The Crown Hackura Prince and His Dragon Princess

Getting a Leg Up Pt. 1

Hastein enjoyed showing off for Kingsley. I wasn’t a songbird by any means, but I could carry a tune. Her lust mounting in the bond nearly had me throwing out my whole plan and taking her right here. My dad sent his feeling that I needed to protect her first. That fired all my instincts and we made it to the stage.

The Demons waited wilted under my icy stare. They saw death in my eyes and they wailed. I felt Kayda’s annoyance at their lack of pride and nearly smirked. Everyone cheered when I introduced Kingsley. I felt how deeply moved she was as they cheered and chanted her name. Their acceptance washed over her and I couldn’t resist her lips.

The crowd was going insane until I pulled back. I felt Kayda’s fraying emotions. She was nearly panicked and I was certain she thought she was going to cry so I addressed the crowd. I felt her shock when I presented her with a dagger to use. I lost myself in my anger during my speech followed by the blood eagle.

Until I felt my mom’s surprise and excitement. Followed by the rest of my family. My eyes jolted over to my mate. She held the man she was blood eagling’s heart in her hands. It disintegrated with her Dragon fire. I felt my family’s excitement and shock. My brothers hit our cousin, Maximus. He snorted, “She’s not a Demon. I can’t do that. I have to use a fireball.” He was right.

Aunt Haley got everyone moving again. I was certain Kingsley just unknowingly started a new tradition in my Aunt’s eyes. She loved those and found them everywhere. Even when they definitely did not exist prior to her thinking they did.

I noted Kingsley coming over to me and assumed, incorrectly, she’d just stand beside me. The crowd’s roar of excitement and the murmurs of how different this blood eagle was whirled in the air as she knelt down. Aunt Haley snickered, “I can’t believe I never f*****g thought of doing that. I f*****g love her.” My mom laughed, “As do I.”

She would only suck me off while I was working, which was hard to do. I was raised to do things that were difficult though so I could accomplish that. She had me on the brink several times to back off. I’d never been more invigorated from a blood eagle in all my life. The new manner of which things were being done had the crowd and my family on another level.

Finally, I finished and was all over her. I sent my Aunt the need to conjure the bodies to my island. She sent back annoyance that I hadn't joined the pack so I could just link her all that instead of her having to figure it out from the bond. I teased her but also had the sentiment I planned to join soon. She was thrilled in the bond.

Kingsley and I eventually got around to Kayda getting to eat her food. I could stay inside her all damn day and never tire of it. Watching Kayda eat her food was something. All those humans who taught their children never to play with their food would be aghast. I loved it though. One day, our children would do this with Kayda. I couldn’t wait.

I raised an eyebrow as she began to bury Rolfin’s bones. From the bond Kayda felt he insulted her deeply so she was going to do the same back. My amusement was bouncing all over my bonds. My brothers seemed to be locked into some meeting trying to figure out what my mate was. They were never going to and I sent that to them.

Kingsley confirmed I’d locked onto Kayda’s feelings correctly in the bond. Somehow that led to conversations around Melanie. I knew based on my bond with Alexander his mate was in heat so she wasn’t missing anything. I felt her deep and acute worry along with Kayda’s fury that Melanie was going to miss Christmas.

I did know from the folder I had on Melanie it was her favorite holiday. Based on my mate’s concern and the confusion swirling in my bond with Gabe something bad was in the air. If Angelique and Kingsley were worried this probably was a bigger deal to her than it had been in the past.

Gabe sent me a warning down the bond they were on the way. He was worried and I was certain this was about Christmas. Both our mates were worried. I didn’t care for that at all. Gabe sent me the feeling if Melanie went scorched earth over missing Christmas we were f****d because Alexander would just join her. Because he’d be mad too and their bond would be flooded with her emotions.

I wondered if the group knew Alexander had his own plans about her first Christmas that would now wait until the next one. Maybe he should just give her his big present this year to negate whatever the hell they thought was coming. Melanie didn’t do well when her plans didn’t come to fruition.

That was something I didn’t need anyone to tell me was true or not. Gabe nearly groaned when they discussed traditions. He was practically wafting his feelings of not another one. It was going to be worse because she lived with Aunt Haley. He shot me a glare and rolled his eyes. What? It wasn’t my fault. I didn’t do anything.

I finally realized there was part of this problem I could fix for them. I sent Aunt Haley the feeling I was coming with a problem and she was already in problem solving mode. We stepped through a portal to discuss. Angelique was all Demon and I had to admit it was amusing. She and Maximus could never be paired for a mission or the earth would literally be singed from their powers.

I spotted my cousin in the corner smirking. Great. He was going to plot to be on a mission with her and I was going to have a massive cleanup. Maybe I could send them on a mission where a bunch of people needed to die. Then they do the cleanup instead of me coming in after them. Maximus tilted his drink up in a cheer fully dialed into our bond sensing my plans. I rolled my eyes at him. I’d just have to stay ahead of their chaos.

Dylan Frost was in rare form. Uncle Eric was chugging whiskey in the background glaring at the presents as if this was their fault. Uncle Eric clearly decided to go on the side of messing with Dylan. His smirk was clear as day, but Dylan seemed to miss it.

Aunt Haley had a plan, because of course she did. She loved loopholes. I sent her all my love and she winked. The bond told me it was her backup plan this entire time in case something had come up.

Aiden handed my mate a folder. It made her happy so I didn’t comment. Aunt Haley was excited though and she looked so hopeful I gave Aiden a slight smile. Which made him practically beam. I simply shook my head which made him look happier.

I took her away shortly after because I knew Dylan would do everything in his power to peek at this folder. Kingsley wasn’t ready for everyone to know what she was so that wasn’t happening. Uncle Eric rubbed his temples and downed another drink.

Back at my place Kingsley made a joke about her kidnapping and something snapped in me. I used the table that charmed to my intent. I was going to have her tied down to this table and begging for mercy. I lied to her saying I was leaving after edging her.

I walked up the stairs, faded back, and went to watch her. She was incredibly flexible but the magic on the table was never going to let her be successful in getting free. Eventually I couldn't help but bury myself inside her. She was MINE. I spent time proving that until Gabe sent another warning that he was bringing his mate to me and not to laugh at him. Since I was having to get out of bed I might just laugh. That feeling did not amuse him.

When I saw them in matching pajamas I actually stalled in the bond. My mom sent a warning to knock it off. So she knew. My dad was laughing down the bond that we do anything for our mates. Yeah, well I guess Uncle Eric wore an adult onesie. Hell, we all did. So, this wasn’t that bad. Our younger brothers were going to give him hell if they saw him though.

I heard a growl and a scream. I sent amusement to Alexander but I knew it didn’t touch him nor did he notice I sent it. Gabe quirked an eyebrow and a moment of loving that for our cousin passed between us. He’d been stuck on Melanie from the moment she’d been born and no one else caught his eye. He was finally with her and living his best life. I enjoyed that for him.

We exchanged gifts. Gabe’s joy exploded down the bond. There wasn’t a single family member, sans Alexander, that didn’t know what had happened. Angelique agreed to their bonding ceremony. My mom was shouting her joy and my dad was ecstatic. He let go of his worry that Angelique’s upbringing would keep them apart. His anger at her family didn’t abate though and I couldn’t blame him for that.

Kingsley wanted to stay nearby and be ready for Melanie. I was fine with that. I was nervous about her amour but she loved it. We celebrated until all of her tensed. Alexander was sleeping so this was about Melanie. Seriously, could that woman ever sleep? Someone needed to look into that.

She flew me to his island. I wondered if that would ever become anything other than an earth shattering experience. I was riding on a Dragon. She dropped me off and I walked to my cousin’s place. He opened the door looking semi worried, but based on my mates anger he wasn’t worried enough.

He spotted me and greeted, “Hello cousin.” I replied, “My mate went to find yours.” He gave me a measured look. He warned, “Unless your mate is the flash, I don’t think she can find her.” He had no idea how wrong he was. Plus, Freya could probably give Kayda her exact location if she couldn’t fly above and see her.

I laughed, “She already found her.” I felt his confusion. He asked, “How on earth is that possible? Is your mate the flash? I discount nothing as possibilities in our lives anymore.” That was smart on his part. Considering his mate was kind of the Flash when you thought about it.

I admitted, “I hope K tells you then we can talk about how f*****g crazy it is.” It would be nice to have someone to officially discuss it with. Angela knew but she was off with all her fun plans and there was a large age gap between us. To a degree all the Conners believed in Dragons because Aiden had been looking for them. It was less of a hurdle for them to grasp it than anyone else.

He grabbed me and popped to our mates. His was a sobbing mess and he took off. Damn it. I was going to have to up my cardio. I took off after him, nearly catching up. Alexander’s panic in the bond was sky high. He thought he’d hurt her something which was ridiculous. Somewhere deep down, he knew that wasn’t what was wrong.

He was completely taken aback by her emotional state. To be honest, I was there with them. This could not just be about some Christmas plans. I’d never seen her so shattered and I’d read reports about her being found by the allies. She’d been stunned nearly to death and she didn’t break down like this. She’d be rescued from hell and brought to Black Mountain and she kept it together.

I even had a warning with how Kingsley and Angelique acted. I sent Gabe the warning was not enough and this was a mess. I felt his surprise because he’d read the same reports I had. This girl was more upset about missing Christmas than being tortured.

Alexander held her tightly in his chest when my mate released her. Kayda felt like she wanted to kill the moon goddess. Then she felt proud I caught onto that. Oh dear sweet Aesir above. She wanted to kill a goddess. Could we even do that? Technically Aunt Haley and Melanie were becoming goddesses. Well, Melanie was already a quasi-goddess. Maybe Arion could off Selene.

I did feel bad when Kingsley explained. After everything Melanie went through she wanted one thing. A normal thing. I did know that people who were exceptional often lamented wanting to be normal for a second. It was probably a small dream of hers and she felt it was taken. Damn .

Alexander’s information made me want to scream. We did NOT need the smartest person alive to go on a rage because she was even more overly emotional than any other Supernatural coming out of their heat or version of it.

If it was as simple as getting her a damn tree I’d buy all the Christmas tree farms I could get my hands on. I sent Jocelyn a text.

Me: I need you to procure the best Christmas tree farm. Pay top dollar.

Jocelyn: In the human realm?

Me: Yes.

Jocelyn: Ok. Any explanation here?

Me: I cannot have Alexander’s mate emotionally unstable without a goddamn Christmas tree to distract around this time of year. Plus, she’s going to want to go next year and I need somewhere I can control the safety and perimeters for this adventure. Get me a Christmas tree farm.

Jocelyn: LOL I’d ask if you were joking but somehow all of that makes sense to me. You will shortly be the owner of a Christmas tree farm.

Me: Thanks.

When Melanie managed to breathe, which I was somewhat worried about and nearly pulled my dad to us several times. He was now annoyed and just wanted me to pull him. I shot my mate a glance when I felt her emotions shift towards possibly shifting.

I felt Kingsley’s practical hysteria when Alexander asked how Melanie knew he liked Ham sandwiches. Honestly, I couldn't believe he asked. She knew everything about him and that was ridiculously clear. I jolted when Kingsley seemed to be trending towards shifting for Alexander.

My dad tugged our bond and I sent him that it was fine. This was happening. I could talk to him about my mate being a damn Dragon. Her eyes went purple and I felt his shock and surprise. He was running through options, but he didn’t really have any. He had no idea Dragons could have purple eyes. I was pretty sure they all had different colors. They matched their Dragon.

He fell over. I could’ve caught him, but I was staring at my beautiful mate. Melanie was beaming happily, her tears all but forgotten. Ok, so new plan. When she’s emotionally unbalanced, I just needed to have Kayda shift. Problem solved.

Kayda knelt down and a little bit of jealousy clawed at me when she rode off on my mate. I wanted to go with them. Jesus Christ, I’d just ridden her over here. Then I was irrationally annoyed that Melanie had been her first rider. It should’ve been me. My mate should not have been alone wandering the Earthly realm. I should’ve been with her.

Alexander snapped us whiskey. I teased, “Where were you when I found out? I needed some damn whiskey.” He stammered, “A Dragon. Your mate is an actual Dragon.” I acknowledged, “I know.”

He quickly questioned, “Who all knows?” I shrugged, answering, “You, me, and Melanie.” He started to laugh. Then clarified, “Uncle Bjourn and Aunt Astrid don’t know? She’s flying around, H. Someone will see her.” They would eventually but not any time soon.

I explained, “I ordered everyone away from this island and mine. No one is close enough to see her. I’m sure she’ll be telling my family after this. Since she told you, but all this is going to be her timeline. Her Dragon loves being able to fly though.” I watched her and couldn’t deny the joy on Kayda’s face was something.

I added, “Melanie has an enchanted building that looks like the skyline that Paige fixed up. It’s helped keep K and Kayda calm, but she’s loved being outdoors. She’s been flying in my sanctuary a lot. I think it’s been nice for them.” I needed to do something epic for the Witch to thank her.

Alexander astutely said, “You’re angry, cousin.” I acknowledged, “I’m pissed that she’s been alone. Her memories are coming back. I just don’t understand what the f**k happened. She shouldn’t have been alone until Melanie found her.”

I clenched my fists saying, “She was shifting in secret and walking around. Melanie found her because she was following Hunters who happened upon her.” They were lucky Melanie had killed them quickly.

He questioned, “Why was Melanie following Hunters?” He could not be serious. The bond and a glance at him told me he was though. I snorted, “They were coming to follow you. So she killed them when they found Kayda.” I felt his annoyance and pride about that.

He whispered, “A Dragon.” I boasted, “She’s a dragon.” I tugged the bond with Kingsley wanting them to come back to us. Kayda landed and Melanie shifted into Freya. They played together and anger hit me again. They were denied this bond they were meant to have. They should’ve been together since Melanie shifted. Freya being kept from her kept Kayda from knowing her too, not just us.

That thought had a lot to unpack because Kayda would have taken Melanie away. Freya would’ve told her what they were doing. Or Freya would’ve run to Alexander. f**k Selene. Ok. I was going to have to figure out how to get Arion to kill a goddess. I was officially onboard with that plan.

My dad was pushing at my bond, needing to know Alexander was ok. I sent back that he was, but he’d seen my mate shift. That had brothers aghast. Now, they were bickering about how they didn’t know and Alexander did. My dad’s confidence that she’d tell them now was high. He was also glad Alexander was ok.

Alexander was in shock though. He was excited though behind that excitement. Kayda’s happiness at being in the sky made me choke up. Which made me nearly laugh because Kayda was horrified. She didn’t want to cry because I was. I choked it down but it meant so much to me she had a sense of home in our realm.

I knew Alexander caught Kingsley’s evasions about other Dragons. He just let it go because he wasn’t going to push my mate. He was still in shock and processing though. She explained what she knew about her life. I felt his shock and he side eyed me knowing I was pissed off about it.

Melanie accurately described Aiden. It was annoying but true. I was holding a grudge that I was getting better with, but sometimes the grudge flared up. I ruffled her hair like I would a sister and she panicked about the tangles. I shot Alexander a look. He could’ve simply snapped the rats out of her hair. He looked at me and the bond practically shouted, “I WAS ASLEEP!” I smirked back at him.

I jolted when they mentioned Kayda’s breeding cave. As a Hackura I never really contemplated having a mate with a heat type deal. Now, there was a breeding cave. Possessiveness hummed in me at the thought of Kingsley growing round with our child. A desire like no other took hold of me.

I urged everyone to leave for this tree or I’d disappear with my mate and find a breeding cave. After reading any research on how to jump start that sense in Kayda. The McAlister’s were excited to see Melanie. Drake flinched seeing her bloodshot eyes probably knowing she freaked out about not having Christmas. He could not be more right.

I watched them pick their tree. They clearly had made it a tradition. My Aunt bumped me and winked before she walked off to watch. Uncle Eric said, “Alexander went through some interesting emotions.” I chuckled, “Maybe he knows something everyone else wants to and wishes they knew about mate.” He snorted, “And he probably promised not to tell.” I winked, “What fun would that be?” He threw his head back and laughed.

He commented, “You know, we’ve been around Fairies so damn long I actually agree. I have an actual list of guesses.” I raised an eyebrow at him. He admitted, “Fine. Caleb put the list together of the guesses we’ve thrown out.” I chuckled now and observed the festivities.

EJ walked by me and I grabbed him. I basically ordered, “Initiate me into the damn pack.” He snorted, “You don’t want to do that with your mate?” I replied, “I’ll have her do it later.” He asked, “Do you swear allegiance to Black Mountain?” I answered, “Yes.” He held out his hand and gripped mine. He linked, “Welcome, cousin.” I jolted back then nodded to him.

When we got inside I noted the box of decorations from Nashville was hand me down knick knacks that must mean a lot to the group. I watched my mate gently touch the most expensive looking one, the star for the top of the tree. I couldn't help but smile. She stopped trying to care about the holiday, but for Melanie she bought the biggest star she could.

I needed to get a hell of a present for my cousin’s mate too. She gave my mate hope. She reached a part of my mate that had shut down from being alone. I pushed my anger down because this was a great group moment and I wanted to enjoy it. Kingsley was taunting and teasing me while they did decorations. I was hardly going to complain.

I shot Gabe a look when Melanie actually squeaked about videos of Alexander she had. Kingsley felt shocked Angelique threw Melanie under the bus. Melanie was beet red. Good lord, what videos were they watching? Melanie tried to evade or lie. I’m honestly not sure which it was but her squeaking had everyone I had a bond with nearly doubled over in laughter.

Aunt Haley actually felt like she’d never been less jealous of anyone who had the ability to lie and deeply amused. Alexander simply felt smug. Phil felt like if he didn’t get the actual answer he might just combust. I sent him the feeling he’d be ok. He practically shouted back he didn’t have enough answers in his life anymore. I felt a little bad for him about that because it was true and his nature demanded answers.

They started talking about s*x and Tristan McAlister looked nearly ill. I knew why. This realm had many uncomfortable thoughts about their family members having s*x. His other problem was that his sister was still frozen in his head as a pup. Watching her grow up into the woman she is was stolen from him and he grappled with that.

Angelique really didn’t like him or Jason. I saw several uncomfortable faces and people who didn’t understand why she didn’t let it go. I didn’t. I knew exactly why she was giving them a hard time and it looked like Aunt Haley did too.