Primal Instincts: Dragons of the South, #3

By Rebecca Tran

A female dragon content to be alone. The future lead of the Hopi dragons. Asking the American Dragons for help will change their lives forever…

 

Makya Rivers is the future lead of the Hopi dragons. Relentlessly hunted for centuries for their land and otherworldly abilities, the tribe's number of dragons is now dwindling. When he turns to the American Dragons for help and meets Liv, his beast begins behaves strangely. It's like she has a magnetic pull the dragon can't resist. The more Makya tries to ignore it, the more restless his beast becomes. Will Makya discover the reason behind his dragon's behavior before it's too late, or will his denial cost him everything?

 

Liv McCloud vowed only to date the strongest dragons. It was what led to her failed relationship with Hunter and why she is alone now. Liv doesn't mind, though, she is happy to be alone, that is until she meets Makya Rivers. Her dragon knows instantly; he is their mate. Too bad, he doesn't. Liv's dragon is sure of it, though, and does everything it can to force them together. Liv is overly cautious, though, worrying about everything that could go wrong. The last thing she wants is to lose her last chance at love.  Will Liv's patience win out, or will her dragon takeover?

 

Primal Instinct is the third book in The Dragons of the South Series. It builds a loving relationship between two complicated people. Don't worry, there is plenty of steamy love scenes and action to round out the story. Warning: There is a scene of gore that may be unpleasant to some.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebecca Tran
• Release date: Nov 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393582380

Rebecca Tran

Rebecca Tran is an award-winning author, reviewer and blogger. She started writing when she was sixteen as self-prescribed therapy after her father passed away and hasn’t stopped since. Rebecca is also a pharmacist, and mother to two rambunctious girls and a Boston Terrier. If she ever has free time she likes combing resale shops to add to her teapot collection or quilting. Currently, she lives in her home state of Missouri.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Makya stared at Tess . He didn’t know why she was being so difficult. It wasn’t like he was asking to move to the territory. It was a simple meeting. Still, she was arguing with him. Makya looked to his uncle for help. The cunning old dragon was indifferent as he sat in his chair, grinning. It left Makya wondering if his uncle was laughing at him or just an idiot. It was frustrating since it was his uncle that insisted on this meeting. Apparently, he wasn’t concerned if it actually occurred, though.

The elders that gathered in John Sparrow’s home observed the scene. They watched him closely, taking note of every move he made, waiting for him to fail. He had to make this work. Makya took a deep breath. Then he thought about it from Tess’ perspective. Whether or not her mates were dragons, Tess was still protecting them. He suggested a neutral meeting spot instead, and Tess instantly calmed down.

Makya took a deep calming breath. Why was he so nervous? He was the next leader of his tribe. His destiny was set. Wasn’t it? Makya shook himself. Of course, it was. He had to do this now. He had to meet with these European dragons who lived all over the country now. If their kind wanted to survive, it was their only choice.

The source of Makya’s power was deep within. The dragon lay sleeping. It never cared about the politics of the tribe. His dragon lived for the hunt and a good fight. It would lend it’s power to Makya whenever he called, though, to secure their position. He felt that strength surge through him now. It was familiar and intoxicating all at the same time. Makya felt his dragon puff in annoyance at his thoughts before turning inside him and going back to sleep.

Makya cleared his throat, wishing he had a glass of water. He felt the bead of sweat roll down his back. The air conditioner hummed quietly outside, but with so many gathered in one small room, it had trouble keeping up. Pushing such distractions away, Makya looked at Tess once more. They had played together as children once or twice. Makya always knew she was special. He didn’t know how until her power fully developed.

A medicine woman with the ability to heal shifters was a rare and valuable talent. Now she belonged to the Americans. Makya sighed. She chose that life and was still willing to help her people. The fact that she was here meant her mates were supportive of her choices. The pair couldn’t be as bad as the tribe feared. Tess folded her arms, growing more agitated by the second. Makya had to say something, or he would lose his chance.

I know you are a busy woman, Tess, and I thank you for coming all the way out here, Makya told her. Tess’ arms loosened a little. The tribe needs the American’s help. She tensed up again. I swear no one will be in any danger.

Help with what? Tess asked with a sidelong glance.

I would rather discuss it with your mates present. Makya rubbed the tattoo on his forearm.

And I would prefer  not to be surprised. She squared her shoulders.

The tribal elder laughed. You’d think she was the lead, better watch out, Makya.

A low growl escaped before Makya could stop it. He hadn’t even realized his dragon was awake till then. Our dragons grow fewer in number each year. We aren’t like the other shifters in the tribe. We have to mate with another shifter to have shifter offspring, and only another dragon can assure a dragon is born. The last female dragon mated four years ago, and none have been born since.

The tension left Tess’ shoulders. She was silent a long moment before she laughed a little. Makya’s dragon stood at attention. Her reaction angered it. Wait, so you just want the chance to mate with the female dragons in the territory? That’s what all this was about? Makya nodded. He had no idea why she thought it was amusing. Things with the American dragons don’t work like the shifters in our tribe. You don’t get to claim one."

Makya stiffened, That isn’t how it's done.

Any more, the eldest tribe member grumbled.

The females have a say. It’s a mutual mating. Makya explained.

The Americans don’t get a say in their mating. It's like their destiny or something. Tess played with a strand of hair, thinking, while the tribe members stared. Their souls know before their dragon, or the person ever does. Once they find one another, if the mating doesn’t occur, the dragon loses their chance at happiness. It's like the soul already mated the other person.

It’s hopeless then, Makya sighed, rubbing the tattoo on his forearm.

I’m not saying that. Hunter, our Enforcer, is mated to a wolf. I just want you to know your dragons can’t go in expecting to find a mate. It may take time if it happens at all.

There are other territories, is that correct, Tess? The elder dragon asked.

Let’s just see what my mates say first. She sighed, Come on, Makya. Tess turned to leave.

What now, he nearly jumped.

Mac loves it when I bring home surprises.

Makya had no idea what Tess meant by that. He couldn’t even tell if she meant to be sarcastic or not if Tess was giving him the chance to meet with the lead of the territory he had to take it. He ran his fingers through his hair, combing out the tangles before following her.

Liv leaned back in the seat of the car with her feet hanging out of the window. She parked in the tiny speck of shade John Sparrow had in his front yard. Now she was enjoying the breeze and hoping to catch a nap. Mac and Paxton kept her running all the time now, guarding their mate. Her new job was a great bonus, though. It was undoubtedly better than her old job managing the café. She got a pay raise and did less work.

Just as Liv settled down and was nearly asleep, the hinges on the screen door creaked.  She heard Tess’ footsteps on the wooden porch. She didn’t sound upset or in a hurry, so Liv stayed put. Then the screen door opened again. The heftier footfalls behind Tess made Liv get up. She was on her feet and standing beside the car before the second person hit the bottom stair.

Liv’s dragon was near the surface, ready for a fight. It coiled tight, waiting to spring forth the instant she needed her. The breeze carried the scent to Liv before she could register what she was seeing. A dragon. ‘Mate,’ her beast whispered. Her muscles tightened. Liv didn’t see a dragon though she saw Tess and a young Hopi man behind her. He was tall and muscular. His skin was the deep rich red ocre that all their people had. His long black hair blew in the breeze, and Liv caught the scent again. He was the dragon, and he was gorgeous.  ‘Mate,’ she heard once more. Oh fuck, Liv cursed silently.

Rushing forward, Liv grabbed Tess’ hand and stepped in front of her leader’s mate. Liv whispered as quietly as she could that he was a dragon. Then she inched Tess backward. Tess pulled her arm free. She already knew. It was why her father wanted the meeting. Liv stood there, motionless. She didn’t know what to do. If Tess knew her people had dragon shifters, why hadn’t she said anything? Tess assured her they would talk later. Liv shook herself. It was one of the many things Liv liked about Tess. The woman had a sixth sense or something. She always knew what was bothering someone. Liv relaxed, finally able to process the introduction that was taking place.

This male dragon was named Makya Rivers. He was young. Too young, Liv snarled at her dragon before she could put thoughts in their head. But when he smiled at her... No, Liv told herself. He was going to a meeting with Mac. It