Dragonslayer, Dragon Light: Dragon Hearts Series

CHAPTER ONE

Greenisle

Present day

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They still couldn’t get over it—couldn’t believe they were seeing dragons and slayers in one place without any of them striking that fatal blow or blowing a plume of fire.

Some of the winged beasts rode the winds and glided in the pale blue white cloud sky while their slayers sat on their backs. The hunters and their prey. Slayers and their Omegas.

Men and women who had fallen in love without any fear of reprisal in a place where they could be together just like ordinary mortals.

Saxton Lance, formerly known as the Dragonslayer Apollo, trekked up the incline of the hill towards the solitary oak tree. The sea wind gave the leaves a voice that whispered its secrets to the air. These same leaves formed a canopy against the mid-morning sun where flying dragons formed a glittering kaleidoscope that winked when the fiery ball’s rays hit dragon scales.

Saxton’s steps slowed, feeling the oak’s thick roots bulging underneath his feet as they also dug into the soft green carpeted and flower laden earth even as its trunk rose up, splitting into branches sturdy enough for a swing. Yet, there was no swing. In that area of the trunk, facing the sea, was a well-worn and smooth indention forming a bench for anyone to sit who might want to look out into the waters. On that seat was Saxon’s life.

And love.

Orelle.

Saxton’s heart soared when Orelle turned around and her dark blue eyes lit up. Her smile was only for him. The blush on her cheeks was only for him. And when she stood and ran, it was to him.

How could he have ever thought of killing her?

He buried his face in her thick auburn hair, inhaling her scent. When he was with her, Saxton felt the world fall away and the burden of his guilt dissipate a bit more. He was surrounded by Orelle’s scent. The very thing that had drawn him to her from the very start.

His Omega.

His death.

His life.

He cupped her face in his hands grinning at the happiness he saw there before kissing her with a fervour that would never leave him. Orelle was the centre of his universe, had been the keeper of his soul. Now she also had his heart.

Mmmm...nice. She smiled against his mouth. Saxton couldn’t get enough of Orelle’s soft, sweet lips and it was a long moment before either of them came up for air.

They shared a laugh walking back to the hollow of the oak tree. Saxton sat down before Orelle leaned against him. Wrapped in his arms, Orelle absently caressed the forearm wrapped around her waist.

They watched the gentle waves from their perch, watched the boats reach the pier where the fish caught from the waters’ depths were hauled away into the huge warehouse nearby. Several dragons descended slowly from the sky, transforming midway into their human form—former Omegas diving in the waves swimming towards the shore to greet their former slayers. Now their eternal mates.

Saxton kissed Orelle’s crown. At the same time, his thoughts went to the brethren he had left behind. Several months had passed since Ty and Lia had arrived and Theo had left in anger. Lia and the unknown red dragon held Orelle’s limp body in their claws while Saxton sat behind Ty on Lia’s back.

They immediately made their way to the Magi’s sanctum where they worked on Orelle. Saxton had been nearly out of his mind at seeing Orelle wavering between life and death. It took Ty to restrain him and talk through his fog of anguish to understand that the magi needed to transfer his soul from Orelle to him. Saxton insisted that he remained awake watching Orelle slowly transform from dragon to human. Her golden scales darkened to bronze in several parts of her body, becoming obscure light patches on her skin until they disappeared.

Do you ever miss it? Orelle whispered, squirming to find a more comfortable position.

Saxton placed a gentle kiss on her bare shoulder.

"I miss them, he corrected, exhaling. The pang of sadness he felt was swift as it was short. He linked his fingers through hers. I don’t miss the killing. My whole life’s focus was killing dragons. It’s only with you that I’ve realised I wasn’t living at all. I was barely existing to find my Omega so I could die. Had I returned knowing what I know now, I don’t think I’d be able to wait until I breathed my last. Without you by my side, I would have no compunction to take my own life."

Sax, don’t say that. Alarm weaved through Orelle’s voice.

It’s true. I wouldn’t have been able to live if I could never have you because of some damn rule that keeps us apart.

To his bemusement, Orelle chuckled.

What’s so funny?

I only asked a simple question. You gave me a soliloquy. Orelle’s tone was dry.

Laughter rumbled up his throat. C’mon, Omega. Humor me.

All right. The sound of Orelle’s soft laughter made his groin tighten.

And do you?

Orelle looked up at him and for a moment, Saxton couldn’t speak.

Do I what? She searched his face.

Miss them? Miss your sisters?

Her face clouded, robbing some of the light from her eyes.

Orelle—

It’s okay. She squeezed his arm before lifting her mouth to meet his. I wouldn’t the same without you.

Lance!

Saxton nearly growled. Orelle giggled and was about to stand but Saxton’s arm remained around her waist.

Ty can look for us for all I fucking care, he muttered.

I don’t have to look for you. Ty appeared grinning in amusement. I watched you come up here. Lunch is ready.

Why can’t we stay here longer without being interrupted? Saxton groaned.

You have to eat sometime, Ty threw the words over his shoulder as he made his way back down, his voice carried by the air. Dragons have huge appetites unless you want to be eaten.

Saxton’s grin widened at Orelle’s growing blush. I don’t mind you eating me.

Stop it. Orelle mocked scolded her eyes rounding with a wealth of meaning. Just then her stomach growled. Her soft laughter was like sexy music to his ears. Let’s go. The faster we finish lunch, the quicker we can return here.

She held out her hand, pulling Saxton up with ease and entwined her fingers with his.

Ty and Lia’s house was not far from the hill. Their patio had a beautiful view of the sea. Pale blue and white crystals with the tiniest of silver bells were strung on each corner edge of the overhang giving the faintest of melodies when the breeze caressed them. Food was set in the middle of the rustic table like an edible runner of mouth-watering array of grilled meats and fish, freshly made bread and salad greens, and a tureen of creamy soup. There were pitchers of ice cold water, tea, chilled beer and soft drinks on a tray to one side.

Lia’s flowing silvery blue hair was braided over one shoulder. Her amethyst coloured eyes were warm in welcome. She and Orelle had become fast friends after they’d helped Orelle with strengthening her injured shoulder, flying with her dragon to exercise the wounded wing. She wore a loose white tunic, much like what Orelle had started to wear, and a long pale blue linen skirt while Orelle light brown linen slacks.

They all sat on the benches facing each other. The conversation was light, the laughter, full. And when they were all replete, the women leaned back against the chests of the men whose primary objective had been to kill them.

You know, Orelle looked at Ty and Lia. I could never understand what the enmity between us was all about. The chronicles have never mentioned the root cause of why men had to kill dragons.

Don’t forget, there are female slayers too with male dragons as their Omegas, Lia reminded her, nursing a glass of orange juice while Ty’s arm was around her waist.

Dragonslayer legend has it that we were not enemies to begin with. Ty took a swig from his beer before continuing. It had something to do with Winterborne and a corrupt mage who wanted to harness dragon magick for themselves.

Winterborne...you mean the Winterborne of the Keep? Saxton straightened behind Orelle and frowned. Why didn’t I know that?

I didn’t either. Ty replied, his voice flat.

Then how come you do now? Saxton’s brows met in the middle of his forehead.

Because of Lia. Ty looked at his Omega with utter love and devotion which made Saxton’s mouth twitch to a side grin. Oh yes, he now understood why his friend, one of the fiercest of dragonslayers, had that puppy dog look on his face.

No doubt he had a similar expression when he looked at Orelle.

Why do you have anything to do with the legend that caused this never ending war of decimating each other? Orelle untangled herself from Saxton’s arms, much to his irritation. It didn’t matter, he still had his hand on her thigh and if Ty and Lia hadn’t been at the table, he would have had his hand inside her slacks, playing with her wet slit while he ate.

Next time he was going to make damn sure he did that. In the privacy of their own patio overlooking the sea and the business district that lay to the left side of Greenisle. And after he ate the food on the table, he’d make her sit in front of him with her legs spread wide so he could eat his dessert.

Just the thought got him rigid, throbbing inside his pants.

Apollo, you still with us? Ty’s gaze narrowed at him though he was trying to stop the smirk pushing at his mouth. His friend still knew him after all this time.

Yeah, I am. A brow rose in challenge. He looked at Lia, showing all of them that even if his thoughts were on the delight between Orelle’s thighs, he still listened. Where’d you find out?

Ty leaned back in amusement, giving the floor to the woman of his life. Lia looked at him with a smile as if asking permission. He nudged his head in agreement. Lia turned to face them both.

It was when Perseus came after me to take his soul.

Chapter Two

Fawn Valley, Snowdonia

1782

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Lia, where are you going?

Just off to fly. Lia Devereux smiled at Magnus Ira. It’s a windy day. I don’t have to flap my wings too much.

Magnus’ ageless face broke into a grin. Wise, silver-green eyes watched Lia as she transformed into her dragon. He backed up several steps and raised a cloaked arm when Lia’s wings caused a strong gust of wind.

And where are you off to now? He craned his neck upward. His robes of forest green continued to swirl around his sandaled feet.

Dover. I’ve always wanted to see the cliffs but every time I do, something comes up and I have to stay. Her huge head lowered and angled to look at the Mage of Fawn Valley.

Magnus reached out and patted Lia’s neck, running his gnarled hands over her shimmering silver blue scales. Lia bowed in deference, the air from her nostrils adding warmth to the breeze. Magnus sighed.

You are the most curious of your generation, my child, he said. Sometimes, I fear your curiosity will endanger you.

I’ve not been in any trouble yet, she quipped. Slayers haven’t been seen or heard from for the last half century. Besides, no one will see me even if I land by the shore.

Because the humans are too busy with the revolution in the new world, I know. Magnus nodded. His hands were clasped behind his back and a slight frown puckered his forehead. Terrible business, war. Men have died for freedom He looked up.

So have dragons.

Do be careful.

Lia raised her head still looking at the mage from aloft.

Is there something you want to tell me, Mage? Have you seen anything that might cause me harm?

He shook his head. There is nothing in the charts nor in the runes to say that danger is close-by. Not even the other mages of other valleys have noted anything but I don’t believe the slayers have stopped. I feel they are just waiting.

Lia looked away. She took in the sprawling reach of Fawn Valley, one of the protected homes of the dragon shifters this side of the British Isles. Shadowed by the majestic Snowdonia, it was a haven for those who were persecuted by myth and legend and whose demise was a dragonslayer’s goal.

The skies overhead, stretching all the way to the ends of the valley’s boundaries, were infused with magi magick. It allowed her fellow dragon sisters and brothers to ride the winds, their jewel coloured scales becoming a colourful display rivalling that of the rainbow. Meadows dotted with sheep and wildflowers stretched as far as the sun ran its warmth over the land.

A small group of children was being taught by another mage, Rhys, to shift. Lia’s giggle snorted through her snout when a girl not older than seven summers had such concentration on her face and all she could muster was to conjure her tail. The children’s laughter caught in the breeze and carried it to her. Even the girl laughed at herself and Lia was able to taste the joie de vivre of each and every child in the group. The taste of sweet pea and honey. She had been like that once.

Her own tail swished in remembrance of the first time she transformed. Not every shifter morphed into their beast at an early age. While they knew their elements because the magi told them, they had to wait until their dragons were good and ready. Lia had been one of those who had moulted when she was fourteen, a very early age for beasts that lived for thousands of years.

Save for the Magi Keep where Magnus and the other mages lived and worked, Fawn Valley could have passed for a local village with its own pub, village hall, blacksmith and farmer’s market. A huge lake teeming with fish became the source of food for villagers and a pool for water dragons when they moulted. But what they had—and normal villages didn’t have—were the ancient ruins atop the only hill. Well-worn stone pillars surrounded by clumps of grass growing at its base. From where she stood, Lia’s strong sense of smell picked up the mildew, the moistness of