jerrick Lopez, copper dragon, long auburn braids, 6'1", ripped, swimmers build, copper skin, dark brown eyes. Part of Protectorate Patrol and a medic. Member of Skye's wing.

• Jos Trall, gold dragon, 5'9", bodybuilder, red-gold hair, skin more bronze than gold, blue eyes. Member of the guard and Skye's wing. Temero: Ship's Systems

• Kuai Lung, Chinese gold dragon, Asian in appearance, 5'6", ripped, slender build, black shoulder length hair, large dark eyes, and a pretty face. Member of the guard and Skye's wing. Temero: Ship's Systems and Programming

• Kwill, psion, 4'8" (143.5 cm), blue skin, black hair, bonded partner with Skye. Member of Skye's wing.

• Leesai Tedurian, [LEE-say] Felecian, female 6'6", muscled and ripped, skin is a deep golden brown and has a mane of light brown hair, yellow cat's eyes, a little larger and set farther apart, cheekbones more pronounced than a human's, has a tail. Member of the guard and Skye's wing. Temero: Security

• Mica Kaber, gold dragon, 6'2", lean athletic build, shoulder-plus length, blond hair, blue eyes, Skye refers to him as his "surfer dude." Leader of Skye's guard and member of his wing. Temero: Engineering and Maintenance

• Quinn Corbin, gold dragon, 5'11", muscled athletic build, short-cropped dark brown hair, dark brown eyes. Member of the guard and Skye's wing. Temero: Tactical and Weapons

• Taleel Del Nuit - General, black dragon, 6'3", ebony skin, pointed ears, silver/mercury colored eyes, shiny, straight black hair often worn in a top knot with ponytail. Bodybuilder physique. Part of Protectorate Patrol and decorated General in Ground Forces. Member of Skye's wing.

• Teak Swallowfly, fairy, with a human form 5'11", large colorful wings that become a tattoo when he shifts to human. Athletic build, golden brown, curly hair to his shoulders, bright blue eyes, rich, warm brown skin. Former thief and spy and noted hacker. Now works with Pater's agents on clandestine research and spying for Skye. Member of Skye's wing.

• Venci Lopez, [VEN-see] Copper dragon, lean, slender build, auburn pompadour, copper skin, dark brown eyes. Senior Personal Assistant to Prince Skye and Prince Garrett. Member of Skye's wing.

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