Dragon Down Under

DRAGON DOWN UNDER by

Angela Castle

WHISKEY CREEK PRESS www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Published by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS Whiskey Creek Press PO Box 51052 Casper, WY 82605-1052 www.whiskeycreekpress.com

Copyright  2011 by Angela Castle Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author‘s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ISBN 978-1-61160-132-9

Credits Cover Artist: Gemini Judson Editor: Elise Dee Beraru Printed in the United States of America

Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press: www.whiskeycreekpress.com Abducting Alice Tempting Tara

Dedication I want to say thanks to Chandler, and to the inspiring women of the MRWG, one can never have enough chocolate!

Prologue The beast was clawing under his skin, screaming to escape. Burning pain racked through every cell of Kaden‘s body as he writhed on the cold stone floor, the enchanted manacle biting deeply into his skin. He wanted to shift, needed to shift, his dragon wanted out, wanted his freedom. It had been eight days, three days past the tolerance of any dragon to be able to stay in his human form. Even if he could shift, the little cell he‘d been placed in would crush his dragon body, killing him. It was agonizing. But then again, that was the whole point, to keep him like this, to cause him pain, to make him suffer for a crime he did not commit. No one was listing to his pleas; no one would hear his side of the story. He got the feeling they didn‘t wish to either. The evidence negated his words. Kaden was acutely aware of the jealousy that raged through many of the male dragons of the king‘s court. Everyone knows no good deed goes unpunished. He held on to his scream. He wouldn‘t give them the satisfaction of screaming, even when the whip had torn his flesh, as every dragon of the court watched on, in the central chamber, including the eyes of his accuser. He had raised his gaze to glare with hatred at the woman who had ripped everything from him, the one who had reduced him to this. Kaden snorted in disgust when she turned her head as the punishment continued. Each time he had tried to deny the crime, he‘d been whipped into silence. Clenching his jaw, enduring until he had collapsed, his dragon side 1

Dragon Down Under wanted to take over to heal his flesh, but the manacle of the gods had been placed on his ankle and he had been shoved into this tiny cell. Now he waited for his death. He couldn‘t raise his head as he heard the footsteps approached his cell. The door swung open. ―Always knew it would be a woman to bring you down, Kaden.‖ The cold voice of Merloc, once his subordinate, now his tormentor, and new captain of the guard rang out as he stepped into the cell. ―You know me better than to believe I would do something like that to her.‖ His voice sounded shaky and pained to his ears. ―I was set up! Can‘t you see it?‖ ―It‘s out of my hands, my friend. The king has decided: it‘s not death, but I think you‘re going to prefer it, may the gods have mercy.‖ Kaden managed to raise his head to meet Merloc‘s gaze. Pain racked his body as he forced himself to stand. He would face anything they threw at him with pride and honour. ―Take him to the court chamber for the verdict.‖ Merloc stepped back to let two dragon guards take hold of him by his upper arms, while Merloc undid the manacle. Every step felt as if they were driving long hot spikes up through the soles of his feet. He kept his head held high as he was led up from the cold dungeon, through the lower chambers of the dragon palace up into the warmth of the upper spires of the king‘s court. The elders flanked the king on the large flat dais that accommodated both human and dragon form. The queen was conveniently absent. The king‘s face was grim as Kaden was pushed to his knees. ―Kaden De-Kerr you have been found guilty of treason against the queen, king and the royal court.‖ The king‘s top adviser Petra spoke. Kaden clenched his jaw so tight, he was close to breaking his teeth. 2

Dragon Down Under ―As only one was willing to speak in your defence, and long loyal service to the royal court, the usual death penalty has been lifted. It is instead the judgment of this court that you hereby be exiled from the Dragon Realm.‖ He struggled to suppress the pain pounding through him, making it difficult to concentrate on what was being said. There were two possible places of exile, the Lower Realm and the Human Realm. He was hoping for the Lower Realm, at least there he could shift when he wanted, demons were not averse to having a dragon in their midst. The second was almost unthinkable, the Human Realm. It was not unheard of for dragon males to make short trips through the Realm portals to indulge in the pleasures of a human female. But to live there willingly was unthinkable. No dragon who had had been cast from the Outer Realm had ever come back. It was simply assumed they had not survived. Every dragon knew the humans lived in ignorance and fear. Dragons were hunted and slaughtered because of it. ―You shall be stripped of your magic and tossed to the fates of the Human Realm. Is there anything you wish to say?‖ Kaden drew in a shuddering breath, fighting not to let his anguish show. ―When the truth is revealed, nothing you do or say will ever right this wrong,‖ he proclaimed proudly. He would say nothing more. The arguments in the court were done. They had not listened to him then, they would not now. He had lost. ―Be done with him.‖ Kaden knew it was the king‘s final word. His arms were seized by the guards and they dragged him away. He knew exactly where he was being taken: the realm portal.

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Chapter 1 ―It‘s not bloody fair.‖ Terrie Holbrook‘s hands shook with rage, holding a bank‘s seizure notice in her hands. ―Your father had considerable debts, Miss Holbrook. Even with the government drought-relief package to farmers in need, it was nowhere near enough to cover what he already owed.‖ She sat in the air-conditioned comfort of the National Bank of Australia after receiving notice the bank was going to seize her land. She needed to pay off the three million dollar debt that had been accumulated. She and her father had used the bulk of the funds trying to keep their station running in the middle of the longest drought in recorded Australian history. Water and feed had been trucked in, and reliable equipment had been bought. Upkeep of the station and keeping the station hands paid had all cost money they didn‘t have. To top it all off, her father was killed in an accident while out on a muster to round up stray cattle. Three weeks later, the notice had arrived. ―But it‘s been raining, the land is recovering. We‘re going to turn a profit this year,‖ she tried to explain. ―Not enough even to pay the interest on the loan.‖ The bank manager‘s face was expressionless. Terrie sat rigid in the office chair, dismayed that the bank could do this. 4

Dragon Down Under ―We have tried to be fair, Miss Holbrook, believe you me. You‘re not the only company or station having financial difficulty.‖ ―You can‘t take my family‘s land!‖ ―I‘m sorry, Miss Holbrook, but the decision has been made. If it‘s of any comfort, you won‘t come out of this empty-handed. We already have a willing buyer and at an excellent price. There will be enough to pay back the debt and have some left over so you can make a fresh start somewhere else.‖ Her eyes narrowed on the bank manager. ―Who‘s the buyer?‖ She had a creepy feeling that she knew exactly who the buyer was––West Net Mining. They had been trying to buy her land for the past three years, ever since her father had grudgingly allowed a survey team from the company in to look over the land. She thought they were simply valuing it. Not long after, they started receiving offers to buy them out. Some even escalated to verbal threats. Yet her father had kept them out. ―If it‘s West Net, then the answer is no bloody way!‖ Terrie shot to her feet, leaning over the manager‘s desk, glaring angrily at the man in the expensive Brooks Brothers suit. He actually pushed his office chair back a foot, his expression worried, as if she was about leap over the desk and attack him. ―You are not going to sell my land to that leach of a company, do you hear me? If my land has to be sold in order to finance your bank‘s ivory towers, Mr. Jamerson, then I‘ll sell it myself.‖ ―Miss Holbrook, please calm down. There is no possible way you could find a buyer for all your land in the next fourteen days.‖ She straightened her posture and smoothed down the same black suit and skirt she had worn to her father‘s funeral. ―You‘ll have your money in fourteen days, Mr. Jameson. My land will not go to West Net. I‘d wish you a good day, but, personally, I don‘t give a flying fuck!‖ With her head held high, she swivelled on her black heels and strode out the door with determined confidence. 5

Dragon Down Under **** On impact with the freezing lake, Kaden‘s body lost complete control, and his dragon burst forth. He let out a roar which echoed out into the cold night. Already he knew he was in trouble. In such a densely populated place as the human realm, some curious and now frightened human would have heard his dragon‘s cry. No doubt a hunt for his hide would soon be on. He dove deep into the dark, murky water. Dragons loved the water but hated the cold, which made it difficult for them to function. He swam the length of the lake slowly, giving himself time to stay in dragon form as long as possible. His dragon side now appeased at his shift, the pain had eased into a dull headache, but he was still sluggish and weak. He might be able to hold off a few humans for a while, but not for long. It was not their fault for being an inferior and ignorant species. The water became shallow as he reached an embankment. Still fully dragon, he dragged himself up onto the rocky stone bank and dropped his huge dragon frame onto it, unable to control the shivers that racked his body. His ears pricked up at the sound of a low rumbling. It grew louder as whatever it was approached. The acrid smell of smoke wafted into his senses. He rolled slightly, blinking against the glare of lights. Something slammed, in the distance, followed by the crunch of heavy boots on gravel. ―By the gods, yer a big bastard! Looks like they did a number on you, lad.‖ The man‘s voice rolled with an accent Kaden was unfamiliar with. ―Canna ye shift? I dunno how much longer before yer roar will attract Nessie watchers. ‘Tis good fortune, my friend, I found ye before they did.‖ Senseless, he wondered how this human knew of his kind. Kaden poured the last of his strength into shifting his dragon form 6

Dragon Down Under into his human one. Warm arms wrapped around his shoulders helping him to his feet. ―C‗mon, laddie. We‘ll soon have ye warmed up.‖ ―Howhow do you know? Who are you?‖ he choked out in a hoarse voice. ―Shhhh. I‘ll tell ye all about it once yer safe. Come now, quickly.‖ Kaden stumbled. He was too weak, exhausted, tortured by his first shift in eleven days. The combination got the better of him. ―Sorry,‖ was all he managed to mumble, ashamed of his weakness, but he welcomed the blackness which claimed him. **** Terrie paced, anxiety and stress giving her a headache. Losing her father in the accident had been hard enough to deal with, but losing the one thing she and her father had battled and worked for She didn‘t know how she was going to deal with it. Terrie‘s sandy-coloured hair was a dishevelled mess from running a frustrated hand through it too many times. Her black jacket lay tossed over the back of an armchair. ―What am I going to do? I can‘t lose the property, II just can‘t.‖ ―First of all, stop wearing a track into my carpet. Second, sit down and take a deep breath.‖ Mentally exhausted, she obeyed, slumping into the chair behind her friend‘s desk. Leah glanced up at her friend. Leah had lustrous black hair, green eyes, reddish lips, and a pale complexion. Terrie had always envied her friend‘s ―Snow White‖ looks. Leah sat composed in her desk chair, scanning over the bank‘s paperwork. The only education available to kids growing up in outback Australia was school of the air. Lessons were conducted on the station radio and on the computer, but it had not been good enough for Terrie‘s father. He had sent her to an exclusive 7

Dragon Down Under boarding school in Darwin. Leah had been her roommate and good friend right through to college. Afterward, Leah had gone into law, and Terrie had headed back to the family station. They had kept in close contact with phone calls, emails, and the occasional visit. Leah would even come to stay at the station during her holidays. Terrie‘s father used to encourage other girls to visit too. He understood it wasn‘t easy being a growing girl on an all-male working cattle station. ―I hate to say this, but they have you by the balls, Ter. They have gone well beyond the extension on the loan and have sent several letters of intent to your dad already. My guess is they left it as long as possible before springing this on you.‖ ―Bastards! I bet West Net pushed them to this.‖ Terrie dropped her head into her hands, on the verge of tears. ―If West Net buys the land, they will tear it up—literally. Can‘t I get government intervention or something?‖ ―By the time you petition the government for intervention against a mining company, your two-week window will be up. The only way you can stop West Net from taking it is if you sell it to a private buyer who wants to keep running it as a cattle station.‖ ―Holbrook Station has been in my family for almost a hundred years. How the hell am I going to find someone with three and a half million dollars who wants to live in the middle of nowhere–– with the heat, flies, dust, monsoonal rain storms––and work their guts keeping several hundred head of cattle?‖ Leah gave her a sympathetic look. ―Have a little faith, Ter. We‘ll think of something.‖ ―What I need is a bloody miracle.‖ Leah sat back in her chair, thrumming her fingers on the table. She looked very thoughtful for a moment, and then her expression brightened. ―Hey, I got it!‖ ―Got what?‖ 8

Dragon Down Under ―A brilliant idea, of course.‖ Leah‘s eyes gleamed with enthusiasm. ―The Internet! We‘ll set up a website to seek a buyer. I have heaps of digital photos from my last trip to your station.‖ She flipped open her laptop, waited it for to wake up, and then her nimble fingers started flying across the keyboard. Terrie wasn‘t so certain this was going to work. She stood up, moving around to peer over Leah‘s shoulder and stare at the screen. ―Are you sure?‖ Leah never took her eyes of the screen as she worked. ―They don‘t call it the World Wide Web for fun, Ter. Someone out there is looking for your hot, middle-of-nowhere, fly-infested cattle station. West Net won‘t even get a look in.‖ Even if they did find a buyer other than West Net, the result would still be the same. Terrie would lose her home.

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Chapter 2 For his age, he was still handsome. Gray dusted the sides of his short scruffy hair, and he had a good height and strength Kaden recognized. He was a dragon. But not just any dragon. Alistair Macintyre was a water dragon, a rare dragon that could actually cope with cold. Kaden sat his hands around a hot beverage Alistair had called tea, sweetened with honey. ―Three hundred years I‘ve been livin‘ on the loch now.‖ ―How have you survived? I mean, surely the humans would have spotted you by now. You can‘t stay in human form permanently.‖ Alistair gave a grin. ―I don‘t, lad, and they have. I‘m the local attraction around these parts. Folks call me the Loch Ness Monster, but with fond affection. Ye see, lad, I keep me dragon for the water.‖ His grey eyes twinkled with amusement. ―Do they know you shift?‖ Alistair shook his head. ―No, lad. They keep to the lake, lookin‘ for their monster. But never have they suspected there be a two-footed dragon.‖ He gave a chuckle. ―Now, lad, what be yer story? I can only guess they exiled yer for some reason.‖ ―High treason.‖ Kaden didn‘t bother to keep the bitterness out of his tone. ―High treason is death, and they let yer live?‖ 10

Dragon Down Under ―The dragon elders assumed I would suffer more by being exiled.‖ Alistair gave a full, hearty laugh, which confused Kaden. ―Laddie, if yer careful an‘ find the right place to live, we dragons can live better than dragon kings. Humans can be simpletons at times, but dragon elders are downright stupid. They have put yer in a place of great wealth and opportunity, and as for the women‖ ―Don‘t talk to me about women!‖ Kaden‘s rage rose to the surface, he jumped to his feet. He drew in a deep breath to calm his anger. It was not Alistair‘s fault he was in this mess. Alistair had lived in the human realm for a long time, and it would be wise to heed his advice. Alistair never flinched. Kaden had been huddled in Alistair‘s cottage for two days now, in one sense recovering, but in the other brooding over the injustice of his exile. ―Ye have wounds, I see that, lad. But yer do yerself no good to mope about. I know you canna stand the cold. We‘ll shift later for a while in the lake to keep yer grounded. Then, lad, we‘ll find yer a new den to play in.‖ Alistair rose from his own chair to place a hand on Kaden‘s shoulder. Kaden searched Alistair‘s grey eyes. ―Why do you want to help me?‖ Alistair‘s smile was pure mischief. ―Do yer want revenge on those who have wronged yer, lad?‖ With every fibre of his being, Kaden did. ―Yes.‖ ―The best revenge to wreak on them, Kaden, is to not only live, but ta have a better life than in the Outer Realm. This is not yer punishment, lad. This is yer opportunity.‖ Kaden was warming to Alistair‘s way of thinking. ―How do we find a remote place in the Human Realm big enough and warm enough for a dragon?‖ 11

Dragon Down Under ―C‘mon, laddie. I‘ll introduce yer to the wonders of human technology. Guess yer better start learnin‘ about a few things now.‖ ―I don‘t have anything, not even my treasure,‖ Kaden muttered. ―Kaden De-Kerr!‖ a voice called from outside. Both Alistair and Kaden shot to their feet. ―Expectin‘ company, lad?‖ ―No.‖ Kaden had already moved to the front door of the cottage, yanked it open, and stepped into the cool evening air. A tall, skinny man with long white hair stood there. From his delicate facial features and lavender eyes, he appeared to be an elf, but he was much taller than the average elf. He leaned against the side of a large, wooden trunk. He wore a black t-shirt with the words Shit doesn’t happen, I make it happen in bold white letters. The air sizzled with the magic of a teleport. Alistair stood by Kaden‘s side in support. The elf cocked his head. He swept his eyes over them both before giving the air a sniff. ―You are Kaden De-Kerr.‖ It wasn‘t a question but a statement. The elf looked directly at Kaden. ―I am. Who are you?‖ ―I am Slazzamar, but that is not important. Your sister heard of your exile and sent me to deliver this. Apparently it is all she could rescue from your den before it was swooped on.‖ He straightened and stepped away from the trunk. Kaden‘s jaw clenched in anger. ―I‘ve heard of you, Slazzamar the sneak.‖ This creature was half-demon, half-elf, and was known throughout the Outer Realm for being a spy and information gatherer. He would sell his information to the highest bidder––or for sexual favours. ―No, not any more. I‘ve long since changed my ways. I am a rogue demon hunter now. If you need anything else, here is my 12

Dragon Down Under card. A good dragon is always welcome on our team, or if you‘re ever in trouble, give a holler.‖ A little white card appeared in Kaden‘s hand. Kaden glanced down at it in surprise. Moon Shadow Agency and on the flip side it had a number. Kaden heard the ‗pop‘ of a teleport and, quicker than he could raise his eyes, Slazzamar was gone. ―Most unexpected––as unexpected ye ta be fallin‘ outta the sky.‖ Alistair walked over to the trunk, flipping up the latch. It opened with a creak of rusty hinges and was filled to the brim with gold and jewels. Kaden‘s den‘s treasure. It was only a very small fraction of what he once had. Crystal, his younger sister, mated a good dragon on the other side of dragon territory in the Outer Realm. Kaden was grateful she at least would be protected by her mate. ―You‘re a lucky lad––freedom, wealth, and yer health. C‘mon, we‘ll get this tucked away and start the ball rollin‘. I know fer certain there be a place for ye out there.‖ **** According to Alistair, money could get you anything in the human realm––above, below, and beyond their laws. Within a week, using Alistair‘s contacts, they had acquired human identifications, bank accounts, clothing. Humans were tripping over themselves to serve and obtain for him anything he wanted. Apparently, a great amount of wealth was generated from just a handful of treasure from his trunk. Kaden discovered two dragon males walking though a large populated city drew a lot of attention, especially from the opposite sex. Such was the allure and strong masculine presence of a dragon. Some human women flirted shyly, while others blatantly threw themselves at them. Kaden rejected each one with cold aloofness, even snarling at them when they refused to take the hint to leave him alone. 13

Dragon Down Under He had learned a hard lesson and was not willing to repeat any similar mistakes again. Alistair, on the other hand, indulged each pretty face. Several women already knew him and his talents in thoroughly pleasuring a woman, and they were eager for a repeat encounter. He also learned that a dragon‘s perception about humans couldn‘t have been more wrong. Humans were not as ignorant as he had been taught. They were talented and forward thinking, with much innovation and technology. Alistair had shown him how dragons were revered, in pictures, stories, art, and legend. ―Humans love magic and mythical creatures––as long as they remain in stories and myth,‖ Alistair commented with a fond smile. ―I know this from firsthand experience, lad. Being the Loch Ness Monster, I be both revered and feared. ‘Tis a balance I need ta keep ta survive, fer as long as I have.‖ Kaden thought on Alistair‘s words and understood he would have to find his own balance in this realm to survive. But he was confident he would succeed. **** Their acquisition trip complete, Alistair took Kaden out in his small, metal rowboat, late in the middle of the night. ―Come now, lad. I know yer need to shift.‖ Alistair stripped off his clothing before diving into the water. A moment later, the head of a grey water dragon surfaced, with Alistair‘s same amused grey eyes. Hating the cold, he had no choice but to follow. Shivering, he stripped off his clothes, sucked in a breath, and jumped in, letting his body sink down before letting the shift ripple through his body. Underwater, he let out a roar and a puff of fire, careful not to take any water into his fire valve. He swam up and down the lake in a furious state, coming up for puffs of air. He passed Alistair‘s dragon several times before exhaustion set in. When he emerged at 14

Dragon Down Under the little boat, he shifted back before pulling himself into the craft. Alistair was already aboard and dressed. He handed Kaden a towel. ―Ye‘d make a fine water dragon, lad, but I‘m a wee bit possessive over me loch to have two Nessie monsters,‖ Alistair said with good humour. ―You can keep your freezing lake. I need to find a warmer location, and soon.‖ **** Alistair sat at a desk, his eyes glued to a glowing screen flickering with different images and writing. He searched for appropriate locations a dragon could live. Kaden leaned against the window frame behind him, deep in thought. ―Ha! Laddie, I‘ve found it.‖ He shoved off the frame to lean over Alistair‘s shoulder. Alistair clicked on the mouse, and an image of a vast, dry, reddish landscape appeared. ―Where is this?‖ ―Australia, I believe. A fairly new colony of the British empire, discovered by white humans just over two hundred years ago.‖ Alistair clicked on another image. Deep canyon and cliffs were revealed, and two women stood in the image. One blond woman was wearing cropped tan pants that revealed long, suntanned legs. The other black-haired, pale complexion, and a wide-brimmed hat shading her face. ―Pretty,‖ murmured Alistair, admiring the women rather than the land. ―Six hundred thousand acres of cattle property in the remote north of Australia. Think of it, lad. Plenty of fresh meat, land bigger than some countries, climate toasty warm, as the expression goes.‖ Kaden liked the look of the place. In the cliffs he could find himself a new lair, a new home, away from humans, and away 15

Dragon Down Under from women. How hard could running a human cattle farm be? It was not for him to be idle, he decided in that instant. ―I want that land.‖ Alistair turned with a knowing smile on his lips. ―Fancy yerself a cattle farmer now?‖ Alistair reached for the phone. ―Can ye say ‗G‘day, mate?‘‖

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Chapter 3 The miracle came by the name of Kaden De-Kerr. Terrie had no idea what kind of a name it was. It sure wasn‘t Scottish, even if they were flying in directly from Scotland on a private jet. Terrie rocked on the balls of her feet, nervously waiting for the plane to land. Everything had been done in such a short span of time, her head was still spinning. Instructions had come thick and fast, and money had been transferred easily. The shocked expression on the bank manager's face as money had come in. Terrie actually had a healthy bank balance for once. All that was left to do was to sign the paperwork, and it would be done. ―You beat those bastards.‖ She didn‘t feel the same amount of enthusiasm as Leah. As usual, her friend was dressed to impress in a grey David Jones skirt and a light, silk jacket, while Terrie had on a pair of denim shorts, a light-tan cotton shirt, her battered old Australian Akubra hat, and work boots. It was part of the sale agreement that she would stay on as property manager until the new owner got a handle on things. There was no way she was going to get dressed up to do what she always did––run her land. No, she hadn‘t beaten anyone. She had lost everything and been reduced from employer to employee in a matter of days. In one way, she was grateful: her father‘s debts were cleared, and the Holbrook homestead would remain a working cattle station. She would stay with the station, in one manner or another, to help 17

Dragon Down Under ensure her family legacy lived on for as long as she could keep it alive. Yet, Terrie didn‘t feel like celebrating. No, she wanted to mourn. The airstrip was nothing but a long patch of scraped, red earth and little yellow flags in a long straight line. Mitchell grass and spinifex bushes dotted the vast land, along with a few spindly ghost gum trees. The hum of the jet engine grew louder as the craft lined up with the red strip, coming in low. It stirred up barrels of dust as the wheels touched down. The jet came to a complete stop. A moment later, the door opened and steps were lowered. Terrie‘s stomach clenched in nervous fear of whom she was handing over Holbrook Stations to. Two tall, broad, and very well-built men stepped off the plane. The first was an older man. She guessed he was in his mid-forties, with a strong, square face. The hair curled around his ears was dusted with the grey of age, and a grin of mirth spread across his pale, handsome face. He raised his hand to shelter his eyes against the blaring Australian sun. It was a typical reaction of someone from a cooler climate such as Scotland. Terrie inhaled with awe as her gaze flew to the second man. Holy shit! His dark blue, openneck, short-sleeved shirt displayed bulging biceps. His barrel chest tapered down to a thick, narrow waist. Someone had been piling manure into the man‘s boots as a kid to make him grow him so bloody big. He turned, grabbing several bags the pilot handed him through the door of the jet. Terrie got a view of grey jeans displaying a well-moulded, firm ass, and attached to it were two long, large legs. Her gaze shot back up the length of him. Long, straight hair pulled behind his head was so black, it held a shiny dark-blue quality highlighted in the bright light. He lifted his face towards the sun with his eyes closed. The expression on his face was one of pure pleasure. Clearly, he was enjoying the sun‘s raw heat burning down on him. From the look of his darker, tanned 18

Dragon Down Under skin, he had seen a lot of sun. He lowered his face, his gaze sweeping in their direction. She was startled by his striking blue eyes. The force of his stare made Terrie stumble back, seeking the security of her rusty old Ute. Her heart rate accelerated. It could keep time with the gallop of a horse‘s hooves. Why the hell was she reacting like this? So he was a huge son of a bitch, but that shouldn‘t be a reason to lose her head. ―Hubba, hubba,‖ whispered Leah under her breath. Terrie wondered if one or both of them had Leah drooling. She was startled to realize that she didn‘t want it to be the younger of the two. ―Stop that,‖ Leah demanded quietly. ―Stop what?‖ ―You‘re scowling again. Smile––one of these hunks is your new boss.‖ She refused to give up her frown, hanging behind as Leah strode forward with confidence. At least Leah didn‘t have to pretend to smile. The men turned their attention to their welcoming party. ―Gentlemen, welcome to the Northern Territory of Australia and Holbrook Station. I‘m Leah Gunner, acting attorney for Holbrook.‖ She held out her hand to the elder of the two men. He swept forward, capturing Leah‘s pale hand in both of his, boldly pulling her forward. ―‘Tis a pleasure, lassie. I be Alistair Macintyre.‖ He raised her hand to his lips. If Terrie‘s eyes weren‘t still glued to the other man, she would have snorted at his smooth move. Dropping Leah‘s hand, but not releasing it, Alistair turned towards his companion. ―Here be your man, Kaden De-Kerr. I‘m just along for the ride.‖ Rolling his Rseven with his broad Scottish accent, his tone was unmistakably seductive. Leah turned her attention to Kaden. 19

Dragon Down Under ―Mr. De-Kerr, welcome to Holbrook. I must say, I was surprised by your swift response to our predicament. Thank you.‖ He nodded at her. His whole demeanour shouted pure arrogance. This was a man who was used to getting what he wanted. Terrie‘s jaw clamped together, her hackles rising. Even if she was on the defensive, it was not going to make her heart rate slow anytime soon. ―Allow me to introduce Antoinette Holbrook, your station manager. Trust me, Mr. De-Kerr, no one knows the working of Holbrook station better than Terrie here.‖ Leah had untangled herself from Alistair to grip Terrie by the arm and propel her forward. Terrie fought the rise of inner heat as Kaden‘s gaze swept over her from head to toe. ―Terrie Holbrook? I thought you were a man.‖ Even with the low, rich timbre of his voice, it did nothing to hide the startled tone. ―Gee, Einstein, what clued you in that I wasn‘t?‖ Terrie had snapped before she could stop to think about who she was addressing––her boss. He could potentially fire her. ―Think the breasts did it for me,‖ Alistair said without missing a beat. To Terrie‘s astonishment, Leah actually giggled. She glowered at her friend. As beautiful as Kaden‘s eyes were, they were also wary and suspicious. His wide, square jaw was clenched as he regarded her. Tension in the air was thick. ―Wee bit of a dragonish temper behind those eyes, lad.‖ Alistair waggled his eyebrows at his friend. Kaden glared at Alistair. ―Hmm, well.‖ Leah broke the staring contest. ―You‘ll have to forgive my friend, Mr. De-Kerr. It‘s been a rough couple of weeks. You‘ll have to understand, losing your family‘s station can make anyone a little tense. We‘re just glad to have kept it out of West Net‘s hands. That would have been disastrous. Let‘s head 20

Dragon Down Under down to the station house so we can get all the paperwork finalized.‖ ―Wonderful idea,‖ Alistair piped in. Terrie broke eye contact and passed Kaden‘s left side, realizing the top of her head barely reached his shoulder. Taking a deep breath and trying to keep herself calm, she reached for their bags. She smelt his warm, masculine spice before feeling his hand close over hers on the handle of the bag. Terrie jerked back startled at the heat of skin-on-skin contact with Kaden, unable to stop herself from staring at him in surprise. What the heck is that? A frown marred Kaden face. He was staring down where his hand had touched hers. He drew in a breath. His expression was of bewilderment, and he took a step back from her. **** Every dragon hears stories of finding their one true mate, but, so rare is the encounter, it has been delegated as dragon myth. From the moment Kaden had stepped off the plane, he had scented her, fresh and pure like the very sun that beat down on them, mixed with a hint of lavender. It confused him, put him on edge. Even more so, the fire of defiance in her big brown eyes unsettled him. This is the station manager? No, she had been the station owner. When they had touched, heat had coursed through him. This small woman brought his dragon to life with a powerful internal roar. His cock hardened. His dragon was demanding he grab hold of the woman, possess and claim her. There was no denying it––she was his mate. He was in total confusion. How could this be? A human woman? A human woman, who looked at him with resentment for buying her land. Fuck, he should get back into the belly of the metal flying contraption and find some other vast, remote area in which to live. A human woman was the last thing he wanted. But his dragon pounded inside his head: Mine, mine, mine! Come hell or high 21

Dragon Down Under water, his dragon knew she was his. He could never deny the truth of his dragon. Swiftly picking up the bags, Kaden cleared his throat. ―I know you were forced to sell your land, Antoinette.‖ He liked her large brown eyes. They were shaped by delicate eyebrows and long blond lashes. She was small compared to his large frame. He battled the instinct to simply shift, swoop her up, and carry her off to his lair to claim her properly. But he no longer had a lair. No, Kaden needed a new plan. ―I apologize for my manner. I, too, have lost much in a short time. But I can assure you, for as long as I am here, it will remain a cattle station.‖ Not only did he now own her land, but he owned her––a new and rare treasure to add to his collection. A true mate. She was human, soft and fragile, even if her demeanour was fierce and determined. He respected that. She was not like all the doe-eyed women who had been throwing themselves at him ever since he had passed his adolescence. Yet she would most certainly run screaming, terrified of his dragon. Wisps of blond hair escaped as she tipped back her hat. ―My family has been on this land for four generations, Mr. De-Kerr.‖ ―Just Kaden,‖ he interrupted. He couldn‘t have her calling him Mr. De-Kerr all the time. She pursed her lips, as if she wasn‘t going to follow his direction. But then she drew in another breath, and he was mesmerized by the rise and fall of her chest beneath the thin material of her shirt. Her skin glistened with a thin film of perspiration, making his mouth water to lick it off. Was she as soft as she looked? The dragon was in agreement: Take, touch, taste, mine! He wasn‘t sure he could get any harder until now. He held the bag at waist level to hide the bulge his tight pants could not.

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Dragon Down Under ―C‘mon along, lad! What be keepin‘ ye now?‖ Alistair slapped him on the back, directing one of his charming smiles at Antoinette. My Antoinette. A deep growl of warning rumbled from his chest. Alistair raised a curious eyebrow, glancing between him and Antoinette. ―I‘ll, uh, get the Ute going.‖ Her lithe, sexy little voice squeaked. She made a quick escape towards the vehicles. Kaden‘s eyes tracked her every movement. ―I‘ll say the heat be agreeing with yer, lad. That be the first woman I‘ve seen yer look at since yer fell from the sky.‖ ―Stay away. She‘s mine,‖ he warned in a low tone. Alistair laughed. ―Ye be mighty possessive in such a short time, lad. Let me guess, she be yer mate?‖ Kaden nodded. Alistair might be all smiles and good humour, but his age and station in life had given him a knowledge and wisdom Kaden appreciated. ―I can smell yer excitement, and ye thought exile would be hell. Laugh it up, lad. Those elders have handed ye everything a dragon could desire on a silver platter. Mates are hard enough ter find as it is, but a true mate? Yer a lucky bastard.‖ Alistair gave him another slap on the shoulder. ―I‘ll be riding with the pretty dark one. Already got her under me charm.‖ Alistair grabbed two of the bags as he left and was still chuckling to himself as he walked away. Kaden felt his lips twitch up into a smile. He no longer saw what the dragons had done to him as injustice, but, instead, they had set him on the path to his heart‘s desire, the greatest treasure a dragon could possess. Alistair was right. This was the best revenge there was. **** 23

Dragon Down Under Terrie eyed the locked boxes in the back of her Ute with suspicion. Whatever was in them weighed down her Ute. Alistair had called shotgun with Leah in her four-wheel drive, while Kaden climbed into the passenger side of her Ute. It amused her that he had to scoot down on the seat so his head wouldn‘t bump the ceiling. It was then she had spotted the bulge in his pants. Her mouth went dry. She gripped the steering wheel to stop her hands from shaking. She swallowed hard, tearing her eyes away. Shit, was that for her or Leah? No, she didn‘t want to know. ―You know, there‘s more headroom in Leah‘s Rover.‖ Terrie realized her voice had dropped a little and sounded throatier. Damn. She glanced sideways to see if he had noticed. Yup, he had, by the heated look swimming in his intense gaze. Never in her life had she felt more self-conscious or hot from something that wasn‘t caused by the Northern Territory‘s climate. Even her nipples had decided to come out to play, feeling so tight they ached. ―You‘re my station manager. I‘ll ride with you.‖ From his authoritarian tone, she was surprised he hadn‘t demanded to drive. She started the engine and shoved her Ute into gear. Slamming her foot down on the accelerator, the wheels spun, leaving a cloud of dust as her Ute sprang forward. She glanced in the rearview mirror to make sure Leah was following behind. ―You‘re the boss,‖ she muttered under her breath, surprising herself at how she had managed to throw a little sarcasm into her tone. Damn, he actually looked amused. ―Technically, until the papers are signed, you are still the boss.‖ Was he laughing at her? She clenched her jaw again, her fingers almost white on the steering wheel. She forced herself to relax. ―In that case, why are you here, Mr. De-Kerr? Why buy my property? You sure as hell don‘t look like a cattle famer.‖ ―I am not, but I will be. You will assist me in this new path.‖ 24

Dragon Down Under She glanced over at him. ―Your property was an opportunity. It has what I need to survive, and now I see I have made the right decision.‖ ―What you need to survive? Mate, this is outback Australia. Survival is all you do out here. Are you completely crazy?‖ She saw his lips twitch up at the corners. ―Then it is perfect. And no, I am not crazy.‖ His lower, huskier tone made a chill run right though her body down to her clit. Automatically, she squeezed her thighs together, but it didn‘t do anything to relieve the ache she felt there, or the quaver in the pit of her stomach. Her panties were uncomfortably damp, thanks to the flood of her juices soaking them. The Ute hit a dip, and Kaden‘s head thumped against the roof. It actually made a dent in the metal, convincing Terrie he was certainly hard-headed. But, as he slumped further down in the seat and scrunched up his long legs, the bulge in his jeans was more pronounced. She narrowly avoided driving right off the track into the scrub. ―A larger truck shall be a priority purchase,‖ he muttered, gripping the dashboard. ―Well, you‘re sure as hell not going to cut the roof off my Ute. I‘ve had this baby since I learnt to drive when I was ten.‖ ―I have no intention of ruining your Ute, Antoinette.‖ ―Will you stop calling me that? Terrie will do.‖ ―But your name is Antoinette. It is a perfectly fine, feminine name.‖ ―If you haven‘t noticed, I‘m not quite the feminine type, okay. I‘ve grown up surrounded by blokes. I‘ve worked bloody hard at earning their respect as a station manager, and I don‘t need some foreigner fucking that up for me.‖ ―I understand having to work to earn respect, and I will not fuck anything you don‘t wish me to.‖ 25

Dragon Down Under The deep husky timbre of his voice sent a renewed flood of juices between her thighs. Holy shit! There was no missing the innuendo of his words. ―I see clearly behind the façade, Antoinette. You are in every respect feminine, and beautiful.‖ He sounded so sincere. She was momentarily stunned, turning her head to stare at him. ―Do you wish me to drive your Ute?‖ ―No, I‖ ―Then keep your eyes on the road,‖ he commanded. Her eyes jumped back to the road, and she jerked the wheel of her Ute to prevent them from going right off a bend in the road. The vehicles started to climb a large hill. Terrie was none too happy to be put in this uncomfortable position of being so close to a man who knocked her senses and reason out of the park. ―Look, Mr. De-Kerr. You don‘t have to resort to bullshit flattery around me. You‘ve already got everything I have.‖ Keeping her eyes directly on the road and daring not to look at him again, she could still feel the half-smile on his face. ―Not everything, Antoinette. But I am a patient creature.‖ What the hell does that mean? ―I do not have to resort to flattery to get what I want. And if you insist on calling me Mr. De-Kerr,‖ he pressed. ―Then I shall have to insist on calling you Antoinette.‖ It was a standoff. Fair enough. ―All right, Kaden.‖ His name sounded almost decadent on her tongue. Reaching the crest of the hill, she slammed on the brakes, jerked up the hand brake, and switched off the engine. ―Come, have a look at your new home.‖ She needed to get away from this man quickly, find some air that didn‘t have him near it, and regain some control over her body and mind. **** 26

Dragon Down Under Kaden climbed out of the small cab of the Ute and greatfully stretched his long legs. He rubbed the top of his head where it had repeatedly smacked against the roof. He followed Antoinette‘s gaze across the sweeping plane, down into a valley scattered with pale green and yellow grass and tall white trees. Deep in the distance were rich, red mountain ranges peppered with green. He hoped to find a cave in those mountains in which to make a liar. ―Holbrook Homestead.‖ There was obvious tenderness in her voice. A large, tinned-roof house stood a good distance from a host of other smaller buildings and structures. Unmistakable large stockyards could be seen on the west side, and, further out, he spotted horses grazing in a field towards the south side. The homestead was a far cry from the spires and steep grey mountains of the dragon territory in the Outer Realm, but it had a unique, rugged beauty. ―To the east,‖ she said, pointing in that direction, ―you have your accommodation buildings for the workers. There are currently nine Jackaroos and one full-time cook and his missus. We like to rotate the roster so each employee gets a few days off. During peak mustering time, we bring in contract workers to handle the larger mobs. We also have a contract vet, as well as an auction watcher when they get to market.‖ ―What is a Jackaroo?‖ He ignored Antoinette‘s roll of her eyes. ―Cowboys, if you like. They handle a lot of the mustering, taking care of the horses, branding, and other such work. Running a cattle station is not a picnic in the park. It‘s bloody hard work from sunup to sundown.‖ ―I understand.‖ Kaden relished the idea of hard work. As captain of the dragon king‘s guard, he used to work himself and his men hard. 27

Dragon Down Under Alistair and Leah had stopped in the Rover and had come out to stand with them, taking in the view as Terrie explained the workings of her station. ―For a good portion of the year, the cattle just roam wild to fatten up. We use little pest control. Holbrook prides itself on marketing higher-priced organic beef. We round them up, sort out the marketable ones, brand any new calves, check on their health, and send them back out.‖ ―Sounds pretty straightforward.‖ Kaden took his eyes off Antoinette for a moment, as he surveyed the landscape. ―Remember, you‘ve bought six-hundred thousand acres of land with cattle roaming around most of it. We do the muster in rotation, going out for days at a time on horseback and motorbikes to round up the strays. We have to keep constantly checking border fences, watering holes.‖ As a dragon, it would be relatively easy to do that from the air. He would have to be more careful with human workers around. He watched his mate draw in a breath. ―That‘s just the outside work. The inner workings, you have paperwork to deal with, booking the trucks, paying the workers, taxes, and making sure supplies are regularly flown in. If there‘s anything we really need, we have our own helicopter, but due to cost-cutting, we rarely use it.‖ ―Who be the pilot, lass?‖ Alistair asked. ―I‘m the only one on the station licensed to fly a helicopter.‖ Mate or not, Antoinette was a valuable asset to his property. He needed her knowledge of this new land. His new land. ―I want you to take me out later and show me the land from the air.‖ ―Sure.‖ Her nervousness around him mixed with the scent of her sexual excitement was more evidence to Kaden that she was his. He knew he would have to tread with care before he claimed 28

Dragon Down Under her, no matter how much his dragon was demanding he do it right here and now. ―C‘mon, let‘s get going. I have to leave before three to get the paperwork all done in time,‖ Leah urged, checking her watch. ―Come now, lass. We just met. Do ye have to be scurrying off?‖ The dark-haired legal woman was clearly besotted with Alistair. ―Unfortunately, these things are on a tight time schedule. Otherwise I‘d be happy to hang around. It‘s a very long drive back to the nearest town, Alistair.‖ ―Aye then, I‘d best be escorting ye back. I canna have ye travelling alone now, lassie.‖ He watched Terrie roll her eyes again. ―Let‘s go then.‖

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Chapter 4 It was unnerving, the way he continued to watch her. Terrie struggled to keep her face passive as Kaden scrawled his name in elaborate script on the sale contract. She had signed her part of the documents in her father‘s office before heading off to fetch the men from the airstrip. Leah glanced over the contract for the last time before placing it into her leather briefcase. Rising to her feet, she offered her hand with a smile. Terrie‘s heart broke. ―Congratulations, Kaden De-Kerr. You now own Holbrook.‖ He shook Leah‘s hand briefly. ―I shall enjoy owning every part of it,‖ he said with his eyes directly on Terrie. She had a strange feeling he was not talking about the land he now owned. The four of them exited the homestead. Leah sidled up to Terrie and grabbed her arm. ―Are you sure you‘re going to be all right?‖ Leah asked in a low voice as Terrie walked her to her Land Rover. ―If I didn‘t have to get this paperwork in, you know I‘d stay on for a bit.‖ ―I‘ll be fine, but what about you and Kaden‘s friend? These guys are huge, Leah." Her friend just grinned like a Cheshire cat. ―Yeah, deliciously so. You know me, always had a thing for hunky, gorgeous, older men with accents.‖ Leah waggled her 30

Dragon Down Under eyebrows at Terrie. ―Oh, don‘t look like that. It‘ll be fine and fun. If anything, you need some more fun in your life. All work and no play makes for a dull life, Ter.‖ Alistair had thrown his bag in the back of Leah‘s Rover and had already taken the driver‘s seat. Leah gave her friend a hug before practically bouncing around to climb in. With a sigh, Leah watched them drive off. She turned to find Kaden, looking sexy as hell, leaning against the fence railing. He fixed his intense gaze on her. Facing up to the fact she was attracted to this brooding, mysterious new owner, she understood she still had to stay with him until he found his feet. Being tense around him all the time wasn‘t going to work. She needed to swallow her pride, clear the air, and get on friendly terms with him. With a tentative smile, she walked over to him. Damn, he’s tall. ―I think we got off on the wrong foot before. A lot has happened in a short time. With all that aside, and since we have to work together, I hope we can be friends.‖ She offered out her hand in a gesture of friendship. Kaden straightened, taking her hand. White heat seared through her body as he grasped her hand firmly in his. His blue eyes held hers captive. ―I shall endeavour to prove my worth to you, Terrie.‖ He said her name softly, like a caress. ―Your friendship is a treasure I shall hold close.‖ A horse neighed loudly in the background, breaking the sensual haze surrounding them. She tugged her hand from his and took a step backwards, suddenly aware she was breathing a little faster than normal. ―Uh, Con and Kim, our station cooks, have a barbeque planned for tonight. You‘ll meet your employees then. For now, I‘ll give you a tour of the homestead, and then I can start clearing out my belongings.‖ She turned and walked down the crushed gravel path, then climbed the wide, worn steps to the house. 31

Dragon Down Under The homestead stood on stilts, which helped keep the place cool at the height of the Australian summer. A veranda surrounded the whole building, and large, open windows moved air through the building. Each window was covered with fly screen to keep out the insects as much as possible. ―You don‘t have to do that.‖ He was close on her heels, reaching to open the door for her. She shrugged, heading down the long corridor. ―You will remain in the house. I have no desire for you to move out. This is still your home.‖ ―No, it‘s your home. I‘m just your employee, and I‘ll move my stuff to the staff quarters,‖ she insisted, trying to keep one step ahead of him. She almost squealed when his hand clamped down on her shoulder, spinning her around. ―If you make me pull rank on you, I will. I told you I always get what I want, so do not argue with me.‖ ―Gee, all right, Mr. Bossy.‖ She jumped back from his touch. ―But keep your distance.‖ **** Challenged by her words, he stepped closer and backed her up against a wall. As she gasped, he lifted his hand to caress the side of her face, and then traced his fingertips along her neck, feathering them over the pulse in her throat––that little sweet spot he would bite in the throes of passion as, half-man, half-dragon, he would claim her. Her eyes flew up to meet his. Their eyes locked. He pressed his body into the warmth of hers. Her pulse was speeding under his fingertips. She was soft, but he wanted to see if the rest of her was as soft as her cheek and throat. ―Is this for me, Antoinette? Such a little heart, beating so fast.‖ He was leaning down to her. He wanted to taste her lips. They were soft, plump, and oh so inviting. She stiffened as if startled, making him pause to study her with more care. She was clearly panicking. 32

Dragon Down Under ―Please don‘t.‖ Her words came out as a half-sob. He stilled, removed his hand, and backed up. Her expression of fear and panic was not unlike that of prey caught by a predator. He didn‘t want her to fear him. The smell of her desire mixed with the rapid beat of her heart was almost more temptation than his control could handle. ―Do not fear me, Antoinette. I would never harm you. Never have I met such a beautiful, tempting woman. I find my control slipping around you.‖ He watched her draw in a shuddering breath. Fear swiftly turned into rage, and a beautiful fire erupted behind her deep, chocolate eyes. ―Yeah, well, keep it under control, buddy. I‘ve got enough complications in my life without you adding to them. You may own this place and the land, but that doesn‘t mean you have rights to me. Keep your hands to yourself, or I‘ll pack my bags and leave you on your own to drown in your ignorance, understood?‖ He smiled. ―Perfectly.‖ Little did she know, but even if she did pack her bags and attempt to leave, he wouldn‘t let her go. ―You will remain in the house.‖ ―I already said I would. Would you like to rest up or get anything to eat before we begin the tour? There‘s a lot for you to learn, and the sooner the better.‖ ―I have need of nothing.‖ But you. ―I too am eager to learn. You may begin your lessons.‖ Kaden was going to be a very devoted student, especially when it came to learning about his new mate. **** Kaden paid careful attention to everything Antoinette told him as she showed him around, explaining each section of the homestead, in greater detail. He could see her love and passion in the things he now had to watch over. He met a few of the station 33

Dragon Down Under hands, who held wary expressions as Antoinette introduced him as Holbrook‘s new owner. As long as he knew where she was at every moment, he would keep a small distance as promised. At least until she got used to him. It would be hell on his dragon not to take and claim what was his. He would throw himself into the task at hand, learning his new kingdom. As the sun set, Terrie escaped Kaden in order to freshen up before the barbeque, as she had called it. He showered and changed before tracking her scent to the fire pit, a long wooden table with benches. The workers were gathered there already, waiting for their evening meal. Con, the station‘s cook, was a rough-looking, olive-skinned, stocky man with a fading hairline. Kaden had learned he was from Greece, a land he knew was favoured by the Greek gods. Con waved him over, handing him a plate filled with succulently cooked beef. Kaden was surprised at the quality of the meal Con had prepared. ―An army marches on its stomach and so does a cattle station,‖ Con told him. Kaden settled himself among the workers to eat. Terrie sat at one end of the table with Con‘s wife, a middle-aged Asian woman named Kim. When the question of the Holbrook‘s future was raised, Antoinette glanced up with a challenging expression. Kaden assured all the cattlemen present that he was going to work hard to keep the station running and successful, which seemed to settle the matter. The more time he spent among these humans, the more he grew to respect them. He observed they were straight-talking, hard-working, and honest. As the night progressed, he continued to watch his Antoinette. He heard her tell Kim she was retiring for the night. Kaden made to leave, but he was stopped by Con. The station cook had taken a seat beside him. Kaden watched 34

Dragon Down Under Antoinette until she was out of sight, before turning his attention to Con. ―Would I be correct in assuming you‘ve come from the area of military or law enforcement?‖ Kaden was surprised at the man‘s sharp observations. ―I held a position of high rank in my land‘s military,‖ Kaden confirmed. ―Seven years, special forces in the Greek military.‖ Con pulled back his sleeve to show a tattooed symbol on his arm. ―I see you have an eye for our former boss lady. Just know, boss or not, hurt our Terrie, and every bloke on this station will hogtie, brand, and castrate you.‖ Kaden raised an eyebrow at the warning. The man held no look of malice or hate, just one of concern. ―Then you may be assured, I have no intension of harming her. I am a man of honour. I plan to make her my‖ Kaden hesitated. They used the word ‗mate‘ to mean friendship, and he didn‘t want the man confusing the two. ―I want to make her my wife.‖ ―Ain‘t you a romantic.‖ Con gave him a grin and a slap on the back. ―I wish you luck. She‘s a tough little cookie, that girl, and she may have something to say about that. Terrie‘s been through hell these past few years. Most of us here have watched her grow up into the spitfire she is today. Her mother‘s death was hard on all of us. Then there was Daniel, who also tried to marry her. The bastard broke her heart––not that she would let on about it.‖ ―Daniel?‖ Kaden's jaw clenched. A rival? He‘d seen her interact with the other male workers and was barely able to suppress his need to challenge those who neared her. He had relaxed slightly as he observed every male treating her with warm respect. But was this Daniel someone to put on his must-kill list? ―Our former station manager. They were engaged, but she found out he was a lying rat bastard. He was only ever after the 35

Dragon Down Under property. When things turned bad, due to the drought, he just up and left. Oh, don‘t worry, my friend. You will have to get in a queue if you want to kill him.‖ Con‘s smile was one of malevolence. ―I am pleased you would defend her, but I will take that position now. Nothing shall ever harm her again. This I vow.‖ The man gave a curt not. Kaden forced himself to relax and heed the man‘s words. He was a source of valuable information. ―When her father was killed, it really hit her hard. Then all the business with the banks.‖ Con shook his head. ―Soldier to soldier, I think you best be warned. There was something highly suspicious going on when Allen was killed. I don‘t care what the reports say. Her father‘s death was no mere accident.‖ ―Tell me of this matter. If Terrie is in any danger, I want to know,‖ Kaden demanded. ―If anything, the danger is now more yours than hers. You‘ve heard of West Net?‖ Kaden nodded. ―I understand it was the key reason I was sold Holbrook. Terrie didn‘t want the company to purchase it.‖ ―They‘ve been sniffing around here for a few years. When the offers to buy Holbrook kept being turned down, they turned into threats. I'm not sure what minerals lay beneath this land, but whatever it is they want, I‘m willing to bet good money Allen Holbrook was killed for it. With the huge amount of debt forced on the family by the drought, they knew Terrie would have no hope of holding onto the land. The bank, with West Net‘s urging, I‘m sure, tried to swoop in like vultures as soon as Allen was out of the way. You buying Holbrook has, no doubt, really pissed them off.‖ ―It is no matter to me. I will deal with anyone or anything that threatens Antoinette or Holbrook. I protect what is mine.‖ Con nodded. ―I respect that, my friend.‖ 36

Dragon Down Under Kaden thought about this information. He would have to talk to Antoinette and question her more closely about West Net. ―So, why did you buy Holbrook?‖ ―I was exiled from my home, my friend. This is a chance at a new life––and to prove to my accusers that their punishment is my freedom.‖ He would not lie to the man. He would simply omit those parts that would reveal who he truly was. Con nodded. ―Tell me about Allen Holbrook‘s death, and leave out no detail. I want to know everything.‖ There had been no witnesses, so Con outlined what he had been told: the West-Net men who had gone out to see Terrie‘s father while he was on a muster, the argument that broke out, the supposed ―accidental‖ firing of the man‘s rifle. Kaden and Con were the last to leave the communal fire pit. Kaden moved silently through the homestead, stopping briefly to check in on his mate. His cock hardened to the point of pain when he saw her. The dusty-blond hair splayed across the white pillow, the thin-strapped top stretched across her breasts. He gripped the doorjamb, using all the power he possessed to stop himself from crossing to her, scooping her up into his arms, kissing away the tracks of tears evident on her face, and awakening her passion before he plunged into her warm, soft body. It angered him that she had been so hurt. He and his dragon were in accord. They wanted to seek blood revenge on each and every one who had caused his beauty so much pain, forcing her to be weary and defensive. No, no one would ever do so again, he vowed. She was his to protect, his to treasure. He would break through her defensives. Nothing mattered more than her. He turned away, backtracking through the house. He walked a fair distance from the homestead, until he was far enough away to shift. It was time for this dragon to explore his new kingdom. 37

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Chapter 5 Terrie yawned and scratched her left arse cheek as she padded barefoot across the polished wooden floors of the hallway and into the kitchen. She stopped dead in her tracks when a half-naked Kaden came into view. He sat with paperwork spread all over the kitchen island‘s polished, red-granite top. Holy crap! The man‘s sheer masculine beauty knocked the breath from her lungs. Her whole body reacted to the sight. Her stomach clenched, her nipples tightened, and her panties grew damp with a flood of juices. Yesterday, she had only glimpsed those muscles, hidden by his shirt. It was a bodybuilder‘s frame, the skin deeply tanned and smooth, but what was more startling was a huge, shimmering-blue dragon tattoo covering the rippling raw muscles of his whole upper body. It wound downward, disappearing around his back and under the loose-flowing black silk pants he wore. What struck her as odd was how his tattoo seemed to glow on his skin, like a 3D image. The blue, glowing eyes of the dragon on his upper chest seemed to stare right at her. Raw, dark danger emanated from this man and his dragon tattoo. As much as she wanted to bury the feelings deep down inside her, she felt a strange, powerful pull towards Kaden. It was a dangerous attraction she couldn‘t afford to indulge. First and 38

Dragon Down Under foremost, he was her boss. Secondly, her heart was still tender from Daniel‘s betrayal and abandonment when the station and people around him had needed him the most. Not to mention it was never a good idea to sleep with the boss. His dark hair hung loose around his face and shoulders, and a frown creased his high forehead as he studied the papers before him. Terrie saw his nostrils flare. Then he raised his head, and a smile crept across his smooth face. Terrie sucked in a sharp breath. Shit, she was in trouble with a capital T. She knew he was a damned good-looking man, but when he smiled, lust hit her like a punch to the gut. ―Good morning, Antoinette. I trust you rested well.‖ Terrie forced herself to start breathing again, tearing her eyes away from his penetrating gaze. ―Uh, um, yeah. Well enough, thanks.‖ She walked around the bench, snatching up the kettle to fill it with water from the tap before switching it on. ―That‘s some tattoo you have. You‘ve either got a thing for dragons or had one hell of a drunken night to get that.‖ ―My blue dragon has always been a part of me. Do you like him? I know he likes you.‖ Okay, that was a weird thing to say. The stool he sat on scraped back on the floorboards as he rose to his feet. Terrie busied herself, taking out a loaf of bread and cutting it into a few pieces. Then she placed them in the toaster and turned to face him. She had always thought the homestead kitchen a large one, but with Kaden‘s large presence, it suddenly looked rather small. ―You‘re a strange man, Kaden,‖ she blurted out. His smile was devastating. How in hell was she going to get through the day having this man following her around like a lost puppy? Oh, but he was so much more than a lost puppy––more like the dangerous-looking dragon tattoo on his chest. 39

Dragon Down Under ―I want you to understand something, Antoinette, before we go any further. Just so there is no confusion.‖ She swallowed at the heat in his eyes as he moved in. She hadn‘t realized she was backing up until she was stopped by the kitchen sink and trapped by a large wall of tattooed muscle. Even the dragon on his chest seemed to have the same predatory gaze. ―I desire you, and I am going to have you. From the moment I touched you, I knew you were mine. You cannot deny there is something between us, something I know you are trying to fight.‖ Her brain screamed in denial of his words, yet her body heated like molten lava. Her stomach clenched. What was he trying to do to her? Before she could open her mouth to protest such a ridiculous claim, he made his move. She gasped as he caught her around the waist, hoisted her up with his hands cupping her bottom, and mashed her body tight against his hard wall of firm flesh. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist. Thoughts flew from her brain as his rock-hard cock pressed into her centre. She gripped helplessly onto his shoulders as he took her mouth. Hot and possessive, his tongue demanded entrance. She moaned against its invasion as he stroked, sucked, and tasted every part of her mouth. The sound of something tearing didn‘t register until her naked arse was placed on the cool granite surface of the island bench. The heat of his callused palm and fingertips slid over her outer thigh before moving inwards. Somewhere in her muddled senses, she knew she should stop him, push him away, but her inflamed body was screaming for him to keep touching her, to take her. A whimper broke free from her as he found what he was seeking: her moist, weeping centre. ―Hmm, my beauty, you are wet for me,‖ came the deep rumble of approval. ―I need to taste you.‖ She didn‘t comprehend his words until she was sucking in a lungful of air as his mouth left hers. He pushed her down across the 40

Dragon Down Under bench and widened her thighs with his elbows. She felt a sudden puff of hot breath across her exposed sex. Terrie‘s eyes flew open, staring at the white ceiling of the kitchen and she began to struggle. ―No‖ was all she managed to gasp. His strong hands pinned her hips, his hot, wet tongue swept across her swollen inner labia, flicking across her clit. No one had ever done that to her, and the sensations were incredulous, intense. She didn‘t want him to stop, but this was wrong, wasn‘t it? ―Don‘t fight it, beauty. Let the feeling roll over you. Your taste is divinity itself.‖ Kaden‘s husky proclamation against the mouth of her sex stirred her desire to a new level. Why was she fighting this? Terrie let her legs relax, moaning her pleasure as he attacked, licked, and sucked like a man starved. Fires of raw pleasure coursed through her and built as he speared her deeply with his tongue. **** His dragon purred with approval and cried to devour her in the most decadent of ways. Her musky flavour was addicting. Her sweet, soft whimpers and moans spurred him on. The way her body responded and began to tremble, he knew she was close to climax. He gripped her hips tighter and lapped at her seeping juices, swirled his tongue up to her swollen, sensitive bud, sucking it into his mouth before lightly biting. Her scream burst forth as she fell apart under his tongue. He delved down to catch and feast on the fresh flow of her juices. Oh, so sweet, but it was not enough. His dragon was urging him harder to claim her in the most primitive way possible. Giving up his position between her thighs, he rose and took in the beautiful sight of her. The rapid rise and fall of her chest, flushed-pink skin, eyes squeezed shut, her small hands curled into tight fists. Her eyes opened and her hooded, sated, brown gaze fell on him, watching as he licked the residue of her juices from his lips. He could see the confusion and indecision creeping back into her expression. It would not do. Before she had 41

Dragon Down Under time to utter any protest, he swooped in, taking her lips once again and plundering the silken cavern of her mouth, over and over. He pushed his straining erection against her core, but before he could free his aching cock A piercing shrill shattered the erotic spell he had woven around them. Kaden broke the kiss with a deep growl, angered by the intrusion. His mood darkened. He had been close to claiming his mate. Her flavour was exquisite, sweet like honey. The wafting scent of her arousal was maddening. ―Phone,‖ gasped Terrie. He gazed into her brown depths. ―Let it ring.‖ He tugged her tighter against him, but she attempted to push him back. ―You can‘t on a station.‖ Reluctantly, he pulled her upright and loosened his grip to lower her to the floor. She darted around him and raced across the span of the kitchen to pick up the receiver, answering with a breathless, ―Holbrook Station.‖ He studied her flushed face, her lush lips plump and swollen from his passion. It was a breathtaking sight on her. Her bare arse was making him want to bend her over and take her from behind, hard and fast. His fingers curled over the edge of the sink behind him, griping it tightly as he struggled to pull his body and dragon back from the brink of losing control. ―Oh, g‘day, Alistair! How was the trip up to Darwin?‖ Kaden listened to his mate‘s responses to the caller. She glanced up at him. ―Sure, the big guy is here.‖ She held out the phone to him. ―For you.‖ In two strides, he crossed the kitchen and took the phone, lifting it to his ear. Terrie moved out of his reach before he could stop her, and she vanished from the kitchen. 42

Dragon Down Under ―This had better be good, Alistair,‖ he growled. ―Ye better believe this be good, lad.‖ Alistair‘s serious tone had him paying attention. ―We had a little run-in with some men on the road up ta Darwin. Seems someone dinna like the fact yer wee mate has sold ye the station lad.‖ ―Are you and Leah all right?‖ ―Aye, lad. Ye know as well as I, never mess with a dragon or his mate. Leah‘s fine, sated and sleepin‘,‖ Alistair boasted with amusement, surprising Kaden. ―Leah? You didn‘t say anything.‖ ―Ye were a wee bit preoccupied with yer own mate, lad. Aaah, what be the odds, eh?‖ Kaden couldn‘t help but envision the grin on Alistair‘s face. His tone turned serious once again. ―After tryin‘ ta run us off the road and inter an oncoming truck, I took care of the bastards. Seems they were after yer contract, lad, ta stop it reaching the proper hands.‖ ―West Net.‖ ―Aye, Leah‘s been tellin‘ me ‘bout this company. I‘ve a suspicion they be into a lot more than just mining.‖ ―I agree. Yesterday, I learned West Net may be responsible for the death of Antoinette‘s father, Allen Holbrook.‖ There was a silent pause before he heard Alistair sigh. ―It seems ye‘ve gone an bought yerself a hell of a lot more than just some land, lad. There be trouble a brewin‘, I can feel it in me dragon bones.‖ ―Would you look into this West Net? I want to know who‘s running this company. I want to know why they have been after this land. I think we are in accord to eliminate any threat to our mates.‖ ―Aye, lad. I‘ll start me diggin‘ and will be in contact soon. Be careful now." 43

Dragon Down Under Replacing the receiver, Kaden heard the outer door of the homestead swing shut. He growled. She was trying to run from him. Kaden felt his lips lift up at the corners. Any smart person knows if they run from a predator, they will get chased. This was the first time a woman had run from him rather than to him. This was one chase he was going to enjoy.

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Chapter 6 Markus Grekko leaned into his high-backed, black leather office chair. He hadn‘t heard from his men, and he was pissed as hell that the dim-witted bank manager had failed to get him Holbrook Station. He was furious when he heard from the simpering manager that the petite little owner of the station had sold it to a private buyer––right out from under his nose! He‘d immediately sent his men to stop the transaction, but he had not heard from them either, and now the deadline was up. As one problem was sorted out, another arose. What he needed was some strong leverage with the owner. Allen Holbrook had remained stubborn right up to the end. First he had been offered more money than the station was worth, and then Markus had directly threatened the man. Once Allen had been eliminated, Markus had used his power over the banks to force a seizure on the land. But Allen Holbrook‘s wily little blond daughter had outmanoeuvred him and sold to an unknown buyer. Markus wanted that land. From his careful research and the various ―survey teams‖ he had sent to examine the area, he knew the truth about ancient claims describing the land as possessing a hidden wealth. Few, if any, others knew about it. He had given the impression that he wanted the land to mine it. Sure, it had a few minerals, but the cost of extracting them would outweigh the value of the minerals themselves. Not to mention, the remote location would make it a perfect place to conduct more private activities. 45

Dragon Down Under Markus‘ mysterious new mistress refused to talk about who she really was, but he could tell from the reflective redness he sometimes glimpsed in her dark-brown eyes that she was otherworldly. He would bet good money she was from the Outer Realm, though every time he pressed her with questions about her heritage, she would just smile with her perfectly formed lips, and he could see a flash of deep anger in the dark depths of her gaze. But she did share knowledge of the supernatural with him, knowledge that was almost beyond his comprehension. And they had come to a mutual arrangement: he looked after her, and she provided him with information. The sex was just a bonus. Markus leaned forward and snatched up the phone. ―Mr. Vermont, I want you to find out everything you can about Holbrook‘s new owner, and don‘t leave one fucking stone unturned. Got that? And while you‘re there, find out what happened to the team I sent down to the area.‖ ―Yes, Mr. Grekko. On it right away,‖ snapped his head of security. Markus suddenly had another thought, ―Oh, and take my Brenna with you. I want her insight on the situation as well.‖ Even if the possibility was remote, he wanted to make sure there was no supernatural involvement. That would raise the game to a totally different level. **** Escape had been the only course of action. She needed to clear her head. The man had giving her a mind-blowing orgasm while lying on her kitchen island bench––no, not hers anymore. His kitchen now. Everything was his, and she‘d be damned if she‘d end up that way as well. God, she was stupid. How had she allowed things to get so out-of-control so fast? She had almost let him fuck her. She had known him less than twenty-four hours, for crying out loud. His dominating presence unnerved her. It wasn‘t just that she‘d 46

Dragon Down Under allowed things to get out of hand. It was more than that––he was in complete control. Every time she went near the man, she felt completely out of control. And she still had to work with him. She needed a plan. Either that or leave, because she couldn‘t trust him—or herself—alone with him. After grabbing a quick breakfast from Con‘s kitchen, she found Kaden had already joined the men in the breaking yard. Terrie was quiet impressed with how quickly he was adapting to his new role, and better yet, he was not afraid to get his hands dirty. He was even working with Matt Burnu, who let him take over the breaking of a huge brumby they had brought in. Matt cared for all of Holbrook‘s horses. He was partaboriginal and was a brilliant breaker. There were four aboriginal men working on the station, all good, hard-working men. As she sat on the fence railing, she couldn‘t stop thinking about the the before breakfast interlude on the kitchen bench. Her body still tingled deliciously from the orgasm. How good his tongue had felt on her Damn it, she had to stop thinking about it. As if sensing her thoughts, Kaden gave her a heated look. She swallowed hard to hide her reddening cheeks and then turned away to go deal with other station chores. Throughout the morning, she sensed his presence. He was never too far from her, as if he was following and watching her at a distance and still giving her the space she needed. Yet he had managed somehow to wind her up like a coiled spring. Her body seemed in a constant state of arousal with each dark, heated look, or even simple smile, he threw in her direction. During lunch, Kaden strode in, looking sleek, powerful, and in charge. The room suddenly felt much smaller with him in it. His now dusty, light-blue, plaid shirt had its sleeves rolled up his arms, displaying bulging muscles and strong arms. They could probably bring down a full-grown bull. 47

Dragon Down Under Kaden‘s crystal-blue eyes immediately sought her out, and he walked towards her. She swallowed hard, struggling to keep a cool composure in front of the other men. ―Terrie, you will take me up in your helicopter this afternoon? I want to see the land from the air during daylight hours.‖ ―Um, yeah, okay. You‘re the boss.‖ How she managed to keep her voice from cracking or squeaking, she had no idea, but she was grateful for it. Much to Terrie‘s relief, he turned his attention to Matt. As Kaden sat down on the opposite side of the table from him, they began talking horses. Terrie managed to choke down the rest of her lunch, knowing she was sure going to need her strength for the rest of the day. **** ―Down there.‖ Kaden‘s deep voice came through her headset, his eyes fixed on an isolated canyon sitting by a deep river. She swung the chopper around and swept over the area. Terrie realized the canyon was only accessible by air or river. She saw there was a wide, long, sandy riverbank. It was his dollar. She shrugged to herself and took the chopper down, setting it as far from the river as possible. Kaden removed his headset, swung the door open, and jumped from the copter before she even had time to power down the machinery. They had been flying for a good hour and had barely begun to cover the vastness of the land he now owned. He told her to go in the direction of his choosing, which was fine by her. She kept close track of their map coordinates so they wouldn‘t get lost. The station‘s small mustering chopper had obviously made the large man uncomfortable. It had more headroom than her Ute, but he still had to curl up his legs and cram his body into the cockpit‘s small passenger seat.

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Dragon Down Under Terrie had relaxed when he told her that he had absolute confidence in her piloting ability. Relaxing had also made it easier for her to fly the chopper safely. Terrie was amused that this big, strong, confident man could be rattled by the confines of her small chopper. She rechecked the instruments before unhooking her own headset and climbing out. It was a picture-perfect canyon, with sheer walls rising straight up on all sides but one. The wall on that side sloped upward at about forty-five degrees. She could see Kaden staring halfway up at what seemed to be the entrance to a cave. She wondered what he was up to. ―This area has good possibilities,‖ he said rather cryptically. ―What for? Hiding dead bodies?‖ she quipped, suddenly nervous at being in such an isolated spot with the dark and deadsexy Kaden. He could do anything to her and no one would hear her screams––of pain or pleasure. Her pulse quickened. He had that same heated gaze in his eyes as he glanced over to her. ―I‘m not going to hurt you, Terrie,‖ he said with surprising gentleness. ―We should talk about a few things.‖ Great, here we go again. If he was starting with that ‗you‘re mine‘ shit again, she was going to brain him, literally. ―Fine, let‘s talk.‖ She waved her hand at him. ―I know what it is like to lose everything you have worked for and built your life around.‖ She didn‘t fail to note the bitterness in his tone. ―Since coming here, I‘ve learnt a lot about making the most of what you do have, and sometimes things turn out much better than what you expected.‖ She waited to see where this was going. ―What if you could have Holbrook Station back?‖ ―It would be bloody brilliant, but I don‘t have the funds to buy it back, and I highly doubt any bank would loan me the money.‖ ―I have no desire to sell it back to you or to anyone else, but it can be yours, just as much as it is now mine.‖ 49

Dragon Down Under Terrie clenched her jaw, glaring at him. ―What the hell are you getting at? Don‘t play games with me, Kaden. I‘m not in the mood for any bullshit.‖ ―Terrie, I do not play games.‖ She could see irritation in his gaze. ―If you agree to be my wife, then the property, though not wholly yours, will be ours.‖ When ‗wife‘ finally registered in her brain, she glared at him in disbelief. He was messing with her again. ―You want me to marry you?‖ ―I made it clear I wanted you, beauty, but this goes beyond a sexual attraction. I want to be your lover, your husband. I want you to be my mine, my mate.‖ ―You‘re just not going to let this go, are you?‖ ―No, I will do whatever it takes to bind you to me. I hear you have been hurt before, Terrie, but I would never do that to you.‖ Terrie refused to believe he was serious. It was a battle for control––and to get into her pants. Well, he‘d half-succeeded, and a good half of her wanted him to succeed even further. But that wasn‘t the point. ―I gotta say, I‘ve heard some great one-liners in my day, but that really takes the cake.‖ **** Kaden watched as she folded her arms in a defensive stance, giving him a wide birth as she marched down towards the river. She was so stubborn, so beautiful, and all his. If he didn‘t have her soon, he would start to lose brain cells from the constant, diverted direction of his blood flow. To keep a cool head and to keep control of his body, he stripped off his shirt and dumped it, along with his hat, on the ground. He decided a cool dunk in the river would help cool the boiling desire in his veins. ―I wouldn‘t go in there if I were you,‖ warned Terrie. 50

Dragon Down Under Ignoring her, Kaden waded into the water and dove in. He broke the surface to find Terrie scanning up and down the river with worry on her face. ―Don‘t mess around. Brown muddy waters mean there are crocodiles about.‖ Kaden knew he was a more dangerous predator than small crocodiles. But not wanting to upset his little mate any further, he stood and started back towards the bank.

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Chapter 7 Terrie sat by an outcropping of rocks that hung over the water‘s edge. The man was a bloody idiot. ―I hope you‘ve written out your will to risk swimming in there.‖ He raised a dark eyebrow and smiled. The gesture made her belly clench, and her sex dampened with a fresh surge of juices. Damn him. ―I shall bequeath everything to my wife.‖ It took a moment for her to realize he wasn‘t playing around. He really did want to marry her, and to her own surprise, she was actually considering it. ―You really are serious about that.‖ ―Deadly serious.‖ He started to wade back in from the river, towards her. ―Why fight what you want? It is a perfect plan. Through me, you get your station back, and we run it together. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, including me.‖ She stared at the dragon tattoo on his naked chest, the way it seemed to glimmer like real scales in the gleaming sunlight. It had sapphire-blue eyes, just like Kaden‘s, and they seemed to be watching her just as his were. Swallowing hard, she met his penetrating stare. He was right. She could get everything back and have a huge, sexy man to boot. A man who had the most incredibly wicked tongue she had ever experienced. Yet, that tongue was only the tip 52

Dragon Down Under of the iceberg––she knew carnal pleasures with him would be mind-altering. What had made her wary was fear—fear of being hurt doubled with the fear of her intense feelings for him. She had known him such a short time. It was all happening at breakneck speed. She barely had time to think through things clearly. He approached the spot where she sat on the bank. He was still kneedeep in the river. He stretched out his arm and cupped her face in the palm of his hand. Terrie trembled at his touch but didn‘t turn away. This time she welcomed his caress. ―Everything has happened so fast, Kaden. I know you‘re not my enemy, but I just don‘t want to get hurt again.‖ ―Beauty, I can give you my solemn vow that I will always be by your side. It is my duty to always protect you. I do not think you can comprehend yet how much I am committed to being with you until the end of days. You are mine, Antoinette. Take a leap of faith and put your trust in me. You shall not be disappointed.‖ Even if she wasn‘t feeling the reaction of her body, his words had just stolen her heart. Damn. Sexy as sin, this man‘s words could seriously accelerate global warming. She was melting, and it had nothing to do with the heat of the outback sun beating down on them. A soft sigh escaped her lips. It was one of surrender. A devastating smile crept over his face as he understood her acceptance of him. ―Do you trust me, Terrie?‖ he asked as his hand skirted down the side of her neck. His fingers crept around the back of her head and gently tugged her forward. She tilted back her head to accept his kiss. She gasped as Kaden suddenly jerked away. A huge splash echoed through the canyon. Within a blink of her eye, he was dragged down by a crocodile that had taken hold of his leg. Blood pounded through her ears as terror took hold of her. The man and 53

Dragon Down Under reptile thrashed wildly in the water, the croc pulling him deeper down to perform its crocodile roll––drown the victim, then devour him. ―Shit, shit, shit!‖ She scrambled backwards, shaking the shock long enough to jump to her feet and dash to the chopper. There was a rifle under the backseat. She needed to shoot that bloody crocodile before it killed him. But she never reached the chopper. Out of the water rose the most stunning sight. Her eyes widened, her breath caught in her throat, as she stared in silent shock at the towering blue creature. A panicked squeak emerged from her throat, and the sand hit her ass as she fell backward. Seated, her gaze was forced upward at what could only be described as a dragon, a magnificent blue dragon identical to the one tattooed around Kaden‘s torso. The dragon whipped around to grab the crocodile, which was dumb enough to still be holding on to the leg of this impossible dragon. The dragon‘s long, white, sharp teeth flashed dangerously as it caught the crocodile around the middle and yanked it away from its leg. The crocodile flailed wildly in the dragon‘s powerful jaws before it was flung across the river. She couldn‘t tear her eyes away from the flying reptile as it hit the canyon wall with a dull thud, dislodging rocks as it dropped dead onto the bank. Well, that was one way to take care of a crocodile problem. She froze as the dragon turned its glittering blue eyes upon her. Oh God, oh God, oh God, was it now going to eat her? And where the hell was Kaden? This was all too bizarre. Why did this dragon remind her of Kaden? And why wasn‘t she freaking out more than she already was? The chopper was too far away to make a run for it, even to grab her gun. Besides, she was trying not to make any sudden moves as she climbed slowly to her feet and backed up. The dragon left the water and approached her just as slowly. Terrie‘s back hit 54

Dragon Down Under the solid stone face of the canyon wall, and she knew there was no escape. ―Easy there, you don‘t want to eat me. I‘m sure I taste really bad,‖ she squeaked, finding her voice. As terrifying as it was to actually see a real, live mythical creature, it was also beautiful. The sunlight caught and reflected each shiny, deep-blue scale. To her added confusion, the huge beast seemed to chuckle at her words. She smelt cinnamon as it huffed out a puff of smoky breath. The dragon was laughing at her? It dropped its huge body and then its head onto the sandy floor, barely a foot away from where she had plastered herself against the rock wall. It didn‘t make another move, but just watched her with those mesmerizing blue eyes. ―What did you do with Kaden?‖ she asked the dragon. It seemed to roll its eyes at her and give an annoyed snort, accompanied by that same lovely cinnamon breath. It took her a long moment to comprehend that the creature wasn‘t going to hurt her, and then another full minute for it to sink in that this could— possibly—be Kaden. ―You, ah, didn‘t eat him, did you?‖ The dragon raised his large head slightly and rolled it side-toside answering ‗no.‘ then it plunked its head back to the sand and waited. Waited for what? ―Holy shit, this can‘t be real. I mean, dragons don‘t exist. If you‘re trying to tell me you are Kaden, then change back now. I‘m really freaked out here.‖ The glimmer and the smile in the dragon‘s eyes seemed to confirm it had what it wanted––it had wanted her to realize he was Kaden. So he rose back onto his legs. It was then she saw the blood on the dragon‘s left leg. The croc had injured him badly. She forgot her fear and stepped forward. 55

Dragon Down Under ―You‘re hurt.‖ The dragon moved his long neck around to peer down at its leg. She swore the dragon just shrugged. Then it happened, the blue dragon seemed to shimmer and shrink, it all took around five seconds before the powerful, muscular, very naked––and very aroused––Kaden stood in front of her. The blue dragon was once again wrapped around his upper body. She knew her jaw was hanging open but didn‘t care. She had every right to gape at what she had just witnessed. Thoughts and words evaded her as he stalked forward. He reached for her, and Terrie was suddenly caught up in his powerful arms and held tightly against his solid-muscled chest. She wrapped her arms around his neck. She didn‘t know if it was the adrenaline from what she had just experienced, but she was turned on big time. Her whole body thrummed with arousal. She wanted him. ―You‘re a dragon!‖ ―Just as you saw, you have no need to fear me.‖ His voice was husky, his blue depths dark with desire. ―I don‘t fear you,‖ was all she managed in a breathless pant. His mouth crashed down over hers, hard, hungry, and demanding. His tongue plunged deeply to possess and dominate every hidden recess of her mouth. She found herself hungrily responding to his kiss, pressing herself more tightly against his body. She moaned into his mouth and felt his hands glide under her shirt. She gasped as he ripped the material from her torso. Kaden growled, breaking the kiss to glance down at the barrier of plain white fabric covering her breasts. Freeing his grip on her, he took the center of her bra between his strong fingers and tore it in two. Her breasts fell free. He shoved away the remains of her bra and lifted her in his arms, pressing her against the canyon wall. Automatically, she wrapped her legs around his naked hips and opened herself to his hard erection. It hit her clit through the material of her shorts. Terrie whimpered at not being able to feel him completely. His large, calloused hands covered her breasts as 56

Dragon Down Under he claimed her mouth again, sucking the air from her lungs. His hands seemed to be everywhere at once. She moaned, her body writhing as he pushed her to a higher plain of need. She groaned as he ripped her shorts, the material in tatters. She didn‘t care. All she cared about was getting Kaden inside her, wild and desperate to have her ache relieved, to have her body filled with him. ―Kaden, oh God! Kaden, I need you, now,‖ she halfdemanded, half-pleaded. ―Want to. Savor you. Beauty.‖ Each word was punctuated and strained. He was just as breathless as she was. ―Savor later, inside now!‖ She reached between their bodies to wrap her hand around his long, hard dick. She couldn‘t close her hand around it. She loved the feel of his velvety soft skin wrapped over marble hardness. He hissed at her touch, and she felt him tremble in her arms. This sent a new thrill though her, the thrill that she could affect a powerful man such as Kaden. ―Beauty, understand when I take you, as man and dragon, I claim you as mine, forever.‖ Through her lust-filled haze, she met his serious raw gaze. Something deep within her knew it was what she wanted. She needed Kaden no matter what he was, and this was right. They belonged together. Details could be sorted out later. The imp inside her couldn‘t help but ask, ―Would you stop if I say no?‖ The heated carnal look in his eyes told her no. ―Beauty,‖ he rumbled in a low growl that was both want and warning. ―Yes, take me.‖ As much as she was going to enjoy teasing him, she needed him with a wanton desperation. She felt the large blunt head of his dick push against the entrance of her vagina. She moaned and clung to him as his huge cock forced her inner walls open, as he speared himself into her. 57

Dragon Down Under He was big and it had been a long time since she‘d had a man. The pleasure bordered on pain, he pulled out an inch and then eased himself back in deeper, forcing little whimpers, mewls, and moans from her with each thrust. **** Kaden growled in pure pleasure at the tightness of her walls gripping his cock, as he finally pushed his entire length inside her. He held still for a moment to let her adjust to him. His control hung by a thin thread, hearing her whimpered protest as she tried to move her hips. He conceded, giving her what she wanted. He pulled almost all the way out of her tight sheath before slamming back in with measured force. He had to be careful, she was still only human and fragile. He had no wish to harm his precious mate. Holding her pinned against the rock wall, he thrust into her with controlled strokes, over and over again. She clung to him, pushing her hips up to meet his thrusts, moaning her pleasure. She delighted him with her wild abandon. She had an inner passion unlike any he had ever encountered. Feeling her mouth on his neck and her tongue flicking across his sweaty skin, his dragon roared. When she bit down at his neck, it broke his control totally, and his thrusts became wild, hard, and savage as he took her, needing to embed himself so deep within her she would never want or need another. ―Oh, God, yes!‖ she groaned, twisting in raw pleasure. “Mine, mine, mine, claim, keep!” his dragon roared. ―Yesss,‖ Kaden hissed in agreement. She was trembling as he savagely pushed her towards climax. In that moment, he felt the change tingle through his body. His teeth sharpened to points. He licked and kissed her neck as he reached between their bodies and found her swollen clit, pinching it gently between his fingers. It was all the external stimulation she needed, as her head fell back, mouth open, screaming her release in the same moment he bit 58

Dragon Down Under down on her neck. The taste of her blood fired both man and beast, and a small amount of his dragon saliva entered her bloodstream, to complete the bonding. **** Her every nerve ending screamed in overloaded pleasure. It was unlike anything she had ever experienced. Her orgasm rolled on and on until he withdrew his teeth from her neck, and her body felt weightless. All Terrie could do was cling helplessly as he continued to pound into her, pushing with an unbelievable strength and stamina, pushing her to a second orgasm that rolled through her body like a tidal wave. She groaned, her body trembling, burying her face in his neck. She felt his own body tremble as his strokes became shorter and faster, and then he arched his back and stiffened. Incredibly, she felt his hot semen shoot forth and bathe her womb. She shuddered at the pleasurable feel of it inside her. He groaned, his body collapsing forward onto hers as he struggled to regain control of his ragged breathing.

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Chapter 8 Kaden raised his head. She could see the worried expression in his eyes. ―Are you all right? Did I hurt you?‖ Terrie raised her hand to touch the tender spot on her throat. ―Apart from the bite, I‘m fine. Being able to walk for the next few days may be another matter.‖ He chuckled. She was amazed at how comfortable she now felt with him, even though the sex was savage and unlike any she had ever known. There was something else. Something tugging and making her want to be closer to him. She wanted to know everything there was to know about him. ―That was for the claiming. You belong to me now, both blood and body, and I to you. It binds us closer than even your term for husband and wife.‖ Even after all that had happened, she still found herself skeptical. ―How is that? Why me?‖ ―From the moment we first touched, my dragon and I knew you were our true mate. Finding a true mate is a rare and precious thing, it means the gods have fated us to be together. A blood bond between a dragon and his true mate is strong and undeniable.‖ ―Oh.‖ He pulled out of her body; she suddenly felt a kind of loss and emptiness. Already she was hungering for more of Kaden. 60

Dragon Down Under His glittering blue gaze roamed down her naked body, he smiled when he saw she still had her boots on. Gingerly, she traced her hand over the dragon on his chest and stared into his eyes. ―Who are you?‖ She knew it was a bit late for that question–– she was now bonded to a dragon she knew nothing about. ―Where do you come from? You are a dragon but also a man?‖ ―I come from a place called the Outer Realm, where many dragons and other creatures exist, mostly in peace. There are many creatures that can shift between forms, but I am a dragon for most.‖ ―Outer Realm,‖ she repeated in awe. ―So, why are you here? Why did a dragon buy my land?‖ ―Your dragon now, my beauty.‖ He tugged her right hand off his chest to place a tender kiss in the center of her palm. ―I was exiled from the Outer Realm. Remember I told you I needed this land in order to survive. I am a dragon, beauty. I have to shift into dragon form every so often. If I am seen by humans, then I would be hunted.‖ ―My property is remote and vast,‖ she finished, now understanding. ―And warm. Dragons cannot abide the cold, unless you‘re Alistair.‖ ―He‘s a dragon too?‖ Terrie said stunned. ―Leah, he went with her.‖ ―Your friend is very safe with Alistair.‖ ―Why were you exiled?‖ ―I used to be captain of the dragon king‘s guard, until I was betrayed and accused of a crime I did not commit.‖ His tone was filled with unmistakable bitterness. ―Dragons are ignorant of the Human Realm. They firmly believe that any dragon cast into this realm would soon enough be killed by humans.‖ Terrie rolled her eyes. ―I guess it‘s half true. A dragon suddenly appearing would cause a hell of a lot of attention.‖ She 61

Dragon Down Under wasn‘t sure about this crime he didn‘t commit. Maybe he really was some sort of dragon criminal. But she didn‘t feel unsafe with him and could only assume he was telling her the truth. ―What we‘re you accused of?‖ ―It matters not. I have bested them now that I have this.‖ He swept his large hand across the canyon. ―I have more here than I ever had in the Dragon Kingdom––more wealth, more land, and my one true mate. Their punishment has become my reward.‖ Pressing himself into her again, she gave a soft moan as his calloused hands ran up her naked side to cup her breast. He tenderly kissed the spot where he had bitten, then started licking at it. She giggled as it tickled. ―What are you doing?‖ She was breathless again. It was like flicking a switch, and the hunger to have him returned with unabated force. ―Healing you. Dragon saliva has healing properties.‖ The vibrations against her neck sent erotic chills down her spine. Terrie was struggling to keep a level head, but there were so many questions she wanted to ask him. ―Your claimingin dragon terms, that mean we‘re, um, married?‖ ―A closer bond than that, but I am going to insist on a human ceremony as well. I want you bound to me in every way humanly—and dragonly––possible.‖ Well, gee. She‘d known Kaden less than two days, and now she was bonded to him. ―What is mine is yours, beauty. You have lost nothing.‖ His wicked tongue slid along her collarbone. He licked and kissed her skin, leaving a cool, wet trail that only inflamed her. He made his way to her breasts. ―HmmI was wrong about not eating you, my beauty. I want to taste every inch of your skin, and then I shall eat from your sweet honey pot until you scream in ecstasy.‖ 62

Dragon Down Under His words alone almost made her come. A soft moan escaped her lips. Just as she was trying to refocus her thoughts, he had once again managed to scatter them. ―Kaden?‖ she managed huskily. ―Yes, my beauty?‖ She could feel the vibration of his lips between the valley of her breasts. He cupped one gently, squeezing and making her hardened nipple jut out so he could take it into his mouth. ―We‖ she gasped as he pulled as much of her breast into his mouth as he could, his tongue flicking across the nipple and toying with it. ―Should‖ Then his large, calloused fingers slipped between the cleft of her pussy lips and found her clit. He gently pinched it between his fingertips and, at the same time, lightly bit down on her nipple. All words and thoughts were lost. She cried out at the pain/pleasure mix. She was so wet with need, she knew her juices were coating Kaden‘s fingers as they left her clit and plunged deeply into her. One of his strong arms encircled her waist as he masterfully played her body like an instrument. In the shadow of the canyon, she felt air caress her breast as he released it from his mouth. Then he focused on the other one, giving it the same loving attention as he slowly finger fucked her. Once again she was on the verge of climax under his talented skill. She moaned and writhed on his fingers, trying to urge him faster. She was on the very edge of an orgasm. He paused, sensing her need, and her breast fell from his mouth. ―Tell me what you want, beauty,‖ his husky voice encouraged her. Never had she or her ex-fiancé been vocal during sex. She realized it added a whole new erotic height to the lovemaking. She knew what she wanted but had always been timid to ask for it with 63

Dragon Down Under Daniel. But Kaden freed her inhabitations. She knew just what she wanted and was no longer afraid to demand it. ―I want you,‖ she proclaimed, in a breathless pant, ―to fuck me hard and deep.‖ ―As my mate wishes.‖ His fingers withdrew from her depths, and she cried out in protest. Kaden ignored her and carried her a short way onto the sandy bank. He placed her on her hands and knees, and, without any preamble, came between her spread thighs. He gripped her hips and pushed his big cock into her in one strong thrust. And she came, her inner walls clamping around his dick. ―By the gods, my mate, you drive me to the brink of my control.‖ He groaned, pulled back, and plunged in, over and over again, strong, hard and deep. Terrie lost strength in her arms. She folded them and she placed her head down on them as he fucked her at a relentless pace. She loved every damn, long, hard inch of him as he pushed her towards another explosive climax building deep within, riding on the crest of the other. His pace quickened, and if he hadn‘t been gripping tightly to her hips, she would have been pushed deep into the sandy bank. His hand reached around and flicked her clit. She screamed, every nerve ending in her body exploded in raw pleasure. She felt Kaden jerk and let out an almighty roar, before his huge body shuddered and fell on top of hers, caging her in the security of his arms. She knew she was going to have bruises on her hips and knees, but like hell did she care. This was the best damn sex she‘d ever experienced, and she greedily wanted more, more of Kaden. For now, she knew he wasn‘t going to be going anywhere soon. She felt relived and relaxed in that fact, even though he was a dragon. But he was now her dragon/man, like a guardian who had come to look after her and her land. **** 64

Dragon Down Under Kaden was angry with himself when he saw the marks he had left on her hips. ―Beauty, I am so sorry.‖ ―About what?‖ She tried to turn from under him. He pulled himself back to let her turn over. Her beautiful brown eyes were glowing with a sated mirth which pleased him. ―I‘ve hurt you.‖ She gave an adorable little snort. He leaned down to kiss and lick one side of her hips before moving to the other. He felt her body shake with giggles. Sweet music to his ears. How easily this little human woman had accepted him as dragon and man. He thanked the gods for everything, even the accusation, humiliation, torture, and exile, for it had tested his worth and had netted the greatest treasure a dragon could possess. ―Stop that.‖ She swatted at his head. ―We need to get back to the station, as much as I‘d love to mess around with you all afternoon. There is work to be done.‖ He pulled back, smiling down at his grinning mate. Then he rose to his feet and pulled her up along with him. It was another triumph to see her smiling and happy. He vowed to keep her this way. She had known much underserved sorrow, but he would now protect her from that, along with anything else that threatened his mate. ―Indeed, we will have time to play after,‖ he promised. Even after all they had just shared, she blushed prettily. ―Um, you‘ve destroyed my clothes.‖ ―I have it covered.‖ He steadied her on her feet before picking up his discarded shirt. He shook it out and handed it to her before striding towards the helicopter, where he had placed his bag behind his seat. She followed close behind, eyeing Kaden‘s bag with suspicion. He yanked out a spare set of clothes. ―You weren‘t planning this, were you?‖ 65

Dragon Down Under ―Beyond claiming you, beauty, I had planned to introduce you to my dragon gradually, so not to frighten you. But as much as I do not wish to shift in front of humans, Alistair has taught me to be prepared in case it is necessary.‖ ―If that croc hadn‘t attacked you, I wouldn‘t have seen your dragon. Just when were you planning on telling me?‖ She took a defensive stance against his devastating smile. ―As soon as you were well-sated enough to take my news with ease. I am pleased you are so accepting.‖ She shrugged. ―I kind of figure you were right after all.‖ She smiled as she climbed into the chopper cockpit, he watched as his shirt rode up her thighs. He tugged on the spare jeans he had brought. ―About what, my beauty?‖ ―That I have now gained more than I have lost.‖ It was true for them both.

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Chapter 9 ―I gotta say, I‘m damned impressed,‖ Con said as he laid a thick slab of rare meat on Kaden‘s plate, cooked just like he liked it. Kaden gave the cook a questioning look. It would have appeared quite strange to the humans if he had ordered the steak completely raw. ―Two days, and I‘ve never seen her so happy. How the heck did you do it, mate?‖ Kaden glanced over to his smiling woman, who was talking animatedly with the other workers at the meal table. ―I showed her my true self,‖ he said honestly, ―and she could not resist my charm,‖ Kaden boasted with pride. ―Terrie‘s agreed to marry you?‖ ―She has, as soon as arrangements can be made.‖ ―Damn, you move fast.‖ Con placed some roasted vegetables upon his plate. ―When you find the one you want, why wait?‖ Con knew it was a rhetorical question. ―Keep her happy, mate. She deserves it.‖ Kaden gave him a pointed look. ―You will learn I am a man of my word.‖ Con nodded as Kaden went to join his little mate at the meal table. **** 67

Dragon Down Under Kaden was keen to get his new mate into a soft bed. He had hastened their departure from the communal meal room by whispering to her how much he wanted her naked and beneath him. He had felt her tremble and smelt her desire, even if she didn‘t look at him. She had swallowed, said good night to the men still lounging about, and made a swift exit. Kaden was close on her heels. As the door of the homestead swung shut behind them, he was about to scoop his little mate into his arms when the phone rang. He growled and marched over to snatch it up. ―Kaden, lad!‖ Alistair‘s voice sounded through the phone. ―You have impeccable timing, Alistair.‖ Kaden made sure his tone was dry and devoid of humor. ―Tell him to say hi to Leah for me––and that I‘ll cut off his dragon balls if he hurts her,‖ Terrie said, after first pausing to see who was calling. Alistair chuckled hearing her comments. She wandered off, and, a moment later, he heard her start the shower. ―I see she‘s met yer dragon and is still talking to ya.‖ ―We‘re bonded now.‖ ―Ah! Nice work, lad. Congratulations. ‘Tis a good thing therra be a large body of water surrounin‘ this land, lad. Me dragon is missin‘ me loch but likin‘ the salty ocean forra change. My wee mate is quite adapted at findin‘ information.‖ ―What did you find out?‖ ―Yourra be right, this West Net is a front for a company called Grekko Industries, coming out of Europe and linked to a man called Markus Grekko. He‘s been linked to many a suspect activities, suspicious deaths. And yourra gonna love this. We found out he be unofficially linked to a few paranormal activities. The man is a treasure hunter, seeking relics and things that may prolong his own lifespan.‖ ―Do you know why he‘s after Holbrook?‖ 68

Dragon Down Under ―It canna be for the minerals, that be certain. Independent surveys have found little that would be of worth to mine. I canna tell you what, but he be after something out there.‖ There had to be someone who knew something about what this Markus Grekko wanted. ―We‘ll keepa diggin‘ from this end. Be careful, lad. I suspect this ain‘t over by a long shot yet.‖ ―Thank you, Alistair. I owe you a great debt––and be careful.‖ ―Always am, lad. It‘s no dent you owe me, lad. ‘Twas fortune of the gods we found each other and, in turn, found our true mates. Ta gods be blessing us, lad.‖ Kaden couldn‘t disagree with that. ―Take care of that mate of yours, and tell her Leah says hi, too.‖ Kaden hung up the phone. His cock was hard, and his dragon wanted his mate. As always, the two were in accord. **** Terrie gasped when Kaden yanked open the shower door, crowded in, and pressed her up against the wall. His mouth covered hers, sucking and nipping at her lips while his tongue played inside her mouth, tasting and teasing her to the brink of breathless insanity. Hooking her legs around his hips, she felt the blunt tip of his cock pierce her body. They both let out a low groan as he slowly pushed in, parting her inner walls with this thick length. She didn‘t think she would ever get enough of feeling him like this. So deeply embedded within her body, she hardly knew where she ended and he began. And when he began to move in a slow, steady rhythm, she groaned and pushed her hips forward to take more of him. Terrie reached behind his head to free his long black hair from its binding, and she wound her fingers into it, pushing his mouth into hers. She loved his kisses, loved the giddy feel of intoxication they gave her, hot sweet and all hers. She loved the way she wanted to 69

Dragon Down Under lose control, loved the way she felt free. Hell, in a matter of two days, she had fallen utterly in love with this magical dragon man. ―Beauty.‖ The vibration of his low growl against her mouth made her sex clench around his cock. He never slowed his pace. ―Oh, God, Kaden. Faster please,‖ she pleaded, on a sob of burning need. ―By the gods, beauty, blessed am I to have you.‖ He groaned against her throat, bracing one hand against the wall and placing the other on her back. He picked up the pace, much to her rapture. The friction of their bodies was incredible, as he pounded home time and time again. She felt his body grow taut, and then tremble. ―Notgoing to last‖ he growled. ―Too good, beauty. Come, come for me,‖ he ordered. Already on the precipice of climax, she cried out as her body spasmed around his plunging cock, and the climax swept over her. She felt Kaden‘s body shake, and he groaned as he released into her body, filling her with his hot seed. He stilled, and they remained locked together with him embedded deep within her. It took a long moment for their breathing and heart rates to calm. Terrie had completely forgotten they were in the shower. She became aware that the water had run cold. Kaden raised his head and turned slightly to turn off the shower. Without even withdrawing from her body, he carried her from the shower and into her bedroom. She reveled in his sheer strength, his raw power. He amazed her on so many different levels. ―The bed will get wet,‖ she protested in her dripping state. ―It will dry,‖ he mumbled, nuzzling at her throat as he laid them down on the sheets. Kaden then proceeded to lick every drop of water from her skin. He was growing hard again within her, and her eyes widened at the sensation. ―Tell me what you know about West Net, beauty.‖ 70

Dragon Down Under Immersed in the feel and sensations of him, it took a moment for her to understand his question. It took a hell of a lot of concentration to simply talk. ―W-why do you want to know?‖ She stumbled with her words as he very slowly began to stroke in and out of her. ―I want to know why they wanted this land.‖ ―T-too mineitoh.‖ He pushed in deep and held himself there. ―Are you sure that is the only reason?‖ He stroked her insides again. ―I think so. God, it‘s hard to think when you‘re doing that.‖ ―You will answer. You will think. I want honest answers.‖ ―M-my dad kept the papers W-West Net sent him. He wwouldn‘t talk to me about it. All I know is they believe there are valuable minerals to mine.‖ ―Do you believe this?‖ ―Yes, it has to be. Otherwise, why would they put so much effort into trying to take our land?‖ She was confused by Kaden‘s expression, but even more confused by the questions. ―You are my mate now. It is my duty to protect you, and in order for me to do that, I will have your obedience, do you understand?‖ He thrust into her again, making her back arch under him. It was as if he were trying to drive a point home with his cock. But it only managed to grate her the wrong way. Yes, his body felt fantastic in hers. And yes, she didn‘t mind being mated to a dragon. She did love him. But she would draw the line at controlling behavior. ―No,‖ she managed to gasp. ―A relationship is meant to flow both ways. You can‘t simply take over my life and control me.‖ He gave a low growl and increased the pace of his thrust. ―You are mine. You will obey me.‖ 71

Dragon Down Under Through the haze of friction and pleasure he was creating, Terrie kept her eyes open, looking deeply into his blue ones. There was something going on that she didn‘t know about. She realized she wasn‘t the only one with trust issues. He wanted to treat her as property, turn her into an obedient little mate. If she didn‘t stand up to him now, this would become a deeper issue. But it was damn hard to make a stand when she was teetering on the brink of a climax. He picked the wrong damn time to spring this obedience crap on her. She shoved at him. ―Ether shut up and finish fucking me, or get the hell out now.‖ She was surprised at the force of her own voice. He growled again and, in a sudden move, grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head. It stole the breath from her lungs as his mouth crashed down over hers and he plundered her mouth as fiercely as he thrust into her. She closed her eyes, giving in to the sensations washing over her. She felt him reach down between their bodies, and she moaned and whimpered feverishly at the firm tight stimulation of his fingers. She cried out into his mouth as she came, he growled when she felt him flood her passage again. He collapsed atop of her, releasing her wrists and pulling her tightly into his arms. He burrowed his head into the crook of her neck and held her so tightly she could barely breathe. She could feel the rapid rise and fall of his chest against hers. ―How can I protect you if you won‘t do what I say?‖ She felt the deep vibration of his voice against her neck. ―What do I need protecting from?‖ she squeaked. He loosened his hold on her. She sucked in a deep breath and then let it out slowly. ―Why the questions about West Net? You can‘t make demands of me without telling me why.‖ She moaned softly as Kaden withdrew from her. He rolled them both to the side before settling her backside against his front. She couldn‘t see his face. Despite the questions racing through her brain, her body was sated 72

Dragon Down Under and sleepy, nestled in the crook of his left arm with the left resting just below her breasts. ―I need to be assured of your safety, beauty. A true mate is a precious thing, and I need to protect you from everything.‖ ―Granted, I don‘t know anything about the world you come from, but I won‘t stand for being treated as a possession. I don‘t care how precious you think this ‗true mate‘ thing is. I will walk out on you if you dare to try it, got it?‖ She felt his arms tighten. ―I got it, beauty.‖ She could hear the amusement in his voice. ―You are far more than a mere possession. You are everything I have ever wanted or needed. Sleep now. We can discuss this after a night‘s rest.‖ Apart from the mind-blowing sex, Terrie thought this was the best damned idea he‘d had all day.

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Chapter 10 Kaden padded silently into the homestead‘s office. He had made sure his little mate was sleeping soundly before leaving her. He had come close to telling her the truth about what he suspected about West Net, but he didn‘t want her worrying when she needed her rest. She hadn‘t refused to obey him, she only wanted justification for doing so. It was not unreasonable. The time would come when he would reveal all––as soon as he knew all. He methodically searching through papers for the ones his beauty had mentioned. He chuckled when he found them neatly filed under A for ―assholes.‖ After reading every letter, offer, and proposal, he came across a map of the property. The survey groups seemed to have focused their efforts around one particular area. Spreading the map out, he saw that the terrain was mostly flat but for a single mountain that stood out in the middle––Serpent Mountain. A most curious title. It was something he would have to investigate further. **** The roar of a high-powered helicopter woke Terrie with a start. She blinked, wondering for a moment who was flying her chopper. But then it sank into her sleep-addled brain: no one flew her chopper but her. This chopper was someone else‘s, and it was flying over on approach to the station‘s helipad. She scrambled off the bed, noting that Kaden wasn‘t there. She jumped into a pair of jeans, grabbed a T-shirt, and tugged it over her head. Then she left 74

Dragon Down Under the bedroom and headed for the front door. Dawn was just breaking, and Kaden stood on the porch in jeans, with his blue denim shirt hanging open. ―Are we expecting company today?‖ he questioned as she shoved her feet into boots. ―Not by chopper.‖ She eyed the expensive machinery as it hovered overhead. ―That‘s a West Net chopper. I‘ve seen that one here before, just before Dad was killed.‖ Kaden stiffened beside her, and then glanced down at her. ―I want you to stay here.‖ ―Hell, no. I want to see what they want.‖ ―Antoinette, this is one of those times I want you to obey me.‖ She rolled her eyes at him and made to march off the porch towards where the chopper was landing. Kaden grabbed her arm. ―Leah and Alistair were attacked on the way to Darwin, by someone trying to get the contract papers. West Net was behind it, and I also believe they were behind your father‘s death.‖ She stood there stunned. It took her a moment to absorb this sudden news. Now she understood what he had been on about last night. Anger boiled inside her. ―How the bloody hell do you know this? And why the bloody hell didn‘t you tell me this before!‖ ―I did not wish to worry you.‖ She saw red, and she yanked her arm from his grasp. She poked a finger at his dragon chest. ―I don‘t care where the fuck you‘re from, dragon boy, but here on this planet people in relationships are honest with each other. If you can‘t play by the fucking rules, you can bloody well piss off!‖ Kaden followed her, barefooted, down the path. She knew West Net had used aggressive tactics to try to get her family‘s land, but to attack Leah? To kill her father? And then, 75

Dragon Down Under after that, to dump the sudden weight of debt on her? Yet, it all made a sick kind of sense. The chopper had landed and was powering down. Its occupants waited a moment for the worst of the dust to settle, and then the pilot jumped out and ran around to the side door. He slid it open. She was surprised to see a tall, elegant woman step down. She was tan, with long, flowing black hair. Much like Kaden‘s, but without the bluish tinge. Her narrow dark eyes glanced around the property with obvious distaste. Her gaze finally settled on Kaden, and her lips curved up into a smile. Whoever she was, she gave Terrie the creeps. Beside her was a man she did not recognize, but she did recognize the third person to step from the chopper. Daniel. The two-faced bastard was in league with West Net. ―Shit, what‘s he doing here?‖ Terrie narrowed her eyes at the man she despised. ―You know them?‖ Kaden had not left her side. ―Only that asshole, Daniel. The other two, I don‘t have a clue who they are.‖ Kaden was growling a low, dangerous growl. ―That is Daniel, the one who abandoned you? Do you still have feelings for him?‖ ―Hell, no! The bastard can go rot in hell for all I care,‖ she said with anger. ―Keep your dragon on a leash, Kaden, along with that possessive temper.‖ She nodded across to the fence line, where some of the men had wandered out, curious to see who had landed, no doubt. ―Look. The men have come out to see what‘s going on.‖ ―Noted.‖ He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her against his side, despite the murderous look she shot him. ―You can be angry with me later, beauty,‖ he leaned down to whisper in her ear. ―You‘re still mine, and I want everyone to know it. Now, let me 76

Dragon Down Under deal with this.‖ He placed a quick kiss on top of her head, and then dropped his arm and strode forward. ―Ah, you must be Mr. De-Kerr.‖ The man with a British accent stepped forward while Daniel hung back, his gaze settling on Terrie while a sinister smile spread across his face. Daniel made a move in her direction, but, before he could, Kaden stepped into his path. ―You are not welcome here,‖ Kaden growled at Daniel. ―Easy, chief, just want to chat with the little lady.‖ ―No, you won‘t.‖ ―Mr. De-Kerr, my name is Jordan Vermont. I‘m here on behalf of West Net Mining. As I‘m sure you know, we gave several very generous offers to the previous owners. We are willing to extend you the same courtesy.‖ ―This is my land, and it‘s not for sale under any circumstances. But I do want to know what on my land has such seemingly great value that Markus Grekko wants it.‖ Terrie could see Vermont‘s jaw clench at the question. Kaden continued, ―The cost of mining my property far outweighs the cost of the minerals below the surface.‖ ―I‘m sure you‘ve been sorely misinformed. Your land holds great value to West Net, Mr. De-Kerr.‖ ―I am no fool. This is now all my land, and you will learn that I protect what is mine.‖ He glared pointedly at Daniel, who was trying to inch around him. As much as she wanted to smack Daniel‘s smug face, she was glad Kaden stood in the way. ―Leave. And, if you value your life, understand if you or any other West Net men step foot on my land again, no one will ever find your bodies.‖ ―Threats will lead only to charges being pressed, Mr. DeKerr.‖ 77

Dragon Down Under ―Is that what you said to the men who attacked my friends?‖ Jordan‘s face became passive. ―I will find what it is you are up to and put a stop to it.‖ Terrie heard Kaden‘s promise, making her wonder what Kaden knew and wasn‘t telling her. Terrie‘s gaze moved to the woman. She didn‘t like the way the woman was staring at Kaden, nor the sinister smile on her face. The woman whispered something into Vermont‘s ear, and he gave her a nod. She moved back and leant on the helicopter‘s side, waiting for Vermont to finish his piece. ―You have made your point, Mr. De-Kerr. West Net will no longer make offers on your property.‖ He turned and walked back to the helicopter. ―I see you and the missus are tight,‖ Daniel said with a smarmy smirk. ―Pity. When I had her she was totally frigid.‖ Terrie must have blinked because Kaden shifted so damned fast, she didn‘t even see him move. Daniel surely didn‘t know what had hit him, he was just suddenly flying backwards and hitting his back against the side door of the helicopter with a heavy thud. Vermont was stunned for a moment too, but the woman actually grinned down wickedly at Daniel. It was clear she thought the whole thing amusing. ―You are fortunate I don‘t kill you.‖ Kaden advanced on the now fearful-looking Daniel. Blood dribbled from his nose and a split lip. ―Anyone who insults my woman will pay. Leave now before I give in to my instincts and tear you to pieces.‖ The men who had gathered to watch the proceedings suddenly cheered and whistled at Kaden as he turned and walked away. Terrie blinked up at Kaden as he grabbed her around the waist and crushed her against his hard length, kissing her to breathlessness. ―Let‘s go have breakfast. There‘s work to do today.‖ 78

Dragon Down Under And he tugged her along after him like a helpless little child. **** Markus Grekko smiled evilly at the excellent news his beautiful Brenna had delivered. She had just arrived back to Darwin after the trip out to Holbrook station. ―If he‘s not human, then the rules don‘t apply to him.‖ ―Since when have you abided by any rules, human or not?‖ Brenna lazily trailed a long finger over the mahogany statue she leaned against, caressing the naked female figure in a somewhat erotic manner. ―How could you tell he is not human?‖ Her green eyes raised and the look of anger he often saw flashed through them. ―I am not what I was, but when I was, I knew many things, and dragons are one of those many things. Plus, his shirt was open when we arrived, and he had a huge blue dragon sprawled across a rather splendid chest.‖ Brenna licked her lips while Markus puzzled over her rather cryptic words. Markus didn‘t mind her being evasive or mysterious. As long as he got the results he wanted and her information continued to have value, he would have a use for her. ―How do we bring down a dragon?‖ ―Cold. That sort of dragon cannot function well in the cold. Or we could use one of your dart guns.‖ She gave another shrug and straightened, turning to leave. ―Outback Australia is not known for being cold,‖ he said dryly. ―I‘m sure you‘ll be able to figure out the finer details. Oh, and that pretty blond? He has mated with her. You can smell him all over her from a mile away.‖ She said this without glancing back. Brenna strode from the room with a sway of her slim hips. He‘d dealt with dragons before. The outcome had not been in his favor, and he had lost his valuable collection of supernatural creatures. 79

Dragon Down Under Markus stood from his desk and began pacing in front of the window. He ran a hand through his greying hair in frustration. So, the little blond daughter was mated to a dragon. A lone dragon, from what it seemed. If he took out the dragon, then she would fall into line and give him what he wanted. Or he could use her as leverage as he had tried with her father. Markus paused. A smile curved over his lips as he began to formulate a plan. He reached across his desk and picked up the phone. He had arrangements to make, and he had to move quickly. Very soon, all that land––and everything it contained––would be his.

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Chapter 11 She was still pissed off at Kaden for withholding information from her. His breakfast had consisted of large slabs of meat, and then he fucked her over the kitchen bench. He had insisted they had to finish off what they had stared the morning before. Once she was sated and feeling boneless again, he had told her about his conversations with Con and Alistair, and they made plans to discuss more later, after the day‘s work was out of the way. He listened as his little mate went over the list of jobs that needed doing. His mind was half-focused on carrying her back into the house and fucking her again, and half-focused on West Net, but he knew he needed to pay attention to his land––it needed running. Other than Kaden, Terrie, and Con‘s wife, Kim, Nole was the only person left at the station. The bulk of the workers had headed out to start the mustering. By late the next day, several hundred head of cattle would fill the stockyards. ―We need to sort the cows from the bulls, and then check each cow to see if it‘s pregnant. Then a general health inspection, a head count, and tagging the new calves,‖ Terrie said. ―How do you do that?‖ Terrie gave him a malevolent grin. ―Bovine rectal palpation." "You stick your hand up the cow‘s ass and have a good feel around. It‘s the quickest, cheapest, and easiest way to find out,‖ Nole explained further, with an amused smile. 81

Dragon Down Under Kaden did not find the idea terribly appealing, but it was all a part of the job, and he would learn any aspect of it. ―Every hand will be needed to get this done. I‘m hoping to have everything finished up by Saturday, and then we need to get the southern part of the stock rounded up and begin the whole process again. There is also a supply truck coming in that will need unloading," Terrie continued with her list. ―The outer fence on the north pen needs fixin‘,‖ Nole said, ―and we need new leathers on the saddles. We‘re a third of the way down on horse feed also.‖ Kaden was enjoying watching Terrie‘s facial expressions. The way her brow knitted together in concentration as she jotted down notes. He could see her mind working. He was grateful for her expertise. ―It‘s been a while since we checked the northern watering holes, which will need to be done soon. It‘s been neglected for too long.‖ She studied the list. ―I‘ll work with Nole on the fence,‖ Kaden offered. Nole gave him an appreciative look. ―I‘ll go grab the supplies,‖ he said as he strode off towards the supply sheds. ―Great. Make sure you do a complete check of all outer fences after that. I‘ll be inside, making the orders and checking that we have everything we need. I also need to get the payroll done.‖ ―Order me one of those Utes, Terrie. One with more headroom.‖ She gave a snort. ―And here I was thinking you were hardheaded.‖ He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her against his length, taking pleasure in her soft, pliable body, the way she fitted into him despite her small size. He caught her lip between his teeth and gently sucked on her lower lip. Then he covered her mouth completely and thrust his tongue in to taste her sweetness. 82

Dragon Down Under ―Something is most always hard for you, my little mate,‖ he growled softly, before pulling back to see the dazed expression he loved. He battled against pulling her back inside and relieving his blood-engorged cock in her wet heat again. He had to find a balance between working his station and seeing to his and her needs. ―You must also arrange to make our mating official in the human way.‖ She blinked. Her vision cleared as his words sank in. ―You want me to arrange a wedding?‖ ―I have no knowledge of how humans do these things. I assume you do. You are already my mate, but I want you to be my wife so every realm will know you are mine, beauty.‖ He didn‘t like the frown on her face. ―Gee, Kaden, what a romantic. We haven‘t even gone on a date. I haven‘t been brought flowers, nor do I have an engagement ring.‖ He pulled back to look down on her face. ―Do you desire these things?‖ ―What I desire is to get to know you better. I know you said we are mated, and, for you, it‘s permanent, but try to see things from my human perspective. We do things differently here. If you care even a little for me, you could at least try to make an effort.‖ Her big brown eyes held a sadness he didn‘t like seeing. ―I have work to do.‖ She tugged away from him and headed towards the homestead, leaving Kaden perplexed. What had upset his mate? Perhaps he should talk more to the other human males about human females. It was clear he pleased her on a sexual level, but he was quickly learning she had more layers than met the eye. Transfixed, he watched the sway of her denim-covered hips as she walked away. He was most fond of her rounded ass, but also the curve of her back, the slight slope of her shoulders, the wisps of blond hair always escaping her battered old hat. In fact, there was 83

Dragon Down Under nothing unappealing about her. He wanted to see her happy on every level. He just had to figure out how. ―Ready, boss?‖ Nole had brought one of the station‘s Utes around, the back of it full of fencing materials. Kaden climbed into the cab and looked at the older, weatherbeaten man. He looked like a man who would have gained some knowledge through the years. He would have talked to Con, but he was with the other men on the muster. ―Call me Kaden, Nole. You seem a man of years. Tell me what you know about women and something called a date.‖ **** Paperwork had kept Terrie busy most of the morning, but she finally had the accounts straightened out. Kaden had left her with his bank details so she could draw funds to pay the workers or for anything else that was needed. She had also found all the letters that Kaden had left out concerning West Net and the other independent surveyors. Anger surfaced at her ignorance at what had been going on. Kaden suspected West Net was behind her father‘s accident. If it was true, she realized it was murder. Why hadn‘t she seen it? She felt ill at the thought of her father murdered to obtain their land. Why would West Net go so far as that? Now that Kaden owned the land, would they come after him too? She swallowed her fear and searched through the letters. Scribbled in elaborate handwriting she recognized as Kaden‘s were two words––Serpent Mountain. She knew the area. It was sacred aboriginal land. Out of respect for the aboriginal people, they had always steered clear of it and kept the cattle away. She noticed that West Net had extensively surveyed that specific area. What where they looking for? She knew damned well it was devoid of any mining minerals. She was irritated with herself for being so blind and angry with him for keeping this from her. But she was even more pissed 84

Dragon Down Under off with West Net. Terrie‘s new agenda was finding out who murdered her father and why. She pushed up from the desk. It was past midday, and she was feeling hungry. She had every intention of confronting her arrogant, stubborn, pig-headed dragon about this. If he thought she was just going to go ahead and arrange their wedding, he had better think again. Yes, she loved him, but, after all he had kept from her, she didn‘t trust him. If he wanted her to marry him in human terms, then he was going to have to prove himself trustworthy in her eyes. **** Kaden could feel her rage even before she yanked open the fly-screen door of the workers‘ meal room where he sat with Nole and Kim. By the scowl on her face, he knew she was still mightily displeased with him. ―I want to talk with you.‖ He could see she was trying to keep her temper under control around Nole and Kim. Kaden rose to his feet. He would find the cause of her anger, soothe her fears, and then spank her ass for allowing it to get the better of her. ―Excuse me,‖ he said politely to Kim and Nole, following his angry little mate out of the meal room. ―My father lied to me, and now you‘re doing the same damned thing,‖ she spatout, her big brown eyes flaring. Her cheeks were high in color, which made his cock swell painfully at her fiery state. He held his impulses in check in order to hear her out. ―No one has lied to you, beauty.‖ ―Don‘t call me that, damn you. I want to know who murdered my dad. I want to know what you know about West Net, and what it has to do with Serpent Mountain.‖ ―If I knew that, I would have told you. I do not know who murdered your father, Antoinette. It is what I have been trying to 85

Dragon Down Under discover since my arrival. If your father or I have kept anything from you, it was to protect you.‖ ―I don‘t need protecting, Kaden. Can you get that into your pigheaded dragon head?‖ She spun on her heels, and he stayed about a foot behind her as she marched back towards the house. She stormed straight through the house and into her bedroom. He leaned against the doorjamb, watching as she grabbed a bag from the cupboard, started pulling clothes out, and began shoving them into it. ―What are you doing?‖ ―I‘m leaving. I‘m going to Darwin to find this Markus Grekko and beat the bullshit out of him until I get the truth––about my dad and this whole bloody business.‖ ―No, you are not.‖ His temper was simmering. It was time to teach his hotheaded human her place as his mate. ―The bloody hell I won‘t.‖ She kept packing, while Kaden kept a tight rein on his anger. ―I will tell you only once, Antoinette. Put your belongings away, and return with me to eat lunch. We will talk afterward. If you do not, there will be consequences.‖ ―Go fuck yourself, dragon boy! You don‘t own me.‖ She glared at him and continued to pack. ―Don‘t I?‖ He moved before she knew what had happened. She gasped as he removed the bag, took hold of his little mate, and threw her facedown on the bed. He leant over her and used his knee to pin her in place. Terrie was momentary stunned, but quickly she started kicking and screaming at him, trying to twist out from under him. At the same time, he ripped off her jeans and panties in one quick move and exposed her lovely, full ass. ―Don‘t you fucking dare, Kaden! Don‘t touch me!‖ she screamed at him. 86

Dragon Down Under He caressed her ass, enjoying the feel of soft skin beneath his fingertips. He felt her tremble at his touch and smiled to himself. ―Beauty, I am a dragon. I am not to be trifled with. You are my mate and belong to me. You will learn to obey me. I warned you there would be consequences if you did not.‖ He trailed his hand upward, brushing away her hair and taking hold of her shirt collar with both fists. He tore it in half and pushed the remnants aside, exposing her lovely sun-kissed skin. He examined the clasp of her bra before daintily unhooking it. He placed a kiss where the bra‘s two halves had once met. He could hear her rapid breathing, feel the heat of her body against his lips and fingers. ―You are going to learn how a dragon disciplines his mate for willful behavior and disobedience.‖ He straightened with one arm wrapped around her waist. The move lifted her with him, and then he sat back down on the end of the bed. Her big brown eyes were wild with a mixture of fear and anger. ―I swear, Kaden, if you harm me, you‘ll pay.‖ He smiled at her. He slipped his finger around the nape of her neck and tugged her forward, trapping her hands between their bodies. ―Hmm, I would never harm you, beauty, only teach you, guide you. Are you going to obey me, my Antoinette?‖ He could see the defiance flashing in her brown depths. ―Go to hell,‖ she ground out, trying to turn her head away. He kept a firm hold. She was his to possess. He lowered his head and ravished her mouth, plundering her silky depths with his tongue and tasting and teasing until she was breathless and panting. He too could not help being affected by his little mate. Just as that dazed look came into her eyes, he yanked her up and tossed her over his lap, her beautiful ass high in the air. 87

Dragon Down Under She gasped and struggled against him, trying to dislodge herself from this vulnerable–– and embarrassing––position. When she tried to shove herself away, he was quick to capture both her hands and pin them behind her back. ―Don‘t you dare hit me!‖ she cried, breathless from her efforts to fight him off. Still, she was humiliated by the way her body reacted of its own accord. ―I am not going to hit you, beauty. I am going to spank this pretty ass until it glows––and until you have learned who you belong to and who you will obey.‖ Before she had time to draw a single breath, a sudden volley of smacks rained down on her ass. The stinging made her scream and struggle with renewed effort. Her ass began to burn. He paused, rubbing at her stinging flesh. The he slipped his fingers down her ass crack, and she squirmed again as he probed her slit, finding her weeping core. She was so wet, which was even more humiliating to her than the actual spanking. He plunged a thick digit into her cunt, slowly finger-fucking her. Terrie couldn‘t help but moan, confused as the pain ebbed away, replaced by the pleasure he was giving her. ―Hmm, beauty. I think you are enjoying this. Are you ready to submit to me yet?‖ ―You asshole, I‖ Slap, slap, slap. She screamed as he slapped her repeatedly, alternating between ass cheeks and the top of her thighs, until she started to sob, begging him to stop. Her whole ass felt like it was on fire. Tears rolled down her cheeks as he unrelentingly spanked her ass. He stopped. Terrie hung limply over his lap, sobbing. Long pent-up emotions came tumbling out: anger, fear, grief, love. She understood that Kaden and her father wanted only to protect her. She knew she did indeed belong to him, but he also belonged to her, and no matter what happened, he would now always be there for her. She understood that giving up control of 88

Dragon Down Under the situation also freed her from the burden she had been carrying for so long. ―Antoinette, who do you belong to?‖ ―You,‖ she sobbed. ―Will you obey me?‖ ―Yes, Kaden,‖ she said weakly. ―Do you want to come, beauty?‖ Goddamn it all, she did, desperately. ―Yes!‖ she wailed, her lesson was complete.

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Chapter 12 Kaden lifted her against his chest as she sobbed, holding her protectively in his arms. As she continued to weep, her fingers curled into his shirt and her head leaned against his chest. ―You are not alone anymore, beauty. Your fights are mine now. I will seek justice for those who have hurt you and killed your father. You have to trust me that I will do this. You no longer have to fight so hard.‖ He gently placed a finger under her chin and raised her head. Her sobbing calmed as her lovely, dark gaze met his. Her eyes were bright, washed by her tears. With the pad of his thumb, he wiped away the moist trail on her skin. ―My life is yours, and your life is mine. It is the way of true mates.‖ ―I understand, we‘re in this together,‖ she whispered. He watched the flush rise into her cheeks. Kaden ran his hand along her skin, enjoying the feel of her softness and delighted by the flame of desire still in her eyes. ―Yes, my sweet little mate, do not ever feel ashamed or embarrassed by what you feel from what I did.‖ He slipped his hand across her thighs, pushed her legs apart, and delved between them. She gave a soft moan as he pushed a finger deep into her weeping channel, flicking his thumb across her clit. ―By how wet you are, my beauty, it is going to happen again in the near future.‖ He continued to slowly pump in and out of her. With each of her 90

Dragon Down Under little whimpers, his cock strained harder against the zipper of his jeans. She rocked her hips, trying to make him go faster. He smiled, gripping the back of her neck to take her sweet lips. He drew in her gasp as he slid a second finger into her. ―When I bit you in the canyon, it bonded your life force with mine. You will now live as long as I do, heaven‘s help, barring no unforeseen incidents. It also made us incapable of standing it if we‘re separated for any length of time.‖ Surprise flickered across her face, her lips parted. ―How long do dragons live?‖ ―I am two hundred years old, with six hundred good years left.‖ He withdrew his fingers, pushed her back slightly to open his jeans, and yanked down the zipper, freeing his stiff cock. He pulled her body up and sat her across his lap. ―You mean I will now live that long, too?‖ He positioned her legs on either side of his hips. Lifting her around the waist, he placed the head of his cock at her entrance, feeling the wet heat meet his engorged, leaking tip. ―Yes, you will.‖ Kaden maintained eye contact with her, watching her dark eyes widen. Her lips parted with a moan as he pulled her down, and, at the same time, thrust his hips forward to sink into her until he could push no further. Her eyelids fell to half-mast. He loved her expression of pleasure. The feel of her inner walls gripping him tightly was pure bliss. This was his home, deep inside his little mate. ―W-what happensi-if you o-or I get killed?‖ She managed to get out the question. She lifted her hips to move on him as her fists gripped his shirt. He kept one arm around her waist while the other cupped her red bottom, helping her slide on and off of him. He groaned at the intensity of her tight sheath. His mind rebelled at the idea of losing her or her being without his protection. 91

Dragon Down Under ―It is something I will not allow, beauty. Push such thoughts from your mind. Let us enjoy the here and now.‖ He needed more control. He gripped her back and pulled her along as he lay back on the bed. Then he rolled them over without once pulling out of her. She lay beneath him now, her big brown eyes glazing over with passion as he thrust in again and again with more force and speed. She gasped and moaned louder as he pounded into her. She felt so damn good, the friction, the heat, the pressure. He knew he would never find such bliss with any other. She tempered and tested his control always. Her legs wound around his waist, raising her hips to meet his quickening thrust. ―Oh God, Kaden. I want to come, please.‖ The sound of her desperate voice snapped the last of his control. He gripped her legs, pulling them up by her ankles and around his shoulders. He took her with sheer, brute force, his dragon growling with approval and pleasure. He had to hold onto her shoulders to keep from shoving her up the bed and through the bedroom wall. Her body trembled. She sobbed, threw back her head, and screamed her pleasure. He felt her channel convulsing around his cock as she came. His climax ripped from the base of his spine and spread throughout every nerve in his body. He growled and groaned loudly as his seed shot from his body, deep into her belly. ―Mine,‖ he growled. ―Yours,‖ Antoinette whispered in response. He growled in pleasure with hearing her say it. After a long moment, he pulled out of her and held her tightly in his arms. She lay with her head against his chest. ―Guess I‘m not the one who left their boots on this time.‖ He could feel the smile in her words. Kaden could not hold back his own in response. **** 92

Dragon Down Under Terrie felt strangely liberated. Her ass was still sore, but she didn‘t care in the slightest. She hungrily finished the lunch Kim had left her and Kaden, and then she and Nole had gone back to work. ―What do you know about Serpent Mountain?‖ Kaden asked. ―Not that much, other than the aboriginal Dream Time stories. The area is sacred land. Our family has always respected that and steered clear, even keeping our cattle away from it.‖ ―Tell me the story.‖ ―From what I remember, the serpent is an aboriginal god or creator. He travelled up from the south, creating canyons, rivers, and mountains along the way while he searched for his people. The aboriginal people of this area believe the mountain is where the Rainbow Serpent came to rest.‖ ―Why would West Net be so interested in that area, do you think?‖ She felt valued that he was asking her, even if she didn‘t know the answers. ―I wish I knew. For all I know, it‘s just a mountain. You may do better asking one of the aboriginal workers. They know more about it than I do.‖ He nodded thoughtfully. ―Do you think the reference to a serpent could mean a dragon?‖ ―It is a possibility, or another Outer Realm creature. I had my powers stripped when they cast me into this realm, otherwise I would have been able to find out more.‖ ―There is so much I don‘t know about you, Kaden. Are you going to tell me what this crime was that got you cast out?‖ She could see his mind working as if debating whether he should tell her. It annoyed her somewhat. ―I used to be captain of the King‘s Guard,‖ he said after a pause. 93

Dragon Down Under Terrie bit down on her lip, holding back the instant question that popped into her head. ―I had a bit of a reputation among our females for the pleasure I can provide.‖ She gave him a grin. ―That I don‘t doubt. Let me guess, you were never lacking in female company.‖ He gripped her hand. ―You are the only one I will ever pleasure now. You are my mate. You are the only one who can ever hold my interest. You have great power over me in these small hands.‖ She was startled that he would confess such a thing to her. She had power over him? It dawned on her that this bonding or mating bound him to her too. He would never cheat on her. This realization made her heart flutter and her lips smile. ―And the exile‖ she prompted. ―The queen had been lusting after me for quite some time. She often made advances when opportunities arose. I am a man of honor. I would never take another‘s mate, nor would I ever betray my king. The queen did not like that I kept rejecting her. One evening, while the king was absent, the queen made an aggressive advance. When I refused her yet again, she flew into a rage, ripped off her clothing, and scratched herself. Then she ran screaming to the king and cried that I had attempted to rape her.‖ ―That bitch,‖ she hissed in anger, not once doubting any of his words. She only felt her man––her dragon––had been wronged. ―No one would listen to my side of the story. All believed the queen.‖ ―I‘m sorry, Kaden.‖ She slid along the bench and climbed into his lap. His arms banded around her. She loved the feel and security of his big strong arms. ―Their loss is my gain.‖ She kissed him with reverence and love. She wanted to tell him how she felt. She had no reason not to. Yet fear still held her back from her confession. Kaden had made her feel so damn much 94

Dragon Down Under in such a short time, she was still having trouble comprehending all that had happened to her. She needed a little more time. ―What do we do now?‖ she questioned when he let her loose from the kiss. ―I am going to try a new contact. He may be the one who can help us discover what this Markus Grekko really wants with our land––and what is really beneath Serpent Mountain.‖ A strange, delighted thrill ran through Terrie at Kaden‘s use of the word ‗our.‘ She felt it deep down inside: it was no longer ‗hers‘ or ‗his.‘ ‗Ours‘ sounded exactly right. **** Satisfaction from a hard day‘s work made Kaden feel good. He had finished the outer fence line with Nole, and there were a half-dozen other small repair jobs around the homestead that still had needed to be done before the cattle were herded tomorrow. He sat back in the office chair, flipping the little white card in his hand. He needed information from a source that had supernatural contacts. Who better than Slazzamar the sneak––or, as he now called himself, a rogue demon hunter? He wasn‘t sure about this Moon Shadow Agency, but Slazzamar was a half-elf, half-demon breed with a reputation for finding information. Yet that information had always come with a price. Perhaps things had really changed with this creature. If his sister had trusted him to bring the treasure, then maybe he could trust him, too. But would he be willing to help? Kaden drew in a breath. It was time to swallow his pride and do what he needed to do in order to protect his mate. He picked up the phone and called. ―Moon Shadow,‖ answered a male with an Australian accent. ―I wish to speak with Slazzamar.‖ ―Sure, and who‘s calling?‖ ―Kaden De-Kerr.‖ ―Slazz, baby, someone by the name of Kaden‘s on the phone for you!‖ yelled the male. 95

Dragon Down Under He listened. There was the sound of a shuffle and a moment of silence before Slazzamar spoke. ―How can I help a dragon?‖ ―I am in need of information.‖ ―I am not the sneak anymore,‖ Slazzamar growled. ―I respect that, but I still need information. I‘ve come across a situation that may be connected with the Outer Realm.‖ ―Many things are connected with the Outer Realm, Kaden, but tell me what it is you want to know,‖ he said with a resigned sigh. ―There is a mountain in the Northern Territory called Serpent Mountain. I need to find out if it has any supernatural or Outer Realm history. My mate‘s father was already murdered over this land, and I need to know why the hell a human would kill to possess it.‖ ―Well, first of all, congratulations on your newly acquired mate. Second, I‘m sure I can find something in the archives of the ancients.‖ ―It is appreciated. Will there be a price for this information?‖ ―Think of it as a mating present,‖ Slazzamar said. ―Give me your contact details. I‘ll teleport over if I find something.‖ Kaden gave his location and number to the elf. ―By the way, do you know who killed your mate‘s father?‖ ―I do not know who, but I believe a man by the name of Markus Grekko is behind it.‖ There was a sudden angry growl from the other end of the phone. ―Markus Grekko? That son of a bitch! Kaden, I‘ll get on this right away. If Grekko‘s behind this, then you bet your dragon ass it has supernatural connections.‖ ―Who is this man?‖ ―A right pain in my ass. I‘ll get back to you soon, Kaden. Keep that mate of yours safe.‖ 96

Dragon Down Under A beeping indicated Slazzamar had ended the call. ―Is everything all right? What did your contact say?‖ Terrie padded barefoot into the office, her blond hair damp from a shower. Kaden inhaled her beautiful scent. Lust surged like wildfire through him as his eyes swept over her shapely hips, slightly rounded belly, and full breasts––everything that belonged to him. ―It will be. We must be vigilant and careful.‖ He would not lie to her. ―My contact will find out all he can. Until then, my little mate, there are many things to do while we wait.‖ She smiled as he pushed up from her father‘s desk. ―Would you like to get to know your dragon a little better?‖

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Chapter 13 Terrie gripped his hair and screamed with delight as he soared high into the air, birds scattering in the moonlight as they rushed along. ―Holy shit! This is fun!‖ Kaden chuckled and smoke billowed from his nostrils. ―Hey, can you breathe fire as well?‖ He took a deep breath and opened his fire valve, letting out a puff of flame. She squealed with glee. ―Don‘t go starting a bush fire with that!‖ she yelled above the roaring wind. Kaden swooped down, heading back towards the homestead. Taking her for a moonlight flight had been a smart decision. With few workers left at the station now, he had less chance of being spotted in dragon form. The information Nole had given him about human female courtship had only perplexed him. Nole had explained that women liked to be romanced. He then went into great detail about a wide array of intricate human rituals. Dinners out, romantic walks and talks, and visits to exotic places. Nole had called these things ―dates.‖ Then there was the giving of flowers, sweets, and gems to display on their fingers. At least he could provide her with gems of her choosing. He had an extensive collection of gold and gemstone rings. 98

Dragon Down Under Kaden made a graceful landing on the outer perimeter of the cattle yard fencing, and then lowered his body to allow his little mate to slide off his back. The way she rubbed his neck as she came around to face him caused Kaden to almost purr like a feline. He was pleased she had no fear of his dragon form. If he still had the same level of magic he had in the Outer Realm, he would have been able to communicate directly into her mind. He enjoyed the high color in her cheeks, the sparkle of delight in her lovely dark eyes. ―You are the most magical thing I‘ve ever known,‖ she told him. The warmth behind her words sank deeply into his soul. In that moment he knew, even if they had never been destined to be true mates, he still would have fallen in love with her. He gave her a gentle push with his muzzle, and she giggled. He whipped his tail around, encircling her waist, and she squealed as he lifted her off her feet. Then he darted out his tongue and licked along her inner thighs. ―Oh no, you don‘t.‖ she warned. ―Not as a dragon.‖ She breathlessly struggled in his grip, trying to shove away his tail. He had much to teach her about the delights of his long dragon tongue, but she had had enough for tonight. He set her on her feet, unwrapped his tail, took a step back, and shifted. His human body came together. He blinked and, once again, saw through his human eyes. ―I don‘t think I‘ll ever get used to that,‖ Terrie said with awe. She moved towards him, her hands running over his chest and his dragon mark, petting him as she had his dragon neck. He captured her hand and raised it to his lips, kissing the palm of each hand in turn. ―Aah, little mate. You do know how to tempt me.‖ He reluctantly pulled away from her. He had left his clothes hanging 99

Dragon Down Under on the outer fence of the cattle yards. He tugged on his pants and grabbed the rest of his clothes. ―Come. A soft bed with my soft little mate beside me is my pleasure now.‖ He swooped down, catching her around the waist and easily tossing her onto his broad shoulders. Terrie‘s playful squeal made his cock throb. He always wanted her. It was late, and they would both need their rest for the full day‘s work ahead of them. It was his duty to look after the well-being of his mate, and that included a good night‘s sleep––after he had pleasured her most thoroughly. ―I can walk, you know.‖ She giggled, bouncing on his shoulder as he swiftly carried her across the yards towards the homestead. ―Mayhap, I like you where you are.‖ He gave her a swat on her bottom and made her squeal again. He chuckled. Kaden dumped his clothes on the bench on the front porch, and he tugged his little mate down, letting her slide along his body until they stood eye-to-eye. ―You truly are beautiful,‖ he said, loving the way her skin flushed a shade of pink. ―You make me feel beautiful. You make me feel many things.‖ The look in her eye showed more words waiting on the tip of her tongue, and yet she hesitated. Unable to contain himself any longer, he cupped the back of her neck and angled her head up to his, claiming her soft full lips. She gave a low moan of pleasure as he sucked the breath from her lungs, nibbled on her lower lip, and then thrust his tongue into her mouth to taste her thoroughly. He loved all her flavors and planned to drink them up for the rest of his life. He yanked open the door to the homestead with one hand while the other gripped Terrie tightly. Then the door slammed behind them. He was so caught up in his little mate that he didn‘t catch the scent of another‘s presence until it was too late. 100

Dragon Down Under He saw the shadow move, and he reacted instinctively, dropping Terrie to her feet and shoving her behind him, his body coiled and ready to attack the intruder. ―Don‘t even think about it, dragon. I can kill her quicker than you can blink.‖ Kaden froze, his body shielding his mate. ―Daniel,‖ gasped Terrie. ―What the bloody hell are you doing here?‖ Kaden could feel the rage radiating from her. She tried to move forward, but Kaden gripped her around the waist and held her back. He saw that Daniel was not alone. There were four men surrounding them, each with a sleek black handgun in the palm of his hand. Kaden may be able to take down two, even three, but not all four of them. One would surely get off a shot, and he wasn‘t about to risk his mate‘s life. ―Let me guess. West Net.‖ Terrie sneered. A fifth man walked out from the shadows. He was older than the others, tall with grey-blue eyes. A dusting of grey peppered through light-brown hair. ―Very apt, my dear. Your father gave me a lot of trouble, and, when I heard a dragon had bought the land, all bets were off.‖ Kaden knew this was Markus Grekko. ―What do you know about dragons?‖ Kaden asked calmly. His tone hid the deadly rage boiling inside him. ―I‘ve dealt with your kind before.‖ Kaden didn‘t miss the venom in Markus‘ voice. ―You don‘t belong in our realm, so human rules don‘t apply to you.‖ ―That‘s bullshit,‖ his little mate growled. He gave her a squeeze, signaling both comfort and an understanding that he would deal with this. ―I think the main questions are, why you are here, and what are you going to do?‖ 101

Dragon Down Under Markus pulled a gun from the belt of his pants. It looked bulkier than the ones his men held. ―We are going to go on a little expedition to Serpent Mountain and do a little digging. Then you are going to sign over the property to me.‖ ―Like bloody hell I will,‖ growled Kaden. ―Typical stubborn dragon. I had a feeling you would say that. That‘s why I brought this.‖ He aimed the gun towards Kaden‘s neck. ―When you wake up, I am sure you will be much more agreeable, especially considering your mate‘s life is now at risk.‖ Markus pulled the trigger, and the gun let out a muted sound as it fired. In the same instant, Kaden felt a sharp jab hit his neck. He reached up and yanked a dart from his flesh. He glanced down at it lying in his hand. ―What the fuck did you just do?‖ Terrie demanded. Her dark eyes were wide with anger and fear. ―Don‘t worry, Terrie. He‘ll be fine for now––as long as you cooperate.‖ Kaden‘s head started swimming, his body became heavy, and his legs suddenly lost their ability to support him. He began collapsing toward the ground. ―A tranquillizer? Why?‖ Terrie gripped his arm, trying to steady him. She had pulled the dart from his hand to study it. ―Oh God, Kaden,‖ she gasped. He glanced into her fearful eyes, cupping her cheek in the palm of his hand. ―It will be okay, beauty,‖ he tried to reassure her. Kaden fought to stay conscious, but it was a losing battle. His limbs no longer cooperated. ―If you hurt her, I will kill you,‖ he promised in a low growl, glancing up at Markus. Then Kaden‘s vision blurred, and he blacked out completely. 102

Dragon Down Under **** Rage swept through Terrie‘s body. She leapt at Markus Grekko with every intention of killing the bastard with her bare hands. Daniel moved forward and painfully grabbed hold of her arm before she could get far. Instead, she curled her fist, swung around, and punched him hard in the nose. Her whole hand throbbed with the impact, but she didn‘t care. It felt good to hit him, and she wanted to keep going, to completely beat the shit out of the smug bastard. His head snapped back, and he cupped his nose as blood began trickling down. ―Fuck! Grab her!‖ Daniel‘s muffled command came through his cupped hands which cradled his obviously broken nose. Someone else grabbed her from behind before she could move in to hit him again. Anger flashed through Daniel‘s eyes as he straightened and stepped forward to slap her across the face. Pain exploded across the right side of her face, and she tasted coppery blood as it filled her mouth. ―I always knew you were a no-good little bitch,‖ Daniel said with cruel malevolence. ―You are a traitor and a coward!‖ ―That‘s enough, Daniel,‖ snapped Markus. Daniel heeled before he could hit her again. ―Miss Holbrook, contain yourself.‖ She could see Markus was amused by her anger. ―Why the bloody hell do you want this land? What is it that is so damned important?‖ She struggled in the grip of Markus‘ men. Markus gave a sigh of impatience. ―I‘ll explain on the way to Serpent Mountain. I want the dragon secured. Use the chains we brought.‖ ―Where are Nole and Kim?‖ Terrie suddenly feared for them as well. 103

Dragon Down Under ―They are secured in their quarters. No harm will come to them either, as long as you behave.‖ She ceased her struggles. ―Did you kill my father?‖ She needed to know. Markus paused and glanced at Daniel, who was now pressing a handkerchief to his bloody nose. ―I wanted him out of the way. I knew he was deep in debt, but nothing I offered would sway him to sell the land to me. It is a logical step, to eliminate what stands in the way. I sent Daniel here to deal with your father. What better person that your ex-station manager?‖ She blinked as the news slowly sank in. She was suddenly conflicted about who she wanted to kill first: Daniel, for killing her father, or Markus, for ordering his death. Daniel was the closer target, so with a sudden strength she didn‘t know she possessed, she ripped herself away from the men who held her and launched herself at Daniel. She hit him square in the chest, causing him to lose his balance and fall heavily to the floor. As he was falling, she leapt onto his chest, propelling his head against the wooden floorboard with a dull thud. ―For fuck sake, get the crazy bitch off me!‖ Daniel choked out. Terrie‘s hands surrounded his throat, and she squeezed for all she was worth. ―Die, you fucking bastard!‖ She was torn off Daniel and pushed facedown onto the floor, and her hands were quickly tied behind her back. ―Let‘s get this show on the road, shall we?‖ Markus clapped his hands together. Stepping around her and Kaden, he headed for the door.

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Chapter 14 Terrie watched helplessly as all four men dragged Kaden‘s unconscious form out of the house and put it into the back of an Ute. She followed demurely, unable to do much with her hands tightly tied behind her back. There were three other men standing guard outside. They, along with Daniel, brought out heavy chains with thick cuffs and used them to secure Kaden‘s legs together with his wrists behind his back. They lifted Terrie into the back of the Ute beside with Kaden, and they attached her to the cab railing so she couldn‘t move. She watched Markus with suspicion as he pulled out a little black case that fitted into the palm of his hand. Her eyes went wide with fear as he pulled out a little hypodermic needle and a small bottle of some kind of drug. ―What are you doing?‖ she demanded. ―Just giving him something that will prevent him from shifting when he wakes.‖ ―Don‘t hurt him, please. I‘ll do anything you ask.‖ ―Oh, I know you will,‖ Markus said, as he unceremoniously jabbed Kaden in the arm and pumped the drug into his system. ―And when he wakes, so will he.‖ Markus took out another needle, selected a different bottle, and carefully filled it with a blue-tinged fluid. He shuffled over to Terrie next. ―You know, I‘m not a dragon,‖ she said between clenched teeth. 105

Dragon Down Under Markus knelt down on one knee and gripped her arm, positioning the needle. ―I know.‖ She didn‘t like the way Markus smiled at her. She winced as he injected her with whatever had been in the bottle. It burned as it started spreading through her veins. ―This is just a little extra insurance to make sure I get what I want. I‘ve dealt with dragons before, and I know how obstinate they can be. I am not taking any chances. Relax, my dear, and I mean that literally. Otherwise, the poison I‘ve just given you will act a lot faster.‖ He gave his warning with a smile that chilled her blood. The fear washed through her, making her mouth run dry and her skin prickle with a cold sweat. ―Poison?‖ ―Don‘t fret. There is an antidote. If your dragon wants to keep you alive, he will cooperate.‖ Markus pulled away and jumped off the back of the Ute. He walked over to a dark, fourwheel drive vehicle she hadn‘t seen earlier. Terrie figured they must have arrived while Kaden was taking her flying. She glared at Daniel as he walked past. ―Asshole,‖ she hissed. He gave her a menacing smile. ―Baby, is that any way to talk to the man who fucked you first? Believe me, I‘m going to do it again before this little adventure is over––and make your freak of a boyfriend watch.‖ ―Why did you do it, Daniel? Why betray everyone? Why kill my father?‖ ―Babe, you have to learn. In this life you have to look after yourself. Your father was an idiot for not selling when he had the chance. Markus made me an offer I couldn‘t refuse and showed me things I never thought possible.‖ Terrie wondered what she had ever seen in this man. During their courtship, he had been funny and attentive to her. Had she 106

Dragon Down Under known about his true nature, she would never have gone out with him in the first place, let alone had sex with him. She let out a dry laugh. ―You‘re nothing but a greedy sellout. If Kaden doesn‘t kill you, then I sure as hell will. And, Daniel, that is not a threat, it‘s a promise.‖ ―Ooh! I‘m scared!‖ he mocked, glancing to Kaden lying near her feet. ―Face it, Terrie. You and your pet have lost.‖ Not if I can help it. She watched Daniel walk towards the Range Rover. He was still tenderly nursing his broken nose. The moment she got the chance, she was going to break a hell of a lot more than his nose––if she survived. **** Even traveling with the four-wheel drive of the Range Rover and the Ute, it would take them a good three hours to reach the base of Serpent Mountain. There was no viable track out in that area. Riding horseback would have been quicker, but, by the look of the equipment in the back of the Ute, they were planning to do some kind of excavation. Two hours into the journey, Kaden began stirring. He groaned and tried to move, rattling the chains in a sudden panic. ―Kaden.‖ Hearing her voice, he turned his head. ―Something‘s not right,‖ he replied. His voice sounded hoarse. ―Apart from the fact that we are the captives of a deranged man? Markus gave you a drug of some sort to keep you from shifting,‖ she informed him, unable to keep the tremor from her voice. ―That is why my dragon feels so passive. But what else, beauty? You must tell me everything.‖ His command was gentle. Even in the darkness, she could see the angry gleam in his eyes. She swallowed, hesitating to tell him, but then she figured that Markus would inform him anyway as soon as he was able. 107

Dragon Down Under ―Markus injected me with a poison. He has an antidote, but if you don‘t cooperate with him, he will let me die.‖ Kaden‘s body went stiff, and his breathing stilled for a moment. Then he let out a slow, measured breath. Terrie knew he was struggling to remain calm in the midst of their impossible situation. ―I‘m sorry, Kaden. If I hadn‘t put my land up for sale, and you hadn‘t bought it, none of this would have happened. If I‖ ―Antoinette,‖ he snapped, cutting her off. His chains clinked and rattled as he shifted his body to sit up. ―If you apologize, I promise, when this is all over, I will have to spank you again.‖ His warning came in a low growl. ―But‖ ―No, none of this is your fault, do you understand? The one to blame here is Markus Grekko, and no one else. Believe me, my mate, he and anyone who is with him will pay,‖ Kaden said with a strong, dominate force. Tears stung the back of her eyes as the emotions she had kept hidden from Kaden brimmed to the surface. ―I love you, Kaden,‖ she said quietly. Tears slid down her cheeks. ―I don‘t want to die without you knowing how I feel.‖ ―I know, beauty.‖ His tone softened. ―You mean everything to me, and you will not die. I promise you, I will not allow it.‖ He struggled to shift closer to her. The Ute bounced over the uneven ground as it followed the Range Rover. Kaden grunted, his body slamming against the back railing where she was tied. He managed to press his shoulder against her leg. It was a simple connection, but it was something Terrie needed. She would have given anything in that moment to be held in Kaden‘s strong arms. ―I believe you,‖ she said. And she did believe him. ―I trust you, and I am glad you bought Holbrook, Kaden. Even if we are in this mess, we‘re in it together.‖ ―And we‘ll get out of it together.‖ 108

Dragon Down Under ―It‘s going to be dawn soon.‖ She glanced up at the sky. The stars were starting to fade in the waning darkness. ―Whatever Markus wants to do, he‘s going to need daylight by the looks of this stuff in the Ute.‖ She kicked the long boxes of shovels, axes, and other digging equipment that poked out. ―I wish I knew what was under that mountain.‖ ―Well, whatever it is, we are going to be finding out pretty damned soon.‖ ―Stay calm for me, beauty. Can you do that?‖ She stared into Kaden‘s eyes. ―Yes, Kaden. Anything for you.‖ It was a heartfelt promise. **** The small mountain looked more like a pile of massive red boulders. The aboriginal elders had told her this was the sacred mountain of a serpent god. ―How did I not see it before?‖ Kaden asked, with a shake of his head. ―See what?‖ Terrie wondered as they jolted along at a snail‘s pace through the long, dry spinifix grass. Her arms ached from having been tied behind her back, and her wrists hurt from the constant jarring of the vehicle. ―In some cultures, the dead are buried by laying them in shallow graves and then piling stones on top to cover the bodies.‖ Terrie‘s gaze turned to the approaching mountain, and she saw it with different eyes than she had in the past––and with a renewed interest. ―You‘d have to be a bloody giant to move those huge things. It‘s been there for hundreds of thousands of years.‖ ―The time of the gods, demons, and men, beauty.‖ ―Gods, demons and men?‖ she replied with some skepticism. The Ute came to a sudden halt. ―We are all the creation of the gods: men, dragons, demons, and every other creature in all realms.‖ 109

Dragon Down Under ―He‘s right,‖ Markus‘s voice interrupted, striding into view. ―I am quite the expert on mythology, and I have an extensive collection of ancient texts. But my main sources come straight from the demon‘s mouth, so to speak.‖ He moved around to the back of the Ute. Daniel and the rest of Markus‘ men started unloading the equipment. ―You want to know why I‘ve been after your land for so long, Miss Holbrook? This mountain is why. All my research has lead me here to find the resting place of Gadealla.‖ Even Kaden gave him a blank look. ―It is a name I do not know.‖ ―So many legends, along with the gods, have been forgotten through time. But some things still remain, like this. The legend goes that when humans were created, we were created immortal. The immortal humans grew more numerous and began rebelling against the gods. So, the gods‘ grand scheme was to take immortality away from us. Of course, humans didn‘t like this idea very much and attacked the gods en masse. To wrap up this shortened version of the Gadealla story, the big lug of a god is supposedly buried right here.‖ ―Okay, Mr. You‘re-Totally-Screwed-in-the-Head, what the hell does the grave of a god have to do with anything?‖ ―You wish for immortality,‖ Kaden answered. He seemed quicker on the uptake than she was. ―Ever heard of the fountain of youth, Miss Holbrook?‖ ―Yes.‖ ―Here on your land is the Well of Immortality––immortality that rightfully belongs to the human race.‖ ―I don‘t believe it.‖ ―Miss Holbrook, your life now depends upon believing, and believing your dragon can save you.‖ Kaden gave a low growl. ―Just what did you give her?‖

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Dragon Down Under Markus glanced at his watch. ―You have a little less than four hours to find me the well of Gadealla, dragon. Otherwise, she dies. The only way to save your mate now is the well.‖ ―What if you‘re wrong and there is no well?‖ ―You had better pray to your dragon gods there is, or she dies.‖

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Chapter 15 ―What does that look like to you?‖ Slazzamar, head of operations for Moon Shadow Agency, sniffed at the object he picked up from the floor. Darren Claymore, his companion, lover, and human mate, leaned over him to study it. ―That‘s a tranq dart.‖ ―I smell blood on the tip. This whole room smells as if some blood has been spilt, but not too much.‖ He stood from his crouched position on the floor. ―Is it theirs?‖ ―I could not tell you that.‖ Slazzamar frowned. ―This is exactly the type of thing Grekko would use.‖ Slazzamar saw Darren‘s hazel eyes flash with anger. He rubbed the back of his partner‘s neck, under the dusty-blond hair, hair that had grown longer in the year they had been together. Slazzamar was forever itching to touch Darren‘s silky mass, run his fingers through it, and hold him down when they made love. Slazzamar shook himself out of his reprieve. Darren had turned away, searching toward the horizon of this Australian Outback station that he had teleported them to. ―He‘s been here, no doubt, which means he‘s after Serpent Mountain.‖ ―Is it true? The Well of Immortality part?‖ The curiosity in Darren‘s tone was obvious. 112

Dragon Down Under ―All myths are based on truth somewhere along the line. If it is true, then Markus could change the face of humanity if he controls the well.‖ Since talking to Kaden, Slazzamar had spent the majority of his time digging through the archives of the ancients, researching this Serpent Mountain. But there had been too many serpent legends to wade through. He had narrowed his search by calling someone nearly as old as the archives themselves––Neman. Neman was a six-thousand-year-old ex-moon god and an experienced demon hunter. He was the founder of Moon Shadows Agency. Slazzamar, along with Darren and a few others, now operated the agency for him. Neman had explained that the story was so old, it had already been a legend long before his time. In essence, it told how the god Gudealla had been sent to take away immortality from the humans. With this piece of information, it didn‘t take long for Slazzamar to track down the rest of the story––and what it was Markus Grekko was after, and why he was willing to kill for it. It was early morning when they arrived to give Kaden this urgent information, but it appeared they had already come too late. ―We need to reach that mountain. It‘s obvious that is where they have gone. However, I can‘t teleport there if I don‘t know where I am going.‖ Darren pulled an iPhone from his pocket. ―I‘m on it.‖ Darren‘s nimble fingers slid over the small electronic device. His phone connected directly to the Internet. Slazzamar had a hard enough time using a mobile phone, let alone all the other technological gadgets humans loved so much. He left that kind of stuff to Darren and the other humans working for Moon Shadow.

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Dragon Down Under ―Gotta love Google,‖ Darren declared with a grin, holding the phone‘s little screen so Slazzamar could see the photograph of the mountain of red boulders. ―Serpent Mountain.‖ Now that Slazzamar had the image in his brain, he could teleport them to the exact location. ―You‘re beautiful, baby. No wonder I love you.‖ Slazzamar smiled at his lover. ―But we‘d better teleport back to base for armor and weapons first.‖ Darren gave a nod. ―Time to save the world again?‖ Slazzamar grinned. ―Abso-fucking-lutely.‖ **** Kaden‘s dragon was screaming to be set free, to pounce upon and rip apart all those who surrounded them, especially Markus Grekko. Even if he could, though, he dared not. His mate‘s life hung in the balance. He needed to save her, himself, and his sanity. One thing Kaden had failed to mention about bonded mates was that the male became impotent to all other females but his mate––for the rest of his life, even if she died. If a male was killed, though, the woman could take another lover. It was an unfair balance, but to his knowledge of history, it was how it had always been in the Outer Realm. The men had unshackled Kaden‘s legs and allowed him to hike up the side of the mountain. Trailing him were Jones and four of his men. Terrie was left behind with Daniel and one other man–– something else Kaden did not like. ―You realize, if anything happens to her, I‘m going to kill you no matter what,‖ Kaden pointed out. ―I know that, dragon. I have an antidote to the poison, but I am sure there are a lot more ways to inflict suffering on her if you don‘t get me what I want.‖

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Dragon Down Under Kaden had to clench his fists in order to keep from spinning around and pounding Markus‘ face into the earth until it was nothing but a bloody pulp. ―You obviously know where this thing is. Why do you need me?‖ ―I have been raiding ancient sites for a long time now. I am not an idiot. I know that many of these places have failsafe measures put in place to keep unwanted people out. You are mere fodder for the fall if there are booby traps. But I know you won‘t fail if you want to keep your little lady alive. The water from the well will cure her in an instant.‖ For Terrie‘s sake, Kaden had to hope that Markus was right. They climbed higher, following a small worn path of red dust up the side of the mountain. This was a sacred aboriginal site, so people must visit it. They rounded a huge red boulder and found the entrance to a narrow cave. Kaden could just barely squeeze through. ―Dragons before humans,‖ encouraged Markus, poking a gun into his back. Kaden gave a low, deadly growl, causing Markus to take a step backwards. Kaden felt satisfied he had managed to scare the man. He rattled the chains on his arms. ―Take these off. You know I won‘t harm any of you as long as you have my woman.‖ Markus hesitated, the mistrust showing in his expression. ―If you want to get to this damned well, I would be better prepared for any traps without being chained up.‖ ―You undo him.‖ Markus gripped his gun and stepped back to allow one of his men to unlock the metal cuffs that held Kaden‘s wrists. He shook them off, tossing them to the ground. He resisted the urge to kill all of them on the spot. His Antoinette was all that 115

Dragon Down Under mattered to him now, and he would not let her down. He turned and squeezed himself into the cave. Kaden was surprised to see that it opened up into a quite expansive area. From the light filtering in, he could see that the cave walls had been decorated with extensive aboriginal art. It depicted animal hunting, long serpents snaking through the sky, and the people who had lived, and continued to live, in the area. ―We‘re not here to sightsee,‖ Markus said behind him. Markus, along with the others, had followed him into the cave. Kaden could see perfectly well in the darkness without the need for a torch. The humans needed one, though, and they brought it, along with digging equipment, into the cave. Kaden strode forward, going deeper into the cave, until he hit a wall at the back. It seemed there was no way through. He placed his hands on the wall for a moment, letting his dragon senses feel and scent everything around him. He opened his eyes and stepped back. ―Hand me that pickaxe,‖ he demanded, holding out his hand. The handle of the axe was placed into the palm of his hand, he poured all his strength into swinging it. He brought the point down into the center of the cave‘s back wall, and the stone shattered under the brute force of the blow. Air whooshed passed them and into the hole he had just opened. Through the dust, he could see a long, narrow passage leading down. Two more blows of the pickaxe, and the hole was large enough for him to pass through. He ducked his head and entered the deeper darkness. **** Darren dropped the binoculars and turned to look at Slazzamar. ―Two men guarding a bound blond woman. Seems simple enough.‖ ―Nothing is ever as simple as it appears.‖ 116

Dragon Down Under ―Yeah, I know,‖ Darren grumbled. ―I‘m assuming Grekko and his men are up in the mountain with the dragon.‖ ―We‘ll secure the woman first and then go after Kaden. He will be pleased to know his mate is safe.‖ Slazzamar knew that he could never bear to lose Darren and would instantly kill anyone who dared try to threaten his mate. ―I‘ll teleport in and take them by surprise. You take the high ground and cover me.‖ Darren gave an annoyed snort, turning his head to look him directly in the eye. ―Protecting me again?‖ ―Always.‖ Slazzamar gripped the back of Darren‘s neck, tugging him forward to place a possessive kiss on Darren‘s lips. ―You are still human, and you will stay where it is safe.‖ It was a direct order, and Darren knew it. ―Fine, but this conversation isn‘t over yet.‖ Slazzamar would look forward to finishing the conversation in their private chambers once the mission was over. Darren selected a rifle from the collection of weapons they had brought with them. Slazzamar waited until he had climbed a nearby boulder, positioned himself, and took aim. ―Ready when you are,‖ Darren called, never taking his eye from the rifle‘s scope. Slazzamar charged his power and ‗popped‘ out. **** ―How you feeling, baby?‖ ―How‘s your nose, asshole?‖ Terrie growled as Daniel crouched down in front of her. Her mouth was dry, and a thin gleam of sweat appeared across her body. She began to feel a burning in her chest, no doubt from the poison Markus had given her. Daniel had moved her from the back of the Ute and into the shade of a nearby gum tree. He made sure to tie her to the tree‘s trunk. The other man paced around, impatiently keeping an eye 117

Dragon Down Under out for trouble. What they were watching for, she didn‘t know. No one knew they were out here. ―Pity you weren‘t nicer.‖ He took the top off his water bottle and took a long drink. ―Hmm, refreshing!‖ He wiped his lips with the back of his hand. ―You know, baby. You don‘t look too good.‖ He continued to torment her. ―Daniel,‖ she said with a sweet smile. ―Go stick you head up your ass so I don‘t have to see your butt-ugly face and hear your damned stupid voice going on and on.‖ Daniel‘s eyes narrowed in rage. ―You know, Terrie‖ He menaced her by moving in closer, but a sudden gurgling noise behind him made him turn his head. Terrie didn‘t bother looking. Instead, she quickly curled back her leg and kicked Daniel hard between his. He howled in pain and outrage, but he never had time to recover before he was hit in the back of the head. He slumped forward, unconscious. Startled, she glanced up into a pair of lavender eyes, and her first thought was, who in the world has lavender eyes? The man had long, flowing white hair which framed a delicate face, and his tipped ears poked out neatly from the sides of his head. A gleaming silver sword was gripped in his hand. ―I really hate guns.‖ He sneered, crouching to removing a gun from the fallen man‘s hand. He tossed it well out of reach. Terrie wasn‘t even sure this man was a man. ―You are Antoinette Holbrook?‖ He didn‘t give her time to acknowledge who she was before pulling a short, sharp dagger from his belt. Terrie tensed. ―Who are you? And where the heck did you come from?‖ ―Don‘t fret. I‘m Slazzamar, a friend of Kaden‘s. We‘re here to help.‖ She wasn‘t sure if she should believe this strange man or not. 118

Dragon Down Under ―We?‖ Slazzamar gave a shrill whistle. Then he shifted to the side of the tree, sliced through the rope with his blade, and then tucked it back into his belt. ―Jeez, let me run why don‘t you?‖ complained a breathless, sandy-blond man with hazel eyes. He had a rifle strapped to his back and sported a few blades and guns as well. ―This is Darren, my mate.‖ ―Hi.‖ Darren gave a cheery wave. ―Where‘d you come from? I didn‘t hear any vehicles approaching.‖ Terrie rubbed her wrists before climbing to her feet. She braced one arm against the trunk of the gum tree. ―That‘s my magical elf for you. He can teleport anywhere,‖ Darren explained, his hazel eyes sweeping over her from head to toe. Terrie pushed away from the tree and snatched Daniel‘s bottle of water from where it had fallen. She gulped most of its contents before lifting the bottle and pouring the remainder over her burning head. ―You don‘t look too great. Are you all right?‖ Darren moved in, placing what felt like a cool hand upon her hot forehead. ―No. Markus fucking Grekko pumped me full of poison. If Kaden doesn‘t find this precious Well of Immortality, I‘m going to die in a few hours.‖ ―That son of a bitch!‖ growled Darren. ―He‘s getting worse. We‘ve got to put a stop to his games.‖ ―Agreed,‖ Slazzamar said. ―Perhaps I should take her to a hospital.‖ ―No, I need to know Kaden is going to be all right before I go anywhere. Anyway, if there is no stupid Well of Immortality, then Grekko has the antidote.‖ Slazzamar gave a nod. ―All right then. Darren, stay here with Kaden‘s mate. I‘ll go help Kaden––and take care of Grekko.‖ 119

Dragon Down Under ―No,‖ both Darren and Terrie snapped, in unison. Slazzamar raised a white eyebrow as he glanced from Terrie to Darren and back again. ―I‘m not letting you go up there alone.‖ ―I‘m not going to let Grekko get away with murdering my father, even if this asshole,‖ and Terrie kicked the unconscious Daniel, ―actually pulled the trigger.‖ Slazzamar sighed. ―Don‘t pull that protective crap on me now, Slazz. I love you, but enough is enough.‖ A grin broke across Slazzamar‘s face. ―Damn, you‘re sexy when you‘re all riled up.‖ ―Don‘t distract me,‖ Darren almost growled, facing his lover. Terrie rolled her eyes. She bent down, and picked up the gun from where Slazzamar had tossed it, straightened again, and tucked it into the waistband of her shorts. Then she headed in the same direction Grekko and his men had gone. She was going after her man.

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Chapter 16 Every fine hair on Kaden‘s body stood on end. The air was full of ancient magic. His keen sight had stopped him at the foot of a thirty-foot drop down into an expansive cavern. The center of the dark cavern was a small hole, yet there was something very strange about the ten-foot area surrounding the center, it was covered in strange stones. Flashlights and the men who held them came up behind him, lighting up the darkness. ―I knew it was here.‖ Markus pulled a larger secondary gun from a pack slung around his shoulder, loaded it with a large cartridge aimed towards the cavern ceiling and fired. A flare shot out allowing everyone present to see the entire area clearly. There was a clear rim around the ten-foot area. Kaden realized that the entire ten-foot inner circle was covered in skulls and bones. He knew without having to look more closely that each and every one of them were human. This wasn‘t a place for giving life. This was a place of death. ―Are they what I think…‖ ―Yes,‖ Kaden cut Markus off. ―How do you think they…‖ ―I don‘t know. If this pit has been here longer than recorded history then any bones would have been dust by now.‖ ―Then we are not the first to seek out this place.‖ ―You,‖ Kaden interjected, with a low growl. ―Not we.‖ 121

Dragon Down Under His men started moving towards a long narrow path that wound down to the bottom of the cavern. ―You have less than two hours‘, dragon.‖ Grekko gave him a reminder he did not need. ―Not everything here is as it seems. The air is full of old magic. I would watch every step from here on in,‖ he warned. ―That is why you go first.‖ **** ―I can‘t teleport in here.‖ Slazzamar informed them. ―This place reeks of old magic.‖ Terrie watched as he smoothly withdrew his blades. Darren palmed his gun, Terrie following suit. ―I know it‘s customary to let ladies go first but as the only immortal here, if you would allow me.‖ ―You‘d better let him, or he‘ll bitch the whole damned way,‖ Darren said, still looking a little irritated with Slazzamar. He pulled a slim line flashlight from his pocket, while Slazzamar shot him a I‘ll-get-you-later glare. Terrie backed up to let him step through the hole in the back of the cave wall. ―Just what are you anyway?‖ ―He‘s an elf,‖ Darren said first. ―And a demon,‖ Slazzamar added. Terrie followed after him, Darren behind her. ―For added clarity I‘m half-demon half-elf.‖ ―And how do you know Kaden?‖ ―His sister got me to deliver his treasure after his exile from the dragon territory of the dragon realm.‖ Terrie realized there was still a heck of a lot she didn‘t know about Kaden. he hadn‘t mentioned a sister. And what was this treasure business? ―What kind of treasure?‖ 122

Dragon Down Under ―All dragons collect, hoard and guard treasures such as gold, jewels, things they deem sparkly and precious, in their dens. It‘s just a part of their nature,‖ Slazzamar explained. ―How else could he have afforded to buy your property?‖ A lot of what Slazzamar said made sense. ―Don‘t feel bad.‖ Darren gave her a pat on the shoulder. ―I learn something new about my Slazz every day.‖ The three of them headed down a long dark tunnel, Darren‘s flashlight helping to stop her from tripping over in the darkness. ―Hush,‖ Slazzamar suddenly hissed. All conversation stopped. Terrie and Darren tensed, before silently following the elf/demon further down, deeper into the mountain. Slazzamar dropped to a crouch and they mimicked his move as they inched forward. They were crawling by the time they reached the end of the long tunnel. The earth here smelt old and musty. The air around them tingled as if alive. ―You feel that, don‘t you?‖ whispered Darren. She gave a nod. ―That‘s the feel of magic, been around Slazz enough to recognize the sensation now.‖ The sound of male voices made them freeze, before inching forward again. Slazzamar had stood up, and now his back pressed against the tunnel wall. Terrie came in beside him trying to peer around him. Kaden stood with the others at the rim of a huge pit of what looked like stones. ―How we going to do this?‖ she asked Slazzamar, who probably had more experience dealing with strange situations like this. ―If Kaden knew you were safe then he‘d probably turn around and kill every one of them, but on the other hand, they do have guns, I hate guns.‖ 123

Dragon Down Under ―Yes, so I‘ve heard,‖ she said dryly. She could see the amusement in the elf/demon‘s lavender eyes, as he glanced at her. ―I can‘t teleport or I‘d take them by surprise.‖ He seemed to be verbally running through, and then dismissing his options. ―I have a gun, too,‖ Darren piped in quietly. ―Why don‘t I just shoot them?‖ Terrie pulled the gun from the waistband of her shorts. ―You can‘t just shoot them. What if one of your bullets hits the dragon?‖ ―Hey, I‘m a damned good shot,‖ Darren muttered. The sound of Markus‘ voice echoing in the cavern made everyone close their mouths and turn their attention to what he was saying. ―There it is. Go get it.‖ Markus shoved a canteen into the hands of one of his men. ―Fill it up.‖ The man shrugged, and stepped beyond the rim. She held her breath, waiting to see what happened as the man‘s boots crunched the odd-looking stones under his feet; to her disappointment— nothing. Terrie strained her eyes to see better and was horrified to realized what the man crunched beneath his feet were human remains. She fought back the sudden rise of bile in her throat. There must be hundreds of thousands of bones down there. The man stopped and bent over the ordinary-looking stone well, he took off the cap and filled the canteen with a dark-looking liquid. Smug in his success, he started back across the pit. ―Holy shit,‖ gasped the man. Even from the distance above them she could see the sudden ghostly apparitions that rose up from the pit to surround Markus‘ man. He screamed in pure fear, tossing the canteen into the pit as the horrid-looking bones draped with rotting flesh grabbed the man‘s arms and legs. The man‘s body convulsed, he jerked and pulled as the ghostly souls went right through his body, he threw back his head as blood suddenly spurted from his mouth. Terrie 124

Dragon Down Under couldn‘t watch any longer. She pulled her focus back to the other men, who were distracted watching transfixed at the death of one of Grekko‘s men. Keeping her back to the wall, using the darkness as cover, she quickly edged down the path towards Kaden. ―Damn it, woman,‖ she heard Slazzamar whisper. **** Kaden could see Antoinette moving in the darkness. He glanced around while the others were distracted and saw two more following her silently down. One of them he recognized as Slazzamar. He must have freed Antoinette. But she was putting her life further at risk trying to rescue him, which made him angry. He would have to teach his little mate another lesson in obedience once this was over. He suppressed a low growl, turning his attention to the remaining men. The odds were in his favor now. He could kill them quickly and swiftly. Grekko turned his attention back to him. ―That didn‘t go well,‖ Grekko said, with no sympathy for the bloodied and dead man adding to the pit of bodies. ―I do believe it‘s your turn, dragon. Go fetch me that canteen. Remember you need it just as much as I want it.‖ Kaden glanced to where the man had been killed; he forced back a growl as Markus poked him in the ribs with his gun. He calculated his chances of taking out Markus and his men without getting shot, with three guns aimed at him. Not good, without the ability to shift he‘d most certainly die. He‘d lost sight of Terrie. He drew in a breath trying to pinpoint her scent. Only now was his dragon beginning to stir, the drugs Markus used must be wearing off. He focused on the canteen, the one that could save Terrie‘s life. He had to do this. Sucking in a deep breath, calculating his odds at being killed like the other man, he decided that a snatch and grab would net him what he wanted. Crouching down, Kaden leapt over the rim of the pit. 125

Dragon Down Under **** Terrie fought back the urge to scream at Kaden to stop, after seeing the horrible thing that had happened to the man who had collected the water from the well. Fear ran through her, making her more ill than the actual poison running through her body. She clenched her teeth fighting her anger and rage, then she raised her gun and aimed, shooting one of Markus‘ men, hitting him in the left shoulder. She dashed forward, her foot caught on a rock, making her stumble. Terrie hadn‘t realized how weak she was. The others jumped as the man went down, cursing a blue streak in pain, gripping his shoulder. Slazzamar and Darren leapt out at the same time tackling the other men with guns. Markus dived towards her before she could regain her balance. Her head spun and her right hand rocked with pain as she realized he had kicked it, making the gun slide across the ground. Terrie was trying to summon strength that simply wasn‘t there and could do nothing but helplessly glare up at Markus Grekko as he reached for her, gripping the base of her neck to yank her roughly to her feet. ―As you may have guessed by now, the more you move makes the poison act faster,‖ Markus growled, pulling her in front of him like a shield. Kaden snatched up the canister. No ghosts came out to greet him or drag him to his death. He saw all the bones that lay about them were human, and realized that no human could cross the threshold of the pit without them attacking—the ultimate boobytrap to stop humans from getting their hands on immortality. He saw the movement from the corner of his eye as Terrie, Slazzamar and the other man attacked Markus‘ group. The sound of gunfire snapped Kaden around, bones crunching underfoot as he swiveled and ran towards her. At the same time he saw her collapse and Markus moving in and grabbing her. Slazzamar and Darren had killed the other men and were now advancing on Markus. 126

Dragon Down Under **** Markus held the gun to Terrie‘s throat. She had no fight left, and could only let him drag her where he wanted. ―You two, stay where you are,‖ Markus warned Slazzamar and Darren. ―Hand me the bottle, dragon, slowly and easy.‖ She could see the anger and rage in Kaden‘s eyes, mixed with the concern for her. He lifted the canteen, taking a step forward, holding it at arm‘s length. ―Take it,‖ Markus growled into her ear. She took the canteen from Kaden, her gaze never leaving his. Weakly she passed it back to Markus. ―If you move, I will kill her.‖ Still using her as a shield he dragged her all the way up the ramp, with them following at a distance. Terrie sudden found herself flung forward. Kaden caught her in his arms. ―I‘m sorry, Kaden,‖ she managed to whisper before her body convulsed and complete darkness descended over her vision.

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Chapter 17 ―Slazzamar, you‘re not human…‖ Kaden turned to him. ―If anything human goes near that pit, they die.‖ ―Already on it.‖ Slazzamar scooped up a cup that had spilt out from one of the packs Markus‘ men had brought with them. Slazzamar took long, fast, light strides across the pit, pausing when he reached the center to scoop liquid out of the well. With extreme care he started back, ignoring the clamoring human souls that reached out with ghostly arms to him, trying to drag him down into the pit. They passed right through him as he kept his path steady, until he reached Kaden, not spilling one drop. ―Gotta say, that totally creeped me out, and that‘s saying something coming from a half-demon,‖ he said, as he handed Kaden the cup. Kaden scooped Terrie up in his arms. She wasn‘t conscious, but her body was shaking. Kaden took the cup Slazzamar handed him. Carefully he lifted it to her lips, her skin already deathly white, tinged with blue. Cradling her head, he tipped the dark liquid into her mouth. She coughed and spluttered, her throat moving as she swallowed. He poured more making sure she drank it all. He held her close waiting to see if it would heal her. ―Don‘t die on me, my beauty. I‘m not ready to see out my days without you.‖ He kissed her cool forehead. Emotions of hopelessness and despair washed over him. She was everything to him, the very beating center of his dragon heart. He held her close 128

Dragon Down Under to his chest rocking her limp body. ―I love you, Antoinette, you cannot leave me.‖ ―I know, last time I tried, you spanked my ass,‖ came Terrie‘s weak voice. Kaden glanced down to see her eyes open. Relief rolled though him at the sound of her voice and the colour returning to her skin. It had worked, thank the gods, it had worked. ―You‘re crushing me here, big boy,‖ she said with a small smile. Kaden was placing kisses of gratitude all over her beautiful face. ―Don‘t ever scare me like that again,‖ he growled softly. His little mate laughed. ―That‘s more like my dragon.‖ She giggled. ―Now, can we get the hell out of this depressing place?‖ ―More than happy to oblige.‖ Kaden rose to his feet with Antoinette still in his arms. There was no way he was ever going to let her go ever again. ―I‘m feeling fine, better than fine, Kaden, I can walk.‖ ―Don‘t argue. I am carrying you and that‘s final.‖ She hooked her arm around his neck with an amused smile. ―Damned bossy dragon, it‘s a bloody good thing I love you.‖ ―Yes, my little mate, I love you, too, so obeying me is a prerequisite.‖ Antoinette gave a delighted laugh, as he carried her out of the cave. Grekko hoisted himself up into his helicopter, breathing heavily from his hard run to get away from the dragon and his friends. Damn Slazzamar, damn the Moon Shadow Agency for interfering again. He truly thought he could have his cake and eat it, too, this time, but was pleased enough with the spoils he held on tightly to. Markus hastily signaled for the pilot to take off, and 129

Dragon Down Under get them the hell out of there. The last thing he needed was the demon elf to be ‗popping‘ in again. Brenna sat in the seat opposite, eyeing him with a sinister smile on her face. ―I see you got what you wanted.‖ She nodded towards the water canister clutched in his hands. ―Sometimes it is better to cut your losses and leave while you still can. I wanted the whole land, but those fucking Moon Shadow hunters turned up to interfere.‖ ―Land in this realm is nothing, and Immortality is one small piece of a whole. What you need is true power, power to squash your enemy like the insects they are.‖ She slid across the seat, laying her hand on his chest. Her reddened lips curved up into a half-smile. ―Is that something you want, Markus, unimaginable power?‖ Excitement thrummed in his veins. ―Yes, tell me how to obtain it.‖ The sudden flash of a blade caught Markus by surprise. Brenna shoved it straight into his heart. ―First you must die.‖ She leant over, yanking open the helicopter door. ―The well gives you immortality, but not immunity from being killed, I am Breylla, demon princess. I will repay your generosity to me, by giving you what you want. She leaned into him, twisting the blade, and placing a kiss on his lips at the same time. ―See you soon in my hell, very soon.‖ She pushed him out of the helicopter door, watching him grow smaller as he fell. He never felt the impact with the ground. **** ―Grekko got away again,‖ Slazzamar growled in annoyance. He and his mate were following Kaden out off the cavern. ―He got what he was after,‖ said Darren. ―Now we‘re going to be chasing him for the rest of his immortal life.‖ ―Unless‖ Slazzamar added with a smile of his own. ―Unless what?‖ Darren voiced the question first. 130

Dragon Down Under ―This was once the Immorality of humans. Immortality means you can never grow old, get sick or die in that manner. But the human body is still just that. Human.‖ ―He is immortal but not invincible.‖ Kaden understood along with the others what Slazzamar was referring too. They reached the mouth of the cave. ―I‘ll be right back. Must go get something to seal this place up permanently,‖ Slazzamar told everyone. A pop sounded and Slazzamar was gone. Kaden carried Terrie all the way back down to the vehicles followed by Darren. Daniel and the other man who had aided Grekko were tied to a tree. He set Antoinette down on her feet. ―I need to shift to allow my dragon side to heal my body, and stretch my wings,‖ he informed Terrie, while glaring at the two men. ―Darren, lend me a blade.‖ Darren didn‘t hesitate. He pulled out a long, sharp dagger, placing the hilt into his outstretched palm. Terrie gasped. ―Kaden don‘t sink to their level. Please.‖ He gently touched her face, looking into her lovely dark eyes. ―Beauty, have a little faith.‖ Turning away, he approached the tied men. They blanched in fear at what Kaden was going to do with them. ―Look, mate, I didn‘t mean it, really,‖ Daniel stammered. ―Silence,‖ Kaden barked, before slicing the rope that held the two men. ―I suggest you start running. I‘ll give you both five minutes before I change and come after you.‖ Without hesitation the first man turned and began to run, Daniel a split second after. 131

Dragon Down Under ―I always knew he was a coward,‖ Terrie muttered as she watched the men run for their lives. A sudden loud boom sounded across the plains, scattering birds and making every one jump. Slazzamar ‗popped‘ into their midst, dusting off her his hands. ―There‘s my Slazz.‖ Darren grinned approaching his mate. ―Been blowing stuff up again?‖ ―You better believe it, baby,‖ Slazzamar give him a mischievous smile before grabbing Darren and planting a fierce kiss on his mouth. Once he released a dazed-looking Darren, Slazzamar smiled at them. ―I think the actual chamber is pretty indestructible considering how powerful and old the magic is in there. It‘s a grave and should remain so. I‘ve collapsed the only entranceway so no one can get in.‖ ―I appreciate your help,‖ Kaden said, stepping to shake Slazzamar‘s hand. ―If there is anything I can do to repay you?‖ ―All I ask is you keep my card handy. I may call on you for help sometime when I have a problem.‖ ―It would be an honor.‖ Kaden meant it. ―We need to check on Lee and Noel,‖ Terrie said. ―All the men are heading in with the cattle.‖ ―You will do nothing but rest.‖ Kaden‘s tone was stern uncompromising. ―But I feel great, that juju juice you gave me is some potent stuff.‖ ―You realize now your mate is immortal,‖ Slazzamar pointed out. ―Immortal?‖ Terrie blinked in surprise, she hadn‘t thought of that. Although she shouldn‘t have been so surprised with everything they had just gone through. Kaden had given her liquid from the Well of Immortality.

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Dragon Down Under ―Bonded mates share lifespans; I suggest you rebond to share this with your mate.‖ Slazzamar told Terrie, ―Which means this time you have to bite him.‖ She saw the flicker of amusement in Slazzamar‘s eyes, understanding how the bonding process is done. She glanced up to stare at Kaden. ―How am I supposed to do that?‖ ―You can figure it out; we‘re off so unless there‘s anything else you need before we go‖ ―Could you take my mate back to Holbrook? I‘ll fly back once I‘ve taken care of this lot.‖ He indicated the two vehicles and men that had now disappeared into the distance. Slazzamar gave a nod and approached Terrie. ―What are you going to do with them? You‘re not going to eat them, are you?‖ she asked. Not that they didn‘t deserve whatever he did do. Kaden gave her a wicked grin. ―I don‘t eat junk food, beauty.‖ Terrie looked totally bemused. He tugged her against his length, lowered his head and kissed her soothingly. When he pulled back, she gave him that dazed look he loved, her eyes shining with love and trust. ―I do trust you.‖ It filled his heart with pride to hear her say the words. ―I love you, Kaden, be careful.‖ He gave her a heated look of promise and set her aside. Stepping back, he gave a nod to Slazzamar and Darren. ―Come on, Darren wants a tour of your station,‖ Slazzamar said. Kaden took several steps away. Summoning his dragon, he shifted. It felt good to set his dragon free, the magic of the change rippling around him. He spread his wings and stretched his limbs, healing all wounds that had been inflicted. He heard the telltale 133

Dragon Down Under ‗pop‘ of the teleport, knowing that they were gone. Kaden launched himself into the air; it was time to take care of business. **** Alistair was none too happy to discover he had been left out of the loop. When Terrie, Slazzamar and Darren just appeared out of nowhere, it almost gave Leah a heart attack. Kaden had returned a short time later, simply walking into the station. With his clothes on, Terrie figured he must have shifted and redressed somewhere close to the station, but far enough away, so his dragon wouldn‘t be spotted. Terrie was showing Slazzamar and Darren around Holbrook, Noel and Kim had slept through her and Kaden‘s abduction by Markus Grekko, and had just figured they had gone to have some time alone, so they where none the wiser to what had truly transpired. The peace was short-lived as the drivers, along with several hundred head of cattle, reached the station. It was time to get to work. Everyone pitched in a hand, even Darren and Slazzamar, who had donned a hat to hide his pointed ears, tied back his long white hair and kept a pair of shades over his unusual eyes. All the staff was too busy at any rate to notice anything out of the ordinary. By the third day the last of the cattle were checked, the viable marketable ones shipped off on cattle trucks, and rest driven back into the wilderness of the property. The bulk of the stations‘ hands had headed to the nearest town to spend their hard-earned money at the town‘s only pub. Terrie felt truly happy that they all worked together so well. ―Best vacation ever,‖ Darren said cheerfully, as they all sat around the fire pit at the end of the day. ―You consider working like that a vacation?‖ Terrie asked, bemused at Darren‘s lighthearted attitude towards work and life. ―Well, it makes a heck of difference than chasing and killing demons and other evil creatures.‖ 134

Dragon Down Under ―I‘ll drink to that,‖ Slazz cheered, clinking beer glasses with Darren. Kaden chuckled, keeping a tight arm around her waist. She rested back against him. ―You‘re most welcome anytime,‖ Kaden offered. Darren smiled at Slazzamar. ―We‘ll be off now. Thank you for your hospitality.‖ Slazzamar stood up giving his hand in friendship to Kaden. Kaden rose and shook his hand and Darren‘s warmly. ―Be good now.‖ Darren waved. Slazzamar took hold of his mate and in the blink of an eye and a pop, the pair was gone. ―I be heading back to me loch on the morrow, lad,‖ Alistair told them, his own arm possessively around a contented-looking Leah. ―And I‘m going with him,‖ Leah said, looking lovingly up into Alistair‘s eyes. ―We‘ll miss you; I cannot offer enough gratitude for all you‘ve done for me, my friend.‖ Terrie could feel the respect and admiration Kaden had for Alistair. ―Wouldna missed it for the world, lad.‖ Alistair grinned, giving him a slap on the back, then turned, offering his hand to Leah. She jumped to her feet to slip his hand into his. ―Now if ya be excusing us.‖ He gave them both a wink as he turned and grabbed a giggling Leah and tossed her over his broad shoulder as they headed for their guestroom. Terrie shook her head with amusement, pleased to see her friend so happy. She glanced up to see Kaden‘s stomach clenched and to see a heated gaze of pure want. She licked her lips. ―A solid idea indeed,‖ Kaden murmured, and stalked towards her. 135

Dragon Down Under Terrie squealed as he dove towards her and picked her up. She found her world tilted as Kaden lifted her over his shoulder and carried her into the homestead and straight into their bedroom.

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Chapter 18 Terrie hit the mattress and would have bounced up, if not for the weight of Kaden falling on top of her pushing her down, pinning her to the mattress. His mouth hungrily sought hers, sucking at her lips, before thrusting his tongue deep into her mouth, and sucking hers. Terrie grew lightheaded from the lack of oxygen. He pulled back and she sucked in a lungful of air. He dove down, licking, sucking and nipping his way down her throat, his hands sliding up her sides. Terrie was lost in a haze of sensual pleasure. She whimpered in protest and when he pulled back slightly, she barely registered the tearing of her clothes. ―Too many damned clothes,‖ Kaden said, his voice hoarse with need. ―Too long since I had you.‖ Terrie was already aching, wet and ready to take him. ―I need you, I love you.‖ Her voice was breathless. ―But stop ripping my clothes. I‘m not going to have any left before too long.‖ ―Then stop wearing them.‖ Amusement threaded though his voice. He zeroed in on her right breast, running his tongue over the tip. The bud already engorged with blood hardened further in response. She moaned, her belly clenched as he sucked it deep into the cavern of his mouth. ―Want me to walk…around…station…naked for…everyone to see?‖ Kaden released her right breast. Terrie‘s eyes popped open to see the amusement gone and anger flicker through his expression. 137

Dragon Down Under She smiled knowing he didn‘t like her walking around naked suggestion at all. ―When I‘ve made my den you will be naked all the time we are there.‖ Terrie couldn‘t help the grin of amusement spreading across her face. Lovingly she reached out stroking her hands over the taut muscles of his shoulders. She loved touching the smooth skin over his buff toned body. ―I look forward to it.‖ That seemed to appease him, and he attacked her left breast, plucking at the pert nipple with his lips then sucking it into his mouth, making Terrie suck in a sharp gasp before letting out a long moan as he sucked it into his mouth. She arched her back slipping her hands from his shoulders through his silky black hair. He pulled back to shed his clothing, falling onto her, reclaiming her lips with a burning hunger that matched her own. Kaden pushed her thighs apart, before entering her, but her body was already humming with need from their foreplay. She was slick and moist for him. He moved slowly once he had seated himself deep within her, holding his upper body braced on his arms, watching her face, watching their joining as he stroked her channel. For a time, she watched, as well, enraptured by the sight, feeling the tension building slowly but surely until she reached a point where she was drawn to focus inwardly. She closed her eyes, then shifted her hips to meet him, encouraging him to move faster. Dropping to his elbows he increased his pace. She teetered on the brink of what seemed like forever, close, dizzy with the height, struggling desperately to hold on to the pleasure, yet reaching for the heights she knew were coming. When it caught her it was blindingly explosive, her every nerve 138

Dragon Down Under ending screaming with overwhelming pleasure. She cried out as her body shook and trembled. Watching her face, her eyes closed in pure pleasure, Kaden hunched himself over to take a nipple into his mouth, never stopping his fast frantic thrusts. He licked her nipple, loving every taste of his little mate, then bit down gently. His action pushed her over the precipice. Again she began to tremble, her screams of pleasure music to his dragon ears, her inner walls convulsing and pulsing around his cock. He groaned in both pleasure and pain, unable to hold on any longer. His thrusting became short and jerky as he felt the first spark of his climax, racing from the tip of his brain, spreading through his body. Black, white and red flashed behind his eyes as his body exploded in pure ecstasy, his cock pumping his seed deep into his mate‘s belly. Kaden shuddered, his limbs felt like water, as he fell forward onto Antoinette‘s soft body. For a long moment, all that could be heard was the sound of their harsh breathing. ―As much as I love you on top of me, dragon boy, you‘re bloody heavy,‖ came the muffled voice of Antoinette against his shoulder. Kaden gave a chuckle, willing his limbs to move to push himself off her, heaving up, then collapsing by her side, before automatically reaching out to pull her into the circle of his arms, fitting her delicate curve of her back against his front—a perfect fit. Her soft sigh was one of contentment, her breathing became steady and even. She had fallen asleep. Kaden inwardly smiled, as he kissed the top of her head. As a dragon things couldn‘t get much more prefect than this. Quickly following her, he drifted off. **** Every muscle in Kaden‘s body tensed in alarm. His dragon was awake and alert, and knew something wasn‘t quite right. He 139

Dragon Down Under felt the air ripple with magic, the familiar magic of dragons. He knew it could not be Alistair, as he had no magic he knew of. No someone had just arrived where they shouldn‘t be. He threw off the bed sheets, rolled out of the bed and reached for his pants. ―What?‖ Antoinette mumbled. He glanced over her naked form. She was a beautiful sight, slightly tussled from sleep, with her eyelids heavy as she peered up at him. ―Go back to sleep, beauty.‖ He bent over giving her a swift kiss on her lush lips before striding out the door, barefoot. He walked down the hall and swung open the front door. The shadowy figure of Alistair stood on the porch as he stood with his hands on his hips peering out into the darkness. He too only wore pants. ―I feel it, lad. It not be Slazzamar either.‖ His voice was low, almost a whisper. The air was cool with the freshness of early morning. The sun had yet to rise. In the darkness with his keen dragon sight Kaden could see a group approaching from across the stockyard, five in total. He recognized the uniforms of the royal guard and the flowing robes of dragon royalty. The king had come along with several of his guards. Kaden noted Merloc was not among them. Kaden‘s jaw clenched in anger; why had they tracked him down here? Perhaps they had discovered his punishment had been nothing but a mockery to them. Whatever happened his first priority was his mate. The door opened and Antoinette stepped out with a worried expression. Kaden saw her glance across the yard at the newcomers. ―Kaden, who are they?‖ Terrie came to stand by his side looking nervously apprehensive. ―Stay here,‖ he ordered, to which she folded her arms defensively. ―I‘m your mate, damn it, and whatever you face I face, too.‖ 140

Dragon Down Under ―God‘s be damned, Terrie, you will obey me. Alistair, keep her safe. If anything happens I want you to get the women out of here.‖ ―I will, lad.‖ Alistair turned, taking Antoinette‘s arm and tugging her back, as Kaden walked down the steps to meet the dragons. ―Your highness, to what do I owe the honor?‖ He was careful to keep his tone even and emotionless. ―Fear not, Kaden, I come in peace. I have come to put right the wrong and injustice done unto you.‖ The king‘s admission that he had been wronged should have surprised Kaden, yet it only made him angrier. It was too late for apologies, not that he cared any longer for one. He had everything he wanted and needed. He only wanted to be left in peace, yet he was curious to how the truth had been revealed. ―May I enquire as to how you now know this?‖ ―The queen and Merloc have been caught in their indiscretions.‖ Rage and regret was evident in the king‘s expression. The king took a moment to calm himself. ―It was then she confessed to me the truth of what had occurred between you and her. I know I have been played the fool, Kaden. I swallow my pride and ask your forgiveness and your return to court. All your powers will be restored, your den treasure retuned twofold, and your position at court returned.‖ Kaden didn‘t say anything for a long moment. This should have been a moment of triumph for him, yet he found himself feeling only pity towards the old dragon king standing before him. ―I have found my true mate in this realm,‖ Kaden informed him. ―Under my law she would be protected. No harm would ever befall your mate, Kaden.‖

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Dragon Down Under ―I accept the return of my powers and treasure, but I will not return to the Dragon Realm. My place is here now, with my mate on my land.‖ The king didn‘t look pleased, but nodded in resignation. ―I understand a duty to one‘s true mate. I need you…‖ He paused, thoughtfully. ―I request you return and track down Merloc and the queen for the punishment of their crimes. I do not wish to remove you from what you have gained here. I ask this one favor. Justice must be served, and I thought you would have wanted to bring it to those who set you up and accused you.‖ The king was right; Kaden had a need to see proper justice served. He glanced back to where Alistair and Antoinette stood watching, listening. Alistair had let her go, seeing there was no immediate threat. She walked down the steps to stand by his side. Kaden was suddenly at war with himself. He wanted revenge, yet was uncertain if it was worth leaving his mate, if only for a short while. She laid a gentle hand on his arm, her eyes shining with love and concern. ―Go do what you need to do. It‘s not as if I‘ll be going anywhere.‖ Kaden knew she was right, she was as committed to their station as she was to him. ―I won‘t leave you unprotected,‖ Kaden had to voice his concern. Markus got away, and didn‘t want to risk him coming back with reinforcements to wreak revenge. ―I‘ll stay, lad, and guard her, if it be peace of mind ye be looking fer,‖ Alistair offered. ―Me loch can keep for a few days. As long as I have Leah, I‘ll be happy no matter where I be.‖ He appreciated the older dragon, who had done much for him. Kaden gave him a nod. ―I am indebted to you, my friend.‖ Alistair gave him a small smile. 142

Dragon Down Under ―Nay, lad, ye have helped me find my true mate. We are even.‖ Kaden slipped his arm around Antoinette‘s waist needing to feel her close to him, as he turned to address the king. ―Very well, I shall do this one thing. But no more, here is my life, and here I will stay.‖ The king gave him a curt bow of acknowledgment. ―Let the hunt begin. And true justice be served.‖

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Chapter 19 In the first few hours, Terrie was feeling Kaden‘s absence keenly. Never had she felt so forlorn, empty and lost. One glance at Leah and Alistair together was enough to send her into a deep depression. Kaden had explained they would both feel like a part of themselves was missing and neither of them would be complete without the other, so strong was the bonding. The reality of his words was harder than she could have ever imagined. She made every excuse to stay away from Alistair and Leah, spending time out, doing every little job and chore that did and didn‘t need doing around the homestead. The men were just returning from their break, and gearing up for the next muster. She had no appetite for food and found she couldn‘t sleep without the security of Kaden‘s arms around her. She ignored Leah‘s and Alistair‘s urgings for her to eat properly, and assurance that Kaden would be back soon. But by the third day, she felt like an emotional and physical wreck. She started to doubt Kaden would return at all. Now that he had been accepted back into the Dragon Realm, there he would stay; he wouldn‘t have to put up with her any longer, and he could let loose his dragon whenever he wished. She came to realize if Kaden didn‘t return, if he didn‘t want her, she felt no reason for going on, no reason for living. Matt Burnu had rounded up a dozen wild brumbies and was selecting several for breaking. There were dark clouds on the 144

Dragon Down Under horizon heading towards Holbrook station. Monsoon season was almost upon them. The yard was dusty with the wildly bucking horses Matt had brought in to break. Terrie sat on the far fence half-watching the men with the horses, and half-watching the incoming weather. Her mood as dark and despairing as the darkened clouds. There was no point in anything without Kaden. She saw that Matt had managed to put a saddle on the new brown brumby. She slipped off the fence rail and heading into the centre of the breaking yard to give Matt a hand. She reached for the reins, cooing at the beautiful beast to keep him steady. Matt nodded his thanks and quickly finished saddling the brumby. Of course, the moment the girth straps tightened around the creature‘s middle, it reacted, rearing, yanking the reins from her hand. Both she and Matt scrambled back to watch the show as the horse bucked madly trying to get the unfamiliar saddle off his back. The longer a horse resisted the more difficult it was to break, but they also knew that the wildest ones made the best stock horses. ―Wonder what‘s going to break first, the horse or the weather,‖ remarked Matt, glancing up at the sky. The loud clap of thunder made everyone jump. ―It‘s going to be a hell of a storm.‖ The men who had been watching the breaking started climbing down from the railing, knowing where there was thunder, there was lighting, and the last place they wanted to be sitting was on a metal fence. There was another rumble, but this time it wasn‘t thunder but the distinct sound of a truck approaching. On the road she could see the barrel of dust stirred up by a large speeding truck. When she noted it was only a supply truck, Terrie turned her attention back on the bucking brumby. ―He‘ll be a good one,‖ she told Matt, seeing the brumby was still wildly trying to rid himself of the saddle. 145

Dragon Down Under After a long moment the brumby started to calm, prancing about, snorting, before finally resigning himself to being saddled. Terrie dug into her pocket to pull out a few sugar cubes. Holding then in the flat of her palm as she inched forward, she watched carefully as the brumby‘s ears twitched, and he nervously pranced. Its nostrils flared as it scented the sugar cubes. She smiled at the beautiful creature as he went straight for the sweet treat. ―You spoil them,‖ Matt said with a smile in his voice seeing her feeding the brumby. Another loud clap of thunder rumbled across the homestead plains, and lighting flashing overhead. Terrie turned, and froze. The sight of Kaden striding towards her made her suck in a sharp breath. Dressed in skintight jeans, and a t-shirt displaying all his beautiful muscled chest shoulders and arms. His black hair pulled back behind his head. The expression of sheer determination on his face made the pit of her stomach clench. As much as she wanted to throw herself into his arms, she couldn‘t will her feet to move. Her gaze fixed on the one man she needed more than she needed to breathe. So many things ran through her head. Did he still want her? Was he just here to say good bye? Was he back for good? The smell of him invaded her senses as he stopped a foot in front of her. She saw the raw passion in the depths of his clear blue eyes, as his gaze swept over her from head to toe. Juices flooded between her legs at the hungry, predatory expression, an expression she knew and loved. Terrie swallowed hard. ―You‘re back,‖ was all she managed to squeak out. The corners of his sensual lips twitched up. ―Antoinette Holbrook.‖ His deep voice rumbled. Oh God how she had missed his voice. She had missed everything about Kaden. Yet she was worried at the formality of his tone. She saw him reach and pull 146

Dragon Down Under something out of his back pocket. Her brain had a hard time registering the black box that sat in the palm of his hand. To surprise her further, he suddenly knelt down before her and snatched her left hand into his. She was momentarily startled by the white-hot searing heat his touch caused, and even more stunned when he flipped open the lid of the black box with his thumb and finger to reveal the biggest most dazzling diamond ring she had ever seen. The diamond was surrounded by four clear blue sapphires, reminding her of the blue of Kaden‘s eyes. ―Would you honour this dragon by consenting to be my wife?‖ Relief swamped over her senses, followed swiftly by profound joy. Her vision blurred as she couldn‘t stop the tears from spilling down her cheeks. ―Oh, Kaden, of course I will.‖ He took the ring out, and she couldn‘t help notice how his hands trembled as he slipped it onto her finger. ―I was told human women like sparkly expensive things to adorn themselves. I would have returned sooner but I wanted this perfect for you.‖ Unable to restrain herself from touching him, she closed the gap between them and ran her hand across his cheek. It felt so good to touch him. ―It is perfect, you are perfect. I don‘t need fancy things to adorn myself, Kaden. All I need, and will ever need is you. You are my heart and soul.‖ Kaden moved, and she found herself crushed in his arms, his mouth hungrily devouring hers. In the background she barely registered the sound of cheers and clapping, realizing all the station hands had witnessed his proposal, and her acceptance. He picked her up and was carrying her across the yard. She grew giddy and lightheaded from Kaden‘s heady kiss. By the time she was able to suck in a breath, the sound of the homestead‘s front 147

Dragon Down Under door slammed shut. Thunder boomed and heavy rain began pelting down on the corrugated iron roof, drowning out the sounds of their passion. There was no need for words in that moment, as their hungry desperate touches said everything they needed to know. **** The bed of polished gemstones was surprisingly comfortable beneath her naked back. They were cool along with the slight breeze that blew through the cave or—more rightly—Kaden‘s den. Every dragon needed a den and treasure to guard, he had told her pointedly. They were high on the cliff in the same canyon that she had first discovered his dragon. He had outfitted the den with gems, gold, and things she could not identify. The heavy trunks she had carried in the back of her Ute that day were only a small part of his treasure that apparently had been rescued from the Outer Realm upon Kaden‘s exile. Now it was ten times the amount given to him as an apology and a thank you for tracking down the king‘s wayward queen and the lover she had run off with. She lay on top of the pile, as his most precious treasure. It had ended up a double wedding; Alistair was just as proud to slip his ring of possession upon Leah as Kaden had been. Now that Kaden had his full powers and magic restored, he could teleport just like Slazzamar could. He had ‗popped‘ both Alistair and Leah off to Scotland not long after the ceremony, and the brief afternoon tea reception. When asked where they were going on their honeymoon, Kaden just smiled but remained tightlipped as to their location. He had driven them a short distance away from the homestead before stashing his newly acquired four-by-four out of sight. Kaden turned off the engine, threw the keys into the glove box and reached for her, dragging her into his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck, accepting his deep, drugging kiss. So distracted was she by 148

Dragon Down Under the magic Kaden wove around her, that when he pulled back, not only was she breathing hard with desire for him, but they had changed locations. ―Welcome to our den, beauty,‖ Kaden murmured against her lips. ―Remember my rule here. No clothing allowed.‖ It was a perfect rule as far as she was concerned. If she felt cold, Kaden would always be there to warm her. He pulled back. ―Go explore. I need to gather some supplies for our stay.‖ ―Hurry,‖ she whispered, ―I want you.‖ Kaden tugged her against his length, kissed her deeply then turned. She watched as he shifted into his magnificent blue dragon and leapt from the mouth of the cave. Feeling very naughty, she had stripped off everything but her panties, and explored the cave. Kaden had been busy. There was a large chamber with chairs, table, a meal preparation area. Down a set of winding steps she found a bathroom, with a large, rounded, deep pool, the water flowing in from somewhere. He had thought of everything. Her jaw had dropped when she had seen the pile of treasure stretched across one of the cave‘s chambers. Smiling inwardly, she had centered herself on the pile and waited for Kaden‘s return. **** Terrie moaned, her back arched as a wicked tongue slid along her inner thighs. Warm cinnamon breath wafted over her. She kept he eyes closed, playing the obedient dragon mate. The tongue curled around her panties until they tore under the pressure. “I thought I told you no clothing in our den.” Terrie started. Kaden had spoken directly into her mind. She opened her eyes to see her beautiful blue dragon standing over her. ―You did, but that doesn‘t mean I have to do everything you say.‖ She was challenging him. He chuckled. 149

Dragon Down Under “I think you want another spanking.” His eyes gleamed with a mixture of irritation and amusement. The thought of Kaden spanking her again made her wet, her belly clenching in desire. “But first…” He lowered his snout and nuzzled her thighs wide. Terrie gasped at the rough stroke of his tongue against her pebbled nipple, trying to ignore the electric sparks it sent through her. Knowing it was useless to protest, she kept her hands by her sides, pretending she didn‘t find his attentions in dragon form titillating, that she preferred his man form. The cinnamon flavor of his breath wafted over her. He teased one nipple, then the other, until she was flushed, breathing in little pants and then he moved lower, caressing the soft sensitive flesh of her belly until her flesh pebbled over in reaction. She tried to put her knees together. He placed his large dragon feet under her knees, preventing her from closing her thighs. Parting her nether lips open with his tongue, he dragged a long, slow lick along her cleft. Keeping her knees wide, he explored that particularly interesting area of flesh thoroughly. Terrie gasped and tried to push at his snout with her hands. He ignored her silent demand to stop. However, a moment later she didn‘t want him to stop. Fire poured through her veins, melting muscle, tissue and bone into a quivering mass of raw nerve endings. Her body spiraled towards climax. Her whole body stiffened on the verge of climax. She heard what sounded like a purr. His tongue shifted down, delving into her channel. Her hips came off the bed of gems of their own accord as his tongue racked along her passage, setting off an explosive release. A cry tore from her throat, as hard spasms ripped through her. She bit down on her lip trying to contain the explosive ecstasy, so rocked by it that when her body finally stopped seizing 150

Dragon Down Under she felt as weightless as floating in water. Darkness threatened to close in around her. The air rippled with magic; with an effort she cracked open an eyelid to see Kaden had shifted into man form. He moved over her. His cock, without any guidance, connected with her opening. He pushed into her in one long hard thrust, forcing his way past the tightly clenched muscles of her passage. Terrie let out a long sigh of bliss at their joining. She slipped her arms around his neck while he sought his own pleasure. ―Now, beauty,‖ he groaned, keeping his strokes long and measured. It took a moment for his command to penetrate her senses. They had talked about this, the rebonding. Kaden was muttering something under his breath. Terrie suddenly felt a tingling in her gums, running her tongue along her teeth she realized she had long sharp incisors. Kaden dropped his head and she nuzzled against his neck. ―Do it.‖ Without another thought, she bit into the hard, corded flesh of his neck, breaking the skin. She tasted his blood. She pulled back, worried that she‘d hurt him. His blue depths shone with love and pride. He captured her lips thrusting his tongue in her mouth, and increased the pace of his thrusting. She gasped as he‘d reunited the spark within her, shifting her hips angling to hit her sweet spot. She lifted her hips to meet him, seeking that high one more time. He pounded home over and over. Her breath caught, her body spasmed in ecstasy again as he pushed her over the precipice. Kaden gave a long, low groan, as her channel clenched against his thrusting cock. He trembled, feeling the heat of his dragon seed being planted deep within her.

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Dragon Down Under She caressed him until he ceased to shudder with release and leaned weakly against her, enjoying the aftermath of their lovemaking as much as the act itself. ―I never thought I would have to bond twice to my mate,‖ Kaden rumbled. ―So we‘re both immortal now?‖ He raised his head, and she gazed up into his blue depths. ―As it should be—you and I together forever. As much as I own you, my beauty, you own my dragon, man, heart and soul.‖ He let out a sigh of pleasure when she lifted her hand to caress the side of his face, moved by his words. He gripped her hips, then rolled on the pile of treasure. She snuggled into him for warmth. ―Now we have that out of the way, I believe I owe you a spanking for disobeying my no clothing rule.‖ Terrie hid her face against his chest to hide her grin. ―I‘ll be good,‖ she murmured, then started to place openmouth kisses along his chest. He gave a low growl of pleasure, her fingers exploring his muscled planes, knowing she could. ―You‘re going to wear me out, beauty,‖ he rumbled with amusement, giving into her exploration. She raised her head and gave him a saucy grin. ―And I thought dragons had excellent stamina.‖ Kaden growled, flipping her onto her back faster than she could draw breath. She gasped as he pushed her legs wide and plowed his already hard cock straight into her slick channel. ―We‘ll put it to the test, shall we?‖

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR Let‘s seebreaking it down into a list, I‘m a: wife, mother, cook, cleaner, nappy changer, sewer of buttons and darner of socks, waitress, nurse, teacher, gardener (well, sometimes), handyperson, and writer of romantic books, just to name a few. I am obsessed with the color blue, and a chocoholic (Please feel free to send donations to the chocoholic’s cause). I have been writing ever since I could read, and living in a fantasy world almost endlessly. I have to thank to my hubby and kids, who often knock me back to Earth and keep me grounded. In my teenage years I discovered romance novels, then paranormal romance. I‘m a sucker for the ones where the hunky hero can wield a sword, save the day, and get the lady. I welcome feedback from my readers, so feel free to e-mail me at [email protected], or you can visit my website, www.angelacastle.net

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