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

After all, why am I fighting this? Especially when being this close to him feels so good.
With his chest pressed against mine and his hand around my waist, I feel safe instead of trapped. Protected and cherished instead of in danger. The beautiful twinkling lights of the chandelier above are casting a lovely iridescent glow upon his green scales. He is the most handsome man I’ve ever seen. Green has always been my favorite color and as I look to him, I wonder if this was fate like he believes.
I place my hand on his chest, over the lovely glowing fate mark. “You are so handsome,” I murmur. “I could just kiss you right now.”
His eyes flare with heat. “You wish to kiss me?”
Unable to speak, I nod.
Without hesitation, he lifts me into his arms and carries me bridal-style onto a balcony overlooking the sea. He sets me back on my feet, staring down at me intensely. The waves crash along the cliff wall below, sending a fine spray of mist up to where we’re standing. He moves in front of me, shielding me from this and it’s such a gentlemanly thing to do, my heart skips a beat.
It occurs to me that he doesn’t know how to kiss. After all, Lilly and Skye said it’s not something Drakarians normally do. And their mates were both surprised by this act.
I stretch up on my toes and wrap my arms around Kaj’s neck. Reaching up, I gently trace my fingers across his lips. I imagined touching him like this in my dreams last night. They’re soft like silk, and I wonder what it would be like to kiss him. Will it be as wonderful as I dreamed?
Cautiously, I lean in and press my lips to his. He stills as if he’s not sure what to do. Finally, he opens his mouth, and his tongue curls around mine. He explores my mouth slowly and gently at first, growing more intense by the second.
He tastes of earth and cinnamon. His ridged tongue drags deliciously against mine as he deepens and takes control of our kiss. What he lacks in experience, he makes up for with passion. I moan as he strokes in and out of my mouth, wondering where he learned how to kiss so well.
I run my hands down his back, kneading the muscles of his neck and shoulders. His scales are warm and smooth beneath the tips of my fingers. My nipples prick against the fabric of my dress as he presses his chest to mine. I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want him at this moment.
I take his hand and place his palm over my breast. He rips his mouth from mine, and I notice his pupils are blown wide in a hungry gaze. “Not here, my beautiful mate. I will take you to my kingdom and claim you there. Do you accept me? Do you wish to be mine?”
More than anything. Why have I been fighting this so hard? I want Kaj.
“Yes. Take me,” I whisper, my body humming with longing.
Without hesitation, he shifts into his draka form then scoops me up in his taloned hand. We lift into the air, flying out to sea. His wings billow like great sails as he dips low then turns back toward land, following the cliffs along the shoreline.
Every fiber of my body is still thrumming with need. “Hurry,” I breathe. “I need you.”
He pumps his wings furiously as he picks up speed.
“How far away is your kingdom?”
“Not far,” he replies. “Sleep, my mate. You will need your rest. For when I claim you, I will take you many times and for several days.”
My thighs squeeze together involuntarily at his words. Why did I ever fight this? I can’t remember now.
I don’t want to sleep just yet, but watching the coastline fly by, my eyelids start to flutter with exhaustion, so I decide to rest for a bit. Closing my eyes, I fall into darkness, dreaming of his touch. I hope my first time is as wonderful as I’ve always imagined.

Chapter 13
Kaj
My hearts soar. She has agreed to be mine. I could have claimed her at the Water Clan’s castle, but she is to be my princess, and some day, my queen. It is Earth Clan tradition to take one’s mate to a secluded dwelling deep in the forest for the first mating. I will not deny my mate this tradition, especially since the gods favor such matings, increasing the chances of conception.
A low growl vibrates my chest at the thought of filling my mate with my essence. I will take her over and over again beneath the stars, allowing the gods to look upon us and bless our coupling. I will bind her to me in all ways so that every male will know without a doubt that she is mine.
Forever seems to pass until we cross over into Earth territory. I feel as if my land is welcoming me home. The fresh, earthy scent of the forest below drifts on the cool breeze that sweeps over the mountains. Anna will be pleased, I believe, to live here. The terrain is mountainous, plentiful in both water and vegetation. The forests are thick and full of life. My lands are the near opposite of the Fire territory.
I have prepared a nest specifically for when I take a mate, as all Earth Clan males do. It took two cycles to construct with my own hands. I hope she will be impressed with my efforts. The house is nestled high up in the mountains, near a cascading waterfall.
I built the structure from solid beams of dark k’lor and hand-carved detailed nature scenes into the wood inside. I hope she is happy with all the attention I dedicated to making this space comfortable for our nest.
I land on the upper balcony and quickly shift forms. My mate is asleep, so I carefully carry her in through the double glass