Everything they’d done before had been hot. Wonderful. Leading to this.
This? It was supernatural.
“God, Kira,” Ryder said through choked breaths as his chest tightened and his cock jerked deep within his mate, making her come even harder. Kira—his strong, beautiful, perfect fae partner—was better than him at riding out the release of tension, losing herself in the pleasure while he watched.
By the time it was over, they were spent and exhausted, clutching each other as if the future depended on it.
In a way, it did. They were each other’s whole world now.
And Ryder would see to it that they would be safe and happy, even through hard times.
“Well, mate-slash-soul bond, how are you feeling?” Ryder asked, still holding her face with his hand as she looked up at him. Her eyes were mostly back to normal, relaxed and happy and softly gazing up at him.
She thought for a moment, then grinned. “Happy.”
“Me too.” He leaned down to kiss her and just let the intensity of their coming together settle into sheer content that he knew he’d wake up with every day for the rest of his life.
When they were done, he went to the bathroom to clean up, then hopped on the bed, almost rolling off of it.
“I think the first thing we should do is get a bigger bed,” Kira said with a giggle.
“I think we should get you some lunch.”
“It’s…” She looked over at the clock on her bedside table. “Way past lunchtime.”
It was only then that Ryder noticed she’d already put up a picture of them together, standing outside the first lab they’d visited.
Even back then, he’d looked so different. Felt so different.
Love really did change everything.
“Well, I think you could use a sandwich,” he said, getting off the bed.
“And some coffee,” she added.
He picked up the picture, taking a better look at it. She was still smiling, even when, early on, he’d been a complete asshole about everything.
And if he looked close enough, he had to admit he was smiling as well.
“Man, I didn’t think this guy was redeemable at all. Just a hybrid with no past and no hope in himself,” he said, reflecting on his old self.
Kira got off the bed and came beside him, looking at it as well. “I don’t agree with that at all. He’s the same person I always loved. He just needed to see that he was lovable.”
“If it meant being loved by you, then yes, it made all the difference in the world.” He looked down at Kira, seeing the happiness as she looked back up at him. “I guess only you could redeem this dragon after everything I’d been through.”
“How so? Because I was a radiant fae?”
He pulled her in one more time, holding her close as he brought their faces close together, a breath away from kissing. “No. Because all I needed was you all along.”
Epilogue
“You really don’t have to come work with me here at the SRP,” Kira said as she walked beside Ryder. “Neither of us has to really.”
Ryder shook his head as they headed toward their new joint office in a different area of the building. “I already made up my mind. I think doing good and helping people is the best thing to focus on right now. Neither of us enjoys sitting back and letting other people solve problems. And so long as I get to be next to you while we’re here and I get to take you home at the end of the day to show you how crazy I am for you, then I’ll be a happy camper.” His hand brushed her hip as he whispered the last part in her ear.
Kira flushed, thinking about exactly how many times he’d “showed” her over their two-week honeymoon to the ocean. From sunup to sundown, it had been sex, adventures, and time to discuss their future together as a couple.
And when Ryder had come up with the idea for them to work together, she couldn’t say no to the prospect of having her sexy, sweet guy around all the time. Though, in reality, even if he’d wanted to run off to a private island to retire, she probably wouldn’t have said no.
They reached the new office and paused for a moment at the door.
“Whatever you want, I want, Kira. I just want you to be happy.”
“I’m just happy to be with you, above all. Though, helping people makes me happy as well.”
“One of the many reasons I love you,” he replied, kissing her forehead before opening the door.
“Surprise!” dozens of voices yelled in unison as popping sounds burst into multicolored streamers.
Completely caught off guard, Kira’s entire body jumped from the shock. “What the hell?!” For a moment, her heart raced, having not expected an ambush from inside an office she’d thought would be empty.
Ryder responded instantly, stepping in front as if there were a threat. But when they both recognized the people inside as friends and allies, he turned and pulled her in tight, comforting her and easing her stunned shock.
“Welcome back!” several more voices said. Though, when they realized they had actually scared Kira and Ryder, a few faces showed remorse.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Ryder replied gruffly.
Out of the corner of her eyes, Kira had seen he was pretty shocked too.
“It’s a surprise party,” Taylor said, looking hilarious with a little multicolored, conical hat on his head. “It’s something humans do to welcome people back.”
“That’s a horrible idea, scaring people like that,” Ryder replied.
By the time Kira realized what was going on, she was practically laughing her head off, which, in turn, put Ryder at ease. And when Taylor handed them both a plate with cake and ice cream, they accepted.
Many of the people she’d known and worked with at the SRP were there along with several others that didn’t. And within minutes, they were exchanging best wishes and catching up.
In the corner, she could see Landon shifting a chair, then looking under a desk, which prompted her to wonder what on earth he was doing.
“Still looking for Ultraviolet?” Ryder asked.
Landon stood up straight, pretending he hadn’t just been appraising a piece of furniture.
“Don’t worry. She’ll come around if it’s right,” Kira said hopefully. “After all, you’re a stellar person. She just needs to find out what she wants first.”
Landon folded his arms and mumbled something like, “Which should be me,” then smiled and gave his best wishes before walking off.
It wasn’t until then that she felt a huge presence watching from behind her, and she turned to see a man with piercing teal eyes and a well-trimmed beard folding his arms. Next to him, a cute woman with a sweet smile and brown hair stood in front, extending a hand.
“What are you doing here, Dallin?” Ryder asked the gruff-looking man.
“Is this the emerald dragon hybrid?” Kira asked Ryder. She’d heard about Dallin and Jo from Ryder but never met them before.
“Excuse my mate. He’s a bit… difficult sometimes,” the woman she assumed was Jo said, hand still out. Kira took it, instantly delighted by her presence.
Dallin just folded his arms, appraising Kira before his frown finally softened.
He extended a big hand, and she shook it, sensing an odd sort of respect coming from him.
“I know before all of this, we might have been enemies,” Dallin said, “but knowing what you did for me and my brethren back then and knowing how much you’ve done for the world now—especially for Ryder—you have my gratitude, Kira.”
Kira nodded back. “Well, none of this would have happened if you hadn’t rescued Ryder or taken down the light kingdom, so thank you as well.”
Dallin looked away, seemingly uncomfortable with the compliment, and folded his arms. “Just take care of Ryder, okay? He’s a good dragon.”
“I certainly intend to.”
“I’m right here. You do know that?” Ryder interjected, and Kira looked up at him, not able to stop smiling just at the sight of h
er everything.
Dallin and Jo went off to talk to Chad about something when another pair approached them, Van with his shaggy black hair and another, shorter man with bright-green eyes and blond hair.
Blond hair that, oddly enough, was ever so slightly tinged black at the tips. Kind of like Ryder’s.
“So this is the hybrid they used my blood for that you wanted to show me?” The man was clearly a dragon but shorter and leaner than most, with a beautiful face bordering on feminine.
“I thought it could be interesting,” Van replied. “After all, when I sensed it, I assumed you’d want to know, Seth. Oh, and happy nuptials or whatever humans say to congratulate each other,” he finished, turning toward Kira and Ryder.
“Thanks,” Ryder replied drily.
“Glad to see your brain is working again, though I’m always open for further exploration if you’d like,” Van said with a wave of his hand, and Ryder grimaced.
“He doesn’t look anything like me,” Seth said, looking up at Ryder as he peered down at the shorter dragon. “But he’s definitely strong. Potent. How’s that going for you?”
They appraised each other cautiously. Then Ryder grinned. “I can’t say it feels great, being part black dragon, but it’s definitely come in handy. So thanks.”
Seth scoffed. “It’s not like I had a say in the matter. It’s just funny knowing someone out there has powers like mine. So if you’d like any pointers on being a black dragon… well, too bad.”
“I think I’ve got it under control.” Ryder smirked, seemingly amused by the odd dragon.
“Good.” At that, Seth turned and headed for the table where they were serving cake.
“What he means is call him sometime. I’m sure he’d like someone to talk to about it since his case is… unique,” Van said cryptically and left abruptly as well.
Ryder and Kira just stood in the center of the room for a moment, and Ryder leaned down to whisper in her ear.
Just the slight brush of his lips made her shiver with want.
“How about we get out of here and get some air on the roof?”
“I like your thinking,” Kira replied, and they headed out, passing Taylor, who gave them a thumbs-up, before making for the elevator and taking it to the top of the SRP.
Outside, the roof was quiet, the sun high in the sky as a warm wind blew over them.
“I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who needed a second away from the crowd,” Kira said as they reached the edge of the roof. Far below them, the city stretched out for miles, countless people going about their day as the world seemed to hold still for a second.
“I don’t think either of us is used to it. Will it always be this busy?” Ryder asked, placing a hand over hers on the stone railing that bordered the roof.
“I highly doubt it. And if it does, we can always take time off for us.” She turned to face him, and he did the same. “After all, the only person I need is you, Ryder.”
“Took the words right out of my mouth.” He reached up to entwine his fingers into the hairs at the back of her head, fingertips tickling her skin and making her body light up. “What do you say we call it in early? Settling into our new office can wait until tomorrow.”
“Maybe make it another week?”
After all, Chad had explicitly stated there weren’t any beacons in need of protection or urgent missions that needed doing. There was no rush to jump into things while she still couldn’t possibly get enough of Ryder and his irresistible body.
“Now that’s a plan I can get behind.”
With that, Ryder pulled Kira in close, her hands clutching his chest as he encircled her with his arms. And when his lips crashed over hers, Kira’s entire body melted into him, want and love exciting her nerves and making her heart race.
She knew after this, they’d need to find somewhere private where they could finish what they started.
Suddenly, there was the sound of stone being moved and paper crinkling, and they both looked up to see a letter that had a brick on top of it sitting next to them on the railing.
“That wasn’t there when we got here, was it?” Ryder asked suspiciously.
“Nope.”
Ryder moved the loose brick and appraised the envelope.
FOR: LANDON
FROM: ULTRAVIOLET
“Was she… here just now?” Kira asked, both intrigued and a little weirded out by how Vex came and went when least expected.
“We’ll never really know.”
The door opened behind them, and Landon strode out onto the roof, looking around, brows furrowed, coal-black hair whipping in the breeze. When he didn’t see what he was looking for, he stared at the letter in Ryder’s hand. “She was here, wasn’t she? Looks like she’s avoiding me still…”
“This is for you, though I get the idea you might already know that.” Ryder offered the letter, and Landon took it, tearing it open and scanning down the page.
“What is it?” Kira asked, curious.
“An invitation.”
“To what?” Ryder queried.
“To join her.” When he was done, Landon neatly folded the paper and stuffed it in his back pocket. “Nothing to worry about.”
“Oh, and Vex told me to tell you to stay out of her dreams.” Ryder snapped his fingers, remembering their run-in from a week ago. “Though, I have no clue what that means.”
“Ah. Thanks.”
To Kira’s surprise, Landon seemed lost in thought, and he smiled at them and headed for the door he’d just come through, leaving them alone again on the roof without another word.
“I don’t get him sometimes,” Ryder said. “I still don’t understand why he’s so obsessed.”
“I was obsessed over you even though people around me probably didn’t get why at the time,” Kira replied.
Ryder growled, stealing another kiss before watching her closely with those yellow and orange eyes. “I’ve always been obsessed too. And I’ll always be obsessed with you, Kira.”
She giggled as he teased the side of her neck, the stubble on his jaw tickling and lighting up her skin wherever he touched.
“So about that plan,” she said, holding back a sigh. Every touch was so sensitive.
Suddenly, she was whisked into Ryder’s arms, and he headed for the door, taking them both toward home. She just held him, not caring if other people looked.
In his arms, next to him, beneath or above or just simply near him—so long as she was with Ryder, Kira would always be happy.
Perhaps in spite of their past, they lifted each other up, listened to and loved each other in a way that only the two of them could ever truly understand.
And with each moment better than the last, Kira couldn’t wait to enjoy the rest of the future with her partner.
Landon strode down the busy sidewalk outside the SRP, mind swirling with thoughts, searching for Vexxus’s presence wherever he went.
So she wanted him to stay out of her dreams. Was that it?
Pretty soon, if everything went according to plan, that wouldn’t be necessary.
He pulled the letter out of his pocket, reading the script that had been handwritten like some formal invitation to a ball.
It was obvious she was trying to distance herself from him.
You are cordially invited to join my band of outlaws and shifters that share in my ideologies. As we do not yet have a dragon-fae hybrid and as you are not currently mated to someone who would demand your attention, your services could be of great use to our operation.
Of course he didn’t have a mate yet. The one for him was out there on the run with hell knew how many people chasing after her.
And, as he’d suspected, allying herself with untold unsavory elements.
Landon needed to do something. And soon.
The past few months of preparation had gone by quickly as he’d simply waited for Vexxus to come to her senses. He knew she’d need time, especially after what had happened.
But ti
me was probably running out for the slippery glamour fae.
I will contact you shortly to discuss the terms of our alliance. And should you choose to join, I will demand complete compliance and obeisance to my cause.
Landon smirked at that. The idea that she thought she was in full control of all of this was hilarious, if not for the fact that she was reckless and dangerous.
And so, so beautiful.
He appraised her signature on the bottom, noting that she signed the letter as “Ultraviolet” instead of “Vexxus,” the name her friends and confidants knew her by.
She could hide, but she certainly couldn’t run from destiny.
Landon carefully put away the paper again, knowing he’d read it more closely tonight, and turned into a little shop that sold luxury cheeses and sweets.
First, he’d try another recipe from his newest book. After all, if he was going to court the most feared fae of all time who had a known penchant for delicious things, he’d need every possible tool at his disposal.
And if she planned to keep thinking she could avoid the magnetic, soul-searing bond they shared, then Landon had no compunctions against playing dirty.
“I’ll take two of those and three of those,” he said with a cordial smile to the clerk, a nice lady in her twenties who stared up at him with surprised arousal. He ignored it, paid for the goods, and headed for his car.
And in the back of his brain, an idea started to percolate, one he was considering more and more with each passing minute.
If she wasn’t going to come to him, maybe he should go to her.
After all, Vexxus wasn’t the only one with more than a few tricks up their sleeve.
Thank you so much for reading Kira and Ryder’s story, I hope you enjoyed it! I really have the best readers, so whether you’re a long-time reader or a new friend, I’m so grateful you gave me a chance!
If you loved this book, please consider leaving a review to help other readers find and enjoy it! Thanks again for all your support!
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Landon book is available for Pre-order! Get it here:
Dragon Redeemed (Reclaimed Dragons Book 2) Page 16
