Gemma Draconica

Chapter 16

A silver mist swirls into shadow, coalescing before my eyes. My magic stirs beneath my skin, surging in response to him.

Before I can react, the shadows solidify into the unmistakable form of the Dragon King.

He moves faster than I can think, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me close. His touch is searing, burning through my sweater making my pulse race.

"How the fuck did you summon me here?" he snarls, his breath hot against my ear.

My body stiffens, my magic rippling like an untamed storm. Summon him? My thoughts spin, a tangled mess of fear, confusion, and something darker, something I can't name. I didn't summon him—or did I?

Bracing one hand against his chest, I push my self away. "Let me restart my heart," I gasp, clutching my chest.

His eyes narrow, and he steps back, giving me a slow, deliberate once-over. My cheeks heat flushing crimson. I am wearing a pair of white flannel pajama shorts that have little pink fairies' ballet dancing, a white ribbed tank top, and a pair of white, fluffy bunny slippers. I've pulled my hair into a messy bun.

He, of course, looks perfect. Dressed in a pair of dark rinse jeans, a black t-shirt, and a black leather jacket. He's effortless, magnetic.

I. Am. Mortified.

"I didn't summon you," I snap, folding my arms over my chest.

"Yes, you did," he growls, his tone as sharp as his gaze.

"No." My voice rises, frustration battling disbelief. "How could I? I don't even know how!"

Neither of us moves, the tension in the room a living thing. He doesn't answer right away. Instead, he steps closer, his presence overwhelming in the small space.

The air between us crackles, heavy with unspoken words. A pulse of warmth blooms in my chest, radiating outward like a tether between us and for a moment, I feel it—the bond, alive and unyielding, demanding to be acknowledged.

"Your magic is untamed," he says, each word deliberate, like he's testing their weight. "And it's calling to me whether or not you realize it."

His gaze flicks to my laptop, and the mortification over my appearance pales compared to the embarrassment that washes over me when he spots his own Wikipedia page open on my screen

"Are you Google stalking me?"

I nibble my bottom lip as I try to think of an excuse. He tilts his head. "If you want to know something about me, all you have to do is ask."

I grit my teeth. "And how am I supposed to do that? You haven't called me. And I can't call you. The Dragon King's phone number isn't public knowledge. Look, I'm not some crazy internet stalker, but after what happened this weekend, I wanted to learn more about you."

He regards me for a moment. "Why?"

My jaw drops as my eyes widen. "Did you forget already? I'm your mate."

His breath catches in his throat. He rakes a hand through his thick, white hair. "Why are you so sure about that?"

My stomach twists. Is he going to deny it? What is he playing at?

I tilt my chin and steady my voice. "I can feel the bond between us. I know you can to. You keep saying I'm yours. And you called me your gemma draconica, whatever that is."

He squeezes his eyes shut and pinches the bridge of his nose.

"I don't know why I said that. My dragon, he's been...out of sorts."