Page 66 of You Will Obey

“My son and their brother was killed–they care. However, those who knew Wyatt best are feeling his death the hardest. It’s not my practice or choice to sire children and never bond with them. But I’d been ordered by Ara to do just that. The love I share with my other sons, I don’t have with Wyatt, Marshall, Jonah, or Austin. I wish I did, but it’s done,” I said.

“Does Ara have children he never bonded with?”

I shook my head. “No. He doesn’t procreate often, but when he does, it’s because he wanted a human that badly. Wanted a relationship, wanted to be their Father, to guide them into this world. Wanted them to have the gift.”

Tylendel nodded, now understanding. Dragons were born, not made. We got to choose our children and we only wanted those who were worthy. Wyatt and the others I’d chosen out of necessity were worthy enough to serve in his army and to represent my House. But I wouldn’t have chosen them had I’d not been ordered to. As a matter of fact, Dante was my only son I was commanded toEmbracebecause of what he was. But once I met him… I wanted him. I needed him to be mine because I saw his greatness, his potential, even if he didn’t at the time.

Tylendel looked out over the nighttime sky that was starting to get a few shades lighter. He smiled. “So many dragons are looking forward to this fight. The excitement is humming all around me, it’s exhilarating. Can you feel it?”

I cocked an eyebrow. “A little. Are you excited for this battle?”

He shrugged. “Fighting… fucking… I’ll find my satisfaction.”

“You’re certainly more powerful now,” I said, noting the aura I could sense in him.

“Well, I should hope so after what I’ve been through,” Ty said.

I snorted. “You were fucked into a coma, right?”

He scoffed and looked at me. “You jest, but you’ve never been fucked by any dragon older than Evander. Tarnus is ninety-four hundred years old, you wouldn’t last ten minutes with him.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m sure the experience was very traumatic for you.”

He laughed and punched my arm. “Asshole.” His smile faded as his expression grew serious. “I will fight by your side, Théoden. If you should happen to fall weak during the battle, I will protect you.”

I leaned forward and kissed him. “Thank you, Ty.”

He nodded, then turned to look out over the sky searching for intruders. A dragon could see farther than a vampire. Wolves too, we all had our heightened abilities, just different advantages.

“Your sons, how are they now?”

“Protecting their districts with Josef’s wolves and Kendrick’s dragons,” I said.

“And your youngest?”

“Noel and Somchai are with me, there.” I pointed off into the distance to show my two sons on the rooftop of the Palace Tower building. They weren’t alone, as five other dragons were also there. All of Josef’s wolves were on ground level as expected. They were tasked with protecting the sanctuaries and homes of my vampires.

“Ahh, yes, I see. And how is he adjusting?” Ty asked.

Again, I held up my finger, because Karim was contacting me, along with Ara and my other brothers on an open link. I closed my eyes to concentrate. We’d had several conversations like this over the hours, and it had been the best way for us to stay in communication.

We’re under attack, but the dragons and wolves have combined their numbers from Japan here. The casualties are not as severe.Karim said.

Same here in Greece, Nolan added.Still no sign of Alexander. I don’t sense any Royal blood, Sire.

What about the other Royals, will they help? What about Queen Elsa, Father has an alliance with her?Henry asked.

May they all rot in hell. Father asked for assistance and they refused,Nolan said.

Can’t say that I’m surprised by their selfishness and cowardice. Royals don’t help others fight for territory they can’t share or keep. That is why it’s always been imperative for our Father to find allies with wolves and dragons,Karim said.

But Father lended aid to Queen Elsa, if no other Royal would help, she at least should have?I said. The whole point of me submitting to Leona was to keep their alliance intact.

It is true, those whom I considered to be my friends have shown their true colors. Vampires, as a species, are far too territorial to share land and food, but I always considered myself the exception, Ara said.

You still are, Father,Vladimir stated.If King Nikolai or Queen Elsa were under attack now, you’d send reinforcements, both vampires and wolves.

Well, we don’t need them anyway, fuck them,Miguel stated.Maybe if we survive, we’ll take over more territories.