Chapter 148: Naga Bound
**Avery**
Since my encounter with the Ancient One, my mates have become excessively protective, suffocating me with their constant vigilance. Among them, James is the most overbearing. His solution is for me to remain in Talos, but that simply cannot be. My life is in Naga, where I must complete my schooling before venturing off to college. James must come to terms with the fact that I am not just a normal queen, but his queen as well. I am my own person and must be able to have some normalcy in my life. As we ride on Typhon's back towards Naga, James must depart for Talos after we land. Clint, Conner, and Cassius to accompany us alongside their dragons, carrying Rory, Jace, and Draven. I chose to bring Jace for several reasons. Firstly, I refused to force Draven to choose between his mates and his home, just as I would not allow James to dictate my choices. Secondly, I sensed something intriguing about Jace and wished to learn more about him. Lastly, I understood the importance of unity and strength in numbers, knowing that we are all stronger when we stand together.
“You could at least consider it,” James says, his voice low and persuasive. His muscular frame shifts as he turns to face me, his leather armor creaking softly. A faint shimmer of dragon scales glints beneath his skin, a reminder of the power he wields. “Talos is safer. Stronger. And I’m there.”
My lips quirk into a small, wry smile. “And I’m here. But Naga is my responsibility, James. You know that.” I pause, my gaze softening as I meet his. “You’re welcome to visit. Anytime. But I won’t leave.”
He frowns, his jaw tightening. “You’re being stubborn. Again.”
“And you’re being overprotective. Again.” I leaned forward, my voice dropping to a whisper. “I’m not a fragile thing to be tucked away in a tower. I’m a queen. And this is my kingdom.”
James opens his mouth to retort, but our dragons begin their descent. I slide off of Typhon, my form-fitting gown hugging my voluptuous figure as I adjust to remove Talos’ crown and don Naga’s. The dragon-scale patterned jewelry at my throat catches the light, a subtle hint of my shifter nature and that I am the Queen of Queens. James follows, his presence commanding as he scans the area, ever vigilant. The others laugh at James’ antics because they know as well as I do that there are no threats nearby.
The town square is bustling with activity, the vendors packing up their stalls for the night. I breathed in the familiar scents of spices and smoke, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. But beneath it, there’s a lingering unease. Since my encounter with The Ancient One, the darkness that once felt oppressive now feels… comforting. It whispers to me, a siren’s call I can’t quite ignore. I’d hoped to find a way to Altima before leaving, but that hadn’t happened. Maybe Jace, who’s staying with us now, knows something.
The next morning, school is a whirlwind of familiar faces and routines. I slip into my role as queen effortlessly, with sharp wit and charisma keeping the students in line. But the Trio has to leave for a day on business, leaving me more exposed than I’d like.
It’s during lunch, in the courtyard, that the trouble starts...
A group of boys from the football team corners me near the fountain, their laughter grating and their eyes roaming over my body with undisguised hunger. My hand instinctively goes to my abdomen, a protective gesture over the eggs I carry—a fragile link to my dragon shifter heritage. I can feel their warmth, a constant reminder of the stakes.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the queen herself,” one of them smirks, stepping closer. His breath reeks of cheap ale, and his hands are calloused, rough. “Heard you’ve been fucking more than just the Trio. Wanna give us a go and show us what you can do?”
My eyes narrow, my patience wearing thin. “Back off. Now.” I don’t regret what I did because it helped us defeat Cora and save so many lives. However, this darkness feeds on carnal desires. Just because I fed the hungry dark beast doesn’t mean that I will fuck just anyone.
He laughs, a coarse, mocking sound. “Or what? You’ll breathe fire at us? Come on, princess, we just want to have some fun.”
His friends close in, their smirks mirroring his. My magic hums beneath my skin, but it’s faltering, unpredictable. I can’t risk using it, not with the eggs so vulnerable—my mind races. I could let Regina out, but the transformation could harm the eggs. It’s a risk I am not willing to take. “I said to back off,” I repeated, my voice steady despite the fear clawing at my chest. I step back, but they follow, their advances growing bolder. One reaches out, his hand brushing my arm, and I flinch, my temper snapping. “Don’t touch me,” I hiss, my nails digging into my palms. My magic sparks, a warning, but it’s weak, flickering like a dying flame.
Just as the boy lunges forward, a deafening roar shakes the courtyard. The ground trembles, and the boys freeze, their eyes widening in terror. My heart leaps as Typhon lands with James on his back in front of me, his scales gleaming like a polished emerald. James’ green eyes lock onto mine, a mix of relief and fury flashing across his face.
“Problem?” he calls out, his voice carrying a dangerous edge.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
