Viper

By KD Jones

Viper is good at two things—protecting his people and keeping to himself. As an enforcer for the West Fire Dragons, his job is to hunt down rogue dragon shifters that pose a risk to the Drakonians living on Earth. He’s not scared of many things in this world, but the tiny blond-haired librarian of Dragoon, Arizona, is the most frightening creature he has ever encountered. His inner dragon wants to claim her, but would she be able to fully accept him? Danger brings them together and both must face their attraction for one another. Will they be able to see through the walls each has put up, or will they let fear keep them apart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: KD Jones
• Release date: Oct 2, 2020

KD Jones

KD Jones has been a huge fan of both romance novels and science fiction novels since she was 16 years old. Her favorite television shows growing up were Star Trek and Doctor Who. When not writing, she can usually be found curled up on the couch with a good book, working on her hobby of photography, or spending time with her family.

Book preview

Viper

Book 5 in the Dragon Warriors Series

KD Jones

Copyright 2020 KD Jones

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Blurb

Viper is good at two things—protecting his people and keeping to himself. As an enforcer for the West Fire Dragons, his job is to hunt down rogue dragon shifters that pose a risk to the Drakonians living on Earth. He’s not scared of many things in this world, but the tiny blond-haired librarian of Dragoon, Arizona, is the most frightening creature he has ever encountered. His inner dragon wants to claim her, but would she be able to fully accept him? Danger brings them together and both must face their attraction for one another. Will they be able to see through the walls each has put up, or will they let fear keep them apart?

Chapter 1

Drakonia Pre-Evacuation

Why are you standing there like a statue?

A young Viper glanced over his shoulder to find his father glaring at him. He felt his cheeks heat from staring up at the trees blocking the view of the castle. This was the closest he had come to reaching the gates of the royal homestead.

Until now, he would sell produce with his mother on the pathway to the cooks from the castle. His mother was too shy to go through the gates and some of that hesitation filled him. He tried to think of an excuse to stop or turn back but had taken too long. His father growled and took hold of his arm, shaking him. His ten-year-old body wasn’t able to withstand the force and fell to the ground easily. His father pointed to the building to the right.

That is the palace registration for warriors in training. Did you not see the lettering?

I... must have missed it, Father.

Why did the gods stick me with such a stupid child? You’re just like your mother, always staring off into the sky as if the gods wrote the answers in the clouds. She was only good for cooking and birthing a son. Well, she failed me at the latter since she gave me an idiot.

Viper heard this from his father many times. Viper did not have patience or sympathy for anyone he believed to be weak. His mother and father were not true mates, and she withstood his abuse for years to protect Viper.

Eventually, she couldn’t take anymore and her spirit went to the great beyond. Losing her broke Viper’s heart, but he was glad she was safe from the tyrant they both had lived with. He swore that once fully trained as a warrior, he would show his father the true meaning of fear. It didn’t stop the anger building inside him of the hateful way his father spoke of his mother. Viper wanted to lash out, hurt the male that should have been there for them.

Boy, are you listening to me? His father was about to grasp his hair when another voice interrupted.

Is there a problem here?

Viper looked up to find Prince Reichardt standing a few feet from them. He was ten years older than Viper, but in his adolescent mind, the prince was a formidable warrior. Evidently his father thought the same. He released Viper and bowed his head slightly in respect.

No problem, Prince Reichardt. I was bringing my son here to begin his warrior training. He’s worthless for anything else except to serve in the army for Drakonians.

The prince didn’t smile but gave an assessing look from his father to him. Viper didn’t shift, despite how uncomfortable he felt under that heavy stare.

I’ll take him from here, Reichardt said. He should be home for the evening meal.

No need. I spoke earlier to a trainer about having him work for a room and for his training supplies.

We provide all of our warriors with training supplies at no cost to their families, Reichardt told him.

Well, he’s at your service now. I relinquish all responsibility for him.

I will see to his training and whatever else he may need, Reichardt reassured him.

Viper’s father was already turning and walking away. Viper stared after him for a moment. Pain and regret filled him. Why couldn’t his father have been a different male? Maybe a male that was caring and gentle, one that would have loved and protected him and his mother. He just wasn’t capable of it. Viper was grateful that his mother had shown him love.

What’s your name? Reichardt asked him.

Viper, Your Highness.

Reichardt waved that off. I’m Reichardt or if you prefer Warrior Reichardt. I’m still in training myself. I’ve not seen you around these parts before.

We live on the border further south.

You and your family?

My father, me and my mother. My mother passed on a few months ago.

You didn’t attend educating classes with the other villagers?

No, Your Highness... Warrior Reichardt. We couldn’t afford it, and my father said that it was a waste to teach someone as stupid as me. Why had he said that? His father had already made a horrible impression. What must the prince think of him?

Reichardt placed a comforting hand on his thin shoulder. I will see if an educator can assist with your education.

Oh no, I just want to train and serve you and the king as a warrior.

I will pay for the educator.

I can’t learn, sire, the letters make little sense to me. So it would be useless to pay for an educator.

I will relent for now on the educator. Let’s see what you have, Warrior Viper.

Chapter 2

Present day, King R Ranch, Dragoon, Arizona - EARTH

Is that all you’ve got, Viper? King Reichardt yelled out as he walked around in a training circle.

Viper took a moment to glance around the field the warriors used for training. A small crowd was gathering, some standing on the other side of the wooden fencing, younger warriors on the lower beam of the tied planks. Elders had brought out lawn chairs and took a seat like it was a grand show. He was so distracted that he didn’t duck in time and Reichardt landed a kick in his stomach, knocking him onto his ass.

Damn it! Viper grumbled as he sprung back up to his feet.

Pay attention to the warrior in front of you, not to those gawking.

Kick his ass, baby!

Reichardt smiled at his very pregnant mate, Gema. This time, Viper caught him off guard by rushing and tackling Rei to the ground.

Humph! Reichardt lost the air from his lungs. You hit like a Mack truck. Have you gained some weight?

I’m all muscle, my friend.

Viper stood, then reached a hand out to help his friend to his feet. We could call this match a tie, he offered.

Reichardt snorted. I’m not that old—yet.

He shrugged. Just trying to help you save face in front of your mate.

The male couldn’t stop himself from glancing at Gema. He frowned. Gema! Get off the fence. You’re carrying my heir.

Gema waved his worries away. This one is too stubborn like her father to get hurt. Hurry and take Viper down. I’m getting hungry.

Reichardt swore, and then turned to Viper with a smirk. "You know how she gets when she’s hangry."

Viper groaned, as did the rest of the crowd. They all knew that a hungry Gema was not a pleasant thing. I can fake a knockout.

That won’t be necessary, Reichardt said as he rushed Viper. The king was one of the strongest of their people and one of the most experienced warriors—for a good reason.

The hit lifted Viper into the air before he slammed him to the ground. Then the king straddled him and punched him over and over. He gave an effort, moving his legs up and trying to wrap around Reichardt’s waist, dragging him off. They both struggled to get the upper hand; Viper took most of the blows. He would never let Reichardt know that he did that on purpose.

"I call it! It’s a