Read Online Blue Skies on Fire by Zenina Masters - Free Book Online Page A

subject.”
    Emira came up and hugged Teebie. It was a bit of a shock.
    “Congratulations, Teebie.”
    “Thanks, Emira. You did a good job. Nice call with the padding.”
    Emira grinned. “I thought it was a nice touch.”
    Teebie made the introductions, and Kyrok looked to his mate with a smile. “Would you like to balance our powers?”
    Teebie kept Emira in the circle of her arm. “You would have to ask her for her agreement. The spell takes a lot out of her.”
    Emira grinned. “Not yours. For the first time, I got more back than I gave.”
    Meridith inclined her head. “Lady Mage, would you bind us as equals?”
    “I will. Hop up on the stage, and we will do this.”
    Teebie let Emira go and clung to Andor while his parents stepped up on the platform.
    She didn’t want them to be dressed in their standard clothing, so she sent mist to them to redo their garments. A flare of fire that made both parties jump, they were suddenly wearing new clothing studded with gems, and they looked like a royal couple, which Teebie supposed that they were.
    Her sister came up to her and gave her a hug. “Hello, Lekiadra.”
    “The family is delighted with your union. Congratulations, sister.”
    Teebie hugged her, and the feel of djinn skin against hers made her smile. “Did anyone else come?”
    “No, no one else could manage the trip.” Lekiadra grimaced.
    “Ah. Right. Well, Lekiadra of the Golden Sands, this is my mate, Andor, Phoenix of the Frozen North.”
    Andor extended his hand and Lekiadra extended hers. He kiss the back of her hand politely. When he stood, Lekiadra looked a little dazed, her pale-blue skin showed pink patches on her cheeks.
    Teebie snuggled against Andor’s side when he reached for her again, and Lekiadra snapped out of it.
    “I wish you joy and many children.” Her sister grinned.
    “I wish you magic and laughter.” Teebie smiled. “Thank you so much for coming.”
    Teal and Tony waved at her, and she looked to Andor. “One last thing. Formal signatures.”
    “Anything to bind you to me, love.” He chuckled.
    They walked over to the table, signed the contracts and then spent the next hour meeting and greeting all their guests. It was more hugging than Teebie was used to, but by the time they were done, she was ready to explode.
    Andor was looking drawn around the mouth as well, so she said her goodbyes, walked up to him and put her arms around him as she generated her roiling mist. The mist was shot with fire; it looked like they were riding on a thundercloud.
     
    * * * *
     
    The reception carried on long after the happy couple had flown off.
    Dira was talking with Mak, Kyrok and Meridith when a wave of fire crossed the sky.
    Kyrok looked up. “What the hell was that?”
    Mak grinned. “Them. They literally make magic together. Dira has been looking it up through the archives, but there is no record of it. This is the first time that a djinn and a phoenix have gotten together.”
    Kyrok looked worried. “Are they safe here?”
    Dira nodded. “Safer here than anywhere on the earth. We will protect them. She is my family after all.”
    Meridith looked a little uneasy. “Love, I think there is something wrong.”
    Kyrok’s attention was on his mate, and he blinked. “Dira, may we stay here for a few days?”
    “Of course. What is wrong?”
    Meridith’s features began to shift and white scales covered her skin. Kyrok let his wings emerge, and he caught her in his arms, flying her away from the gathering before she shifted into a dragon in front of everyone.
    Dira leaned against Mak. “Does that tempt you into a balance ceremony?”
    The mage who had made it possible had three cups of punch next to her and four empties on the other side.
    “Not until you have had our child and your body is not under any additional strain. Even the thought of becoming a dragon won’t make me risk you.”
    Lee and Jim came over, their daughter held proudly in his arms.
    Dira smiled at the little