The Kingdom of Lunaria: Kingdom of Lunaria, #5

By Mirabella Mooncrest

Books 1-3 In the Kingdom of Lunaria series in one ebook! 

Lunaria Awakened

Three delicious men, a lost princess, a dark king who lurks in the shadows, and a whole lot of secrets... What could go wrong? 

 

A Descent Into Darkness

When things heat up with my men, secrets come to light, and friends turn to foe I must face my new reality. The Dark King may have started this war, but I will finish it.

 

An Everlasting Reign

With Amaris missing and the four men struggling to find her and complete the bond, time is ticking and tension is growing. Everything comes to a head as explosions of truth destroy the foundation of even the most sacred relationships.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mirabella Mooncrest
• Release date: Apr 9, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224075317

Book preview

The Kingdom of Lunaria Omnibus

MIRABELLA MOONCREST

Contents

Lunaria Awakened

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Shout-Out to My Team!

A Descent Into Darkness

Note From the Author

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Message for My Readers

An Everlasting Reign

Trigger Warning

Words to Know

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Message for My Readers

Also By Mirabella Mooncrest

About the Author

Copyright ©2024 Mirabella Mooncrest

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without the prior written permission of the Copyright owner, except for the use of brief quotations in a review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Cover Design: Moonblessed Publishing

Interior Formatting: CPR Designs

Publisher: Moonblessed Publishing

Contact at: [e-mail]

Vellum flower icon Created with Vellum

Character Reference

AMARIS (‘RIS) - MAIN FEMALE CHARACTER

Moon witch

From the Southern Faery Kingdom (The part of our realm that overlaps Arkansas)

ATTICUS (ATTI) - MAIN MALE CHARACTER - AMARIS’ SOULBOND

Dragon shifter

Prince of the Flyburg dragons (The part of our realm that overlaps Texas)

LYKOS (KOS) - MAIN MALE CHARACTER - AMARIS’ SOULBOND

Wolf shifter

Son of the Alpha of the Philos pack (The part of our realm that overlaps Athens, Greece)

ANDRI - MAIN MALE CHARACTER - AMARIS’ SOULBOND

Kitsune Shifter

Son of the leader of The Compound (Kitsune compound in the part of our realm that overlaps Takayama, Japan)

STELLA (STELS)- AMARIS’ BESTIE

Faery Princess

From the Southern Faery Kingdom (The part of our realm that overlaps Arkansas)

SELENE - AMARIS’ TEACHER AND FRIEND

Demi-Goddess of the moon 

From the God realm

SELESTINO - MAIN MALE CHARACTER - AMARIS’ SOULBOND

Demi-God that was born half human

From the Nova Islands in Lunaria

Note From the Author

This book takes place in a dimension for the supernatural races. It is named Myrtonia. This realm overlays the Earth realm, and the cultures are similar. Some important information about the characters:

Amaris was raised in the part of the realm overlaying Arkansas, and the college is also located here.

Atticus is from the part that overlays Texas.

Lykos is from the packlands that overlay Greece.

Andri is from the compound located over Japan.

The kingdom of Lunaria is deep in the Peruvian Rainforest in a pocket dimension.

I hope this helps all of you!

Words to Know

Feggari Mou: My Moon (Origin: Greek)

Echos: Son (Origin: Greek)

Baka: Idiot (Origin: Japanese)

Utsukushii: Beautiful (Origin: Japanese)

Aishiteru: I love you (Origin: Japanese)

Lunaria Awakened

I would like to dedicate this book to my own sexy man. You put up with so many sleepless nights and allowed me to use you as my sounding board when I got stuck or just needed an opinion that I trust. Thank you for being supportive and pushing me to do my very best, even when I just didn’t want to. You are my best friend, teammate, love, and other half.

You’re my favorite.

Forever and ever, my love.

Chapter 1

AMARIS

Ouch!!

What the heckballs? I fall backward, frustrated my ass hits the ground. I swear this college gets more crowded every year! I find myself on the ground after bumping into the hardest, and hottest, chest I’ve ever seen. Does this man not know what a shirt is? The sight of his chest is definitely a small consolation to the fact that he just ran into me. His chest is a deep tan, making it look like he just got done lying on the beach.

I slowly look up, dragging my gaze from his chest and find myself studying his chiseled face. This guy is staring at me like the lunatic I know I look like. His dark brown hair and eyes resemble chocolate pools that I’d love to melt into. The smirk that crosses his face before it turns to a full smile is so perfect, I know I have to have gone temporarily blind. Don’t drool, I tell myself as he reaches out his hand to help me up. 

I’m so sorry Lil’bit, I didn’t see you there! He shocks me yet again when he speaks, his country accent one of the thickest I’ve heard, and that’s saying a lot since I was raised in a country village.

This moment would’ve been much more charming if he hadn’t just called me Lil’bit. I might have to stick my size eight shit-kicker boots up his sexy butt. I begrudgingly take his hand, and the size of it envelopes mine like a rough glove meant to protect me. As soon as our hands connect, I’m overcome by what I can only describe as sticking my hand in a hot oven. Heat flashes through me, tingling along my skin and shooting straight to my stomach. I jump back and snatch my hand away so quickly that I almost fall flat on my butt again. He catches me around the waist and pulls me flush against his chest, only replacing one form of embarrassment with another.

Seriously, what in the realm does this man eat? There’s not an ounce of fat on him. Stepping out of the comfort of his hold, I immediately feel the loss of his warmth in the early autumn evening. Strangers aren’t supposed to make you feel like this. I have got to get away from this tower of muscles before I lose all common sense. 

Sorry for runnin’ into you, ma’am. His chocolate gaze locks on mine and I swear I hear a bit of breathlessness behind his words. There is no way he’s not affected by this weirdness, too.  

No worries, hun, I gotta go. I bolt away before I would have to evaluate the pull I felt towards this stranger. If I think too much on this...thing, I could end up doing something stupid.

I reach my dorm and launch myself into the bed to get rid of the chill that has unexplainably accompanied me the entire walk across campus. My mind races as I attempt to warm up. What was it about that guy? No one has ever affected me like that before and it unsettles me. I can’t help but think about the way his dark eyes made sparks of lightning bounce around my stomach. Pain and pleasure both warring with my emotions.

My roommate comes in a few minutes later, and her gaze roams over me, taking in my disheveled appearance. She cocks a brow at me and the look on her face clearly says she intends to talk about it later before she rushes out for her date, further damning me to silence and my own thoughts.

She’s been seeing her boyfriend, Dominik Wethersyn, for about two years. I’ve met him a few times, but I’m not one to spend much time with royalty, except for Stella. The only thing I know about him is that he’s the prince of the Atlantean fae witches. He’s a private man and doesn’t talk a bunch. That’s okay with me though, since I don’t really feel the need to be involved with the royals. The only downside is now that they are dating, I’m alone more often than I’m used to. Stella and I share a dorm room that’s pretty spacious now that we are seniors. It has two single beds, two walk-in closets, two desks, a microwave, a mini-fridge, and an oversized bathroom that we share. Usually, I would be frustrated at having to share a room, but I’m lucky in the roomie department. We’ve been friends since we were in diapers, which makes sense since we were raised right next door to each other.

My adoptive family isn’t royal, but our home in the village was close to the castle, so Stella and I spent a lot of time together. They moved to an even smaller country town after I started college. My parents are the kindest people I’ve ever met. They gave me the best childhood they could when they adopted me as an eleven-year-old. It was filled with playing tag, hide and seek, and sleepovers with Stella. She’s always been like the sister I didn’t have.

Stella is the light to my darkness. I love all things black, dark blue, and purple. I joke that my soul must be black, like the combat boots I constantly wear. Stella loves anything pink and glittery. She also loves a good dress. We are pretty much Yin and Yang. She’s even taking more night classes than me now, due to her schedule of princess duties, which makes me see her even that much less.

I’m the one studying to be an astronomer, so you’d think that would give me more night classes, but nope. I’ve always felt inexplicably drawn to the moon and the millions of stars in the sky. They always make my powers stronger and give me a sense of calm that rivals any other type of comfort.  

I settle down on my deep purple galaxy and star-dusted comforter. I know Stella won’t be back for another two to three hours, so I can use this time to decompress from my body’s reaction to that guy earlier. It has my magic ready to explode, and that is the last thing we need, since the last time that happened when I was six. I accidentally blew up the barn where our horses live. The horses were fine, but I’d rather never do that again.

After laying in my bed for what seems like an hour, I grab my bag of toiletries and my black silk pajamas and head to the bathroom. Tonight’s mood calls for a hot bubble bath with eucalyptus oil and some smell-good candles. Once the deep claw-foot tub is filled to the brim, I undress and slide my tense body down into the steaming hot water. Letting out an audible sigh, I close my eyes and allow myself to relax. The warmth of the water eases my stiff muscles and my breathing drifts off as I let myself fall to sleep. The sound of the door slamming shut jolts me awake, to hear Stella rambling on about some guy that was asking about me. She barges into the bathroom without knocking and crosses her arms as she leans against the now open door that’s letting the cold air ruin my relaxing vibes. Instantly irritated that my relative peace is being interrupted, I sigh, Stels, can this wait until I’m not buck-naked and neck-deep in a nice bath? 

Ris, get outta that tub so we can talk about this Atticus fella! she demands as she shakes her head with a look of dismay on her face.  

Her blonde curls and blue eyes make her look like a short model with her slightly plump figure. I am totally jealous of her ability to always look runway ready. I sigh and start to get out of the tub, knowing she won’t go away until I get out of the tub and tell her every detail. 

I dry off and put on my pajamas. Crossing to my bed, I sit down with a bag of popcorn to start the undoubtedly long conversation I knew was waiting for me. My adorably sweet bestie looks so calm as she waits for me to tell her the story of what happened earlier. 

Soooooo, what happened with the hot guy asking about you around campus this evening? Stella questions as she pops a grape into her mouth.  

I don’t know. Some rando I bumped into in the student union earlier this evening. I’m not telling her about the weird hot feeling or the way I want to know who he is, too. There is no way I’m opening that can of worms with her. I’ll never hear the end of it. Now, if she wants to tell me more about him, then I will gladly accept those details. I tend to be awkward and don’t handle being anxious very well.  

His name is Atticus, He's apparently the prince of the Flyburg dragon clan, Stella answers my unasked question like she always does. 

I don’t get why some prince is asking around about me, unless I scuffed his expensive boots when I bumped into him. I swear if I could roll my eyes any further, they’d get stuck.  

Did something happen between y’all when you bumped into him? Stella questions, raising her brows expectantly at me as she watches me closely for a reaction. 

No. Well, maybe… How on Myrtonia am I going to tell her about my reaction to him? This is absolutely crazy. There’s no way my moment of insanity actually meant anything.

Spill, ‘Ris. What in the realm happened between y’all?

Man, I’m going to have to tell her. She’s never gonna let me sleep if I don’t. 

Sighing, I cave, Well, it was weird. When we touched, it felt like I stuck my hand in an oven. When I pulled back, I almost fell on my butt, so he pulled me super close. He felt so warm and safe. It took me a minute to pull away from him, and then I got out of there as quickly as possible, even though I looked like a complete psycho. I just won’t tell her about the part where I wanted to immediately turn around and cocoon myself in his warm, strong arms. 

You do know what this means, right?! Stella bounces excitedly in her seat, her eyes bright with whatever she’s thinking. The very sight makes me nervous. I’m concerned I already know where this is heading. Everyone knows what it could mean to have such a visceral reaction the first time you touch someone. In our world, they are called Soulmates if you have only one and Soulbonds, if you have more than one, though, that’s super uncommon. Hell, it’s not even common to find your Soulmate because there are very few communities where multiple supernatural species live since we all prefer solitude. This college is one of the few places where all the races come together. Most dignitaries and royals don’t know each other because our society is set up where each species rules its own kind, and they don’t mix unless there is a war. It’s said that your Soulmate is rarely the same Supe, the term we use for supernaturals, as you. They are your other half, in essence, created to be the things you could not.

He’s probably your Soulmate ‘Ris! You have to go find him! Stella is practically yelling at me at this point, which says a lot since she’s prone to being soft-spoken. She’s always loved the idea of Soulmates. Again, we are opposites there, I’ve never been a fan of the idea of a soulmate, of constantly having to be near someone.  

You have officially gone off the deep end, Stels. I know almost nothing about this guy. What if he’s a murderer or a stalker? No thanks, fate can keep him.  

I know Stella isn’t going to drop the topic because she feels strongly about it, but I don’t want to talk about it anymore. Stella starts to speak again, but I hold my hand up and stop her. Stels, I love you but, no. I just need some time to think about it. I don’t want to be a bitch to her, I just don’t want to talk about it either. She looks at me knowingly, but gives me a small smile. You can’t avoid it forever, ‘Ris.

I ignore her comment, put on my headphones, and push play. Avoidance might not be a permanent solution, but it’s all I have for now.

Chapter 2

ATTICUS

I’ve been sitting in my worn leather chair attempting to read Lord Byron’s Hours of Idleness for most of the evening, but I just can’t seem to focus no matter what I do. The woman I bumped into earlier is occupying my mind to no end. The way her black hair shone in the autumn light, silver strands making it look like moonlight was woven throughout her hair. Her light violet eyes made me question not only if it was my new favorite color, but my own sanity. It didn’t end there, either. From her black torn jeans that hugged her ass, all the way to the black combat boots she wore, she looked brutal but sensual. A dark blue tank top highlighted her slightly large chest, and when she smiled at me, that curve of her lips made me want to ravish her on the spot. When our hands touched, it was like her magic encompassed me, making it hard to breathe or focus. A moonlit breeze that reflected the strands in her hair caressed me and all I wanted in that moment was her. She jerked back quickly though, as if my very touch burned her and it sent a stab of panic through me at the thought that she might not want to touch me. 

That’s what happens when you touch your soulmate for the first time; you feel the supernatural essence of their ability. Fate makes it that way so that it is unmistakable. When I pulled her to my chest after she almost fell, it felt like coming home after a long trip. Finding my soulmate is something I always hoped for, but never dreamed I would be honored with. I didn’t want to let go of her slender body. Knowing that this immensely beautiful woman is mine has got to be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. When she made a contented sigh, I almost stole her away to my hoard. That feeling was odd in itself considering that a dragon guarded their hoard above all else. But it was there where I wanted to take her, to keep her among my most prized possessions. Instinctively, I knew that she wasn’t ready for that yet and when she pulled away, it confirmed my thoughts, so I reluctantly let her go. She took off much faster than I thought possible, and I will forever have the image of my soulmate running away from me burned into my brain.

My dragon roars at the thought of her being away from us, and he wants nothing more than to follow her and make sure she was safe. I trailed behind her all the way to her dorm, but that wasn’t good enough for him, even though we watched her make it safely inside. I spent the rest of the early evening asking around, attempting to find out as much about her as I can.

I find out that her name is Amaris, and she is a moon witch, though I’m not sure she realizes just how powerful her magical signature reads. I hope settling in for the night with my favorite poetry will help to calm my dragon and give me a few hours of reprieve, but I’ve had no such luck. Luckily, I live alone on the outskirts of campus in a decent sized house that came with plenty of land. It allows me to let my dragon fly for a few hours to calm him enough so I can get some rest and be able to sit through our first day of classes tomorrow. I attend the College of Supernatural Studies, where any supernatural can attend and study any degree. It was created in 1596 by Articule Bosemani to allow supernatural youth the college experience without putting them in danger with other species. Both the grounds and the facility are highly warded so that no supernatural can enter without an explicit invitation from the dean. However, there are those that can occasionally find a way in if they are powerful enough. We don’t have to worry about humans since it’s rare they can cross through to our realm, and most don’t even know ours exists.

We can cross into their realm, but it’s costly, and it’s usually not worth it since we have to hide our true nature there.

I’m a senior studying Emergency Medicine at the campus' medical school. It's a bit different than the human doctorate since we are taught to not only treat humans but every type of supernatural. I have only four classes left in the accelerated course, and then I will be a doctor. My clan back in Flyburg is counting on me to lead with as much experience as possible in a year, so I wanted to study for a degree that could help us not rely on other species.

I decide that reading isn’t helping, and my attempt to rest is no use, so I give up. Quickly, I set an alarm and ensure the chest I keep on the edge of the woods is stocked with fresh clothes before I give in and let the shift overtake me. It’s never been a painful sensation, but the stress of the change can sometimes feel slightly irritating if I’ve waited too long to shift. A slight twinge of pain sweeps over me as I land on all fours and I realized my dragon is much more agitated at the loss of contact with our soulmate than I thought. The cool air tonight helps soothe some of the pressure as I let out a deep breath, willing myself to relax, so it will pass.

As the transition finishes, the pain recedes and I feel the freedom I long for daily. Without hesitation, I shoot into the night sky like a missile, waiting until the last moment before gravity begins to pull my weight back to the earth, to spread my wings. The wind beneath my wings drags me upward and feels like the softest stream of silk, the stars above me calling to me like a long-lost friend. I spot Lake Eira below me, the reflection of my onyx scales on the surface shining back at me, my dragon beaming with pride. Even at night, I can’t help but revel in the beauty of it all. The still water and calm skies do more to soothe me than the poetry even came close to doing.

Everything has so much more color and detail in my dragon form. I see shades of emerald, amber, and crimson among the foliage below that I’m never able to witness in my human form. I glide around for hours, and when I finally feel the pull of tiredness, I know my dragon is satiated. At last calm enough so I’ll be able to have a good night’s sleep. Well practiced, I land at the edge of the clearing and allow the shift to overtake me again. I’m nude, standing on two feet. Realizing I am much more tired than I had been mere moments ago, I open the chest that’s filled with my clothes and slip into sweatpants. Already headed back to the house, I pull the tight t-shirt over my head, flicking off the lights as I head back to my room. This time, I fall asleep not long after my head hits the pillow.

Chapter 3

AMARIS

Today will be an amazing day. At least, that’s what I’ve been telling myself while hiding behind random bookshelves for the last hour. Stella and I come to the library on campus to get our books for this semester, and of course, that hot dragon shifter from yesterday is here.

Isn’t it bad enough that he invaded my dreams last night? Did he really have to show up here too? Thoughts of the delicious things I’d like him to do to me keep popping into my brain as if I’m a horny teenager all over again. Sheesh, it’s like my body is in overdrive. 

Can we please just get our books? We look like stalkers hiding back here! Stella sighs.  

She’s looking around like someone is going to pop out at us when, in fact, we were the ones who scared some poor freshmen not even twenty minutes ago when they stumbled upon our hiding spot.

I’d really rather wait until he leaves so he doesn’t see me, I beg Stella to understand.

I can feel him nearby, and it is driving me insane. I’m guessing that being able to sense him is part of the stupid Soulmate bond. I bet he can feel me, which is why he hasn’t left yet. And why I remain hidden.

‘Ris, Atticus is not that bad, from what I hear. People are saying he is super nice. You really should just give him a chance, Stella said. She’s adamant that I not give up on my soulmate and it might not be as bad as I’m building it up to be. Still, the idea of being all but chained to someone for the rest of my life doesn’t sound all that appealing to me. No matter what I feel when I’m around him. Hell, when I just think about him, for that matter.

I agree with her; you should give me a chance.

I squeal and spin at the sudden voice behind us, knowing who I am going to find, even before he appears around the bookshelf. AHH! Son of a flying monkey! You scared the crap outta me! I swear my heart is going to implode, the pounding intensifying as his eyes lock on mine. Where the heck did he come from? I could have sworn he was on the other end of the library. Sneaking up on people is barbaric!

Look, I don’t know who you think I am, but you, sir, are a stranger. Didn’t your parents ever teach you about ‘stranger danger? I deflect back on him, knowing I have got to get out of here before his charm sucks me in and I do something stupid, like agree to see him more.

Yes, they did, but you, Lil’bit, are no stranger. You’re my soulmate. Just come to lunch with me, and you’ll see that I’m not a bad guy, he promises, his chocolate eyes begging me to give him a chance.

I feel myself drowning in his puppy dog pout, or is it a dragon baby pout? What do you even call a dragon baby pout? Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to give him a chance? My mind races, thinking a thousand things at once as I internally try to distract myself from facing him head on. Or worse, answering him. My adoptive parents aren’t soulmates, but they love each other and always told me that if I found my soulmate, I should be grateful that Fate found me worthy of such a bond. Remembering their words, I find myself give a little.

Man, I’m gonna regret this. The second I mentally give in to being near him, I feel the pressure in my chest that has been begging me to follow him, release just a bit. Okay, but we have lunch in the commons where it’s public, in case you get any ideas. The look of heat and excitement on his face is enough to make me blush. Could this man really be my soulmate? I mean, do I even want him to be?

The commons are almost like a cafeteria, but way more prominent and crowded. There are nearly a hundred round tables with six chairs on one end of the room and several long buffet-style tables on the other. The first table is an assortment of drinks, ranging from three types of milk to several different types of coffee. The following two long tables have everything from cereal to eggs to French toast. A girl could get used to meals like this, though I may need a new wardrobe by the end of this semester.

I obviously ate decent at home. If I even dared to skip a meal, my mom would have considered me near starvation. Even she would say this was an overabundance of food. Stella immediately took off for the French toast and leaves me feeling super awkward with Atticus. Despite my internal debate, even I can’t deny that being near him calms the butterflies in my stomach, trying to burst free.

What do you want to eat, Lil’bit? Atticus leans down and speaks in a whispered tone.

Shivers rack my body when he stands this close to me, even worse as I feel his heated breath brush against my ear. And what is with the nickname? I’m five foot four, but it’s not that short. Although, at six foot five, I probably look like an ant to him.

Would you stop calling me ‘Lil’bit’? I’m not little! You have to start with the chocolate milk and then move on to the food. I would probably combust if I ever stopped eating those first because they are clearly the foods of the gods.

I call you ‘Lil’bit’ because you’re little enough to fit perfectly in my arms, and I can comfortably rest my chin on the top of your head. I think milk is a good place to start. Let’s go before they run out. I swear there is a twinkle in his eyes when he says that. Oh, sweet Selene. This man is going to be the death of me. 

I wait for him to grab his items, and when he finishes loading his tray, he stops to wait for me. Nuh-uh, I curse myself internally when his sweet gesture sends those butterflies soaring again in my stomach. I am not giving in to his charming smile as he waits for me. Unable to help myself, I shoot him an F-you glare, the disappointment in his eyes immediately making me feel guilty. It was better than the alternative, being trapped before I even knew what happened. Why don’t you go wait for me with Stella? I try to soften my voice a bit, guilt still wracking me. He stares at me heatedly for a moment, and I swear he is going to drag me off. Instead, he nods and grins at me, doing as I asked. Either way, I don’t have much choice now since he is already with my best friend, waiting for me. I collect the biggest container of chocolate milk I can find and proceed to load my plate, knowing I am only adding more food to procrastinate the inevitable.

Walking to our table, I catch sight of what I think is a fox out of the window, but before I can get a better look, I’m falling, and my tray is flying out of my hands. I brace to hit the hard floor, but my food and I don’t reach the ground like I think we will. Instead, I find myself wrapped in arms of steel, my tray balancing perfectly on a stranger’s hand. I look up to see who stopped yet another one of my awkward moments, and, to my surprise, I am staring into the lightest green eyes I have ever seen. Captivated by his aura, I almost don’t hear him speak.

Are you okay, Feggari Mou? he asks in a beautiful Grecian accent.

I think I’m stunned. I can’t seem to find the words to respond. His arm around me feels like I’m snuggled into the softest fur blanket I think I’ve ever felt. A growl shatters the calm, comfortable moment, and I am pulled from the stranger's arms against a hard chest. Seriously, what is in the water this year? There were not this many hot guys the last three years, and now I have stumbled into two of them in just days. If this keeps happening, my hormones are going to make me combust.

Get your hands off my soulmate before I remove them from your body! Suddenly, I am being pulled out of the stranger’s arms and the bossy dragon is crushing me against his chest

Who does he think he is? No one owns me.

Excuse you, Mr. Rude Dragon Pants. You don’t get to manhandle me and tell people not to touch me. That’s just plain primitive.

He stops growling for two seconds and then grumbles while glancing at me sideways like I am the one behaving oddly, even though he has yet to let me out of his arms.

What do you mean, your soulmate?! That’s my soulmate! She felt like the coolest moonlight breeze! That means I can feel her magic, so she must be meant for me.

At the Greek dude’s revelation, I notice the entire common area freeze as they glue their eyes to us.

In that instant, my silver magic chooses to act out and throws both men backward. Great, because I really needed a reason for the school to think I am a freak. Both men slowly pick themselves up to look at me, their eyes wide. As if this isn’t such a cluster-crap situation, I’d probably laugh at the shock on their faces as they stare at me. There’s no way I’m such a freak that I’d have not one, but two soulmates. That’s just ridiculous.

Let’s move this conversation into the hallway where there won’t be as much attention on us, okay? Stella waits for the two guys to get up before she herds us all into the small hallway and shuts the door behind us, giving us some semblance of privacy.

‘Ris, you okay? You look like you’re ready to bolt. My bestie knows me too well. I’m terrified that if I stick around much longer, my magic might lash out again in an unpredictable way and hurt one of them.

I can feel my magic waiting to lash out again. I am considering running back to my dorm and hiding in a lavender bubble bath until this all disappears.

Don’t leave, Lil’bit. We gotta figure this out. Atticus looks at me like I had just kicked his puppy.

Yeah, Feggari Mou, please don’t go. The Greek stranger looks so sullen at the thought of me leaving that I actually feel a moment of sympathy.

Don’t you ‘Feggari Mou’ her. She doesn’t— Atticus starts, but a sharp look from me silences him. There is enough of a problem without the two of them fighting on top of it.

I don’t know what there is to figure out. This can’t be happening. There hasn’t been a case of multiple soulmates in centuries. There has to be another explanation.

My heart is beating way too fast, and my chest feels like it might explode. My magic begins to zip around my fingers again, and I look at my bestie to see if she will help me escape. Thankfully, it looks like she recognizes that I’m about to have a full-blown panic attack in the middle of a hallway with two complete strangers and knows what that could mean. What I could do.

‘Ris needs a little time to process this on her own. Give me your numbers, and I will put them in her phone, but right now, I need to get my best friend back to our dorm. If either of you follows us, or argues with me, I will plant my size five heels neatly in your backside. Her voice is firm and gives no room for argument. I can see her magic, pink in color, seems to be ramping up with the stress of the situation also.

Damn, my bestie is a force to be reckoned with when she gets protective. I honestly couldn’t be more thankful because I am seconds away from hyperventilating. My body is trembling as I struggle to keep my magic from attacking them in self-defense. Throwing them across the room on accident is nothing compared to what could have happened. My magic seems to enjoy blowing things up. Just as I have this thought, a lightbulb above their heads explodes into glass shards that rain down upon them. Thankfully, they finally seem to realize for themselves that I’m not doing so hot, and as they each take turns putting their numbers in my phone, I continue struggling to remain in control. They hand my phone back to Stella, and she gives a satisfied humph. Without giving them another glance, she wraps her arm around my shoulder, and we rush back toward our dorm on the other end of campus.

Chapter 4

LYKOS

Well, this is one way to start my college life in America. How many people can say they met their soulmate on the first day of college, let alone in a new country? The problem lies with the dragon claiming she’s his soulmate, too. It’s scarce to have more than one Soulmate, and I’m not certain I believe his claim. Only the most powerful supernaturals have Soulbonds. If this surly dragon keeps growling at me, I may just have to hurt him. Then I won’t have to worry about his claim on my Soulmate.

Can you stop growling like a wounded animal? That doesn’t help either of us, and I’d really like to figure out why you seem to think my soulmate is also yours. The dragon shifter’s eyes snap to mine, and I swear they flash gold for a second.

"She is my soulmate. When she bumped into me yesterday, it felt like the moon had wrapped itself around me, and I felt the urge to hoard her away where no one could touch her or look at her. Her being my soulmate is the only explanation for such a strong reaction to who was essentially a stranger," he reasons.

His explanation makes sense as to why he would think she’s his Soulmate, but there is no way, as I know she is mine. To have not just a Soulmate, but a Soulbond is improbable. There’s not much we can do about it at this point, so I point out the obvious conclusion.

Atticus, was it? It looks like we have some things to figure out. If we are both certain she is our Soulbond, we will have to convince her to date both of us. If this is a Soulbond, it won’t be long before it starts pulling her to us, and vice versa. The bonds are meant to be irresistible. Even so, I won’t force her to be with us, and we both will have to learn to be okay with sharing our Soulmate. Forcing her to choose would shatter her soul and I’m certain neither of us wants that. Am I correct?

I wait patiently for his response, but I’m still crestfallen by the situation. I was thrilled at the concept of spending my life with my Soulmate by my side. I had not considered the possibility of having to share her with another. I know that it happens, but it’s so rare that I never would have thought this my fate.

"Okay, I think you’re right, but it will take some time for my dragon not to want to kill you for even looking at her. You’re lucky he didn’t make me