Saberthorn: Dragon Hunter Brotherhood: Dragon Hunter Brotherhood, #1

By Sheri-Lynn Marean

Is she his enemy …

… or salvation?

Only a soul mate can save Saberthorn from turning rogue and setting humanity on fire.

When his niece is murdered, Saber's cry of vengeance is heard far and wide. In days he's eliminated all responsible, except one. The witch he seeks eludes him.

Ten years later, on the verge of losing his humanity, a portal opens. The dragon in Saberthorn roars. Could it be her?

The hunt is on. But when he catches up to his amber-eyed enemy and she knocks him on his rear with a well placed fist, a deep craving awakens. Is it possible he was wrong and there's more to this female than he first though?

Hang on tight as you soar with sexy shifters because this powerful tale of love will leave you breathless.

 Get it now.

For Fans of JR Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Nalini Singh, Gena Showalter & Christine Feehan.

 "Download and discover why fans call this a powerful tale of action, suspense, sorrow and romance that'll keep you turning pages like crazy."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sheri-Lynn Marean
• Release date: Feb 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781988636153

Sheri-Lynn Marean

Sheri-Lynn Marean, Author of Dracones Awakening, book one in the Dracones series, did not grow up thinking she would one day be an author. Instead, she grew up riding and working with racehorses, drawing and selling her animal artwork, and of course reading. Sheri fell in love with reading at age twelve and has not stopped reading. One day Sheri decided she would write her own book, with her own characters, doing what she wanted them to do. She began to write and the characters came to life in her head. Now, several years later, she has never looked back. 

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

FenSavinor

Will this fight never end? In his half-form, Saberthorn’s dark gaze swept his dragon brethren and fallen allies as they fought for the right to exist. After a thousand years, this never-ending battle with the Ilyium druids was one and the same. Hatred, disgust, and a deep-seated weariness burned in his soul. It might be different faces and different villages, but the result was always the same. Unnecessary death and bloodshed. Yet there was no negotiating with the druids—this was all a part of the curse saddled upon dragonkind.

As an Ilyium soldier swept toward him, sword raised and bloodlust in his eyes, Saber ducked effortlessly, spun, and ended the male with his sharp talons. Then without missing a beat, he scanned the smoldering carnage for sight of his brother.

Saber caught a blur of movement just past the largest group engaged in combat. His eyes narrowed. It was another enemy troop crouched behind the ruins of a building. Before he could utter a word of warning to his fellow warriors, the Ilyium scurried from their hiding spot and broke into two groups. One attempted to circle the fighters, while the other group rushed into the fray. Saber’s anger surged. It was past time to end this particular battle.

Dair? he called to his older sibling telepathically, then spotted him battling a group of ten Ilyium like they were nothing.

Let’s finish these fuckers off, Adarias snarled, black hair plastered to his skull and dark-blue eyes flashing.

You read my mind. Saber waded through the bodies to his brother’s side. You couldn’t have left any for me?

Adarias gazed around disdainfully, then looked at Saber. You took too long. Ready?

Saber nodded, and they both shifted into full dragons. Let’s do this.

Let’s, Adarias said, and as one, they rose into the smoke-filled air. As if in tune with all the death upon the land, thick, billowy black-and-grey clouds swirled angrily around them.

Without wasting a single moment, they used their deadly dragonfire on their enemy. Saber alerted these on the ground to the enemy attempting to hit them from behind. Then he and Adarias swiftly set up a towering wall of flame, cutting off the new group of attackers. It wouldn’t hold for long, but it would buy their warriors some time.

Two brothers born into a family of hunters, they could do no other than hunt the enemy and protect, as they did now. They circled the sky, calling out warnings to those on the ground as needed. Both ready to lend a hand, or use their deadly fire, though their brethren seemed to have it handled.

On his second sweep around what remained of the village, Saber cursed. There were eight Ilyium headed toward the only building that was not on fire.

Over my dead body, you bastards. Saber went into a dive. The shelter was where the clan’s young huddled. They would be terrified as they waited for the battle to be over and their parents to return to them. Hatred and disgust consumed him at the lengths their enemy would go. He knew firsthand they wouldn’t hesitate to cut down the young, no matter the age.

As the Ilyium killed the remaining two guards watching over the young, Saber let out a furious roar and shot a billowing stream of dragonfire down at the enemy. Screams rang out and Saber smiled inwardly in satisfaction. The two remaining Ilyium quickly scattered and ran for cover.

His relief was short-lived, however, and Saber wanted to snarl in frustration. A young male in his teens, gripping a large dagger, darted out of the building and searched wildly around.

Go back inside! Saber yelled.

The teen gazed up at him for a moment and then stared at the carnage, his mouth dropping open.

Shit. Saber flew lower to land when a fighter on the ground grabbed the boy’s shoulder. With a harsh word, he shoved the youth back the way he’d come. Then the fighter engaged the enemy once again.

The teen took a few steps, then stopped at the sight of a large Ilyium soldier rushing toward him. Frozen, the knife slipped from his hand.

Saber shot a stream of dragonfire at the male, roasting him alive. Then he focused on the youth. Go. The teen gaped up at him, pale and shaking. Don’t make me tell you again. Pick up your dagger and get back inside.

The youth retrieved his blade and, with one last glance around, quickly hightailed it back the way he’d come. Relieved, Saber waited until the teen was back in the building.

Zales, Cass, we need more guards on the young, he told both his younger brother and his best friend.

On it, Zales said, and a moment later, Saber saw a couple of fallen hurry over to keep the young safe.

Saber flew back to Adarias’s side, and together, they helped their brethren fight the remaining enemy, careful not to harm anyone on their side.

When the battle was over, Saber and Adarias took one last sweep around the destroyed village.

You take east and south, I’ll take north and west, Adarias said.

Got it. Saber flew away to scan the terrain outside the village to ensure no one else would sneak up on them. Once positive there weren’t any more Ilyium, Saber flew back, landed, and shifted into his human-form.

Adarias, already in human-form, was on the ground and waiting for him. Clear?

Yes. Saber grimaced at the carnage. Most of the warriors from the attacked clan hadn’t survived. What a waste.

With bleak weariness in his eyes, Adarias sighed. Sanctuary is full. This was the fifth village hit this week, so we’re bringing the survivors back home with us. Once rested and healed, we’ll figure out where they can go.

Saber nodded, feeling for those left living while their loved ones went to the afterworld. The Ilyium didn’t care if they killed male or female, young or the elderly. If you were born of any supernatural species, you were fair game as far as they were concerned.

Is this it? Is this all there is to life? Sick of the constant battle, Saber sat shrouded in darkness and stared blankly into the flames of the community fire. It had been another devastating day and he fought the urge to go, move. It didn’t matter where, so long as he was alone.

Saber’s niece, who’d been working with the other healers tending the wounded, stepped out of the shadows. Long brown hair framed a pale face, as chocolate doe-like eyes searched those around the fire. Maya gave Saber a small smile before her gaze landed on her mate.

Are you done? Cass asked. A fellow hunter in the brotherhood of dragonkind’s protectors, Casstiel’s long blond hair glinted in the firelight. Though he wasn’t related to Saber by blood, he was as close as a brother could be.

Maya gave a slight nod. I am for now. I’ve been told to take a break. Hold me?

Cass pulled her into his lap and wrapped his thick arms around her. Of course.

It was extra quiet as everyone contemplated the horrors of the day. Slowly, a few couples began to drift toward their homes. Saber remained and nursed his drink until Cass and Maya’s embrace became passionate.

He tried to ignore them—was happy they had each other, yet, a part of him felt even more lost than usual in the wake of their newly mated bliss.

Take it somewhere else, Adarias teased good-naturedly. Saber’s heart ached and warmed at the rare sight of his oldest brother’s smile. The only time Adarias did so anymore was around their niece. There were a few chuckles at his comment, though the couple in question were so involved with each other, they didn’t even notice.

Then silence reigned again.

As the need to escape grew stronger, Saber finally gave in to it. Without a word to anyone, he stood and quietly eased away. He acknowledged the sentinels on duty as he slipped through the protective wards and was about to pass through the second set of wards, when a faint sniffle stilled him. Saber peered out into the darkness of the forest.

Shit. He walked into the teal timberland, a pale carpet of pastel color in the daytime as it rolled from the top of the mountain to the bottom of the valley. But in the dark, the moonlight reflected off each pale leaf, making them appear white. You shouldn’t be out here alone, Saber said gently to the teen leaning against the dark trunk of a teal tree. His skinny arms were wrapped around legs drawn up to his chest.

The youth—who appeared to be about sixteen—just shrugged, and Saber knew he was smarting from the rebuke he’d received earlier. I know you wanted to help fight, but you had a job to do. We count on everyone to do their jobs, so no mistakes are made that might end up getting others hurt. Or worse, Saber thought, but didn’t say it. When the teen didn’t respond, Saber eased himself onto the ground beside him.

The youth glanced at him, then lowered his gaze again. I feel useless babysitting. I want to do more.

What is your name, son? Saber asked.

Fen. FenSavinor, the youth said.

Saber bit back a sad smile. Savinor was the name of one of Saber’s brothers who had died long ago.

FenSavinor. That is a good, strong dragon name. I have no doubt you will make a fine warrior, Saber said.

Maybe, after I go through my awakening and if I survive.

Saber winced at the bitterness in Fen’s voice. Fen was a predrac. Most of dragonkind could shift forms right after birth. But for the dracones, born of dragonkind and fallen, they had to survive their awakening during their twenty-first year. You will, Saber said with feigned optimism, praying he was right.

I want to start learning now. Not after my awakening, Fen said without looking at him.

Saber sighed inwardly. He remembered those years, yearning to join his father and brother as they fought, but having to wait until he was older, stronger. Your training has already begun, didn’t you know?

Fen raised a doubtful eyebrow.

Saber smiled. Yes. The first rule in joining the ranks of warrior is to obey orders.

Chin on his knees, Fen scoffed.

Saber bit back a laugh. It’s true. You need to learn to take orders before you can move on. And, Fen, do you know who the most important beings are in any clan?

Fen nodded. Of course. The Thundrace and Thundrece.

"You are right, the leaders are very important. However, the most important are the young. At Fen’s skeptical look, Saber nodded. The young are our future. Without them, there will be no dragonkind. So you see, you actually have a very important job. As a predrac, you are responsible for the welfare of the young during any attack."

It was a heavy burden for any predrac to bear, yet with their enemy hunting them as they did, everyone had to pull their weight. Besides, it was the best way for predracs to start learning responsibility.

Isn’t that what the guards are for? Fen asked.

Sure, but they are only a part of the system. Saber studied the youth. What are you told to do if anything happens to the guards?

Fen swallowed deeply. We’re to quietly take the young to the next hiding spot.

Exactly. Who is going to do it if you are out there trying to fight? Saber asked. We count on you to keep them together until an adult takes charge.

I know. I just … I don’t want to run and hide like a coward, Fen grumbled.

Protecting the young is not being cowardly. In fact, it takes courage. You are their last line of defense if things go wrong. Saber stared into Fen’s eyes. Fen didn’t say anything, and Saber’s mouth tightened in anger as the past intruded. Memories of other predracs, who with their quick thinking and courage, just barely kept those under their protection safe.

Fen’s shoulders drooped in defeat as he lowered his gaze. I’m sorry I messed up.

Saber sighed. It’s fine, as long as you learn from your mistakes.

I won’t let you down again, Fen said quietly.

Saber mussed the youth’s hair. I know you won’t. Anyway, we all mess up at some point or other.

Fen snorted in disbelief. Not you or Adarias.

Yes. Especially me and Adarias.

But you are Thorns.

We are. Saber stood and helped the predrac to his feet.

I don’t believe it. Fen stared at him with surprise.

Saber gave him a little smile. Believe it. It’s true. Even Thorns make mistakes. Now, you need to get back inside the inner ward before your mother notices you gone and starts to panic.

Yes, sir. Fen looked up at him. And thank you. I’ll make you proud of me. Then with a lighter step, he hurried back toward the village.

CHAPTER 2

Found, and Lost

Saber watched Fen until he was out of sight, then knowing the predrac’s life wouldn’t be easy, he made his way through the outer ward. No supe’s life was easy, but for all of dragonkind, or their offspring—the dracones—it was even harder. Soul tormented, Saber barely noticed as the chittering night critters grew quiet. They sensed the beast within him.

Certain that he stood alone, other than the creatures of the night, Saber drew on his power and let it consume him, reveling in the feel. Then in a quick shower of sparks, he yanked it in and with a sharp snap, he shifted into his large black-scaled dragon. The backlash of power at such a sudden shift stung hotly, yet sweetly. It felt good. Refreshing. It was something to feel other than rage and heartbreak.

The white glow under each scale grew even brighter at the depths of his emotions. Emotions that he didn’t even try to contain. An out-of-control wildfire raged inside him. It constantly burned in his soul at the fate of his friends, family, and all dragonkind over the last thousand years.

Without a backward glance he shot into the sky, seeking the frigid atmosphere high above Tartaria. Once he gained the altitude needed, Saber leveled out, stretched his wings wide and flew.

He flew fast and far in an attempt to rid himself of his restlessness. Yet nothing could. Finally, he just glided, the light of Tartaria’s two moons reflecting off his midnight scales. Above him, millions of tiny stars twinkled.

Saber felt the heavy pit inside him growing deeper. Would he ever find peace? A mate would bring peace. For the first few hundred years of his life, Saber had been hopeful of finding his mate. After over a thousand years, he had begun to lose hope, and now he knew it would never happen for him.

Lost in thought, it took a moment to register that he was no longer alone. Saber craned his head around. A shadow to the side and just above, blocked out the stars.

I know you are there. Why are you following me? he asked telepathically.

With a vibration of deadly magic, the dragon beside him shimmered and then appeared in full view. Black as midnight and bigger than Saber, Adariasthorn had liquid fire burning beneath his scales. Just like their father had.

Needed to fly, his brother said.

Saber snorted and shot a stream of dragonfire up at Adarias. Right. And it has nothing to do with keeping an eye on me.

Adarias returned the fire with a blast of his own but Saber dipped, ducking before his wing could be singed.

So cynical. I told you, I just needed to soar on the wind.

Saber knew better. After losing so many family members, his brother had gotten a little overprotective. Though, if truth be told, Saber didn’t really mind. Well, other than when he desired solitude and his brother insisted on babysitting his ass.

Still, one day not far in the future, he’d need Adarias. The fact that he’d finally lose his soul—his humanity—weighed on him daily. The loss would end up turning him rogue, just like it did every other male dragon. Saber despaired of that time, terrified he’d harm someone who didn’t deserve it. Yet without a mate, that day was speeding toward him like a shooting star. Thankfully, he still had Adarias. There wasn’t anyone more powerful. It was a burden Saber hated to put on his brother, though he had little choice in the matter. Adarias was the only one capable of putting him down when the time came.

Of course, that was providing Adarias didn’t turn rogue before him. If that happened, then it would fall to Saber to take care of his brother. The thought left him feeling unsettled and angry.

You’re not happy about Cass and Maya mating? Adarias asked.

Of course I am. Why the fuck wouldn’t I be? If Saber had been able to glare at his nosy brother, he’d have done so.

Well, Cass used to go everywhere with you. I just thought maybe you were missing his company. Adarias dropped down so they were flying side by side.

Hell no. That miserable fuck was driving me crazy until Maya finally accepted his ass. I’m glad he’s mated, Saber said, though part of him did miss his carousing buddy. Still, that wasn’t the reason he was so melancholy.

You’ll find a mate as well. I’m sure of it, Adarias said. We all will.

Saber didn’t answer because he no longer believed that to be the truth. Yet he still held out hope that Adarias would, and that hope was something he would never take from his brother.

If it isn’t Cass, what is it? You’ve been awfully quiet lately. What’s up your prickly ass? Adarias asked, snapping him from his dreary thoughts.

He should’ve gone for a drink instead of a night flight. Nothing but my brother’s scaly snout, Saber snapped.

Adarias shot more dragonfire in his direction, though it came nowhere near hitting him. How about we go get a drink somewhere?

Good idea, Saber said.

We can go to Earth. They have a lot of great places to drink, Adarias suggested.

No, there’s too many humans there. Saber never minded the noise and constant press of bodies before, but now he couldn’t stand such large crowds.

I heard there’s a new drinking house with live music on Joustal, Adarias said.

Saber hesitated. The last thing he wanted to do was go back to Joustal, but he also didn’t want to have to explain to his brother the reason why.

Saber?

Sure, the music is good there, Saber finally said.

You’ve been?

Yeah. It would be fine. Even though the drinking house was near the site of the recent accident, which had killed over fifty beings, he’d be fine.

It didn’t take them long to arrive at the portal. Adarias did the honor of pricking his hand and smearing a drop of blood on the protruding stone. Almost instantly, magic flared and in a flash of white light, the portal opened.

In the thick, cloying magic, Saber followed his brother into the silver-and-black tunnel, keeping well away from the glittering silver stalagmites jutting from the walls and ceiling.

Moments later, they emerged into the lively realm of Joustal. It was night as well, which was good, as Saber didn’t want to see the place in the light of day. Not for a while at least.

Yet as they made their way through the bustling mining town, Saber couldn’t help but take in the black gaping maw of destruction on his right. A sharp sliver of despair shot straight to his soul.

You helped find survivors here that night, didn’t you? Adarias asked.

Yes. Saber yanked his gaze away and continued down the street to the new drinking house. Thankfully Adarias followed him in silence, but when he pulled the door open and walked in, Saber bit back a groan. It’s too busy here, we should go elsewhere.

Adarias shot him a narrow-eyed stare. Since when do you care how busy a place is?

I— Before Saber could answer, the group of shifters who had helped him pull survivors from the wreckage, spotted him.

Saberthorn. It’s good to see you again. Join us, one of the men called. He resembled an eager puppy, and Saber remembered he was the bloodhound in the group.

Saber was about to decline when Adarias walked over to the group and introduced himself. I’m Saber’s brother, Adarias.

The dog shifter introduced the others, then waved a server over for a round of ale.

I know that woman dying in your arms hit you hard, but how are you doing? another, whose name Saber couldn’t recall, asked.

I’m fine, Saber answered, and as he thought of the slight female he met for a brief two