Taming: A Reverse Harem Series (To Tame A Shifter Book 1) Page 2

  I turn my back on them as if they’re actual men instead of pets.

  I both love and loathe their company. They’re sweet and somewhat loyal like a puppy. Adorable even.

  But Goddess, are they inconsiderate assholes too.

  I slip on a white top that drifts down to my navel and pull on the thinnest skirt I own. It covers me down to my bare feet, but it will also allow the breeze to hit my skin.

  “Okay, loves. Who wants to go for a walk?” I shove a smile in place. I even add a hint of happiness to my tone.

  I’m making a real effort. It’s more affection than I show toward any human.

  And it goes very unappreciated.

  Their response is apprehensive, guarded glares.

  Damn, these things are like a woman when a guy is suspiciously too nice to her.

  These dragons don’t trust me, but they do defend me. It’s an odd sort of combination. When we do go on walks, they’re always watching our surroundings and growling when a passerby gets too close.

  But they also act that way toward me when it’s just the four of us, so I can’t really feel too special.

  “We’re going to take a walk into town. Today is Sell-Those-Fucking-Dragons-So-Arlow-Can-Afford-To-Live Day. Doesn’t that sound fun? Festive even, right?” My brows rise, and a wide smile is even passed their way.

  Nothing. I get nothing.

  All of them tip their heads down to look up at me with narrowed eyes.

  “Yes, I knew you shitheads would be excited.” I gather three slim chains.

  I start with my favorite. “Look at Rime being a good boy.” The chain locks around his beautiful, shining, white scales with ease.

  I stroke my palm up his slender neck and he leans into my approving touch.

  “Good boy.” My lips skim his cheek like a favored puppy and his head rests against my shoulder for a moment. A deep rumbling sound, similar to a cat’s purr, hums through him.

  Yes, he’s definitely the favorite. But it’s not a tough competition to win really. He’s number one in a competition of dickbags.

  Chaos steps closer. He’s not the favorite of the three, but he’s not the worst either. On my scale of magical creatures, he lingers around affectionate pet and annoying asshole most days. My hands rise to slip the chain around him, and just when I think he’s going to make my life easy, he shows me what a true pain in my ass he really is.

  The dragon leaps from the bed. His talons pull back, sinking into his skin quickly, and only smooth scales meet my shoulders. I hit the floor hard. The boards groan beneath our weight. Dark, beautiful wings surround me, blocking out the morning light and secluding me with the devious little reptile.

  “You fucktile.” I groan, my fingers slipping through my hair to feel the back of my head. There’s no blood, but pure pain is pounding through my skull.

  He hums a rumbling sound. It’s cut off immediately as Rime leaps from his perch. He shoves Chaos off of me in an instant, and the two tumble to the floor. Dust billows around them as they snap at one another, lashing out with sharp nails and fierce teeth. Every day they roll around together. Wings and scales in black and white lash out at one another as they playfully try to rip each other’s throats out. It’s adorable if I’m being honest.

  “That’s enough. I can’t sell a bunch of bloody and scruffy creatures. No one will want you if you’re dirty.” I sit up as I lecture them, my tone sounding like a complaining mother.

  A few more grumbles pass between them before Rime’s large wings unveil. With a few strong beats of his wings, he’s back at the window. He circles in the old chair a few times before finding a comfortable spot.

  I turn to the dark dragon. Chaos’ eyes flash with a sort of humor. It’s an odd look. A pleased look.

  An entirely-too-human look.

  A nervous shift has me pausing before raising his leash once again. On slow steps, he comes to me without defiance. His head lowers, and with a steady but hesitant hand, I lower the loose chain around his neck.

  His shining scales meet my palm, and I pat the side of his face gently.

  “Good boy,” I whisper.

  Endless, content rumbling shakes through his chest. He’s playful. I know that’s all it is.

  But he’s still an asshole about it.

  The thin chain rakes across the old boards as I turn away from him. I stand, and with my shoulders squared, I face the real beast. Kain’s gleaming eyes narrow on me. A taunting look is in his gaze, and I’m not nearly as confident as I might appear right now.

  He sits like a waiting cat. The long sweep of his tail shifts back and forth against my rickety dinner table. With cautious movements, I raise the chain.

  With even more cautious movements, he tilts his head back from my advances. A quick move and I’ve almost got the chain over his sharp, white horns. At the last second, his arm comes up, swiping away the chain in an instant.

  My teeth grind together and I all but stomp my foot at his dominant behavior.

  “It’ll only be for a little while.” The tone of my voice is soft and caressing.

  Even if I do want to shout and scream at him.

  I won’t. It won’t do me any good.

  His wide mouth opens large, revealing every single jagged tooth in his head as he gives me a lazy yawn. He doesn’t seem to care at all about my pleas.

  I bite the inside of my lip as I try to think of a new tactic.

  If we leave right now, we’ll be in the heart of the Kingdom at its busiest hour. I could make the most money I’ve ever made in my life today. I could disappear from my past and my problems once and for all.

  Desperate times call for desperate measures.

  A casual sway in my hips has my skirt waving across the floorboards. At the few cabinets near the door, I pause and look back at him. His assessing eyes watch my every move with curious attention. Slowly, I open the top cabinet. The rough fabric of my escape bag meets my fingertips, and I pull it down, never breaking eye contact once.

  This is my ‘on the run’ survival kit. If I ever need to leave town, say … due to a less-than-legal sale of an outlawed creature or illegal use of magic, or if my worst fear comes true and Kreedence finds me, this bag has everything I need to survive until I make it to my next dwelling.

  I’m a tamer. I’m a mage. I’m a chick who’s got shit taste in men.

  But I’m not an idiot.

  At the top of the bag is just what I need right now. I pull out the dark brick. It glitters with the sparks of my magic. I save my magic in case he finds me like he promised he would. But I used just enough to make this. I hold the infused item to my chest, just out of sight of the three dragons. My breath wafts over the brick sweetly. That single breath transforms the solid object into a hot and juicy chicken leg. It’s golden brown on the outside. Cooked to perfection.

  What can I say, only the best for my boys.

  I turn to Kain, revealing the delicious treat. The scent of it is enough to make my empty stomach growl.

  Gotta keep your eye on the prize, Arlow.

  Kain hops from the table. It shakes unsteadily behind him. The three dragons stalk toward me, cornering me against the counter. They all look like they’re ready to leap down my throat just to find the source of the food.

  I lower myself, extending the food toward the one I have my sights set on. Sharp talons rip the meat from my palm, and before the other two jump in, I lock the chain around Kain’s neck.

  A long sigh of relief leaves my lungs.

  Ugh. That was the easy part. The hard part will be convincing anyone to buy these three assholes.

  ***

  Long claws dig into the dry dirt. The mystical dragons meet the astonished gazes of the villagers. It’s something you never really get used to—seeing a rare creature like a dragon. Even I’m impressed with them when I look their way. The men and women halt in their tracks, backing up just slightly to make way for the three dragons who circle my every step. Rumbling growls tear from the
dragons’ throats each time we pass anyone. I offer the villagers pleasant smiles. No one smiles back.

  Honestly, they’re used to my shit by now. I may have had a few mishaps in the past.

  So a nine headed hydra snake accidentally escaped my cage once. One time. And it didn’t even hurt anyone. Let’s try to look at the bright side here, folks. Forgive and forget.

  Shit happens, right?

  “Arlow, I think you’ve lost your pretty little mind, love.” Andrin’s dark eyes are held on the creatures.

  Their chains clink lightly, and it takes little effort for me to hold on to them. They don’t fuss. There’s no defiance in them right now. They really would make sweet pets. If only I had the time and money to take care of such beasts.

  “I’ve tamed these three into obedience. They are a true asset to anyone who owns them.” Anyone willing to pay the right price that is. I give the shop owner an enchanting smile and he starts to nod slowly.

  Andrin knows me. The skepticism in his eyes tells me just how much faith he has in me.

  “You’ll be going straight to King Barren then?” Andrin and I are both merchants in a way. Except I sell mystical creatures and he sells fresh bread.

  Almost the same thing.

  As merchants, we both know anything of value will go to the person with the most coin. Unfortunately for me that person is the King; the man who hates my selling ways. So what if I sold him an exploding phoenix one time. One time.

  How was I to know the thing wouldn’t burst into flames but actually combust an entire room? Accidents happen. And my contract states that the buyer is responsible for any and all … incidents after the date of purchase.

  Lucky for me, his son adores me. Worships me even.

  And he is who I do business with now.

  I can’t help but wonder if I’d be more accepted here if the Solstice Queen were still alive. No one understands an outcast like a fellow outcast after all. I like to think the Queen from Northern Kingdom living here in the midlands would have welcomed me.

  Or at the very least not ignore me the way the ungrateful King does.

  “Yes, by the end of the day the Kingdom of Minden will be three dragons richer, Andrin.”

  Another slow nod as I pass by his bakery. “Goddess save the King.” His taunting smirk drills annoyance right into me.

  The scent of warm bread wafts through the air. My stomach all but cries out for a taste.

  “I’ll be stopping in on my way back.” With my upcoming profit in mind, I make note to visit his business as well as the meat market at the end.

  “Well, just make sure he signs the contract. Wouldn’t want any more … incidents.” He’s still nodding to himself even as my gaze narrows on his dark eyes.

  “Incidents happen. I cannot be held responsible for every combusting phoenix.”

  Just last winter, I sold the Prince my most prized possession: a Minue Quail. A tracker creature that you can’t even find in this part of the Kingdom.

  I am a true asset to the Prince. He’s lucky to do business with me.

  “What about that batch of pixies you gave the Prince for his birthday that turned out to have rabies?”

  “It was a gift!” I nearly yell the words as I quicken my pace away from his accusing words. Rime rumbles at the insulting man, and for once, I agree with the little creature. “And it wasn’t rabies. They were just more feral than I realized.” The huffing aggression of my voice dwindles down into a quiet sound of uncertainty.

  Rabies. What a ridiculous thing to say. I am a professional tamer. The Prince likes me because I am the best.

  And I’m single. That probably helps a little. But mostly because I’m the best.

  I’m still fuming over the baker’s words when I stalk through the castle gates. The words Blessed Minden, Saved by the Solstice Queen swoop into the stone above the gates in proud letters. Two armed men draw their swords on me immediately with their attention held firmly on the purring dragons at my side. Kain’s big talons extend when he steps forward and he stares up daringly at the men. Heat and smoke slip through the dragon’s sharp teeth as he narrows his green eyes on the guards.

  “Prince Linden is expecting me.” My chin tips up a little higher and the two men pass quiet looks between them. “I’ll wait.” I add a casual smile, my arms folding, making the chains clink against each other. I hold a stance of assured carelessness.

  One of them backs away slowly. The man before me is tense. Wide shoulders so stiff I can’t help but cough aggressively to see how fast he’ll react. Very fast in case you were wondering. I have to pull back as the tip of his blade swings up to my apparently assaulting cough.

  “Calm down. Just allergies, not venom.”

  And that’s how we’re standing as the Prince saunters out. His hands are in his pockets and there’s a look of amusement in his eyes that make them shine like emeralds.

  He looks like his mother, or so I’m told; the Queen who was loved by all, the one who died too young. People love mysterious, beautiful, and strong-willed women. Perhaps that’s why her memory lives on.

  Or perhaps it’s something else.

  “Are you causing problems for my guards again, Arlow?” His warm tone is like a mixture of honey and whiskey. Sweet but strong. It’s a sexy sound of someone who’s used to getting what he wants.

  His entrance doesn’t deter his guard’s defensive stance in the least.

  “I don’t know what you mean, My Prince. We were just having a conversation.” My index finger runs the length of the blade poised near my lips. “You didn’t tell me this one was such a flirt.” My gaze flickers to the brooding guard, and he shifts beneath the force of my stare.

  Goddess, I love getting out of the house. I forget sometimes how fun it is to play with innocent villagers.

  “You were flirting with my friend, John?” The Prince turns his confident gaze to his guard and John finally lowers that damn sword.

  “Not at all, my lord.”

  “Are you saying she’s not pretty enough for you, John?”

  Poor fucking John.

  “That’s not what I’m saying at all, My Prince.”

  “So, you were flirting with her?”

  John’s head lowers and he’s quiet for a few seconds. It’s just long enough that I feel bad for him.

  “I actually brought you something of interest. I didn’t come to cause trouble, I promise.”

  The Prince’s gaze rakes down my body, not at all interested in the three pacing dragons at my feet.

  “I somehow doubt that very much.”

  Blond locks fall into his eyes as he takes a step closer to inspect me as if I am the thing he really wishes to buy. Low and menacing growls fill the air between us, and his gaze finally falls to the crimson dragon who’s standing protectively in front of me.

  “He’s cute,” the Prince says with a nod to Kain.

  Fire erupts from the beast’s snout, and he clenches his jaw shut with an abrupt and angry snapping sound.

  Yes, he’s fucking adorable.

  “I’ve been raising these three for a few weeks now, and I think they’ll be ready for battle training in another two weeks when they’re a bit larger.”

  Linden strokes the trimmed hair of his perfectly groomed beard.

  He’s handsome in that purchased kind of way. He isn’t rugged or sexy. He’s just … alluring I suppose. He’s so clean and polished it makes me want to cringe away from him for fear of tarnishing his pretty nails.

  I don’t though. I take an intentional step closer. My arm and hip brush against his smooth navy uniform. His royal and expensive beauty isn’t lost on me.

  He’s not my type at all but did I mention royal and expensive? Yes, he has money and that is what I really need more than any love or affection. Please just give me the coins, and I’ll be on my way.

  “They’d be impressive assets. When was the last time you’ve seen a dragon?” They weren’t typical along the coast where I lived when
I was a girl, but I don’t bring up my long-forgotten childhood. Not to Linden. Not to anyone.

  “They’re rare.” He nods.

  Rare. Rare is what I always like to hear. Rare like a beautiful and loyal woman. Rare like a strong and fearless man. Rare like everlasting love. Rare like that money you’re going to give me that I don’t have.

  “Indeed.”

  He’s debating with himself in his mind it seems. Why wouldn’t he want them? The only downfall is they might accidentally eat him. Or they could make this Kingdom untouchable.

  The positives greatly outweigh the negatives here.

  “Are any of them female? Female animals are calmer normally. Easier to handle.” His curious gaze turns to me and my lips part with a lie before my mind even fully processes his question.

  “Of course.” I peer down at the glistening scales of the restless creatures. “The black one, without the horns. Only male dragons have horns.” Chaos jerks his hornless head up to me. His snout is clenched tightly closed, and I have to force myself to turn away from his oddly scowling look.

  I have no idea if any of them are female. They act like brooding beasts, so I guess I just assume they’re male, but the Prince wants a female…

  Dragons have never been in high supply, but they’re nearly unheard of now. Which means their value is going to be amazing.

  “The black one definitely calms the other two. The black one and the white one are affectionately playful to one another. They’re all very well-mannered, but the black one is such a sweetheart.” I run my palm over his smooth scales and, at the last second, Chaos nips at my fingertips.

  My hand jerks back from him as I glare daggers at the little reptile.

  A real fucking sweetheart, I tell you.

  “What do you want for them?” The Prince tilts his head just slightly as Rime begins to pace a slow and stalking circle that makes his shoulders hunch with every step.

  “Five hundred parchels. Each.” And I’ll never have to worry about where my next meal will come from. I might hide the rest of my life, but I’ll hide in luxury.