Colborn - Drogon Healer - SciFi Alien Soul Mates Romance (A Drogons Fate Series Book 5) Read online

  Small, thin, so delicate it looked as if a stronger wind would blow her away, she wasn’t like any other woman he had seen before, human or no human. Her eyes were also different, almond shaped, simply perfect on her tiny face.

  He took a deep breath, allowing some air into his lungs, cursing fate as he looked at his huge hands: how was it possible a man his size had been matched to a woman her size? He would smash her.

  But there was no doubt. He knew she was his, as well as he knew he was alive, and breathing. His whole body was on fire just by looking at her on a screen. The craving needs her image had conjured inside him was like nothing he had ever felt before. He knew there was absolutely no doubt.

  Gil Ra entered the huge tub and allowed her body to sink on the orange liquid. Despite its strange look, the water had proven to be extremely relaxing and comforting, even when you just had a shower.

  The tub was big enough for half a dozen people, so it actually looked more like a small pool than a tub, so she let her body float on the water, shutting down her troubled mind and focusing just on the silence surrounding her.

  But her peace didn’t last much. The ghosts of her past never allowed her much respite and this time was no different.

  With a loud whimper, she sank her face under the water, wishing she were strong enough not to come out again. Unfortunately, her survival instinct always kicked in in the last minute.

  The following morning, during breakfast, the king sent a messenger to the girls announcing them they would be assigned tutors to help them adjust to their new lives on the planet. That meant they would have to move in with their tutors and live with them until it was considered suitable for them and their soulmates.

  The messenger also assured them their tutors would do all in their power to make sure they were able to exploit their abilities here on the planet.

  “Will he teach me to use a sewing machine?” Gil Ra asked, sarcastically.

  “If that’s what it takes, Víf Gil Ra.” The man nodded, with a kind smile. “Though, as far as I know, you won’t have any trouble handling them.”

  Gil Ra wasn’t very pleased with the idea, but perhaps it would be easier for her to follow through with her plans if she was away from the other girls. Perhaps, she could make it look like an accident and avoid any misled concern from the other girls. They would never understand her motives.

  That same day, she had a visit from Sasha, while she was gathered with the other girls in a living room, somewhere in the palace.

  “Sasha, we weren’t expecting to see you, so soon,” Patricia said with a naughty grin.

  “How are you, girls?” Sasha asked, with a smile.

  “We’re fine. A bit anxious and still trying to believe this isn’t some kind of nightmare.” Anya was the one answering.

  “Yes, I know the feeling. Surely, we could be a lot worse, but being back at home would be much better.” Sasha agreed, but her words lacked confidence.

  Gil Ra doubted the other woman really felt that. There was exceptional shine in her eyes that told a whole different story.

  “I’m not so sure about that.” Miranda murmured. “My life back on earth sucked, and that was the truth.” She admitted.

  Murmurs of agreement came out of every woman present.

  “I guess you’re right,” Sasha admitted, letting out a sigh.

  “Hey, we heard Asgar brought back another human female. Was that Eleanor?” Patricia asked, showing her concern.

  “Yes, it was.” She confirmed it. “Eskol did quite a number on her before Asgar was able to take her away from him and she spent the whole trip in the infirmary recovering from the torture he put her through.” She explained.

  “Damn lizard,” Miranda muttered, furious.

  “Yes, but fortunately, she is alright now, but the king has taken her under his protection,” Sasha added.

  “That’s sweet of him,” Anya said, smiling.

  “Yes, I guess.” Sasha let out a deep sigh. “The fact that she can’t walk is a bit of a problem.” She explained the other woman’s whole situation to the rest of the girls.

  “I refused to believe these people are intolerant. They’ll accept her.” Miranda said, in an optimistic tone.

  “Let’s hope so.” Sasha nodded. “Have any of you been mated by now?” she asked, curious.

  “Nope, we have been assigned, tutors. We’re supposed to move in with them and allow them to show us around and teach us about their culture.” Anya replied.

  “And help us find our place in their society.” Gil Ra added.

  “That sounds good. When are you moving in with them?” Sasha asked.

  “Tomorrow. At least, that’s what we have been told.” Patricia replied.

  “Well, then we don’t have much time.” She stated.

  “Time for what?” Gil Ra asked.

  “To get some decent clothes. I went to a market this morning, and the clothes are dreadful. Tunics and suits are the only things they sell.” Sasha explained. “So, I went to a factory and got us some fabric.” She turned to look at Gil Ra. Do you think you can do something with this?” she pulled the fabrics from the bag and showed it to the other girls.

  Gil Ra was delighted, that would give her something to entertain herself with. “Oh, yes, I could do so many things. This one looks like denim.” She said picking one of the fabrics.

  “Yes, I thought so too.”

  “So, jeans, tops, dresses and cardigans?” she asked, after checking all of the fabrics Sasha had taken her.

  “Yes, please.” They chorused.

  “Just get me your sizes, and I’ll do my best.” Gil Ra promised. “The man that’s going to be my tutor has pledged to help me handle their sewing machines, and for all I’ve heard about them, it won’t take me much to get these done.” She added, with a wide smile.

  “Just let me know if you need more fabric. We could go together to the factory.” Sasha let her know.

  “Yes, that would be perfect. I’ll let you know.”

  “Could you get me some wool? I love knitting so I could knit some cute, cozy sweaters for us, as well as scarves.” Anya asked, excited at the prospect of getting new clothes.

  “I’m sure Asgar can help me get that,” Sasha replied, smiling.

  “Perfect. That will give me something to do.”

  They chatted a while longer until Asgar came to pick up Sasha up and Gil Ra decided to go back to her room as well, carrying all of the fabrics Sasha had brought her.

  “Víf Gil Ra, where are you taking that? Perhaps I could help you.”

  “Thank you… I’m sorry, I don’t even know your name.” she started saying when she saw the same servant that had helped her the day before.

  “It’s Ingvar, Víf Gil Ra.”

  “Well, thank you, Ingvar. I’m taking this to my room.”

  “Perhaps you would like to take it to the room I took you yesterday to,” he suggested instead.

  She remembered seeing a big table on a corner of the room, so she nodded. “Yes, that would be perfect.”

  He took the bags with the fabrics from her and guided her to the room.

  Colborn reached the palace still not sure of what to do, or how to handle the situation. He asked to see the king, looking for his advice.

  “Did you want to see me?” the king asked, as he entered his office. Colborn was pacing the room, not his usual self-centered man.

  “Yes, I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I really need to talk to someone.”

  “There’s nothing to be sorry about. What’s going on?” the king asked, taking a seat behind his desk.

  “I saw the video last night.” He said, stopping in front of the desk.

  “I thought you would.” Brynjar nodded. “So, who is she?”

  “She… can’t be. It’s an impossible union. There must be a mistake.”

  The King took a look at his friend and nodded. Colborn was taller and stronger than most men on the planet. So his reaction could only mean
something. “You’re mated with Gil Ra.”

  “Yes.” He spurted. “This is impossible… just look at me, I’m too big for a woman like her, I would crush her.”

  “I believe you’re taking things out of proportion here. Eleanor is not much taller than Gil Ra, and we are just perfect together.” the king tried to appease the man’s worries.

  “I need time to handle this.” He said, with a deep sigh, running his fingers through his hair.

  “Take all the time you need. Get to know her, and you’ll see things differently.” He assured him.

  “But we’re supposed to take them home. I’m not ready for that.” He grumbled.

  “Then, make up some convincing excuse and leave her here for a few more days. You can tell her I’ve sent you on a special mission, what isn’t a lie and that you would rather have here, where she would be taken care of.” The King suggested.

  “That’s a good idea.” He let himself fall over one of the chairs.

  The king frowned. “Are you sure she’s your mate? I would hate if she ended up hurt in case you’re not sure.

  Colborn scowled. “Believe me, I’m sure. I just need time to adjust to the idea. I didn’t expect it to happen to me.” He admitted. “I’m too old for this.”

  “You’re five rotations older than me, that doesn’t make you too old.” Brynjar protested.

  “I guess I’ve been alone for a too long time.”

  “I can understand your feelings.” The king nodded. “So, take it slow. Go at your own rhythm.”

  "Thank you; I will."

  “Go meet her. One of the servants can tell you where you can find her,” he suggested, and the doctor nodded, leaving his office without even saying goodbye.

  Chapter Three

  Gil Ra was examining the fabrics Sasha had brought her, making notes of how much she had of each piece so that she could plan what she was going to do. She had no idea how the sewing machines here were or even the threads, but she guessed her tutor would be able to inform her about it. She wanted to start working on it, but she knew it didn’t make any sense starting now if she would have to pack all her things the following day.

  She was still looking at them when she heard the swishing sound of the door opening behind her.

  Startled, she turned around to see who it was, surprised to find a stranger standing at the door. Taller than most men she had ever seen, with a muscled body and an incredibly handsome face, he was quite imposing and breathtaking. His long dark hair fell straight down his back, like the ones of most men on this planet. His single presence in the room was affecting her breathing in a silly way and struggled with herself to keep her emotions under control.

  The last thing she needed at this point of her life was to fall in love with a man that wasn’t meant for her. She sure as hell didn't need any more pain in her life.

  “Hello.” He said with a faint smile.

  “Hi… are you looking for someone?” she asked, sure he was lost.

  “Yes, for you,” he said, closing the distance between them. “I’m Colborn, the man assigned to be your tutor.” He explained.

  She gasped, surprised. Was this man supposed to be her tutor? How was she supposed to live with a man like him? The closer he got to her, the faster her heart beat inside her chest.

  “Oh… I see. It’s a pleasure knowing you, Mr. Colborn… I’m Gil Ra, but I guess you already knew that…” she muttered, hating herself for her nervousness.

  “Please, just call me Colborn.”

  He looked around, clearly uncomfortable in her presence and that was more than enough to freeze all of the emotions she had been experiencing ever since she had laid eyes on him. The man didn’t want to be there. He didn’t want to be her tutor.

  She remained in silence, waiting for him to go on.

  “I just heard this morning I had been selected to be your tutor. Otherwise, I would have come sooner.” He added, in an apologizing tone. “Unfortunately, the king has also assigned me another important mission, and I won’t be able to be with you all the time I would have wanted.” He continued.

  His rejection, because she was sure it was a rejection, was a hard blow to her guts. One more in her life, she should be used to them by now, but they still hurt like hell. She steeled herself and put on her mask. There was no use letting him see how much he had hurt her.

  “I understand. Perhaps, I could stay here at the palace. That way, you wouldn’t have to worry about me, and I wouldn’t have to spend that much time alone.” She suggested in a neutral tone and a broad smile on her face. After a while, she had become an expert hiding her true feelings.

  “Yes, that would be perfect.”

  There was so much relief on his face that for a moment she had trouble breathing. “I’m sure of it.”

  “Anyway, I would be coming by to visit you and to take you out so that you can know the city and surroundings.” He added, with a smile.

  “Yes, that would be great.” She nodded, but not giving his offer any credit. She knew how those things were. “But please, you must give the mission the king gave you, priority. After all, I’m not going anywhere.” She said, trying to put on her best smile.

  “I know… but I’ll make time for you.”

  “That would be nice, thank you.” she nodded, having more and more trouble keeping her smile on her face.

  “Do you need anything? Can I help you with anything?” he asked, surprising her.

  She had thought he would leave as soon as possible, but apparently, he took his responsibilities way too seriously. “No, I’m fine. People here at the palace are very kind and very helpful.” She assured him.

  “I don’t doubt that, but it’s my duty to see that you have all you need.” He insisted, confirming her theory. “What are all these fabrics you were looking at?” he asked, pointing at the table behind them.

  “Oh… some of the other girls asked me to help them get some clothes.” She explained, briefly.

  “Yes, I saw on the video you were a fashion designer.”

  “No, just a student, but I guess I know enough to make them all some clothing more according to our likes.” She corrected him.

  “I guess you’ll need a sewing machine, right?” he said, smiling.

  “Yes, that would be nice, but it’s not indispensable. I can also sew by hand.” She replied, not willing to impose her needs on him.

  “It would take you a lot more time.” He protested. “Come, I’ll bring you to the place where you can get all you need.” He offered, stretching his hand to take hers.

  “No… I wouldn’t dream in bothering you with that. I’m sure someone here at the palace will be able to help me.” She refused, taking a step back.

  “Nonsense. That will take us no time at all.” He insisted and in just a few seconds, he was guiding her out of the room and out of the palace.

  Colborn didn't take long to regret his decision of letting Gil Ra stay at the palace. At first, it had sounded like the perfect idea; he would still be able to see her whenever he wanted and still stay away from her as much as he needed to keep control over his emotions while he dealt with the whole situation.

  The desire burning inside him was powerful, and he was having trouble controlling his desire of kissing and hugging her until they were both breathless and shaking.

  But the minute he agreed with her suggestion, he realized he had made a huge mistake. Her shimmering smile had frozen on her face, and all of the light he had seen in her eyes died. He considered taking back his words, but his instinct told him that would only make things worse. Now, he would have to go slow with her and try to recover what he unconsciously lost.

  "There was no need for you to bother yourself with this." She said once more when he had her take a seat on his vehicle.

  “It’s no bother, believe me. I want to help you feel at home here.” He assured her.

  “It’s very kind of you.” she replied, and he could tell by her tone she didn’t think that woul
d ever happen.

  He took her to a clothing factory owned by one of his best friends. Olaf would be the perfect person to help her get all that she needed and help her to learn how to use their machinery to get what she wanted.

  The place was huge, and he could tell she was impressed. One of the employees took them to see Olaf, immediately.

  “Colborn, it’s so good to see you.” his friend greeted him with a tight hug.

  “It’s good to see you too. How’s the family?” Olaf was the only one of his friends that were happily mated with his soulmate.

  “Fine, fine… our oldest graduates this year, can you believe it?” the other man replied with a wide smile as he turned to look at Gil Ra. “And you must be Gil Ra. I’m Olaf. I saw your presentation on the video, and I was wondering if I would have the opportunity of meeting you. After all, we’re in the world of fashion.”

  She gave him a shy smile. “I was still studying, but yes, fashion was my passion.”

  The man smiled pleased. “And now you’re here, in my factory. What can I do to help you?”

  “She needs to make some clothing for her and her friends. What would she need for it?” he replied in her place.

  "Come with me; I have all you'll need." He took them into a room nearby where he removed a cover from a huge machine. "This one is one of my first cutters. I no longer use it, but it still works perfectly, and I'm sure it would help you with any of your projects." He explained as he pressed a few buttons and brought the machine to life.

  He picked a piece of fabric from a drawer and introduced it into the machine and after choosing a pattern he had the machine cutting it.

  “See… then, when you have the pieces cut the way you want them, you can sew them with his one.

  The machine he was showing them now was pretty much like the ones she had back on earth, though a lot more sophisticated than any other she had seen before.

  Olaf showed her how to use it, and she was delighted. The machine did almost all of the work by itself.

  "You can take these two with you. I no longer use them, and it would be a real pleasure helping a colleague." He concluded.