The Dragon Mate

Sir Sebastian Rider

In the morning I wake up early and eager to head out. Grabbing my cloak, I pause a moment wondering if I should bring something for him. Wasn’t that how meeting for dates worked? You brought a gift they would like. He liked magic and was a former member of the royal guard. I quickly look through some of my old successful experiments. I usually tried to find people to gift them to but some I just haven’t found the right person to gift them to. I find a sword that I had successfully created a familiar to bind to that even inexperienced mages could use. The hilt of the sword had a custom gem that would transform sunlight into magical energy to strengthen the familiar. A sword seemed a bit much but I had nothing else and needed to go.

Taking it with me I used my magic to get to just outside town. I didn’t want to teleport right to him, that might be a bit off-putting. I walk into town a bit of a skip in my step as I felt excited for the possibilities. This could either be good or bad, either way at least I can say I’m actively trying to get over my feelings for a mated man.

When I spotted him, a small smile blossomed on my face. My hands tightened on the sword in my hands and I walked a bit faster. His face was turned away as he surveyed the stalls at the market today. They were always changing; sometimes rare items could be found. I was nearly to him when suddenly a hand grabbed my hood and pulled sharply causing me to let out a startled cry.

“What’s a pretty thing like you doing smelling like a wolf?” I stare into the blood red eyes of a half breed vampire.

Father always warned me to never let any kind of vampire know of my name. Even years and generations later, vampires were prone to attack any of the Van Helsing bloodline. Even without my name being known it seemed the scent of wolf was enough to draw his ire.

“Excuse me but I’m in a hurry.” I say attempting to move away without this escalating.

“I don’t think so. Coming around here smelling like a wolf, I think you need to apology. I think a quick taste will make it up to me.” He whispers to me as he flashes his teeth.

I had tried to be nice and prevent this from turning into a fight. A backhand cross the face sends him flying and successfully knocking him out.

“I told you I was in a hurry. You should really mind your manners.” I say to his unconscious form before turning on my heels.

Shocked I come face to face with the man I came to see. The only difference was that he had a scar across the side of his face that had cost him his eye, the scars clearly from a cat shifter judging by the size.

“Oh, hello. Please tell me you didn’t see that.”

He smirked at me; it was a charming look.

“See you teach that pushy prick a lesson? Yeah, I did and I’m glad I did. Don’t suppose that hurry you’re in is to see me?”

I nod silently before I remember the sword in my hands and hold it out for him.

“I brought this for you. I wasn’t sure what was normal for meeting like this but I thought from your profile you might like it…” I look up at him unable to hide my embarrassment, I never thought dating would be like this. “Um your profile I don’t think has been updated.”

He looked surprised taking the sword.

“I asked them to take my picture off of it. It was before my injury and I know the scar is off-putting. This is well crafted; I’ve never seen anything like it before.” He said unsheathing it causing a swirl of fiery wind to surround him a moment before it dissipated leaving a bird with fire red feathers flying before him. It wasn’t big but that was due to the limited magical energy it had at the moment.

“I crafted it, that’s a custom made familiar I’ve bonded to it. You can feed your own magic into it or keep the gem on the hilt exposed to sunlight and it will transfer into magical energy. The familiar grows stronger with more magic to feed off of.

“Wow, this is amazing. Now I feel bad for what I brought you. It doesn’t compare at all.”

I look at him with wide eyes.

“You brought me something?”

He chuckled seeming amused by my excitement.

“Of course, here. I know it’s not much.”

I hold my hands out to accept the braided leather with a hand carved stone pendant. Wow, there were flowers carved in the stone.

“Did you make this?”

“Yeah, I make them when I’m resting. I’m a bit of a traveler now that I’m no longer in the royal guards.”

“It’s beautiful thank you.” I put it on before realizing I’ve forgotten my manners. “My name is Frost; well I mean it’s Mana but everyone calls me Frost.”

He reached out for my hand to lift it to his lips. I feel a blush color my cheeks as he kisses the back of it.

“I hope not to be part of everyone Mana, I am Sir Sebastian Rider. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Care to look around the market with me? I’ve heard some rumors there are some rare finds being sold today.”

I happily agree as I walk at his side.

“What brings you out this way?” I ask him as we make our way through the stands.

“To be honest I make a habit of stopping by places with a lot of magic. Fae territory, elf kingdom, even the witches’ forest though I don’t recommend it. As you know, I prefer a magically inclined partner. So, for now I’m taking odd jobs while stopped here.”

“Oh, well this is a nice area to stop for a while though fae territory is usually protected against outsiders.”

He let out a short chuckle.

“Yeah I found that out shortly after arrived but it’s a habit by this point. What about you? Do you live here or passing through?”

I nervously fiddle with the pendant.

“I live in the fae’s forest. Lived there most of my life.”

“I must admit I’m a bit envious. Not to say I was eavesdropping but the vampire said you smelled like a wolf but you live with the fae, may I ask the story there?”

“Oh, I was taken in by a wolf that found me and raised me as his own. We live together there…or well we did. He’s going to become mated soon so I may have to move out. I’m an adult now and I do have my sanctuary. Um it’s where I work with my magic.”

His smile was genuine and he seemed honestly interested in what I have to say. It was nice to talk so easily with someone. An item at a stand caught my attention though and I rushed over hoping what I was seeing was what I thought it was.

“Spot something good?” He asked with a chuckle unbothered that I’d suddenly bolted.

“Yes, even I find it difficult to find these. Moondrops, only five drop a year, they’re highly sought after because of how rare they are.”

He looked over at the moondrop, a small pale droplet shaped stone. They were expensive because of their rarity; I had succeeded in creating a powerful amulet with one. I wanted to try another experiment with them.

“It’s expensive, surprising for something so small that’s basically just rare.”

I offer him a smile while pulling out my coin bag. I took out the several large gold coins to offer to the human merchant.

“How does someone so young have this kind of coin on them?” the human asked with suspicion.

“I’m the Winter Mage that many here receive their medicine from.” I answer holding out my hand for my moondrop.

His eyes widened and he quickly hands it over.

“Sorry about that.”

I assure him it’s not a problem before turning back to my companion.

“So, where were we?”

He shakes his head with a laugh.

“You’re going to be full of surprises, aren’t you?”

“Maybe.” Is all I say.

“How about we exchange questions to get to know each other?” He offers.

I consider that, it sounded interesting.

“Alright, you first.”

He considered it for a little bit.

“I know, why do you hide your white hair? I think it’s beautiful.” He said grabbing my hood to lower it.

“Oh…um it’s not common and it attracts attention. Sometimes bad attention.”

“Hmm, like that vampire creep. Well between the two of us I think we can keep you safe.” He offered before stopping by a stand that was selling sweets.

Another rarity, one I had never really tried. He purchased two and handed me one.

“It’s good I swear, in my hometown we had a festival once a year where they would sell these. They were mine and my brother’s favorite.”

Intrigued I bit into it earning a burst of sweetness unlike anything I’d tasted before. It was too much but delightful nonetheless.

“Wow, I’ve never had sweets like this before.”

“A true shame. It’s your turn now Mana.”

I think about it not sure what to ask.

“I suppose I’m curious about why you love magic so much.”

He took a bite of his own treat before answering.

“My mother was a talented mage. She worked in the royal mages while my father worked in the royal guards, they met there finding out they were soulmates. The things she was capable of doing, as a child they amazed me. I wanted to do those same amazing things. She tried teaching me but I’m afraid I’m just not cut out for it. A disadvantage us humans have; we rarely have a talent for it. Those who do usually become witches.”

“But you can do some magic?”

He smiled.

“That’s a second question, I’ll answer it this once though. But yes, I can do a limited amount of magic. I use it to reinforce my body.”

My eyes widened; I don’t think I’ve heard of anyone using magic like that.

“What does that look like? I’ve never seen magic used like that.”

“Third question my fair maiden, I don’t think I can answer that without some kind of reward.”

I blink confused at him.

“A promise of a second meeting.”

My eyes widened. Oh…

“Y-yes! Of course.”

“Tomorrow?” He offers.

“I…I can’t tomorrow, at least not until later in the day. I have to meet with the pack.”

He looked curious at that as he stared off at the sky.

“How about I go with you? We can head out together after your meeting? My treat.”

I find myself nodding before I can doubt my choice. He smiled pleased with my answer.

“My nickname among my men in the royal guard was the monster knight, the captain of the guard with the strength and speed of a monster. When I enhance my body, it strengthens it beyond human limits. The kingdom of Hielf is the biggest human settlement in the world, many races don’t like humans and it makes us a target. As part of the royal guards I was tasked with protecting our home from any number of different creatures that outmatch humans. What little magic I had I used to ensure my home and my men were safe.”

“Oh, that sounds really useful.”

Sebastian gave me an amused look.

“For a human it is useful, but even with the enhancements I could never match your strength. I know it might be rude but what are-”

“Lady Frost!”

The sound of my name changed my attention to the source of the voice. I don’t know the young man’s name but I recognize him as the wolf who had told Levi where his brother was. He was at one of the stands and waving excitedly as though we were friends, how strange.

“I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name last time.” I said walking over.

“I’m Klein, I’m a warrior in training. My big brother volunteered me for market duty. I hate market duty but now that I know you’re here I’m really happy Lady Frost!” Klein’s eyes landed on Sebastian and visibly dimmed. “Oh, so that’s why alpha has been acting strangely.”

“Have your alpha and I met before?” Sebastian asked confused.

Klein shook his head before turning his attention to me.

“To bad you have a mate, alpha had looked happier after meeting you. It’s been a long time since he looked happy like that.”

My eyes were no doubt as wide as dinnerplates, what did Klein mean?

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about. Is Levi ill? He knows he can contact me if he needs medicine.”

Klein had a worried look on his face as he seemed to consider his words. A glance in Sebastian’s direction caught the former guard’s attention.

“Look you can’t get angry with me, it’s not like I knew you were mated to her. And you can’t tell alpha! He’ll be upset, he doesn’t like us talking about her. Look, alpha had a mate a long time ago, his soulmate you know? And she made his eyes light up and him smile all the time. As alpha he has to have an heir to be the next alpha. But his mate couldn’t have pups, she was barren. Dark days followed after that and alpha grew cold as his mate grew distant and depressed. One day while alpha was at a meeting his mate took her life. He never recovered from that. But when he met you, he looked really happy like he did then. I guess he saw you had a mate when he was in the fae’s forest. He’s spent his time since then accepting anyone who wants in his bed. He’s not acting like our alpha. It’s why big brother wanted me here, he doesn’t want me to see our alpha fall like this.”

I take a long deep breath before focusing on the matter at hand.

“Please apologize to the pack but I will not be at the meeting tomorrow. Can you have a message delivered to the alpha for me?” I ask sweetly which seemed to put the young wolf on edge.

“Sure?”

“Please tell Alpha Levi that if he ever wants me to heal another injury of his he’ll get his head out of his ass, his d**k out of random holes, and to do his job as alpha. Please do remind him that any member of the pack can challenge for the position of alpha and dragons are known to eat all manner of creatures that are smaller than them. Oh, and when he’s feeling better, he should pay father a visit, he’s getting mated you know. I’m sure he saw me with Fern, he’ll be my second parent.”

Turning on my heels I take Sebastian’s arm and leave the stand behind. When we were out of sight of the stand Sebastian started laughing.

“A beautiful face, the strength of a monster, and the threats of a demon. You really are full of surprises. A dragon though, I don’t think I would have been able to guess that one.”

“I just want him to stop acting like an i***t…” I mumble.

A warm hand settles on my shoulder causing me to meet Sebastian’s gaze.

“Like you’re being an i***t? So what is it, my appearance or my interests that are so similar to this alpha of yours?”

“Wha-”

“Don’t misunderstand Mana, I know you felt the spark between us like I did. I won’t be giving up this chance with you. But I also recognize that look, you like him but you thought he was unavailable.”

I tense as he guessed exactly what happened.

“You looked a bit like him but I did find your profile interesting. You were the only human in my matches and I never thought I’d match with one. I guess because of how different humans are from the rest of us. But I like you, this has been fun. Besides, you heard Klein, Levi’s found other partners.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes but didn’t move his hand.

“Well now that I know you’re free tomorrow, shall we plan a day together?”

I hadn’t planned to cancel attending the meeting my alpha told me to. I’m going to end up in trouble for that later.

“I’ve never seen the ocean.” I say unable to think of anything else to say.

“It’s a bit far for a last-minute trip.”

“I can teleport us there.”

He looked delighted to hear this.

“Sounds like a plan to me. How about joining me to test out this sword? While we’re out we can look for a stone I can show you how I made this one.”

I look at the stone pendent curious of how he’d carved it without breaking it. With a nod of agreement, I walk with him out of town. There were plenty of wild boar in the area that the town hunters would go after. While we walk, I show him how to transfer his own magical energy into the gem.

“I don’t have much and what little I do I usually use.”

I transfer some of my own into it for him and tell him to call forth the familiar bound to it. Once he does his eyes widened at the flame bird that was now much larger.

“If enough energy is store within you should even be able to ride it great distances.”

He looked in awe as he reached out for the flame bird who nudged against his offered hand. The familiar vanished when he ordered it to return to its resting state. No need to waste the reserved energy. When they located a group of wild boar, he sent a grin my way.

“Let me show you what I can do.”

He looked so proud and I found my eyes fixated on him as I noticed the glow of magic extend up his legs from his feet. I knew how slow humans were compared to other races; how weak they were in comparison. Yet watching Sebastian launch forward with remarkable speed had me staring in shock. He drew his sword just as quickly as magic glowed along his hands and arms. A single swing was all it took, the ground shattering beneath the strike, and the boar not even given the chance to squeal as its body was cut in two.

Monster Knight, a fitting name for the power behind a mere human. Though after killing the fairly large boar Sebastian wasn’t done. He went after several of the others that had turned in different directions to run from the threat. Each kill he dragged back to the first, his limbs still glowing with magic to make the task easier.

“Why kill so many? Does the use of magic increase your appetite?”

He dropped his prey shaking his head.

“There’s a few families in a bad place right now, can’t get food so easily right now. It’s a lot but I’m pretty sure there’s a way to preserve the meat awhile so it’ll last them and not go to waste.”

I look at him amazed he was being so considerate towards people that had to be strangers to a traveler like him.

“I can help, would you mind coming with me?”

“Sure, do you have a spell that will help?”

I smile at him, a secretive one that always piqued father’s interest as he knew it meant I’d surprise him. He had come to expect the unexpected from me but even so I did still manage to surprise him.

“You’ll see.”

I use my magic to teleport us back to my home. He startles at the sudden change of location while I begin gathering the kills to my worktable. Recovering he helps, stacking the large pieces next to it when there was no room on it.

“It will take a little while to do this but I’m going to send a message to my Veather to come over. He will take you to gather some fruits and vegetables to take back with us to those families.”

“Veather?” He asked me confused while I sent off a magical messenger to Fern.

“My father’s soon to be mate and my future father. It is the elven word for father.”

I began working with Sebastian watching until Fern arrived. He looked surprised to see a human of all things but smiled when my attention turned to him.

“Veather, this is Sir Sebastian Rider. I’m helping him prepare some much-needed supplies for those in need. Would you mind taking him to the gardens? Help him get what he needs.”

“My dear winter child, what could you possibly be doing with a human?” He wandered aloud but his eyes quickly found the other applications still in my sanctuary. “A matchmaking service? Well, I suppose that is one way to deal with an unrequired love. I will be happy to help of course. The fae of the gardens love me. Come Sir Sebastian, you will tell me why you believe yourself worthy of my daughter’s devotion.”

Sebastian couldn’t even argue as Fern took hold of his arm and began pulling him along. I laugh at the sight and noticing Sebastian’s confusion of the situation. Easily turning my focus to making the dried meat that Levi had enjoyed I lost track of the time. Though the process usually took quite a bit longer it could be lessened considerably with magic. I didn’t normally do that though unless I had a busy schedule. I noticed when the two returned as Fern was excitedly telling Sebastian a story of a hunt he and his brothers had gone on. Fern and his brothers loved hunting, the bigger the prey the better.

Each of them was holding baskets full of treasures from the gardens. The fae’s magic flowed bountiful through every inch of their territory granting more than the fae knew what to do with. Allowing Sebastian to take from the gardens was no loss to them. It was for a good cause so the queen did not need to be asked beforehand.

“Daughter, how goes your work?” Fern asked placing a kiss on my head.

“Done, I’ve just been cleaning the bones to use later.”

“What will you use them for?” Sebastian asked picking up one of the bones.

“There’s a number of things they’re used for like being made into jewelry or used as materials for spells. When I next go to visit the pack, I’ll dropped them off to be sold at the market. Whatever earned can be used to aid the pack.”

I move to gather the bags of dried meat to show Sebastian. He looks confused at them, no doubt this type of thing was as foreign to him as it had been to Levi. I hold out a piece to him to try. He bites into it and his eyes widen as he eagerly shoves the rest into his mouth.

“This is really good; I’ve never had anything like it.”

“It’s a method I discovered for various meats; it helps them last a long time.”

Once the bags are gathered, I motion the two to join me. Another transportation spell and we arrive back outside of town. I gather the bags comfortably in my hold before following Sebastian. The homes of the families he’d mentioned were located next to each other. It seemed the families were close as the parents worked in the same positions. Seeing the fathers bedridden I quickly examine them from Sebastian’s side as he spoke with the mothers. The two families had gathered in a single home to make things easier for them. One father was missing an arm, the bandages not having been changed recently and the other missing a leg with similar bandages. Various other wounds covered their bodies and it was obvious the amount of pain they were in.

The mothers were obviously exhausted. They were a few shades to pale, shaky from fatigue, and the dark circles under their eyes showing their lack of sleep. They also looked to have lost weight. Their children were strangely silent, eight of them in total and not an ounce of joy on their faces.

“Thank you so much Sir Rider, we haven’t been able to buy enough food because of the medicine we’ve had to purchase. Both mine and Millie’s husband have gotten horrible infections that have required more visits from the local healer.” The mother’s words caught my attention as I turn towards her.

“Excuse me but what do you mean?”

“Pardon?” She asked confused, looking as though she had just now noticed me.

“You mentioned a healer, I’m usually the one contacted to attend to the locals here. I was unaware there was another healer that had moved in.”

The woman scoffed, likely thinking I was getting upset over someone else taking over business. Those who knew me know I would never react like that.

“She’s a traveling healer and has been helping mine and Millie’s family to save our husbands. Leave if you’re going to get greedy about losing business.”

“Marybelle, she isn’t like that. She’s the reason you have food that will last you.” Sebastian defended on my behalf.

Marybelle looked ashamed as she apologized unable to meet my gaze.

“I know you’re just stressed but I can promise you that’s not why I’m asking. Can you tell me what happened and what this traveling healer has done so far?”

Millie stepped forward to answer my inquiry.

“Both of our husbands work as guards for the town. They patrol at night but there have been attacks recently. It’s said to be a monster possessed by an evil spirit, when it attacked our husbands were lucky to get out with their lives.” She looked pained as she glanced at the men that had lived but were forever changed. “Their wounds have gotten infected several times; they start to bleed again when that happens. She comes with medicine but it’s getting harder to get them to drink it. They complain it tastes terrible and makes them sick.”

“Do you have any of this medicine still around?” I ask to which Marybelle leaves and brings back a half bottle.

“I couldn’t get Harry to drink the rest.”

I take the bottle and sniff it and pull back disgusted.

“I know it smells terrible but medicine isn’t suppose to be pleasant.” Marybelle says with a halfhearted laugh.

“What’s going on Mana?” Sebastian asks while Fern takes the bottle and set’s it ablaze with his own magic much to the shock of both women.

“Traveling healers that arrive around troubling times are not to be so easily trusted.” I answer moving to the closest man who barely even notices my arrival.

I place one hand over his forehead and the other over his heart once I get him to lay down properly on the bed. The light of my magic flows over him. The difference in his health is noticeable within moments. The life returning to his dimmed gaze, his skin having more color to it.

“What are you doing?” Millie asks having come to my side.

“Healing the infection and removing the poison that false healer has been giving you.”

Millie’s eyes widened in horror and I could hear Marybelle collapse to her knees.

“Poison? Falser healer? I don’t understand…” Millie whispers her own legs giving out.

“It isn’t your fault, there are those that make their living by becoming the miracle that arrives in times of need. Often times those people are the ones to bring the disaster that requires a miracle. Those beasts are no doubt that false healer’s pets. If this healer arrived before the attacks, she studied who would be the best victims. Together you have a large number of children and both parents work. With one parent unable to work the other would have to increase their workload and with so many children you’d be too tired to question anything that should raise concerns and have no choice but to do whatever necessary not just for your husbands but your children. Your families were just the ideal targets.”

“Once you could no longer offer the requested price, she would leave town without anyone knowing she was a fake.” Fern finished explaining.

I turned to the other man once I finished with the first. My gaze catching sight of Sebastian’s anger.

“I will deal with this monster.” He said turning to leave but Fern grabbed his arm to stop him.

“This person is strong enough to command the creatures that attacked these men and knowledgeable about the poisons that masquerade as medicine. You’ll wait for us to go with you, this foe cannot be faced so carelessly.”

“I’m almost finished healing them, Veather will you please redress their wounds? Then we can take care of this so-called healer.”

Fern moved to the first man’s side and began tending to his bandages. Sebastian remained where he was until he decided to help the two grieving wives. I understand they blame themselves but this was a deception that was well practiced, the chance of noticing it was so small it was nearly impossible. Before I stood intent of leaving, I paused looking at the far to silent children.

“Your fathers will be well now.” I tell them.

“But dad can’t play with us anymore.” The youngest boy said looking at his father that only had one leg now.

“Yeah…and mom is always so tired and is always gone working. What if food runs out again?” Tears were starting to form in their eyes.

I look around quickly and find one of the children’s stuffed animals, a bunny that appeared a bit worn, clearly a well-loved toy. I pick it up and bring my mouth close to whisper a quick spell. When I hand it to the worried children they look confused.

“I’ve placed a blessing on this. When you need help ask this little one to call me. I will hear it and when I can you can speak to me through it. If I can help, I will come.”

A little girl reached out and took the bunny in a tight hold.

“Promise?”

I smile at her.

“I promise.”

Standing I go to Sebastian’s side and Fern soon follows.

“I will come check in later.” Sebastian promised them before we left.

A traveler claiming to be a healer, someone like that should be easy to find but I suspected it wouldn’t be. Going to the inn and asking around was met with confusion. I looked into the eyes of each one that was asked and noticed a fog seemed to overtake them at the question. Seemed she had realized it was time to go.

“She’s left.” I tell Sebastian.

“How do you know?”

“Everyone here has been cursed with forgetfulness when she’s mentioned. She knows she’s overstayed her welcome and is trying to escape.”

“Curses are a witch’s specialty.” Fern said with a grim look.

“Yes, and witches who use curses and act like this usually have chimeras with them.” I agree feeling a sense of dread.

“I’ve never heard of chimeras before, what is that? You both look worried.” Sebastian asked as he followed us.

Neither of us answered, focused on finding the witch and her hellbeasts. There were good witches in the world, not many. I had never judged any just by the title granted to them by the way they used magic. But these kinds, the ones that happily worked with the worst ways of magic, they were the kind I had always despised. They were also extremely dangerous even for those like myself.

“Be on guard, she is close and not to be taken lightly.” Fern whispered the warning as we left the town behind.

Witches like this thrived in darkness, the night hours granting them not only an advantage but additional strength. I sniffed the air, wondering if I would even be able to scent a chimera. Unfortunately for my nose I could, the smell of rot was strong and fast approaching.

“Illuminate!” I summon a blaze of lights with my magic which made the incoming attack all the more horrifying.

Pain blossomed through my chest as a blade within the abomination sliced through bone and muscle. How odd, I don’t think I’ve ever suffered an injury like this before. It was painful, more painful than anything else I’d ever felt.

“Mana!” I hear a distance voice call my name as even with my magic lighting the night like the sun my world becomes dark.