are like them, part human and part beast. The faire is sort of our “cover story” you could say. It allows us to be who we are more freely and without retribution.”
At this last bit she finally pulled one hand away, so as to point or gesture with a finger. “You said we.” Keira asked, staring at Rafe uncertainly. “What do you mean ‘we’?
Rafe held Keira's hands as he stood up, bringing her with him. Suddenly he felt his pride, his strength in his true identity. He did not want to lose her, but she must know the full truth. He kissed her tenderly on the lips. “I mean we. I am a man, but I am also a dragon.” Again he paused and again she did not run, so he continued. “I care about you deeply; more than that. You are my mate. I would never do anything to hurt you and I will do everything to protect you. Please come with me and let me show you who I am. We have shared much but I want to share everything with you.” He led her out across the back courtyard and into the maze where the shrubbery was twelve feet high.
He was amazed by her reaction, her willingness, but he also sensed that somehow she must have known. Perhaps some fated part of her. Some part deep inside. For some reason the more he had spoken the more comprehension, rather than disbelief seemed to come into her eyes. He didn’t understand, but he was certain of it. “Don't be alarmed,” he said. “I won't hurt you when I change. I will still be me, only as a dragon.”
“Yes I understand”, she said. “The dream. The nightmare, I can’t explain it, but I am not afraid.”
Rafe stepped back, satisfied it was time. He made sure he had enough space to shift. He quickly pulled off his clothing before he could change his mind. He had the fairy “clothing spell” medallion, but he wanted her to see him shift completely in the open. For a moment nothing happened. Then all at once his body began to change. His body began to transform and he felt his Dragon coming to the forefront. Scales and wings erupted as his beast emerged and he stood now towering over her. Now he sensed her, his mate. Fear but no fear. Strong. He would do anything for her. He felt the bond between them strengthening even now.
He did not sense the fear in her that he had anticipated, but there was fear nonetheless. She brought her hand to her mouth, and collapsed. He had thought she was ready, but perhaps not that ready. Keira! Her body lay prone on the freshly mowed ground. Willing himself to the forefront, he quickly shifted back into his human form, scooped her up into his arms, and then carried her into the house.
Placing her on her bed, he quickly fetched Sarah who left the children together for a moment. Keira came to quickly after she broke the smelling salts under her nose. “That wasn’t a dream, was it?”
“Um, no, it was not, was it so horrible to see me change into a dragon?” he asked.
“Well, actually it was more that it looked painful. I mean I guess it was a bit of a shock. But, the dream. I don’t know how to explain it, but I just know now. I know it is alright. That we are alright.” He looked at her confused. “No, I mean, there is danger, but I know you are good. I know the shifters, your friends, are good.”
Relief washed over him. “So you know the children are Bear shifters, and that I am a dragon shifter. And do you remember the Fairy’s story of the dragon king? Well, that is true too, at least the part about me giving up my throne. My true name is Rafeus Drayton Parker.” he said with a flourished bow. “At your service. The children are like me, but they are bears. You will find that many others here are shifters as well. Not everyone. And like I said there are other … um creatures.”
At this point Keira looked like her head was going to explode. At least that was what Rafe imagined. He couldn’t imagine how she was processing so much all at once. She looked exhausted though. He kissed Keira on the forehead. “It's been a long day. Tomorrow, I will take you around the festival grounds