Текст книги "The Alpha of Bleake Isle"

Автор книги: Kathryn Moon

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I nodded and met Lady Hudson's gaze as the other women looked away.

"Doctors on the isle prioritize a birth at great risk to the mother," I said.

"He's lost two omegas already," Agnes Hubbard muttered, and Lady Hudson winced.

I drew in a breath and considered the problem, the question Lady Hudson hadn't asked. "I am, as some of you might've noticed, a voracious reader. There are old birthing practices traditional to the isle that have fallen out of fashion, but they offer considerable benefits to the mothers."

"Wing breaking," one woman whispered.

Wing breaking was a practice of causing the break of an unborn male's wings to allow for an easier birth, but it didn't always have the best record of those wings being reset properly.

"Perhaps. I was thinking of a text I'd read regarding the regular habit of swimming," I said, receiving a few scoffs. "It sounds trivial, I agree, but the physics make sense. We float in water. It takes the pressure off the mother's body, as well as building muscle without excessive strain."

"Isn't there a chance of-of drowning the child in the womb?" Mrs. Finch gasped.

"Don't be a ninny," Agnes Hubbard groaned.

"Of course, we must first find a way of dissuading doctors of some of their more brutal methods," I continued.

I had their attention now, and for once, it didn't make me feel small and foolish and embarrassed. Ronson wasn't here to purr and compliment me. This strength was, at last, my own.

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Chapter Thirty-SixRONSON

Iwas getting used to the sensation of smiling.

I turned, my arm tight around Mairwen's waist, her hand warm in mine, and my cheeks felt full and a little sore as I watched a loose strand of her hair fluttering as we spun. The ballroom's plentiful candles and lamps glittered around us, warming Mairwen's skin to gold. Her hand on my shoulder tightened, and her breasts caught my eye, just the faintest glimpse of the dark valley that made my mouth water, almost hidden by the lace collar worn to disguise her bite. Mairwen's eyes slid shut and she stumbled slightly, carried along to the music by my leading.

"Are you all right?" I asked, slowing a touch, but not enough to cause a hiccup in the dancers around us.

"Just a dizzy spell," Mairwen laughed, and she swayed closer, like she was about to lean against me, before recalling that we were in public.

I found a gap in the dancers and ushered us through it, guiding Mairwen off the floor for the moment, ignoring the polite rules of society to pull her close against my chest. If dragonkin was inclined to be scandalized by the sight of me holding my omega, then so be it.

It'd been a long time since I'd attended a ball. I might've declined this invitation too, if it hadn't been for Mairwen saying, "Oh, I always hated attending the assemblies. Standing to the side for hours in a crowded room, while others got to dance? What a bore."

My omega hadn't danced? That wouldn't do.

"You were dizzy this morning on our flight too," I said, bending my head so only she would overhear.

Mairwen hummed and shrugged, but she didn't pull away from my support. I slid my hand at her waist up to the back of her neck. She was hot to the touch, but the room was crowded and we'd just danced two rowdy dances in a row together. Even I was sweating.

"Are you tired?" I asked.

Mairwen shook her head, smiling and watching the isle swirling around the floor. "Although I suppose we won't get to dance together again," she murmured, brow furrowing briefly.

"Why shouldn't we?" I asked.

She twisted to stare up at me, lips parted to answer the obvious—we'd had our three socially polite dances already, and it was time to share our attention with the rest of dragonkin—but then her mouth hooked a wicked curve at the corners. "You're right. I don't mind being a scandal with you."

In that case, I thought, grinning and ducking my head for what I hoped would be a kiss worth all the gossip the isle could muster.

"Time to share her, Ronson."

My growl rumbled, and I didn't straighten, glaring out of the corner of my eye at my brother, who possessed all the inconvenient timing in the world. But if Mairwen had never had chances to dance at any of dragonkin's balls, she certainly hadn't been escorted about by a collection of partners. I'd kept her to myself thus far. Niall would be a good second partner.

"Go on, then," I said with a sigh, diverting my kiss to Mairwen's temple, her lips stretched in a broad smile. "Don't accept a next partner we wouldn't⁠—"

"I know," Mairwen and Niall chorused together, and then she slipped free of my hold and accepted my brother's arm.

I watched them take the floor together, Mairwen talking quickly as Niall studied the crowds around them. I had to clasp my hands behind my back to keep from rushing after, stealing my mate back for myself. With Niall escorting and Mairwen at a distance, the expressions of the surrounding dragonkin became clearer, and I eyed the company critically.

Betas stared at Mairwen with a mix of confusion and curiosity, and some with outright admiration. I couldn't decide if I was more offended by those who seemed baffled by my omega or those who looked a little too eager to renew their acquaintance. In the corners of the room, clusters of omegas whispered to another behind the cover of their fans, their gazes dissecting Mairwen, and I wanted to believe I saw approval in some of their eyes. The omegas of dragonkin had been out of my reach during my rule as alpha. If Mairwen succeeded in gaining their trust, the influence they might wield over their betas in the privacy of homes could be a great boon for any cause we wished to champion.

The slow advance of light brown wings pulled me from my study, and I stiffened at the sight of Mairwen's father approaching me. I hadn't forgiven Mairwen's parents for the horrible evening we'd spent with them, although I wondered now if my omega was more equipped to manage time with them. I wouldn't test the theory. We'd deal with the Posys if and when Mairwen asked to see them.

I considered turning away, snubbing Albert Posy, but he reached me before I made up my mind, murmuring my name with a deferential bow. I ground my jaw, glanced briefly at the dancers to make sure Mairwen was still smiling, and then answered him with a nod of my head.

He straightened and moved to stand at my side, watching the same scene, the same subject, that I couldn't help but be drawn to.

"I underestimated my daughter," he said softly, so none of the nearby eavesdroppers might hear.

"You did," I said, an easy enough answer to make.

"I am grateful, for her sake, that you proved us wrong."

"Mairwen is responsible for her own achievements, Lord Posy."

"You'll allow, at least, that you saw the potential we did not," he murmured.

I sighed and shrugged, already searching the room for a reason to escape this conversation. My gaze drifted, skipping back to Niall and Mairwen before returning to the edges, and I'd made nearly a full circuit of observation when I landed on a lone figure in a shadowy corner of the hall. A girl, nearly too young to be in attendance, I thought, stood at the fringe of the company.

"We do love our girl, Lord Cadogan," Albert Posy said. "Gwen and I are a love match, and it is more than we hoped for to see Mairwen in one as well."

The girl in the corner was short and plump, and her pale hair was scraped cruelly back from a plain face. She was staring at Mairwen with a kind of wonder shining in liquidy eyes, one I could relate to. I wouldn't have noticed her while I was dancing with Mairwen, but I suspected she hadn't been asked to the floor yet. Even the youngest betas seemed to give the girl a wide berth, their eyes turned away from her to avoid being caught and required to play the part of the gentlemen they were meant to be.

"I know it is of general society interest whether you might have an heir. But I do wish to say, as a potential grandfather, that we look forward to any grandchild with a great deal of familial joy," the beta continued.

"No doubt," I said, then turned to face him before he could continue and press for information. His motivation might've been as Mairwen's father, or simply as one of the many of society who'd wanted the same answer. Had I been successful? Had I claimed an omega and achieved an heir at last? "Any announcement we might make, privately or publicly, will take some consideration between Mairwen and myself."

"Of-of course, my boy⁠—"

I cleared my throat, and Albert Posy's voice died. "If you might excuse me," I said when his silence settled. He flushed but ducked his head and set me free.

I crossed the room. I'd vowed earlier not to dance with anyone but Mairwen or Beatrice, but since I'd only sworn that to myself, it was an easy enough one to break. The girl was too focused on the room to notice my approach. When it became obvious, with me only a yard or two away, she balked visibly, stumbling back toward the wall, searching side to side in the hopes she might find some other reason for my nearness.

Do you always walk like you're on your way to claim your right as alpha? Mairwen's voice rang in my head, along with her bright laughter, and I reminded myself to slow, to put on a smile I usually reserved for one woman and one woman only. I stopped when I was close enough to be heard but not so close as to drive the poor girl to climbing the wall to escape me, then offered a short bow.

"Forgive my interruption," I said, and the girl's eyes widened. "I hope you'll forgive me for not seeking an introduction from another source."

She gaped at me, pale and startled and no doubt confused.

"Lord Cadogan," I offered, to prompt her.

Her eyes searched our surroundings, her face turning almost green when she realized the nearby dragonkin were staring. Perhaps I should've waited for Mairwen to return from dancing. She would've instructed me on how to soften my approach. But the girl rallied, curtsying low. "M-Miss Rebecca Underhill, my lord."

I sighed, relieved to be done with that part, at least. "Miss Underhill, I wonder if you might do me the honor of joining me for the next dance?"

She froze and so did the men and women around us, but her cheeks regained color and she straightened and smoothed her skirts. "It would be my pleasure, Lord Cadogan."

It occurred to me as we stood side by side watching the dancers, that I should've asked for the remainder of this dance, because making conversation with the terrified girl was awkward at best and the gawking of the room were stifling. But none of it mattered because my eyes were fixed on another pair, honey and warm and shining, Mairwen's smile reaching me from across the room.

My mate accepted Gideon Millward's hand for the next dance, and I led Miss Rebecca Underhill to join them—conveniently, a dance where partners would be exchanged. And the girl brightened as she exchanged hands with first one gentleman and then another, all who paid her courteous attention and a polite compliment. And all the while, Mairwen beamed at me, holding my gaze.

Gideon secured Miss Underhill for the next dance, and I would offer him some sign of my gratitude later, because Mairwen's hand was in mine and she was leading me from the floor, through the throng of watchers at the edges of the room, out a pair of double doors and into the cool night on a large open stone terrace.

"Mairwen?"

"I love you," she gasped, dragging me out of sight of the windows full of shadowed figures and candlelight, her hand pulling free of mine, grasping my sides instead, tearing open the buttons of my coat so she could press herself closer to the softer cotton of my shirt. "I love you, I love you."

I groaned and sank against her, nuzzling my face to hers as she dressed my jaw and throat and cheeks in kisses.

"It was only a dance," I murmured, wishing I could go back in time, wondering if I would've had the sense to pick Mairwen out from the shadows too, to ask her to dance.

"She will never forget it. I will never forget it," Mairwen whispered, arms wrapping under my coat. "I'm dizzy again, Ronson."

I frowned and lifted my head, reaching to cup her face, but her gaze was clear and bright when I found it.

"Take me to the nest, mate."

I bent and Mairwen was ready, slipping her arms up to loop around my shoulders as I scooped her up beneath her knees.

"We'll go to every ball from now on," I said, my wings stretching and starting to beat, stirring the air around us.

Mairwen laughed. "Only if you promise to ask a young omega looking out of place to dance at each one."

"To make you happy? I'd ask a thousand," I said.

"Mmm, not a thousand. I'll want to dance with you myself, my love."

I growled and leapt to the air, flying us home.

I pulled the curtain of the nest back, and Mairwen winced and rolled away from the sunlight, burrowing under blankets and pillows. My stomach twisted nervously.

"I should call a doctor."

"It's only a little heartburn, Ronson," Mairwen said, voice muffled from beneath the pillows.

"And dizzy spells. And that nausea last night."

The blankets rose and fell. "I think perhaps Cook is right, and I do like foods that are too rich."

I frowned, debating undressing and crawling back into the bed with Mairwen. Not that I could do anything other than stare at her and fuss. But she'd had little symptoms like this ever since the ball a week prior, and while she didn't seem to be getting any worse, she wasn't getting better either.

And part of me kept wondering… What if?

What if Mairwen was sick? I would tear the island, the entire world apart until I found a doctor who could cure her.

But what if she was pregnant? What if the tea didn't work for mated dragons?

"Ronson," Mairwen grumbled. "I can feel you staring."

"I'm worried."

"I'm fine."

"Mairwen—"

"Ronson—"

"Mate."

A pause. A huff. A twitch of my lips as the blankets were flung back and the pillows tossed in the air as Mairwen sat up, beautifully rumpled and obviously irate.

"I love you," I said. Whether it was a reflexive response to seeing her, or an attempt at deflecting her irritation, I wasn't sure.

She smiled while glaring, and I decided that Mairwen, annoyed and affectionate at the same time, was almost as arousing as when she was soft and amazed and desirous.

She rose to her knees and sighed. "I feel better already," she said, scooting closer to the edge of the bed, pressing her hands to my chest before I could wrap her up in my embrace and take us both back down to the mattress. "And I love you too. I'm resting today, I promise. And telling Cook to make lighter fare for a little bit. She'll get to tell me she was right. She'll like that. You don't need to worry."

"Don't take this as an excuse to spend the day researching in the library," I said, bending for a kiss and nipping at the scowl on her lips. "Read for fun."

Mairwen's eyes brightened, and then I brushed my mouth over hers and she hummed, lashes falling and draping over full cheeks. "If you insist," she sighed as I pulled away.

"If there are any changes⁠—"

Mairwen's hands stroked up my head, and she skimmed another kiss over my lips. "I'll call a doctor and I'll send someone to bring you back. But honestly, Ronson, I'm all right."

She did look fine. More than fine. Her cheeks had color but not too much, her eyes were clear, and her smile was earnest. Her skin felt warmer than usual, almost feverish, but she didn't seem to notice the change the way I did. I sighed and nodded, stepping back at last, turning for the door, not quite able to tear my stare off of her.

"Don't let the betas get away with whatever it is they're scheming about now," Mairwen called, falling back into the bed with a lazy wave.

I grinned and relaxed at last, marching away. "Never."

I braced myself against the wind, keeping my eye on the familiar outcroppings of rock, the old and abandoned outposts of now retired mines. The Dunne mines were located at the southern end of the isle, away from the villages and estates and farmland, almost at the cliff's edge. They had closed after the death of Edgar Dunne, his widow unwilling to sell the mines away but also unable to manage them on her own, and had been kept in reserve for the twin brothers until they were old enough to manage.

I had my doubts about whether the mines were safe or had any ore left to offer, but since they'd still been producing at a trickling amount when they closed, I owed the Dunne twins a meeting and, most likely, my approval to reopen.

Niall and I touched down on the ground a few meters away from the modest stone building. Some windows had cracked glass panes, but it was still the warm season, and the rest of the building looked to be in decent shape.

"This won't take long, at least," Niall said, glancing at me as I grunted. "What's wrong? You haven't been this surly and silent since before you claimed Mairwen."

I rolled my shoulders and shook my head. I hadn't realized I was tensing up, but the farther we'd flown from the castle—from Mairwen—the more uncomfortable I'd grown. Was this because of the mating bond, or because I was worried for her? I opened my mouth, not quite sure what my answer would be, when we turned the corner and saw the small crowd of beta gentlemen waiting for us.

The Dunne twins, Lord Cambeth, Gryffyd Evans, and of course, Hugh Gamesby. Niall's stride halted just after mine, and he stiffened, twisting in my direction.

"A challenge?" he whispered.

"No doubt," I answered, frowning.

"I should⁠—"

"Go to Torion. DeRoche if you see him on the water too," I said.

Niall glanced back to the betas, who stood still and solemn, waiting for my approach. "This should be done publicly."

I nodded. "It would require a vote. This way, he can make me accept in private. Go. I'll manage."

Niall moved, wings spreading, and then paused once more. "Should I tell Mairwen?"

I licked my lips, only a little embarrassed to realize I wanted her here with me, supporting me. I flexed my wings, glaring at Gamesby. "No. I'll tell her myself when this is over."

Niall nodded, legs bending and wings drumming, taking roughly into the air. Gamesby's eyes widened at his departure, grim features snaking into a smile, and a flicker of doubt rushed through me. Whatever his plan was, it suited him for me to be alone.

My hands fisted at my sides, and I stepped forward with sinking acceptance. Whatever he had planned for me, I would meet it as I was—the Alpha of Bleake Isle.

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Chapter Thirty-SevenMAIRWEN

“Omega Cadogan? Lord Posy is here and has asked to see you," the maid announced from the doorway of the library. I blinked at her, and she offered a nervous smile, her hands twisting in front of her apron. "Should I tell him you're unavailable?"

Yes, please, I thought, then grimaced and shook my head. "No. No, I'll see him."

"I should bring him here?" the girl asked.

I glanced around me, then sat up, dragging my legs off the couch. Every flat surface in the library was covered with open texts about mating or birthing practices.

"No, I think the blue parlor would be best," I said, rising and breathing a sigh of relief when the room remained steady and no dizziness struck me.

I'd promised Ronson I was fine, and for the most part, I believed I was telling the truth. If anything, I felt stronger than usual. Even the many flights of stairs between the nest and the kitchens hadn't made me breathless and wobbly earlier. But there was something different, and I couldn't decide between the urge to ignore it entirely, afraid of what I might find, and my usual curious impulse to study it and make sense of the symptoms.

I smoothed my sleeves and skirts as the maid hurried to escort my father. I could take my time, do my best to soothe my nerves, if possible. My hair was down, braided, and for anyone else I might try and twist it up, but it was only my father visiting. I tucked loose strands of hair behind my ears and picked up my shawl from the arm of the couch, draping it over my shoulders to hide the bite mark on my throat.

Good enough for Father, I thought, a bittersweet ache in my chest as I headed for the hall.

I'd always been grateful to my father. He'd seemed to accept me as I was—a great relief in contrast to my mother, who had plucked and pushed and ordered my corset laces tighter at every opportunity, wanting me to be more like the other omegas. Since Ronson had claimed me, I realized that my father's acceptance was slightly tainted. He accepted the daughter the rest of dragonkin saw me as, flawed and disappointing and not worth as much as the other omegas. It was something more like resignation, really, not love. I was what he'd had to work with, and so he'd made the best of me. He'd sold me to Gryffyd Evans.

I couldn't imagine the life I might've had, if not for that chance moment with Ronson. I was too far removed from that woman by now, even in the few months it had been. I would've been miserable. No, much more than that.

I shuddered as the door to the parlor opened, the maid departing, and caught sight of my father standing at the center of the room, his back to me.

He earned his way contracting humans' labor and lives. Why not sell his daughter too? I thought bitterly, wishing now that I'd sent him away, waited for Ronson's return.

My rough sigh was too loud, and my father turned to face me before I could devise an escape.

"Mairwen! There you are." His smile was bright, and his arms stretched wide, open for a hug. A year ago, I would've been overjoyed if he'd looked so happy to see me. Now there was only a brief, cool relief that he'd used my real name.

"Hello, Father," I said, forcing a smile to my lips and entering the room. "Forgive my informal dress. I wasn't expecting anyone."

"No matter, no matter. What is the use of formality between father and daughter?" he asked, bracing his hands on my shoulders as I reached him. He stepped back, still smiling, although up close, there was less joy in the expression than I'd realized. His gaze studied me slowly, searching more thoroughly than ever before, and I crossed my arms over my stomach and stepped away.

I twisted to seat myself in an armchair and gasped at the sight of a second man in the room. Redmond Palmer stood on the other side of the door where it hung open, out of my view as I'd entered the room, and he smirked as I startled, offering me a low bow.

"Apologies for intruding on the visit, Omega Cadogan. Your father and I were out on business together when he asked to stop and see you," Lord Palmer said, tugging his scarlet waistcoat back into place as he straightened.

I fought my frown, but the maid had already vanished. I would have to find her later and speak to her about announcing all my guests to me, rather than some.

"Please, sit," I offered, watching them carefully. Palmer sat near the door in another armchair that faced me, and my father at my side. "Lord Cadogan is away at the moment, and I have my own work to attend to shortly, but it is nice to see you," I said to my father. I glanced at Lord Palmer and tried not to let my suspicion show on my face. "What business do you have together?"

Lord Palmer's lips twitched in amusement, but my father blustered, smoothing his palms over his knees and forcing out a chuckle. "Mouse, what need do you have to know men's business?"

"The isle's interests are my interests, just as they are my ma—Lord Cadogan's." I corrected my near slip with a huff, wetting my lips and hoping neither man noticed. Would they even realize I had almost called Ronson my mate?

My father glanced at Palmer, plucking at the fabric of his trousers, a nervous fidget that made me want to shift restlessly or rise and run from the room.

"Surely, Omega Cadogan, your most important role is to bear and nurture the alpha's heir," Palmer said with sickly sweetness.

Rat, a dark voice snarled in my head, but it came with a sense of comfort, of not being alone in the moment.

This was no heartburn blazing in my chest. I lifted my chin and tried to swallow against the scorching sensation in my throat that begged to be let loose.

"Surely, Lord Palmer, Lady Palmer will see to the rearing of your two boys, the managing of your household, the bookkeeping of your accounts, and any interests of her own. We women are raised to widely share our talents and attention," I said cooly, even as the fire built inside of me. I tipped my head and glared at Redmond Palmer, my fingers digging into the arms of my seat like claws. "Why did you bring my father here?"

"M-Mairwen," my father murmured. "Perhaps, sir, it would be better if⁠—"

Palmer raised his hand and nodded. "Say no more. I'll give you both a moment."

"Remain in the hall, if you don't mind, my lord," I said, voice sharp and teeth snapping shut. The last thing we needed right now was Palmer snooping about. I watched him rise and leave, the door almost completely shut. And then I turned back to my father, sighing. "Father, why would you bring that man⁠—"

"Mairwen, hush a moment and listen to me," Father said, leaning forward earnestly and grabbing my hands. "Are you pregnant with the alpha's heir?"

"Father!" I reared back, but my father's hands were tight around mine, his eyes wide.

"This is important, daughter. Palmer knows of a doctor who can safely rid you of the alpha's offspring, but it must be soon," my father whispered.

I gaped at the man before me, familiar and a stranger all at once. It wasn't the concept I rejected but the source—that men like my father or Palmer might know of such a possibility and reserve it for their own whim.

"I think it very obvious why Lord Palmer might offer such assistance to me, Father. How can you not see his motivations are to thwart our alpha?" I asked, barely lowering my voice. My skin felt too tight, hot and aching, and my nausea had returned.

My father blew out a breath and shook his head. "His motivations are meaningless when he is offering you the security of surviving, Mouse."

"I am not a mouse," I spat, yanking my hands from my father's, fisting them into my lap.

"Mairwen," my father pleaded.

"This is a scheme, Father. A bad one. A treasonous one," I said. Ronson had given me the choice, and in a cruel, backwards way, my father was doing the same. I wanted to march into the streets and scream at top of my lungs what omegas were being denied, these secrets that our dragonkin had kept from us.

"Mairwen, listen!" my father snapped, and I flinched and then wanted to roar at him and myself for the reaction. "With the alpha gone, there will be no one to protect you. Even if you survived the child⁠—"

I stood, a loud, sharp ringing in my ears, a dark vibration in my chest. When the warning note settled, the sound of my own snarl was all that remained in the quiet.

"What did you just say?" I asked, and my voice was lower, thicker, a growl in the words.

My father sat back in his chair, eyes darting to the door.

With the alpha gone…

"Mou-Mairwen, wait!" my father cried out.

But I was already racing for the door, tearing it open and ignoring the resulting bang! as it crashed against the wall. Palmer startled outside, just across the hall, and his lips flattened with one glance at me.

"Where is he?" I growled.

"What did you say?" Palmer asked, looking over my shoulder to my father.

I'd had enough of men speaking around me for one day, enough of being overlooked for a lifetime. There were sharp points pricking into my palms, and my hands stretched for Palmer, grabbing him by his gaudy coat and yanking him into the room. Ivory claws tore holes in the wool.

"Where is my alpha?!"

Palmer paled now, surprised by my strength, perhaps, or by a woman's anger in earnest. Or perhaps it was the sight of the blue flames that licked out between my lips, reaching for his face.

"Precisely where he told you he would be, Omega Cadogan," Palmer answered, taking a breath, trying to straighten in my grip, to regain his footing. "If he's not dead by now."

I shook him hard, staring down at him, watching him grow smaller in my grip, my knuckles sharpening, the room too hot and tiny and crowded with men.

"Fang's fire, what's happening?!" my father shouted.

Palmer's eyes were wide enough to see white around his irises now, and there, in their terrified reflection, was a ferocious creature with sharp horns and bright eyes. I was dizzy, breathless, but I couldn't faint in front of Palmer. I didn't dare.

"Posy, get back!" Palmer shouted, and I was buffeted by waves of sharp, crackling energy, like lightning. He was going to transform into a dragon, here in this small, pretty blue parlor.

He would tear the castle open.

Eat him, the new voice in me purred. He will stick between our teeth, but it will silence his tongue.

I roared at him instead, delighted by the sound, by the release of pressure in my chest, and dragged him over to the windows.

"No, wait!" Palmer scrambled, pulling a chair onto its back as he grabbed it in a panic to stop our progress.

I threw us into the glass, shattering it against hard scales.

"Mairwen!" my father screamed.

The air outside was warm and fast, caressing against me, and falling was not so different than flying with Ronson as he teased me and dove toward the waves.

Ronson.

My mate. Our mate.

I roared, lifting my head to scorch the air with excess fire, and with a scalding, tearing sensation, I spread my wings to take flight. Caught in my claws was a smallish dragon, gray-brown with flecks of blush red, and he snarled and twisted, biting at my scaled grip, but his fangs were weak and his body was light.

It took my wings a few tries, my rhythm unsteady, but soon, we were rising. I barked a sound, a cry of joy. This was my flight. My body.

My dragon.

The dragon in my hold snapped its jaws hard around my front left leg, finally catching a tender spot of my hide, and I roared and loosed my claws, dropping him free. He screeched and turned midair, wings beating frantically to escape me.

Not so fast, little rat, my dragon purred, and together we swooped down to catch the beast in the clamp of our jaws, dragging him out toward the sea.