He knew that at any other time, his friend would’ve teased him about finally finding his mate, and about taking his time to do it. But it seemed that there was no time left if Gregory wanted to convince the council that he hadn’t gone insane, and that there was a rogue fire dragon on the loose.
“In that case,” Gregory said softly, another smile spreading across his face, “have you ever thought about riding a dragon?”
Shifting was always a pleasure. It wasn’t so much like turning into a different creature, but more like relaxing and opening himself up fully to the powerful, ancient being that was always at the core of him. It was like coming home: the air, which had been his element since he was born, welcoming him as his senses grew more sensitive, feeling the currents of air flowing all around him, and feeling his own power to gently manipulate them to his will.
But this time when Gregory shifted, his mate’s eyes were on him. And through the partially formed mate bond, he felt her wonder and utter amazement.
There was no fear. Even during the moment when his form blurred and changed, he sent his love and affection surging through the bond between them. And when he had finished, his dragon’s mighty wings gently unfolding to test the wind, Naomi was laughing, and there were tears in her eyes.
“You are him. You’re truly him,” she whispered. “The dragon of my dreams.”
Slowly, Gregory lowered his head. Naomi reached out and pressed her hand to his neck, her eyes widening.
“You’re all warm!” she said.
Did you think I would feel cold and slimy, like a snake? His words came through the bond together with his amusement.
In answer, Naomi laughed. “You’re not a snake at all. You’re all dragon. Whatever that is. You’re lucky I’m not a biologist.”
Gracefully, Gregory lowered himself and stretched out his wing in invitation. After a moment’s hesitation, Naomi began to climb onto his back, settling at last between his wings. There were tiny little ridges there, growing along his spine, and she held onto them with her hands.
“Like this?” she asked. “I’m not hurting you, am I?”
You could never hurt me, he said voicelessly. Now hold on tight. And don’t be afraid. I would never drop you.
A second later, he spread his wings, feeling the power of the wind tugging playfully at him, as if inviting him to come and play.
He took a deep breath, aware of the heat of Naomi’s small body clinging to him—and then, with one powerful beat of his wings, they were in the air, Naomi’s excitement rushing through the bond.
Chapter Nine: Naomi
The wind tugged at her hair. Above her, the sky stretched, darkening now to shades of blue as the sun continued its descent. Above them, there were clouds, which were now rapidly coming closer.
The sensation was exhilarating—but nothing could compare to the feeling of the powerful body of the dragon stretching in flight, giant wings holding them effortlessly aloft as they soared.
Naomi couldn’t stop laughing. She’d never been afraid of flying, even though she’d never had the money to travel much. But this—this didn’t compare to anything she’d ever known, not even the strange feeling of power and excitement when engines roared and a plane lifted off.
There was power here all right, but it was all Gregory.
Holding on to his neck, they soared together so that she felt weightless, fearless, one with the currents of air that held them aloft. Joy filled her.
It was exactly like the moment she’d seen in her mind, the night she’d been overwhelmed by the sudden urge to paint the dragon. But what she’d seen that night hadn’t been real. Or perhaps it had been real, perhaps she’d seen Gregory as he’d soared through the sky that night. Still, she hadn’t experienced it. She’d felt it tug at her like a dream, freedom and excitement stretching out its hands towards her—but she hadn’t been there with the dragon. She’d painted.
Now, she was flying. And this time it was all real. It wasn’t a dream. The wind was tugging on her hair, and she felt truly alive, with a dragon’s immeasurable power at her beck and call.
Far below them, she could see the coastline. The beach house where they’d found shelter was just a tiny speck. Before them, the ocean gleamed. It was lit by the last rays of a dying sun, and for a short, incredible moment it seemed as if the ocean had caught fire below her, waves of red and orange and brilliant yellow running towards the shore.
And then the sun sunk below the waves, and darkness surrounded them.
Look up, a familiar voice whispered in her mind.
Even as a dragon, Gregory’s voice was warm and deep, surrounding her like a blanket so that she felt completely safe on his back.
Dimly, she remembered that she should feel cold. By now they’d made it so high that the tips of Gregory’s wings were disturbing small clouds. But she wasn’t cold. She felt perfectly warm and comfortable. Beneath her hands, the dragon’s scales gave off a pleasant heat.
When she looked up, her eyes widened—and then Gregory beat his wings once, and suddenly they were diving right into the clouds above them.
For a heartbeat, everything was white. Naomi couldn’t stop laughing. Gregory’s body was reassuringly warm and firm beneath her. Intr