Her Elemental Dragons: The Complete Series
Her Elemental Dragons: Stroke the Flame: Chapter 8

I pulled out a chair and sat across from my future mate, taking her in. She was certainly beautiful, with an inner strength in her hazel eyes that made my gaze want to linger on her. That would make this situation easier, at least. I had no intention of ever giving her my heart, but if I was forced to be with her for the rest of my life, it helped I found her pleasing to look at. But was she ready for what we had to do next? Were any of us, for that matter?

“So you’re the future Jade Dragon?” the soldier asked me. “Show us what you can do.”

I leaned back and crossed my arms. “These powers were given to us by the Gods so we can protect people. Not to use idly.”

He scoffed. “What’s the point of having them if you can’t have a little fun now and then?”

“Sorry, but I have to agree with Slade on this one,” the nobleman said. “Our powers should be used wisely, although we need to practice with them too, of course. We can enjoy that part, at least. I’m Auric, by the way.”

“Jasin,” the soldier said.

So these were two of the men I’d be sharing my mate with. I shook my head at their youthful eagerness. They sat closely on either side of Kira, as if already staking their claim on her. The soldier in particular seemed impatient and overly excited, especially the way he was constantly moving, like he was full of energy he couldn’t contain. The nobleman was calmer but had his head in the clouds, as evidenced when he pulled out a journal and began jotting down notes. Kira simply watched us all as though she couldn’t believe her eyes. I didn’t blame her.

I had probably ten years or more on all of the people at this table. It made sense that they were chosen—they were in the prime of their lives and ready to go on adventures, full of idealism and big dreams of saving the world. They likely had nothing tying them down either. Not me though. I’d already tried to help save the world and gave up on that task. Back home I had a good, stable life, one I wasn’t ready to leave behind. Why had the Earth God chosen me instead of someone else? How could he expect me to just abandon everything I’d spent my entire life building up?

After he visited me, I’d struggled with my new destiny. I’d always been devoted to the Gods, and one couldn’t simply turn down new powers and a divine mission. But I’d waited as long as I could to leave my home and travel here, even though it was only a day’s ride away. If not for the nagging feeling in my gut, I might not have left at all.

I didn’t ask for this. I didn’t want this. I still wasn’t sure I was the right person for the role of Jade Dragon. But even with all my doubts, I was here and I was fully committed to our mission. I would do whatever it took to serve the Gods and protect Kira.

It was my duty, after all.