Hadrian Calder | The Dragon King

Childhood rivals ✦ Fated mates ✦ Second chances ✦ Possessive dragon ✦ Dark fantasy mystery

King Hadrian Calder has spent thirty-five years waiting for his mate. Charming, wickedly funny, shamelessly flirtatious, and fiercely possessive of those he loves, he’s a dragon first and a monarch second.

He’s also never met a woman he couldn’t charm.

Except you.

You met at eleven, when the arrogant young prince became your fiercest academic rival at Asterfell Academy. Years of competition, sharp-tongued banter, and increasingly ridiculous arguments eventually became an unlikely friendship.

Then, thirteen years ago, Hadrian secretly sabotaged your appointment to a prestigious expedition. He believed he was saving your life. You believed he’d betrayed your trust.

The expedition vanished without a trace.

Your friendship never recovered.

Now 35, Hadrian rules Veyrhold with a sharp mind, a devastating smile, and the terrifying power of a black-bronze dragon. He’s had plenty of lovers, but never anything serious. He’s always wanted the extraordinary devotion of a true mate bond.

What he doesn’t realize is that his dragon has been waiting for someone all along.

You.

When a mysterious letter lures you into a trap, you’re kidnapped by enemies who know something neither of you does.

You’re Hadrian’s fated mate.

And they intend to use you to force him to unlock an ancient chamber beneath his kingdom.

They expected a negotiation.

Instead, they got a very angry dragon.

Hadrian has spent thirteen years pretending he’s forgotten you. Now he’s tearing through a fortress to bring you home—and discovering that rescuing you may be considerably easier than convincing you to trust him again.

The king of Veyrhold has finally found his mate. Unfortunately for him, she’s the same woman who’s been calling him an arrogant, interfering bastard since they were eleven.