Chapter 24
TWENTY-FOUR
DRAVEN
Draven’s obsidian dragon circled the castle gardens’ ancient clearing after he killed Veyra’s dragon.
His dragon’s satisfaction ran bone-deep when Veyra’s emerald form had plummeted into the volcanic ridges below, taking with her eighteen years of manipulation, murder, and twisted revenge.
She’d killed his father when Draven was barely more than a boy, murdered his mother in cold blood, and today she’d tried to destroy his mate and her family.
No more.
The clearing’s familiar obsidian stones came into view, and Draven banked sharply, his powerful wings stirring the air as he touched down. Lila’s crimson dragon landed beside him, her scales still gleaming with battle-fire residue and blood.
My warrior queen.
The transformation back to his human form felt like shedding armor—bones reshaped, scales dissolved, and within moments he stood naked in the garden where their love story had truly begun.
Lila materialized beside him, equally bare and bleeding from her shoulder, her green eyes bright with adrenaline and relief.
He quickly closed the distance between them. “Lila, we need to get your shoulder looked at,” he said, his voice filled with concern.
“It’s fine, Draven. It’s just a little scratch,” she replied adamantly.
“Draven, you’re alive! Thank God.” Jarek’s voice carried across the clearing as his best friend approached with Gerri, both carrying bundles of clothing.
Gerri’s eyes sparkled with unmistakable pride as she handed Lila a simple white sundress. “Nothing like a good old-fashioned dragon battle on your coronation day.”
Draven accepted the jeans and black t-shirt from Jarek, his alpha instincts still humming with protective energy. “Where’s Lila’s family?”
“Safe inside with Nyra,” Gerri replied, her tone gentling. “Lisa and Liam are recovering from their aerial adventure. Being dangled from dragon claws isn’t exactly part of a typical family outing.”
Lila’s relief flooded through their solidified mate bond as she slipped the sundress over her head. “Thank you, Gerri. For everything. If you hadn’t shot Corin—”
“Oh, honey.” Gerri waved a dismissive hand, though her expression remained fierce. “That backstabbing little weasel was about to put a bullet in our beloved dragon king. Nobody threatens my matchmaker family and gets away with it.”
My matchmaker family.
Draven felt a surge of warmth toward the enigmatic matchmaker who’d orchestrated his and Lila’s entire love story. “You saved my life, Gerri. I won’t forget that.”
“You can repay me by making some beautiful heirs for this kingdom,” Gerri shot back with a wicked grin. “Preferably sooner rather than later. I have a reputation to maintain.”
Heat flooded Draven’s body at the thought of Lila carrying his children. His alpha nature practically purred at the idea.
“Gerri!” Lila’s cheeks burned crimson, but her laugh was pure joy.
They soon made their way back toward the ancient fountain where the coronation had taken place. Most of the crowd had dispersed during the chaos, but Lyric remained with several council members and castle staff, coordinating the cleanup with his usual efficiency.
The head councilor’s weathered face broke into a smile as he spotted them approaching. “Your Majesties.” He held out their crowns—the obsidian and gold circlet for Draven, the delicate ruby-and-crystal tiara for Lila. “I believe these belong to you.”
The weight of the crown settling on Draven’s head felt different now—not burdensome, but balanced. Beside him, Lila stood tall as Lyric placed her tiara with ceremonial precision.
“The bravery and unity you both displayed today,” Lyric said solemnly, “proves beyond doubt that our kingdom is in capable hands. The way you protected each other, protected our people—this is what true leadership looks like.”
Pride swelled in Draven as he looked at his queen. “Lila showed courage that humbled us all. She’s everything a queen should be—strong, compassionate, and fearless. Our kingdom will see a new dawn under her guidance.”
“Our guidance,” Lila corrected softly, her hand finding his. “We rule together.”
Together. Always.
“I can hardly wait to help shape this beautiful new kingdom with you both,” Lyric said warmly.
“Speaking of shaping things,” Gerri interjected, linking her arm through Lyric’s with practiced charm, “why don’t we go celebrate somewhere and let these two check on their family? I know a lovely little place that serves the most divine Sidaii wine.”
Lyric’s eyes sparkled as Gerri practically dragged him away. “It seems I have no choice in the matter.”
“You never do with Gerri,” Draven called after them, earning a laugh from the retreating pair.
As they headed toward the castle, Lila’s urgency pulsed through their bond. “I need to see them now. Make sure they’re really okay.”
The grand living room buzzed with animated conversation as they entered. Lila’s mother Lisa sat on the plush sofa beside Harper, both women gesturing expressively as they recounted their experience to Nyra. Liam paced near the fireplace, his eyes bright with excitement rather than trauma.
“Lila!” Lisa rose as her daughter rushed across the room.
Draven watched with deep satisfaction as Lila wrapped both her mother and brother in a fierce embrace, tears of relief streaming down her face.
“I was so scared I’d lose you both,” she whispered.
“Are you kidding?” Liam pulled back with a grin. “That was the most incredible thing I’ve ever experienced. Your dragon form, Lila—you’re absolutely magnificent.”
“Badass is more like it,” Harper added with characteristic bluntness. “I’ve seen you handle crisis situations before, but dragon-shifting to save your family? That’s next-level heroic.”
Lisa cupped Lila’s face gently. “We’re so proud of the queen you’ve become, sweetheart. The way you fought for us, for Draven—your father would be bursting with pride.”
Through their sacred mate bond, Draven felt Lila’s heart overflow with love and belonging.
Lisa turned to face him, her green eyes luminous with emotion. “Draven, thank you,” Lisa said softly. “For saving Lila’s life. For protecting all of us.”
Draven’s alpha instincts stirred at the gratitude in her voice. “That’s what I do,” he said simply. “I protect my mate and her family.”
Later that evening, Draven and Lila lay in their bed in their private chambers, the fire in the hearth casting flickering shadows across the obsidian walls.
The events of the day—Veyra’s downfall and Lila finally becoming his queen—still echoed in his mind.
But now, in the quiet of their sanctuary, all that mattered was them.
She was sprawled beside him, her dark hair fanned out on the pillows, and her green eyes full of warmth.
His gaze lingered on the bandage on her shoulder, a reminder of her bravery today.
He’d insisted on tending to her wound himself, his alpha instincts flaring at the sight of her in any kind of pain.
“How’s your shoulder feeling?” he asked, his voice low and rough with worry. His fingers traced the edge of the bandage lightly, careful not to press too hard.
“It’s perfectly fine,” she said, brushing off his worry with a small smile.
“You’re the one who needs checking.” She sat up, her hands moving to the bandages that had covered his burns.
The wounds had healed remarkably fast, thanks to his dragon’s enhanced healing, but she still insisted on inspecting them constantly. “Let me see.”
Draven chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that vibrated through his chest. “You’re worse than the castle healer, you know that?
” But he didn’t protest as her hands worked deftly, unwrapping the bandages around his chest and arms. Her touch was gentle, yet it sent sparks through him, igniting a primal heat.
She leaned back, her eyes scanning his bare torso with a mixture of admiration and relief. “Looks like you’re miraculously healed,” she said, her fingers brushing over the now-smooth skin where the burns had been. “No more bandages.”
“Told you I’d be fine,” he said, his voice dropping to a low growl as he reached for her, pulling her closer. “But you? You’re my priority now.”
She laughed softly, the sound like music to him. “Draven, I’m fine. Really.”
He didn’t respond immediately, his eyes locking onto hers.
The firelight danced in her gaze, and for a moment, he was lost in her.
This woman had done more than just save his kingdom.
She’d saved him. His mind, his heart, his very soul.
The fire madness that had haunted him for years was gone, replaced by a calm he hadn’t known since he was a boy. And it was all because of her.
“You’ve stabilized me,” he said softly. “My mind’s clear. My heart’s steady. You’ve made me the man I always should’ve been, Lila. I didn’t think I could ever feel this way. This whole.”
Her hand cupped his cheek. “You just needed someone to remind you of who you are. And now you have me. Always.”
His chest swelled with something fierce and primal. Gratitude. Love. Possession. “Thank you,” he murmured. “For choosing me. For being my queen.”
“Draven,” she whispered, “you don’t have to thank me. Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
Her words sent a jolt of heat through him, and he couldn’t hold back any longer.
His lips crashed into hers, a kiss that was equal parts passion and reverence.
He poured everything into it—his gratitude, his love, and his need.
Her hands tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, and he groaned into her mouth, the sound low and possessive.
When they finally pulled apart, he didn’t let her go.
Instead, he trailed his lips down her neck, his hands sliding down her body until they found the hem of her nightgown.
He tugged it up and over her head, leaving her bare before him.
His breath caught at the sight of her—her skin glowing in the firelight, and her curves perfect and inviting.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his lips finding the sensitive spot just below her ear. “My perfect queen.”
Her hands gripped his shoulders as he lavished attention on her breasts, his tongue swirling around one nipple while his fingers teased the other. She gasped, her back arching, and he felt a surge of pride at the way she responded to him.
He would never tire of this—of her. He moved lower, his lips and tongue tracing a path down her stomach until he reached the apex of her thighs. She was already wet for him, and the scent of her arousal was intoxicating.
“Draven,” she breathed, her fingers tangling in his hair as he settled between her legs.
He didn’t need further encouragement. His tongue flicked over her sensitive clit, and she let out a moan that went straight to his cock.
He worked her slowly and deliberately, savoring every sound she made and every shiver that rocked her body.
His fingers joined in, slipping inside her, curling just right to send her spiraling over the edge.
She came with a loud cry, her body trembling beneath him, and he drank her in.
But he wasn’t done. Not even close.
“Lila, get on your hands and knees,” he growled, his voice thick with desire.
She glanced at him, a playful smile tugging at her lips, but she obeyed, shifting onto her hands and knees on the bed.
The sight of her like that—her back arched and her ass perfectly framed—was almost enough to bring him to his knees.
He positioned himself behind her, his hands gripping her hips as he guided his hard cock to her entrance.
“Ready for me?” he asked, his voice a low rumble.
“Always,” she whispered, her voice breathless with anticipation.
He pushed into her slowly, savoring the way she stretched around him, and the way her warm, tight heat enveloped him. She let out a moan, her head dropping forward.
“You feel so good,” he murmured, his hands tightening on her hips as he began to move.
His thrusts were slow and deliberate, each one drawing a gasp or moan from her.
He loved the sounds she made, the way her body responded to his, and the way she pushed back against him, meeting him stroke for stroke.
Her ass looked incredible as he gripped her hips, the heat of her skin against his palms driving him wild.
“Faster,” she begged, her voice strained with need. “Harder. I can take it.”
He didn’t need to be told twice. His thrusts deepened, his pace quickened, and she cried out, her hands gripping the sheets as she pushed back against him.
The sound of their bodies coming together filled the room, a primal rhythm that matched the beat of his heart.
He could feel her pleasure through their mate bond, each wave of sensation heightening his own.
She was close—he could feel it—and he wasn’t far behind.
Within minutes, her orgasm hit her like a powerful tidal wave, her body shaking as she screamed out her pleasure.
The sight of her undone, the way her inner muscles clenched around him, sent him over the edge.
He came with a loud groan, his release spilling deep inside her, his hips jerking with the force of it.
As they collapsed onto the bed, both breathless and sated, he felt a strange, tingling energy emanating from her belly. His dragon stirred, sensing something new and alive. He pulled her close, his hand resting on her stomach as a surge of protectiveness washed over him.
“Lila,” he murmured, his voice filled with awe. “I think we just created our first heir.”
She turned to him, her eyes wide with surprise and then soft with wonder. “Draven,” she whispered, her hand covering his. “Are you sure?”
He nodded, a smile spreading across his face. “Yes, our family’s just beginning.”
She nestled into his arms, her head resting on his chest, and he held her tightly. In that moment, everything felt perfect.
Their kingdom was safe, their bond was unbreakable, and their future was brighter than the twin moons.