Dragon Defense (Heirs to the Throne Book 3) by Diane Rapp

picnic site.
    Catherine wiped leaves off the picnic table and set out the food as Ross teased Brandon about losing the horse race to Tessa.  Brandon shrugged.  “I could teach you about sailing or shooting arrows, but riding a horse isn’t my best skill.”
    Ross nodded.  “I’d enjoy beating you in a shooting contest.”
    Josh grinned and said, “Catherine, get these men to show you how to shoot arrows.  They claim they can beat anyone in a contest.” 
    Catherine smiled. “That sounds like a challenge!”  She smiled coyly and sauntered over to stand near Brandon.
    “I’d be happy to demonstrate my skill,” Brandon offered.
    “We’re talking about archery,” Ross interjected.
    “Of course!”  Catherine tossed her head, her red curls bouncing.  “Let’s have a tournament, and the winner accompanies me to the royal ball.  What fun it will be!”  She clapped her hands and fluttered her eyelashes.
    Tessa cast a sidelong glance at Josh and he nearly choked on his sandwich.  “What a clever idea, Catherine!” Tessa said, “I can’t wait to let all your suitors know.”
    Catherine leaned against Brandon.  “I hope you’re the winner.”  She stroked him on the cheek in front while Ross frowned. 
    Tessa cast a knowing glance at Josh.  They both had to hide their grins before Catherine caught them snickering.  They couldn’t wait for this contest.
     
     
    *****
     
     
    Angela discovered Brandon riding at her side on the way back to the castle.  “I thought you preferred Catherine’s company,” Angela said.
    “She’s not the one who interests me.”  Brandon grinned.  “I came today, since it’s better than sitting alone in the castle.”
    “I’ve never known you to sit alone anywhere.  You always have a bevy of beauties around.”
    “I don’t want a reputation at the castle.”
    Angela gazed at her handsome cousin.  “You’re serious?  Which one has caught your eye, Brandon?”
    He flashed a devious smile. “Felesia.”
    “She’s pledged to Jordan!”  Angela was genuinely surprised.
    “Pledged but not wed.  Even wed, I’d still try to bed her.  What I want is more than one night of fun.”
    “Brandon, she truly loves Jordan.  Look to one of the other sisters if it’s status you’re after.”
    His gray eyes narrowed.  “I want Felesia; she’s wild and free.  Her skin and hair are like spun gold.  Her eyes change color with every mood, draws me like one of her creatures. I can’t think of anyone else.”
    Angela sighed. “She’s unavailable and you’ve always been one to want what you can’t have.”
    Brandon fingered his sun-bleached hair. “Perhaps you know me too well, cousin.”  His eyes glowed with intensity, and his voice vibrated with desire.  “I’d still love to take you into my bed.  Perhaps the thrill of the hunt is part of my desire.”
    Angela felt trapped by his sultry gray eyes and the sensation made her panic.  She raised her whip, ready to defend herself. 
    Brandon grinned mischievously. “You’re safe.  It’s Felesia that I want and you know by the pounding of your heart that I will have her.”  He spurred his horse and galloped away.
    Angela felt shaken.  She couldn’t understand the feeling Brandon stirred.  Could it be true?  Did she secretly wish to be seduced by him?  She shivered, afraid of her own reaction and grateful his attention was diverted by Felesia.
     
     
     
     
    *****
 
     
    The ancestor mind, Amber, woke to a distant chorus of howls, but her human host, Tessa, remained fast asleep.  Amber gently prodded the sleeping host to wake.  It was forbidden to control the host body without permission. 
    Tessa’s sleepy mind responded. What is it?
    The pack calls, we must answer.   Amber felt frustrated.  A pack member never slept so soundly she missed the pack’s call but human hearing was inadequate. 
    Tessa rubbed her eyes. How can wolves get along with so little sleep?  I’m