James - POVMy gaze shifted past Alice to the warlock Priest of my clan. Alice approached me and took my hand. "What's happening, Alice?" I asked, baffled by the priest's presence. With a snap of her fingers, Alice conjured a light, illuminating a magic-infused lantern floating in mid-air."James, the priest is here to officiate our wedding in the warlock ritual since we've already been wed in my dragon realm ritual," Alice explained, a smile playing on her lips, which I reciprocated happily."I'm not properly dressed for the occasion, and you look stunning in that gown," I murmured, prompting a chuckle from Alice."Can't you use magic to change your attire with a snap of your fingers?" she playfully teased. With a resigned sigh and a quick snap of my fingers, I stood in a sharp tuxedo. "Now that you're ready, let's call our family," Alice announced.Levy, Archer, Darcus, and Ella arrived, along with their child Jaxon, Dave, Varina, and Beth. A man I recognized as Brendon, a Warlock f
Alice – POV - One and a half Month LaterSitting behind my office desk, I feel exhaustion wash over me - and the day has barely begun. Skimming through the documents, I glance at James's vacant office. He had a meeting with a client today, so he was scheduled to arrive at the office later than usual. I message Levy, proposing a meeting today to discuss the matter of inheritance. Ella and Darcus have managed to recover my squandered inheritance from the buyer Jeffrey sold it to. During our marriage, I had given Jeffrey authority over my assets, a decision that turned out to be disastrous. Being a dragon shifter, Levy is eligible to inherit half of the property my father and his father once shared.I look at my calendar, and it strikes me - I've missed my period by over a week. My heart rate quickens. Could I be pregnant? I rush to the pharmacy, purchase a pregnancy test, and hurriedly take it. Staring at the two lines that appear, tears of joy roll down my cheeks.I text Levy, request
Prologue Once known as Levy, a normal human being, an unexpected encounter with a dragon forever changed her life during a sudden attack by Jeffery, her cousin Alice's vengeful ex-mate. This chance meeting with the dragon prompted a transformation, not just of her name, but of her very existence. On the advice of the Dragon Shrine Priest, who received a divine message from the dragon goddess, Levy became Lavina, a name she carried even in the human realm, as a symbol of her new identity linked to the great healer dragon.As Lavina, she built a successful career as a film producer, juggling her human life with her new mystical reality. However, things took a bitter turn when she met her dragon mate, Keenan. Their relationship disintegrated due to Lavina's inability to bear children, resulting in a heartbreaking severance of their mate bond with the help of a witch. Seeking solace, Lavina found herself drowning her sorrows in a local bar, and in a reckless moment, sought comfort in the
Lavina – POVI sat in the waiting room outside the dragon mate rejection cave, with Alice by my side for support. "Hey, it's not your fault," Alice, my cousin, whispered."But it is. I can't provide my mate with a child. Keenan wants to sever the mate bond to find other women who can fulfill that need," I responded, wiping away tears. Alice gave my shoulders a reassuring squeeze, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'm a dragon healer who can't even bear a child. The priest said I was a great dragon healer and suggested I change to gain more power and happiness, as the Goddess of Dragons would wish. But here I am, unable to bear a child and saddened by the impending separation from my mate.""Why did you agree to Keenan's deal? The verdict was supposed to be in your favor, and Keenan wouldn't have been able to sever the mate bond," Alice asked."How can I stay with a man who constantly belittles me, showing how worthless I am as a woman?" I replied, "I pretended to be strong, but I've lear
Lavina's POV"Archer, can we not talk about this?" I pleaded, but he just sighed, sinking into the couch and staring at me with an unreadable expression."To be honest, I came here intending to say the same thing," he confessed. His statement surprised me; Archer was usually the type to try to coax me into dating him, only to break things off when it didn't work out."Don't look so surprised," he advised, maintaining his calm demeanor."Good. You should know I won't speak about our... encounter," I reassured him. Archer looked at me momentarily, prompting me to ask, "What?""Didn't you have a mate? Kevin, wasn't it? So, you cheated on him with me?" he queried. The mention of Kevin's name stirred up a whirlwind of emotions."Kevin and I are no longer together, so I didn't cheat on him. Cheating seems to be your style, not mine," I retorted harshly. Archer remained silent, a look of guilt shadowing his face. A realization dawned on me. "Wait, did you cheat on someone?""Yeah, it technic
Lavina – POVI took a few deep breaths. The door to my cabin creaked open, revealing Nancy. She ushered in my ex-husband, Keenan, who was beaming. Every fiber of my being wanted to cringe at the sight of him; the pain and bitterness he left me with still felt fresh. As soon as he entered, Nancy quietly exited the room. Keenan took a seat across from me."Why are you here?" I asked, trying to sound indifferent."How have you been?" Keenan responded."Does it matter?" I asked, holding his gaze. His displeasure was evident, but the coldness in his attitude didn't bother me as much anymore. I reminded myself that while I once cared deeply when we were together, those feelings were now in the past."I came to give you this," Keenan said, handing me an envelope. Hesitantly, I opened it and found a wedding invitation. To my shock, it announced Keenan's upcoming marriage to Veronica."Did you come to gauge my reaction?" I asked icily. "Or are you so thoughtless as to invite your ex-wife to yo
Lavina–POV"Archer," I whispered. He turned his gaze to me, his face filled with concern, but his eyes darted around, scanning our surroundings. "What are you doing out here so late?" I inquired."Who was that man who tried to attack you?" Archer's voice was filled with a protective edge."I don't know," I admitted. As Archer reached out to help me up, my legs wavered. The sudden magic attack had taken me by surprise, and it felt like the assailant's magic had drained my power. Sensing my struggle, Archer swiftly lifted me and carried me inside the house. He gently laid me on the couch, then shut the door behind him. Moments later, he returned with a glass of water, placing it gently in my hands."You still haven't answered my question," I said, looking into his eyes.Archer's gaze shifted to my neck, examining it closely. A deep frown marred his features. "I came here late at night because I was worried about you. I got word from Alice," he began, sitting beside me. "She mentioned th
Lavina – POVI stood still, grappling with his question. "Archer, I need to be clear with you. I can't return your feelings," I said, trying to put as much honesty into my voice as possible. His face was a blank canvas of emotions, unreadable. He sighed heavily after holding my gaze for what felt like an eternity."Lavina, you've always rejected me. I thought I'd take one last chance to voice my feelings," Archer replied, the pain evident in his eyes. "Before I leave, do you still see me as that playboy? I've told you countless times I have changed.""Archer, it's not about what you say. It's about the actions you take. And so far, it seems you can't keep your promises," I retorted.He closed the distance between us, his presence almost overwhelming. "What are you trying to say?" he questioned, searching my eyes."Nothing," I murmured, my resolve waning. "You should go. I've sworn off dating. I'm done with men." I tried to walk away, but Archer grabbed my wrist, pulling me back into h