The Dragon's Lover: A Dragon Shifter Romance (Falling For a Dragon Book 3): Falling For a Dragon, #3

By Mac Flynn

At the advice of the celestial being of the mountains, Kate and her handsome dragon companion Ros find themselves on the edge of the vast Sahra desert, and on the verge of a harrowing journey.

 

The pair join a caravan set to cross the wide swath of sands, but the pack hasn't even set out before they hear rumors of trouble. The huge worm that protects the caravans has instead turned on them, and the local commander means to find out why. On their journey they're joined by a troupe of tumblers, a witch with a secret, a beautiful woman with a thing for Ros, and a handsome youth with a death wish.

 

Together the crowd cross the desert and find themselves battling not only the elements, but the local Pactus, a fine group of people who have a taste for exotic flesh. The bane of the marauders makes its appearance and hell rises from the sands as the group fights for survival, and Kate fights for a little alone time with her devilishly seductive dragon friend.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crescent Moon Studios, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215089453

Mac Flynn

A seductress of sensual words and a lover of paranormal plots, Flynn enjoys writing thrilling paranormal stories filled with naughty fun and hilarious hijinks. She is the author of numerous paranormal series that weave suspense, adventure and a good joke into a one-of-a-kind experience that readers are guaranteed to enjoy. From long adventure novels to tasty little short-story treats, there's a size and adventure for everyone.Want to know when her next series comes out? Join The Flynn newsletter and be the first to know! macflynn.com/newsletter/Also check out her website at macflynn.com for listings and excerpts of all of her books!

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Now I knew what hell was like, and I didn’t even have to go through all the trouble of dying.

The searing sun loomed overhead as I leaned back and wiped my brow. The sweat that covered my forehead transferred to the back of my hand, and I shook my limb to remove the stickiness. The droplets flew in all directions, including on my companion who sat beside me.

I sheepishly smiled at Ros as he wiped off my sweat. You need to drink more water.

I snorted. I think I’m drinking enough.

He shook his head. We’re only on the outskirts of the Illusion. Things are going to get much worse.

I looked down at myself and winced. My clothes were already soaked from my perspiration. He was probably right, though. We were only on the fringes of what promised to be a hot and dry adventure.

The two of us sat in the back of a cart, but the vehicle wasn’t your typical roll-in-the-hay variety. This cart had sled runners instead of wheels, though it was pulled by a horse that sported the widest hooves I’d ever seen on such an animal.

Scrub grass and a few scraggly trees surrounded us. At our backs rose the Barringgate Mountains, those tall mountains which held our last adventure, and stretched out before us was the golden shimmer of a huge desert. Rolling hills of sand drifted together to create nightmares of thirst and slow death.

What a lovely place.

We were only a few miles into that welcoming desert, and I was already covered in a fine layer of sweat. Even the setting sun didn’t provide any relief from the heat that emanated off the sands that surrounded us.

The driver of the cart, too, looked like he’d just taken a dip. He turned around and gave me a big, toothy grin. Your first time here, miss?

I nodded. And hopefully my last.

He chuckled and looked ahead back to the faint road we followed. It was more like an assortment of large stones with sand between them. I’ve heard a lot of people say that, but they almost always come back.

I lifted an eyebrow. Why?

He shrugged. I suppose they like the thrill of death being so close without actually dying. It’s kind of like having a second chance at life. Once you’ve left the place, that is.

What some people won’t do for a laugh… I mumbled as I rung some sweat from my sleeve.

Ros stretched his neck up and his gaze lay on the road ahead of us. We should reach the first marker before sundown.

Our driver nodded. That’s right. I’m guessing you’ve been here before.

Ros sank back into the boards and nodded. A few times.

You a merchant?

Ros gave him a wry smile. I’ve sold my skills a few times.

And what might those be?

Ros laughed. Trouble, and lots of it. Did you want my spare?

Our driver grinned and shook his head. You won’t find many takers here, even for free. There’s been enough trouble lately to cover a century.

I sat up and lifted an eyebrow. What kind of trouble?

The kind that stops the caravans from moving across these sands, he mused before he stood up on his box. A smile dispelled his worry. But there we are. The first marker.

Ros and I followed his gaze and beheld a tiny settlement of some two dozen scattered homes. The houses had been made from dried mud and their flat roofs showed how much worry they had for snow and rain. There were even a few canvas tents set up on the outskirts, and cloaked people were hunched over an open fire pit in the center of the tents. They cast a furtive look at us as we passed, and by the firelight I noticed their faces were weathered by sun and sand.

The largest building was a two-story inn with an adjacent livery that stretched for some two hundred feet. The front doors were wide open and revealed twenty stalls and enough space in the aisle to accommodate a dozen carriages.

We drove in easily and several well-tanned young men hurried over. One of them grabbed the harness of the horse and smiled up at our driver. Coming in a little close to sunset, aren’t you? We weren’t sure if you’d hit the mark.

Our driver grinned as he hopped down. I haven’t missed a marker yet. Several of the other men rolled their eyes.

The one that held the horse grinned and looked up at us. Welcome, travelers. There’s plenty of room at the inn if you’re needing a room and board. A caravan leaves tomorrow at sunrise.

Put us down for that one, Ros instructed the young lad as he helped me down off the back of the cart.

The young lad nodded. You’ll be added, sir. Were you needing any provisions?

Ros dug into his pocket and drew out a few coins which he placed in the young man’s palm. As much as you can spare.

The employee’s eyes widened, and he snapped the coins into his pocket. Yes, sir! I’ll see to it myself!

Our driver came up to us with his hand out. And I’ll be taking mine, as I won’t be going any farther beyond this point and I’d like to collect before you go.

Are you afraid we’d run off? Ros mused as he handed our driver a coin.

He shook his head. No, sir, but sometimes my customers promise to pay me on coming back and that doesn’t happen. Or if they do come back, I’d have to get the money from their estate rather than their pocket. He bowed his head to us and made his way out of the livery.

I couldn’t help but lay a hand on Ros’ arm, and I lowered my voice to a whisper. Is it that dangerous?

He pursed his lips as he set a hand atop mine and led me out of the barn. It’s never been safe, but I’m getting the feeling that something’s happened to make it worse.

We stepped out into the clear night and a chill breeze passed over me. No wonder you two wanted to get here before night.

Ros nodded. The nights in the desert are very cold. It’s better to deal with the warm sun than the wicked wind that blows off the sands.

I tilted my head to one side and studied his face. How many times have you made the trip?

A dark cloud settled on his brow. Four times, the last being about five years ago. I was part of a caravan hauling goods along the markers.

I caught Ros’ eye and lifted my eyebrow. What’s this stuff about a marker, anyway?

Every stop along the route is called a Magi Marker, he explained as we reached the front of the inn, and he opened the door for me. And to ‘hit the mark’ means to arrive before the sun sets.

Magi?

A pensive expression slipped onto his lips as he turned his attention to the gap between the inn and stable. The sands stretched beyond sight. It’s from an old story about a wizard who traversed the sands some two hundred years ago.

Another chill breeze reminded us that night was coming on and I couldn’t help but shiver again. Mind telling me that story inside?

He smiled down at me. Gladly.

We hurried to the front doors of the inn, but I paused on the threshold and worry crossed my brow. So, what happens if you don’t reach a marker?

You have a good chance of getting lost in the sands. After that, death.

I winced and slipped inside. Sorry I asked…

Ros followed me into the inn, and we found the entrance hall to be large and clean. The ancient open wood beams over our heads were blackened by countless fires from the large hearth to our right. To our left was a dining hall with a few square tables and chairs. The stairs to the second floor were directly in front of us. At the far back was a small bar with a door in the wall behind it which led to the deeper parts of the inn.

Though the place was brightly lit by the hearth fire and dozens of candles, there was something there that caused a cold chill to run down my spine.

I jumped when Ros set his hands on my shoulders. We’ll ask the innkeeper about this trouble. He’s an old friend of mine and knows the markers as well as the caravan leaders. He caught my look and furrowed his brow. What’s wrong?

I smiled and shook my head. I think I’m just tired. We’ve been traveling for a long time.

He studied me for a while before he nodded. When we’re done here, I’ll take you someplace where we can relax.

I raised my eyebrows. Where’s that?

A crooked grin slid onto his lips. I’ll tell you when we’re done here. Now, He steered me towards the bar, let’s go have a talk with our host. He swept his gaze over the room. A few people sat at the tables, but the area behind the bar was empty. Hafez! Where are you, you snake?

The door swung open and a slim, tall man leapt out. He wore a pair of jeans so worn by sun that their once black color was now bleached white. His chest was covered by a white blouse with noticeable stains under the arms. The ensemble was finished by a pair of heavy boots and a soiled apron.

He crossed his arms over his chest and cast a bemused look at Ros. Snake, is it? If I am a snake, then what does that make you?

Ros drew the purse out of his pocket and gave it a jingle. A paying customer.

CHAPTER TWO

Hafez’s bushy eyebrows shot up, though his amused expression remained. Good, then you can pay up your bill from your last stay.

Ros winced as he pocketed the pouch. But that was five years ago.

Then you are lucky I do not charge interest, Hafez quipped as he strode behind the bar and ducked out of sight.

When he came back into view, he held a large tome in his hand some two and a half feet wide and nearly as tall. Countless yellowed pages were stuck between the worn covers. Hafez clapped the tome onto the bar, making most of the company jump.

Now let us see here… he mumbled as he flipped through the pages.

Ros and I walked up to the bar, and I saw that the pages were ledgers filled in with initials, dates, and money counts, along with a short box at the end. I couldn’t comprehend the writing in the last box because the words were written in an unfamiliar shorthand.

He reached the page he wanted and dragged his finger down the rows before he came to an entry where the text box was full, and the final money tally box was empty. Hafez tapped his finger on the smaller of the two empty boxes before he looked up at Ros. That will be two barons.

Ros lifted an eyebrow but dug into his pocket. I don’t remember the bill being that high.

Hafez held out his hand. You did not stay around long enough to ask about the bill.

Ros sheepishly grinned at him as he handed over the two coins. Sorry about that. Adventure called and…

You could not hear my shouts over her alluring voice, Hafez finished for him as he quickly placed the coins in a heavy metal box that he tucked under the bar. If you are not so preoccupied this time, I will have the money for your stay now.

Ros sighed but ponied up another coin. To be honest-

Hafez lifted an eyebrow. That would be an extraordinary thing for you.

Ros shrugged. There’s a first for everything, but as I was saying, His good humor faded as he set his elbows on the bar and leaned in close, I was wondering what kind of adventure the caravans are having right now. Our driver said there’s been trouble.

Our host frowned as he reunited the coin with its brethren. Very much so. It’s been rampaging worse than usual. Some of the caravans have even been attacked, though not the markers. At least, not yet.

Ros lifted an eyebrow. How long has this been going on?

He furrowed his brow and stroked the small goatee on his chin. About two months.

I whipped my head to and fro between the pair. What are you two talking about? What’s been rampaging?

Ros crossed his arms over his chest and pursed his lips. The Barren’s Bane.

I shook my head. Doesn’t ring a bell.

That is the monster that roams the sands, Hafez spoke up as he pointed to a painting over the fireplace which I had failed to notice earlier. The picture had a dark-stained border, and the canvas itself had been blackened by countless years of fires. The Bane of the Sands.

I strode over to the fireplace and gazed up at the picture. The painting depicted a scene of the sands, and the central focus was a tan-colored caterpillar-like creature that exploded out of the pale dirt. The body was round and tapered at the end, and its belly sported dozens of tiny legs on either side. Small scales covered its form from bloated neck to the very tip. The creature’s face was flat, and the tail was hidden in the sand. Three pairs of round black eyes like pearls stood out from its pale face. The defining feature, however, was the large open mouth like a black hole, filled with sharp teeth.

A shiver ran down my spine as Ros joined me at my side. Not a pretty sight, is it?

I wrapped my arms around myself and shook my head. No. Are there a lot of those in the desert?

Only one.

I tilted my head to one side and stared at him. Just one?

He nodded. That’s all the sands need. If anyone goes off the route between the markers, then this monster is sure to be there and remind them to keep to the trail.

I lifted an eyebrow. And what happens if they ignore the Bane’s warning?

He lifted his eyes to the mouth. Then it uses those teeth.

I winced, but the shivers down my spine were interrupted when Hafez patted his hand against the top of the bar. Come get your key! I do not have time to stand around here listening to stories I already know!

Ros set his hand on my lower back and guided me back to the bar. I couldn’t help but notice that a few of the other patrons ducked their head down as we turned around. They hadn’t done a good job of hiding the dark looks on their faces, either. Something in them made some of the hairs on my arms stand on end. There was no love in this room for us.

Or maybe it was just for Ros.

Hafez slapped a single key into Ros’ hand. It is a good room. There are so few visitors now that I can barely keep the housecleaning in work.

He turned