Page 21 of Emerald Waves (Primordial Protectors #2)

Chapter Fourteen

Emerson

“Isn’t this amazing, Caro?” It was easy to forget we really weren’t welcome here when I gazed at the wonder surrounding us. “To think they’ve been here all this time.”

Mate, this isn’t a weekend retreat on a Caribbean Island.

I know but aren’t they fantastic?

We’ll see.

“I am Ionus,” Ionus respectfully bowed to Kai, “leader of the Primordial Protectors.”

Kai nodded. “Kai, Elder of the Tempest Clan. Your archivist has shared with us your desire to unite clans? Keep in mind, we’ve heard it before and our decline to join them wasn’t met with a kind response.”

Gorynych and they know I’m of their blood.

Caro didn’t respond, there wasn’t a need to, as he was likely sharing that information with Ionus.

“Your archivist is of their blood.”

“Aye, he is and one of many reasons why they must be stopped.” Ionus had that feral look in his eyes. “What they did to Emerson and the others is reprehensible. If they cannot be rehabilitated, their reign of terror will come to an end. That much I can assure you.”

“We know there are others who were cast out as my mate had been.”

“Aye,” Kai paused for a moment, his eyes fogging over, likely conversing through his link with another in his clan.

“I can assure you, we mean you no harm,” Ionus stepped forward.

“Uniting of the clans is of the utmost importance. While each is strong on their own, together we make a formidable force and can help protect and ensure each clan thrives. Opening lines of communication amongst dragons and strengthening bonds is key for the inevitable fight that’s headed our way. ”

“As much as I’d like to disagree,” Kai said, nodding at another nearby Merdragon. “Sadly, I have to agree with you.”

“Kai,” a familiar voice said as it peeked out from between the wall of Merdragons, “you called for…,” he paused, and his eyes widened. I did my best to jog my memory of when we had met. “Emerson?”

It took a moment to register and when it did the tears hit and I ran for him. “Aris! I can’t believe you’re here. I thought you were dead.” We hugged and he shivered in my arms as tears of joy spilled forth.

“Emerson! I did too. I’m so happy to see you.”

My love?

I drew back, but only enough to free one arm. “I’m so sorry. Aris, this is my mate, Caro and the leader of the protectors, Ionus.” Both nodded to him. “Aris was another in our clan who was cast out when he couldn’t shift.”

One of the Merdragons neared and wrapped a protective arm around Aris and together we kept him safely tucked between us.

“It’s amazing what happens when you think your life is over and dive into the water to take away the pain.

Then suddenly a knight in shining scales rescues you.

Emerson, broken as I was I never thought I’d find love, let alone my mate.

” Aris snuggled into the Merdragon beside him. “This is my mate, Laken.”

“I’m so happy for you, Aris.” How many more of us were out there? Had they all found their mates or were they wandering aimlessly, beyond lost in life.

“And I you. I worried you were lost to the harsh, cruel world.”

“A wonderful dragon and his family rescued me, gave me a home and a job. I’m the archivist and historian in Dragon City now.

” Goddess, if this is how it feels to find even one of my dispelled brothers then I’d make it my life’s mission to find as many as I could.

I wasn’t foolish enough to believe they’d all still be with us, but now I at least had more hope than I previously did.

Wait, does that mean? “Is your dragon a Merdragon?”

“It is. It was so exciting the first time it called to me. My dragon refused to surface for our abusers. It wasn’t until Laken and I had mated that it felt safe enough to present itself.”

That explained so much. My long-lost friend was all smiles. “Same thing happened to me. We’re not broken, our dragons were just protecting us.”

My goddess, that made so much sense. Our dragons were far wiser than us, guarding us on instinct without being asked.

Granted, it would’ve been nice not to have endured the abuse we had, but it gave me hope that all the castaways were alive and once they were out of the harsh reality that was once our lives, their dragons came to them or kept them alive until they found their mates.

Well, one was nothing without hope. But the joy of realizing this emanated through me. Not all dragons are of land and just because you’re bred of a particular lineage doesn’t mean you’ll fall in line and be like the others.

Mate, so much joy is radiating from you.

Don’t you see how wonderful this is? Not all land dragons breed land dragons.

Huh, I hadn’t realized that. You’re correct in your excitement. This is a major turning point.

“Like I said to Emerson,” Kai began, “we too have had our run in with his bloodline.” I appreciated his choice in words as the Gorynych were no longer my clan, the Denarius brothers were. “How do we know we can trust you?”

“An accord. To seal your blood with a protector will allow you to reach us through the mental connection it creates.”

“To break a bond sealed in blood is to slit one’s own throat.” Kai eyed Ionus, ensuring he understood the depth of the connection he proposed.

“Aye, it does. The vow as a protector ensures we put other’s needs above our own, promise to protect dragons and humankind, and to remove those who mean to harm.” Though Ionus’ words held even more weight.

Mate?

Trust in Ionus, he knows what he’s doing.

My mind hadn’t stopped since I got here.

Every second was committed to memory. At this point I’d be locked in the horde documenting it for days on end.

New water dragon species, Merdragons, their ability to teleport, finding a lost friend who wasn’t a land dragon, and now a blood pact between clans.

Best kidnapping ever!

Though this does bring forth even more questions—before this were any dragons aware of cross-mating?

Meaning land dragons and water ones? That little tid-bit might be worth keeping between this group for now.

At least until we deem it safe and the bad guys are gone.

I could only imagine what they’d do with unhatched eggs.

Were they vile enough to sell them on the black market?

“Aris,” I whispered, not taking my eyes off Kai and Ionus. “Do you have any dragonets?”

He smiled fondly at his mate. “Not yet, but we’re hoping to soon. We only just found one another and mated.”

I’d so be back for that birth. I hope they will let me document their child’s development for the archives. Best not to ask now as I’m about to witness history in the making. Well, everything these last twenty-four hours honestly has been.

This was all so interesting, especially when considering the same had just happened for Caro and me. Had my mating with a protector triggered this? Were others in the midst of finding their mates too?

Then, it hit me.

Blood.

Bond.

“Oh my god, Caro. Can Raven use my blood and do a locator spell so we can search for all the outcasts?”

Caro and Ionus’ head swiveled so fast toward one another I feared they’d continue spinning.

“Who is this Raven?” Kai asked, well, more demanded.

“She is our trusted High Priestess.” Ionus pride shown through his words. He truly held Raven in high regard as we all should.

“I would caution against that for it alerts the entire bloodline,” Kai pointed out, knocking the wind from me.

“It was good in theory, my love,” Caro said, and I ran right into his open arms. “There you are, right where you belong.”

“Back in your arms.”

“Yes, back in my arms where you’ll stay.”

It was silly to believe that, but his words meant a lot to me. Aris and I were lucky, having found our forevers. I had to know the others were okay as well. This was going to eat me alive and overshadow all the wonderful findings for the day and I didn’t want that.

My love?

Caro sensed the change in me. Happiness gave way to sadness.

I felt for my lost brothers and sisters.

Some were used as nothing more than incubators.

Their fate wasn’t kind either, nor do I believe it’s what they’d have chosen for themselves if given the chance.

Free will was taken from them and that wasn’t something the protectors would stand for.

They needed rescuing too. I wish I had access to a list of all who’d been exiled. Had the Gorynych kept one or were all just discarded like yesterday’s trash.

We’ll find them, mate. I bet as we come across more clans they’ll surface, you’ll see.

I swear, Caro could read my mind sometimes and at this point, nothing would surprise me.

That reminds me, Kai said there are more Merdragon clans.

Caro stilled for a moment, a familiar look in his eyes whenever he spoke with his brothers through their connection. His eyes don’t glaze over as Kai’s had, the brothers had a far better grip on their communication technique, so unless one was as familiar with it as I was, they wouldn’t know.

“Before we seal the accord,” Ionus began, and I had an idea of what was coming next. “Is there a way to reach out to the other Merdragon clans?”

The crowd around us stilled, as did Kai, though only momentarily.

“Aye, and word of our accord will reach them swiftly.”

“Can you assemble their elders and call for a meeting?” Ionus wasn’t relenting. He was a man on a mission and there’d be no stopping him now. “Anywhere they choose.”

“That will take some time. There are many even further in hiding that we were and yet Caro somehow found us.” Kai’s brow rose. “How could that be?”

If it was due to his gifts, I wondered if the same could be true for the other brothers? Could each call out to those that shared their affinities? But then again, that would reach those within the Gorynych clan with those same ones as well.

And how did Mattias not know of this?

Had they any idea just how deep their powers ran? I bet they’d barely tapped the surface given the fact they’d never had to try. They merely prepared for battle when who knows, maybe the coming wars could be won without engaging in hand to hand, or in this case, wing to wing combat.

What a glorious day.

That brilliant mind of yours is working overtime, isn’t it?

You know me all too well, mate.

Well, store it away for another day because you’re mine once we get home and there’s a strong chance I may never let you out of bed.

My face heated. I could already feel Caro’s hands on me as they slid along my spine, trailing down, lower. First one, then two fingers worked their way inside, gently prepping me. Or would this first time be rough and demanding. A reclaiming of sorts.

Whatever you’re thinking about, Mate. Save it for later. The little whimper you just released garnered unwanted attention.

Sure enough, as I glanced around, all eyes were on me.

“Are you alright, Emerson?” Kai asked, and I squeaked.

“Oh yes, sorry. Just, just lost in thoughts. So much to absorb today.”

Good save. Dare I ask what gave you that erection?

Shit, does that mean everyone could see it?

Would it be too much to ask for the ocean to swallow me whole? Like, right now?

Caro snickered, but thankfully our company’s attention had been diverted to the pact between Ionus and Kai.

“Shall we proceed so you may return to your clan?” I’m sure Kai was just as anxious to meet with his in private as we were to get home.

Kai and Ionus each shifted a single finger and used the claw to slit a line across the palm of the opposite hand, then firmly gripped the others with it.

“Blood to blood, I seal this bond with my brother, henceforth connecting us. In the coming days if need arises I will reach out through this bond and my brother will come. Do you accept this accord, Kai, knowing if the bond is broken death may come?”

“Aye.”

“Do you Ionus accept this accord knowing if the bond is broken death may come?”

Don’t fret love, a protector has sworn an oath to a higher power of similar nature and the bond will never be broken on our end or we will perish by the Goddess’ hand.

Whoa.

“Aye,” Ionus replied.

Ionus and Kai’s entwined hands glowed, sealing the bond.

“And so it is sealed. Thank you for keeping Emerson safe until we could arrive and again, we apologize for the mistake of taking your dragonet.”

Tasi giggled as he reappeared beside Kai. “Can I see your turtle again?”

Caro bent down, somewhat eye level with Tasi. “I would love that, but you have to check with your Papa first. No surprise visits. Promise?”

Tasi’s head bobbed up and down. “I promise. Papa, when can we go again?”

Kai shook his head. “Little one, you and your curiosity are going to be a lifelong challenge, aren’t you?”

Tasi giggled again. “I like to learn.”

“You and my mate will get along perfectly, Tasi. For now, we must get home. Remember your promise.” I loved how calm Caro was with him and couldn’t wait to see him with our own children someday. Hopefully soon.

“I am not looking forward to this swim back to shore,” Ionus shook his head. “No offense meant, Kai. Swimming isn’t my strong suit, at least not at this depth.”

“We can transport you back to the shore for which you came,” Kai offered.

“Me too, please. I am not a strong swimmer.” And I wasn’t in the mood to die today either. This day has brought me so much light and hope. The need to find the others and make sure they’re safe was of the utmost importance and dead I’d be of no help with that endeavor.

“Thank you, Kai. If you could safely deliver my brother and my mate I’ll meet them onshore. A non-emergency swim would do me some good.”

Then I’ll deal with your curious ass at home.

I can’t wait. Plus, my dragon is itching for flight time.

I’ll race you home.

Aris and I hugged, promises to keep in touch were made, then Ionus and I were delivered to where Mattias waited.

He landed beside us with a thud, and while Ionus made introductions, I impatiently awaited for my mate.

My dragon was itching to spread his wings and wasn’t very calm about it.

Guess he didn’t care for being trapped beneath the sea either.

As soon as Caro appeared, a reverse dive out of the water and into the air, my dragon sprung forth to join his. Snouts nuzzled together and I swear they were both purring.

We waited far too long, my love, to bring our dragons together.

Agreed. We need to set them free more often. Now, let’s get home. I believe some promises of the naked kind were made.

First one home tops the other!

Wait, did he just say what I think he did?