Healed by the Earth Dragon Prince: Dragon Shifter Romance (Elemental Dragon Warriors Book 4)

him in an instant. But my feelings are more complicated. I wish I could trust, but after what Edward did to me, I’ve feared getting too close to anyone.
“So, what are you going to do about Kaj?”
I shrug. “I... I don’t know. I mean, I only just met him today.”
Lilly takes my hand. Her eyes meet mine. “He’s not like Edward, Anna.” My friend knows me so well. Lilly, Talia, and Skye are the only ones who know that Edward tried to rape me. “If he were, Varus would not be his friend. Why don’t you try to get to know him and see if you have anything in common? I mean... did you feel anything when you first met him? I saw you two talking for a while.”
My cheeks flush with warmth at the memory of meeting him. There’s no denying Kaj is handsome. I did feel an instant attraction to him, but that’s not the same as love at first sight. “He’s my type, if that’s what you’re asking. Or at least he seems to be, from what little I know. Things were going well—we were just getting to know each other—when he sprung the whole you’re-my-mate speech on me this evening and ruined everything.”
“Well then,” Skye smiles brightly. “That’s a good start, don’t you think?”
I force a smile onto my face, hoping they’ll stop trying to convince me. I certainly hope it’s a good start because I don’t want to think about what could happen if I upset Kaj.
What I don’t tell my friends is that deep down, I’m terrified. I’m worried this nice guy routine is all just an act like it was for Edward. I’m afraid we’ll get close, close enough that I’ll let down my guard and then...
I shudder inwardly.
It’s late by the time I finally return to my new room in the palace. A large four poster bed made of dark wood floats in the center of the room. The thick red comforter looks plush and inviting. In the corner is a small fireplace and despite its size it puts out quite a bit of heat.
Varus said the Drakarians have never used their fireplaces as much as they have since we arrived. Apparently, they are able to regulate their body temperatures more effectively than humans.
A light breeze blows in from the balcony, swaying the silken red curtains back and forth. If it wasn’t so cold in the desert at night I’d be tempted to leave the door open. But I know it will only get cooler, so I move to close the door.
After I take a bath in the sunken bathing pool of the cleansing room, I wrap myself up in a robe and lie down in bed. Staring up at the ceiling, I think about my conversation with my friends. Lilly and Skye seem content with their mates. Poor Talia lamented how she wished Llyr’s chest would glow with the fate mark for her.
I know she must think I’m ungrateful, but it’s different for me and Kaj. I only just met him, whereas she at least has spent more than half a day getting to know Llyr.
With a heavy sigh, I roll over onto my side. Maybe if the Wind Clan hadn’t attacked us today, I’d feel differently. But Drakarians are possessive, and even without the fate bond, the Wind Clan was willing to steal us just because we are female and they want a chance at finding their fated mates.
Part of me wonders if Kaj won’t take no for an answer. That’s what concerns me.
I draw in a deep breath and force the terrible memories of Edward from my thoughts. I don’t want to live my life in fear, but that’s easier said than done. I wish Kaj was just a regular guy that I could date, instead of my supposed fated mate. I know how important the fate bond is to the Drakarians.
I wonder how long he’ll be patient with me before he decides he has waited long enough.

Chapter 8
Kaj
Although I am certain the humans still recovering in the medical center are well cared for, I go to check on them anyway. Ranas is still there when I enter. His eyes dart to the fate mark on my chest.
He claps a hand on my shoulder. “I have heard you are to bond with Anna.” He grins. “She is a good match for you, I think. She is brilliant, and her personality suits yours—thoughtful and introspective like you.”
I nod. “In only the short time I have spent in her presence, I have been amazed by how quickly she seems to be adapting to our world. Even without our healing fires, she is a capable healer in her own right.” I look down at my hands. “But she does not want me as her mate.”
Ranas shakes his head. “The humans are different, cousin. They neither recognize nor feel the pull of the bond. Give her time to get to know you.” He places a hand on my shoulder and meets my eyes evenly. “But whatever you do, you must not pressure her. There is… something you must know about Anna.”
The look on his face worries me. “What is wrong, Ranas? Tell me.”
“I have spent much time with Anna, teaching her to use our technology. She is comfortable with me now, I believe. But at first, she was wary of my presence. I asked Princess Lilliana about Anna because they are good friends, and she told me that something happened to Anna on the ships. Something that made her cautious of males.”
My chest tightens. “Someone hurt my mate?”
Frowning, he nods. “That is the impression I received. However, I do not know the details, for she would share no more with me.”
My hands curl into fists at my side at the thought of someone abusing my mate. My opinion of human males is dropping with each passing moment. A growl rumbles my chest. “The human males should be kept isolated