too worried 27
1157 Words
chapter 27
Jasmine POV
I couldn’t eat. I just couldn’t. I was too worried about Ivory. What was he doing to her while we weren't there? Was he hurting her? Threatening her?
I tried mind-linking her, but she had it blocked. That meant they were getting along and actually talking. Fine. Good. But still… my nerves were shot.
If I ate anything, I swear I would’ve thrown it right back up.
“Jasmine, baby, honey, calm down,” Ryan said softly. “I’m worried too. But if we barge in there demanding answers, they’ll never get to talk. And if you pace any more, you’re going to wear a hole in the floor. Just breathe.”.Easy for him to say.
I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths before speaking to Mondok.
“Mondok, can you try talking to Ivory’s wolf?”
“I already have,” Mondok replied calmly. “She’s fine. They’ve talked, and things are going well. You can go up there, but don’t knock just yet. They’re discussing details. Planning to spend time together.”
“Thank the goddess,” I whispered.
I looked at Ryan. He was smiling. Oh, he knew. I bet he had his wolf check too. That’s why he was so calm. The jerk didn’t even tell me.
We hurried upstairs toward her dorm. I wanted to knock immediately, but we could still hear them talking. I forced myself to wait five long minutes before finally knocking…Ivory opened the door.
“Hey, Mom. Dad. Before you even ask..yes, everything is fine. I’m leaving with Axel tonight to spend some time with him before work tomorrow. And before you ask…no, I don’t have classes. Yes, I’ve studied. I’m bringing some books with me too. I have everything planned out.”..I couldn’t help but laugh. She knew us way too well.
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“We’ll be fine. I’m packing for one night. When he shifts, I’ll ride on his back and we’ll fly. He has a cloak…no one will see us.”
Ryan crossed his arms, looking at Axel. “You make sure she doesn’t fall off, or I’ll have your neck.”
Axel chuckled. “A protective mother. I like that. It means she’s loved.”
“She better be safe,” I muttered. “She’s the only daughter I have.”
“Your daughter will always be safe with me,” Axel said seriously. “I can’t tell you not to worry. But I promise I will protect her.”
We hugged Ivory tightly.
“If you need us, you let us know. We’ll be there,” Ryan told her. “We love you.”
“I love y’all too. I’ll be okay. I promise.”
We hugged her one more time before leaving.
I hated to admit it… but I was proud of her. She thought this through. She wasn’t rushing blindly….She’s strong…But if anyone ever hurts my daughter…They will feel the full wrath of a mother.
Axel POV
She packed a bag. I thought it would be light..just one night..but she packed several outfits.
Of course she did. She’d want night clothes. Morning clothes. Maybe options…I didn’t see any dresses.
I made a mental note to take her dress shopping. We would need one for the queen’s ceremony… but I wouldn’t bring that up yet. Not tonight. I didn’t want to overwhelm her…She zipped her bag and looked up at me.
“Do you want to rent a car,” I asked, “or ride on my back?”
I wanted her to choose.
“How about a ride on your back? Kelly says your dragon won’t drop us… so I’m counting on that.”
I chuckled. “Good choice.”
We left her dorm, locking everything behind us, and headed toward the woods. I needed a clearing to shift into Ladon.
“What’s your dragon’s name?” she asked.
I paused. I hadn’t really told her about him.
“His name is Ladon. He has gold eyes with silver around them. His scales are gold and silver too, with a touch of black at the tip of his tail. He breathes fire, ice, and wind. With one flap of his wings, he could destroy a town. His tail could level anything… but we don’t use that power. No one has threatened us in millions of years. We stay cloaked.”..Her eyes widened.
We reached the clearing, and I activated the cloaking spell immediately. To anyone else, this would look like nothing but trees and open land..I shifted carefully, making sure not to frighten or hurt her…When Ladon emerged fully, he turned his massive golden eyes toward Ivory…She was frozen.
Her mouth slightly open. Eyes wide in awe.
Ladon lowered himself to the ground so she could climb onto his back. She slowly approached, hand brushing against his scales.
He purred…Actually purred.
I burst out laughing. I had never heard him do that before.
“Shut up,” Ladon grumbled in my head. “You’re just jealous because she’s riding me before you.”
“You wish, buddy. You absolutely wish.”
He carefully picked up her bag in his claws without shredding it, and then we launched into the sky…I could feel her fear at first. Even Ladon felt it. This was her first time riding a dragon.
He flew steady. Gentle. No sharp turns…After a few minutes, she relaxed. Then she laughed when we passed a flock of ducks heading toward a lake. Her fingertips brushed the tops of the tallest trees as we soared. We even passed bald eagles nesting high in the branches…She was glowing.
When we reached the castle, my Beta and Gamma were already waiting outside, bowing as we landed.
Ladon lowered himself so Ivory could climb down safely. Once she was clear, I shifted back into my human form.
“My king,” my Beta said, bowing again. “We are glad you’ve returned. But… why is a werewolf riding on your dragon? Why is she here?”
My eyes flashed gold as Ladon pushed forward.
“She is not just a werewolf,” I growled. “She is my mate. You will not disrespect her again.”
His eyes widened in fear. He hadn’t known—but Ladon’s temper was already rising…He bowed deeper.
“I apologize, my king. It is an honor to meet your mate. I know you have searched for her for a long time. Welcome, my queen. Welcome to the Kingdom of Dragons.”
My Gamma stepped forward and knelt before Ivory.
“Welcome, my queen. Our king has waited for you for ages.”
“Rise, Berry. Nick,” I ordered. “You know I hate when you bow.”
I took Ivory’s hand gently.
“This is Ivory. My mate. And your future queen.”
And this kingdom would learn very quickly…She was not just a werewolf…She was mine.
- Writer
