Chapter 27

Killian smiled at the dragon conquering his heart as they arrived on D'Vaire land, following a quick teleportation spell. They'd spent an unforgettable night in Killian's bed, and he couldn't wait for a repeat experience. Never in Killian's life had he known such passion. It was not desire alone either. With no experience as someone's devoted partner, Killian had not known how tender he could feel for another person.

But he wondered why he was surprised. Dravyn was a complex mixture of shy gardener and dragon Duke. In the dark green eyes gazing into his own was Dravyn's every emotion. Killian was both humbled and encouraged by the caring he found there, and he appreciated the wonder too. After so many years apart and their personal struggles, it was shockingly easy to find accord between them.

It made Killian realize that, while he did not approve of every twist Fate had put in his life, he was devoted to the goddess because she'd gifted him Dravyn.

Killian slid an arm around Dravyn's waist and tugged him close for a kiss.

"I fear I no longer have the ability to control myself around you now that I know how delicious you taste," Killian said against Dravyn's lips.

"We have kissed for weeks now."

"I was speaking of the other parts of your body I sampled last night and again this morning."

Dravyn's cheeks filled with color. "Killer, dragons have exceptional hearing, and what happens between us is private. The house is not so far from us."

"I will behave if you promise to be in my bed again soon."

"That is not an invitation I would refuse."

Cupping the back of Dravyn's neck to tug the tall Duke toward him, Killian reunited their mouths and allowed his tongue to explore unhindered. In the bright morning sun, Killian's prick grew hard and Dravyn's delightfully large cock poked Killian's belly. Seconds away from casting another teleportation circle and pushing the dragon down to the mattress in his tree, Killian gasped as Dravyn shoved him away.

Dravyn's eyes darted from side to side, and his entire face was bright red. Grabbing the edges of his cloak, Dravyn burrowed into his clothing.

"We are here to grow a tree," Dravyn protested.

"I should allow you to hear the music of your garden. It has switched from its usual soft melody to a deep thunderous beat. They approve of our union and expressing what Fate has given us as mates."

Reaching out, Dravyn patted a nearby cluster of leaves.

"Thank you," Dravyn whispered to the garden, and in that moment, Killian fell in love. He'd known he was headed there, but it was the glowing affection and kindness Dravyn showed his plants that tipped Killian over the edge. Dravyn was truest to himself in his garden. Like Killian, he understood these weren't just vines and flowers. They were living things with emotions.

Startled by the intensity of losing his heart to someone, Killian stumbled back a step and hoped Fate had a future for them filled with promise. Obstacles stood before them, and their lives were still separated in many important ways. Could love conquer all? Killian certainly hoped it would. He wanted it to. So easily he could imagine an eternity with Dravyn. But did the dragon want the same?

"Killian, are you well?" Dravyn asked, rushing forward and gently placing his hand beneath Killian's elbow.

Killian dared to smile. Then he chuckled and stood firmly in the dirt where Dravyn devoted himself each hour the sun was above them.

"I am better than well," Killian said. Fate would not lead him astray, and he did not have to doubt that Dravyn cared for him too. It was there in those glorious green irises.

"Are you sure? Your expression is odd."

Desperate to feel connected to Dravyn, Killian reached out and caressed the dragon's stubbly cheek. "I lost my heart to you. Right here in this garden you so love."

"I am fond of you too," Dravyn replied with a small smile. It occurred to Killian that when he was alone with Dravyn, the dragon rarely stared at his feet anymore. Dravyn bowed his head to conceal his emotions when he was overwhelmed, but he was otherwise willing to share himself fully with Killian. Someday, Killian yearned for Dravyn to find the confidence to always keep his chin up, and he would do anything to aid his mate in his quest to grow more comfortable around people.

"Would you call it love?"

Dravyn nodded. "Yes, I suppose I would."

"Your honesty is refreshing." Killian brushed their lips together and internally glowed with unparalleled happiness. "I love you too."

"Perhaps we could celebrate such an auspicious occasion by growing a large tree?"

It was a fine idea. But it also concerned Killian. Dravyn wanted a tree to sleep in, but he did not immediately think to invite himself to Killian's own bed. Although it saddened Killian, he understood. Dravyn's responsibility was to grow food for his family. Such a task would be impossible if his life was elsewhere.

"Above your planting space, right?" Killian asked, moving away from the temptation of Dravyn and the mixed feelings tempering his happiness.

In a perfect world, they would declare their love for each other and fully embrace the future by combining their lives. But their world was far from perfect. However, life was a fragile thing despite the promise of immortality. If Killian were to lose Dravyn—in a far more truthful and visceral way than the simple parting of two mates who'd just met—he was unsure how he'd endure it. Or if he could pull himself from the muck and ever trust his heart in Dravyn's hands again.

What Killian needed was to find a way to unite the D'Vaires with The Council. That way, Killian could ensure Dravyn's family was safe and cared for and offer himself and Dravyn the opportunity to plan their years ahead. Satisfied with his plan, Killian gave Dravyn a dazzling smile.

In his hand, Killian produced the small tree he'd planted the previous night while his magick was still plentiful. Although Killian had emptied his entire well to feed The Council, he'd gained enough in his soul overnight to make coaxing the ash tree into the perfect spot for Dravyn easy. Ash was sacred to druids as it was bountiful across Europe, but it also suited Dravyn perfectly. As the leaves fell, they remained green. No color was more special to Killian thanks to Dravyn's dragon.

The flowers that would sprout before spring would be purple—a lovely nod to Dravyn's only sister, whose scales were the same deep violet as her eyes.

"Yes, I cannot wait to drag my mattress out here," Dravyn enthused.

Killian walked to the back of Dravyn's new structure and kneeled in the dirt. Sending his love to the little sprout, he gently planted it.

"This beautiful tree will keep you safe," Killian murmured, lost in nature. Closing his eyes, he opened his hands and allowed his magick to touch the already-growing tree. Killian poured his heart into his task and sent vivid images of the man the tree would share space with. The tree swayed toward him as it shot up, and Killian allowed it. It was a living thing and permitted to do what it wanted.

Thankfully, the tree responded to Killian's fervent promises of the future it would have as a loved one in the garden. The other plants were singing loudly, welcoming their new friend. Killian rose as the ash reached for the sky and spread itself over the planting shed where Dravyn toiled. It spread its branches wide enough to allow sunlight through so nothing would be smothered beneath it.

Killian wrapped his arms around the trunk as the tree went beyond its nature to provide Dravyn with plenty of room to sleep and enjoy the view of his garden with a delightful space, complete with a balcony.

"How did you know I wanted a balcony?" Dravyn asked, shocked as Killian patted the now fully formed ash and thanked it for everything.

"I didn't, but your new friend here figured it out. Were you thinking of it or your love for such a thing as I grew him?"

"I suppose I was."

"He understands you already," Killian said with a smile, allowing the last of his magick to fill the air so Dravyn could hear the lovely bass tones of the gigantic tree getting to know his new friends and joining in their harmony.

Dravyn captured Killian and the tree in his arms for a warm embrace. "You both have my gratitude."

"All he asks for is love in return," Killian said, not knowing at that moment if he was still speaking of the tree or himself. Perhaps a combination of both.

"He shall have it." Dravyn kissed Killian's temple. "You have it too. My dragon and I both offer our hearts."

It was foolish to be scared despite their unknown future, and Killian was ashamed of his doubt. Dravyn was a simple man. He played no games and offered no pretense. While things would not always be easy, Killian could depend on him.

"I trust you, Dray."

"I will give you no cause to doubt that decision."

Although it was a tight squeeze, Killian managed to turn in Dravyn's arms and smiled up at him. "My soul is pleading with me to offer the same promise to you, but I fear I may scandalize you and you may regret your decision to build upon Fate's choice for us both."

"Your tongue has run away with you in recent days."

Killian glided his hands over Dravyn's thick cloak and imagined he could feel the warmth of the dragon's thickly muscled body through his layers of clothing.

"You must take the blame for that," Killian teased. "How can I resist such manly temptation? I never knew I had such an appetite for men built on such a grand scale, but you tempt me beyond reason."

"Are you casually putting the responsibility of your reckless words on my shoulders?"

"Fate decided upon your appearance. I suppose we can blame her."

"For the first time since we met, I am unsure if you are well in the mind."

Killian laughed. "I am shocked it has taken you so long to figure out how odd I am."

"We D'Vaires have decided that being odd is a most good thing."

"If only everyone had such an open mind to things that were atypical."

Dravyn kissed Killian's nose, making him grin. "We should like to find other odd dragons and allow them to come live on our land. No one should be punished for a gift from Fate or anything else marking them different from the norm."

"You are hiding out here on your unmapped land," Killian reminded Dravyn. "How could you spread the word or locate struggling people like yourselves?"

"I do not know. It would be unwise to advertise our location. We are hunted, Killian. It does not matter that Bernal is dead. Others share his hatred of the supposed D'Vaire curse. We do not even know who, for we were not privy to everything that went on in Castle Draconis. Zane and Marcus have educated us about several dragon Kings we would not find friendly, but there could be more."

"I was not suggesting you seek other dragon Kings," Killian assured Dravyn, soothing the dragon with long strokes of his hands. There was tension in Dravyn's big frame, and Killian despised anything that made his mate uncomfortable. "All I want is for you to help as you wish. In the end, we must trust that Fate will lead others in need of understanding and unconditional friendship to find their way to your land."

"Sometimes I wish life were easier."

"I understand completely."

"But I am grateful for the good things. I thank Fate for you."

"You are the best of all the gifts Fate has offered me."

Dravyn ducked his head, and Killian met him halfway for a kiss. Under the leaves of the newly grown ash tree, there was no war between magickind and cruel beasts. It was a druid and a dragon enjoying the matebond Fate had given them and the warm kisses of two men in love.