Dragon Gold

By Kathryn Celeste

A year ago David met his mate. It should have been the happiest day of his life. Instead, it was the worst. Emma ran from him. Only his ability to touch her mind keeps him sane but how long will that be enough?

Hunted and alone Emma hasn’t stopped running since she left Haven. David’s presence in her mind brings her comfort in the hardest times. When she returns to Haven will Emma be able to face David in person or will fear keep them apart?

With hunters after David and Emma’s ex stalking her is there any way this mating stands a chance?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kathryn Celeste
• Release date: Aug 29, 2017
• ISBN: 9780648053637

Kathryn Celeste

Kathryn Celeste has been a programmer, a security specialist, a bookseller, a reviewer and a secretary. Through it all she has written. Pushed hard by a relentless muse to give life to a world unseen by others. She lives in Queensland Australia with her husband, three sons, dog, cat, ducks and chickens where she continues to write about the paranormal folks that poke around in her head. Kathryn loves to hear from readers and can be reached at @kathryn_celeste (twitter) and KathrynCelesteAuthor (facebook) as well as the links on her website. www. kathrynceleste. com A Glimpse into another world.

Book preview

Glossary of Terms

ALICORN Equine with wings and a horn. Can appear as either horse or human.

ALTER EARTH Copy of Earth shifted slightly out of phase.

BLUE Australian word for an argument or fight.

CENTAUR Human torso attached to the body of an equine. Can appear as either horse or human.

DRAGON Large serpentine creature with empathic abilities. Can appear human.

DWARVES Humanoids of short stature who can work metal with their bare hands.

DRYAD Humanoid tree spirit.

FAE Tall Humanoids with pointed ears and slanted eyes.

FAIRY Tiny flying humanoids with butterfly wings.

GARGOYLES Humanoids capable of turning into stone monsters.

GOLDEN Earths Tnoran guardian

GOLEM Humanoids formed of clay.

GRYPHON Body of a lion with the head and forelegs of an eagle. Can appear human.

GUARDIAN Protects a planet from Alien incursion before the planets have reached a point in their evolution where they are considered ‘old’ enough to deal with it on their own.

HARPY Humanoid with retractable wings.

HAVEN Compound designed by paranormals to ease the transition from Earth to Alter Earth.

HUNTERS Humans that spend their lives hunting down paranormals.

K’LAX A race of energy based lifeforms from another world.

MADISON Town that houses Haven.

MERMAID Human torso with fish tail.

NYMPH Humanoid water spirit.

PARANORMALS All sentient humanoid species that are not human.

PHOENIX Fire spirit capable of taking human form.

PIXIE Tiny flying humanoid with dragonfly wings.

PROTECTOR Those marked by a guardian to protect their physical body while they are protecting the planet.

SAYTER Legs of a goat and torso of a human.

SHAPESHIFTER Can change into a single animal form and a single human form as part of their birthright. Creatures that can shift due only to gifts from Golden are not included.

TNORAN Immortal humanoids from another world.

TOMBS An alien species that appears as a source of information.

UNICORN Equine with a horn. Can appear as either horse or human.

VAMPIRE Humanoids that require blood to survive but have abilities as a result.

Prelude

Wrapped in a golden shimmer of power the lone woman stood still among the rush of paranormal creatures eager to escape the hunters. The sound of pounding feet and smell of fear heavy sweat marking the once pristine glade. As each paranormal neared her position a flare of raw power reached out to caress them until they vanished in an ozone scented pop. An opalescent dragon landed lightly on the grass before her. His scales glistening rainbows in the sunlight.

David. She said moving to help his paranormal riders dismount.

Golden, the giant beast said lowering his large head to the tiny woman in a show of respect. I have one injured. The hunters let arrows fly at our passing. I tried, but I could not protect them all.

Laying an injured Fae woman carefully at Golden’s feet the dragon turned his head to look at his remaining passengers. Everyone off! Hurry, I have time to rescue others before the hunters get here.

Golden looked up from healing the Fae woman. No David, you do not.

Reaching with her powers she looped a strand of energy over David and, with an ozone pop, sent him to safety beyond the shift on Alter Earth.

David stumbled to his knees on the cool green grass of Alter Earth. The scent of mint and freshly turned soil rapidly replacing the scent of ozone as the air around him cleared. Dropping his head to his chest David felt guilt rise to choke him. Golden should have let him go out again. He could have rescued another twenty paranormals. Maybe more if they were small enough to carry in his paws as he flew.

Oh, real graceful David. Smokey laughter let David know his humiliation was complete. His cousin Issac would let everyone know about David’s less than dignified entry into this new world.

Raising his head to look around David saw others enter the new world and move away to greet friends or family. Looking further David saw his cousin’s emerald scales gleaming from beneath the canopy of the nearby forest.

The flight is setting up an aerie in the mountains. Issac said eyes sparkling as he gestured to the easily visible mountains on the western horizon. You can take over here, I want to go get a spot before all the good ones go. If anyone else makes it through let them know to come join us. Issac walked up to David before rubbing his head along his side in a familial greeting. I am glad you made it little cousin, who would I have messed with if we’d left your sorry self behind? Issac took to the air in a gust of smoke scented wind before David could answer.

Watching him go David smiled. Issac had pink flowers growing from between the scales of his tail. Looking around David saw a dryad standing quietly in the shade of a nearby tree. Stepping towards her David felt a pinch on his own tail.

Turning his head he saw a black unicorn stagger and stumble over his tail stepping on the end again. Whipping a clawed hand out David steadied the unicorn.

Careful the landing is a little rough. Releasing the unicorn David stepped back. His presence often made paranormals feel like prey.

Aye, it is. Thank you for the help. The unicorn turned and looked intently at the shift where it hung shimmering like a puddle in the air. More and more paranormals were appearing around it. The forming crowd jostled and spread out, paranormals quickly directed to their new homes or wandering off to find them. Still the unicorn watched the shift, waiting.

The hunters were nearly at the shift. Golden has to come through. The influx of paranormals stopped. The clearing began to empty. Then the entire planet shook, a violent trembling not stopping until Golden fell through the shift to land on the soft grass, an arrow protruding from her chest. Above her, the shift closed with a quiet pop.

The paranormal beings surrounded the youthful looking Guardian who had saved them, their fear for her apparent. If this woman died their magical haven would become unstable destroying them all.

A drop of golden blood seeped past the arrow. It became a trickle, causing flowers to bloom where it dropped beside her. The sight of that flow of golden power galvanized the paranormals to action. Lowering his onyx horn the unicorn began healing Golden in the way of his people. Raising his head in shock he looked at the still bleeding wound.

It did not work, Rourke muttered in disbelief, shifting to human form. Running a hand through his hair he stared at Golden in disbelief. I tried to heal her. It did not work.

Is she dying? asked a fairy, a pucker of worry forming between her perfect brows.

Rourke knelt, resting a hand against Golden as he used his magic and checked, No. Her life force is stable, the tiny amount of bleeding isn't a problem. The arrow has come to rest next to her heart. I don't think she can heal with or without help while it's there.

Well, you can't take it out, snapped the fairy hugging herself. If she dies, so do we. I say if she's not in danger of death we build her a shelter, make her as comfortable as possible and leave her here.

An alicorn moved gracefully through the crowd, his wings tucked tightly to his side the only visible difference separating him from the unicorns. Lowering himself carefully beside the guardian, Ahearn gently extending a silver wing to warm her.

How much do you expect this stranger to our world to give? Already the price to her is far too high. One day her people will seek her out, what think you they will do if they find her like this? Ahearn blasted along the communal mental path.

A young pixie, no more than ninety years old, hovered near the wound, tears welling in his eyes.

You can see the arrow quiver as her heart beats, he whispered in horror. How will we get it out without killing her?

Does it hurt her? asked the autumn colored dryad, face pallid as she looked at the slowly bleeding wound.

David moved forward lowering his head to the prone woman. His breath knocking the small pixie back a foot as a crystal tear ran down his cheek solidifying before it hit the ground.

Aye, David choked out as her pain buffeted him. It pains her greatly. I have taken as much of her pain as I can.

Golden’s pain rocked around David’s mind both physical and mental, tearing his protective walls down until he felt shredded by not only Golden’s pain but the smaller pains of the other paranormals around him. Tenfold the pain, the cost for using his empathy in this way.

In the shade of the nearby trees a vampire watched. The blood called to Bram. Its power obvious from even this distance, more than that though, Golden called to him. The care that she had taken to know his species. To discover they were not evil as humans had long assumed, they meant no one harm. It had touched him in a way that was not exactly comfortable. He had to help. Leaving the shade would weaken the only powers he possessed that might be of use though.

I can control her bleeding if I can get some shade, Bram called, resigned to facing the mistrust of the other magical creatures to aid the Guardian. Without another word, the autumn dryad dipped an acorn in the blood of the Guardian, thrusting it into the earth nearby.

No, Alona! yelled Rourke, eyes wide with panic. she told us not to make our homes too close to the edge of the shift. Golden said it would disrupt our magic.

Too late, said Alona, smiling as her color changed from autumn to spring. A proud oak growing from her acorn into maturity bathing the area in a cool, solid shade.

Shade guaranteed with my life vampire, she called, Now come, prove her faith in your people.

David extended his massive wing to provide a shaded path to the tree's shelter for the vampire. The approach of the vampire stole David’s breath. The pain the vampire felt was crippling, only shadowed by Golden’s.

Bram arrived at a run, heart pounding he hoped he could help Golden. If he couldn’t the others may well blame him for what whatever happened next. Extending his hands he laid them one above one below the arrow. Everyone watched as the trickle stopped. Someone will need to remove that, he said, nodding at the arrow, sweat beading on his brow with the strain of exerting his powers this way.

Rourke took a deep breath reaching for the shaft.

Wait, Bram said, flicking his head to toss his dark hair back so he could meet Rourke’s eyes. Can you heal like this? Because I can tell you from experience that arrow's going to leave a hole the size of your fist when you pull it out. We could push it through but if it's resting against her heart you should know that while I can control the small bleeds if you rip a hole in her aorta she will die.

Rourke paled, No, I can't even see what I'm doing in this form. He cringed at the thought of what his carelessness might have done.

A wolf shifter stepped forward his hair showing the mottled color of his pelt, his eyes dark amber.

I have the strength needed unicorn. Take your natural form, let your wisdom guide my hand as you heal her, he growled wrapping a large but gentle hand over the arrows quivering shaft. Rourke shimmered briefly before lowering his dark horn to the wound once more as he sent his consciousness pulsing forward to study the wound. A moment passed, then another before in the deep silence of the communal pathway Rourke whispered,

It's a barbed arrow. If we pull it the size of the scratch in her heart will enlarge to a definite hole. It will take some time to repair such damage, it's possible she will bleed out before I'm done even with the vampire slowing the flow. If we try to push it through it's going to take out half her heart though. I know I can't heal that in time.

Out it is then, said Niall. With one decisive tug, he pulled the arrow free.

Blood sprayed out spurting as high as the dragon's wing. The young pixie dived headfirst into the wound, retreating a moment later. Stepping lightly across her breast the pixie coughed and spluttered, clearly missing one segment of his prismatic dragonfly wings.

What's gotten into you lad? growled the wolf, smiling as the blood slowed then stopped.

They grow back. She was bleeding so much, I did not think he could help, he said, gesturing at the vampire who grimaced. Plus the ’corn already said it would take him time to heal it. Me mom could have done it more neatly, but she's taken me brothers and sisters off to find a nice spot for the family.

That was not you? Niall asked of the vampire.

No, I was trying to keep her heart steadied so the shock would not kill her. I figured the ’corn would have her healed before she could bleed out, mumbled Bram his face graying from strain.

What did you do little one? Niall asked the pixie.

He used his wing and much of his power to make a patch for the hole in her heart. The wing is waterproof, so blood couldn’t seep out. Thanks to him and the vampire I should have her all fixed up in a minute. Rourke muttered the lines of his body tense from the exertion.

David watched as the unicorn worked to heal Golden keeping his wing extended over the vampire until Bram collapsed at his side. Head swimming from the tenfold pain tearing his mind apart, David lowered his wing to cover Bram. Laying his head on the ground next to Golden David watched the unicorn work, his skull pounding until the blackness took him.

David woke to a gentle hand on his cheek. Pain of thousands, both emotional and physical, pounding his mind and body. Screaming David grabbed his head, claws gouging as he attempted to tear the pain out at the source.

Stop. The pain fell away replaced by a sense of comfort.

Sorry. I thought I had you covered but your gifts have increased more than I expected. Opening his eyes David saw Golden standing before him, her hand running over his nose.

You call this a gift? Woman, you are delusional. David huffed a puff of smoke. The echo of agony stripping away his manners. It takes years to build shields and control before a young dragon can go out in public. More years before we can use our gifts to help others. All those years thrown away. It feels like my shields are gone. David sighed mentally probing his battered mental shields.

What happened? How did I end up as helpless as a newling? How long will your shielding protect me? David paused realizing he wasn’t giving Golden a chance to answer him. Not that the Guardian looked like she was in any hurry to produce answers. In fact standing there shifting her feet and biting her lip, she looked rather like she had something to hide.

Leaning against him Golden heaved a breath and explained. When one of my people is assigned a planet to guard we choose protectors to look after our bodies. We spend so much time outside our bodies searching the skies for threats it is the only way we can remain safe. I didn’t need to for this world. The greatest threat here isn’t directed at me. It is directed at the paranormals by the humans without gifts out of fear or jealousy. If I had chosen protectors I would have marked them with my blood. A single drop is enough, it would have caused small changes. Made you stronger, faster, more than you were. Strong enough to protect me from anything. This happened unwittingly when my blood splashed on your wing.

Walking to his side Golden stroked the wing still covering Bram. Lifting the wing gently David could indeed see that a pattern of gold covered not only the underside of his wing but the vampire too.

Looks like I’m not the only one you have to explain this to. Looking around David became aware of carefully constructed shelters covering a large group of paranormals. Sunlight splashing through on the species that needed it to survive. Clearly, they had been here awhile. Everyone he could see was splashed in some way with Golden’s blood.

No, Rourke took it well and you don’t look like you are ready to eat me so hopefully everyone follows your lead. Golden moved to turn away before she hesitated. Those aren’t my shields David. I taught your mind how to deal with the increase in your powers. You’ll have the same control you are used too. Just more power. Enough to protect me from the worst the universe has to offer. Given a choice I couldn’t have found a protector with more heart than you.

Given a choice, I would have accepted the position. Do you think we did not notice the sacrifice you made to keep us safe? David gently nudged Golden. One thing though, do you know where my parents are? It looks like we’ve been here awhile. They must be so worried.

It has been centuries David. It’s an unfortunate possibility but your parents might have passed. Golden said her head bowing.

No. Dragons live a long time and so do their mates. David shrugged careful of the smaller paranormals tucked around him. Plus I can feel my flight, my folks are alive.

As David finished speaking the whoosh of large wings alerted him to the arrival of a dragon. David turned his head, spotting the peacock blue scales of his father. Watching as Golden moved off, her hand sliding along his side, presumably to awaken another accidental protector David addressed his parents.

Sire, Matriarch.

David you’re awake! His mother rushed to his side burying herself in the scales between his shoulder and neck.

Mom, I’m so sorry I didn’t make it home. I didn’t mean to worry you. David said tucking his head around until he had his mother wrapped in a dragonish hug.

Oh, baby it is okay. I was beginning to think you were never going to wake up. I’m so glad to see your beautiful eyes open again. Tears sparkled in his mothers eyes making David’s heart clench hard in his chest. He never wanted to cause his mother pain.

His father walked up to David’s side his human form tall and dark. With a smile he slipped his arms around Rebecca’s waist pulling her to his side. Rebecca, leave off the boy. You just saw him yesterday.

Yesterday he was still asleep Jacob. A mother can hug her baby no matter how big he gets. David snuggled his nose up next to his mother. His fathers warm hand slid over his scales and David felt the reassuring presence of his parents in his mind.

I’m fine, really I am. David whispered to his parents. Please do not fight because of me.

Oh honey, we don’t fight. Rebecca whispered reassuringly, snuggling between her husband and son in the warm cave created by David’s body and wing. I’ve got so much to tell you David. We made them leave a cave free for you, we knew you’d wake up eventually. And you’re not going to believe what your cousin has been up to.

David listened as his mother filled him in on all the family news. So much time had passed he was lucky he had a family to come back to. Many of those around him wouldn’t be so lucky.

Standing before her newfound protectors Golden lifted her head to address them. "I have a request, a journey I must ask you to undertake in my place. The untimely interference of hunters caused us to leave behind some who should reside with us. Eight hundred years have passed in the world beyond the shift. The descendants of those we left behind have no idea of what they are, or what they are capable of. Many live in human form, although I sense some in their base animal forms. The gifts that are their birthright alienates them. You must find them, explain what they are. This will not be easy. All of you are creatures of myth and legend. The truth believed by only the most stubborn of hunters, the most quixotic believers. The hunters still stalk your kind, without your natural defenses those that remain are helpless, targets slaughtered at the hunters’ convenience.

You must not be seen in your natural forms or committing any public act of magic. I know what I ask of you is hard, nigh impossible in fact. I will not think less of any that choose not to go. Dropping her head, her lashes fluttered down. I ask now, who will embark on this journey?"

Chapter One

Heart pounding Emma stood behind the door as terror threatened to overwhelm her. He’d found her. She didn’t know how but that bastard ex of hers had found her and now she was going to die.

Sliding down the wall Emma wrapped her arms around her knees fighting back a whimper. The door rattled again as he tried to gain access to her room. Emma flinched away then froze watching the knob intently.

Keith, wrong room! A voice called from outside. Crap man you are really fucked up aren’t you? You’ve gotta lay off the hard stuff. As the voice faded away Emma gasped for air. A mistake, it was just a mistake.

Emma? A voice in her mind, gravelly in the sexiest of ways.

Not now David, Emma snapped opening eyes she hadn’t even been aware she’d closed.

Just making sure you are okay. An adrenaline spike just echoed through our connection. David’s voice echoed in Emma’s mind. After a year of him popping in and out of her mind it no longer shocked her.

Just peachy. I saw a mouse okay! God. If you want me to show up for this wedding you are going to have to take a step back. Trembles shook Emma’s entire body. She was so confused. Part of her shook in terror whenever she thought about returning to Madison for Kaitlyn and Rourke’s wedding. It meant she’d have to face David. The last time she saw him that hadn’t worked out so well for her. The other part of her melted at the sound of his voice in her head. The wicked things this man said to her could make Emma orgasm without a single touch. That was the problem though, the touching.

I’m not yours David. Claiming it doesn’t make it so. You can back the hell off anytime now. Emma said renewed terror causing her teeth to chatter as she rubbed her hands over her face.

No love, you aren’t and that’s my fault. But I am yours. David’s reply caused Emma’s heart and stomach to clench as her terror eased under a wave of lust.

Before Mason that sentiment would have won her in a heartbeat. Many things were different before Mason. Over the last year, David had proven his love was unconditional. He professed it even when Emma yelled her hatred and fear down their link at him. Yet David never asked for anything. Never asked her to meet him, never asked her to love him back. He was just there. There to comfort her when she needed it. There to love her, even when she didn’t deserve it. Emma worked so hard to stop Mason’s attack from changing her life but clearly, she was failing.

Before Mason, she wouldn’t have lived in fear of everything. Before Mason, having David jump her might have pissed her off but it wouldn’t have terrified her. Before Mason.

If only she had met David before Mason. Emma wished she could trust that David wouldn’t attack her again. Even the thought of being in a position where a large male had control of her body again sent chills through her.

Moving back to the bed Emma opened her suitcase. Most of her belongings were already in it. She hadn’t unpacked fully since she ran from Haven. Not because of David though. Because Mason could show up anytime, anyplace. Emma knew Mason was still looking for her. He’d never give up, not until she was dead.

I am so sick of living out of suitcases, Emma said as she packed the last of her belongings.

Stay at Kaitlyn’s place then. I’ll stay away if you need me to Emma. David’s voice came again. A soothing balm on Emma’s frazzled nerves. I hope eventually you’ll be able to see me without fear. I can’t begin to apologize enough for scaring you. I’d never make that mistake again. David promised. We get along most of the time when we just talk right?

Sure, or I’m crazy and you’re all in my imagination. Emma’s phone beeped. One sec.

Grabbing her phone Emma tossed the charger into her bag before looking at the message. ‘Not crazy.’

Smart ass, Emma said with a smile. It would be so easy to fall for David. If only she could forget he had a violent side. The memory of last year's disastrous meeting was burned into her mind.

Emma knelt next to the large dog she had found in Kaitlyn’s lounge when she had awoken. You are a sweetie aren’t you? she said running her hands through his soft fur. Just having you here makes me feel better. Mason really hates dogs. If he shows up you’ll probably make him piss himself.

The thought made Emma smile. Kaitlyn’s house was perfect. She felt so safe here. As an added bonus now magic was real. Well, I suppose magic has always been real but it’s new to me, Emma said to the dog. I wish I knew what your name is. I feel bad calling you dog all the time. Maybe I’ll call Kaitlyn after lunch.

Standing Emma moved towards the