Dragon Lord (Winged Beasts Book 4) Read online

  “And you?” Niku asked quietly.

  “My dragon would kill for her. The human side resists and I can’t even say why.”

  “A fated mate is a rare and precious things. At some point, she’ll leave you. Cretia is a proud woman with a tender heart.”

  “I know, yet I can’t force myself to mate with her.” Toreen admitted.

  Niku knew not what to say so he changed the subject. “Tomi will be opening the cafeteria at the castle that recently closed. Bree and Betty will be providing some of her supplies. Cretia has thrown your name in the hat too.”

  “What hat? Is this how Earthers make decisions?” Toreen asked completely confused.

  “It’s an Earth term and I believe certain things were once decided that way. It just means to be given consideration. I believe you will be on a rotation with Bree and Betty to provide the needed items. Tomi hopes all of you will provide some cooked items as well.”

  “I have no way to do that.” Toreen admitted.

  “Your mate does. She’s even learned how to do the meat pies as well as Dori does. I understand this is a big accomplishment.” Niku offered.

  “I didn’t realize she had gotten that skilled at pies. The only one I’ve had has been the berry pie.”

  “That’s the one most people like best. Maybe she doesn’t know you like anything else?”

  That could be true since they never spoke probably because he avoided her. He saw her, sometimes he hid and watched her when she worked outside. His hungry eyes drank her in as his dragon inhaled her scent and moped for his mate. Eventually he knew he had to mate her, but what was he waiting for?

  “I don’t understand my feelings as far as she is concerned.”

  “I know you lost trust of females when our mother died and father remated. I had much concern too until I saw Betty. Few females are like father’s mate and you need to realize Cretia isn’t. She doesn’t beg for things money buys, she works as hard as two females, and she cares about those around her. If you can’t see this, you will lose her eventually. No female will put up with what you are doing. Work through the issues in your mind and put them to rest. I urge you to do this soon.” Niku advised.

  It was true, since he’d brought her home, he’d seen nothing but the good a female can have. Maybe he did allow that woman his father had taken to mate to affect his view of mating. But he didn’t want to stay alone. Nothing made sense.

  “Come, Brother. I will see you out. Thank you for trying to help.” Niku wasn’t the lord, but these would always be his people.

  His brother wanted to help him do the best he could by them. Their father had taken everything that he could easily sell or remove when he had left in his attempt to please a female that could never be given enough to be happy. Many of the antiques and valuables, family artifacts worth so much more than he would have been able to get from selling them, had been taken from the estate.

  Up until their mother had died, their father had been a good male. He’d shown concern about the lands and helped their mother see to them. The change in him had been horrible to see. His only concern was for that creature he’d mated. Toreen would never be like that. As much as he wanted love, love could be used against you.

  Was that his problem? Did he fear Cretia would reel him in and become more like his horrible stepmother, Mabest? If he wasn’t so busy, he might think about that. Unfortunately, he was needed in the fields to check if the crops were ready or not. Once they were, it didn’t pay to delay harvesting. They would lose any that were overripe.

  Toreen checked four fields finding them all ready to harvest right away. Once harvested, he would apply nutrients to the soil and plant a different crop as soon as possible. His planet didn’t lack for food, but they sold at least half the crops produced on their world to other planets that specialized in more industrialized products like space ships and appliances. Some even produced computers and robots.

  With the nearby creek to use as a water source, Toreen was considering branching out to raise fish. He wondered what Cretia would think, but he’d never know since he wouldn’t ask her. If he put in the facilities to raise the fish, he might also want to process them. There were so many decisions and he needed to make the right ones to have the resources to do his best for his people.

  Right now things were better and improving even more. Part of that, alright, a lot of that was Cretia, but he needed to keep working hard and not allow her to distract him. If he did, things here would suffer. Cretia might not be like his father’s new wife, but she wasn’t like his mother either. Soon, he’d do something soon. Meanwhile, as he finished his day’s work he was so tired he skipped supper to shower and fall into bed.

  When he woke, he was ready to start his day and he’d pushed thoughts of Cretia into the back of his mind. She didn’t stay there long. He ran through the accounts and saw a large deposit he couldn’t explain. Where had the money come from? Only one person would know and that was Cretia. No matter how he resisted speaking to her, there was no choice.

  Toreen strode through the manor like a male on a mission and people rushed to get out of his way fearing he would run over them. As he neared her office, he slowed and took a fortifying breath. Knocking on the door, he almost hoped she would not be inside.

  “Come in.” Clearly it had been too much to hope for.

  “Cretia.” His face turned red at the husky tone of voice he’d used as he said her name.

  “Toreen. You never come here. Is something amiss?”

  “Yes, no.” He paused trying to decide how to proceed.

  “I’m glad we cleared that up.” She teased.

  “There is a large deposit in my account.”

  “And you find that disturbing?”

  By the goddess, she was still teasing him. “I wish to know where it came from.”

  “I studied your accounts to see where all the money was going. I couldn’t understand why, with all the income a lord has, you never have any money.”

  “Things weren’t left in good shape when I took over.” Toreen observed.

  “I know your father stole you blind. This is common knowledge. There are several dozen expenses that have no explanation that I can find. They all go into an account where the money is drained off throughout the year. I closed the account, took the money in it back, and stopped the deductions. My thought is if the expenses are genuine, whoever is removing the funds will contact you. If not, they won’t be stealing anymore.”

  Toreen dropped into a chair. He’d been disappointed with his father for all he’d taken from him and Niku. At least he’d thought it was over and they were now left to rebuild and replace what was taken one step at a time. Now Cretia had found that someone was stealing from him and he had no doubt it was his father. No wonder they just barely scraped by and could never get on top of things.

  “I thank you for bringing this to my attention.” Toreen said as he drew in a breath and got up leaving without saying another word. Loyalty only went so far and it was time to see exactly what was going on.

  Pulling out his com as soon as he was out of her hearing, he pressed a button. “Niku.”

  “This is Toreen. Cretia found something in the books. Dozens of expenses going into one account. She could find no explanation for them. Apparently they go back years. I need this investigated.”

  “Father?”

  “Who else could get into the books and set up accounts? Will this ever end?”

  “It ends now. I’ll come by, get everything, and have an investigator put on it.” Niku assured.

  One way or the other, it would be over. That his own father could do something like this hurt. He would wait and see what the investigation brought to light. “Thank you.”

  “This might be a good time to talk to Romo’s mom about Laurelia Proper. Dannia influenced males and our father changed so much when this female came along. Let me talk to Romo and see if we can set up a meeting. I’ll call you back and let you know.” Niku assur
ed.

  “I’ll be expecting your call.” Niku hung up and all this gave Toreen a cause to wonder.

  Cretia was not only from Laurelia Proper, but Dannia’s sister. Perhaps his concerns were legitimate after all. Yet, his dragon reminded him she’d done nothing, but good, for him personally. Also, neither of the mates they were concerned with were fated mates. That connection was so strong, how could either one hurt the other?

  In Toreen’s dragon’s opinion, it wasn’t possible and it was time to embrace their sweet mate before she left them for good. His dragon thought his human side a fool. He tried to deny it, but it was hard to do when faced with the facts.

  He’d waited, had even eaten lunch, and still Niku hadn’t called. As usual the call came when he’d given up on the likelihood of getting called today. “Toreen.”

  “This is Niku. We have an invitation to supper at Ma’s house with Romo.”

  “That’s good. Does he know why?”

  “Of course. I’m sure he even hinted about the reason to Ma.” Ma was what Romo’s mother preferred to be called so everyone they knew called her that. The female was a nurturer and so much like the mother he and Niku had lost, it hurt to see her. He still made an effort and saw her, usually monthly.

  Toreen knew he was messed up emotionally, but he loved Ma and Niku’s father so he treated them like a beloved aunt and uncle. More time and thought was spent on them than on his own father. His stepmother was horrible and he preferred never to see her at all. To him she represented evil, the selfish self-serving type.

  Supper wasn’t far away so he sent a message to Cretia that he had plans for supper so she wouldn’t send him a platter of food. He then headed to his room to clean up and change clothes. Understanding what had come over his father had been impossible at the time. It was his hope he’d gain some of that understanding now.

  Once he was prepared, he took a container of wine with him. When he changed into his dragon, he picked up the container in his claws and headed to Ma’s home. His dragon was huge, one of the largest he’d ever seen or heard of. Only the emperor’s was larger. Some might think his dragon, dark as night with steel grey on the underside of his neck and chest, made for stealthy night flights until he spread his enormous wings tipped in gold with red on the undersides of both.

  Like Niku, he too was a fire breather and of royal lineage. It gave him and the families around him an edge when he burned all their fields for them. It saved days of hard labor or if one chose to hire a fire breather, a large bag of gold. All these things he thought of as he flew high only to descend quickly since Romo’s parents didn’t live far. As he landed, he scented the aroma of cooking meat in the backyard coming from the fire pit.

  Ma must have had Pa cooking a large amount of meat. Pa was a great guy who loved his mate enough to do anything to make life easier on her. She’d be fixing all the other dishes including a berry pie that was her specialty. Her cooking was good, but not as creative as the recipes Dori had. Romo had mentioned Ma was using some of Dori’s recipes too now. It made him look forward to the meal even more.

  Walking around the back, he set the wine container on a table. They had glassblowers who made bottles like the Earth wines came in, but here they tended to use clay jars more.

  “Greetings, Toreen. Ma is inside getting food ready. Niku called from Romo’s and they are headed here.”

  Toreen walked up to him and gave him a male hug. Something he’d done since he’d been a teenager and too grown up to give the usual hugs. “Why so formal? You are closer to me than my own father and Ma has always been a second mother to me. We are here simply for help, there’s no judgement or recriminations to be bandied about.”

  Pa looked relieved. “Tell me how things are with you while we wait for the others.”

  For a change, Toreen told him the unvarnished truth. None of this I’m doing fine. The whole story of what had happened while his father had run his lands before he’d come of age and what his father had taken with him when he left was revealed.

  “We might have been able to help you, Toreen. You should have come to us.” Pa insisted.

  “It seems we were all keeping secrets.” Toreen admitted.

  The sounds of laughter and talking came to them just before Romo and Niku made their way around the corner. “Good day.” They both greeted almost in unison.

  The usual male talking now began with no talk about what they were there for. That would take place after supper and include Ma. As much as Toreen needed answers, he didn’t look forward to it at all.

  Ma set down a dish she’d brought with her. “Greetings.” She said as she set it down.

  “We’ll help carry the food out.” Toreen volunteered them all. Two trips and it was all on the table.

  Ma’s tension seemed to ease as she saw them all, including Pa who’d been tense before, relaxed and happy to be there. “Enjoy your meal and know nothing bad for you will come of what’s said here.” Toreen whispered to her.

  She nodded and seemed more her usual self. They attacked the food as only dragons could. The flavors were reminiscent of Dori’s cooking. It seemed Ma had adjusted to the Earth way of cooking and it was good. Plates were empty and all of them were nearly full. Ma went to the kitchen grabbing pies for dessert.

  “This smells delicious.” Pa said and they all agreed.

  “While we relax and eat dessert, let’s discuss this matter of importance. All we wish from you, Ma, is some information. You’ve heard of Dannia? She controls males and we want to know why. Learning of her talent, made us realize no one ever speaks of their life on Laurelia Proper. That in itself is odd. Can you tell us about those like Dannia and what she can do?” Niku asked.

  “It is not allowed. There is a death sentence for those who speak of it.”

  “That would no longer apply. The planet doesn’t exist anymore. Besides, no one will know where we got the information. The main reason we need to be sure of her talents, is we fear our father is also the victim of one much like her.”

  “Mabest controls your father?” Ma asked.

  Niku explained going into much detail. It was a sad story and some might think Niku and Toreen weak for not doing more sooner. He was their father so it had been hard to act. Had it just been the evil stepmother, they would have acted immediately. Erak would take action as soon as he was aware of what had been going on, but they loved their father and hated to see him punished.

  “Please tell no one that I told you this.” Ma said and everyone nodded. “There was a place on the planet much like a swamp. A tribe lived there that kept themselves separate from all others. They traded and made money from us, but their law didn’t allow them to mate outside of their kind or to leave the region where they lived.”

  “Dannia’s people?” Niku asked.

  “Yes, her line was strong and filled with leaders and what they called swamp witches.”

  “Swamp witches? I’ve never heard of such.” Romo expressed.

  “They have magic. Some more powerful than others. Some can heal and many go to them when they are ill or if children are born with problems. They can cure many illnesses and birth defects. Among them, some have other gifts like the ability to influence others, lift items with their minds, read the minds of others, or summon fire.”

  “That sounds like stories to tell children.” Toreen observed.

  “It does, but it’s true. That is why our planet’s leaders denied them the right to come to Draconis or any other planet. I can only guess what happened with Dannia.” Ma noted.

  “Take a guess.” Niku urged.

  “Her mother must have mated with her father. When her people found out they destroyed her not realizing a child existed or thinking the child’s blood weak or without magic. Cretia might know for sure.”

  “They would destroy one of their own?” Romo asked.

  “Yes, their first and foremost law is to mate only among their own kind. To do otherwise is to be put to death.”

&nb
sp; “Earthers have stories of some of the talents you mentioned. Maybe we should talk to them to see if they have swamp witches?” Niku mentioned.

  Dessert was eaten and the talk done, but everyone lingered with a drink in hand. The atmosphere was companionable like back in the days of their youth. It was a time long gone, but still thought of often. If only they could go back. Of course they couldn’t and Toreen was probably the only one who wished they could. Niku and Romo had sweet mates they loved with all their hearts and babies on the way.

  Toreen thought of his mate that he had but to claim. It was something he knew he needed to do, but his human side refused. What did that say about him? Time passed until the sun stopped giving them light and they knew they had to go. He was the only one living a solitary life and it was by choice.

  The three males walked to the front of the house. There was an area clear and ready for one dragon at a time to lift their wings to the sky. It was surely the favored place for Pa to take flight. Romo and Niku fought to go first and went almost simultaneously. Dangerous, but they managed. Now it was his turn and he lifted to the skies finding it still the only activity that brought him complete pleasure.

  The wind in his face, his destination below him, the place he came from just behind him, things were good when he was in the sky. It never lasted long enough and there was never enough time for longer flights. Perhaps now that Cretia had discovered where the money was leaking to, he’d find some time to relax and find comfort in his dragon.

  It was time to get ready for bed and tomorrow he would get back to the job of straightening out his lands. His people would be pleased once things settled back to the way they should have always been. Toreen knew a new time of prosperity would settle in his lands. Even though he resisted mating, everything else in his life would fall into place.

  A few days passed as he waited for word from Niku. His brother would deal with his stepmother, he knew that things would be settled. Already, things were better without the trickle of funds going to another place. Only a few days and the money was beginning to build up. He’d wait, it was important to see how things worked out, but just knowing all would be dealt with calmed him.