Her Mad Dragon (Dragon Guard Series Book 15) Read online

  When she leaned back, she saw Kyra was once again giggling and feared what was to come. Never one to hold back, her daughter teased, “Now, about that little sister…”

  Chapter Two

  “You have got to be out of your bloody mind. You want me to ask that woman out on a date?” Maddox bellowed. “Are you daft?”

  The mad dragon threw his hands in the air and stared at one of his oldest friends and three of the men he thought of as surrogate sons like they each had three heads. It was obvious Kayne, the son of Lugh, the Celtic God of the Sun, as well as a Guardsman, had been visiting his dad in the sun too long, or maybe his complete loss of sense was from living in Hell as a hellhound for a hundred years. Kayne may have worked hard to catch up with modern times with his speech and actions but the old boy undoubtedly had a screw loose somewhere. And love had made the O’Reilly boys soft in the head. That’s just all there was to it. In the last few months, all three had found their mates and were blissfully mated.

  Blech…

  He’d seen them all fall like lambs led to the slaughter. Whipped by a woman and being lead around by the nose. It was enough to make a grown dragon cry. There was absolutely no way he was going to go act like a bumbling teenager barely out of short pants and ask Calysta St. Kroix out on a date. A date? What the hell was that anyway?

  His four brethren were sitting around the table in the little cottage he was occupying while staying at the lair, hell bent on coaching him on the way to approach his mate. He’d known something was up when they’d all four appeared at his door with pizza, beer, and Macallan 36. These boys didn’t spring for the good hooch unless it was bad news or a party…and this was most definitely not a party.

  “You’ve got to do something besides growl at her or run away when she’s within a hundred yards. I know Calysta and she’s gonna get fed up with your mangy ass before she really gets to know you if you keep acting like that,” Royce said just before taking a huge bite of pizza.

  Maddox thought he’d been granted a few moments peace while the middle O’Reilly brother chewed, but Rory, the youngest of the brothers, quickly added, “If you know, she knows, and I’m sure she’s wondering what’s going on with you. You have to get a move on, old man. Your woman’s waiting.”

  Groaning into his hands, Maddox scratched at his stubble, trying to come up with a means of escape. Unfortunately, Kayne was sitting in front of the kitchen door, Rian by the front door, and Rory was standing in front of the sliding glass patio doors. The mad dragon was trapped and growing more irritated by the minute.

  Bastards knew I’d run…

  How could this be happening? He’d lived over two hundred years without a mate. What in all that was holy made the Universe think he needed a woman in his life now? And of all the creatures under the sun, a witch? No, wait, not just a witch…the Grande Priestess, the witchiest witch there ever was.

  Well, hell, now I sound like a children’s song.

  Thinking about the topic of their conversation, Maddox had to admit, at least to himself, that Calysta was pretty enough. The Goddess made sure her carnation on earth was the fairest in the land. His mate had beautiful, long, strawberry-blonde curls that just tickled the crest of her perfectly rounded bum, emerald eyes that shone so bright he felt as if he was falling into them with every look, skin resembling the finest porcelain, lips that begged to be kissed, and a body with curves that made his palms itch and his mouth water.

  She was not too tall and not too short, just the right height. There was no doubt she would fit perfectly with his arms across her shoulders, pressed against his side, or writhing from pleasure in his bed. But it was her voice that drew him to her and her voice that still called to him in every dream, waking or asleep. It was just smoky enough to be sexy, lively enough to be feminine, and melodious enough to calm both man and beast. For the first time in decades, the mad dragon felt calm just from the sound of Calysta’s voice.

  “Hey, asshole. Wake up. I’m trying to help you out here.” Kayne rapped him on the shoulder and added, “Time’s a wastin’. You’re sure as hell not gettin’ any younger.”

  Jumping to his feet, he turned on the demi-god like a rattlesnake turns on a mouse and roared, “What the fuck do you know? You’re not mated. You’re older than I am. What the hell am I even listening to you for anyway?”

  Shoving his chair to the side, the mad dragon stomped to the refrigerator, grabbed a beer, and stepped to the side before leaning against the kitchen counter. He could see his brethren staring at him, could hear the buzz of their mindspeak and thought about telling them to all get the hell out but knew it wouldn’t do any good. Opening his beer, he took a long drink then watched out of the corner of his eye as Rian, the oldest of the O’Reilly brothers and the Leader of the Blue Thunder Clan, walked towards him.

  Preparing for what was to come, Maddox blew out a long suffering breath and shook his head. He was just about to tell the Dragon Leader to bugger off when Rian said, “Before you tell me to go to hell, just listen. I know what a pain in the ass you are and you know what a pain in the ass you are. That’s one of the reasons why you retreated all those years ago. But don’t you think the Universe knows what She’s doing? Isn’t it you who’s always preaching ‘The Universe doesn’t make mistakes’?”

  Rian stepped forward, opened the fridge, took out a beer, and stepped back before continuing. As he spoke he opened the bottle. “The Almighty knew it would take the strongest, most stubborn, most magical, most understanding and kind woman on the planet to deal with your foul humor and lookie there, Calysta appeared.”

  Lookie? Really?

  Maddox needed time alone in the worst way. He needed to think, to figure out how the hell he, of all people, was going to handle having a mate. He thought about flying off to his mountain. A few weeks of solitude would do him good, but what if Rory was right. It would be a miracle since the little jackass didn’t have a clue most of the time, but stranger things had happened. What if Calysta did know? What if she was waiting on him to make the first move? If that was the case, he’d already disappointed the one person in all the world who was made just for him.

  Way to go, Maddox…

  Lost in thought, Maddox nearly dropped his beer when Rory tapped on his shoulder.

  “Jumpy, old man?” The youngest O’Reilly brother chuckled.

  “I was thinkin’,” Maddox grumbled.

  Shaking his head, Rory leaned his shoulder against the refrigerator. “I know you’re freaking out, but you’ve got to get over it and make your move.”

  Kayne and Royce joined the conversation with the demi god putting his hands up in surrender and chuckling. “I know you think I don’t know what I’m talking about but I’ve seen a lot of couples get mated, and I know one thing for sure…time waits for no man.”

  “Kayne’s right, Maddox. You gotta get your shit together and get over there. Talk to her. I swear, it’s easier than you think.” Royce was grinning from ear-to-ear, making the mad dragon wonder exactly what he wasn’t saying.

  “I know there’s something you’re not telling me. I can feel it in my bones. You assholes are up to something. I just can’t figure out what.” Maddox growled, took a long swallow of his beer, and then tossed the empty bottle in the trash. Leveling his stare at each of them, he promised, “But I’ll figure it out and then I’m gonna kick your asses. That’s a guarantee.”

  It took the better part of the next hour to get Rian, Royce, Rory, and Kayne to shut up and leave. He finally had to promise to take the early morning training class of the new Guardsmen just to get them out the door. Taking out the trash, the mad dragon looked at the cloudless sky and once again wished he was back on his mountain. Up there, away from civilization, he could call his dragon and take flight whenever he liked. Flying helped him think, make sense out of things that simply seemed ludicrous everywhere else. It was the thing he missed most about being back with a clan. Well, that and his solitude.

  Deciding to take a w
alk, Maddox headed for one of the smaller lakes at the back of the lair. It was quiet enough there for him to think and as close to the wilderness of his home as he could get for the time being. Walking through the woods, he listened to the cicadas, the beautiful song of the nightingale, and the mating call of a male tawny owl. A few minutes later, the mad dragon actually smiled when he heard the female owl’s reply. In nature, unlike his world, everything was simple.

  Even the flippin’ birds are havin’ a go at it…

  He replayed his ‘ambush’ from earlier in the evening. Knew the guys had his best interests at heart but couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something they weren’t telling him, something he needed to know. It was possible Calysta had already decided to ignore their mating. She had been wed before, had a grown daughter and an entire nation of witches to govern. What the hell would she want with a crazy old dragon like him?

  He knew the mating bond had started. Felt it the first time they locked eyes. If she was to turn away from him now, it meant that he would never love another, could never be with another, and would never have children. It wasn’t that any of that really mattered. For all intents and purposes, Maddox had given up on the happily ever after dream a very, very long time ago.

  Sitting on the far side of the lake, hidden by the shadows from the half-moon brightly shining on the large oak tree he was leaned against, the mad dragon watched the ripples in the water as a school of fish broke the surface to feed on the mosquitos flitting about. It was nice to be alone, let his thoughts wander, be one with his surroundings. These were the things he missed after his return to civilization.

  He knew they all thought he was crazy for wanting to be alone. Dragons were supposed to be in groups. They were supposed to thrive on the comradery, flourish in the togetherness, work together towards a common goal, and there had been a time when that was what he believed too, but things had changed. Friends had died. Missions had failed even when they’d looked like a win on paper and Maddox had simply had enough.

  The sound of approaching footsteps pulled the mad dragon from his memories. Shifting to his knees and using the foliage for cover, he watched and waited. Night blooming jasmine and sage scented the air seconds before a vision in white broke through the trees. His breath caught in his throat, his heart beat a profound staccato rhythm in his chest, and his dragon purred at the sight of Calysta gliding towards the lake and kneeling at its bank.

  It took all his considerable control to stay put. Both man and dragon longed to join her. The mating call was at full strength and demanding that Maddox act upon his impulses. Drawing upon his incredible strength, he resisted. He had to be sure. Needed to know that she truly wanted him, would accept him and all his faults. Had to be sure that this whole calamity was not a figment of his overworked imagination.

  Unaware of his presence, the Priestess took a small satin pouch from the pocket of her gown. Gently loosening the drawstrings, she poured a combination of aromatic herbs into the palm of her right hand before laying the empty sachet on the ground. With just the tips of the fingers of her left hand, Calysta touched the surface of the water and transferred a few tiny drops of liquid into the herbs.

  Bowing her head, his little witch began to pray as she sprinkled the damp herbs over the surface of the water. They rode the ripples like tiny surfers fighting to remain close to the one whose hand they’d just touched. It only added to the ambiance of the moment, as if all things, both great and small, were hanging on Calysta’s every word. The reverence of her tone was awe inspiring and the emotion filling the air an inspiration. He was mesmerized as the beauty of her prayer unfolded.

  I come to you, Goddess of All, seeking wisdom and comfort. Please help me shine light on what is dark in the world. Help me strengthen and repair what is weak and broken. Bind the negativity that threatens my faith. Banish the doubt and heal whatever sickness lives within me. Help me find the peace and love that has been taken from us and use me as a beacon of Your everlasting devotion and hope in Your world and Your children. Show the path that is Your will. Let me always walk in the light of Your love. I am Your humble servant, now and forever. Blessed be.

  Maddox had never been what most would call a ‘religious man’. He believed all blessings flowed from the Universe. He knew Fate had a wicked sense of humor and Destiny could be a cruel mistress. He was thankful for every breath he drew and every day he had on earth, even if he did bitch and moan through most of them. He had faith. Some might say he was spiritual but none would ever accuse him of the kind of devotion he’d just witnessed as he watched the woman meant to be his mate pray to her Goddess.

  He waited for her to rise, was sure her time of reflection had come to an end, but the Priestess didn’t move. Had it not been for his enhanced hearing, the mad dragon would’ve wondered if she was still breathing. That was how completely motionless she was. Silent moments passed. The mating bond grew warm within his soul. Its glow burned brighter. He began to feel Calysta’s presence in a more formidable sense as opposed to the seedling it had been.

  Unable to wait any longer, Maddox rose to his feet. Moving from behind the bushes, he pushed the low hanging branches out of the way as he took first one step, then another and another until he was fully exposed, watching his mate from the opposite side of the lake. She remained in her supplicant pose, unaware of his presence.

  The need to be near her, to touch her, to have her touch him, was overwhelming. His dragon pushed against the confines of his mind, chuffing and pawing the ground. The beast wanted his mate as much as the man. Need won out over good intentions. Maddox quickly made his way around the lake’s bank, never once taking his eyes from the beauty of his little witch.

  The time had come. It was now or never. The Universe had given him a gift. Who was he, her lowly servant, to refuse such a prize?

  With silent footsteps so as not to disturb her, Maddox approached his mate. Turning her head, she gasped as he knelt beside her, the frightened look in her eyes immediately changing to one of intrigue and if he wasn’t mistaken, more than a little uncertainty. His heart ached, for he knew he’d put that doubt in her mind. Understanding filled his being with divine knowledge. It was time to make things right.

  “Hey there,” was the only thing he could think of to say. The moment it was out of his mouth, the mad dragon wished for a do-over, but the look in Calysta’s eyes and the smile that brightened her face said it all. It didn’t matter what he said. It only mattered that he was there.

  “Hey,” she answered, sending chills up and down his spine.

  He reached for her hand and together they gasped at the spark of recognition their skin-to-skin contact created. Maddox could only imagine what it would be like to touch every inch of her perfectly porcelain skin. Calysta’s smile turned to a sly grin as soon as the thought crossed his mind.

  “Guess I better get better at shielding,” he spoke directly into her mind.

  Her chuckle sounded like the breeze caressing the wind chimes that had hung outside his mother’s cottage. It was pure and melodic and sang to his heart. When she spoke through their unique link, both man and dragon felt a sense of purpose. “No need, I like hearing your thoughts.”

  Rubbing his thumb across the back of her hand, Maddox took a deep breath and said the words he’d waited far too long to speak. Unable to look in her eyes as he apologized, the mad dragon focused on a particularly uninspiring bunch of weeds just over her shoulder. “Calysta, I’m sorry. I know this isn’t what you want. Hell, who would want to spend eternity with me? There are days I wish I could get away.” He scoffed sarcastically and looked at their joined hands.

  “But I’ve tried to stay away and that’s just not working. I thought it was a mistake. I mean, the Universe really has some sense of humor, right?” He paused to see if she would answer. Wondered if she was still listening. Then finally gave up and slowly lifted his eyes to look at her face.

  What he saw had him torn between kissing her silly and turn
ing her over his knees. Calysta was trying as hard as he’d ever seen anyone try to keep from laughing. She was biting her bottom lip and trying to hold her breath, but she couldn’t stop the twinkle in her eyes or the bounce of her shoulders.

  “You little scamp,” he teased before giving into his own fit of merriment, which turned the Priestess’ silent giggles into full blown laughter. It was the best moment he’d shared with anyone in his very long life and suddenly, everything in his crazy world made sense. The Elders had been right - Fate will not be denied.

  It took several minutes for the couple’s amusement to die down. Catching his breath, Maddox tried to go on, “What I really…”

  But Calysta immediately interrupted. Placing her index finger on his still moving lips, his little witch raised her eyebrows and leveled her gaze. “Stop right there, Maddox MacQueen, I’ve had enough doubts for both of us. All the fears, all the worries, all the holding back and thinking you hated me; it all ends right here, right now. Ya’ got it?”

  He didn’t even try to stop the grin that covered his face. His little witch had sass and attitude. She was used to getting what she wanted and not having to ask twice.

  Thank the Heavens, she wants me.

  Unable to hold back any longer, Maddox slammed his lips to hers. Their connection solidified. The elusive piece of his soul he’d been searching for his whole life slid into place. The dragon within roared with delight. Man and beast found their mate and she was absolute perfection.

  Chapter Three

  Two Months later

  “What the hell is the matter with you? Do you really not remember me? How’s that even possible? Shit like that does not really happen.” Mumbling to himself, “Fine mess, Maddox old boy, it’s a fine mess you’ve landed yourself in.”

  He looked for any sign of the man he’d known over a century ago in the gaunt, battered body of the madman who paced and mumbled to himself in a mix of Gaelic and English that sounded more like gobbledygook than actual words. Kyran had always been so well-groomed and the one among them most likely to draw a young woman’s attention. His long dark hair was always fashionably pulled back with a leather cord, beard and mustache trimmed to within an inch of their existence, and his clothing the latest in fashion with an impeccable fit. Times had definitely changed…and not in a positive way.