Loving Two Dragons (Awakening Cycle Part 4) (BBW Dragon Shifter Paranormal Romance) (3 page)

Chapter five

Jennifer

Remy breathes slow and easy. I sit watching him, hoping that soon he'll be awake. I need him. I don't honestly know what to do next. Who am I to lead a revolution? Here, alone in this room, I think about my doubts and fears. Outside this room I have to be the Queen. I cannot let my people see I'm afraid. They need my strength and I give it to them.

There's a knock at the door.

"Come in."

"Lady," Cindy, one of the few women who were able to escape Marathe's rule, says coming into the room. "I'm sorry to bother you. The kitchen staff is worried about the food supplies. There's also a shortage of blankets. We've had a few more arrivals and our supplies are running low."

"Of course, it's no bother. Prepare me a list of what we need. I will speak to our allies and see if they can make a delivery."

"Thank you Lady," she says smiling.

I can feel her relief. Whether that's because she feared I would be angry or relief I agreed to handle it I'm not sure. I haven't spoken to Nephetitia in days, since before Dao came and assisted with Remy. The small fortress that Black has granted us the use of was previously abandoned having no existing supplies. They bring us what they can but they're being watched and cannot be seen to openly support me. Remy coughs pulling my attention around as Cindy closes the door behind her. When I look he's sitting up in the bed.

"How long?" he asks.

"Almost six weeks."

He nods. "Where's Archer?"

"Missing."

"Logan?"

"With Archer."

He swings his legs off the edge of the bed and starts to stand but then sinks back down. I go to his side and offer my support putting an arm around his shoulders. I expected him to ask about Sarissa. He rises again, wavers a moment, then steadies himself.

"Where are we at?" he asks instead.

"Black is hiding us right now."

He nods. "Where are my things? I'll need to cast a scrying spell."

"Are you sure you're ready for that?"

He looks at me directly for the first time since waking. A passion burns in his eyes. I don't know how else to read him. His jaw tenses and he nods sharply.

"I will be fine."

"Okay, if you're sure."

I lay the pack of his things on a table and he starts digging through them. He lays out a copper bowl, some powders, some crystals, and a small knife. Looking around the room he walks over to a pitcher of water and returns with it. Pouring it into the bowl he starts mixing the powders and arranges the crystals around in a ring. He holds his arm over the bowl and uses the small knife to cut his forearm. A small drop of his very dark blood falls into the water and purple fire erupts dancing around the surface.

He leans over the bowl staring intently. He chants something softly getting close enough to the bowl that the flames dance around his head but apparently cause no harm. This goes on for several minutes while I sit by waiting. At last he waves a hand over the bowl, the fire goes out, and he looks at me.

"I've found them. We need to get them out. Now. How many warriors do we have?"

"Six, led by Lou."

"Fetch them."

I stare at him feeling offended by his brusque attitude and the entire situation. Frustration bubbles in my heart and soul. I'm not his errand girl. Then I realize my attitude is ridiculous. He's just gotten up from whatever magic was cast on him, was betrayed by his apprentice, and I'm relatively sure lover. I want to act all hurt because he isn't treating me with proper respect? Well boo hoo for me. I rush to the door yelling for Lou.

It takes twenty minutes but in that time a fully armored expedition force is ready to deploy. I'm strapping on my own sword when Remy looks at me frowning.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm leading my men."

Lou smiles behind Remy, pride shining in his face. Remy stares.

"Your men?" he makes the statement a question.

"Yes."

I see something shift in his face and stance as much a feeling as any physical thing. He nods before speaking again.

"My Queen, the King is in danger. It would be the wisest course if you were to remain behind in case this mission fails. It should be in and out but I would not risk your safety as well as his."

I frown but he's right. No matter that my heart wants to rush into Archer and Logan's arms, my duty is here with my people who are left behind. If I am to be Queen I must accept my role and responsibility. I want to protest but I can't.

"Of course. Thank you for your wise counsel."

Remy nods then turns to Lou. "You have to move fast. They've awoken two golems. Do not worry about engaging the enemy, get our King and Logan and retreat. Physical force will be of little use against those monsters."

Lou nods and motions over his shoulder with one hand. The men line up with him two abreast. Remy motions, chants, and opens a portal. The men rush through quickly. I can hear the sounds of battle on the far side and my heart aches. The desire to know what is happening is overwhelming. I hear a scream then another. One of the men flies backwards through the portal slamming into the far wall and sliding down it broken. I rush over to him. He's barely breathing and blood trickles down his chin. I lay him out in a more comfortable position before opening the door and calling for a healer.

There is the clank of metal and two of the men rush back through the portal dragging someone between them. It takes only a moment for me to recognize Logan. His face is battered and bruised, with swelling on one side. He appears to be barely conscious. The men drag him through, look around quickly, then move over and lay him out beside the other. I kneel beside him and he looks up at me smiling.

"What a beautiful sight you are," he says then coughs and blood flecks his lips.

"Oh Logan!" I cry out my heart breaking.

I hear more men returning behind me. As I turn two more are through but I don't see Archer or Lou. The portal flickers a moment then Archer, with his arm around Lou for support, steps through and Remy motions closing it.

My heart sings at the sight of my husband. I rise up and rush over. I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him with all the passion I have to give. Thankfulness and gratitude flood through me. I'm so happy to see him alive. He looks like hell, his beard is grown out, he's bruised and in pain, but he returns my kiss. I take the side opposite Lou and help Archer towards where the healers are working. As I do, I see Logan laying there on the floor and I see the pain in his eyes betraying the smile on his face.

Chapter six

Logan

I can't stop the stab of jealousy in my chest as I watch Jennifer kiss Archer. She didn't kiss me when I came back, but he gets the full passion play. I'm being silly, I know I am. She can't be kissing me in front of all the members of the court and kingdom. But I want her to. I want to be the one.

The healers work quickly. Their magic works with our bodies so what would take days to heal happens in minutes. The knitting bones will be healed in a few hours fully which is a relief. I don't want to admit how badly I'm hurting and not just from jealousy. Archer thoroughly kicked my ass before we had to fight the two iron golems, which are never a good idea to confront lacking magical backup. I really hate things that are impervious to my sword.

"I'm so glad you're back," Jennifer says with her arms still wrapped around Archer's neck.

He smiles. That winning, I'm too handsome for my own good, smile. I hate him. I love him. He's my best friend, a part of my soul, and the luckiest son of a bitch alive because he has her. After all these years I keep thinking it will get easier but it never does. When it happens, when she's gone, we become as close as any brothers could be. But when she returns to us the fighting starts again. We fracture over our desire for her. Our unwillingness or inability to be happy sharing her love.

She loves us both. We both know it. Why can't we be happy with that? I shake my head standing up and stretching to test the limits of my ribs. I don't have that answer. Maybe if I did it would be different.

"You've done amazing Jennifer," Archer says.

I hate it that she beams with pride at his words. She's so beautiful.

"Thank you," she says bashful.

"We managed to bring back further evidence of White's intention to awaken the Ancients. We need to meet with Silver and try to solidify an alliance with them. We have to stop Marathe."

"Well then, let's get this show on the road. No time to be laying about like lazy dogs!" I say.

Archer nods then looks at Remy. "Can you contact them and ask for an invite to counsel? Or request that they come here if they prefer? I don't think we can be choosy on which."

Remy nods then walks out of the room. The healers finish their ministrations and leave, then it's only the three of us. Jennifer stands next to Archer. The two of them hold hands and I feel completely out of place. I want to kiss her, I want to take her in my arms and hold her tight, make slow passionate love to her. Then there's Archer.

"I'm so glad you're both back," Jennifer says.

"Thanks. You know how it goes, bit of adventure, bruise here and there. Good for us boys to get out and stretch a bit," I say.

"I'm glad you're okay," Archer says.

Damn him. He always says the right thing. The door opens and Remy's here again.

"They will be here in a few minutes," he says.

Archer nods thanking Remy. "I should change."

Remy follows Archer out and then it is Jennifer and I. I smile at her then turn towards the door.

"I should probably change as well-"

"Wait," she says.

I stand unable to move. Her wish is my command. I feel her approach then her hand is on my shoulder pulling softly until I turn towards her. Her arms slip around my neck and our lips meet. Stars explode, the earth moves, and I feel whole. Her soft lips are against mine and my arousal is instant. I know she feels it pressing into her but she just pulls herself tighter against me. We part gasping for air and she steps back one step.

"I'm glad you're home too," she says smiling. "I'm sorry ... I don't know how to ..."

"No worries," I say laughing. "We never have figured this out."

She nods as awkwardness returns. My heart feels heavy and the urge to leave is almost overwhelming. It's been my standard response, to run away from this. I'm tired of that and it's never worked.

"Yeah," she laughs extending the awkward feeling.

"Jennifer-"

The door opens and Archer marches in followed by Remy, both dressed in court appropriate attire. I look down at the dirty, bloody mess I'm in and think about changing but decide screw it. I'm not the diplomat here. A glowing silver portal forms on one side of the room and King Cyrus and Queen Dao walk through hand in hand.

The five of them exchange formalities while I sit to one side watching. Archer gets right to the business of showing them what we'd found. Remy does some translating and they debate back and forth. This isn't my scene but I watch Jennifer and pride fills me. She's coming into her own, I would never guess she was anything but a Dragon Queen. The role suits her well.

"You have evidence, but it is not overwhelming. We believe you but we'll need more proof before we can support you in front of the Council," Cyrus says at last.

Archer frowns but holds back his anger. I smile, that's the man I admire. In control, not ruled by his emotions or his passion. Not like me.

"I understand. We will gather more, this has given us clues as to where to look next."

More formalities are exchanged as I start to doze off from utter boredom. Thank the Ancients my brother, Dracul, enjoys politics. I have no use for it. As the King and Queen of the Silver walk into their portal I stand up and wave.

"Bye guys!" I call out causing Archer to spin on his heel and frown at me.

I grin sheepishly but am rewarded by Jennifer hiding a smile behind her hand. Cyrus and Dao ignore me as I expected. The portal pops closed and then it's the four of us.

"Jennifer, my Queen, would you please show me to my chambers?" Remy asks. "I need to rest."

"Of course!" she takes Remy by his arm and leads him out the door.

Archer stares at me then shakes his head. I shrug and grin again trying to cover over the pain that's filling my heart. I should leave this room. It's her bedroom. Soon they will make love on that bed right there. Him and her. Not me. I'll sleep alone, in my cold bed, without her warmth.

I start for the door and stop. I can't do this anymore. I stand with one hand on the handle willing myself to open the door. Walk away Logan. You know it's the right thing to do. You always do the right thing. This isn't you, it isn't right. My hand won't move.

"You okay?" Archer asks.

"No," the word is out faster than I can stop it. "I can't do this anymore."

I turn towards him. Moisture is in the corner of my eyes so I blink it away.

"What else can we do?" he asks.

"I can't live this way. No more. Nothing has worked. It's not just her it's..." I trail off but I see it in his eyes. He knows. He nods slowly.

The door opens and Jennifer walks back in. She doesn't say a word looking between Archer and I. The tension in the room is so thick you could cut it with a sword.

"Everything okay?" she asks.