Hidden in Shadows- Paranormal Romance Series- Book 1

Chapter 21

Den felt her pain, but little else. He knew enough to know that she wasn't with him, she wouldn't feel him at her side, holding her, begging her to come back to him.

Their arrival at Kithira had been violent and dramatic, but he couldn't seem to regret any of his actions.

When she collapsed, he knew only that he needed to protect her and there was nowhere better to do that than in his own territory.

However, he hadn't considered what it would look like to the castle guards, or his King.

He flinched, thinking about it now, but could find no real regret for his actions.

They'd been smart enough to realize that taking Esi from him would've been suicide, and had kept their distance. Their respectful actions had helped to calm him down from the mating haze induced rage he'd been in. That is, until someone was stupid enough to reveal their assumptions. They'd all assumed she was a prisoner or his kill and that was the reason for his possessive actions.

The idea of anyone hurting her, especially when she was already in pain and vulnerable, sent him straight over the edge he'd been skating along.

He'd attacked instantly, sending out a burst of fire that had singed more than a few scales. The only thing that stopping him from doing a hell of a lot more damage had been the small Demon in his claws. He couldn't risk hurting her with his attack, or worse, her small body being struck when they retaliated against him.

Den shuttered, remembering the reverberations of Draven's command as he ordered Den to shift. He'd never had to be forced before, not even as a youth. In fact, before today, his control had been something he was known for.

He shut the thought away, instead focusing on the delicate features of Esi's face. Even through the internal turmoil he knew she felt, her face remained relaxed and almost at peace. She looked young and delicate, and dangerously vulnerable. That was a word he'd never thought to apply to his mate. Since he'd met her, she'd always seemed to radiate strength and competency, as though she were untouchable.

He felt his heart shudder at how tiny her hand was in his, how delicate the bones felt.

She whimpered in pain, deep enough in her own mind that he could sense its echo, but couldn't share its burden with her. Still, he would be grateful for any sign that she was still in there when even his Dragon couldn't feel the gentle tug of their connection. Wherever she was, it was too far away for him to find her.

I can't lose her.

His eyes burned at the thought. Everything before her was meaningless now, empty and worthless. Going back to that would never satisfy him again, it would be intolerable.

They'd just found each other and all he could think was that he couldn't lose her now, before he got a chance to make her happy, to give her the life that she deserves.

The door creaked open slowly, intentionally giving Den time to school his more volatile protective instincts.

Draven's outline stood in the entrance, slipping silently into the room when Den didn't immediately try to dispel him.

"Zalia and Calum have returned with her companion. Willum is in Sardinia, offering our apologies to King Marcan and will follow along as soon as he's able." His voice was low and even, his eyes never leaving Den's. "She's yours, we understand that now."

Den worked his jaw, feeling a small amount of tension lesson, his shoulders dropping.

Draven moved slowly, walking away from the wall and settling into a chair on the opposite side of the bed Esi rested in.