Draechen's Mate [Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 2] (Siren Publishing Epic Romance, ManLove) Read Online Free PDF Page A

breath, Karein steeled himself for what would soon come and stepped out of his quarters. As he walked toward the throne room, everyone he met on his way stopped to salute and congratulate him. Some of them seemed honestly enthusiastic about it, although Karein suspected that had something to do with the fact they suspected this mating might keep him from running amok. Others put on forced smiles, but their skepticism was more than obvious.
    In the end, Karein was glad to reach his destination. As he stopped in front of the huge doors and waited to be announced, Hareem jogged to his side. “Well, you’re looking sharp,” he commented. “You want to make a good first impression to your new mate, hmm? Maybe you won’t scare this one away.”
    Karein glowered at his brother, wishing his brother to just shut the fuck up. Hareem seemed in one of his moods today, because he shivered and smirked. “Well, that won’t work. You’ll just make it worse.”
    “I hardly think it could get any worse than last time,” Karein shot back. “Now are you capable of being serious for one minute, or do I have to remind you what we both stand to lose?”
    He hated making threats, especially within earshot of the guards, but Hareem’s behavior had become increasingly erratic since a few months back. He’d been unpredictable before, but now, his temper came in outbursts, as if he couldn’t decide how to react to his environment. More often than not, he ended up teasing Karein, who was the only one who knew the reason behind this strangeness. But if this continued for much longer, not even Karein would be able to keep their father from learning the secret Hareem kept.
    Fortunately, his reprimand silenced Hareem. His brother nodded, straightening his back, visibly leashing his dragon side. Just in time, too, because finally, the huge doors in front of them opened, allowing them inside. Karein and Hareem walked past the guards into the humongous throne room. His mother and sister were already there, as was, of course, his father.
    “Ah, Shtamakarein.” From her throne, Rowenasheb urged him closer. “Very good. I see you’re ready to receive our guests.”
    “Indeed,” Karein answered. “Is there anything else you’d like to tell me?”
    His father’s large dragon form appeared in front of him, the floor shaking under his massive paws. “Actually, yes,” he said in Karein’s mind. “We will be pushing for a quick wedding. Likely, it will take place here since the last thing the fae want is for us to step onto their territory. Keep in mind that your fiancé’s mother will probably not attend. If she does so, avoid her. We don’t need someone like the High Priestess around here. But most importantly, watch your future mate at all times. Remember your task is to find out information that will give us cause for the war. He will make a wrong move sooner or later, and we will be there to exploit it.”
    “I live and die by your command,” Karein replied formally. “And what will happen at that time, once we learn something of use for the empire?”
    “The war, of course,” the emperor answered. “But as your prize, you will be allowed to keep the fae. If nothing else, he will serve as a good vessel to sate your lusts.”
    At that, Karein’s mother grinned. “A win all around, don’t you agree, Shtamakarein?”
    “Of course,” Karein answered, suppressing his dragon’s anger and frustration. “As always, thank you for your generosity.”
    Even as he spoke, though, he wondered how in the world he’d manage to stop the war. He might be able to lie with regard to what he learned for Sareltae, but how long would that keep them happy? What could possibly stop his father’s plans for good?
    Karein had a feeling he knew the answer, and he feared it. Because as long as Kavehquader led Ornoz, the paranormal world would be forever headed toward disaster. Whether the magical creatures knew it or not, time was running out, and