I’m excited to share a sneak peak at the rough draft of Star Crossed Dragons, the prequel to Going Down In Flames. It’s the story of how Bryn’s parents fell in love and ran away together. Star Crossed Dragons comes out in February.

CHAPTER ONE

Sara

Sara sat across the table from her parents in her father’s study and stared at the marriage petition her father finished writing. There it was in black and white…her worst nightmare. She was being contracted to marry Ferrin Westgate…the boy who’d been the bane of her existence since she was five.

“There has to be someone else,” Sara spoke in a calm voice. If she yelled her parents would refuse to even discuss the matter.

“I don’t understand your objection,” her mother said. “Ferrin’s father is on the Directorate, his family fortune is second only to ours, and he’s a smart, handsome young man.”

“He’s also obnoxious and arrogant.”

Neither of her parents acknowledged her complaint. Maybe it was time to try another tactic. She’d play to their egos. “He goes on and on about how important his family is and how powerful his father is when we both know the Sinclair name carries more weight.”

Her father puffed out his chest with obvious pride. “True, but as a young man he might have a hard time dealing with that fact.”

“It might help if he’d stop talking about it.”

“Be that as it may,” her mother said. “The best approach for you is to smile and nod and then change the subject. Over time you’ll learn how to deal with Ferrin.” She glanced at her husband. “You’ll have your ups and downs but eventually you’ll come to an understanding.”

Her father pulled what looked like a cross between a ball point pen and a knife from his jacket pocket. “I’ll need to collect a blood sample to submit for testing.”

She wanted to ask how he planned to collect her blood, but she didn’t want to appear weak, so she held her hand out palm up. He put the point of the knife against the tip of her ring finger and pressed the button. The sharp sting of the blade made her wince.

 “That’s all there is to it,” her father said. “If you’ll excuse me, I have Directorate business to attend to.”

Her mother offered her a tissue which she held against her finger to stop the bleeding.  Right now her only hope was that she’d fail the blood test and the Directorate would refuse the contract. At this point she wouldn’t question a negative result, she’d happily move on to the next marital candidate no matter who he was. As long as it wasn’t Ferrin.

Her mother spoke in a quiet voice. “I’ve told you before. Marriage is a business contract that produces children. Nothing more. Ferrin might be difficult at times, but your children will be intelligent and attractive. They will carry on our legacy.”

Warm moments with her mother were rare. “Is there anyone else I could be paired with? Anyone at all?”

“No.” Her mom reached over and touched her on the shoulder. “Ferrin will be busy with the Directorate. You’ll be busy raising a family. Once your children are grown you can take up gardening or join the women’s league.”

She knew her mother was describing her own relationship which was the standard for Blue dragon marriages. A standard Sara desperately hoped to avoid.

***

“Sara, didn’t you hear me?” Ferrin called out.

Of course she’d heard him, which was why she was currently fleeing the other direction. She ducked down a side hallway, slipped off her shoes and shoved them into her black leather book bag as she went, so he wouldn’t hear her footsteps ring out on the marble floor of the library as she raced for the stairwell door. According to Directorate law she’d have to marry Ferrin one day, but that didn’t mean she had to spend every evening with him while they were at school. Just one night. That’s all she wanted. One night where she didn’t have to listen to how great his family was or how knowledgable he was about every subject on the entire planet.

The library was normally her sanctuary but Ferrin had followed her here. Why couldn’t he take a hint? She reached the door, yanked it open and then closed it behind her as quietly as she could. She turned to run up the stairs but found her way blocked by a Red male she didn’t know.

“Everything all right?” he asked.

“Sort of.” She didn’t have time to get into a discussion at the moment.

He pointed at her bare feet. “What are you doing?”

“Hiding from my intended.”  And she should not have said that.

“Really?”

“If you’d met him you’d understand.”

“Sara?” Crap. That was Ferrin’s voice. He was coming toward the door.

The stairwell was devoid of any statues or closets or anything she could hide behind or in. She eyed up the Red male. He had the typical Red Dragon Clan coloring and build: broad shouldered, auburn hair, pale skin, freckles, and green eyes. Right now he appeared amused.

“Ferrin is going to come through that door in thirty seconds and if I have to spend one more evening pretending to care about how brilliant he is I will kill someone…probably him.”

“Sara?” Ferrin’s voice was closer.

She was out of options, hopefully this Red would take pity on her and play along. “If you could just stand there and be large.” Sara jumped up on the step behind him and tried to make herself as small as possible.

She heard the door open and pressed herself so close to the Red she could smell his scent. Blues always smelled like cold and snow which made sense since their breath weapon was ice. Reds breathed fire. She’d never been this close to one. He smelled like woodsmoke and warmth.

 “Excuse me, have you seen a Blue female in this stairwell?”

“Yeah,” the Red said. “She’s hiding behind me.”

Sara pressed her lips together to muffle her protest.

“You have an odd sense of humor,” Ferrin said.

“So I’ve been told.”

Sara heard Ferrin walk out followed by the sound of the door shutting.

The young man turned around and grinned at her.

“You think you’re funny?” she asked, sounding far too much like her mother.

“Yes, I do.” His grin widened. “I’m Ian, by the way.”

“Well, thank you for letting me hide behind you, Ian, but why did you tell Ferrin I was there?”

“I didn’t want to lie.  Besides… I knew he wouldn’t believe me. It’s not typical ice princess behavior”

She snorted, which was also not typical Blue behavior. “I might be missing some ice princess genes.”

“I can see that.” He hitched his book bag higher on his shoulder. “Have a nice night, Sara.”

***

Ian

As Ian walked across campus to the Red dorm, he thought about the strange Blue he’d met. She had the same golden skin, blond hair, and blue eyes as the rest of her clan, but she definitely didn’t act like them. He’d never heard a Blue laugh in public, much less snort. Most of them were so high and mighty and obnoxious…but not this girl. That would probably make her life with the egotistical Blue male difficult.

His mind drifted to Amelia, the family friend he was contracted to marry. She was two years behind him in school, so she wouldn’t be at the institute until he started his college classes next year.

Weird to think he was almost done with high school. Not like much would change is his life. He’d still live in the same dorm he’d occupied for the past year and a half since he came to the Institute for Excellence at sixteen like every other shape-shifting dragon. Education at the Institute was mandatory as soon as a dragon first shifted and came into their powers. The Directorate and the Institute emphasized the danger of venturing out in the human population. From the time every dragon was a toddler they were told horror stories about what humans would do to a dragon if they ever captured one…dissection in a lab or maybe put on display at a zoo. The stories were enough to keep dragons close to home. Still he couldn’t help wondering, what it would be like to go someplace else? Someplace far away where Blue dragons didn’t decide what was best for everyone.

Maybe he wouldn’t mind school as much once Amelia was here. He thought of her as a friend. That’s how his parents had started out…as friends. They were happy. Hopefully things would work that way with him and Amelia. She’d said he was free to date until she came to school, but so far there wasn’t anyone he was interested in.

Sara’s face flashed in his mind. Right. He laughed at himself. Clans might mingle in classrooms…they could be acquaintances or maybe even friends, but never anything more according to Directorate law.

He shook his head and broke into a jog. What was he thinking? Maybe he needed to work out and clear his head. He jogged across campus keeping to the edge of the sidewalk so he didn’t bump into any of the other students making their way across campus.  The evening air was cool and crisp. When he reached The Red Dragon dorm, he slowed to walk.

He opened the door and entered into the first floor lounge. Ian nodded and said hello to his friends and Clan mates as he made his way across the room. Students were stretched out on couches in groups studying or talking. Most of the pool tables were in use. Rather than staying down here, he jogged up the steps to his dorm room on the third floor.

When he opened the door, the spicy scent of pizza made his mouth water. Two sausage and mushroom pizzas rested on the table in front of his roommate Greg. “I didn’t want to go to the dining hall so I grabbed pizza from downstairs.”

“Works for me.” Ian sat and grabbed a slice. The mushrooms felt rubbery when he bit down on them but he knew better than to complain. Part of keeping peace with his room mate was dealing with mushrooms on pizza. He’d drawn the line at pineapple and this was their compromise.

“I see you thinking bad thoughts about my mushrooms,” Greg said around a mouthful of pizza.

“Something strange happened at the library,” Ian said as a way to change the conversation. He told Greg about Sara, leaving out her name.

“That’s funny,” Greg said. “I thought all Blues were happy to be married off according to their bank accounts.”

“I guess not.”

***

The next morning in the line for breakfast at the dining hall Ian spotted Sara sitting at one of the Blue Clan tables with a fake smile plastered on her face. She sipped her juice and nodded and then she caught him looking at her. Her smile became real for a moment before she returned her focus to the conversation.

Greg poked him in the back. “The bacon is that way.”

Ian moved forward and filled his plate with bacon, pancakes, and eggs. He and Greg sat at their normal table in the Red section.

“Was that the girl you bumped into last night?” Greg asked gesturing towards Sara’s table.

“How’d you know?”

“I see everything. Blue females never smile at Red males. And you don’t even know who she is.”

“Sara somebody.” Why was he making a big deal out of this?

“That’s Sara Sinclair.”

It took him a moment to connect the Sinclair name to something significant. Wait a minute. “Her dad is the Speaker for the Directorate.” Which meant she wasn’t just an ice princess…she was the top tier ice princess of the entire Blue Clan.

“Hard to believe she’s not stuck up,” Greg said.

Ian shrugged and shoved a piece of bacon in his mouth. “We’re not all the same. Maybe they’re not all the same either.”

“Right. We’re different because we have options. We can go into the military, run our own businesses, or work for someone else but Blues only play one role. The same role they’ve played forever. They rule over us and know what’s best for everyone.”

Ian laughed at his friend’s sarcastic tone. Maybe Greg had a point. Blues were expected to behave one way while the other Clans had the freedom to choose what they wanted to do. “Would you trade your freedom of choice for one of their mansions?”

“No, but I wouldn’t mind borrowing one of their cars. One of those Porsches or maybe a decked out Hum-vee.”

“I’d rather fly.” Ian checked his watch. “If we eat fast we can take a couple of laps around campus before class.”

Greg shoveled food into his mouth and finished a second after Ian did.

“Let’s go.” They stood and headed out the front doors of the dining hall and then down the sidewalk toward one of the benches where they dropped their book bags.

Ian focused on the fire burning inside of him and willed it to grow. Heat shot through his veins as his muscles grew and shifted, bones extended and snapped into place. He suppressed a growl as power surged through him and his wings unfurled.

Transformation complete, he bent his legs and then pushed off into the sky. Using his powerful wing muscles he drove himself up into the clear blue. Cool air rushed past his snout and slid along the red scales of his body as he leveled out, allowing himself to glide.

Flying was the best part of life at the Institute. Flying was freedom. Even when the Directorate or the teachers did things that seemed unfair there was always flying. When he was in dragon form powering through the air, his human concerns faded away.

Greg flew past him and performed a diving roll. Ian copied the maneuver, laughing as the world spiraled. When he righted himself, he built up some speed and then flew straight up towards the clouds where he paused for a second before arching backwards so he was headed straight for the ground. Greg copied his maneuver.

They continued aerial follow the leader until students poured out of the dining hall and headed toward the other buildings which meant classes were about to start. Ian landed next to the bench where they’d left their bags and shifted into human form. He grabbed his bag and sighed. “Any chance we can ditch classes and keep flying?”

Greg shifted and shook his head. “Nope. Test tomorrow in first hour. She’ll give the notes we need today.”

Ian didn’t care about getting the highest grades. He’d noticed people liked you more when they weren’t competing against you for class rankings. He could give a crap less about Proper Decorum.

When it came to lifting weights or fighting in a ring, he’d go all out, but that was different than caring about getting an A instead of a B. B’s were fine. They moved you through to the next class.

CHAPTER TWO

Sara

If Ferrin didn’t stop talking about how he planned to be the youngest member of the Directorate Sara was going to fake food poisoning just to have a few moments to herself. She could go with the old standard…excuse herself pretending she had to use the restroom, but she’d used that excuse so often he’d asked if she might need to see a medic.

Maybe she could steer him to another topic of conversation. “I heard we’re going to have a guest speaker in Economics.”

Ferrin paused and blinked like he was confused. “Who?”

“I don’t know. One of the newer Directorate members is going to give a presentation on each Clans role in the economy.”

“That’s hardly interesting,” Ferrin said. “Once I’m on the Directorate I’ll make sure presentations are all about how brilliant I am…”

Okay. He didn’t say about how brillliant I am but he might as well have because he was back to talking at her rather than to her.

She cleared her throat. “Maybe we need a communication class which teaches the art of conversation. A class that discusses how it takes two people to have an interesting conversation rather than one person expounding on what they believe.”

Ferrin tilted his head and stared at her. “Honestly, if someone hasn’t figured that out by now they probably never will. Now back to what I was saying before you so rudely interrupted me.”

She pressed her lips together and fantasized about smashing her cheese danish in his face. Then again that would be a waste of a perfectly good pastry.

When breakfast ended, she should have felt relieved and she might have if their first class wasn’t Proper Decorum. The class irritated her almost as much as Ferrin did. At least the class would eventually end. How the teacher, Mrs. Silvertrap managed to talk about manners and place settings and appropriate social behavior for an hour every day was mind boggling.

Sara had never understood the reason behind all the fake niceties. If you didn’t enjoy someone’s company why should you pretend you did? Odds were the dislike was mutual. Being civil she understood, but pretending to enjoy certain things was a skill she didn’t possess. The only way to stay awake in class was by playing games. Today she’d count the number of times Mrs. Silvertrap used the word proper. Ten minutes into class she had fifteen tic marks on her paper.

“Sara, how many forks are required for a five course dinner?”  Mrs. Silvertrap asked.

There was probably an appropriate answer but Sara went with the obvious. “As many as the caterer supplies?”

Students laughed.

“That is not an adequate answer,” the teacher snapped.

“Since I won’t be the one counting out the forks and setting the tables at whatever event I’m planning, I think it should be,” Sara shot back.

Mrs. Silvertrap frowned. “You might not be setting the tables yourself, but you will be supervising the staff who does. It’s important to know these things to save yourself from social embarrassment.”

“If an inept caterer used the wrong place settings,” Ferrin spoke in a voice that carried through the classroom. “Do you believe Blues would dare speak ill of the Westgate who hired them?”

Mrs. Silvertrap took a step backwards. “Of course not.”

Okay maybe Ferrin had his uses after all, and he had stepped up to help her so she smiled at him. He nodded at her, but he appeared annoyed.

After class on their way to Elemental Science he pulled her down a side hall. His expression was completely serious. “I interceded on your behalf because I won’t stand by while someone is being rude, but from here on out you need to think about how your actions reflect on the Westgate name.”

“Excuse me?”

“The response you gave in class was beneath your station.”

Wow. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t aware I’d been assigned a station that required me to answer stupid questions in a ridiculous class.”

Ferrin’s eyes narrowed. “You will be a Westgate and you best learn how to act like one.”

Oh really. She tried to hold the words inside but the dam of her self control broke and the words poured out.  “Should I tell everyone how great I am and brag about my father’s second rate fortune?”

Ferrin’s face colored. His eyes went hard and cold and for a moment he stared at her…just stood there seeping anger from every pore and then without a word he stalked off.

A thrill of victory shot through her body quickly followed by the realization that she’d broken a cardinal rule. Blues never showed negative emotions in public. Never. They could argue using a normal tone of voice so no one else knew something was wrong. Anyone who’d heard what she said in that angry tone of voice would definitely know they weren’t having a pleasant conversation. Holy hell. What had she done? She backed up and slumped against the wall, closing her eyes. She should not have said those things…even if they were true.

“Are you okay?” A familiar voice asked.

She opened her eyes and saw the Red from the library. What was his name…Ivan…no Ian. “Yes. Just wishing I had a filter for my mouth.”

He chuckled. “I heard what you said, and you’re not wrong.”

She sucked in a breath and scanned the hallway. “Did anyone else hear?”

He shook his head. “Just me. I was coming back from the restroom.”

“Thank God.” Her parents would be furious if they knew she’s spoken to Ferrin like that.

Ian checked his watch. “We should go to class.”

He was right. She headed to Economics with him and took her seat next to Ferrin. This wasn’t the end of the world. She might be better off if he stayed mad for awhile. At least he wouldn’t follow her everywhere demanding all of her time.

There was strange squiggling sensation in her stomach. It felt like guilt. Ferrin behaved the way he did because it was how he’d been taught to behave. Maybe they could clear the air and come to some sort of understanding. She’d attempt to be more appropriate in class if he curbed his…what…bragging…she couldn’t very well say that.

“Today we have a guest speaker,” Their economics teacher Mr. Clayton said as he stood behind his desk. Like the wouldn’t notice the Blue adult male standing next to him. “This is Mr. Seaborn. He’s taken time away from his busy schedule to talk to you about how each Clans role in our society is vital.”

Mr. Seaborn surveyed the class. “I’d rather not lecture at you, so I’m hoping you’ll raise your hands and contribute to the discussion. Let’s start with some basic questions because I’m interested to understand your perception of our society. And there is only one rule I’d like to you to follow. You are not allowed to answer questions about your own Clan.”

Students shifted in their seats. This felt like some sort of test.

“Let’s begin. What role do Green dragons play?”

An Orange female named Helani raised her hand. Mr. Seaborn nodded at her.

“Greens are the most analytical, some say the smartest dragons so they are our teachers and scientists. They are gifted in manipulating quintessence so they become medics.”

“Correct. Using their own life force to heal another dragon is an amazing skill. It’s very important that Greens play this role. Now what about Orange dragons?”

A Black dragon raised his hand. “Due to their sonic waves and their affinity with the earth they’re the farmers and the miners.” He paused. “Orange dragons channel their life force into plants to help them grow, so why can’t they heal dragons like Greens do?”

Mr. Seaborn smiled. “Quintessence is the essence of life. All dragons have the ability to manipulate it to a certain extent, but each Clan has their specialty. Just another example of why all of our roles are important.  Now, what about Black dragons?”

Ian raised his hand. “They are the most creative so they are the artists and entertainers.”

“And Red dragons?”

Ferrin raised his hand. “They are the strongest so they make up the militia. They’re also the clan that runs most of the businesses.”

“And Blues?”

A Green male named Einstein raised his hand. “They are the fastest fliers but that doesn’t correlate to their position in society. They are the lawmakers and the elite and they have a strong desire for power and control.”

Blues in the class bristled and muttered.

“That is an interesting answer,” Mr. Seaborn said.

“I was going for analytical rather than polite,” the Green responded.   

“Another trait innate to your clan,” Mr. Seaborn said. “I’m sure you ruffled the feathers of some of your fellow students. That is something I am here to discuss today. Blues do control our society. We, and by we I mean the Directorate, maintain power over the clans to protect them. Everything we do is done to keep dragons safe and to keep our society moving forward.”

A Red raised his hand. “My uncle’s business was taken over by the Directorate for the good of the Clans. Can you explain that, because I don’t understand why he can’t manage the business he created.”

“Blues have always been the CEO’s of companies. Once businesses grow to certain size it wouldn’t be right to expect a Red to handle that level of commerce,” Mr. Stanborn said.

That was taking condescension to a new level. Sara raised her hand. “Why couldn’t a Red hire a Green to help teach him how to run the business?” 

“I’m surprised you’d ask that question,” Mr. Clayton said. “Since your father is the Speaker for the Directorate.

She sat up straighter. “I would never ask my father that question because it would make him angry. He might think I was questioning how the Directorate operates. This is a class. And you’re here as a guest lecturer so I can ask you. We are here to learn after all, are we not?

“We are,” Mr. Clayton said. “And I’m sure you’re not the only student in this room who wondered about that but apparently you are the only one impulsive enough and secure enough in your position in dragon hierarchy to ask such an inappropriate question. Mr. would you like to answer Sara’s question or would you prefer I handle it.”

“The answer,” Mr. Seaborn said in a less than amused tone, “Is that Blues must maintain control of the economy for the good of all. If a dragon from another clan reaches a financial level that exceeds his peers it will cause unrest. Every position no matter what the career or job description…every Red, Orange, Black, and Green dragon…every teacher, miner, painter is paid a livable wage. Everyone has enough money to meet their needs and live comfortably. The wealth of our society is controlled and maintained by Blues because it’s what we’ve done for centuries and it is what we will continue to do for the good of all. In the past, before the Directorate, Dragon Clans fought for territory and resources and treasure. And when I say fought I mean to the death. Dragons killing dragons for diamonds and gold and land. Needless deaths are now avoided thanks to the civilizing action of the Directorate. Each Clan is assigned a role based on its strengths.”

“Reds are the middle class who run the businesses where we all purchase goods. They are the backbone of the economy. Black dragons entertain us with their talents and create beautiful works of art for us to purchase. Green dragons teach us and tend to our health. Orange dragons produce the food we all need to survive and mine the diamonds and gold which our economy is based on. Blues control the flow of money and purchase goods and services thereby supporting the rest of the clans. Our society is based on what is best for everyone. When a business is taken over or when a marriage petition is denied, resentment is understandable. But overall, you can be assured the Directorate is looking out for the welfare of all the Clans.” He checked his watch. “Now if you’ll excuse me I have another appointment.” He exited the room.

Ian pointed at Sara. “You’re my new hero.”

Sara beamed. “I knew I was the only one who could get away with asking, so I did.”

 Ferrin didn’t comment but if his clenched jaw muscle was any indication he was less than pleased. Too bad. He gave her the silent treatment for the rest of the day. Was he mad about what she’d said in the hallway or because of the way she’d behaved in class?

Honestly she felt bad about what she’d said to him, so she probably should apologize for that, but she’d never apologize for asking questions which made him or other Blues uncomfortable.

After their last class they headed to the Blue dorm. As they walked up the steps people nodded in recognition. She responded in kind. When they reached her door, she said, “May I speak to you for a moment? In private?”

He didn’t reply, but he didn’t walk away either, so she opened her dorm room with the key and headed inside. He followed. After setting her book bag on the coffee table, she faced him.

“Ferrin, I’m sorry about what I said earlier. It was rude.” Even if it was true.

He stood there like he was waiting for more. What did he expect her to say?

“That’s all I had prepared,” Sara said. “Would you like to add to the conversation?”

“You’re a Blue,” Ferrin stated like she’d missed an obvious point. “You should act like one.”

“My mother has tried that argument for years,” Sara forced a laugh. “it didn’t take.”

He reached up to loosen his tie. “Blues never air their grievances in public. Never. Public perception is vital. If the other Clans see us arguing then they’ll question how we rule. That cannot happen. We must present a united front. Do you understand?”

No. She didn’t. No one was perfect. People should be allowed to disagree or argue in public if they felt like it. But that answer would lead to more tension between them, and she needed to make peace with Ferrin because she had to live with him for the rest of her life…so she nodded.

“And the question you asked in class…that was wrong.”

Wait. What? “No it wasn’t. I’m allowed to ask questions.”

“Once again, in private you could ask a question. Asking those types of questions in public makes you sound disloyal to your Clan.”

“Are you kidding me? I am loyal to my Clan. I’m going along with this marriage contract even though it’s obvious we are incompatible.”

Ferrin dropped his book bag. “Excuse me?”

“Name one thing you like about me.”

“What?” He seemed truly perplexed.

“On paper we are a good match because we come from the top two families and our offspring will be attractive and intelligent, but what do you like about me?”

“This conversation is ridiculous.”

“Please.” She took a step toward him. “Just one thing. Give me one reason you want to be around me because I don’t understand. You tell me all your plans for the future but you don’t actually talk to me.”

“I talk to you all day long,” Ferrin said.

“No,” Dear god how did he not understand? “You talk at me. You share your ideas but you never discuss anything with me.”

He blinked. “You want me to ask your opinion on things?”

“That would be a good start. We could take turns picking topics. I …” She didn’t know how to explain. “I want to feel like you actually like me and not just my pedigree.”

Ferrin ran his hand back through his hair, leaving it a bit disheveled. “This is absurd. Did you ever stop to wonder why I was telling you all my plans?”

She shook her head.

 “I was trying to impress you with my initiative.”

“Oh.” She’d never thought of it like that.

“You did mention my family’s second rate fortune earlier today,” he said in an amused tone.

Wow. He’d been trying to show her he was worthy. “Both our families have more money than any dragon could spend in a lifetime. Your family’s lineage and fortune is impressive. I want to move past that. I want us to talk more about things we both like. Maybe have a laugh, not be so serious all the time.”

“I will curb my impulse to talk about my future plans if you curb your non-Blue behavior in public.”

She was going to let that description go for the sake of hopefully making this relationship something she could live with…maybe even enjoy. “I will be on my best Blue behavior if you work on your conversational skills.”

“Agreed.” He picked up his bookbag. “I’ll meet you here in an hour and we can walk to dinner together and you can pick the first topic of conversation.”

“Thank you.” It felt like a weight had lifted off of her shoulders.