MATED TO THE DRAGON

Audra

The door of my house was knocked on. Before I exited my upstairs room, I knew who it was. My cells tingled in subjugation as the Alpha's scent filled my senses. I rolled out of bed and turned to gaze around my room one last time.

All that remained of the timber chamber was a crisp white sheet folded neatly on the made-up bed. My clothing was gutted out of the drawers that formerly held them. My pallid hand stretched down to grab a strap of the bag that lay next to the door.

The backpack was a deep green hue, and it was completely loaded with all of my necessities and clothing. It has numerous exterior pockets that were secured in place by leather buckles.

I put the rucksack down and shrugged. I sighed to myself as I exited the room and opened the door. It took a lot longer than I had anticipated to shut that door.

After shutting the door, I made my way to the wooden staircase. I turned to face my closed wood door as I down the first step. It seemed like a lifetime away, even though I was just a few feet away.

I ripped my gaze from the door and began descending the stairs once more. After reaching the bottom, I passed by my kitchen and living room. The scent of the Alpha intensified as I focused on the front door.

My palms shook with anticipation at the smell. Using trembling hands, I ran my fingers through my thick black hair, stopping mid-torso. I merely gripped the straps of my backpack because trying to stop my hand from shaking would not help. I might as well give my hands something else to do if I couldn't stop shaking.

I stood in front of my door, about a toe's distance from the wood trim. The Alpha was tapping his foot over there, and I could hear it. Taking one last look at my empty house, I inhaled deeply. With a breath out, I reached down and turned the doorknob.

I stepped back and opened the door. "I apologize for the wait," I said, looking down at the floor.

"Don't worry I don't mind the wait." Though I didn't know the Alpha at all, I was unaware that he was a liar. I had only met him four times before this.

To show me this house, which I have lived alone in since I was six years old. It was twelve years ago. Secondly, to see how I'm doing after two weeks. A few weeks ago, third, to talk about whether I wanted to go. Fourth, right now.

His feet were kicking about on the porch, I noted. He was likely concerned that he would be struck by the curse. I moved my eyesight down to my toes because I didn't want to take a chance. Maybe it would.

I merely knew that when this curse awakened, it would bring with it a ton of bad luck, but I had no idea what the curse was. I pray nobody was killed by it. I'm not sure how I would handle myself in such a situation.

"I assume by the backpack, you choose to leave?" I felt his gaze glancing up at the top of my head.

"I don't want to bring my pack into this," I nod. The words came out much weaker than I had intended. I avoid social interaction. I talk to myself a lot these days, having spoken to the Alpha four times and my instructor when I was younger than six. I've read novels about individuals conversing, but I find that conversations like this one are difficult.

He began, "Thank you for your sacrifice," with sympathy in his tone. Judging by his grey hair, he must be a parent, but it's unlikely that he would dare allow Mate or his children to come anywhere close to me. "I apologize for requiring us to take these actions with you. How solitary it must have been."

He was unable to resist. He really couldn't. If he had his way and I was a regular wolf, I'm sure I would be contentedly living with my pack, my parents, and my instructor.

"I understand." I grin reassuringly as I look up at him. "I don't want to endanger any of my loved ones." I hesitated, attempting to articulate my ideas. "Don't think I am a sacrifice; I don't consider myself to be one. I appreciate you talking to me despite the red flags." Since I've been telling myself that for years, I was glad to finally say it to someone, I believed it.

"I'm so sorry." His eyes began to brim with tears. I have never witnessed such a human feeling before. I turned my head to the side and looked up at him from a new perspective.

"Are you sad?" Tears are a sign of sadness, and they usually appear when you lose something significant-a friend, a family member, a home, or a pack. Does that not imply that I ought to be the one crying?

"I just can't imagine my kids going through what you have to." That makes me smile.

"I'm glad they don't." I gaze up to the heavens. The horizon would soon reveal the sun. "I think I should start moving if I want to be at the first checkpoint today." Although there was a human present, it felt like I was speaking to myself. Perhaps he believed I was speaking to him? It made no difference.

"Yes, I don't want you to be hiking in the dark." He cast a downward glance, his dark eyes catching mine. "If you ever need anything, or you ever find yourself in trouble, please don't be afraid to use the 'Flore Albo' name." 'White Flower' is the English translation of our pack's lovely name.

"I will." He pivoted and began strolling along the veranda. I trailed along behind him, looking straight into his back.

He unlocked the gate that led to the white fence around the home. I just painted it about a month ago. I believed that the fence was beyond its peeling paint, as the dark wood underneath had become rather noticeable. I put a letter in my mailbox, which is one mile away. I never received letters back. On this occasion, though, I was quite aback to see white paint positioned beneath my mailbox.

"You are always free to come back." He turned to face my house. "But I'm not sure if you would be happy."

He was true; if I returned, I wouldn't be content. I was giddy with anticipation for my next journey. My days of loneliness might come to an end if I were to pick up a dog friend along the route.

"Thank you." My teacher has told me that packs typically kill wolves like me at birth. They saved me, and that was a blessing. Being alone is still far better than being dead, therefore I'm grateful I was alive.

I turned to face the trail that ran alongside my fence on my right. The course I would be following. The road that would go to my mailbox was in front of me when I glanced, and the Blacktown should be a bit further on. That's where Alpha would be heading.

"This is farewell, for now, Alpha." I never got to hear his name, which was a shame. or anybody else's. Lifting my backpack to the top of my shoulders, I pivoted to my right.

"Shelia, wait-" I glanced in his direction. He appeared to be reaching for me, and I stiffened up because I was unable to resist. I watched as he stopped himself and put his hands back by his sides.

I needed a hug and human contact, but the hazards were too great. I simply lift a hand, smile softly, and say, "See you in the next life, Alpha." I said as I waved goodbye.

Audra -

I arrived at the campsite early enough to build a fire before the sunset. My bag was nestled between my wide legs as I sat at the base of a tree. Gazing intently at the flames, I observed how they licked at the heavens.

"Don't touch me!"

The words made my spine tingle. "It's just a memory," I told myself, trying to settle myself down with a trembling breath. Even though the words were written more than twelve years ago, the scars they caused are still very much present.

"Why not?"

"Child, you are cursed! Never touch someone again!"

"Stop!" I bellowed into the obscurity. I heard the birds flapping their wings in surprise from their perch overhead. I got up and paced in a circle around the fire. I tried telling myself, "They are just memories; they shouldn't be affecting you," but it didn't help since the roots were ingrained in my spirit.

"I can't hurt anyone out here anyways." I glanced around, and all I could see was darkness. When I was younger, I hated the dark, but now I find it comforting. Yes, there might be terrible monsters in there like me. Perhaps all they want is a companion.

"I just want a friend." I've relied on this plea for support for the past twelve years. I covered my eyes with my palms raised to my face. I collapsed on the floor, wanting to cry and experiencing the same feelings as Alpha but not knowing how.

Books contain real people with real emotions. How come I can't feel them? Can I experience happiness? I experienced excitement when Alpha approached me three weeks ago on my eighteenth birthday and informed me that I may choose to leave.

I remembered the house. The lovely garden growing in the back is my treasure. I missed the ancient well, the watermelon, grapes, lettuce, cucumbers, apple and lemon trees, and pumpkins.

"Not at all. I can make that where we are headed; I just need to keep moving forward!" I made an effort to inspire myself, but I was lacking something. A void that I understood could only be filled with love; of a garden; of being cared for by creatures; of plants that grin at you when they receive water.

She shouted, "Stop staring at me," as she tapped the book on the plants in front of me with her ruler.

I grinned as I glanced down at the Lilac maintenance instructions. My teacher's affection for me has always been difficult; she is unable to touch me or say her name. I believe she likes me, even if I can't look at her as much.

--

The birds were chirping when I woke up, and the sun was already halfway up the sky. Last night the fire had gone out, leaving nothing but cinders behind. I got up and cleaned myself up. I moved to where my bag was and reached down with one hand. I slung the bag over my shoulder and headed for my next destination, following the route.

I strolled for a long, covering miles on the trail. In my wolf form, I could have traveled farther and faster, but I was too afraid to change. What would happen if I saw a human? What happens if they stare at me and the curse kills them? I would have their blood on my hands.

I now know that the route was intended for the wolf form. I've been hiding beneath trees and avoiding all of the dangling branches. "Ah!" I felt like I was pulled back by my hair roots. I turned to see that it was trapped by a branch.

I turned and reached up to untangle the branch. Once that issue was resolved, I raised my gaze to the heavens. The sun was going to set. I ought to have moved. That was a bad move.

I searched the area for a spot to spend the night. A gorgeous lake is encountered when I go a little distance off-road. I dash up to it; I've never seen a pool of water this gorgeous.

My reaction when I see my reflection in the water is, "Oh my gosh!" "It's just like in the books!" I exclaimed with joy. I knelt and made contact with the water. It caused waves to reach the opposite side of the lake.

I peered further down into the water, unsure of the safety of jumping in. I opted against it because the sun was going to set and I would freeze if I dove in. Maybe tomorrow.

I pulled up the map that Alpha had given me two weeks prior; I have been studying it diligently ever since. It served as one of my few links to the contemporary world. I put down my map and looked right, thinking to myself, "There should be a cave just over there."

The stunning mountains of Trention, the nation where I was born, enveloped me. "I can't see it, but I'm sure if I keep walking," I began to walk, "I'll see it shortly enough."

Not too long after, I discovered this enormous opening in the mountainside. It was alarming that I had overlooked it in the first place because it was so big. I ascended the mountainside by rock scrambling. I managed to get over the edge and got up. I peered far into the pitch-black cave.

Taking in the trees below, I thought to myself, "Maybe I should have brought fire up with me." Knowing I would have to travel down again, I sighed. "I might as well explore, make sure it's safe first." I never had to perform that difficult work.

A roar sounded behind me. I whipped my head around to face the cave. "Please, please, please, don't be a bear," I begged, lifting my hands to prepare to calm the animal. I didn't want to shift, and I generally try not to until necessary.

Steam emerged from the shadows and gathered around my feet. I clambered back to the cave's edge. I wasn't too high up, so it wouldn't be too horrible if I fell, but it would hurt nonetheless.

A step crunched on the rock with a thunderous sound, its claws raking the ground. Although I'm sure it didn't sound like this, I had no idea what a bear sounds like. "I'm not malicious, I'll go, I was just passing through," I responded, trying to sound like I could speak English.

Then the sound was gone and something changed in the air. My hair flew back when the wind struck my face. There was no longer an intolerably loud crunch, just a gentle shuffle of feet.

Then I noticed a person's silhouette. A male. Then I noticed his eyes; they were a deeper blue than the sky.

I took a deep breath.

"Hello."

Mate --

Audra

--

"Hello," I toed the edge with my heel. He was my mate. The thing I've been scared of for the last eighteen years.

I'm scared of falling in love. Knowing that I would only bring him undeniable pain and suffering. Everything in my mind screamed for me to stay, dare I say, go closer.

He kept walking closer and closer. "Stop." I held out a hand. As on command, he halted in his tracks.

"Stop?" I saw his mortal eyebrow raise in question. "Aren't you supposed to jump into my arms, wrap your hands around my neck, and tell me about how long you had to wait?" He shoved his hands into his pant pockets.

Usually, that's how it was supposed to go. I would love him unconditionally for the rest of my life. The next words were so hard to get over my tongue. "I'm cursed, I can't love you."

It tore out my heart to say it. I felt tears well up in my eyes. "Please," I pleaded, and he took a step closer. "I can't even touch you." Then he took another step closer. We were in arms reach. I was pinned, cornered, against the cliff behind me.

He grabbed my arms pulling me into his chest. I gasped, "Please, I don't want to hurt you!" This was the first time I could remember anyone touching me. I wanted to stay in his arms. I wanted him to keep hugging me like nobody had before.

He leaned down and put his nose to the side of my neck. He breathed in, taking in my scent. "A wolf," he mumbled against my skin. I was stiff as a board in his arms. I didn't know what to do, how, if, I could hug him back.

"A shadow wolf." Did he figure all this out by taking in my scent? He raised his head to be at eye level with me. I was 5'9 in height and even then he dwarfed me. He had to be over 6 feet tall.

I stared into his bright blue eyes. I was entranced by him. "You are not cursed." He raised a hand to my cheek. "what have those dogs told you?" A growl unlike any heard before erupted from his throat.

"Dogs?" I questioned; did he mean wolves? I didn't know how to feel about calling my species dogs. He entangled his hang into my hair. He acted as if I would disappear into the mist.

"I've been told I'm cursed, and that I should not touch, look, or speak to others as well as know their name, if I don't want them to be harmed." I couldn't help my body but lean closer.

"Well, my name is Lucian, you can call me Vince." He said it with a smile on his face. I sucked in a breath, wincing at what was to come. Though nothing had happened.

"See? You are not cursed. Now-" he paused; I could tell he was trying to hold in a laugh. "Do you want me to tell you of your gifts?" He rested his forehead against mine, he wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Gifts?" I gasped, and then I came to my senses. "Isn't that the nice way to describe the cursed?" I put my lips on. I love talking to someone. Being touched by someone. Feeling like a normal being.

He chuckled, his breath hitting my face. He had a beautiful dark laugh, a sound I had never heard before. It sounded nothing like the books described, and I tried to replicate it. "Stop overthinking." He took my ear in between his thumb and pointer finger, giving it a teasing squeeze.

I nodded my head, desperate for any information about myself. "You." He placed a pointer finger in the middle of my forehead. "Can control anyone's mind."

"What?!" I pushed out of his grasp, it sent me backward, and almost off the cliff.

In a matter of seconds, his arms wrapped around me, pushing me flush against his chest. "Yes, sweet girl." He rested his chin on my head. I heard him let out a sigh of relief. Gosh, my Mate sure was touchy. I didn't mind at all. A hot man, my Mate, draped all over me, I'm a happy woman.

"Want to come inside?" He jerked his chin in the direction of the cave.

"It looks-" I said peering over his shoulder to the dark cave. "Quite, um, dark."

This made his features light up in realization. "Oh, that's a facade. Give me a moment, Mate." He unwrapped his arms from around me, turning to face the cave.

Oh gosh! I haven't told him my name yet, no wonder he hasn't used it! "My," I stuttered out, "my name is Audra! I'm sorry but I don't have a last name." I said reaching out and grabbing his wrist, but he took a step forward, not noticing it. I clenched my fist; I missed my chance to touch my Mate. I already missed his warmth.

He looked back at me over his shoulder. A large grin plastered onto his face. "I don't have one either."

Then his body shifted, the human skin that he was just contained to was no more. His skin was no longer soft human flesh, it was hardened by Snow White scales. He grew to the size of my old house, his wings now clenched tightly to his sides. He looked back at me, the only thing the same was his electric blue eyes. The second after he shifted everything that I once saw changed right in front of my eyes.

He was a dragon. My beautiful Mate was no wolf, he was a rare white dragon, so different from myself. It is a mystery as to why fate aligned us together. "Follow me, my beautiful Audra." He was so much bigger than me now. It was like I was the size of a poppy flower next to him.

I scrambled after him. I tried to look at how my sights shifted, how the cave walls were nicely carved out by quartz, or that the darkness was now filled by this beautiful blue torched light that lined the sides of the cave wall as we walked.

Deeper in I came across a very human kitchen, living room, dining room, even a bed, all paid out for all to see. It was almost humorous to think that this huge, lovable, but huge beast cutting vegetables or sitting by the fire in the living room during the winter.

He breathed out, the smoke filling the room. I waved it out of my face. "You can sleep on the bed. Have you eaten?" His voice filled up every corner of the room.

"No, I haven't." I looked up to find him staring down at me. I think I could get used to this.

--