5. Chapter 5
five
A fter changing into a pale blue shift dress that’s commonly worn for us Netherlings, I let Ethan whisk me away, taking me to one of the nearby towns.
A bustling center with plenty of stores and restaurants greets us, and I can’t stop the pleased smile that crosses my lips as we walk around the busy area.
“You look like you’re in paradise,” Ethan says as he leads me into a store.
“I’ve never done something like this before,” I tell him, my eyes widening in awe as they sweep over beautiful dresses and elegant skirts. My worn boots thud against the wooden floor as I move throughout the store, trying to figure out what to try on first.
Ethan follows me. “You’re a beautiful woman. You should have beautiful clothes.”
My face warms up as I glance over at him. “I’m not used to that, either.”
Ethan tilts his head at me. “What? Being complimented?”
“I suppose. Or teased,” I admit.
Ethan chuckles. “You should get used to it. Try that one on.”
I follow his finger to a long black dress with a tight fitted leather binding around the waist.
The way his green eyes rake over my body fires up my confidence, making me meet his gaze with a daring smile on my face. “For what could I wear something like that?”
The blush on his cheeks doesn’t go unnoticed. “Right now, for me.” Ethan chuckles as he grabs the dress off the rack and hands it to me. “You’ll look beautiful regardless of whom or what you’re wearing it for.”
A tremor of nervousness rattles through me as I walk into the changing room. I’ve never dressed in something so flashy before. My heart still races in excitement as I hope it looks nice on me.
Stripping off my old dress, I put on the new one, carefully tying the strings and smoothing down the sides. The soft fabric hugs my body and stops above my ankles. The high cut in the dress exposes a little bit of my leg.
I step up to the mirror, my gaze following the lines and curves of my body, no longer hidden beneath the flowy fabric of the shift dresses I wear.
“Rodi? Everything okay?” Ethan calls out.
I breathe in deeply and step out of the dressing room. My gaze slowly finds his, and a smile tugs on my lips.
“Wow. I knew it would look great on you, but… you look amazing, Rodi,” he says and shakes his head with a soft chuckle. “Maybe I shouldn’t say that. ”
“Why?” I ask, my cheeks warming up as he edges closer.
Ethan shrugs. “Ares has taken an interest in you. I’m sure you’ve noticed. He wouldn’t like it if his second in command also took an interest,” he replies before clicking his tongue. “But you’re hard to resist.”
Now I’m the one shaking my head with a laugh. “I don’t know what either of you is drawn to.”
As I meet his eyes again, Ethan brushes his thumb along my flushed cheek. “Some connections can’t be explained. Doesn’t mean they don’t exist or that they’re not strong…” He pauses, taking a sharp breath. “Whether it’s mine or Ares’, you’ll be in good hands for a while.”
My heart flutters as I gaze at him, taking in his handsome features and soft eyes. He’s so different from Ares, so much softer.
“What about my heat?” I ask as I wonder why it settled.
“What about it?” he asks as I see the mischief roaming in his green gaze.
“Well, I thought I was going into heat, and then it stopped, I guess. Sometimes, it flares up.” I shrug, trying to make sense of it all.
“A rider’s heat isn’t something that starts on its own—”
“Yes, it does,” I say before he can tell me more.
He shakes his head. “No, we used to believe that and make riders believe that. But actually, the dragon shifters can control when a dragon rider goes into heat.”
“Wait, what? You mean, Dominion Zorn was the reason I went into heat?” I ask.
“Yes, we shifters can use our dragon fire to call your heat. Zorn was old school, so I’m sure he made you think it wasn’t his doing.”
So that’s why I haven’t gone into full heat. But that doesn’t explain the flare-ups I have… or does it?
“And you and Ares do it too?” I watch him closely as the grin fades and he scratches the back of his head .
“Sometimes, our control slips and our dragon calls you without truly meaning to.”
The mischief in his eyes is gone, but I can’t help what I want to say next.
“So, your dragon wants me, not you?” I lift my brow as I tilt my head.
He grabs my hand and tugs me closer. “Do you want to know how much I want you right now?” He mimics my previous stance and tilts his head. “Want to know how it truly feels when I call you?” he taunts as his eyes change. His pupils turn into slits, and heat crawls under my skin, making my knees weak.
My nipples perk painfully as I lean closer to Ethan to steady myself. My thighs tremble, and my insides coil as I feel wetness form.
“Fuck, you smell delicious. I wonder how you taste,” he whispers as his lips graze over my ear.
“Ethan,” I breathe as my free hand curls under his shirt, needing to feel his skin on mine.
“Tell me what you want.” His arms snake around my waist, pulling me flush against him, and a soft moan spills.
“Make that sound again,” he says as his fingers trail from my back down to the curve of my ass.
Realization hits me as I hear shuffling feet and voices, reminding me that we aren’t alone.
As my body tenses, the heat fades and so does Ethan’s touch.
We pant for air as our eyes meet.
“So, little rider, now you know how it feels to hear my call.”
My head continues to spin as my heartbeat gradually slows down. However, that doesn’t stop the yearning tingles that crawl over my skin as Ethan’s gaze doesn’t leave mine.
“It’s unlike anything I’ve felt before,” I say once I catch my breath. There’s a certain uniqueness in his heat and energy. One that sinks into my very soul.
“You’re unlike anyone I’ve ever met.” Ethan traces his fingertips along the curve of my cheek. We hold each other’s gaze for a few seconds before he smiles at me. “I’ll let you get finished up. Pick out a few other dresses that you like, but definitely keep this one.”
I smile back as my heart flutters. I really like this dress too. It makes me feel… different. More confident.
And something tells me that I’m going to need all the confidence I can get going forward, especially if Ethan and Ares continue to be in my life.
I hope they do.
I carefully take off the dress and put my old one back on with a screwed up face, disliking the stiff fabric and boring style even more than usual. There’s no sense of uniqueness or identity in these bland dresses, but I suppose that’s the point.
We’re merely offerings to those more powerful, but Ares doesn’t see me that way. How does he truly see me?
Once I try on a few other dresses and make my final decisions on the three I want, I step out of the changing room for the final time and find Ethan browsing the shoe section, eyeing a pair of ankle boots that also catch my eye. “I think I’ve gotten all the new clothes that I need.”
Ethan chuckles and shakes his head as he turns to face me. “You need shoes to go with your dresses. Your pick. And riding gear.”
I flash him a look as I conjure up an argument, but he lifts an eyebrow at me. It’s a clear, quiet demand to just do as he says, to let him spoil me in a way that no one else has done before. “Alright, fine. ”
After trying on a few shoes and ultimately picking the ankle boots we were both admiring, I manage to convince Ethan that I have enough new clothes.
After we walk out of the store, my stomach starts growling again. I didn’t get a chance to finish all of my food the last time we ate.
“There’s a great place around the corner,” Ethan says as he leads me that way, carrying all of my bags.
I smile to myself as I closely follow behind him as we venture down the sidewalk, passing by other stores and other people as they go from place to place, living their own lives. A light breeze kicks up and blows through my hair. The sound of wind cutting through the air coaxes me to step closer to Ethan and his radiating warmth as I peek up, watching as two dragons fly over town.
Ethan rounds the corner and stops in front of a brick restaurant with two large glass windows on either side of the open door which satisfied customers are pouring out of after a big meal. “This place has the best spicy baked breads with all the different sauces you can imagine.”
The smells of tomatoes and spices drift out onto the sidewalk. My stomach growls in response. “It smells delicious.”
Ethan chuckles and nods as he leads me inside. The sounds of clinking and light chatter fill the inside of the golden-lit restaurant with its dark wooden tables and nicely dressed waiters and waitresses. He walks up to the hostess who stands behind a wooden podium and has her blonde hair tied back in a sleek ponytail.
“Hi! How many?” she asks.
“Two,” Ethan replies as his free hand rests on the small of my back. His touch sends a wave of heat rolling through me.
“This way,” the hostess says before leading us to a table in the back. “Your waiter will be with you shortly. ”
My eyes sweep around the busy restaurant, and I detect the lightest sound of live music playing from the streets outside. “It’s beautiful here.”
The golden-hued lights from above cast a gentle glow on his face, creating subtle shadows that bring out his handsomeness even more.
I don’t even know what to say, but the waiter saves me from having to figure that out. Ethan orders us some red wine, and we both decide to get the chicken parmigiana. While waiting, I tell Ethan a little more about my time in the orphanage, but I only hit the general points, not delving too much into the darkness of my time there.
I don’t want my time there to take over so much of my identity. I can’t change the past, but I can have some control over my future. At least, I hope I can.
Of course, Ethan is as comforting and attentive as always. He offers me sympathy and encouragement for a brighter future, and it still shocks me how different he is from Ares. But I suppose that helps them balance each other out.
When our food arrives after our wine, the steaming heat and delicious aroma draw me in. I can’t stop myself from digging in. “I think this is some of the best food I’ve ever had.”
“There’s a whole world out there for you to experience,” Ethan says. “With Ares’ power and influence, many doors are open for us. They can be open for you too.”
But how far does this arrangement with me and Ares go? How long will it last? I’m left with so many questions, but maybe Ethan can clear some of them up for me.
“So, Ares is a little hard to read,” I comment as we sip on some red wine.
Ethan laughs and nods. “You can say that. It’s easier the longer you know him.”
“How long have you known him for? ”
He tastes his wine before answering, “I’ve known him my whole life. We grew up together. Fought together. Mourned together. Did everything together.”
My mind takes me into a corner I shouldn’t wander. “Everything?” I ask. Two people who have known each other their whole lives can get into all sorts of fun and trouble.
A smirk curls on his lips. “I think I know where you’re taking things. Loved together? You should ask Ares.” He breaks eye contact just for a second before he continues, and it makes me wonder if there’s more that I should know. “We haven’t found our mates yet. We’ve had partners, even shared a few.”
Something about that makes me rub my thighs together under the table as my skin prickles.
I wonder how they are as lovers. Is Ares rough and dirty? Is Ethan gentle and passionate? Both versions make my stomach twist in need, making me squirm a little in my seat. I can’t think about that right now.
A blush warms my cheeks and I quickly glance down. He reaches over the table, taking my trembling hand. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to do anything uninvited. I know how some of these high-ranked asses can be.”
“Is Ares like them?” Maybe Ares has been putting up a mask around me. I can only hope that Ethan will tell me the truth.
“Ares is different from all the rest. That’s why he’s the Aetherion, the King of the Dominions.”
I silently nod, and we finish our meal.
As we stand outside Ares’ door, I turn to Ethan. “I had a really nice time.”
It was nice getting out and about and acting like everything is fine and normal instead of crazy. I don’t know when I’ll get the chance to do something like this again.
“Good.” He steps closer, his fingers grazing over my cheek as he tucks a stray hair behind my ear. “I can’t wait to be alone with you again.”
My face heats as I can’t find my words.
“I’ll see you tomorrow for your birthday,” Ethan says.
“See you tomorrow.”
He grins and nods. “You only turn eighteen once,” he points out before taking my hand and pulling me closer by an inch. “You’re worth celebrating.”
My eyes sting as a lump forms in my throat. I’ve gone through my life feeling so worthless and helpless at times, but he acts like I’m something special, and so does Ares.
I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve their attention, but I appreciate it all. It’s a brief break from my cold, dull reality, a dream that I’m sure I’ll have to wake up from eventually.
“Thank you, Ethan,” I breathe as our eyes lock.
Ethan holds my gaze for a few seconds before leaning forward. My breath hitches as his forehead touches mine, his breath fanning against my lips.
Before our lips touch, the door flies open and Ethan is pushed away from me. Ares storms out into the hallway and looms over Ethan.
“No!” Ares shouts at him. “I told you not to even think about it!”
Ethan narrows his eyes as he stares up at Ares. “Can you blame me for having trouble resisting?” he bites out.
With a hammering heart, I wedge myself between them, not wanting them to fight over something as petty and unimportant as me.
“Stop! Nothing happened. We were saying goodbye,” I shout .
Ares’ nose flares and he steps away with a grunt. “Then say goodbye and come inside,” he growls and storms into his room.
Ethan sighs. “See you tomorrow, little rider.“
I place my hand on his arm. “I don’t want you two to fight.”
“It’ll take an apocalypse and more to tear us apart,” Ethan assures me as he dusts himself off. He then takes my hand and kisses the top of it with a quick wink. “I can get away with that. Goodbye, Rodi.”
“Bye, Ethan.” I smile as a soft tingle remains where his lips touched my skin.
With a shaky breath, I head into the guest room with my bags, stepping into darkness. The lights have already been turned off other than a small lamp on the nightstand.
“Take off your clothes and get into bed,” Ares orders, and a chill rakes up my body. Nerves spike at the sound of his order, and with a trembling touch, I shed my blue shift dress and slide into the bed next to Ares.
“I hope you had a good time,” Ares murmurs as he turns onto his side to face me.
“I did.” I pause and inch closer, my heartbeat ringing in my ears. “Please, don’t be mad at Ethan.”
He grumbles, his eyes glowing in the darkness. “I don’t like to share.”
“Truly, I’m not anybody’s yet,” I point out, unable to hold my tongue. “I have no mate. You have no mate. Ethan has no mate. We’re just broken souls wandering around until we find our other piece.”
“How devastatingly accurate,” Ares murmurs. “Turn over.”
I gulp and turn to my other side. A shaky breath leaves me when his arm drapes over my side. His bare chest presses against my back, his warmth seeping into me, and my racing heart calms, my breaths slow as I’ve never felt so safe before.
“You smell like Ethan,” he grumbles.
“You should be used to the smell,” I say, remembering Ethan’s comment about shared lovers as Ares’ nose brushes my hair.
“Not on someone I want,” Ares says as he holds me tightly against him.
“I don’t know why you want me,” I whisper.
Ares pauses, and the silence pains me. My ribs tighten, and I’m sure this is the moment I get the answer I dread.
“Because it feels right,” Ares finally says, and the tension in my body fades as tears prickle my eyes. “Get some rest. You have a big day tomorrow.”
Right. Tomorrow, I turn eighteen, and everything changes. I blink away the prickle and focus on tomorrow.
A new phase of my life begins, and it’s far more complicated than I ever imagined it. I’ll be able to find my mate or realize he isn’t here.