Page 95 of Gold Sector

They howl in response, the sound one that fills my heart with glee. Because I recognize that welcoming call.

They accept me here.

I’m home.

Well and truly…home.

That sensation of acceptance grows as some dragons join us in the air, their majestic wings varying in color and size. A few do dips and twirls like they’re showing off for our benefit. Others simply coast along in silent camaraderie.

Until we’re left alone once more.

That’s when Oros truly begins to descend toward a small island in the distance, the shoreline dotted with overgrown trees. It appears to be deserted, making me wonder why he’s chosen this particular beach as we land.

The water is beautiful, though. The deep blue color is a startling contrast to the black sand beneath.

Oros lowers his head, his golden enchantment unweaving to allow me to move.

At first I don’t, my legs having fallen asleep during our flight. I’d been too caught up in my emotions and thoughts to even realize it, but I feel the tingles now as I try to move my lower limbs.

Oros doesn’t speed me along, just waits while I gather my bearings, and purrs.

The rumble grows softer when I finally descend, then disappears entirely as he returns to his human form.

Eyes the color of glittering gold stare down at me, his lips curling into a satisfied smile. “I’ve never flown like that before.”

I frown. “To here?”

“No, I come here all the time. I meant with a passenger on my back.” He grabs my nape to tug me in for a kiss. “It was the best kind of foreplay, feeling you encased in my gold while riding my dragon through the sky.”

His words elicit a shiver from deep within, one that intensifies as his metal whispers across my skin. Glancing down, I see that it’s dissolving into mystical dust, leaving me as naked as him.

Something he’s definitely enjoying, his heated gaze tells me. As does the impressive knot pulsing against my lower belly.

I swallow, my arousal piquing once more. But before I can voice it or demand that he kiss me again, Oros says, “Shift.”

I blink at him. “Wh-what?”

“Shift,” he repeats. “You’ve properly met my dragon. So now I want to meet your wolf.”

My lashes flutter again, my heart skipping several beats. “I… It’ll cause…” I trail off, clearing my throat. “I’ll probably go into heat.” That’s what Doctor Taylor said, anyway. She might be wrong.

But that’s not actually the reason for my hesitation.

Something I think Oros may know because he arches a brow and asks, “Is that a problem? Are you not ready for your estrus?”

“I…” I can’t lie to him. It would be wrong. “I’m nervous, but I’m not afraid of it like I used to be. And I know you’ll take care of me during my heat.”

“Oh, I’ll more than take care of you, printesa mea,” he murmurs, his gaze glimmering with seductive promises as he brushes his lips against mine. “I’m going to pleasure you in ways you’ve never even dreamed of. But first, I want to see your wolf.”

A fluttering sensation stirs in my stomach, one born of nerves this time more than excitement.

No one has ever asked to meet my wolf before. Everyone prefers I keep her hidden.

It goes against all my instincts to show her off, especially to a Drakonian Alpha. “Are you sure?” I ask, unable to hold the quivering note back from my voice.

“Absolutely,” he says, all confidence. “I want to see every part of you, printesa me. And that includes meeting your beautiful wolf.”

Beautifulis certainly not an adjective I’ve heard in reference to my beast before. Most Alphas just call her an abomination. Others say she’s a mutt or a lesser being.