Page 54 of Claimed By the Dragon

From Grace.

Why was she crying?

And why couldn’t he go to her?

There was a sound—her voice—and yet he couldn’t make out the words.

And he wanted to. He needed to see Grace. To hold her and tell her how much he wanted her.

Cared for her.

He couldn’t imagine living without her. Or the twins. They were his everything. Essential to his happiness, and more important than even himself.

Perhaps this was love? He didn’t know.

And the thought of never finding out what love was, of never treasuring Grace as she deserved, sent a rush of irritation through him. Followed quickly by desperation.

He wanted his family.

An unknown presence brushed against him, but Trahern still couldn’t see anything. The presence touched him again.

Then something wrapped around his middle and tugged.

Was it a dragon’s tail?

Soon he was gaining momentum, moving faster and faster until he emerged into a bright light. He blinked, unused to it, and he collided with a large, solid form.

Trahern blinked until the form of his inner dragon sat nearby, hovering over him.

But how could they be together?

His dragon spoke up, the voice projecting inside his mind.You were in the tunnels. I found you.

What tunnels?

You must still be out of it. The tunnels all young dragons use to hide until we start talking.

Young dragons. Tunnels. Talking.

Flashes of research and visiting a young golden dragon in Scotland danced inside his mind.

Still unclear, Trahern asked,Why was I in the tunnels? And why did you have to tug me out?

Don’t you remember? We were hurt. And unless we work together, Grace and the boys will be alone. We need to heal for them.

Memories flooded his mind.

Disabling the microchip. The younger dragon charging at him. Pain through his back and shoulder. Unconsciousness.

Grace’s voice, as if coming from a great distance and through water, said something to the effect of, “Please, Trahern. I love you. Wake up so I can tell you.”

Could it be true? Did Grace love him?

He still wasn’t entirely sure of the meaning, but she meant so much to him. And he could now hear her crying, each whimper a stab to his heart.

He tried to reach her, to move to the front of his mind so he could force his eyes open.

And yet, he couldn’t manage more than moving a few fingers or his arm.