The Rebel Dragon: The Pocket Dragon, #3

By Tesha Geddes

A found family, an old threat, a hard choice.

Nothing stays secret for long. Kaida's heroics in Solwan are well-publicized, even if her status as a pocket-sized dragon is a state secret. Her fame follows her and her golden-eyed mate back to Whispering Pines. After a whirlwind adventure in Solwan, Kaida wants nothing more than to spend a few months relaxing with her mate. Unfortunately, she can't, because too many people know her secret and it's only a matter of time before the dragons find her.

Will she be ready when they do? Claim your copy today and find out!

*Clean, feel-good urban fantasy with a bit of romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Runetome Publishing
• Release date: Jul 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781963233087

Tesha Geddes

Has anyone ever mentioned that it's weird to talk about yourself in third person? Trust me, it is. I love books (obviously). I've always dreamed of being an author and I'm super excited and nervous to share my crazy imaginings with you. I love to bake and spend lots of time looking up recipes, only to realize I don't have the ingredients and I'm too lazy to go to the store. If you want to keep informed on upcoming books and whatever's going on, go to my Facebook page, Tesha Geddes Writes.

Book preview

Prologue

Virgil stared at the slim notebook in his hands. Curse that book to the Underworld and back! He should drop it in the deepest, darkest pit he could find. He should chuck it into a volcano, drop it in the ocean, something, anything other than continue to write in it. His problems all started when he stole the book. He didn’t even know why he stole it. He shook his head. That was a lie. He stole it because it looked like his secretary’s journal. He’d thought he’d get some juicy details he could use to blackmail the sniveling man with. But it was blank. He thought he’d leave a little message for the weasel, but when he started writing, he couldn’t stop.

It was like he’d opened a faucet and these feelings he didn’t know he had poured out of him. All his hate, anger, and frustration filled the pages, leaving him empty. And now, for the first time in his life, he felt things for other people. He felt things besides antipathy and disdain. He had empathy for other people. He cared about how his employees were doing, and he felt guilty for stealing the journal. Then he’d remember other times he’d acted without regard for their wellbeing or safety and the guilt multiplied. He knew he needed to return the journal, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. It wasn’t a big deal, right? The journal had been empty. He could just buy a new one, couldn’t he?

But more than all the guilt was the overwhelming horror and shame he felt when he thought about what kind of person he was. He hardly recognized himself when he looked in the mirror. He’d always thought he was a decent person, but now he was coming to realize he’d be the villain in most people’s stories. He hated that about himself and he wanted to change, and when he wrote in the book, he felt like he was purging himself of those toxic traits he detested, leaving room for growth. He needed to return the book, but he couldn’t. He was afraid if he did, he’d go back to being the person he now abhorred.

Maybe he should go for a flight and clear his mind. A new perspective might make things clearer.

Chapter 1

L et’s walk on the beach , Sen suggested, tugging Kaida’s hand as they walked in the early morning light.

Kaida frowned at the sand. They were headed to a restaurant for breakfast, and she didn’t want to track a bunch of sand in with them. No need to tick off the workers before they even ordered. No, I don’t want to get sand all over my feet, she said.

But walking on the beach is fun, Sen protested.

We can walk on the beach on our way back, Kaida tried to compromise.

But it’s so pretty right now, Sen replied, veering off the boardwalk and onto the sand.

But I don’t want to get my feet dirty, Kaida said, staying firmly planted on the boardwalk.

Sen looked at her, hesitating a moment before saying, I’m gonna walk on the beach. He turned and strode away, down to the water’s edge.

Kaida followed him, puzzled. It wasn’t like Sen to be so insistent on something without explaining his reasoning. She sighed—the restaurant was on the beachfront, so they were probably used to people tracking in a bunch of sand. She’d just make sure to wipe her feet really well before entering.

Sen reached the water and turned, walking in the opposite direction of the restaurant. Kaida frowned and glanced over her shoulder, but the restaurant was too far away to see.

I think the restaurant’s the other way, she said.

No, no, it’s this way, Sen replied confidently.

Kaida blinked in surprise. Normally Sen had an impeccable sense of direction. Why was he being so weird this morning? Did he get enough sleep last night? Was he just really hungry? No, I’m pretty sure it’s the other way, she insisted.

I’m positive it’s this way, Sen replied.

Kaida shrugged and hurried to catch up with the wolf shifter. She was hungry, but it should only take a few minutes for Sen to realize he was wrong, then they could turn around and go the right way.

Look, someone’s having a picnic, Sen said, pointing to a blanket spread out on the sand with a bounty of food on top. An opportunistic seagull was dragging away a tray of food. Kaida glanced around but couldn’t find the picnickers anywhere—they were probably going for a swim.

That’s cool, Kaida said, then pointed to the seagull. But if they don’t hurry back, that seagull’s gonna eat their food.

What? Noooo! Sen shouted and ran at the seagull, flapping his arms to scare it away.

With an indignant squawk the seagull took off, leaving its prize behind.

Sen replaced the tray of food on the blanket then looked back at Kaida. Do you think they’ll mind if we eat their food?

Kaida gaped at him. Was he out of his mind? Of course they’re going to mind! It’s not ours!

Sen grinned. Are you sure about that?

Of course I’m sure. It’s not ours, Kaida said, exasperated. What was going on with Sen this morning?

He continued to grin as he pointed to something written in the sand. Kaida. Sen. She laughed and took a seat by her name. He’d set up a picnic on the beach. His weird behavior made sense now—he’d been trying to be romantic. A bouquet of two-toned roses rested next to her plate and she grinned as she picked them up. She inhaled the sweet scent of the flowers and glanced at her mate. No trying about it, he was being romantic.

So, this is why you wanted to walk on the beach, she said as she put the roses down and pulled the food closer.

Yeah, Alder helped me set it up. It didn’t quite go as planned though. I didn’t think you’d be so resistant to walking on the beach, and the blanket was supposed to be set up closer to the restaurant.

Kaida snickered—a romantic breakfast was nearly ruined because she hadn’t behaved predictably. It all worked out in the end though, and this is better than a restaurant. The sunrise is beautiful.

Sen nodded and picked at his food distractedly. Kaida eyed him with a frown. She’d thought his weird behavior was due to him trying to get her to a poorly placed picnic blanket, but something was still off. Giving up on his food, Sen stood and stretched.

Dance with me, he said, holding his hand out to Kaida.

She placed her hand in his with a smile and stood. Sen slipped his other arm around her waist and pulled her close. She could feel his love for her flowing through their mate bond, and she sent her love back. She stepped closer and laid her head on his chest as they swayed to the music of the waves.

Then Sen pulled back and dropped to one knee as he pulled out a shiny silver ring. Kaida Gracewing, he said, his voice thick with emotion, will you marry me?

So, this was his plan all along! She was equal parts surprised and impressed—Sen had never been good at keeping things like this a secret. How had he managed to not let anything slip this entire time? Kaida nodded, the words stuck in her throat. Sen grinned and slipped the ring onto her finger. He stood and pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss. When they finally pulled apart, Sen looked like he would burst with happiness, and Kaida had no doubt the same look was mirrored on her face.

She held her hand out to examine the ring—she hadn’t gotten a good look at it before Sen slipped it on her finger. At first glance, the silver ring looked like a stylized wolf’s head and tail wrapped around a sapphire, but on closer inspection, the wolf’s tail was actually a feather. Kaida’s throat tightened with emotion. Wolves and thunderbirds. Sen had picked out a ring that represented the two families that had accepted her unconditionally when her own family hadn’t. And the sapphire, well, blue was her favorite color.

What do you think? Sen asked when she was done inspecting the ring.

She sniffed back her tears. How did you find something so perfect?

He smiled. It’s a custom order. I worked with a local jeweler to have it made.

She sniffed again. It’s perfect.

He kissed her again. I’m glad you like it, but we should probably finish eating before the seagulls get any bright ideas.

Kaida chuckled and agreed. They sat back down, but Kaida found she couldn’t focus on her food. Every few bites, the ring would glint in the light and she’d have to hold her hand out to admire it all over again.

You really like the ring, don’t you? Sen asked with a chuckle.

Kaida glanced at him guiltily. I can’t help it! It’s beautiful!

Sen’s response was drowned in a rush of wind and the sound of giant leathery wings. They scrambled to cover the food. Sen glowered at the dark gray dragon that landed next to them. Talk about a mood-killer, he muttered.

Be nice, Kaida chided good-naturedly. "He did save our lives and he’s my brother."

I know, I was just hoping to have you to myself this morning.

You’ll have me pretty much to yourself our entire trip back to Whispering Pines, Kaida reminded him. That’s nearly a week.

About that ... Leander said after he’d shifted and dressed. I’m headed back today and thought you two might want to join me. He sat down and helped himself to their food.

Kaida stared at her brother. Was he saying what she thought he was saying? Dragons never offered anyone a ride.

That’s very generous, Sen said.

But no thank you, Kaida finished.

Leander stared at them incredulously. "You’re turning down an offer to ride a dragon? A dragon. You know there’s only a few people in the world that can say they’ve ridden a dragon?"

Kaida held her hands out like she was weighing scales. A death-defying dragon ride, or a few days alone with my mate? There’s really no contest.

A few days alone is what I was hoping to prevent, Leander muttered, throwing Sen a dirty look.

Sen rolled his eyes and shook his head. Most people would be intimidated by a dragon glaring at them, but Sen just shrugged it off. Kaida smiled quietly—she’d picked a good mate.

Kaida grinned at her brother and waved her hand in front of him. Look! I have a sparkly story to tell you!

Leander gave her a funny look. A sparkly story? What in the name of sanity is that?

A story that sparkles, Kaida said, waving her hand in front of Leander again, hoping he would catch the hint. He didn’t. He continued to stare at her as though she’d lost her mind. She let out a frustrated huff. Look what Sen gave me! She practically thrust the ring in Leander’s face.

He went a bit cross-eyed as he looked down at the ring. A ring? He gave you a ring? he asked. Comprehension slowly dawned on him as he took in the ring, the picnic blanket (their names having been obliterated in the wind during his arrival), and the roses. He gave you a ring, and I just crashed your engagement picnic. Evadne’s going to kill me.

Probably, Kaida agreed happily. As much as she’d come to love her brother, she’d pick her water nymph sister-in-law over his grumpy scales any day.

Right, Leander said as he stood and dusted himself off. I think I’ll just leave. Now. Bye. He paused. Congratulations.

He shifted and the sand stirred by his hasty departure practically buried them. Sen shook the sand out of his hair and frowned at their ruined food. I think I liked it better when he was eating our food, not burying it.

Kaida laughed and agreed as she shook the sand out of her own hair. What now?

Bribe seagulls with sandy food to poop on your brother? Sen suggested.

Kaida bit back a grin as she asked, How do you plan on getting them to understand your order?

Sen shrugged. I’ll figure it out. He snorted. Never thought a dragon would crash my proposal.

And then run away awkwardly, Kaida added.

True. Sen nodded. It almost makes up for it. I worked hard on planning this thing.

Kaida smiled and leaned over to kiss his cheek. I loved it, thieving seagulls, awkward brothers and all. And especially the ring.

Sen smiled and kissed her. As much as I’d love to stay here all day with you, we should probably get back and pack.

Kaida nodded and the two of them cleaned up their picnic. I can’t believe winter break is almost over. We’ll get home and immediately have to start classes. I feel like we hardly got a break.

Sen chuckled. You mean saving the world and nearly dying in the process isn’t your idea of a restful vacation?

Strangely, it isn’t.

Sen glanced down at a shimmering purple and green root poking out of the ground. Do you have your shield up?

Kaida sighed and nodded. A few weeks ago, while saving the world, Kaida and Alder, a leafy tree dragon, had grown and altered a massive Sunstar tree. Now, instead of absorbing all magic, it only fed off Kaida’s and Alder’s magic, and thanks to the mate bond, Sen as well. Unfortunately, with how large and powerful the tree was, a simple brush with the roots could drain either of them unless they were shielded. Shielding wasn’t something a dragon, or any shifter, learned because it wasn’t usually necessary. Dragons were powerful but had minimal magic. Kaida and Alder were exceptions to that rule.

Kaida could shift into a tiny, purple, pocket-sized dragon, but her size belied her magical strength. She had the strongest healing magic anyone had seen in generations. Alder could shift into a dragon the size of a jungle cat. In his dragon form, he had leafy frond-like appendages sprouting all over his body. He was truly the most bizarre-looking dragon Kaida had ever seen, but his nature magic was unrivaled.

As beautiful as the jungle island of Solwan was, Kaida was glad to be leaving. She was tired of constantly needing to shield herself. She was tired of the constant press of people in the city, and even in the pyramid where they were guests. After a devastating earthquake struck Sol several weeks ago, Anius Dreamwalker had opened his home, an ancient pyramid, to the refugees. Rebuilding was still underway, so most of the refugees were still there. Anius had also hired Kaida, Erica, and Mathis to restore several ancient magical books, so they were staying in the pyramid with the refugees. Kaida didn’t begrudge them their space, but it was hard on her introverted soul to constantly be around so many people.

Kaida and Sen made it back to the pyramid with plenty of time to spare for packing. The truth was, with how crowded things were, they’d never truly unpacked. Kaida just needed to give her bag a once-over and then take it down to the foyer when it was time to go. She opened the door to her room, only to find Erica and Corbin kissing. She wrinkled her nose and closed the door—packing could wait.

She slipped down the halls, doing her best to avoid everyone. A few weeks ago, she would have gone practically unnoticed, but ever since she’d saved Solwan, it seemed like everyone knew her and wanted to talk to her. Someone had leaked her name and picture to the press, so now everyone knew she was Solwan’s so-called hero. The first time a stranger had come up and thanked her had been a shock, but she’d brushed it off. But one person had become two, then three, then four. Soon, she hadn’t been able to go anywhere without people mobbing her with their gratitude. It was exhausting. If she wasn’t working in the blissfully quiet library, she was usually exploring the jungle or hiding in the treehouse.

Glancing around to ensure no one was paying attention, she slipped into an unremarkable alcove and then into the secret passageway behind it. She breathed a sigh of relief when the opening closed behind her. She switched on the meager flashlight on her phone and quietly walked down the passageway, in no hurry to get anywhere. She had some time, and this was probably the last chance she’d have to explore. More specifically, this was her last chance to explore the caved-in room where the ancient magical books had been found.

She huffed in annoyance when she reached the room. Those dratted roots were everywhere! She took a deep breath and slowly let it out. Those roots were purifying the land and water—they made her life inconvenient, but they made everyone else’s life possible. By the end of today, she’d be on a boat with no worries of tripping over vampiric roots.

She shined her flashlight around the room and sighed. Suddenly, exploring the room was unappealing. She was getting the hang of shielding herself, but she still slipped far too frequently. She turned and continued on. When she stepped out of the secret tunnel, she carefully looked around for any trace of purple and green roots. She relaxed when she didn’t see any.

She walked over to a nearby tree and climbed the nearly invisible ladder to an overgrown treehouse. She hoisted herself up through the door and turned around, surprised to find a leafy green bush taking a nap on her pillow. The green fronds drooped, the edges curled and brown. Alder.

She crouched and gently stroked his head, sending her healing magic into him. There was nothing obviously wrong with him, but his magic and energy levels were low. Kaida frowned—she hadn’t realized Alder was having such a hard time recovering from their ordeal. She sighed, wishing it was a broken bone or strained muscle—those she could fix. She couldn’t fix magical depletion or low energy.

Alder stirred and raised his head. Kaida, what’re you doing here?

Just came to get away from everything for a bit before we leave. But how are you doing?

I can’t do this, Alder said, his mind-voice thick with emotion as two emerald tears dripped from his eyes. When they struck the floor, there wasn’t the rush of growth that Kaida had expected. In fact, there was only minimal growth where the tears struck. She looked at her friend worriedly. When I shield myself, it cuts me off from nature. It’s like losing a limb, or one of my senses. But when I don’t shield myself, the roots get me.

Kaida bit her lip as she continued to stroke his head. There was really only one solution, but she hesitated to suggest it.