THE DRAGON KING'S SECOND CHANCE MATE

Mate

Morocco, Risani

The market.

"Hasan, I think today we will be lucky and sell a little more to the tourists," I said, glancing at the busy walkway.

"Yeah, I’m sure the ones you painted will sell fast. The small dragons are so detailed," Hasan replied, admiring the display, the lanterns I designed.

An elderly couple approached our stand. How can I help you? I asked them in English.

Oh, good, young woman. We would appreciate it if you could wrap both of these. He points to the metal lanterns. My design on it will reflect the dragon on the wall when lit.

Sixty dirhams, I say, smiling as I hand them the lanterns. I see Hassan with the corner of my eye, taking a step. Then stopped.

The man paid and then left. I turned, and he stood there with his mouth open.

I took his arm and started dancing as a cute song came through the small radio. Yeah, he had a radio.

My art was selling, and I was happy to help them because they had been helping me for three months. His wife was the most amazing cook.

I turn and see them, the men who chased me away from Malaga. How did they find me?

Hassan, do you remember what I told you? Then I bolted.

I ran for my life, terror as sharp as the pain. One caught up with me and slapped me hard; I tasted the blood. I heard them spit out the word “ b***h” their voices tight with anger. They wanted me. I kicked him on the leg, but he pulled my hair. This time, he threw some punches, one of which took my breath away. I bent, catching some air.

The other guy was coming; I had to get away. I twisted my hand and broke loose as I ran the small, tight street. As I felt the tears stinging my eyes, I looked behind and slammed into a large chest. I lose my balance, and strong arms grab me against his chest. I look up, then behind me. Help me, I whispered. His hand went over my face, and then it was darkness.

Liam’s POV

I felt better once I shifted, letting the sensation ripple through every nerve and bone. My skin prickled as scales shimmered beneath it, the world blurring for a heartbeat as my body elongated, and large wings unfurled from my back. The air tasted richer in this shape, sharper, filled with currents of magic that pulsed through the endless desert. This place was magical for me. The only place I could relax was where the sky was wide, and the earth hummed beneath my claws. After a long glide above the dunes, I shifted back, bones reshaping and warmth coiling inside me like a low-burning fire. I had no phone on me as I walked towards the market. Humans are animals of habit, and I like watching them.

Zathor stirs. "What?" I ask him mentally.

"The scent is..." he whispers in my mind.

I smelled blood; my head snapped in that direction. Picked up my pace.

Zathor screams in my head, "Mate. Mate."

Then the woman slams into my chest. I put my arm out to catch her as she lost her balance.

She looks at me, then behind her. Bruises on her face and blood trickling from her mouth. Help me, she whispered. I ran my hand over her face, and she was out. Then pick her up and walk back home.

Mate, my dragon is purring with happiness.

Zathor, let’s get her in first. I can be made, and my identity needs to stay hidden.

I laid her on the living room couch, then backed up and stared at her. With all the bruises, she is so beautiful. Her hair is so long, hanging off the couch.

What is a girl like her doing in this small town? Hiding? I wanted to go back and shred to pieces the one who hurt her.

Mate, well, I didn’t expect this. Zathor, do you feel her dragon?

"Barely. Her dragon is sleeping deep inside her. She hasn’t awakened it yet. When a dragon like hers wakes up, it’s not just about shifting forms. Everything changes: their senses, their power, their instincts. It can be overwhelming if you’re unprepared. She has no idea how strong she could become," Zathor warned in my head.

What? So, she has no idea how strong she is? I see her stirring. Her eyes focus, and her eyes scan the room. Then me. She looked like a cornered animal. And I was the predator. Well, I am the biggest predator on the planet, but she didn’t know that.

They are gone, you’re safe,” I said calmly as I put a glass of water closer to her.

I’m Liam. This is my home. Care to tell me why they were chasing you?

She shook her head.

"I get it, you don’t trust me. Your name?" I asked, softening my voice.

Silence.

Her eyes were a feline green, like the leaves of the trees, her long brown hair in waves. But her scent is like honeysuckle after the desert rain. Intoxicating. My mate was beautiful.

You asked for help, I said as I sat up, and she was watching all my moves carefully.

And I thank you for saving me, but I must go. She stood up, and I pointed at the door. She stopped and turned. Thank you, Liam. Then she turned and left.

I jumped the fence from the back and followed her close behind. She took the small, tight streets. Once in a while, she looks behind her.

She stops at a door; her hand almost touches the handle. Then she bolts.

I’m right behind her. Runs to the end of town and looks at the vast desert in front of her. I can hear her crying.

I can still help you, I say, standing behind her. She turns startled. Her eyes look confused at me, and her face flushes.

Mate, Zathor screams in my head.

Yeah, I think she is experiencing some connection. Well? I ask her.

Then she nods.

She walks behind me. I turn and take her hand gently. The jolt was making Zathor scream with excitement. Then I saw her dragon mark glowing on her hand. Golden.

My mate is a golden dragon. There hasn’t been one in a century. Golden dragons are legendary even among our kind—rare not just for their power, but because their bloodlines faded long ago. It’s said that a golden dragon’s magic can heal, command storms, and awaken ancient forces hidden in the sands. Most thought they were just stories. But here she is, standing before me.