Free Fire Dragon's Baby (Dragon Shifter Scifi Alien Romance) (Elemental Dragons Book 1) by Juno Wells, Scarlett Grove

constant vigilance. We will commence, 'getting to know each other' after we have mated.”
    “I understand,” she said, looking away, tears beginning to collect in her eyes. She'd been strong so long. Holding on to her own resolve had become more difficult since her arrival as well.
    Salvatt swept in beside her, kneeling before her on the ground. He gripped her shoulder and slid a finger under her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. His expression was intent and sincere.
    “I understand your need for a heart bond before mating,” he said, placing his hand on her heart. “I desire one as well. I wish it could have been different…for us.”
    “I didn't realize,” she whispered.
    “You will be prepared for me soon, Princess Celeste, my little human mate.” He kissed her forehead before letting her go and standing to walk away.
    She watched him stride down the forest path, her heart aching for him in a whole new way. All along, she'd thought she was alone in her need for love. But her prince felt just as she did. He wanted her love too. He wanted to bond with her before they mated. But he couldn't be with her without losing his mind.
    It felt so tragic and miserable, but she knew that soon her body would be ready to accommodate him. Then, he could finally claim her. Everything would be okay after that. Then they could finally be together.

                                   
    7
    A s Salvatt strode through the fortress and took the elevator up to his rooms, he brooded over his relationship to Celeste.
    The prince had never had such an overwhelming desire for intimacy with another person. In his life, intimacy was dangerous and something he only trusted to the most loyal of companions. And then, only sparingly. But with Celeste, he wanted to share the deepest levels of his soul. He wanted to learn everything about her, know her every nuance.
    But he could not risk going mad before he'd had a chance to claim her. It would be a disaster for the fire lands, and for the entire planet of Galaton. The four princes had worked for a century to maintain balance and control between the elements and across Galaton. Since the last female died, that work had become a thousand times more challenging.
    Salvatt's family had ruled the south, on and off, for the last ten million years. He was part of a legacy he respected more than anything in his life, except perhaps the demands of his inner dragon. And his dragon did make demands. Until Celeste had arrived, his dragon had always been his most trusted adviser. Now it was as if he was dealing with a crazed animal. Having his dragon turn on him made him feel like his being was torn in two.
    He stood on the balcony overlooking his domain, feeling his inner dragon gnashing nastily at his brain. Putting his mouth to her sex had torn the dragon from any rational foundation it had once had. All the dragon wanted was to sink inside his mate and bite her until she belonged to him. Even now, Salvatt's cock ached painfully between his legs. The dragon would not take no for an answer any longer.
    If he tried to take her now, he would almost certainly harm her. He only had one chance to get the mating right, and hurting her would prevent them from bonding. For the mating ritual to be complete, he had to shoot his seed deep inside her while biting her neck. Only then would the dragon be placated.
    Celeste’s little body simply was not prepared. He’d known it when he’d touched her. The semen he'd applied to her skin today would have a cumulative effect since she'd already spent a year rubbing his replicated DNA on her body in the form of skin cream. He could only hope that it would quicken the process.
    Thinking of her drove his dragon wild. Its screams filled his mind, leaving no room for any other sound. He retracted his armor and jumpsuit at the flick of his finger. Naked, he jumped onto the railing and he extended his arms out to the sides. With a quick