Draechen's Mate [Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 2] (Siren Publishing Epic Romance, ManLove) by Scarlet Hyacinth Page B

spite of all the serious things he’d learned tonight, he couldn’t help but smile. “Congratulations, General Shtamakarein.”
    He felt truly relieved that his general had found his mate. With Shtamakarein’s two hundredth birthday approaching, the risk of losing the man he respected so much had become exceedingly high. Sage had been more than willing to offer himself to Shtamakarein as an anchor, even if he’d know he’d only ever be a poor substitute to what his general really needed. However, he’d been refused. Fortunately, the Overlords were on their side as they had granted Shtamakarein the beautiful gift of his true mate.
    “Thank you,” the prince replied. “And please, at least when we’re alone, call me Karein. I grow weary of such formality everywhere.”
    The honor humbled Sage, and he started to protest, “I couldn’t possibly—”
    “You can, and you will,” Shtamakarein interrupted him. “Considered it a command if you must. And now, I have to go. My mate is waiting. Here’s what you need to do for me. Distract the guards as I fly toward them, and then make sure the soldiers watching Sareltae’s door don’t interfere or overhear us.”
    “I understand, Highness.” When Karein gave him a look, Sage corrected himself. “I mean, Karein.”
    With a satisfied nod, Shtamakarein—no, Karein—melted into his dragon form. As Sage did the same, he made a mental vow to himself, Karein, and the Overlords that he would not fail his leader and his people. Somehow, he and Karein would find a way to stop the war, no matter what.
     
    * * * *
     
    Sari leaned against the banister of his room, admiring the view in the distance. It was very different from his home in France, but Sari found that he liked it. The fresh mountain air cleared his head, making him breathe easier. The green of the forests seemed to beckon him closer, and Sari wished he could go and explore, but he was trapped here, in his room.
    A gust of wind swept over the balcony, reminding Sari that Draechenburg was definitely not Rose Noire. With a sigh, Sari shivered, wrapping his cloak tighter around him. He should be going back inside, but the room held no appeal to him. In fact, just the thought of waiting there, alone and abandoned, horrified him. He wondered where his mate was. He wondered if Karein even cared about him all. The draechen’s behavior had been puzzling to say the least, and while the situation certainly seemed better than this morning, Sari didn’t know what to think.
    Out of the blue, Sari felt a strange, almost familiar presence approach. He looked up, scrutinizing the horizon, and gasped as he saw a black dragon approach.
    He had never seen his mate in shifted form, but it didn’t surprise him that Karein’s dragon was as majestic as his human shape. As the black beast flew closer, Sari’s mouth grew dry, his knees turning to jelly. He gripped the banister, trying to steady himself. It wasn’t fear that made him so nervous, but rather, the knowledge that, for the first time, he would be alone with his mate. He had no clue how to react. What was even appropriate under these circumstances? Sari’s instinct as a fae drew him to Karein in a sexual way, but he’d also been raised into chastity. So far, his life had been dedicated to Jenarra, like his mother’s had been. He’d known that would change upon his marriage, but he hadn’t been prepared for the pull Karein had on him.
    At last, the black dragon reached the balcony and landed onto the dark marble. Sari watched as the large beast melted into the very naked form of his mate. His face flamed at the sight, and he studiously looked away, but not before he caught a guilty glimpse of the generous member between Karein’s legs. Oh, Jenarra above, help me.
    “W–what are you doing here?” he stammered out.
    “Don’t you know?” Karein’s voice was a growl as he stepped closer to Sari. He gripped Sari’s chin and forced their eyes to meet. “Are you