Page 81 of Consort of the Dragon King

“It was probably Kisano’s only way of stopping his dragon from going that far,” Auslin realized.

Sephen looked so lost, Auslin couldn’t help but feel bad for him. “I don’t understand. Why wouldn’t he want to continue? I wanted it so much.”

Auslin tried to find a delicate way to explain the situation. “Sometimes a shifter’s inner dragon can get a little too carried away, so they have to fight back against it.” It was the bane of Auslin’s existence at the moment since Kitsuki refused to let him do anything for that very reason.

“But I was excited about what we were about to do,” Sephen admitted as he bashfully looked away from his brother. “I didn’t want him to stop.”

“My suspicion is Kisano wanted it as much as his dragon, which is why he got scared.”

“But what if Kisano doesn’t want to go that far with me because I’m human?” Sephen fearfully asked.

“I think that’s a conversation you need to have with Kisano once he recovers.” Auslin was about to say something else when hisvision blackened around the edges. He swayed for a moment before steadying himself.

“I’m sorry, I should let you rest.” Sephen held his hand out to help his older brother off the floor before following him over to the bed.

“Kisano will probably be deeply embarrassed about what happened tonight,” Auslin predicted as he lay down in bed with a sigh. “If Kisano is anything like Kitsuki, don’t let him try to push you away because of that.”

Sephen squeezed his brother’s hand. “I won’t. Thank you for helping him come back.”

Chapter 38

Kitsuki

“What are we supposed to do about this?” Kitsuki asked his sister as he laid Kisano down in his own bed.

“That’s entirely up to Kisano,” Kizoshi replied. “He could lock his dragon away again, but I sincerely doubt that will be possible now that he has had a taste of freedom and Sephen.”

Kisano stirred at the mention of Sephen’s name but remained asleep.

“You do not need to worry so much. This is a good thing,” Kizoshi reassured him. “Now that his dragon has emerged, a mating bond with Sephen is now possible.”

It was something Kitsuki hadn’t considered before, but he was pleased to hear Kisano could find the same happiness he had with Auslin.

Kizoshi affectionately stroked Kisano’s hair. “Kisano will learn how to live in harmony with his dragon, but he will need yours and Uncle Jaega’s help. He will wake soon.”

“You are leaving?” Kitsuki asked in surprise when Kizoshi walked to the door.

“This is a conversation best had between brothers,” Kizoshi said with a playful wink before she exited Kisano’s bedroom.

Almost as soon as the door closed, Kisano woke up in a daze. It took a moment before he jerked upright in fear. “What happened to Sephen?” Kisano demanded in a panicked tone.

“He is fine and unmarked,” Kitsuki answered in a soothing voice, assuming that was his brother’s concern. “He is simply scared he hurt you somehow.”

Kisano hid his face in his hands with a pained groan. “How is this even possible?” He stared in disbelief at the prominent orange markings encircling his arms. “I have lived my entire life without powers or a dragon, so why now?”

“I think we both know the answer to that question,” Kitsuki gently told his brother with a knowing look.

Kisano flushed in embarrassment before his panic returned. “You must send Sephen away. I cannot risk him being hurt because I cannot control my new dragon.”

“You have a responsibility to learn how to control yourself and any powers you may now possess,” Kitsuki said. “Even in its nascent form, your dragon cannot harm Sephen against your wishes.”

Kisano looked down at his hands. “That is not the harm I am worried about inflicting on Sephen.”

“You are concerned your dragon will lay claim to Sephen as your mate,” Kitsuki realized, understanding that fear all too well because it was something he was currently struggling with regarding his own dragon and Auslin.

“He will think I only desire him because of my dragon,” Kisano whispered as he curled up on himself. “How can I face him again when I have ruined the only thing I have ever wanted in my life?”

Kitsuki tried to make his older brother see reason. “I sincerely doubt anything has been ruined. His sole thoughts were concern for your well-being. He was far more troubled he had hurt you. The only thing he did not fear was your dragon.”

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