“Now, it won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.”
“Well, yes.” Clementine relaxed and smiled at him. “Of course, it’s going to be worth it. I guess I’m just feeling overwhelmed. So much has happened, and so much is going to happen. And it’s not like there are exams you can take to see if you’re going to be a good mother. And it’s just… a lot. I’ll be fine. But I’m glad that you made us talk about this. I needed to be able to tell you.”
Eugene curled her hair around his fingers. “Yeah. And that’s what we have to do. Tell each other everything. Keep communication open and not let it close up like we did fifteen years ago.”
“Which means,” she gave him a stern look, “when you are feeling sad or overwhelmed or rejected, you talk to me. You don’t just clam up or run away. Deal?”
“Deal.”
They smiled at each other for a moment before starting to exchange soft kisses. Eugene was filled with warmth and heat as his fires flared. His hands roamed Clementine’s body. He knew that she wasn’t in a physical state for lovemaking yet but trusted himself not to take this too far and trusted her to tell him if he made her uncomfortable. Clementine leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she moved to kiss his neck.
“Once my mountain lion is back,” she said in a sultry voice, “I’ll heal up in no time. Then maybe we can take some time… but we’ll have to take it slow. After all, there are more considerations than just physical trauma.”
“Of course,” Eugene agreed as he moaned, loving the vibration of her speech against his neck. “And I’ll understand if you don’t feel up to sex even when you’re healed. I just want you to be comfortable.”
Clementine laughed. “Oh, Eugene. If it wasn’t for my body healing up still, I’d have you on your back right—”
“You know,” a voice interrupted, “if you’re going to do things like that, you really ought to close the door first.”
They both looked up to see Adam standing in the doorway. He looked caught between amused, embarrassed, exasperated and annoyed. There was a box in his arms, and as he walked in, he arched a brow at Eugene, who directed him to the table. Adam set the box down and turned to the two of them.
“The Blaze Ops was gathering up your stuff that was stuck in storage and bringing it up,” he said, looking at Clementine. “But if you’d rather have privacy—"
“No,” Clementine sighed. “I really shouldn’t be doing anything like that. It’s too much of a temptation when I still need to heal more.”
“Right.” Adam shrugged. “The rest of the guys will be here shortly, then.”
Eugene rooted around in his fridge, making sure he had enough beers and snacks for the team. Soon, everyone was there and chatting. Fiona and Utopia had brought small baby gifts, as had Evan. Liam and Utopia’s boy, Aiden, was very eager to hold Jameson, and they were all happy to know that he finally had a name.
As they chatted and snacked, Eugene stuck by Clementine, ready to kick them all out if it ended up being too much for her. But she seemed to be more than happy to have them all there. It was almost like it used to be. There was no more need to fear what was going to happen next. Only now, it was better. He grinned at Clementine.
He couldn’t wait to get their new life started. It was going to be fantastic.
Epilogue
Sweat and the smell of ashes clung to Eugene’s skin as he entered the apartment he shared with Clementine. After three months of paternity leave, he had joined the Blaze Ops for the first mission back. They had been tasked with rescuing the most recent batch of civilians the Pack had kidnapped for their experiments.
The mission had been a success, but it had been hard. The Pack’s soldiers were better fighters than ever. He’d ended up in hand-to-hand with several wolves he recognized and was nearly beaten. Now, he was bruised and not at all looking forward to what was going to come next.
As soon as he was in the apartment, though, his heart lightened. Clementine sat with the baby, holding him on her knee and bouncing him as she made funny faces at him. Jameson responded in peals of laughter. Both of them turned to look at him when he entered, although Jameson quickly turned back to Clementine and grabbed a handful of her hair.
“Ow!”
Eugene rushed forward to rescue his mate from their child’s hands. Jameson grinned and squirmed as Eugene gently bounced him in the air. He giggled as his father planted a kiss on his forehead and then shared a kiss with Clementine.
“Was anybody hurt?” Clementine asked at once.
Eugene shook his head. “Well, Stephen got some burns, but that’s because he flew into an electric fence to short it out. Erica is taking care of him,” he added quickly as he saw the ‘doctor’ light entering Clementine’s eyes. “And Patrick yelled at him for being reckless. So you don’t have to worry.”
Clementine hummed and shrugged. “Other than that, it went well?”
“Not terrible. But it should have gone better.” He perched on the edge of the sofa. Even though his clothes were clean, he didn’t want to leave a stain by accident with his grimy skin. “I should probably go shower. I feel like I could sleep for a week.”
“Then why don’t you stay here for a while? I can run a bath for you.”
Eugene laughed. “I can run my own water.”
“I know that. I’m trying to be helpful.” Clementine stuck her tongue out at him. “Just sit and relax for a minute. Jameson is starting to get peek-a-boo.”
“Nah, really. I’d rather shower.” Eugene handed Jameson back to her. “And I’m dirty, I shouldn’t be holding the baby.”
Clementine sighed. “All the same. You can take a minute to relax a bit before you jump in the shower.”
Eugene wasn’t going to argue with that. He rolled his sore shoulders, his gaze growing distant as he recounted what had happened on the mission. It was clear that the Alpha had developed new techniques to use against them. They were going to have to lay off the Pack for a while, go on other missions with other foes. Sometimes it felt like all the Academy did was fight the Pack, but they did other things as well.
“Want to talk about it?”
“I don’t know. We got everybody out, and we didn’t lose anybody. That should be enough, right?” Eugene scowled. “Well, I guess we got a little more than that. We know that the Alpha is back to his old self. The anti-serum worked. Karey must have been able to convince him to use it.”
“Which hopefully means that she’s okay.” Clementine’s shoulders hunched. “Although I’m not sure how much sympathy I should have for her. She was given the option of staying, but she went back. And I get that she loves her father but she’s throwing her support to the Pack, with all of the horrible things they do…”
Eugene shrugged. “Honestly, I don’t think we should waste too much time thinking about Karey. She made her choice, and she will have to deal with the consequences.”
He wasn’t allowed to talk about it with anybody outside of the Blaze Ops, but there was more to Karey than just that. From what they had found out, she was vital to the continuation of the research the Alpha wanted done. He’d gotten a new researching geneticist, but Karey was the key. She had been involved every step of the way.
Adam had a plan to bring the Pack down once and for all. It was a risky plan, though. One that not even Maura knew about—yet. Patrick and Fiona were going to bring it to her soon. If it was approved, then the whole thing hinged on the assumption that the Alpha did, deep down, love his daughter.
And that Karey could be saved. It was clear she had a lifetime of abuse and brainwashing to contend with. If they could reach her, then she would be able to help them bring down the Alpha and subsequently the Pack.
He wasn’t going to say any of that, though. He wasn’t allowed to.
“There is more, isn’t there?”
Eugene brought his attention back to Clementine. Jameson was starting to fuss, looking to root at her breast for milk. She set him on her lap and pr
epared to feed their baby, but her gaze never left Eugene’s face. He smiled at her. They had fallen back into their old patterns so easily. She knew him, as though there hadn’t been that fifteen years of separation between them.
“There is,” he confirmed. “And I wish I could tell you. But nobody outside the Blaze Ops is allowed to know. Even if you were still on the Academy’s payroll, I wouldn’t be allowed to tell you.”
Clementine sighed. “Guess that’s one thing that isn’t so great about not taking back my old job. But whatever. I’m curious, but it’s mostly that I’m worried about you. I don’t want you to be in danger.”
Eugene smiled. “I can’t leave the Academy or the Blaze Ops until we’re certain that the Pack is gone.”
“And I wouldn’t want you to.”
“But you worry.”
Clementine nodded as Jameson latched onto her breast. “I’m proud of you, Eugene. I love that you’re doing this to make the world a better, safer place. And I don’t want to ask you to stop. If you did stop for me, I think I’d be disappointed and upset.” Here she chuckled. “But I am allowed to worry. It’s my prerogative as your mate as I stand by the window, looking at the drifting snow and waiting for you to come home to me.”
“Poetic.”
“Thanks.”
Eugene stroked her hair, loving the silky texture. “I guess it’d just be easier to save the world if the world wasn’t such a dangerous place, huh?”
“Yeah. But as long as you come home to me, I can handle any danger that you end up in.”
“And as long as you’re here to come home to, I will always come home.”
Clementine put a hand on his cheek. Eugene kissed her, careful not to disturb Jameson. For a long time, all he wanted to do was sit there and watch her. Drink in the sight of his mate and their child. Everything about her was beautiful. From the thick, full head of hair, her curves, the freckles on her breasts, the way she smirked at him as though she knew what he was thinking.
If the world wasn’t such a dangerous place, he would have wanted to stay with them every second of the day. He’d have wanted to go back to the farm and make his living growing things. But there were still dangers out there, and he had to do his bit to make the future better for his son.
The smell of his own sweat made him grimace. “I better go shower now. Then maybe we can cuddle a bit?”
Clementine’s expression grew sultry. “Cuddle or adult cuddle?”
Eugene laughed, kissed her once more and stood. He stretched out his stiff muscles as he made his way to the bathroom. A nice hot shower was just what he needed. And yes, he did like the idea of an adult cuddle, but first he needed to clean up.
The water was so wonderful that for a long time all he did was stand under the spout, feeling it as it ran over his body. His tense muscles unwound, and he was able to put aside the events and worries of the day. They had succeeded in their mission. Whatever happened next, they would deal with it. For now, he was going to focus on his mate and child.
The door to the shower slid open and Clementine stepped in. She pressed her naked body to his, causing him to tighten, as she reached around him for the loofah. “Let me wash your back.”
Eugene obeyed. He loved the sensation of Clementine’s ministrations on his body. Soon he was covered with soap, and he turned back to Clementine to grasp her hips. Her hands roamed his body, rinsing the suds off. Her gaze was dark as her hands slipped over his wet skin.
“There is something I need to ask you before this goes any further,” she whispered.
The seriousness of her tone took him by surprise. He nodded slowly, watching her as she traced the pattern of tattoos on his shoulders.
“Will you marry me?”
Eugene’s eyes widened. For a second he didn’t know if she was being serious or just joking, but then she bit her lip and looked up shyly through her lashes and he knew it was genuine. His fires soared to life. His heart swelled with so much happiness, he thought he might burst as he wrapped his arms around her.
“Yes,” he said as he drew her in closer. “Of course, I will marry you.”
***
“What about Jameson?” Eugene asked, grunting as she ground against him.
“Sleeping.”
Eugene reached for the shower door. “Shall we move to the bed?”
“No, you stay right there,” Clementine ordered as she pressed Eugene into the side of the shower. He leaned against the pale tiles, his eyes dark with lust as he gazed at her.
She adjusted the stream of water, so it was hitting him in the chest and wouldn’t drown her. Then she got to her knees, gazing up at her mate with adoring eyes. His hands pressed against the tile, his mouth slightly open as he looked at her through the spray of water. She took him in her hand, already starting to harden, and stroked him gently. Eugene leaned his head back against the tiles, his eyes sliding shut.
Clementine loved this part. She never thought that she’d enjoy giving blowjobs, but there was something about seeing the way her mate faded into ecstasy that made heat pool in her belly. She loved the way he grunted, loved the way he stroked her hair. Unlike certain boyfriends she’d had, he never tried to make her take more than she was prepared for.
He was always so gentle when they made love. Even in the most passionate throes. Even when he thrust into her and was crying out her name, seemingly unaware of anything but his own pleasure. He was such a kind, giving, loving man.
And right now, she wanted to give him everything that he gave her. She let her hands roam his body, touching him everywhere she could as she sucked on him, bringing him ever harder, ever closer to the edge. Eugene was soon grunting, and she had to put a hand on his hip to let him know to keep still.
“Fuck, Clementine,” he gasped as he spread his arms, pressing them to either side of the shower. “That’s so good. If you keep that up, I’m not going to be able to…”
Clementine laughed in her throat, which made it difficult to keep at her task. But she did, loving the way her mate responded, with expletives and grunts and groans. His hips jerked forward.
“Sorry,” he gasped out. “I just… God! I need you, Clementine. Let me have you.”
She shook her head, swirling her tongue over the tip of his cock. “You give me so much. I want to give you this. Let me watch you come undone, Eugene, knowing that I can do this all by myself and you don’t need to do anything.”
Eugene grunted again. He batted the showerhead away, knocking it from its hold. It felt, nearly hitting her, and Clementine burst into laughter at the horrified look on Eugene’s face. The spray hit her thighs, and, coming up with a new idea, Clementine grabbed her mate’s thighs. She moved him into the corner, then took the showerhead and put it between her thighs, shooting up against her clit. She was already sensitive enough that the steady pressure made her shudder.
She took him into her mouth again, redoubling her efforts as Eugene wound his hands in her wet hair. Clementine tried various pressures until Eugene’s whole form buckled. He sagged down the side of the shower, cursing again.
Clementine switched to her hand, stroking him in the way she knew he liked as she gazed up at him. His face was red, his chest heaving and his abdomen twitching. His eyes were dark with lust and bits of flame flickered around his tongue.
“Isn’t this better than being inside of me?” she purred at him, her mountain lion rolling playfully in her chest. “You have to swallow your flames when you’re laying over me. Now you can just let them out.”
“Fuck, Clementine, stop torturing me.”
She laughed throatily as her skin seemed to tighten all over her body. It was so exciting to see her mate in pleasure. To feel the hardness of him, his size. To take him in her mouth. She returned to her work, both her hands on his hips to pin him in place. Eugene was crying out in time with her rhythm and a thrill swept through her. Not long now…
When he climaxed, she looked up, meeting his eye, and swallowed. Eugene spat out
another curse, panting with effort. He didn’t last long, and when he was done, he sank down to join her on the shower floor. He pulled her in, kissing every inch of her while he sagged against her.
Clementine moaned in delight as his fingers sought out her clit. Soon it was her who was writhing in ecstasy, her calling his name and begging for mercy. At some point, they turned off the shower, toweled off quickly, and then jumped into bed. By the time she had fallen over the edge in a climax of her own, Eugene was ready to go again.
They made love several times before they retreated to the bathtub together. Clementine leaned against her dragon’s chest in the water that was just cool enough to really enjoy his warmth. Every muscle in her body was relaxed, her joints feeling like they’d turned to jelly briefly. It was a delightful feeling, and she revealed in the glow as Eugene stroked her arms and neck.
“It’s a shame that we have to be adults and start thinking about what tomorrow brings,” she mentioned, her eyes shut as she leaned her head back. “Because I think a nice long nap is exactly what I would like right now. I can’t wait until Jameson starts sleeping through the night.”
“Well, we could have napped instead of sex,” Eugene said. “Next time I’ll—”
“Don’t you dare.”
Eugene laughed as he kissed the top of her head. “Well, you’re the one who brought it up. And we’re adults whether you like it or not. We’ve got a kid, Clementine. It’s not like we can just kick off and do whatever we want anymore.”
“We can as long as we plan it around him.” She smiled, but her smile quickly faded. “I don’t want to go back to work.”
Eugene snorted in surprise. “What? You’re not slated to start your new job for another two weeks.”
“And I’ll only be working ten hours a week and you’ll have the time to come with me with Jameson, so we don’t have to put him in daycare, and I don’t have to stop breastfeeding. But I don’t want to spend that much time away from him. What if he misses me?”
Dragon's Pride (Dragon Blaze Ops Book 3) Page 18
