Ivormantis, Dragons of Dragonose 3

By Lady V and Alice Brown

Dominic is a wounded dragon warrior who has accompanied his friend Blain Barrymire to Earth to heal. Little does he realize how much his life will change when he discovers his mate running from a group of rogue vampires.

Meldamiriel is always on the run from supernaturals wanting to steal her power. When she heads to her best friend’s new home, she doesn’t expect to find her mate waiting for her. Can Dominic convince Meldamiriel to finally stand up and face the evil for a chance to live a normal life? Does she have the courage, strength, and stamina to stand up for herself and her mate; or will she allow her old fears to get the better of her, dooming herself to a life on the run?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lady V
• Release date: Dec 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005959135

Lady V

Lady V started her writing journey while still in high school, using fictional characters to handle her own emotional issues. Once she started, she knew it was her life’s calling. Although she remained unseen in the Vampires Among Us series, she helped her mother, Alice Brown out on several action scenes. Lady V originally came up with the idea for Dragons of Dragonose, and although it was the first collaboration for this mother/daughter duo, it certainly is not the last. This dynamic mother/daughter duo can be found collaborating on stories and writing almost every day. When not writing, Lady V can be found enjoying reading, knitting, catching up on the latest action movie, or playing with her dog and two cats.

Book preview

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Epilogue

The Dragonose Pub & Grill

Dragons of Dragonose Characters

About the Authors

Ivormantis

Dragons of Dragonose

Book 3

By Alice Brown & Lady V

Cover Art by Jess Buffet

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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History of Dragonose

Humanity had lived and feared the beasts around them for many years. Some of these beasts were very large. Not only could they fly, but their jaws could snap a man in half in the blink of an eye. Some had scales, some not, and often the different beasts did not get along. As they battled it out for a show of dominance, the earth would tremble until finally, the fight would end with death. Only then would the other beast walk or fly away as the victor.

Humans tried to stay as far away from the beasts as they could. They lived in caves but were sometimes forced out of their homes when creatures suddenly took over. And, of course, man was also forced to go out and find food. To do this, he put himself in grave danger of these beasts.

Far, far away, on the other side of the galaxy, was the realm of Dragonose. Humans did not know this realm. It was a magical place, created for a particular time that was fast approaching.

There have been many speculations, scientific and educated beliefs about what happened to the dinosaurs and humanity's beginning. But, to date, man has yet to discover Dragonose. And so, he has been kept in the dark all these years as to what happened. The dinosaurs? They were deemed more trouble than they were worth. Many dinosaurs were giants but with virtually no brain. When the meteor hit the earth, it changed the lives of all who lived on the planet. The dinosaurs were deemed disposable. Only a few survived, and because of the fall-out from the meteor, they were significantly reduced in size. They are what man knows today as alligators, bearded dragons, Chinese water dragons, geckos, and lizards.

But the gods looked down on both man and the dragons that roamed the earth. The dragons were graceful creatures but with little intelligence. Humans were not so elegant but had learned to adapt to their surroundings and had proven to educate themselves. So what would happen if the two became one?

The gods controlled the meteor that hit the earth that fateful day long, long ago. Although it killed many, they deemed certain men and dragons worthy of being instantly transported to Dragonose.

Since then, man and beast have shared one body. These creatures can shift from human to dragon and back to human whenever the need arises. Centuries have passed, and these creatures have learned to get along with one another with time. The land of Dragonose has evolved and is now civilized and cultured, a world to be revered.

But, as often is the case, some think Dragonose shouldn't exist. The worst of them are the Raptorians. The Raptorians are powerful enemies to the Dragonose land and its inhabitants. These creatures come from the world Raptor and also have the ability to shift from man to beasts. They take on a T-Rex look in their beast form, but are shorter, have longer snouts, and have vicious razor-sharp teeth. Most of these creatures stand approximately nine to twelve feet tall in their shifted form and believe they should rule the world.

Dragonose has had many skirmishes with their enemies and knows more will come. Thankfully, the Raptorians have not discovered the portals the Dragonose people hold in tight secret. These portals allow them to easily step from their world on Dragonose to Earth and back again.

The only problem Dragonose has is its shortage of females. No one knows why the male birth rate has been 5-1 to females. This situation has sent many Dragonose males to earth to find a mate. Some have happily resettled on earth, and the only time they return to their homeland is when their king summons them. Others came to earth with no real intention of staying any length of time. What surprised them was to find out they were not the only different species on the planet. They soon discovered many other species in shapeshifters, vampires, elves, etc., all living and sharing the same air and land. All share the same secret knowing human’s understanding of other life forms is not at a level of acceptance.

And the portals? They are guarded and protected by the Dragons, with very few knowing their existence. Not even the high council, who governs all others while on earth, knows of their existence. The Dragonose biggest fear is that eventually, the Raptorians will discover one of these secret portals, which will allow them to reach earth. And that will be a terrible day indeed because today's humans could not even begin to win against an army of Raptorians.

Prologue

Blain, Natasha, and Dominic made their way back through the portal to Blain’s castle in Iceland. Their lives had changed forever while on the trip to Blain's homeland. While there, the Dragonose enemy had attacked. Blain, Natasha, and Dominic had fought to preserve the Dragonose way of life, but it had come at a steep price. Both Dominic and Blain had received permanent injuries during the skirmish. The Raptorians had cut out Blain's right eye, never to be repaired or replaced. Their trip had been delayed for several weeks to allow Blain's eye to heal and Dominic to become strong enough to go through the portal.

As bad as Blain’s eye injury was, Dominic’s injury was the worst by far. With his wings damaged in the fight, he could not fly. After the injury, he was forced to stay in dragon form until part of his injuries healed. Then, once he shifted back to human, the doctor informed him he had to remain in human form or risk becoming paralyzed. The damage to his dragon transferred over to a human spinal injury, making for a very miserable Dominic. Dr. Quinn had fitted him with a back brace, limiting movement for the shifter. Even though Natasha had wanted to return home right after the battle, she and Blain couldn't leave his good friend in such bad shape. They stuck around, helping to care for Dominic until the doctor released him for travel.

The trip through the portal was much different returning to Earth than when they left for Dragonose. Blain carried a human Dominic on his back while Natasha released Naquadus, her dragon, and trusted the beast to get them home. Seeing the portal through the reptilian eyes of her dragon was a unique experience. Natasha only thought the colors were beautiful as she traveled on Blain’s back on their way to Dragonose. But watching through her dragon's eyes, everything was much brighter and more transparent. It is beautiful, Tashe, her dragon sighed as they came out of the other end of the portal. Naquadus quickly stepped back and let Natasha return to the forefront. Natasha promptly dressed in the clothing Blain brought for them before they started the long walk home.

Blain's right eye now held a permanent patch where the eye once sat. The Raptorians knew just where to hit to achieve maximum pain and loss. When they jabbed the sword in his eye, they knew that they were damaging one of the most vulnerable spots on a dragon.

The walk through the woods to the castle was prolonged because Dominic needed to take periodic breaks. He was doing well, but nowhere near one hundred percent yet. He was walking slower and slower, and Natasha knew he was hurting and would need to get him settled soon so he could rest.

Natasha glanced over to her mate. She loved him with everything she had and knew he loved her. Blain started letting his beard grow out as they waited for Dominic to heal, and now with his dark hair, closely trimmed beard, and patch over his right eye, Natasha marveled at how handsome he was. Yes, he was now more rugged-looking, but that just made her love him all the more. He had fought in a horrific battle, severely outnumbered, injured permanently, but never let his outlook for life or his love for his mate dimmer. She wrapped an arm around his waist and hugged him. He was all hers, and she was determined to show him how much she loved him every day of her life.

Natasha had just turned to check on Dominic when something whizzed past them, traveling at an incredible speed.

What in the hell was that? Blain growled as he immediately went into a crouch, irritated that they were not even home yet, but his peace was being disturbed.

Natasha sucked in a lung full of air. That’s Meldamiriel. She turned to Dominic, feeling the need to explain quickly. Meldamiriel is a good friend of mine. She’s also a very rare omega elf, can control all four elements, and can shapeshift into almost anything.

Natasha noticed Dominic stopped and sniffed the air before replying. Okay, why is she running like the hounds of hell are after her?

Before Natasha had the chance to respond, Blain growled out one word. Vampires. The warning was clear; there were vampires in the area after the little elf.

They rounded the corner to see Meldamiriel had reached the front door and was pounding on it as if her life depended on it. Natasha glanced over to see Dominic's face turn to complete rage.

Dominic, no! You can’t shift! Natasha snapped, wondering why the man was so upset.

Her mate's best friend looked her in the eye for a moment before replying in a low voice. They are all dead. Do you hear me? They are all dead. Because your friend, the little elf, is my mate, and my dragon will kill anything that comes near her!

***

How far can one person run?  How fast can one person run?  Sooner or later, no matter how quick you may be or how strong, everyone reaches the end of the line. As Meldamiriel put on a final burst of speed, praying that she made it to her destination to Dragonmire Castle, she hoped that she would find basic safety and sanctuary. If she reached her destination, something she wasn't sure would happen. She had been running for the past week. There is no stopping for food, water, shower, sleep, changing clothing, nothing. The ones hunting her were close, but she knew if she hadn't tapped into her secret powers, she would not have made it this long. Her friend Natasha had promised she would be safe at the castle; Meldamiriel just had to get there. The Russian vampire clan Bullock had been hot on her heels for a week solid. They were determined; she would give them that much. She’d used every trick in the book and all of her powers, just trying to stay one step ahead of them. Still, trying to run across the country from blood-thirsty creatures was not an easy accomplishment. Then again, if she didn't have these powers, if she weren't an Omega Elf and wielder of all four elements, she wouldn't be in this position in the first place. No, she would be able to live out her life peacefully like an average person. However, she would never be normal, hence why she was being run down by a pack of vampires intent on gaining her powers.

Meldamiriel could control all four elements, earth, air, water, and fire. She also could shapeshift into any animal of choice. Unfortunately, her unique powers came with a mighty price. Every other supernatural being out there seemed to want her power. Why? The same reason humans have wanted power for years. To destruct, destroy, and rule those around them. Her abilities kept her on the ‘most wanted’ list for Supernaturals. Even Natasha had been cautious not to let the council know of Meldamiriel’s abilities. It was bad enough they had trained Natasha to be an assassin and then waited for her superpowers to kick in, which they never did. At least they hadn't until she mated with Blain and went to Dragonose. It seemed her friend's latent powers had finally emerged. But if the council got wind of Meldamiriel, they would force her to do their bidding. It seemed everyone was greedy and wanted the ultimate power she possessed. All Meldamiriel wanted was a chance to live everyday life.

Though she feared giant, scaly, fire-breathing dragons (really, who wouldn’t?), she knew she could trust her friend Natasha to keep her safe from all harm. And since she had nowhere else to go, no one else to turn to, she supposed getting help from dragons was now her best bet at surviving. At least they were one of the few paranormal creatures that hadn't tried hunting her down.

Meldamiriel ran so fast that she sped past her friend Natasha and Blain. But there was another dragon shifter with them, one she didn't know. For reasons she couldn't name, she felt a pull towards him. But she couldn't stop now. She knew the vampires were close, too close. She had to seek shelter in the castle, and fast!

As she came to a screeching halt at the front door of the castle, Meldamiriel could hear the conversation behind her. Just as the hairs on her arms began to stand up in warning, she heard one of the dragon shifter men behind her breathe out the warning, vampires. She pounded frantically at the front door, even though she knew Natasha and Blain were coming up behind her. She wouldn't feel safe until she was behind a few locked doors, preferably with numerous guards standing nearby.

The big, heavy doors opened, and she pushed past the person on the other side with little thought. There, she made it. She collapsed on the floor in a heap, trying to catch her breath and relieve the stitch in her side. Natasha came crashing through the doors a moment later and skidded to a halt beside her, throwing her arms around her friend. Meldamiriel, are you okay?

Still trying to catch her breath, she managed a nod and then pointed to the double doors. I was followed.

Natasha pulled her friend up to a standing position before replying. I know, but you are not to worry. Blain has many guards; you are safe here. She turned her friend away from the door and towards the stairs. Let’s get you settled into a room, and then you can tell me what’s going on.

The two friends walked up the stairs arm in arm. Goodness, Meldamiriel was tired. As Natasha opened the door to a guest bedroom, Meldamiriel felt ashamed of her appearance. She didn't need a mirror to know she looked awful. She'd been on the run for the past five days. There was no time for sleep, the luxury of a shower, or even clean clothing. She was barely able to grab a few morsels of food here and there to keep her going. She suspected the vampires had planned it this way. With the element of wind on her side, there was no way to outrun her. But they must have figured that if they kept on her long enough and didn't allow her time to rejuvenate her body, sooner or later, she would start wearing down. Then they would have her right where they wanted her.

Meldamiriel looked around the tidy room and shuddered. She needed a bath, food, and a nap, in that order. Thankfully, Natasha seemed to be able to read her mind. The bathroom is through the door on the right. Go ahead and take a good, long soak while I try to gather up some clothes for you and see about food.

She took a few seconds to glance about the room. The furniture was all made of a light brown wood with beige walls. A large window took up most of the wall opposite the bathroom. The furnishings, a queen bed, comfortable sitting chair, dresser, and end table took up most of the space in the room. Meldamiriel smiled when she noticed the light blue curtains and matching bedspread, realizing Natasha had set her up in this bedroom because of the color. Meldamiriel loved the color sky blue. Then she glanced down at herself and almost groaned out loud. There was no way she could touch anything in this room until she removed a few layers of dirt and crud off of her.

Meldamiriel walked into the embellished bathroom and leaned over the giant basin. Turning on the faucets, she filled the basin and added a few bath salts she found near the tub . Stripping out of her nasty clothing, she looked down at them in disgust. She hoped someone would burn them. Climbing into the hot water that faintly smelled of roses, she turned the faucets off and leaned back, closing her eyes.

Chapter I

Natasha waited until her friend had closed the door to the bathroom to run downstairs and see about other preparations.

She searched for the young assistant cook, Sophie. Natasha had entrusted Blain’s employee with a list of things needed for her friend before leaving for Dragonose. Natasha could only hope the young woman had come through for her. Among other things requested were several outfits in Meldamiriel’s size. Natasha knew Meldamiriel would come; it was just a matter of when. Now that her friend was here, Natasha would do everything possible to convince Meldamiriel she needed to stay. Natasha found the young worker in the kitchen placing food on a tray.

Ms. Natasha, how good it is to see you! I heard we had a visitor, and I assumed it was your friend. I have all her clothes in my room. If you allow me to deliver this tray up to her, I'll go fetch the clothing.

Natasha smiled at the young woman. Sophie, go ahead and get the clothes and meet me in the guest suite. I'll take the tray up myself.

Natasha carried the tray upstairs and knocked lightly on the bedroom door before entering but received no response. She set the tray down and walked over to the closed bathroom door, knocking lightly again and calling Meldamiriel's name. When she received no response, she frowned and reached for the door handle, thanking the powers-to-be that it wasn't locked.

Meldamiriel sighed as she allowed her body to relax for the first time in what seemed like forever. Her muscles were in a constant state of knots from running, always running.

She thought back to when she first arrived a short while ago. She thought about Natasha and her mate Blain, then the other dragon shifter with them. Both men were built enormously, and the patch over Blain's eye gave him the look of a massive, deadly pirate. But she knew from talking with her friend Natasha that Blain would never hurt anyone unintentionally. She also knew that the dragons had never taken the slightest interest in her and her unusual powers. Something she couldn't say about many other groups of shifters. Meldamiriel’s brain automatically sent her another picture of the unidentified man accompanying Natasha and Blain. She assumed from his size that he was a dragon shifter, but there was something different about him, something she couldn't quite put her finger on at that moment.

Hello?  Are you even listening to a thing I'm saying?  Natasha asked, leaning down to get eye level with her and snapping her fingers in her face.

Meldamiriel jumped back in the tub, splashing water everywhere as she gasped, surprised she had allowed her mind to wander for a moment when danger was close. Great way to get yourself killed, girl! She admonished herself.

Yes, she automatically answered the one person on the planet that she could fully trust, even though she hadn't heard a darn word her friend had been saying.

Blushing, she knew she couldn't lie to her only friend in the world. Actually, no. No, I didn't hear what you were saying.  I'm sorry, Natasha.  Goddess knew how tired she was. Meldamiriel took a moment to scold herself when she felt tears threaten to escape.

Natasha sighed heavily and dropped down onto the closed toilet seat. Seeing her friend in the state she was in upon arrival and knowing Meldamiriel was frightened easily by prominent men, Natasha whisked her straight into a spare bedroom and got her settled in a bath. However, Natasha now needed answers.

Before she'd even realized what she was doing, Meldamiriel was once again daydreaming. Both of the enormous dragon shifters she had run past on her way inside made her nervous; hello! Being a four-foot seven-inch elf was no comparison to six-foot-plus mighty dragon shifters. But Natasha’s mate Blain didn't worry the little elf much. Maybe it was because she knew Natasha would keep her safe. But the other guy, that was a different story. Meldamiriel wanted to learn more about him, which she found very unusual. She sighed. Why couldn't she be an average human? Or even mixed blood, like her friend. Natasha could pull off being completely human with the best. Maybe if she had some size to her and