Jory gave a wet gasp.
Rai couldn't waste any more time. He'd kill the other dragon if he necessary to get to his mate. Rai began his transformation, just as a swirling wind spun around the courtyard.
A glowing vortex stopped beside Joriah, and a woman stepped out of the bright light. She had long blond hair and familiar silvery-blue eyes. Rai recognized her at once. She was the goddess worshipped by the soldiers; Katla, the Goddess of Good Fortune. Her arrival on the planet was a boon to Rai since she'd arrived soon after the death of his father and the people saw her appearance as a sign Rai would make a good king.
"Who has injured my son?" The woman's voice rang through his ears like a warning bell. A voice usually given to gentle words and song was colder than the planetary poles.
Son?
"Yes, son," she answered as if he'd spoken. "You didn't think I just happened to come to a dragon shifting planet, do you? I was scouting out potential mates for my only child. Lucky for him I found two."
Brushing aside the little dragon, she picked up her son with inhuman strength. "It's a good thing he heals quickly. Pity you couldn't take care of him. I might have to give him solely to his other mate. I had thought you would share, but now I'm not sure."
Cold terror took over Rai's heart, but he dared not speak. Anything he said at that moment might be taken the wrong way, and he didn't need a goddess angry with him, especially if she was also his future mother-in-law.
Biting back the words he longed to say, he meekly followed her back to the castle, pleased when she headed for his room instead of the one assigned to Jory.
"Get someone to draw him a bath. Even though the wounds should already be healing, he's a mess, and we don't want his shirt to stick to him once the blood dries."
"Yes, Goddess." Rai rushed to obey. His dragon wanted to growl, fuss and cuddle around his mate, but his more practical human half feared angering a goddess who was, more importantly, Jory's mother.
Chapter Nine
Jory woke up to soft sheets and soothing music. Someone was singing a sweet lullaby in a gravelly voice. It didn't suit the voice, but it was sweet nonetheless. His head pounded like a drumbeat, and his mouth was so dry it made the dragon sands seem positively swampy.
He cautiously opened one eye. Val sat beside him, singing in his rough voice. Someone needed singing lessons, but he couldn't stop the smile forming on his lips as he looked at his lover.
"Are you okay, love?" he whispered. His throat didn't allow him to speak too loud.
"Treasure, you're awake." A joyful smile crossed the other man's face. He reached over to the table and grabbed a cup and a straw. "Try some juice."
Val wrapped his arm around Jory, supporting him so Jory could sit up and take a drink. "You could come in here and keep me company," Jory offered after a couple of sips.
Val sat back, easing Jory down. When he turned back, Jory saw the haunted look in Val's eyes.
"I almost lost you, love." Jory saw Val's throat convulse, and those beautiful green eyes gleamed with moisture. "You were shot six times point blank by a laser gun. Shanl, the servant who was with you, is dead. Who is after you, my treasure? Tell us and we'll make sure they die."
With slow careful motions, Jory moved each muscle group to check for serious damage. Pleased that his body felt healed, he pushed himself into a sitting position.
"Careful." Val wrapped his arm around Jory again.
Feigning weakness, Jory leaned against Val. Sliding his head along the muscular arm, he rested it on his lover's shoulder and, in a fast lunge, bit the sexy neck conveniently resting against his lips.
"Treasure," Val groaned, his body convulsing.
"I see he's feeling better." The sound of Rai's dry voice surprised Jory into looking up.
Rai slid on to the bed on Jory's other side. Rai stroked Jory's chest as if to reassure himself Jory was all better.
"Anything hurting?"
Jory shook his head. "No, I feel fine. If you move your hand a little lower, you can tell just how fine."
He heard Val laugh along with him. Rai's eyes didn't reflect any amusement. "You don't know how horrible you looked when I found you. That damn little black dragon of yours didn't want to let me get to you."
Startled, Jory looked around. "What did you do to Precious?"
"I didn't do anything to that damned beast even though she spit both fire and acid at me. She's staying with Maurek, the dragon trainer. I'm hoping he can teach her some manners. Where did you find a queen dragon anyway?" Rai asked.
