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

lands are more suited to wingless residents than the rest.
Llyr must realize this, too, because he turns to Varus. “Despite lacking the ‘paradise’ that the humans crave, your cities can easily be modified to accommodate their needs.”
“The same could be done in my lands,” I interject. The very thought fills me with hope. I want my mate to be happy. Perhaps I can convince Anna to visit our territory while I court her.
Llyr’s gaze drops to my chest, examining the dim glow of the fate mark on my scales. “Who has drawn your attention?”
I sigh heavily. “The healer, Anna.”
“Has she accepted you?”
Clenching my jaw, I shake my head. I note that he runs his hand absently over his chest with a saddened air.
Cautiously, I ask, “Do you feel the pull of the bond as well?”
“Yes, I feel it toward Talia. But she refuses to accept me.”
My head jerks back in surprise. “Why?”
“She is worried that I have mistaken her for my linaya because the fate mark has not appeared to confirm what I already know in my hearts. She does not want to fall in love with me and risk losing me to someone else.”
At this moment, I feel as if we are two kindred spirits, each longing to be claimed by our mates. Except, if he had the mark, his mate would accept him, I think to myself bitterly.
I look to Varus. “Has Lilliana mentioned Anna to you? Ranas thinks she may have suffered some trauma on the ships.”
His expression darkens. “Yes. A male she was close to, on the ships, tried to force-mate her.”
Murderous thoughts enter my mind as anger churns deep in my gut. “Where is this male? Is he among the ones we rescued?” If he is, I will end him right now.
He shakes his head. “No. He died before the attack by the pirates.” He places a hand on my shoulder. “But you must realize that this experience, along with the attack this day, has made her wary of all males. I do not blame her,” he adds. “In her place, I would probably feel the same.”
Raidyn steps forward. “Do the humans know that the Wind Clan had no intention of force-mating them?”
Varus’s head snaps toward him. “How would they? All the humans understand is that they were almost taken against their will. Of course, they are afraid they would have been force-mated by your people. They do not understand that force-mating is a crime punishable by death on this world.” He clenches his jaw. “We must make sure every Drakarian knows that abduction will not be tolerated either.”
Raidyn hangs his head in shame. “My father and cousin have caused so much damage this day. Not just to your city, but also to our relationship with the humans. It will take a long time to repair.”
He is right. I resolve to do whatever I can to convince Anna that I am a male of honor. One that would never harm her. One who is worthy of becoming her mate.

Chapter 9
Anna
When I wake in the morning, I have a quick breakfast with Lilly and Talia. Prince Llyr and his sister, Noralla, left for their home in the Water Clan this morning. Skye and Raidyn have already returned to Wind Clan territory. Apparently, Raidyn needs to establish his rule now that he has taken over and his father is no longer King.
I worry for Skye, but from what I saw yesterday, Raidyn would die to protect her. Closing my eyes, I remember how he shielded her and took the fire from the blaster when John tried to kill her. If the shot hadn’t torn through Raidyn’s wing first, it would most likely have killed my friend.
When I first declined Kaj’s advances, his reaction told me he is willing to do whatever it takes to convince me that I am his linaya. I’m worried that he might do something drastic if I reject him again. He seems like a good person, but I know all too well that looks can be deceiving.
I’m so lost in thought when I turn the corner to enter the medical center that I nearly collide with Kaj. I lift my head and my eyes snag on the glowing fate mark swirling across the green scales on his chest.
“Are you all right?” he asks, his golden eyes full of concern.
“I’m fine. I just wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”
His expression hardens. “You should always be mindful of your surroundings. It is dangerous to—”
I put my hand up to silence him. “You know what? I don’t need you to tell me what to do, all right?”
“But I am your mate. It is my job to see that you are safe and protected,” he argues.
I huff out a frustrated sigh. “You are not my mate.”
He looks down at his chest, then back up at me, his brow furrowed deeply.
“And I don’t care what that says.” I gesture at the swirling mark on his chest. “I decide who I give my heart to. Not fate or some random cosmic force. Me.” I point at my chest as I enunciate firmly. “I choose who I love. And you’re not my mate until I say you are. Got it?”
I’m expecting him to argue, but instead, he straightens his shoulders and puffs out his chest as if trying to impress me. His nostrils flare as he stares down at me, his pupils blown wide so that only a thin golden line is visible around the edges. “Challenge accepted.”
With that, he walks away, leaving me gaping. “Challenge? What the hell?”
Shaking my head, I walk over to Ranas, Kaj’s cousin. He chuckles softly as I approach. “What’s so funny?”
He arches a teasing brow. “I did not think you were interested in my cousin, and yet, you have challenged him to prove himself so you may judge his worth as a mate.”
“What?” I ask, my voice rising in pitch. “I did no such thing. What are you