Origin (Scales N' Spells #1) - A.J. Sherwood Page 0,164

His parents had tried to convince him his place was in a good-paying job that got him a nice house, a husband, and a couple of kids, but that reality had never fit him. His soul had been crying out for something more, something so much bigger than he could understand.

It had been crying out for his dragon.

Last night, he’d lain awake beside Alric, listening to his lover’s steady breathing in his sleep, thinking about the path he was on. There was no denying he was scared. The role he was stepping into was a big one with a great deal of responsibility. He didn’t know how to lead a clan of dragons and mages, particularly one likely heading back into a war with the Jaeggi.

But as the sun beamed down, he realized he didn’t have to know. He would have Alric at his side to help guide him. He’d have Lisette and Dieter and all the dragons he’d grown close to over the past weeks to teach him.

He’d finally found his purpose—to save these dragons, to save mages who had been lost like him.

With his hand resting on Alric’s neck, Cameron turned to face the gathering of dragons and mages. He smiled at his new family. The dragons shone in an array of reds while Ravi stood out in his brilliant blue. Dotted among them were their few mages, all of them dressed in their finest. Cassie and Halmeoni stood beside Sasha in lovely new clothes, looks of joy and pride shining on their faces. A part of him wished his parents could have been there, but Cameron could understand Alric’s urgency to have the ceremony completed. The news of the Jaeggi’s return had the clan unsettled—and the world did not need a clan full of agitated dragons. This ceremony was about hope.

“Today is a day of celebration. I have bonded with my mate,” Alric announced to their clan. Dragons roared and mages shouted. Cameron might have blushed, but Alric nuzzled him with his head. It was hard to tell when a dragon was smiling, but Cameron could feel his mate’s joy.

“Cameron Park of the Noh Clan has honored me with his love, devotion, compassion, patience, and brilliant mind. As his mate, I swear to do the same for all of my years.”

A lump formed in Cameron’s throat. In front of so many dragons and mages, there was no hiding his need to wipe his damp eyes. “Silly dragon,” Cameron whispered in a rough voice. Damn Alric for making him cry.

“Cameron Park is also my consort. His knowledge and experience will help to guide the clan to prosperity and happiness for centuries to come. I swear to protect and guide my mate in all things for the betterment of our people.”

Now it was his turn. Taking a deep breath, Cameron turned to face Alric, smiling at the love of his life. “I humbly accept this heavy burden and great honor. I promise to support you through all events that lie in our future. I promise to offer you guidance, compassion, and understanding.”

There was another low rumble of pleasure from Alric, and Cameron swore the dragon’s chest puffed up with pride.

Still grinning like an idiot, Cameron turned to the gathering of mages and dragons, lifting his voice even louder to carry above the wind. “To the clan, I humbly accept this role as consort. I promise to serve and protect my clan to the best of my abilities both in times of peace and war. I promise that my actions will always honor my clan. I promise to devote my heart and mind to support our people at all times.”

There was a tingle of magic beside him and Cameron turned to find Alric back in his human form. His sexy man was wearing a dark suit, and his lovely blue eyes shone with such love and pride. Cameron started to go to him, intending to kiss the shit out of his man, but Alric grinned and held up one finger, asking him silently to hold. Alric looked past Cameron’s shoulder, and Cameron turned as well to find Lisette standing close by with Alric’s crown in hand.

Cameron stepped back, giving Alric room to lower himself just enough that Lisette could place the crown on his temple. God his man looked regal. Alric then turned to Lisette and held out both of his hands. The mage turned back to a fancy but sturdy box with a thick lock she’d brought with her.