Dragon My Heart

By J. Thompson

She's finally free, but now she's playing century catch up.

Freedom isn't what Eleria thought it was. Not only does she have to deal with the invention of the motor car, but what the hell is a tok-tik?

She has to relearn the world, which is not helped by a green dragon who thinks they're joined at the hip and won't leave her be.

Unsure what to do with a dragon who has puppy tendancies, she does the only thing she can think of... and leashes him.

When her hard-won freedom is threatened, Eleria must make a choice. Roll over to her former master... or fight.

She'll fight to the last to protect herself, her new friends, and for the right to choose

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bryant Street Publishing
• Release date: Sep 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9781094461472

J. Thompson

J. Thompson is a USA Today Bestselling Author of Paranormal and Sci-Fi romance and a major fan of procrastination. Jenn has always loved history, so using her wild imagination and tying in her love of history and fantasy, she began a new adventure into the world of words. Weaving romance into old worlds and giving life to her mythical inspired novels is what Jenn does best, and she has a lot more planned in the future, including some hard assed demons. When she isn't bent over her laptop with the crazy writer eyes, you will find Jenn making jewellery, cross stitching and it doing paper crafts. Jenn is also an avid lover old skool skills like archery and sword fighting. Maybe a touch nuts Jenn is an author who believes wholeheartedly that people are good and that everyone deserves romance - even Hades. Keep up to date by checking out https://jthompsonauthor.com/

Book preview

1

William let out a rather frustrated sigh as he leaned his tall frame against the long windowsill in his room. He had a marvelous view of the small courtyard of Lady Penelope’s home, but the view wasn’t what was making him blue.

No, that was due to the female who sat in the courtyard conversing with the birds or flowers. He wasn’t sure but she was definitely talking to someone.

She had been so quiet when they rescued her from Talock the Dark that William had been concerned she would never get over her time as the dragon’s captive. But she had surprised them all and had simply flourished under the watchful care of Penelope, a female dragon not known for her nursing skills and definitely not the kind you would approach unless you wanted someone beaten or eaten.

What frustrated William was Eleria’s ability to chat with everyone in the house—everyone but him. When he approached, she would scuttle away. If he asked a question at meal time, she would hide her face and mumble an answer. Yet with the others she laughed and spoke freely.

It wouldn’t have bothered him usually, but she wasn’t just another female. This nymph, this stunning, beautiful female, was his mate—the one destined for him, sent from Draco himself to complete him.

Yet she wanted nothing to do with him.

Are you still moping about? the deep voice pulled William from his own thoughts.

I am not moping, brother, he answered, turning from the view of his mate to the smug face of his brother Jareth. Was it frowned upon to smack the shit out of your own brother for merely being a smug and happily mated bastard? William contemplated it. Surely it was expected.

Don’t even try it. Olivia would have your scaly behind. I reckon she would either mount you above the fireplace or use you as a rug. Although Kevin would moan about having to clean you.

She wouldn’t dare. She adores me. William pouted.

She loves me more…especially my d…

Whoaaaah, I don’t want to know, thank you. I am able to guess, you know. I just don’t need it confirmed.

Jareth grinned. You’re just jealous.

He wasn’t far off. Ever since William had met his little nymph, he was hooked on her and her alone. He would no longer be able to dabble in the pleasures of other females. Hell, even his own palm was getting boring. Nope, all he craved was Eleria.

Well, can you sodding blame me? She won’t even look at me.

I’m not surprised when you’ve got a face on you like a smacked arse. Jareth chuckled and threw his arm around William’s shoulder.

Come on, brother. The ladies are having some tea, and George has set up the snooker table. Let’s go relieve him of some of his cash. And partake in some of his whiskey too.

Fine… William mumbled. But my face does not resemble a smacked arse.

Maybe not…more like a badger’s arse. Either way, you fugly.

William growled, but before he could get a handle on his brother, he found himself face down on the carpet just as his brother bolted for the stairs.

Fucking bastard.

2

Eleria smiled as she sipped her tea. Both Olivia and Penelope were discussing events within the current calendar, leaving Eleria to daydream. She had wanted to stay out in the courtyard in the sun surrounded by the flowers, but Penelope had insisted.

Eleria was so thankful for Penelope and the males for rescuing her, but she wanted to go home. She missed her realm and her friends, but there was little chance she would ever see them again. Time moved differently within the fairy realm. She had been gone nearly three years in normal time, which amounted up to over 150 years back home. As with everything, life moved on. Talock had taken more than just her freedom, and Eleria regretted everything she had done in his service, like hurting people and performing dark magic. The only light in that particularly dark tunnel was the fact Olivia had somehow bonded with the oracle inside her, and now they had both claimed their mate Jareth.

Eleria, honey, everything okay? Olivia’s light voice pulled Eleria from her inner musings. Forcing a smile on her face, she turned in her seat and placed the tea cup down on the coffee table.

Yes, sorry I was miles away, she admitted and watched as Penelope’s eyes narrowed slightly. Penelope was amazing and not at all how Talock had described her. A red dragon of immense power and the true guardian to the Eye of Draco, she had been made out to be a tyrant. Talock had even lied and told Eleria it was Penelope’s fault that her realm had been attacked.

But then again Eleria hadn’t known any better. Talock was simply a liar.

So as I was saying to Olivia, we are going to hold a ball. Penelope grinned. I never hold them, always avoid social engagements where possible. But Olivia has told me as a member of court, it is expected, and I would rather keep the current queeny off my back. So, Olivia gets to hold her ball.

I thought you said you were holding a ball.

Oh, it will be mine in name, but I will be sitting in that large comfy chair over there reading while Olivia arranges everything.

Oh.

It's fine, Eleria. I know I’ve been gone a while dealing with my… She paused, tilted her head, and then shrugged. Issues, but now that I’m back, I will get back into the swing of things. Like back to being her PA for starters. Eleria couldn’t help but chuckle when Penelope groaned.

I’ve had peace and quiet for weeks, and now she’s back to cause me hell. Eleria, save me.

Eleria smiled and shook her head. I am no match for Lady Olivia, I’m afraid. You will just have to…how is it they say? Garner a stiff upper lip.

Betrayer, Penelope quipped and placed the back of her hand against her head. I have been betrayed.

Eleria couldn’t help it. The giggle fell out followed by a laugh. Tears filled her eyes even as the other started to laugh with her. The small things like this reminded her of her friends at home. She missed their companionship but both Penelope and Olivia had done their best