Ember of Hope

Raegan wanted to talk to him. Tell him what she felt for him. He might be stuck in his dragon form but he had a beautiful mind and he had a beautiful soul. She had fallen for him long ago but couldn’t get the thought of him always being a dragon out of her mind. But now, she didn’t care if he wasn’t a human at all. She loved him. She loved him so deep she couldn’t imagine a life where he wasn’t carrying her on his back soaring high up in the night sky, near the stars. “And Beauty also fell in love with the Beast, didn’t she? It isn’t so different, is it?” she argued with herself. She had to tell him the truth. And maybe, just maybe she was his true mate and he could get his true human form back. Maybe she was his key to break the curse.

Raegan went to the Arena but he wasn’t there. He might not be in the fortress at all, but she couldn’t wait so she went out to search for him where she thought he might be because it was his favorite spot; The Lake; near the mountains. It wasn’t too far away as the fortress was situated between the mountains. And he was right there, resting his big dragon head on his front paws. His scales were shining in the bright sun light. She knew she’d chicken out if he was looking in her direction so she started speaking when she thought she was in his hearing range which was quite extraordinary as he had heightened senses, thanks to being a dragon.

“I know it sounds crazy and... and senseless and may be impossible too, but I love you, I love you even if I know you are a dragon and I’m a human and it’s just so freaking weird but still I love you and I can’t part with you. I mean how crazy do I sound to you Val? You are a dragon right? And a few months ago I didn’t even believe that dragons could be real. And then there’s this little tid bit that I haven’t even seen your human form yet, if it ever comes to surface, which by the way I know would be just as beautiful as your dragon form but still… I don’t belong here and I might never be your mate but I love you regardless of this all. You get what I’m saying right? So, here it goes”

Raegan blew out a breath readying herself. She took out a knife she was carrying and sliced it across her palm, hoping against hope that this wouldn’t fail her. Valiance’s eyes were transfixed on her bloodied hand and he made a choking noise in his throat when she extended it towards him.

He lifted his eyes from her hand to her face; an intense expression in his eyes. There was also fear… fear of his hope breaking. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply; taking in the scent of her blood. Then his tongue lapped out at her hand to take in the offering. Her mind was spinning with thoughts… he had taken her blood… either he thought about her the same way or it was just a shot at luck to him. Either way she was glad that he had taken it. And she wanted it to work with all her heart.

She had closed her eyes because if this didn’t work – she wouldn’t be able to see the look of disappointment in her love’s eyes.

………………………………………………

There was silence for so long that her heart started sinking then finally, he spoke in a whisper, “keep your eyes closed and turn around” she raised a single brow opening one eye, “you don’t want to incinerate my ass for saying such stupid things, do you?” humor lacing her tone but there was also fear. He grinned which was hideous coming from his dragon form and honestly quite scary with all those pointy teeth showing. She turned around closing her eyes as he had said. A warm wind started to blow around her growing in temperature and just when it was becoming uneasy it stopped. She heard a gasp behind her but just when she was about to turn around strong arms grabbed her around her middle making her squeal and jump but the jump wasn’t so successful because of her captor’s strength.

Raegan was so shocked that she became motionless. “it’s fucking unbelievable” she heard valiance’s voice, that brought her out of her freeze and she started squirming again trying to get free “let me go” she screamed. “Never love” valiance’s voice said giving her a pause, “relax sweetheart, it’s me, Valiance”. She whipped her head around at his words and saw the most beautiful masculine face she had ever seen. His grip loosened enough to allow her to turn fully in his arms, but he didn’t let go completely. She was staring at his face wonderstruck, unable to believe what she was seeing. “Is it really you?” she asked touching his cheek with her finger tips, “how” her voice was merely a whisper of wonderment. A bright smile deepened the dimples in his cheeks, he said cupping her face in his warm large hands “you my love, your love broke the curse, giving me my human form back, thank you. Thank you for loving me”. He touched his lips to hers, the lightest brush sending shivers down her spine. Her stomach fluttered. Desire flashed through her body forcing her to deepen the kiss. She didn’t know how much time had passed while they kissed not getting enough of one another. He broke the kiss when they were both breathless. She let out a noise of displeasure. And it was then that she noticed he was standing stark naked. Her eyes widened, “oh my God! You’re naked. You’re butt NAKED” she squeaked making him laugh. “Get something on you” with this she closed her eyes and turned around. “Your wish is my command mate” she could hear the humor in his voice, but she was stuck on that single word. MATE.

Valiance could get some clothes from anyone as there were some dragons in the fortress that had gotten there human form, thanks to their mates. “MATES” Raegan thought with a start “Only a true mate can give a dragon his human form back. I’m his mate. I gave him his human form. Oh my God. I’m his MATE. He is my mate. OH MY GOD.” She felt like dancing and singing at the top of her lungs. Valiance D’evreux was her mate. What else could she want? When she heard running steps behind her she turned and found him coming towards her wearing cargo pants and slippers. He was calling her towards him with a beautiful smile on his face. And in a trance she took a step towards him.

Her eyes got caught in his raven black hair first which were just like his scales. Yes, he was a beautiful black dragon with shiny scales making him gorgeous and scary all at once. Then came his eyes, the most beautiful blue she had ever seen on a sun kissed complexion. A straight arrogant nose caught her eyes next. He was almost in front of her now and she could stare at his luscious red lips that she had just kissed for eternity. And oh God what a kiss. He looked exactly like the man from her dreams. She wasn’t surprised one bit. She always knew it was him.

As he reached her, his arms engulfed her whole frame. He was big. But so was his dragon form. Her hands went around his neck as she settled her head on his chest. Raegan still couldn’t believe what she was seeing – she was in a trance. Valiance had gotten his human form because of her. It was just like a fairy tale where a true love’s kiss could wake the sleeping beauty up. May be the sorceress was fond of fairy tales and so she put the condition of true love in the game. But it wasn’t that difficult to fall in love with these creatures. They might look scary as hell but dragons were kind hearted, lovable, and loyal creatures. And valiance; she had fallen in love with his beautiful nature – his loyalty to those he loved – his beautiful, beautiful dragon form. And now this, this gorgeous man was her reward.

Valiance pulled away to look at her with those beautiful night blue eyes. The passion and love in his eyes took her breath away. He loved her. He truly loved her. He proved her right by saying it out loud. “I love you Raegan turner. I will love you for the rest of my life” he took her hands and kissed her knuckles. She was blessed.