Serenity's POV

I made a full recovery after leaving the hospital. However I decided it was best if I took it easy until my body was back to its normal self. Even after being released from the hospital my side where I had been shot still hurt and I had stiches. Dragons could heal faster than any human after being injured but even we had our limits.

Michelle wasn't taking any chances and since she was a phoenix she gave me a few vials of her tears. Phoenix Tears had strong healing qualities and they could heal anything including internal injuries if you drank the tears in time.

Xanatos was released and since he was the Gargoyles had to find a new home. Thankfully Noah and Elisa found the Clock Tower above their station and the clan settled there. I've already seen Goliath's new home and it wasn't bad but I knew my beloved wanted the castle where he felt like he belonged.

I opened the door to my apartment and put my stuff down on the coffee table by the door. It had been a busy day at the library and since winter vacation started there were children's programs being held at my work. I loved children and one day hoped to have my own.

You know how children are made and Goliath would be more than glad to

Shut up dragon I'm well aware I scolded her.

Dragons shifters could only have children when it the right time. And now wasn't the right time of year for conception. Plus when I eventually did claim Goliath as mine, both my dragon and I will enter what's called a mating frenzy.

The bond between a dragon and their mate was just that strong. I had yet to mate with anything meaning I was a virgin and I would only give it to my beloved when the time was right. However even after a claiming doesn't necessary mean a frenzy would start right away. Believe it or not most frenzies occurred after the newly mated pair had been together for a total of three months.

I shook my head wanting to be rid of my perverted thoughts and took my boots off and went to sit on my couch. The sounds of wings got me and my inner dragon alert. I quickly turned just as the glass panel windows shattered and Demona stood before me.

"You get the hell out of my home!" I hissed feeling my eyes glow and turning reptilian like. Demona simply smirked before firing some dart gun and something pierced my shoulder. Damn!

I was really getting fed up with being shot at!

Pissed off I launched myself upon the female gargoyle and had her pinned beneath me. My claws and fangs elongated and I glared into Demona's eyes.

"You shouldn't even be moving, I just poisoned you"

"You're a little late on the killing attempt, I already been shot twice and I can smell the poison, you need to do your research better, rattlesnake venom only gives dragon shifters minor problems"

"But it will make you sick since your half human"

She was right if I didn't get to the Phoenix Tears now I would feel like crap later. Snarling I gave Demona a much deserved slap across the face before I released her. The female gargoyle stood up and brushed the dust off of her self.

She then bragged how she had the antidote and told me to notify Goliath where she would be before she went to the window and flew off. After I made sure she was gone I went to where I kept the tears hidden. I took the vial and drank its contents and the venom would be gone within the hour.

Goliath and the others needed to know about Demona's attack so a trip to the clock tower was in order. I pulled on my boots and my black leather jacket before heading out the door. Instead of flying to the tower I would ride my motorcycle. Brooklyn and Lexington were head over heels in love with my bike. However they knew better than to go joyriding because the last two motorcycles they've been around got destroyed and both gargoyles knew I had a temper.

My bike matched the colors of my scales and had patterns of gold on it. I put my helmet and it wasn't Iong until I was on the streets. A short ride later I parked my bike as close as I could to the station before I pulled off my helmet and locked it away in the small trunk of the motorcycle. I made sure no one was around before I summoned my wings and I flew towards the clock tower.

The door that led inside to the clock tower was opened and already Goliath and his friends were up and about.

"Hey Serenity" Brooklyn greeted me first.

"What is it?" Goliath demanded suddenly coming over to me. "Something has angered you"

"Demona attacked earlier and tried to poison me, luckily I had Phoenix Tears, I drank them so I won't get sick"

"Michelle was smart to give you those" Lexington pointed out. Brooklyn shot his fellow clan mate an annoyed look and Led rolled his eyes. It wasn't hard to tell the two gargoyles liked my best friend.

A low growl emitted from Goliath and he headed towards the door to tower entrance.

"I'm coming along I want to see Demona's look of horror when she sees her plan failed" I said following after Goliath and Hudson followed.

"Remind me not to get on a dragon's bad side" Hudson joked.

His comment made me smile before I shifted to my dragon form. Goliath took to the sky first before Hudson and I followed after him. As we headed in the direction towards where Demona said she would be lightning flashed across the sky and the scent of rain filled the air.

The two male gargoyles and I landed on the roof with ease. Then we began to look around for her. Hudson noticed claw marks on the roof tiles and Demona's scent was fresh.

"She was here, within the last few minutes" the elder said. More lightning flashed and I heard the sound of another gargoyle's wings. Then a roar of anger got us to look up and a pissed off Demona flew from her perch ready to attack. Goliath shouted for me to take flight which I did as the two males turned and ran for it. A flash of red temporarily blinded my sight and I heard another laser followed by Goliath's yelp.

When I looked down after I regaining my vision I saw Goliath had been shot near his shoulder blade. He was injured and that infuriated me. He had broken brick chimney parts behind him and not caring for my safety I flew downwards and immediately landed in front of my mate. Demona gasped when she saw me and she saw the anger I wielded in my eyes. My tail swished back and forth in agitation just as Hudson got in front of me to shield me from Demona. He held his sword out and then female gargoyle held the laser gun pointed at the elder. She then fired it and Hudson used the sword to deflect the laser and it hit back at Demona.

She yelped and I chose that moment to turn to my injured mate and I gave Hudson a growl. The elder put his sword away and he helped Goliath to his feet. He had my beloved's arm around him and I nudged Hudson in the side telling him to move it. Hudson obeyed and I looked around looking for Demona. It didn't take long for the female gargoyle to appear and she had the laser gun pointed at me.

"Your only prolonging the inevitable dragon" Demona taunted.

I gave her a snarl just as she fired the laser gun once more and the laser bounced off my scales. Hudson and Goliath were able to get through a window and inside. I backed away not removing Demona from my sight. I then quickly returned to my human form and still had my wings upon my back and dove through the window and followed the scent trail of Goliath and Hudson. It led me to the basement and it didn't take long for me to find my mate and the elder. My wings vanished and I rushed over to Goliath.

He was in a weakened state and only his sleep could heal him. Till sunrise I would guard both my mate and Hudson with my life.

"You shouldn't have come Serenity, you'll only get hurt again" Goliath told me.

"Don't you dare even suggest it" I told the stubborn gargoyle. "I protect what is mine and mine alone"

"Took you long enough to acknowledge him as your mate lass" Hudson teased. I shot Hudson a blush and Goliath simply groaned and I caressed his cheek with my hand and placed my forehead against his.

"I love you" I told Goliath finally. "And I won't let you die now after waiting for so long to find you"

"Serenity, I" Goliath begun but I made him be quiet by placing a finger to his lips. We let Goliath rest until Hudson suggested with move and Hudson came over to help Goliath stand up. Demona called out for us to give up which we ignored and I eyed the basement for a way to escape. I saw a nearby window and I hurried over to it and gestured for Hudson to follow. The elder gargoyle hurried over while supporting Goliath and I traded places with him so he could smash the window. He succeeded and together the two of us were able to get Goliath safely outside.

We then went down through the sewer system and while Hudson helped Goliath walk, I kept an eye out for Demona in case she attacked. I could easily shift again and fight her if it meant keeping Goliath safe. Eventually Demona did find us and she shot her laser. The three of us got out of the way and we're running until we stopped above a small waterfall that was actually a way out of the sewers. Demona appeared behind us and Hudson suddenly grabbed hold of me while still supporting Goliath.

Hudson jumped over the waterway and we were submerged in the water below. Hudson and I swam to the surface and the elder gargoyle still had Goliath and my mate's head was above the surface so he could breathe. Together we swam towards shore and after getting onto dry land did Hudson let Goliath have a quick rest.

"Sunrise isn't far off you'll be alright" I told Goliath.

"Your lucky lad to have another mate as devoted as Serenity" Hudson added looking to me. "She is risking herself to keep you safe"

A smile came to Goliath's lips and I felt my face go red before returning to looking out for Demona. I hoped she got zapped by lighting. After allowing Goliath to rest Hudson and I helped him up to his feet once more and we continued onward. We came upon a cemetery and Hudson found a place where Goliath and I could hide. It was an empty mausoleum and once we were inside we let Goliath rest.

"Lass it's your turn to keep him safe" Hudson told me. "I will distract Demona"

"Be careful" I replied firmly.

"Oh I will lass" Hudson reassured me before heading outside with his sword out. I shut the doors but left them open enough so I could see the outside. I headed back to my beloved and sat myself beside him.

"I knew when I met you, you were special" Goliath began as he looked to me. "And I was right"

"Don't try making me cry now Goliath" I scolded him. But then I turned to look into his eyes. "But I loved you from the moment you saved my life, and I won't hurt you ever, you, the clan, our friends, never will you feel betrayal again, not while I'm alive"

I then shifted to my dragon form and licked Goliath's face with my tongue in affection. Goliath widened his eyes when I did this. I then wrapped my body around his and folded my wings around him. I placed my face against his and nuzzled him showing my love. Since he was still hurt the male gargoyle didn't do anything but I knew he was happy and that he felt safe with me at his side.

Suddenly Hudson's roar filled the night. The sound of metal against metal rang out and I bet Hudson was duking it out with Demona on the roof. I removed myself away from Goliath and gave my mate a questioning look. Goliath got to his feet and together we went outside.

Sure enough on the roof Demona and Hudson were still fighting. I let out a protest as Goliath began to scale the mausoleum wall and I followed. My beloved succeeded on getting onto the roof and he suddenly stopped Demona from firing the laser on Hudson. He begged her to stop but the female gargoyle hit Hudson first before doing the same to Goliath. I roared out as Goliath fell upon the roof onto his back and I quickly rushed over to him as Hudson managed to get in front of us and held Demona back.

I gave Goliath a lick and buried my face again this. A worried growl left my throat just as Hudson fell next to us. I turned to Demona and I roared at her loud enough that it made the building shake. I opened my wings which were larger than most of the gargoyles. I spread them out and gave Demona a challenging stare. If she even moved I wouldn't hesitate to kill her.

Then the clouds cleared away and the sun rose. Demona along with Hudson and Goliath turned to stone. I wanted more than anything to stay but I felt my body getting tired. By the time it was dark Goliath would be alright.

I carefully took flight so I wouldn't crush Goliath and Hudson. I flew all the way back to my apartment and after taking a shower and changing clothes I headed to bed. I had today off and last night's events exhausted me. I slept until early afternoon and spend rest of the day working on my book. If things continued to go well I should have it published next year.

By the time I felt satisfied with today's work the sun was starting to set and I wondered how Goliath was doing. No doubt he would be healed and remembering finally telling the male gargoyle how I truly felt for him seemed unreal. Not long after eating dinner did I hear the sound of wings and Goliath's scent filled my nose. I made sure I had decent clothes on before pulling on my now dried leather jacket and went outside onto the roof.

Goliath looked well and relief swarmed through me.

"Are you alright?" I asked my beloved coming up to him.

"I am" Goliath replied.

He then suddenly picked me up bridal style which still made me blush every time he did that. He opened his wings and took flight into the night sky.

"Where exactly are we going?"

"Somewhere where we can be alone" Goliath answered and his tone held affection within it. I felt my face go red at those words. My inner dragon chuckled as Goliath glided with ease over the city until he landed in some park.

"Isn't this the same park we came to after we met?" I asked turning to my mate as I recognized the surroundings.

"Yes it is" Goliath confirmed and we started walking until we came upon a lake.

"You truly love me?" Goliath asked turning to me.

"Yes" I answered looking to him. "I didn't want to tell about our mate bond until I felt the time was right"

Goliath placed a clawed hand against my face and stroked it with affection. I then surprised the gargoyle by suddenly leaping upon him and I threw my arms around his neck and I pressed my lips against his. His lips felt smooth against mine and it felt natural. I knew Goliath was pretty surprised I was the first kiss him, but it wasn't long until he responded.

He growled gently before I felt his arms wrap themselves around my body. He then licked my bottom lip with his tongue wanting entrance and I complied. When his tongue met with mine did a dance for dominance ensue and I was sadly losing. Goliath was a leader after all and dominance was in his blood. I didn't want our kiss to end but I needed a breather and I removed my mouth away from my beloved.

Goliath set me down onto my feet and brought me closer to him so he could hug me. He then wrapped his wings around my body.

"I love you my Warrior of Flame"

That got me to start crying and Goliath wiped my tears away before kissing me once more. This kiss was passionate and filled with love unlike the last one.

You must place your mark on him so Demona or any other female knows he is ours my dragon told me.

She was right now that I found my mate, Goliath needed to wear my mark. It was just a simple bite that would leave my scent. I just hoped my fangs were sharp enough to make the claim. When Goliath finished kissing me did I tell him.

"Would you prefer if I turned into my dragon form to claim me?" I asked my beloved.

"My bite wouldn't even penetrate your scales besides"

Goliath then gently turned my body so my back was in front of him.

"I've been wanting to mark you since I've met you my little warrior"

"Watch it I'm not little" I scolded my mate with a growl and Goliath chuckled. I pulled away my leather jacket and then pulled down the straps of my tank top exposing my bare shoulders to Goliath. Goliath gave a low growl that had lust in it and he wrapped his arms around my body so I could be held in place. He folded his wings around me so no one would see what was about to happen.

Goliath kissed my left shoulder and I shuddered in pleasure. He then licked my skin tasting it before his fangs sank into my flesh. The bite didn't hurt like I thought it would. Goliath took his time and after he felt enough was done he removed his fangs and licked the blood that emerged from his bite.

Goliath then picked me up and brought me to where his left shoulder was. Instinct made my fangs lengthen and I bit hard into Goliath's flesh. His blood entered my mouth and I was quick to swallow it before focusing on the task at hand. Goliath emitted a growl that sounded more like purring and it was pleasing to hear. Finally after a few minutes I released my bite from Goliath and my mark was successfully on him as was my scent. I had yet to see his mark and I hoped it wasn't big.

"Did I hurt you?" I asked my beloved.

"No you didn't" Goliath reassured. He then set me back down onto my feet and once more he caressed my face with his hand. Through the mate bond I felt his love for me and it was strong.

Now you should proceed with the actual union part my dragon teased.

I threw my perverted other half inside a metal cage I formed within my mind and ignored the intense blush that no doubt covered my face.

"What is it my warrior?"

"My dragon was suggesting we well ya know"

Immediately Goliath flushed red knowing what I meant. But he smiled at me and said.

"When we do join, we will do so when you feel the time is right my warrior"

"Thank you though I'll warn you right now when dragons mate sometimes a frenzy happens"

"I've heard about frenzies, I also know you yet have to come into heat"

When a dragoness came into heat it was when our fertility was the highest. If I wanted to join with Goliath without becoming pregnant it would need to before I came into heat.

"I think the others should be told about us" Goliath said. "Hudson already knows, he had a feeling we would mark one another tonight"

"He's a smart gargoyle, so I guess this means I'm part of the clan now huh?"

"You were always part of us my love" Goliath purred. He kissed my forehead and I giggled like a teenager when he did that. I then shifted to my dragon form and together both Goliath and I took flight heading back in the direction of the clock tower where we would tell the others the good news. And sure enough Brooklyn, Broadway, and Lexington hooted and hollered while Hudson gave me a kiss on the hand and he patted Goliath on the back. Bronx also knocked me over and licked my entire face.

Goliath took me back to my apartment before it got too late.

"Now that we are one, I'll will protect you with my life Serenity"

"And I will as well"

Goliath chuckled lightly before pressing another kiss against my lips and I blushed when he did that.

"Sleep well my Warrior of Flame"

"See you tomorrow my Beloved of Night"

Goliath then opened his wings and took flight. I watched till he was out of sight and got ready for bed and I looked forward to the future.