In the kitchen, Manu was singing and this small show of happiness bolstered her confidence.
“If you stop pushing me, I’ll think about it, but I’m not on birth control. What if Manu doesn’t have condoms?”
“We will make beautiful babies together.”
Jessalyn snorted, half-surprised, and the rest shocked. “Not happening. I’m having enough trouble with my life and you. The last thing I want is to inflict this relic on an innocent child.”
“Times change. Your mother ran from the Waaka. We do not have to follow in her footsteps.”
“What do you mean?”
Her taniwha sniffed. “We do not have to do anything. The relic chooses us. We make the rules.”
“I don’t want to throw my weight around. I want a normal life.”
“Isn’t that what your mother and father wanted? Why they made the decisions they did? You should think of a way to use the relic to create peace instead of conflict. I can help you.”
“I wouldn’t know where to start.”
“Sex clears the head.”
An exasperated laugh escaped Jessalyn. “You’re impossible.”
“One of us has to keep her eye on the prize.”
“Yeah. Yeah. Beautiful babies. I’ve got it.”
“Do you want children?” Manu spoke from behind her.
Jessalyn jumped and struck her knee on the table edge. She briskly rubbed her ouchie. “I hadn’t considered it. I mean, it’s not a thought that has entered my mind.”
“Until now,” her taniwha chirped. “Beeeeatiful babies.”
“Go back to sleep,” Jessalyn muttered.
“Talking to yourself is a sign of madness,” Manu said, his lips twitching a fraction.
“Huh! I’m on the road to Madness and have stopped at Cuckoo Boulevard to view the sights.”
Manu grinned. “What’s the verdict on the sleeping arrangements? I’m waiting for the potatoes to cook. I can make the bed in the spare room now.”
Without warning, heat roared through her body, relighting sensual fires she’d put out while driving the conversation. “Quiet in the cheap seats,” she snapped.
Manu’s grin grew wider. In the kitchen, a timer went off. “The potatoes are done. Dinner won’t be long.”
“Do it. Do it. Do it!”
“I wonder what spell Karen used to quieten her taniwha and to send my cheeky one to sleep?”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Let me drive our body and we’ll enjoy our existence better.”
“I don’t feel well.”
Jessalyn’s stomach clenched and tightened further in a painful spasm. Pressure forced her to gulp, and she released her next breath along with a loud burp. A blast of heat—ten miles away from sensual and exciting—ripped from her stomach and forged up her throat. She let out a pained croak, rose, and stumbled to the fire pit.
Crap, she wasn’t gonna make it. She leaped down the three steps leading from the deck and skidded on her knees across the gravel.
“Jess?”
Jessalyn didn’t acknowledge him. Instead, she put every thought and bit of power she possessed into manipulating her actions. This uncontrollable fire—it was her unruly taniwha having a tantrum. The realization gave her unexpected strength and clarified everything.
“I don’t want to breathe fire right now,” she gritted out.
Manu reached her side, his trepidation written on his features. He leaned in, his hand on her shoulder, helping her to ground herself and gain strength. She mentally willed the fire down, pushing the heat back to the pit of her belly. Once the fire obeyed her resolve, she imagined a fireproof cage and blockaded off the combustible force.
Certain of her control now, she pushed to her knees and stood.
“Okay?”
“Yes,” Jessalyn said, her steps toward the deck confident. While part of her wanted to do a happy dance and shout take that! to her taniwha, she restrained the impulse. Whether she liked it or not, they were a team, but the leadership role was not up for grabs. Her taniwha needed to understand this.
“Well done, Jess.” Pride at her achievement shone in his features. “Dinner is ready. I thought we’d eat out here.”
“I’d like that.” While she’d fled the moon the previous evening, tonight she was enjoying the gentle glow and the faint tug of something she needed to do. Manu disappeared inside, and she reclaimed her seat.
Sex or fly.
That wasn’t even a question.
A thought occurred, and Jessalyn stood again. With long strides, she reached the steps and jogged down to the fire pit. She sucked in a breath and mentally released the barrier she’d placed around her fire. This time, instead of resisting and fighting, she embraced the heat, intent on forcing it free. Within seconds, the fiery energy roared up her throat, and she directed the blast. The flames flared bright and intoxicating for long seconds until her supply dwindled to almost nothing.
In her mind, she built the barricade again, closing off the remaining sparks. Her body returned to normal, and she straightened in quiet confidence. She’d controlled her fire. It was all her. She’d made that happen, and she’d made the flames cease on her timetable.
She strutted up the stairs, thrilled with her discovery. She could do this. Manu wouldn’t need to execute her if she continued in this vein.
Manu set a plate before her and she breathed in the delicious scent, starving on the heels of her victory.
“I’m so hungry I could inhale this steak.”
“I’ve got garlic bread.” Manu set his plate opposite her and returned inside. He was soon back with a platter. “Mum used to make this. It’s a family favorite.”
Jessalyn could almost taste his anguish along with her forkful of fluffy potato. She swallowed and reached out in silent commiseration, squeezing his forearm.
Manu sat, but he didn’t eat.
“What’s wrong?”
“Not sure how to help you with your fire problem. I mean, as much as I love having you here, you can’t spend the rest of your nights confined to places that have fire pits.”
“I can control it. That last time, I made the fire start. I can manipulate it, Manu.” Jessalyn lifted her hand for a high-five.
Manu didn’t reciprocate. “Explain.”
“The fire is my taniwha showing her displeasure. It’s like a…a dragon tantrum. Once I realized that I painted a mental barrier around the fire and closed it off. Then, I wondered if I could force fire by reversing the process and I did. That’s what you saw. Cool, huh? I’m hoping I have a handle on the fire-breathing dragon stuff now.” Jessalyn cut a piece of steak and moaned in pleasure as the juices coated the interior of her mouth.
“Jess, I’ve never met a taniwha who can breathe fire while they’re in human form.”
Jessalyn froze with her fork halfway to her mouth. “Never?”
“There are no myths or legends of fire-breathing people.”
“Oh. That’s not good.”
“Does your throat hurt?”
“Not now. At first, it used to get tender, but now, all I experience is the heat. The fire doesn’t burn.”
“You might not handle your fire next time.”
“This is not a fluke. My theory is that the fire happened because my taniwha wanted payback. She was angry at being forced to sleep for all those years.”
“You speak about her as if she is a different entity sharing your body. My taniwha and I are one.”
And once again she was different. Jessalyn turned over Manu’s words in her mind. “You were aware of your birthright from childhood. You and your taniwha grew together and blended into one. I know little of my background, and my—Karen—did something to make my taniwha snooze. We haven’t had years together to learn each other. That’s why our thoughts are so different.”
The aromatic garlic bread enticed Jessalyn, and she reached for a slice.
Manu helped himself too. He bit down and butter glistened on his
lips before he licked it away. “What did you and your taniwha disagree about to make her react so strongly?”
“She wants sex and babies. In that order.”
“What do you want?” Manu asked, caution ringing in his tone.
“Fun sex and friendship.”
“Sounds fine.”
“Excellent,” she said and bit down on the bread. “This is delicious. The entire meal is great. I’m not sure I can meet these standards. Condoms?”
A piece of garlic bread shot across the table, and Manu coughed twice and thumped his chest. “Woman, you could wait until a man finishes his mouthful.”
“Where is the fun in that?”
“You’re as ornery as your taniwha.”
Jessalyn sighed and pushed away her empty plate. “It’s a coping method. I divert attention from what is bothering me.”
“What is the main thing that’s upsetting you?”
“The taniwha thing. When I was a child, I wanted to fit in like the other children, but I couldn’t because I differed from the other little girls. Once I realized that, I played with the boys, but I didn’t fit there either. And now, when I’m an adult, I feel as if I’m on the outside looking in again, except the stakes are higher.”
“You could take each day as it comes and put trust in the fact tomorrow will take care of itself.”
“Yeah.” Jessalyn picked up another piece of the oozing buttery goodness that was Manu’s garlic bread. “I’ve been doing that, but after seeing my—Karen—the future is looming big and scary.” She ate the piece of bread and wiped her fingers on a napkin. After a brief hesitation, she plucked the pendant from under her shirt and ran her right thumb over the jade pattern inset in the bone. She closed her eyes and focused, the answer coming to her. “I’d better put the relic away in its box for the moment. I’m tired. Let’s do the dishes and go to bed.”
Later, in Manu’s bedroom, Jessalyn put the pendant in safekeeping before stripping. Naked, she slipped between the sheets.
Manu finished in the en suite and halted on seeing her in his bed. No, it was the bare shoulders that stopped him rather than her presence. Although the condom question should’ve given him a hint.
“I thought you were tired.”
She winked. “Not that bad. Strip.”
Manu’s eyes widened before a slow grin spread across his face. He lifted his T-shirt over his head. She sighed at the broad expanse of muscles. Already barefooted, he removed his jeans and underwear. Ah! Thick, masculine thighs and an erection in working order. Perfect eye candy. Perfect everything.
He slid between the sheets and turned out the light. The lack of illumination didn’t bother Jessalyn since the moonglow crept through the window. She inched across the mattress, her fingers tingling and ready to touch and test all that male beauty.
“It’s a good thing we both ate your garlic bread.” Bother. She didn’t want him to get a hint of her nerves, yet the second she opened her mouth babble jumped free.
But Manu laughed and met her halfway.
“One day at a time,” she whispered and wrapped herself around his body before lifting her face for his kiss.
Their first kiss was tentative as if Manu expected her to change her mind. Little did he know. This—she—was a sure thing tonight. She pressed her breasts against his chest and tangled her legs with his. The captain of the first fifteen had been a boy as had her casual summer lovers. Manu was solid and very masculine. A man in his prime.
A purr rattled from her throat, yet she couldn’t blame her taniwha.
Manu lifted his head and, obviously reassured by whatever he saw in her expression, he rolled her onto her back. Seconds later, he’d trapped Jessalyn between him and the mattress. Her pulse raced a little faster while her senses worked overtime. His heady masculine scent full of citrus and the outdoors thrilled her even as her gaze ranged over bulging biceps and enticing pectoral muscles. So much temptation, and right now, all hers.
“Last chance,” he whispered next to her ear.
The heat of his breath raised a shiver. No way was she foregoing this chance to enjoy herself.
“I’m not changing my mind,” Jessalyn said and her firm voice obviously amused him. He issued a charming and toe-curling smile, one he’d never displayed before. She gawked, mesmerized and smitten.
“Thank Maui and all the Maori gods.” His brown eyes glowed golden, and she sighed in appreciation.
It made her wonder how a carefree Manu might behave—a taniwha less burdened by responsibility. She returned his smile with one of her own and cupped his face. The prickle of stubble beneath her fingertips had her testing more of his jaw, exploring.
Manu leaned nearer, his intent clear. Her mouth met his halfway, and she sank into the caress. She opened to him, and their tongues tangled, their kiss rapidly morphing to hot and heavy.
Jessalyn moaned, her body undulating against him. Skin and exquisite friction. She needed more of him touching her. Everywhere. She ran her hands over his back and lower to cup his muscular buttocks. His tattoo burned beneath her fingertips and curiosity filled her mind with questions. Later.
Now they were touching, urgency filled her, and her heart thundered. His swollen erection nestled between her thighs, warm and promising. Her fingers tightened on his butt in silent demand.
“We have all night, sweetheart.” He nipped her jawline, the hint of pain shooting straight to her pussy. Her summer lovers had warmed her passion in slow increments. Her first fifteen lover—not so much. Manu stood on a different level, and already, she ached for him to fill her.
Manu’s fingers drifted down her neck and his hand settled on her breast. He tugged on her nipple and grazed her jawline again with his teeth.
“Yes.” Jessalyn moved her hips against him, silently urging him to give her more. Nah, hints were for the birds. Now she had him naked and paying attention to her as a woman, she craved speed and immediate satisfaction. “Please. I need… I feel empty. Fix it, please.”
“My pace.” Manu trailed kisses along her neck and moved farther down the bed.
Jessalyn attempted to twist her body to free herself, to exert some control. Manu laughed and easily restrained her.
“You intrigued me from the moment I saw you. I fancied a taste of your sweet mouth.” He pressed a kiss to her lips. “I suffered from a craving to touch you here.” He cupped his hand around one breast. “And I desperately wanted to slide my cock into your pussy and revel in your heat, your arousal until we both burned.”
“Yes, please.” A violent spasm of pleasure rippled through her at his words. “Not stopping any of that.” Her hands laced in his hair and she tugged hard enough to gain his attention.
In retribution, he rocked against her, his cock leaving a wet smear on her thigh. A low growl vibrated in his throat, and she leaned down to recapture his mouth. Their tongues twirled together in a sensual dance, and she stirred restlessly, rubbing against his harder body.
“Please, Manu,” she urged. “We can do the slow build next time.”
Manu pulled from her touch and reached over to open a bedside drawer. He pulled out a strip of condoms and slapped them on the nightstand. But instead of rolling on a condom and getting down to business, he returned to her side, his expression hinting at an alternative plan.
“Before we fuck, I want to taste you again.”
Manu held himself in check, but she thought a few cheeky comments might persuade him to move faster.
Before she could protest his plan for a leisurely loving, he distracted her with a combination of hands and mouth. His tongue traced her nipple before pulling back to blow on the crest. He pinched her other nipple and diverted her from the nip of pain with the slide of fingers across her hip. Without waiting for his request, she widened her legs, the blast of air against her hot, needy flesh bringing a growl from deep in her throat.
His fingers stroked her, circled her clit and caressed her achy flesh while his tongue teased her rigid nip
ples. He bit and nibbled and licked. He massaged and rubbed, pushing her rapidly toward a climax.
“Manu,” she gasped.
Her body swooped and soared, trembling on the cusp of great pleasure. One more swish of his finger sent her flying, surging headfirst into orgasm. She shuddered and groaned, her hands grabbing Manu’s shoulders as an anchor.
He lapped at her, prolonging the pleasure until she could take no more. The instant she pushed instead of clung, he lifted his head and grinned at her—boyish and full of charm.
“Ready for round two?” he asked.
“Bring it.” After coming so hard, repeating the act might be difficult, but she still wanted to experience him filling her, surrounding her with his strength.
Manu’s eyes glowed, and he kissed her with a tenderness she’d never experienced. She closed her eyes and clung, wanting more of this man’s generous heart.
Manu parted their mouths, and she presumed he was reaching for a condom. The rip of foil confirmed her assumption.
When she’d anticipated he’d hurry, she was wrong. He kissed her slowly and thoroughly, building her passion again. He touched her with purpose, exploring her body and learning what touches and pressure she enjoyed most.
Only then did he part her legs and notch his shaft to her entrance. With a nudge, he pushed deeper until he could go no further, that first stroke so perfect, she sighed in bliss.
“Okay?” he asked, his gentle hands smoothing locks of hair from her face.
“Wonderful.”
“Hold on,” he warned. “This next bit is gonna be fast.”
His firm, rapid strokes pushed her into another zone. Each slide of his cock hit her in the perfect spot, driving her high when she thought another orgasm was impossible.
Jessalyn kissed his shoulder and nibbled his neck, wanting to leave her mark. He grunted when her teeth dug deep into his biceps but the rhythm of his strokes never ceased. If anything, his hips moved faster and with more purpose.
“Feels good, Jess. Your sweet pussy clutching my dick. I can’t imagine anything better.”
His dirty talking thrilled her, but she’d need to practice alone before she returned the chatter.
Black Moon Dragon Page 15
