Do you think Iris' anger is justified?Is the storm going to prove itself to be a blessing in disguise?
Neither of them knew when, from blushing and gentle confessions, the conversation took a turn for the worse and the couple started screaming at each other for not understanding and over-reacting. Dom had gone, "You know, you shouldn't have kept me in the dark about something like your first fated mate!" That had scandalized Iris, "Me? And how about you? Shouldn't you have told me about your wife being alive while you kissed me?" One thing led to another and, finally, Iris huffed and got up to leave, but stopped at the mouth of the cave after getting reminded of the magically fatal weather because of which they were stuck together in the first place. Dom thought to himself and mentally slapped himself for losing control right when they were about to patch up, just as Iris was contemplating and regretted her rash reaction. But they had too big egos to swallow their words. That was until minutes turned to hours and Nora did not return, which was their only hope to get rescued from t
Nora knew she had to work fast and she had to work stealthily. She had made her decision, chosen her side. Now, she needed to stick to it, no matter how dangerous. The storm was approaching fast and she feared she might not make it back in time for Dragon Alpha and his mate to get safely back to the mansion. But she had to try. She was fed up with the wrong decisions made by her coven leaders. And she also didn't want to keep doing a vengeful dragon-shifter's bidding, simply because he was greedy with a vendetta. She might be an orphan, but she wasn't stupid. She understood the graveness of her decision to go against Y, his partner-in-crime, and her coven, but her conscience didn't allow her to keep following a psycho murderer, a greedy old dragon, and her coven who had decided to put aside their traditional values and customs of the witch ancestry. Nora moved as fast as her feet would allow her, gathering each scattered ingredient one by one from the beach. Most of the ingredients
Dom and Iris cautiously stepped outside the cave once they made sure not even a single drop was falling yet. They had been stuck inside the cave for hours and it was almost sunset when the storm passed completely. The wind was chilly and they had no idea how many casualties had occurred. They also wanted to know what happened to Nora, who had seemed sincere enough but never returned. The environment on the island seemed fresh, just like their relationship, for which the storm had proven to be a blessing in disguise. It had helped the two lovers, admit their wrongs, say apologies, patch up, and spend their time confessing to the feelings for each other that they had tried to look past since they met each other. The cold after-storm breeze nipped at their bodies but it was nothing compared to the warm fuzzy feeling they had inside them due to the passionate fire burning inside their hearts for each other. The feeling of fulfillment due to being able to be with their mate without any m
Sussane hadn't stopped crying and justifying herself, even though no one was blaming her. That is why when Lily suggested a salon tour before tomorrow's wedding for the bride and maids of honor, Iris and Sussane quickly agreed. The events had been tiring for everyone in their own way and so they knew a spa massage was necessary. But also because Sussane needed to calm down and she didn't want to spoil Iris' once-in-a-lifetime happiness. And that is how the girls found themselves getting relaxation treatments in the spa first and then all sorts of beauty treatments to look top-notch the day after. It was almost midnight and the girls were almost done, Sussane's nails were in finishing touches, as was Lily's pedicure, while Iris finally stood up arching her back after the last herbal facial she had had. Their stomachs grumbled, announcing how long it had been since they ate before leaving for the spa and they didn't even eat properly due to all the tension. Now the girls were standing
Iris took a deep breath and tried to control her nerves as Clara fixed a pretty garland on top of Iris' freshly curled hair. Sussane hastened to put a thick, long wild-rose necklace on her shoulders and Lily fixed the foliage bracelets on both of Iris' wrists. "Don't you look gorgeous? Reminding me of when I once wore all of these for Nate!" Clara exclaimed, standing back and examining their handiwork. "I remember I was so little, Mom said the same to you when she dolled you up for the Matrimonincipere ritual," Sussane spoke nostalgically. "Lucky you, at least you've met your mother," Lily muttered under her breath though everyone, being super-sensed, heard her. Clara sighed and then picked up the peach blush-on to add some natural blush to Iris' cheeks as she scolded the other two girls, "As much as nostalgic you both might be feeling due to recent circumstances, I know none of you wants to ruin Iris' big day. So let's focus on our bride and Alpha Queen." Iris was being unusually
?This chapter contains elements of ritual animal sacrifice and pagan rituals and mentions of blood. The reader's caution and discretion are advised? "The Groom and Bride may now enter the ring and let the ritual begin." The priest in a floral tunic and a foliated tiara announced. Iris stepped into view simultaneously as Dom and their breaths hitched at each other's sight, just as much as everyone present's heart stopped for an instant in anticipation of the wedding of the millennia. Dom was showing off his chiseled upper body that had toughened over time and emitted the general dragon heat that could melt everyone watching. Iris, on the other hand, looked nothing less than a pagan goddess of nature with her loose curls flowing with the mild island breeze as she, too, showed off her upper body except what the wrapped strapless foliage top covered. Both of them were wearing ancient markings on the visible naked backs of their bodies as they advanced slowly toward each other, holding
It had been days since Matrimonincipere, the first pagan-ish ritual that meant the wedding had officially begun. And now everyone was so busy doing this or that with the preparations for the next event, which was that day in the evening. The Nuptias-in-Mari ritual, which means 'the wedding at sea'. Dom and Iris had been given separate discussions about what to expect, what to do, and how to do it for this ritual. Water was the first of the elementals that were supposed to gain Şekileus' blessings. Only the future Alpha Kings and Queens go through these elemental rituals before the mating and wedding ceremonies. The past two days had been on a very different level for Dom and Iris. Their newfound link had been in continuous use as they made sure to mess with each other from afar. Just like this very moment, when Iris had gone to shower for the day and announced it to Dom quite explicitly through the mind-link, making Dom get up immediately and plan to shower as well to make the scal
The girls and boys both took Iris and Dom, respectively, to shower, change, and get ready for the feast that was being prepared for them. But in fact, they were all so excited to hear what had happened in the night on the lonely raft at sea that they gained Şekileus' immediate blessings so soon. "So you just talked about your tiaras, fished, and went to sleep? That's it?" Sussane asked dubiously. "Umhm. That's right! Though I believe if we could get pneumonia we would've, with the rain and cold breeze and our weird ritual robes." Iris tried to laugh at their disappointment. "Why does it feel hard to believe? And why do we feel inclined to believe that you are keeping something from this tale?" Freddie asked dubiously. "You can believe whatever you want to believe, but I have already told you the whole truth. Maybe if we had more time at the sea, something that you were all expecting would've happened but not yet." Dom explained, trying not to laugh at their disappointment. "Just l
Hello, my beautiful escapists who kept up with my shenanigans throughout the ups and downs of this book. First things first, I love you all. I feel so lucky to have found this platform and through this all of you. I love the comments and I hope you weren't bored with my author notes. Multiple TV shows, novels, and movies came together in my head every night, and I created Iris. Through her I created Dominic and you guys know the rest. I have two news to share with yall. The first one is about this book. I am delighted and proud to tell you guys that 'Under the Dragon's Protection' is available on A****n Kindle. I have ordered my author's copy of the paperback for this book. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, A****n is unable to ship to Pakistan to my remote location in the middle of Thal, the second largest desert in my country. So, I have sought the help of an abroad friend to get it for me and then send it to me by post. The whole procedure will take more than a couple of
Marie had wanted to be the first one to see the Sun on the first day of the year. She had convinced her parents to fly her to the East coast of Japan to stand on the highest point and catch the first rays of the first Sun of the year. They had reached there a day earlier, and Marie was determined to stay awake the whole night, countdown to midnight, and then watch the sunrise before sleeping. Iris was sure she wouldn't make it past ten, but she still promised her daughter not to force her bedtime and in case she does fall asleep, to wake her up before midnight and sunrise. * Dom walked from behind Iris, who was leaning slightly on the balcony railing deep in thought, the mug of tea brewed from local Japanese herbs forgotten in her hands. "Penny for your thoughts, Little Wolf?" Dom whispered close to her ear and took pleasure as her body reacted to his voice. Iris turned around slightly, placing the mug on the nearby table as Dom placed his hands on the railing behind her, envelo
"Daddy, watch out!" But before Dom could duck, a ball of snow flew into his face and then Iris' laugh rang through the chilly morning. "My turn!" Dom laughed louder wiping his face and threatening, "Now, watch out!" He threw the two balls of snow in his big hands, one at each of his girls. Purposefully missing his daughter, making her sweet laugh ring in the crisp morning air. "Mommy, I need more!" Little Marie called out, making Iris temporarily lose concentration and head towards her daughter to create a bunch of little snowballs for her to throw. That's when Dom sneaked behind his wife and masterfully pulled back her neckline to drop a handful of ice down her back, making her shriek and run inside, "Dom! You'll pay for this." "You wanna make snow angels?" Dom offered his daughter who still stood bewildered at what had happened and why had mommy suddenly stopped helping her make more snowballs. She nodded enthusiastically and laid on the snow as Dom joined her and the two str
"Dom, she is too young for this. Wait a few more years." Iris laughed as she read a book and kept watch on baby Marie while her father was doing things nobody expected him to. Ever since the war had been won and peace had been settled. Dominic and Iris chose a secluded place untouched by war or any bad memories, a small cottage beside a private white beach in Brazil, to raise their daughter. Of course, there were times when they had to fly or teleport to a meeting halfway across the world when Freddie or Nora needed them to be present. The Alpha King and Queen could simply not vanish with the little princess. The secret perfectly up-to-date with technology and the magic, basement of the cottage was an example of how Dom and Iris were working from home while giving Marie the childhood that neither of them had. They had settled into this new routine of mundane chores which meant everything to the couple who had seen and suffered so much in their millennia-long lives. Dom had changed
[The semi-smut scene of the patch-up in the cave.] This was the first time a man had looked at her with this hunger and not to harm her but with a need to love her. That was all the motivation either of them needed because they didn't know who began it but with another loud thunder, they were on each other. More like Dom was hoisting Iris by her thighs as she had jumped on him and wrapped her legs around his torso. The patch-up makeout was intense as they kissed each other wanting to drown in the other. Their tongues danced to the wild rhythms of their hearts as their combined shadow danced with fire on the cave walls on the music of the magical storm that was raging outside. Once their lips were kiss-swollen and their lungs could not take the lack of oxygen anymore, they unwillingly separated. But Dom had had enough of staying away and the factors that were trying to pull them apart, so he headed for an attack of kisses and nibbles on her neck making it hard for her to control her
[Dom's dream from the Med-Bay bed after getting rescued from Y's Island and recovering.] Dom outlined the edge of her black lace panties with his teeth as Iris couldn't help but squirm under his ministrations, making Dom stop and look up from his position between her legs and say in his deep sensual voice, "Little wolf, if you don't stay place, these lace panties are not going anywhere tonight!" Iris looked at him doubtfully, "You don't mean that!" Dom sat up straight, revealing his tanned chest that flowed down to his smooth torso ornamented by rigid eight-pack abs and that sexy v-line that made Iris drool. "Try me!" He challenged and Iris was quick to give in, not only because she knew he would do as he said but also because she was too eager to avoid delay. She wanted him and she wanted him soon, so she huffed making her naked breasts jiggle. "Fine!" Dom's bulge in his trousers got more obvious at the show of her hot body lying almost naked on his bed waiting for him to do
Implied Smut. The salty water washed its foam around their feet as their eyes gazed at the mesmerizing sunset. After an exquisite lunch, Iris found herself being led out of the house by Dom and towards the beach. The weather wasn't particularly sunny, but it was perfectly cloudy enough to walk in the not-so-hot sand barefoot and roam around without sunglasses or hats. The salty sea wind blew through their hair and clothes, and Iris felt a sense of euphoria she had always yearned for. Dom couldn't help himself but keep his eyes fixated on his mate. Lady luck had smiled on him, and he couldn't be more grateful. He wanted to provide her with everything she had been missing for centuries. They kept walking silently on the beach, savoring each other's company and the gorgeous beach around them. No exchange of words was needed. Somewhere along the walk, Dom's hand found Iris subtly. She didn't pull it away, relishing in the little skin-on-skin contact they were allowed before the rituals
It is said that there are two parts of war. The battlefield and the aftermath. The battle was won. The cost came in the aftermath. Dom along with his family and those of the deceased was the first one to enter the Shifter Cemetery. It was the huge ground where all the shifters who lost their lives to Y's madness were buried after the war. Those who had been recognizable had tombstones, the rest got collective plates with lists of names of those lost in war. There was an empty grave for the innocent Isabella, about whose whereabouts no one had any idea. But Freddie deserved a place to mourn, and Isabella deserved to be remembered like the rest of the innocent victims. Liliana's body had been recovered, but it would've been unfair to all those who died fighting Waai if she had been buried in their ranks. So Dom had placed her in the backyard of his private mansion, where only the close family would be able to visit and remember. Iris still hadn't been able to entirely move past the
[Warning: This chapter contains an account of childbirth. Readers are advised to proceed with caution.] Dominic walked haphazardly through the emergency field hospital that had been set up by the witches to help the wounded in the war. "We need more people, just give the order and the women can come to aid." Nathaniel was trying to keep up with Dom's pace and convince him. "I cannot allow them to be on the battlefield when I promised their men that their women, children, and elderly would be safe at all costs." Dom looked around at his people, some lying motionless on the makeshift cots with missing limbs, some lying on the ground groaning because there was nowhere else to go, awaiting medical and magical help. "I am not asking you to order them to be here or break your promise. Just give the women a choice. Let the ones who volunteer come and help us get these brave people back on their feet. The war isn't over just because Waai is dead." Nathanial was persistent. Dom suddenly st