The Prophecy Unfolds: Dragon Queen Page 12

  Patros took a step toward me and I retreated back a step.

  “No!” I shouted “You can’t use your connections to me to lull me, or calm me.” I looked directly at Zanda with that last remark, “Or influence me. In. Any. Way.”

  Zarina put her arm around me and pulled me gently towards the table sitting me down. My mates, all four of them, then sat down very close to me. All looking very sheepish. It hadn’t occurred to any of them to include me in this and in my mind it was the last straw.

  Aston began, “Patros contacted us. To see if we could come to some understanding in order for you to settle in one place. Especially as the babies will be here soon. Please Alex at least consider what we have in mind before you say no.”

  I didn’t reply straight away. I had little or no choice but to listen to what they had to say. But I needed to let them know the depth of my feelings and how very angry I was right now. I sighed loudly, looking around the table.

  “Okay. I will listen to you and see what you propose.”

  “Patros Perhaps you could begin?” said Aston.

  “Of course.” Patros responded then looking directly at me and began to outline what had been agreed.

  Patros and the others in turn, went on to explain their proposals. I was to return to the lair back in the mountains with the dragons. But to new much bigger quarters. Quarters big enough to accommodate myself, Patros, my werewolf mates and a nursery for the babies.

  I sat there some time, not talking. I suddenly started to giggle. Softly at first then louder. Well my mum used to say “Better to laugh than cry.”I had done enough crying for a lifetime maybe it was time for laughter and not tears. The old me would have been horrified at this proposal. But the new me. The new dragon queen come wolf. Well, maybe this was doable. More than doable.

  My dad always said if you were unsure about something make a list of the pros and cons. When I did this in my head the pros had it.

  They all looked extremely worried, thinking I had lost the plot and hysteria was setting in.

  I took a deep breath and said, “Okay. I agree in principle to your proposal but we will need to discuss the finer details.”

  “Such as?” Vanda and Leon said in tandem.

  “Such as sleeping arrangements?”

  This was the point where they all started to chuckle and agreed that this needed some thought putting into it.

  Chapter 11.

  Everyone began laughing afresh at this remark. My dad was bad enough at dealing with my boyfriend Paul and I back on Earth when we were still together. What would he make of the four “boyfriends” I had now?

  Then suddenly I noticed how closely Patros was studying me, remembering all the physical and emotional changes I had gone through of late.

  I went over and sat next to him. Picking me up he placed me on his lap. I lay my head on his shoulder savouring the moment and felt him squeeze my biceps.

  “Hmmm, soon you would have changed so much that even I would have had trouble recognising you my love.” He whispered softly. I reached up and kissed him full on the lips.

  You had no problem knowing who I was earlier I sent to him.

  Glad we are still connected. I panicked when I couldn’t hear or send to you. Talos said he couldn’t either which was strange as he usually hasn’t any problem in that respect.

  At this remark I lifted my head, and spoke out loud to my werewolf mates.

  “Can I ask how you managed to prevent me from hearing, or being heard by Patros and Talos?”

  They looked perplexed and shook their heads slightly. Aston spoke on all their behalf’s after some discussion via their pack link.

  “We were never aware that you had any problems in that respect. In fact we assumed you were in touch with one another. It was another reason why we kept such close tabs on you, locking in your room and the reason guards were set to watch you. We all presumed you could contact and converse mentally with each other.”

  Frowning I looked around the room and observed, “Maybe there is more at play here. Things going on that we know nothing about. I believe you about this which is good. For this whole arrangement to work we will all need to trust each other. I felt something strange was happening when I was in touch through my link to Amrinth. I felt another presence there. Almost as if someone was eavesdropping.”

  I put that thought for the moment to the back of my mind. Someday, we would find out what the problem was but for now there were more important decisions to make.

  “So. Have we a timescale for this move?” I directed this question to Aston then awaited his response.

  “It is a little late tonight now and you have had a busy day so we were thinking that tomorrow would be good.; That is, if everyone is agreeable and we can hash out the final details over a late supper.” Aston replied.

  I nodded my agreement and we all gradually relocated to the dining room where the pack was now assembled. It seemed everyone would be involved in this discussion.

  Aston and the other werewolves that are my mates took it in turn to explain about my relocating to the caverns and joining me in the mountains with the dragons. At this point it became pretty loud with mutterings and discussions breaking out across the room. They went on to explain that they would take turns at residing at the pack house so that business would carry as usual on in our absence. This seemed to take it down a notch, everyone sat and listened while they continued to explain their plans. I listened too as this was the first I knew of them also. I heard an audible sigh of relief when they told the pack that someone would be staying in rotation at the pack-house.

  I too gave a little sigh of relief at this point. I had absolutely no clue how this new situation would pan out. How on earth did my having four mates all living together work? The sheer thought of what lay ahead on that score left me exhausted just thinking about it.

  Then I had a thought which must have blasted it out very loudly too.

  Oh. My God. What about tonight?

  There was a moment of quiet where they all looked in sync in my direction. Then all four of them started to snigger..Yes you heard me, snigger. Just like naughty little schoolboys playing a prank. Then I was accosted by so many lewd images, (and not just from my wolves) that I just sat there catching flies!

  Patros sent, Don’t worry. The wolves have agreed that I may sleep with you alone tonight. But this may be the last time we get to sleep together that way. I too will have to get used to sharing you with others. This is going to be hard for me too Alex. I don’t want to share you with anyone. But if the prophecy is correct then that is exactly what must happen. I thought that if we mated first I could prevent this from happening. Fate along with three very determined werewolves stepped in and changed that. You are part werewolf now yourself so there is no going back. I hear echoes of your telepathic talk now we are all together. As the bonds grow over time and your powers emerge I think this will improve. Then all of us including Talos will be able to converse that way. This could prove a huge advantage over time.

  I wasn’t too sure what he meant by that comment but I was tired and needed my bed now.

  I nodded and we eventually took our leave. I bade good night to the others and they held me close, as Patros waited patiently.

  As we walked toward our bedroom Patros reassured me that the door would be unlocked all night while we were together and from now on. That the only locking of the door tonight, and from now on, would be from the inside.

  Once inside we stood there a little awkwardly for a moment or two. This was such a strange situation for us both to be in. We gravitated toward each other, the pull just too strong to deny, and as we touched the sparks flew and the floodgates of our feelings rushed through us. In no time at all we were both naked undressing hastily, garments strewn across the floor. Once naked Patros held me away slightly and drank the sight of me in. A hitch caught in my throat as he sent.

  Beautiful. You are so beautiful to me.

  His hands glided
over the curves of my body. My breasts, that were now heavy due to my advancing pregnancy. My nipples responding to the sight of his nakedness before me and his gentle manipulation of my tender nipples. Lower now, his hands stroking the fullness of my ever burgeoning belly. My babies like a moth to a flame pushed back against his exploring fingers. Sparks flew across the room. Like a starlit sky it felt fireworks were exploding across my skin wherever he touched me. Each little shock taking my sensations to a fervour. Our hunger for each other climbing as we connected once more.

  Smiling he looked deep in my eyes and whispered, “You are even more beautiful than I remember. Pregnancy suits you. You have blossomed like an exotic flower, and soon will be in full bloom.”

  I wasn’t too sure about the “pregnancy suits you” part. Certainly if my mates have their way I would become an expert at this pregnancy lark very quickly. In my mind the almost instant family of five that they had planned for me would be quite enough in my eyes. Especially as the twins would bring us to seven.

  These thoughts vanished in a flash as we stepped in to each others arms and our lips clashed together with desperate need.

  The next morning I awoke refreshed for the first time in some time. Patros had my back to his chest and enveloped me in his strong safe arms. I luxuriated in the feel of his breath on the sweet spot of my neck especially when he nuzzled me nipping that same spot gently.

  I only had a few garments to pack away ready for our journey. I did not forget my box of writing, and retrieved this from the bottom of the wardrobe. Once packed we headed to the dining hall for some breakfast. Everyone in the hall was pretty quiet this morning, the hubbub of the mealtimes spent here before seemed to have dissipated.

  I sent to Aston What is going on?Why is no one chatting. Never heard them so quiet.

  They are all worried that they have lost you almost as soon as we have found you. They simply don’t understand why you would want to leave the safety of the pack-house.

  I thought about this for a few minutes then stood.

  “Can I have everyone’s attention please.” Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked up at me puzzled. “I just need to tell you all that no-one is losing me and that my mates and I will work out some way to make this new arrangement work.” I indicated the room full of people and Patros. “If I am going to be the Dragon Queen and also the Alpha female of the wolves I need to begin to take my place and find a middle path of sorts. I also need to step up and be part of that process of leading. I hope you will all help me to find that path in order to rule as well as I can.”

  I sat down and the quiet continued for a few minutes longer then everyone began chatting and discussing what I had just said. I had certainly given them all food for thought.

  I could feel the pride and also a little bit of awe coming off my mates in waves, and smiled to myself. I would find a way to rule both factions.

  Once we had all finished eating and drinking we gathered in the vale outside as I felt Talos approaching. I hadn’t realised how much I had missed the presence of the dragon in my mind. He landed looking over at me eyes swirling and sent,

  Greetings Dragon Queen. You are very different than last time I beheld you. Improved indeed both inside and out. I feel how strong your mind is. Yet, I don’t think the others have realised how much your abilities have evolved. Good. You will need all your abilities in the trying times ahead. Now to get you back to the caverns and under the protection of your dragons and dragon riders. I have missed you little one.

  I ran the short distance to where Talos had landed and hugged him as best I could

  Talos I have missed you so much.. I am so happy to see you. I sent exuberantly. Tears tracing a trail down my cheeks but this time happy tears.

  Talos closed his eyes briefly making a humming sound as he did and all I could think of was the purring of a cat in comparison. Happiness emanated from him in droves.

  I hugged him for what seemed like such a long time then stepped back a little smiling.

  Zarina approached nervously. She didn’t seem so sure abput being so close to a dragon.

  Then proceeded to hug me and whispered in my ear, “See you soon sister. I am going to be joining you at the caverns. We set off on horseback straight after you take off.”

  I nodded, and hugged her back.

  After some hugging and small talk about how much we would miss one another, I eventually mounted Talos with a little help from Patros. Soon we were high among the clouds and heading for home. One of my homes at any rate.

  Could my life get any more complicated I mused, and couldn’t miss the chuckles that reached me from all those I was connected to and I tutted.

  Our flight was pleasant with Patros pointing out a number of landmarks and features along the journey. We were travelling North towards the caverns and as we passed over the valleys and fields I spotted a spectacular waterfall in the distance. As we approached Patros enlightened me that this was called Copper Canyon Falls. Named after the huge cavern under the falls, that had been mined for copper ore in the distant past.

  On the escarpment above the falls was what appeared to be an old railway station with railway tracks heading off into the distance. This was the first time I had seen train tracks on Syros. Patros told me that there was an extensive network of train tracks across the whole planet and numerous train stations. The ore was transported via freight trains to the many engineering works dotted across the land. He sent me a vision of the trains and they looked like the steam trains from Victoria Britain but had intricate brass inlays and each one looked like some animal. He explained this as he sent me a few different images. The locomotive that I thought was the most beautiful I had ever seen was one that had a dragons head at the front. What a fantastic idea, to make each locomotive so individual.

  We passed over Tree Tops where Sara and my extended family lived. Finally I was beginning to work out where each place was in relation to the other.

  Our approach to the caverns was heralded by the trumpeting of many dragons as they flew through the skies to greet us. Like a huge flock of birds gathering to fly South at home on Earth.

  What a strange sensation arriving at the lair. I had now been taken to what initially looked like a lair not unlike my previous one. Yet upon closer inspection this one was much bigger and the sleeping pit was vast. A veritable crater compared to the sleeping pit in Patros’s original quarters. I felt my stomach clench and gasped out loud.

  What had I agreed to!

  Patros put his arms around me and whispered out loud, “A good time by all I believe.”

  As I elbowed him in the ribs.

  I spent some time investigating the inside of our new lair discovering what was held on the shelves, and in the nooks and crannies of my new home. I didn’t do a very good job of this last time so reflecting on my previous mistakes quickly found what I was looking for. There, on one the highest shelves were a number of books and parchments. I began reaching up and Patros beat me to it. Bringing down the first of many books for me to discover.

  “Hey there beautiful. All you had to do was ask and I will retrieve anything you want to see up close.” He said in a hurt voice.

  He carried some of the books over to a little table in front of the open fireplace, placing them there for my perusal. With that he began to set up a fire in the grate as I happily sat down and began to open each of the books in turn. Time to get more involved and learn what I could about both my new world and the prophecy itself.

  The books and parchments were unbelievably intricately decorated. With pictures and illuminated script at the start of each chapter. These depicted many of the animals and fantastical beings that live on Syros. Such as, dragons, dragonflies, werewolves ,airships and also strange beings I had yet to meet but had heard mention of in passing. These were the Wizards and automatons that resided in the main capital city to the North.

  I asked Patros about cooking, offering to prepare some lunch for us but, he insisted
on preparing it himself. Later he acquiesced and said that he would show me where the supplies was kept and how to light the small range so that I may begin to help out with the cooking from now on. I was beginning to feel a little guilty at being waited on hand and foot.

  While sat eating our lunch I asked Patros some questions that had been bothering me.

  “How are my werewolf mates going to find their way into the caverns? They used ropes last time to scale the cliffs didn’t they?”

  “Yes and some rope ladders they brought along with them to the cliff top. What they didn’t know is that there is a way in through the top. We use it to bring supplies into the lairs. Much more practical than flying everything in on dragon-back. I asked then to send to you once they reach here then I will go on up and guide them in. ”

  “Yeah that makes sense to me. I just presumed that you flew all your supplies in but on reflection that would be time consuming.” I responded. “Can I come with you and see where the entrance is? Might be a handy thing to know for future reference.”

  “Of course you can silly. You are my mate and you should learn as much as you can about the caverns and secret entrances we have. There are more than one of them.”

  “It is quite a distance on horseback Alex so do you want to rest a while before they get here? The entrance is big enough for a horse and cart and we have stables in the lairs. They are bringing some bits of furniture with them I believe.”

  “Yes. Come to think of it I am feeling a little tired now. Will you be here still or are you off to complete some tasks yourself?”

  Patros then sent I was going to join you my beautiful mate. I can think of a good way to wear you out and relax you too

  I giggled and held out my hand. Hmmm. Yes please. That sounds rather nice to be honest

  As good as his word it wasn’t long before I was a very happy worn out and relaxed bunny and drifted off to sleep.

  I woke with a start as voices called to me.

  Chapter 12.

  Wake up sleepy head. We are up on the cliff top now. All of us are here and Patros promised he will fly one of us home when we are ready and after each of us has found our way around. Aston’s voice announced and I could hear mutterings in the background in my mind from both Leon and Vanda. Still bickering about who was to stay, and who was to return to the pack house.