BastianLaryn had trouble keeping up with me on our return home. He would pass through my territory before continuing to his lair. Our hunt had been successful, our bags full of gold. Laryn seemed in better spirits and I was glad we'd gone. I was not glad to be away from my bride.Approaching my lair, I noticed the gold and jewels thrown from my perch. If this was the worst of it, I would have her in my arms, and minutes later, my cock buried deep in her warmth.The rooms were silent when I walked through them naked. I needed my bride. I searched everywhere before making my way to the hallway leading to the remainder of my castle. I unlocked the door, throwing it open. Maxwell stood on the other side. I could immediately tell he was upset."Is she here?" I thundered.He shook his head and pointed to the front of the castle away from my private rooms."When did she leave?"He stared at me in a panic.I took a breath knowing I had to ask yes and no questions."Did she leave today?"He n

BastianThree days and there was still no sign of Acasia or Laryn. Sarn and Tahr helped me search. If they hadn't fed me, I wouldn't have eaten. My moods switched from rage to overwhelming sadness and back to rage. Mostly I was angry with myself.Besides our monthly poker games, we usually spent very little time in the company of other dragon brides. Tahr brought Megan to Sarn's lair to help Calista. When we weren't scouring territories, I observed their relationships. It took no time for me to realize we were at the mercy of our brides. If they were happy, we were happy. As dragons, we postured, but the bottom line was we loved our brides deeply. This knowledge did nothing to help my situation, so I stored the information.This was the third night, and Sarn had taken it upon himself to make sure I was drunk enough to sleep. The females had gone to bed an hour ago and we were on our second bottle of whiskey."I think Laryn took her out of the realm," Tahr said before upending his gobl

AcasiaI loved him before, but somehow that love grew. Buried deep in the back of my mind was the longing for my family and friends, but it was a small spark. Bastian was my family and my best friend. Our lives had changed. He talked to me about dragon business, or dragon theft as it truly was.He explained about the magic from my old realm and how it was misused, so the dragons took it. I had no reason to doubt him, knowing the goodness in his heart. We spoke for hours and slowly made our way through his bride illustration book. I was never jealous and loved hearing him laugh. He told me stories about all the legend brides from my old realm. I made him promise that when I was gone, he would speak of me and remember me. I noticed his anger, but he eventually made the promise.He told me he wished to go on a treasure hunt with Tahr. And if I was willing, I could stay with Sarn, his bride, and Tahr's bride, who would also stay with Sarn.Before I could answer, he placed his finger on my

BastianI'd been afraid to keep her asleep because I needed to know how bad she hurt. But I could no longer take it. I carried her to the realm crossing and placed her back asleep when she woke up directly before we entered the earth's realm. Brunya waited and didn't waste time with greetings. She drove us to the airport, and then an airplane flew us to a place known as Texas. This was followed by another car ride. I held Acasia the entire time, fear burning in my gut. This was wrong. Her illness was entirely wrong.Acasia woke up in the car and because we were so close to our destination, I didn't put her under again. I needed her able to speak with the doctor. Dr. Stevens waited; a middle-aged, small female with an air of confidence that I badly needed.I followed her to a small room. "Lay her down here. It would be best if you waited outside."There was no way I could breathe fire in the room, but I put enough anger in my voice to burn her. "Stupid female, I will not leave her."Th

Bastian I'd been through too much over the past few days. Laryn took me over the edge and nothing but fury clouded my vision. I hit him, causing the two of us to spiral downward. I vaguely heard Acasia's cry, but I had one goal-Laryn's head separating from his body in the goriest way imaginable. I would bathe in his blood and eat his intestines while he still lived. I managed to flap my wings a few times before we hit the ground, but it didn't help the pain of the impact. Laryn rolled, and instead of coming up on his feet, he shifted to human, making himself completely defenseless against me. He lay awaiting and his eyes told me what he wanted. Death. My roar vibrated through the air and the ground beneath us, but he didn't move or shift at my threat. I stopped, shook my head, and fire spewed from between my jaws. My eyes almost popped from my head when Acasia landed in front of Laryn. Laryn, his voice defeated, spoke out, "No, my lady, let it be. It's actually a gift and I'm ready