Page 131 of Consort of the Dragon King

“Really?” Auslin asked in shock.

“Arenthia never would have consented to it, though. I have no doubt she would have killed Kio’s mother before she ever allowed that to happen.”

It was something Auslin didn’t want to think about, so he shifted his focus. “But if I’m not entirely human or a Power, wouldn’t I be ineligible to form a trinity bond? I thought it could only be a fully human, Power, and shifter.”

“The details of the how and why have been lost to the ages of time,” Kitsuki replied. “I do not believe we have reason to be concerned.”

“But normally when someone is mated, their scent and heats no longer attract anyone but their mate, right?” Auslin asked, still trying to understand. He found the concepts of heats mystifying.

“Yes, but unfortunately, there is no shifter alive who could resist the scent of your Divine heritage,” Kitsuki teased as he nuzzled against Auslin. “It is a powerful aphrodisiac.”

Auslin frowned. “Isn’t that weird, though? My scent mixed with yours should mean no one else is interested in me.”

“As I said, the allure of your Divine heritage is something few shifters could resist.”

Auslin still had questions, but he suspected they were best suited for Kizoshi when he was lucky enough to meet with her again.

“It is not as if I do not understand. I find myself wholly unable to resist your temptation,” Kitsuki murmured as he caressed Auslin’s side with his claws.

The action sent a shiver through Auslin. “The only time you have to resist is when I’m on the verge of my limits.” The mage groaned when Kitsuki shifted positions to pin Auslin under him. “I don’t know how much more I can handle today. You already wore me out earlier.”

Kitsuki gave Auslin a tender kiss. “I will be gentle.”

Auslin’s protests melted away as Kitsuki worshipped his body with the gentlest of touches. It was easy to get lost in the slow swelling of pleasure as their bodies joined in an intimate embrace. Auslin wrapped his arms around Kitsuki’s neck, embedding his fingers in his mate’s beautiful hair. He lost himself in Kitsuki as the ecstasy built up between them.

When Kitsuki felt possessive, his dragon normally surged to the forefront of a rougher coupling. But Kitsuki refused to give in to his dragon as he lovingly satisfied Auslin into the deepest of blisses.

Auslin came with a sigh of relief, completely adrift in his love for his mate. His pleasure escalated further when Kitsuki came inside him, marking him intimately before claiming him with his knot. It was the only thing with the power to take away Auslin’s anxiety about what lay in wait for him in Sybir.

Chapter 64

Kitsuki

Thanks to being able to ride Kitsuki in his massive dragon form, they made good time in reaching Odatam. It hadn’t escaped Kitsuki’s notice how Auslin grew more anxious the closer they came to the capital in Sybir.

As had been the case in Zinnia, countless people stopped Auslin on their way to visit Kehnon’s castle. It shouldn’t have surprised Kitsuki that humans and shifters alike joyously welcomed Auslin’s return. Kitsuki was proud of seeing his mate’s positive influence on so many lives.

It had been some time since Kitsuki had visited Sybir, but nothing seemed noticeably amiss. He wondered if the rumors were wrong about things being worse in Odatam. Those thoughts did not last long as they approached the massive stone castle at the center of the city.

The half-phoenix, half-human ruler of Odatam cut an impressive figure as he greeted them. His long, red hair was streaked with orange highlights, which flowed around his face. He was handsome in his red-and-gold regalia. His scarlet eyes were full of warmth as he smiled while they walked down theaisle to meet him in front of his throne in a formal reception hall. “I am honored at your arrival to Odatam. Welcome!”

Kitsuki tilted his head in acknowledgment. “We appreciate your gracious hospitality. It is good to see you looking so well, Your Majesty.”

“I regret my personal matters prevented me from attending your Fatebonding ceremony,” Kehnon apologized. “I heard it was a truly resplendent occasion befitting of one such as yourself. You have my sincerest congratulations on your union.”

“It was indeed a joyous event,” Kitsuki replied with a smile. “We would be happy to host you in Tiora anytime you wish to visit.”

Kehnon seemed genuinely pleased by the invitation. “I hope there will be a day soon when I can take you up on that splendid offer. It has been far too long since my last visit.” Kehnon turned his attention to Auslin with a look of curiosity. “And you are the mysterious Auslin I have heard so much about.”

“Thank you for your warm welcome,” Auslin said with a formal bow. “I have spent a great deal of time in Sybir over the years. It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.”

“Rumors reached my ears years ago of the amazing human mage who healed shifters, humans, and halflings alike. I have long been curious to meet with you,” Kehnon said. He continued observing Auslin with interest. “I am shocked the rumors left out the fact you are a half-Power.”

“It has been my privilege to help the people of Odatam in my official capacity as a mage from the Fate’s Gate Temple. I have always been warmly received and felt very at home in your lands, for which you have my gratitude.”

“I am pleased you feel that way about Odatam. I am eager to discuss your history here at length with you later. Would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner this evening?”

“Nothing would bring us more pleasure,” Kitsuki replied. “It sounds like we will have much to talk about during our meal.”

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