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

furniture carved of ornate, dark wood and several tapestries on the wall depicting Drakarians in draka form, the space reminds me of a medieval castle.
I wonder if each Clan’s royal castle looks like this one. My thoughts drift again to Kaj. He’s a prince, but I would never have known just by talking to him. He seems so... normal. He doesn’t put on any airs. I close my eyes as I picture his face and that handsome smile. My body fills with warmth as I remember his lips brushing across my skin when he kissed my hand.
The image of him presenting himself to me and flexing his biceps floats to the surface of my mind. His entire body is covered in thick layers of corded muscle. He is masculine perfection incarnate.
Closing my eyes, I reach up and trace the hem of my robe, pulling it slightly open. I run my hand down my body, imagining the smooth, silken scales of his palms gliding over me.
A gentle breeze blows in through the open windows. The warm air skates across my skin, reminding me of when he breathed the soothing warmth of his healing fire across my shoulders and neck.
With a heavy sigh, I roll onto my side. I shouldn’t be fantasizing about the man. There’s no denying that I’m attracted to him, but I don’t know him well enough to just accept that we’re meant to be together. What happens if we don’t work out? I doubt he’d be all right with just parting ways.
That’s where my true fear lies. I remember the day I told Edward I didn’t want to see him anymore. It was the worst day of my life. The last thing I want is to walk into a situation like that again.
I may have only just recently met him, but I can’t imagine that Kaj is abusive. At least, that’s what my romantic heart keeps insisting, even as my brain insists that I remain cautious.
Closing my eyes, I picture his face and the way he stared at me so intensely as he kissed the back of my hand. I reach up and touch my lips, imagining what his mouth might feel like on mine.
With a heavy sigh, I fluff the pillow up under my head, mentally chastising myself once again. The image of Kaj’s face fills my thoughts as I drift off to sleep.

Chapter 10
Kaj
I lie awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. My mate is in the room beside mine.
So close, yet so far away.
I asked Varus to give me the bedroom connected to hers, and he reluctantly obliged. He told me she might be displeased if she knew, though I do not understand why. It is my job as her mate to watch over and protect her. If any dare try to disturb her sleep, I will be the first to know.
My nostrils flare as her delicate scent seeps into the room. Even with the door between our two rooms closed, I can sense it thickening.
“Kaj!” She cries out my name.
Alarm bursts through me. I jerk up in bed and rush through the door to find her tangled in the sheets. Her eyes are wide and a fine sheen of perspiration glimmers across the pink tone of her skin.
“What is wrong?”
She tugs the blanket around her body, shielding her naked skin from my gaze. Anger joins the shock flashing in her eyes. “What are you doing here?”
I cock my head to the side. “You called out for me only a moment ago. I thought you were in distress.”
Her cheeks turn a deeper shade of red than I’ve ever seen on a human. “I was... dreaming,” she finally says.
“Of me?”
She lowers her gaze, piquing my interest. The scent of her need is so strong it is maddening. My linaya was dreaming of me, and I am curious to know what I was doing in her dreams. My voice comes out like a purr. “What were you dreaming of, Anna?”
“Nothing,” she snaps, obviously flustered. “Get out. You shouldn’t be in here. Where did you even come from, anyway?” Her gaze drifts to the open doorway between our rooms and her jaw drops. “You came from in there?” She points accusingly to the door.
I nod. “I asked Varus to give me the room beside yours in case you needed me. I cannot allow another to care for you when that is my duty as your mate, even if you have not declared my success in your challenge.”
She looks indignant, pointing again to the door. “I don’t need anyone. I already told you that. Now, get out.”
I realize my mistake. She believes I am hovering over her. Drakarian females do not like an overly possessive male, and it seems that my mate feels the same. However, I cannot help but seek her out. Even without the fate mark, I would pursue her. I watched her when we treated patients after the attack. She is as brilliant as she is beautiful, and I long to know more about Anna.
But as she glares at me, I realize that I will never get this chance if I do not acquiesce now. She wishes for privacy, and I must grant it. Now that I know she is not in distress, I have no reason to be here.
I bow low. “Forgive me. When you called for me, I was worried, but you are obviously well. I will leave you alone.”
With difficulty, I force myself to turn and walk away from her. I return to my room, looking over my shoulder as I close the door quietly behind me. With a heavy sigh, I scrub my hand across my face.
I do not know what to do. How can I prove to her that I am worthy to be her mate when she doesn’t even want me near?


Chapter 11
Kaj
Anna has avoided me for the past few days and I have forced myself to give her some space. But