Dragons in Council (Book 4 of the Northern Territories Series)

Chapter 6

Dragons in Council

Chapter 6

Saura’s POV

I’m able to share all of our lives starting out without issues. Now, looking back, I can see the slips in character when he was imitating. Carson slows down the slips in my mind, highlighting them. He spots it so quickly. I wanted to believe Vritra was who he pretended and I guess I just overlooked those signs, at the time.

We make it through the marking and the shield drop, the first time he pulsed against me, the first few times he raped me. I feel Carson in those times, his presence dissolves the pain and the hurt. It’s almost as if he sucks all the emotions out; once it’s over, we move to the next.

I feel myself spiraling out of control the first time he fed from me. I can’t breathe, my heart races as Vritra sinks his fangs into my neck. I’m not sure what is happening, but I suddenly feel Carson there, in the memory. I feel his power coursing through me. Vritra is still feeding from me, but the fear and the pain is gone. It’s almost like it’s not me it is happening to. Still heartbreaking and painful to watch, but not physically me experiencing it. It becomes easier and easier to share, even as things become much worse. I begin feeling stronger, like the I’ve overcome the fear I’ve had of Vritra. I feel powerful and confident, almost as if I have Carson’s power and strength. Vritra is inferior and cannot touch me, not even in my memories as we filter through them. When Vritra dies and I fall asleep in Forsythe’s arms, I open my eyes to find I’m in Carson’s lap. I stare into his obsidian eyes and he strokes my cheek, wiping away my tears before kissing my forehead. “How do you feel, my love.”

I search his eyes, trying to figure it out. “Like it never happened, like it wasn’t real.”

He smiles. “It was real, khajaana, all your memories. He can’t hurt you anymore, never again.”, he assures me. I return his smile and kiss him, he cups my jaw as I turn in his lap.

“Holy s**t!”, Forsythe startles the hell out of me from the bar as he crosses into the living room, staring at Carson wide-eyed.

Carson pushes my hair back and drops his hands to my thighs. Carson keeps his eyes on me. “You have mnemokinesis. You’re able to place me there, in the memory. I couldn’t stop it or change it, but I could shield you.”

“Mnemokinesis… she can manipulate memory?”, Forsythe asks, sitting down on the couch across from us. I turn in Carson’s lap, not wanting to leave him yet. He wraps his arms around my waist and rests his chin against my shoulder as I answer, “Yes. I can do anything I want in another’s mind, but my own is almost impossible. I never saw Carson, but I felt him all around me.”

“You’re not depleted?”, Forsythe asks Carson.

“No. I had to force my way in, but once I was there she held me. She switched memories and pulled me with her. It wasn’t like shielding her with my power. I was there physically, in her memory.”

I feel different. I’m afraid of neither Carson nor Forsythe. The anxiety is gone, it is an odd feeling. The sudden loss of all that fear and anxiety is so relieving, I want to cry. I need a minute to process it all. “I’m going to take a shower.”, I tell them, standing from Carson’s lap. He holds my hips as I stand and releases me as I walk away.

I turn on the shower and adjust the temperature before I wave my shirt away. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and turn quickly to look closer. The tendrils, all of them, they’re gone. I turn to look at my back, Vritra’s dragon is still there but it is dull and faded. Not much darker than my natural skin tone. I turn back and search my abdomen. The scars from his claws are gone, the scars from his bites across my shoulders and neck are gone. I conjure my shirt back on and rush into the living room. Carson is standing by the bar talking to Forsythe. He turns as I reach him, waving his shirt away when I start pulling it up over his shoulders. “My love, Forsythe is right here.”, he teases and I blush, realizing I’m stripping him in the kitchen without any explanation at all. I don’t have time to be embarrassed, I see my scars across his abdomen, and I touch them. He has scars, but I can easily tell which are mine. I run my fingers over them and search the tendrils that run along his body. I see the ones that were mine forming. The skin is warm and irritated.

“My scars, my tendrils, they’re forming on you. Vritra’s mark is nearly gone.”, I explain. He knows my scars, he’s seen my memories. I’ve studied them many times. He looks down and touches the one over his abdomen. I feel so guilty, I didn’t mean to scar and mark him. He looks up at me and smiles before he hugs me to him.

“Don’t cry, my love. I have hundreds of scars and twice that many tendrils. A few more make no difference to me. May I see yours?”, he asks. I nod against his chest and wipe my eyes, before pulling him to follow me. When we reach my room and he raises my shirt, I wave it away. His eyes glow softly as they wander over my chest and abdomen. I’m realizing now that he can see straight through my lace bra. He touches my jaw and lifts my chin, searching my neck and shoulders. When our eyes meet, he kisses me softly, then turns me and looks at my back, running his fingers over Vritra’s mark. His hands feel so good. When he turns me back toward him, he unbuttons my jeans and pulls them down slightly over my hips, finding there are no scars remaining there either. He takes my hand and turns to the bathroom, where I’ve forgotten the shower is running. The steam pours through the door when he opens it. He smirks at me, “Enjoy your shower, my love.”

As I shower, I realize the only fear remaining is Carson becoming something else after I’ve accepted him.

Carson’s POV

I run my fingers over the raised abdominal scar again, before conjuring a shirt as I reenter the kitchen.

“So…”, Forsythe questions.

“His mark is faded, barely visible… The first time I touched her, in her memory, was when he marked her. Perhaps, since he is dead, it tainted the bond. He isn’t here to keep his mark on her.”, I answer as I consider the possibilities and visualize her back in my mind.

“And the scars?”

“I don’t know, Forsythe. I was there with her and at first, I’d touch her or take her hand. When he fed from her, I pushed harder to reach her and I was able to pull her into me. Like literally place her entire being inside me. I could feel it, but it was as me. His pulses don’t hurt me, his claws tearing through my flesh is tolerable. His bite was, by far, the worst of it.”, I reply. Oberon cries out and I go down the hall to collect him.

Forsythe continues in my mind, “The fear and anxiety, do you carry it now?”

“I felt it in me when we left her memories. I can still feel it now if I seek it. I don’t know, maybe I feel it in her and not myself. I hope I carry it. Nothing like that could ever happen to me again. It wouldn’t remain a fear.”

“She seemed calmer than I’ve ever witnessed, since the day we met.”, he replies, deep in thought. Neither of us have ever experienced anything like that. We can enter memories, but we are alone, replacing the person in the memory. In her mind, she separated us. I was there WITH her. I could move independently, but unable to reach Vritra, only her. When she panicked, I pulled her into me, absorbing as much of her pain and hurt as I could. That’s when I realized I was able to absorb it all. I could take it entirely if I kept her with me. I don’t mind the scars or tendrils; I know they bothered her. I’m glad I carry them. I couldn’t stop it or change her past, but I can carry her scars. I thank the Goddess for allowing my strengths to work so well with Saura’s power.

“I do need to rest, brother. I’m not depleted, but I am very tired and sore.”, I tell him as I finish changing Oberon. He tucks his little face into my chest and rubs his eyes against my shirt. Laying back on the couch, I hold him against my chest. He pushes up on his elbows and looks down at me. I smooth his soft little curls and stare back into his blue grey eyes. Aside from Vritra’s eyes, He looks just like her, smooth olive skin, little nose. He smiles at me and I know he feels my love for him.

“Give me Oberon. Go rest.”, Forsythe tells me.

“If I do, she will worry and feel guilty for giving it to me. I don’t want her to feel guilty. I’ll just absorb as much as possible and tough it out until after dinner. It’s time for a late lunch now. I can make it a few more hours.”, I reply through the link before continuing aloud, “Besides, little man likes me most, don’t you, Oberon?”

Oberon coos at me and pushes against my stomach with his little feet, getting excited about me talking to him. “Yes, that’s right. See?”

Forsythe chuckles. “You need to tie yourself to him.”

“I will when Saura is ready. He isn’t big enough to go running off just yet and there’s no possible way he’d get taken, not with both you and I here. There’s no rush.”, I reply, wiping the drool bubbles from his mouth. His eyes narrow, unhappy with me taking his bubbles. I chuckle at having such a tiny dragon feel brave enough to challenge me. Forsythe chuckles as well.

“Now you’ve done it. Not the favorite anymore.”, he says, offering to take Oberon. He looks up at Forsythe’s extended arms then buries his head in my chest, rubbing his face against my shirt.

“Nope. I’m still the favorite. You’ve been shunned, Uncle Forsythe.”, I chuckle, happy he didn’t want to abandon me.

Saura returns and smiles when Oberon pushes back up to look at her. He smiles and the coos and babbling sounds he makes intensifies. “Hey, sweet boy. Did you sleep well?”, she asks him as she lifts him from my chest, his little legs kick excitedly.

“You’ve been forgotten, brother.”, Forsythe chuckles as he returns to the kitchen. Oberon is already trying to get in his mother’s shirt. She takes him to the couch across from me to feed him. I sit up and watch her.

I feel my sister summoning me. I conjure a phone and call her house. Frederick, her bear mate, answers.

“Raayan residence.”

“Hey, it’s me. Where’s Carina?”, I ask. Saura studies me from across the coffee table. I know she can hear Frederick’s rich deep voice.

“She’s in the kitchen, let me get her.”, I hear him calling out for his mate before she picks up, “Carson?”

“It’s me. Are you okay?”, I ask her.

“Yes, I’m fine. Vedant was needing to speak with you. He says it isn’t urgent, you can just call him.”

“Very well. Is everything okay there?”, I ask her. I know Vedant hasn’t told her about all that he is up against right now, but she’d know if something was wrong. She has always been very empathetic and can pick up on slight changes in people around her.

“He’s stressed, but no more than usual. How are you? You sound like you’re doing well. Are you coming with father next week?”, she asks.

“I’m not sure at the moment. I am doing well. I’ve found my mate...”, I tell her and she squeals loudly before I can say anything further. I hold the phone away from my ear and Forsythe laughs. He knows my family well.

“OH, that’s wonderful, Carson! Who is she, can we meet her? Bring her here with you, I’ll make dinner. Have you told father? Mother will be so pleased. What’s her name? Where are you now?”, she asks her questions so quickly, I have no opportunity to answer.

“Her name is Saura, she is fae. She has an infant son, Oberon. No, I’ve not told mother or father yet. I’ll ask her about coming that way soon, but I won’t promise it will be next week, Carina. I’m with Saura and Forsythe in fae territory now.”

“Oh, good afternoon, Forsythe. You’re welcome to come, if you’d like.”, I put the phone on speaker and set it on my chest. She is going to alternate speaking to each of us now.

“Good afternoon, Carina. Are you making that pie again?”

“For you, yes. It’s Father’s favorite as well.”, she answers happily.

“Then I will come. How is Frederick?”, he asks her.

“He’s doing well, still trying to convince Vedant to go on another trip to find his mate.”, she replies.

I chuckle, “Vedant isn’t going to go on a search every decade for her. He is centuries old and he knows the Goddess will place her before him when the time is right. Don’t worry about him so much.”

“I know that, Carson, but he’s my only baby.”, I can hear the fake pout in her voice.

“You’re baby is a full grown lycan bear that could swallow you whole, little sister.”, I chuckle at her.

She laughs, “He will always be my baby. Is your mate there? Can I talk to her?” I look up at Saura, linking her, “I can tell her your feeding Oberon right now. You don’t have to talk if you don’t wish to.”

“I’m here, Carina. It’s nice to meet you.”, she says politely.

“HI! It’s so nice to meet you. I’m so glad Carson found you. We live in bear territory; my son is Head Councilman of Bear. You really must come visit. We would love to see you and meet little Oberon. How old is he?”, she asks excitedly.

Saura smiles and answers shyly, “He is about 4 months old.”

Carina replies, “Do you think you’d be able to visit soon, Saura?”

“I’m not sure, I’d have to ask Carson and Forsythe.”, she replies hesitantly.

Carina giggles, “You control both of them. Don’t be fooled by their aggressive nature. What you say goes, you’re Carson’s mate. Neither Carson nor Forsythe will speak over you, dear.”

Saura searches my eyes, “It’s entirely up to you, my love. She is right, we will do whatever you wish.”

“We will come soon.”, Saura replies, not giving a specific date, but Carina accepts it. She can tell Saura is not as bubbly and outspoken as she is.

“That’s perfect! I’m very excited. Let me know when you pick a date. Carson, don’t forget to call Vedant.”

“I will let you know when we will be coming your way and call Vedant now.”, I reply.

“Farewell. I love you, be safe.”

“I love you too.”, I reply before disconnecting the call.

“Carina is my little sister, Frederick Raayan is her mate, a lycan bear. Vedant is my nephew.”, I explain as I dial Vedant’s number and call.

“Head Vedant.”, he answers impatiently.

“Your mother summoned me.”, I reply in a fake disinterested tone.

“About f*****g time! Where the hell are you?”, Vedant asks playfully, the complete shift in his mood makes me smile.

“Can’t live without me, I see.”

Vedant laughs, “I needed to ask you if you found anything on that bear.”

“It is Councilman Wastoln. He paid a little pixie to follow those wolves. He is backing out though. He knows Wolf Council is watching. Forsythe summoned me for assistance, I left shortly after Wastoln. I found my mate.”, I tell him.

“Congratulations, uncle! Perhaps she can deflate that massive ego before it crushes her.”, he teases.

I chuckle, “Your jealousy shows, dear nephew. You’re to honor your superiors. You must learn to accept those feelings of inadequacy.”

Vedant laughs, deep and hearty. “I’m drowning in your self love. Are you bringing her to mom’s?”

“Yes, I’m sure she’ll tell you when we are coming. Be careful. Have your mom summon me if you need me in the meantime.”

“Farewell, Carson.”, he replies and I disconnect the call.

Saura’s POV

I’m nervous about meeting Carson’s family. I never met any of Vritra’s. I’m not even sure any are living. I burp Oberon and think it over. If I see Carson with people that know him and have known him for centuries, maybe I will get a better feel for who he is. What if these people don’t like me though?

“I don’t have to come up with an excuse or shift blame. If you’re not ready, I’ll just say we aren’t coming yet. Carina will be just as excited to meet you next year as she would be next week.”, Carson assures me that we don’t have to go.

“I’d like to have pie before next year, mind you. Carina makes an amazing rhubarb pie. You’ve tasted nothing like it. You should agree to come next week, for that reason alone.”, Forsythe interjects, making Carson and I laugh.

“Can I think about it?”, I ask Carson.

“Of course, my love. We have all the time in the world.”, Carson replies and Forsythe pouts slightly as he turns to the kitchen. I giggle at the poor dragon sulking over pie.

Vedant's POV

Carson disconnects the call and I return to my meeting. They continue discussions as I quietly take my seat. I’ve been investigating Councilman Wastoln for years, keeping detailed logs of all his movements. As Head Councilman of Bear, it is my job to make sure the integrity of our hierarchy is maintained. Eight decades ago, before I was Head, a fellow Councilman came to me and told me he was suspicious of Wastoln; he was investigating him. A week later, Enriche vanished, never to be seen or heard from again. He had no records of any investigation on Wastoln in his home or office. I had both Carson, and grandfather, Ishaan, search and hunt. They could not find him in all these years, they even had other dragonian friends search. I’ve never had the opportunity to open another investigation on him, he covers his tracks well. All I have are my suspicions.

I study him down the table from me. He looks up at me and gives me a half smile. I watch him a moment longer, not breaking his gaze or returning his smile. Then I direct my attention back to Councilman Augment.

“… I think the largest concern is that he may be questioned. I don’t think a coven under Retired Head Councilman Magnus Clay will betray Bear Council, but it’s best to err on the side of caution.”

I nod to him, “I agree. I will request a nondisclosure agreement. Retired Councilman Kline cannot be asked, nor divulge any information on Bear Council that isn’t public knowledge. All those agreed…”

I glance around the room following each Councilman as he agrees. My eyes lock again on Wastoln. “Agreed, Head Councilman Vedant Raayan.”, he replies respectfully, though dragging it out much further. I’m usually referred to as ‘Head, or Head Vedant.’ I turn my attention back to the group. “If that is all, I adjourn.” The Councilman look to each other and when none of them speak, we all begin standing to leave. We will reconvene after I’ve returned from Black Hearthstone. Wastoln passes me and I huff, warning him not to get so close. He tilts his chin up and looks away. A sign of submission, indicating he does not wish to challenge me. I watch him leave.

I go up to my office and grab my overnight bag before heading out to one of the Council SUVs. I don’t take my own truck outside bear territory. I toss my bag in the back and lay my computer bag with my laptop in the front seat beside me.

Now, instead of keeping an eye on Councilman Wastoln, as I would prefer, I’m on my way to Black Hearthstone to ensure our Retired Councilman is not a safety risk for bear. We all know he isn’t. Black Hearthstone is powerful, but peaceful. Retired Head Councilman of Wolves is a Consort there. He wouldn’t allow for another Retired Councilman to be interrogated. Kline is in no danger, he just followed his mate. The biggest threat to bear in Black Hearthstone are the dragons they keep. Kline tells me there are two of them, one is his son-in-law, mated to his step daughter. The other is his Chosen. Kline says very little about him, despite seeing him frequently. I think Kline is intimidated by him; he must be quite powerful.

It is a ridiculously long drive to Black Hearthstone, sixteen hours. I drive through the afternoon, stopping once for lunch, and arrive around 2am. I set my stuff down in my rented cabin and do a quick walk through. I take a shower and climb in bed, messaging my mother that I’ve arrived and I’m safe. Then sleep for what’s left of the night. I have an 8am meeting in Black Hearthstone.