MARKUS (Dragon Warrior Series Book 1) Read online

  Wiggling and shoving, the baluster moved a little. Scooting around she put her feet on the wooden post and used her entire body’s weight to shove at it. Finally, it broke loose. She was still tied too tight to free her hands, but she was able to slide up and off of the baluster.

  Getting to her feet, she swayed a little. She reached out and caught herself on the wall with her still-bound hands. She then moved her way quietly over to the window. It was pretty small, but she thought she could squeeze out of it. Moving a box over to stand on, she pushed the window open, then pulled herself up. It was hard but she managed to get out.

  Once outside, she looked around in the dark and realized that she had no idea where she was or in what direction she should go.

  “She’s escaping!” Dyson yelled from below the small window.

  Val ran, not caring which direction she went as long as it was away. A body hit her from behind, knocking her down. She struggled to get free.

  “Be still, female!”

  A loud roar from above had both of them freezing. She knew that it was her dragon coming for her and he was pissed. She looked up at the man that knocked her down. “I would get off me if you still want to live.”

  Many more dragon roars sounded all around and the guy must have realized that he was outnumbered. He scrambled back but didn’t make it far. A dragon swept down and grabbed him, taking him to the sky.

  Another dragon dropped from the sky right in front of her, making the ground shake a little. She knew this dragon. “Markus!” She got up and ran to the dragon, pressing her body against his scales. Beneath her hands she felt his body shifting. Then she felt warm flesh.

  “Valorie!” Markus crushed her to him, ripping the rope from her wrists. “I was so worried for you.”

  Tears streamed down her face. “Sonar…I’m so sorry.”

  “He took his final flight as a warrior, protecting you.”

  “What about Dyson?”

  “He got away, but he’ll answer for this. Did he say why he took you?”

  “Only that he wanted to study me to find out how it was that I mated with you and took the dragon fire while others couldn’t.” Her legs gave out and he caught her easily.

  “Come, let’s get you home.”

  She rubbed her face against his neck. Her body was trembling from the adrenaline and fear. “Yes, please.”

  *****

  One Week Later

  Markus paced outside the bedroom waiting for the human doctor to finish looking over Valorie. He was worried over why Valorie had been getting so sick these past few days. He had argued with King Reichardt about allowing the local human doctor come to see her, but in the end Markus got his way. A bondmate was so precious, they must be protected at all costs, even at the exposure of their kind.

  Surprisingly, the older Doctor “Doc” Reisner was already familiar with paranormal beings, having encountered what he called a werewolf when he was just a young man coming out of med school. They became friends over the years as Doc was the only person the werewolf trusted for medical assistance. After a few minutes of discussion, Doc Reisner was deemed trustworthy by the king and allowed to see Valorie.

  “Mom’s in there, too. She’s going to be fine, Markus.” His sister put her hand on his arm, reassuring him.

  The door opened and his mother and the doctor came out smiling. That had to be good news, right?

  “Is she okay?”

  Doc Reisner put his hand on his shoulder. “Congratulations son, you and your…mate are expecting.”

  Confused, he looked between his mother and the doctor. “Expecting what?”

  “A baby, or whatever you call a baby shifter.”

  “A dragonet on Drakonia, but a baby here on Earth,” his mother answered, moving to give him a hug and kiss on the cheek. “Congratulations, son! I can’t wait to be a grandmother.”

  “I’m going to be an aunt!” His sister hugged him on the other side.

  “A father? A baby? I didn’t think it was possible. She will have to be protected. Can you move here to the ranch in case the baby comes?”

  Doc Reisner laughed. “She’s got quite a while to go yet. Your mother says the women on your planet have a six-month gestation, and humans have nine. I’m estimating the baby will come around seven or eight months.”

  “You’re guessing?”

  “This is the first crossbreed between humans and Drakonians, so it’s new to all of us. However, I will be checking her every month, tracking the baby’s progression. This is exciting, sure has perked up this old man’s life! Now, I believe your mate is anxiously awaiting you.”

  He rushed past him, turning to yell out, “Thank you!”

  Entering the room, he found Valorie sitting on the bed. She had both hands on her flat belly as tears trailed down her face.

  “Valorie, are you okay?”

  “I’m pregnant.”

  He knelt down on his knees in front of her. “I know. I’m overjoyed, but you don’t look as pleased.”

  She laughed then smiled. “I am ecstatic. I just don’t know what kind of mother I’ll be.”

  Placing his hands over hers, he murmured, “You will be an amazing and caring mother. Our child will never be left behind or forgotten. He or she will grow up with family and friends and will know exactly where they belong.”

  He must have said the right thing because Valorie launched herself into his arms and threw her arms around him.

  “I love you, Markus.”

  “I love you too, my mate.”

  Epilogue

  Three Months Later

  Markus stood next to Valorie, saying goodbye to many of his crew that he’d traveled with on board the battle cruiser to Earth. He had fought alongside these males and had become close to many. A few of them were remaining on Earth, and some of those from the clans on Earth were taking their place in exchange. He was going to miss his friends and especially General Ranier, who had become like a second father to him. His departure was the hardest to handle. Markus fought his emotions, which were now tied to his mate who was already feeling particularly sensitive since becoming pregnant.

  General Ranier said his goodbyes to the remaining kings who came to see the cruiser off. “Live well.”

  King Reichardt clasped his forearm. “Until we meet again.”

  Then General Ranier was in front of him and Markus cleared his throat, saying, “Sir, it has been an honor to serve under you.”

  If he wasn’t mistaken, there were tears glistening in the general’s eyes. “It has been my pleasure, Captain Markus. You have proven to be a great warrior, one that I have been most proud of. I know your father would have been proud as well.”

  Markus reached out to clasp forearms but Ranier snorted and grabbed him in for a hug. A choked sound came from next to them. They pulled apart and turned to find Valorie fighting back her tears.

  “I’m sorry, it’s hormones or something. Seeing you two say goodbye is tearing me apart.”

  Ranier gave her a fatherly hug. “Take care of my warrior and that baby. I plan to return and find at least one male child named after me.”

  “You’ll have to wait; we just found out we’re having a girl,” Markus told him, pulling Valorie into his arms and placing his hands over the small baby bump.

  Ranier smiled widely. “That’s a true blessing. Take care of them, Markus.”

  “I will. Safe travels.”

  “Until we meet again.”

  About the Author

  KD Jones has published over thirty books in five different series. She has been a huge fan of both romance novels and science fiction novels since she was sixteen years old. Her favorite television shows growing up were Star Trek and Doctor Who. When not writing, she can usually be found curled up on the couch with a good book, working on her hobby of photography, or spending time with her family. As a single working mom, she wants to show her son that anyone can follow their dreams no matter how old they are and where they are in life. D
reams can come true if you work hard and believe in yourself.

  KD Jones Book Series, Book List

  Katieran Prime Series

  Katieran Prime (Book 1)

  Prime Commander (Book 2)

  Prime Medic (Book 3)

  Kiljorn Prime (Book 4)

  Prime Deliverance (Book 5)

  Prime Salvation (Book 6)

  Colonial Prime (Book 7)

  Katieran Prime Celebration (Book 7.5)

  Kiljorn Commander (Book 8)

  Katieran Prime Miracle (Book 9)

  Colonial Commander (Book 10)

  Katieran Prime Infiltration (Book 11)

  Katieran Prime Discovery (Book 12)

  Katieran Prime Reckoning (Book 13)

  Galactic Cage Fighter Series

  Rage (Book 1)

  Talon (Book 2)

  Taurus (Book 3)

  Zara (Book 4)

  Hammer (Book 5)

  Zen (Book 6)

  Torch (Book 7)

  Maxim (Book 8)

  Ronin (Book 9)

  Nigel (Book 10)

  Dom (Book 11)

  Phoenix (Book 12)

  Esan (Book 13)

  7even Circles Series

  Moon Is Calling (Book 1)

  Mercury Rising (Book 2)

  Fallen Venus (Book 3)

  Earth Evolution Series

  Desolation (Book 1)

  Resistance (Book 2)

  Atonement (Book 3)

  Awakening (Book 4)

  Defiance (Book 5)

  Strange Lake Falls Series

  Strange Lake Falls Vampire (Book 1)

  Strange Lake Falls Werewolf (Book 2)

  Strange Lake Falls Vampire Mistress (Book 3)

  Strange Lake Falls Panther (Book 4)

  Strange Lake Falls Gypsy Wolf (Book 5)

  Strange Lake Falls Forbidden Wolf (Book 6)

  Strange Lake Falls Witch (Book 7)

  Inter-Galactic Bounty Hunter Series

  Inter-Galactic Bounty Hunter (Book 1)

  Tempting Bounty (Book 2)

  Rising Bounty (Book 3)

  Accidental Bounty (Book 4)

  Polar Bear Express Series

  Her Big Bad Polar Bear (Book 1)

  Bad News Polar Bear (Book 2)