Free Draechen's Mate [Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 2] (Siren Publishing Epic Romance, ManLove) by Scarlet Hyacinth Page A

a while. Wear your hair down for me, Sareltae.”
    It bothered Sari that his mate still called him by his full name. “Sari,” he corrected. “Please, call me Sari.”
    “Sari,” Karein repeated. His lips twisted into a small smile. “All right. Sari.”
    Without further ado, Karein dropped the robe Sari had provided for him. He and his lieutenant left the room, and Sari followed them onto the balcony. He watched them shift, Karein into a black dragon, and Sagenamadeen into a blue one. Neither of them looked back, instead launching themselves into the air, their powerful wings leading them away from Sari. As Sari watched them disappear into the distance, he went to pick up his cloak from where he’d abandoned it. Only, instead of pulling it on, he returned with it into the room. Abandoning his cloak on the couch, he retrieved the robe Karein had worn and pulled it on. Wrapping himself into the garment, he curled on the settee, inhaling deeply. Karein’s scent filled his nostrils, reminding Sari of that unique smell of ozone and lightning that sometimes teased the senses before a storm. It was powerful, virile, untamed, just like the man himself.
    Moaning, Sari buried his face in his hands. He was already addicted to Karein’s presence, and they’d only spent maybe ten minutes in each other’s presence. How in the world was he ever going to keep Ivenia safe now? Would he be forced to choose between his mate and his people? The questions refused to let go of Sari, but in all the uncertainty, he knew one thing. He would wear his hair down for dinner.

Chapter Five
     
    Karein was pissed. No, he was so furious. He’d finally tasted his mate, and his brother had chosen this exact moment to interrupt him for whatever nonsense had occurred to him. Overlords, if Hareem didn’t have a good, no, an excellent reason for this, he’d finally see how Karein really fought when he was angry.
    As he landed on the cliff side, he changed shapes and pulled on his clothes with jerky motions. The guards saluted him, but didn’t seem to know anything out of the ordinary had happened. Some of Karein’s stress drained out of him, although the sexual frustration still had him and his dragon on the edge. Sage was right behind him and remained mercifully quiet, obviously sensing Karein’s mood.
    Hareem was waiting for Karein at the entrance of the palace. No sooner had Karein stepped into the building than Hareem ambushed him. “You picked an excellent time to put on a disappearing act with your lieutenant.”
    “What is it, Hareem?” Karein asked, struggling to keep his voice calm. “And this better be good.”
    Hareem stole a look at Sage. “I need a word with you. In private. It’s urgent.”
    The tone of Hareem’s voice instantly put Karein on alarm. “Of course,” he replied. “Sage, continue with what I told you. You’re dismissed.”
    As the lieutenant saluted, Karein guided his brother to a nearby empty room. He’d have much preferred to take this conversation elsewhere, but leaving again, with Hareem in tow, would be suspicious. He and his sibling would just have to be careful and make sure no one overheard. With that in mind, Karein closed the door behind them and gestured his brother to sit. Their senses would alert them if someone lurked outside. He did note that Hareem ignored his invitation, now looking quite anxious indeed.
    “All right,” he said. “It’s safe for now. Tell me.”
    His brother didn’t delay in complying. “Taryn’s pregnant,” Harem blurted out.
    Oh. Okay, that was a good reason. Karein gaped at his brother. “Are you sure, Hareem? I thought male wolf-shifters couldn’t fall pregnant.”
    Hareem released a bitter laugh. “Yeah. So did I. Imagine my surprise. I didn’t know for certain until recently. It’s why I’ve been so agitated these past days. But I’m sure now.”
    It seemed that Hareem truly was serious. “How could this happen? It’s anatomically