The Dragon Legion Collection(17)

She was more worried about what had happened to Alexander. Had the dragon attacked him first? Was he still hidden in the bedroom, or had he managed to escape?

Would she ever know? She couldn’t help feeling that she was reliving the past in losing Alexander again and being uncertain of his safety or survival.

It wasn’t any easier the second time.

Katina spared a glance upward at her captor. She probably should have been more frightened than she was to be in the captivity of a dragon. Its grip upon her wasn’t painfully tight, and she had the sense that it had been saving her.

Why? A dragon was unlikely to speak to her, much less confide in her.

She’d never believed they existed, but this dragon was real. Was it exactly what it appeared to be, or a god in disguise? How could she find out?

Katina could see the deep silvery purple of its chest scales more closely now and also the power of its muscles moving beneath the armor. Its wings beat at almost a leisurely pace, as if it was effortless to both fly and carry her weight. There was a savage beauty about the dragon, and a power that filled her with awe.

“That he was your husband,” the dragon said, his voice sounding precisely like Alexander’s, “didn’t give him the right to strike you.” He gave her an intent look, one that reminded her very much of Alexander when he was annoyed. “Ever.”

Katina gasped in shock. “You spoke!”

The dragon glanced down at her regally. Its gaze was knowing, as if it would dare her to believe the impossible.

“But you’re a dragon,” she said, speaking aloud as she considered the possibilities.

“A dragon shape shifter,” the dragon corrected and once again, Katina heard her love’s voice.

“Alexander?” she whispered and he inclined his head once.

Just as Alexander would have done.

Katina looked away, her thoughts spinning. A dragon shape shifter? Who knew that such creatures existed...never mind that she’d been married to one. But then, the gods were often said to enchant humans, turning them into other creatures or trees. She’d thought the stories whimsical, but they must have a root in truth.

She could easily believe that Alexander would defend her from harm, using any abilities he had.

She just hadn’t counted on this one.

Was it possible that she and Alexander had something in common? Katina’s heart began to pound with hope, but she tried to stay calm. She had to know more to be sure that this was cause for celebration. “Isn’t that impossible?”

“Nothing is impossible, Katina. I’ve learned that much, at least.” He spoke with such conviction that she wondered again where he had been and what he had seen.

“Do you control the change?”

“Yes.”

“Is it new for you?”

“No.”


Katina was thrilled. “Show me,” she said, needing to see the truth with her own eyes.

Alexander didn’t answer, but began a spiraling descent. Katina realized that he was targeting the crest of a hill that was well out of sight of the village. He was going to do as she asked. But then, Alexander was always a man whose actions spoke more clearly than his few words.

The dragon landed with easy grace and set her on her feet.

Katina held her ground and met his gaze, wanting him to see that she was unafraid of him, whatever he was.

“You should avert your gaze,” he advised.

“Why?”

“They say it can make a human insane to witness the change.”

Katina wasn’t one to put stock in rumors, seeing such a change wouldn’t challenge her sanity. She already knew such feats were possible. “Who says that?”

If a dragon could be said to smile, this one did. “Others of my kind insist it’s true.”

“Have you seen any human go crazy at the sight?”

He considered the matter, then shook his head.

Alexander never lied to her.

“Then I’ll keep my eyes open.” Katina lifted her chin. “Show me.”

The dragon’s gaze brightened. The way his eyes glittered was both familiar and alien: it reminded her of Alexander when he was intent, yet seemed reptilian. “My bold Katina,” he murmured, the low familiar sound sending a shiver through her.

Then all she saw was the similarity to Alexander.

As she watched, that same strange blue light she’d seen before shimmered around his form. It became radiant, a wondrous yet unusual glow, and then within the halo of illumination, Katina caught a glimpse of the dragon’s silhouette changing.

The dragon’s wings became smaller and folded along his back, melding into his shoulders. His tail shortened until it, too, disappeared. His claws became hands and feet, his scaled hide faded from view, and Alexander stood before her instead. It all happened in the blink of an eye. That blue light shimmered briefly around his body, before it was extinguished.

He waited in silence for her to respond, watching her with care, just as Alexander was inclined to do.

Katina wanted to laugh with delight. She had a good look at him, verifying that her eyes hadn’t deceived her. Alexander was wearing his strange clothing again, although the front of his upper garment hung open to reveal the tanned expanse of his chest. He was exactly as he should be, and she knew he couldn’t possibly have been hiding here or otherwise disguised.