Legion: Alpha Dragon Shifter Romance (Dragon Rules Series Book 1)

Mara, you are in pain. Tell me how to help you.
The sympathy in his voice sliced through her. The tears rolled down her cheeks in a river of emotion. I need a minute alone. She heard him growl as she blocked him from her mind.

Chapter 18
Mara stared out the large window at the front of the shop. The store was dark, allowing her to watch people walking under the lit streetlights. She found the bustle at night refreshing. The melodic ebb and flow of city life. Legion offered a gallery of her own. As she stood staring out the same window she had as a child, she found her priorities had changed. Her childhood home had become a part of her, its rustic beauty and richness of history, called to her more than ever. She hoped Legion wouldn’t ask her to give it up.
“I would never ask such a thing.” Legion said in a low voice.
She whirled around, clutching her chest. “You scared the life out of me.”
Legion leaned against the barrister that led upstairs. “If you had not blocked me, you would have known I was approaching you.”
She turned back to the window. “I’m sorry, it isn’t you. I just feel so...”
His arms circled her, pulling her against his chest. His warmth infusing her. “Betrayed. I understand. We need to talk to Tempest and Alana. The loft is small. I thought we would be more comfortable in the sitting area here. Conner will make tea and coffee for us, and Draco is getting some treats from the bakery.”
Mara glanced over to the couch when she heard the exaggerated yawn. Thorn put his head on the couch. She walked over to him and hugged him. “I forgot he was here.”
Legion joined her. “He was making sure we were undisturbed. He seems to have taken a liking to the attention the females are giving him.”
Mara smiled. “He’s so beautiful. It’s hard to believe he is a dragon. How did you get him here?”
“Draco brought him. Thorn stands on our backs when we fly. He still enjoys being in the sky.”
Mara pet Thorn. His tongue lolled out in satisfaction. “That would be something to see.” She glanced upstairs. “You can tell them to come down.”
“Conner is bringing them now.”
Tempest descended the stairs with her arms hitched with Conner’s. He went slowly, allowing her to feel each descending step with her foot as she slid her other hand down the railing. Alana and Natalie followed behind them. Natalie looked worried and kept darting glances at the stricken Alana. Mara’s sister looked like she was in physical pain. Slight tremors racked her body. Alana was never one to cry, yet she looked on the verge of tears.
Conner got Tempest settled in a single chair, while Natalie and Alana took the loveseat. Legion stood behind the couch where Mara sat.
Tempest held out her hand to Thorn, who went to her immediately. “I have a wolf too. Her name is Daisy. I will introduce you later. She is sleeping upstairs.”
Legion watched the girl pet Thorn. “How did you know he was here?”
Tempest shrugged. “When you are blind, your other senses are more acute. I can hear the difference in his breathing. Usually I can smell animals too, but I can’t with him. You must have bathed him.”
Legion glanced at Thorn. There was a sadness in Legion with the furry member of his clan. “Tempest, what can you tell me about Devlin? Did he have any other... stepdaughters?”
Tempest flinched, but continued to pet Thorn. “No, but he was looking for other talented young women for a project. I assumed it was art-related.”
Legion crossed his arms. “How so?”
Tempest shrugged. “He wanted women with specific talents. He was looking for a treasure hunter. I assumed it was to find rare artwork.”
Alana rubbed her forehead. “A seeker. That’s me.”
Legion eyes hardened as he looked at Alana. “You and I are going to have a private conversation soon.”
Alana rolled her eyes. “I can’t wait.”
Legion turned back to Tempest. “Go on, honey.”
Tempest nibbled her bottom lip. “I’m unsure what to say. I didn’t know the truth. I don’t remember the beatings or...”
Legion walked around the couch and sat beside Mara. His hand closed over hers. “I know this is hard. We need as much information as possible. The girls you went to camp with are in danger.”
Tempest nodded. “He mentioned the prophet last week.”
Legion sighed. “The seer. That’s Mara. Did he ever mention the gatekeeper?’
Tempest glanced at the ceiling. “No, I don’t think so.”
“He must have known he had her. What other talents was he looking for?” Legion asked.
Draco entered the shop. He placed a box of mixed baked goods on the table, then passed one to Tempest. She took the donut from him before turning to Legion. “He mentioned needing the fire queen. I thought it was a painting.”
Legion pinched the bridge of his nose. “An elemental.”
Mara touched his arm. “What is an elemental?”
Legion turned to her. “An elemental can control the elements. They have a specialty. Air, earth, wind or fire. They are very powerful and were rare.”
Mara rubbed her forehead. “All druids are rare now.”
“Yes.” Legion turned back to Tempest. “Who else is he looking for.”
Tempest swallowed a piece of donut. “He said he needed a botanist. I assumed it was for the mansion grounds.”
Legion frowned. “A botanist? That could be the daughter.”
Alana leaned forward, grabbing a muffin from the box. “What is the daughter? I have never heard that term.”
“She is Mother Nature’s chosen daughter. She can control plants, trees, and alter natural growth patterns in ways those with magic cannot.”
Mara rubbed her face. “I don’t understand. Can’t magic do anything?”
Legion shook his head. “No. There is a price if you alter the natural order too drastically. The extent of that price depends on the consequences of your actions.”
Tempest wiped some powdered sugar from her lips. “What does that mean?”
Legion sighed. “If you’re cut and you heal a minor injury, there will be no price to