“Now,” she urged.
“Not yet,” he countered and moved down her torso.
He nibbled on her hipbone and rimmed her bellybutton with his tongue. His eyes gleamed as he glanced up at her, his mouth wreathed in happiness. Her heart turned over at the sincerity, the openness in him, and love. The emotion blazed from him as he maintained their visual connection and lowered his mouth with intent.
Her eyes fluttered shut and seconds later, the warmth of his mouth teased at her slit. He used firm pressure on her nub before backing off. Instead, he pushed a finger inside her and stroked her. He hit the perfect spot and pleasure roared through her—not the main event but a precursor of what would come.
“Manu,” she whispered, a pleading in his name.
Manu gave her clit another slow lick before he rose up her body and kissed her. Their lips clung, and she gripped his broad shoulders, holding him to her.
“Happy. So happy,” her taniwha whispered.
Jessalyn smiled against his lips, and he parted their mouths to regard her quizzically.
“Inside joke,” she said.
Manu grinned. “My taniwha is communicating happiness too.”
“Did you hear?”
“I guessed.” Manu reached over and plucked a strip of condoms from the bedside drawer. He discarded all but one. An instant later, he rolled onto his back and lifted her over him.
She stared at him, startled for an instant.
“I want to see your expression when you come.” His grin was decidedly naughty. “And I’d love to watch your tits bounce.”
A laugh burst from Jessalyn. She guided his cock to her and slid down, impaling herself with a sensual twist of her hips. Setting the pace exhilarated her, and she experimented with slow and fast, all the time under his appreciative gaze.
Manu lifted her off him, and she groaned, empty and unfulfilled. He rearranged her on her hands and knees.
“You’ll get an excellent view of my backside from that angle.”
“Yes,” he said, unrepentant. “In this position, I get to tease you, and I can watch the antics of your sexy taniwha.”
She glanced over her shoulder, and his gaze was more golden than usual and full of heat. He notched his cock to her entrance and pushed inside her. One of his hands cupped a breast while the other traced a pattern on her back.
A purr burst from her when he began purposeful strokes. Instinct had her reaching to massage her clit.
“That’s it,” he said. “Jess, you feel so good squeezing my cock.”
She tightened her internal muscles and laughed at his groan. One sweep later over her clit and she was coming. Manu quickened his thrusts before he, too, shuddered with his orgasm.
Long moments later, Manu separated their bodies. He removed the condom and drew her into his arms. A safe harbor.
* * * * *
The two o’clock meeting arrived before Jessalyn was fully ready. Deciding a neutral place for a meeting would work in her favor, she booked the private meeting room of the local McDonald’s fast-food restaurant. While Hone had cackled like a hyena when she’d asked for his help, he’d agreed to her logic once she’d explained her choice.
Food to keep the taniwha happy and a public place amongst humans to ensure everyone behaved with decorum.
Dressed in a pale blue sundress this time—one that reminded her of something out of a fifties movie—she sat awaiting the five tribal representatives.
Hika arrived first. “Interesting meeting place,” he said, and he actually smiled at her.
“Strategic,” she replied. “How is your father?”
Hika dropped onto the seat next to her, his expression troubled. “You haven’t heard. He admitted to killing Danny. A witness turned up, and the police arrested Dad a few hours ago.”
“I’m sorry,” Jessalyn said.
“You have nothing to apologize for,” Hika said. “Danny didn’t deserve the punishment Dad meted out. While we’re alone, I want to apologize for my behavior toward you and that of my tribe.” His mouth twisted. “There was much handwringing when the elders realized the guardian had been living amongst us for years, and we’d treated her with ridicule and disdain.”
“I didn’t know either,” Jessalyn said.
“It doesn’t matter. We will not forget your selfless act in healing us when we gave you cause for mistrust. I promise you this.”
The other three leaders and Manu entered the meeting room. Hone and Cassie arrived bearing trays of food.
“Cassie will stay to take notes of this meeting,” Jessalyn said. “I wished an impartial representative to aid me.”
Jessalyn hadn’t mentioned this to Manu, but he never blinked. The other four leaders remained silent, so she assumed they had no objections.
“The first order of business,” Jessalyn said. “My taniwha has chosen Manu. While this means I will have a closer relationship with the Auckland tribe, I promise I will not ignore the needs of your tribes.” She made eye contact with each of the leaders, a small part of her amazed at her impudence in laying down the law to these older and more knowledgeable men. “While I don’t have experience, I will learn and serve where you need me. First, I will spend one week with each of your tribes.”
Manu frowned at this, but she continued.
“I will make this a regular visit—at least twice a year—to ensure the guardian meets the needs of your tribe. It will be up to you to decide how you wish to use my time. I can heal or perhaps make judgments to settle disputes. I can teach woodcarving or spend time with your younger tribal members and share with them my research on the original dragon. Is this acceptable to you all?” While she waited for a reply, she grabbed a burger and bit into the juicy meat patty.
“Yum!”
“Inside voice,” Jessalyn said once she’d swallowed her mouthful. “We’re in public.”
Her taniwha’s enthusiasm broke the ice and the grinning men reached for burgers and fries while Cassie took a drink order and rose to give it to Hone, who had remained outside the meeting room.
“This is more than I expected,” Hika said. “I appreciate your offer and accept.”
“All I require is a willingness to keep the peace and accommodation when I visit your tribe. I expect that Manu will come with me sometimes,” she said. “I understand you’re protective of your boundaries. Will this be a problem? I promise that if Manu is with me, he will not interfere in your tribe, nor will he be part of any private meetings we might have. I will not share confidential business with him. While I am in your region, I’ll become part of your tribe and as such your secrets will remain with you and your people.”
“May I make a suggestion?” Cassie asked.
“Sure,” Jessalyn said.
“Perhaps each tribe could make you a special shirt to wear while you are spending time with them. Um, like a rugby jersey with the local tribal design.”
“I like it,” Hika said. “That is a practical and inexpensive way to show solidarity.”
“And the final thing before I turn this meeting over to Manu who has something important to tell you all—I don’t expect you to provide me with an expensive hotel when I visit. Nor do I wish to create a financial burden for anyone. I expect a comfortable bed and a room where I can have privacy when I am not with the tribe. That is all for now unless you have questions.”
The Southern Otago leader spoke. “No, I think you have made your position clear. I suspect questions might arise later during your visits. You can deal with them then.”
“Could you set up an email address for us to contact you?” The Wellington leader asked.
“I’ll do that for you,” Cassie said. “Does Manu have your contact details?”
“Yes,” Manu said.
“I will enjoy this next bit,” Jessalyn said as she reached for another burger. “Prepare to have your minds blown.”
She finished her second burger and nibbled on fries. Hone knocked on the door and walked in carry
ing a tray of drinks.
“Hone, you can stay now,” she murmured while Manu described his invention.
“Invisible!” Hika blurted.
“You’re kidding us,” the Wellington leader said.
“No, I will hold a demonstration at my marae this evening,” Manu said.
The Southern Otago leader narrowed his eyes. “I knew your voice was familiar,” he said to Cassie. “You were at the marae yesterday.”
Cassie winked. “You guys were all ganging up on Jessalyn. I was her secret weapon.”
“You’re willing to rent these units to other tribes?” the Southern Canterbury leader asked.
“After the applicants pass a security test. If these get into the hands of the criminal element, it will be a huge problem,” Hone said.
Manu sipped his drink. “Each unit has a kill switch. If the renter misuses them, they will cease to work.”
The questions flew quick and fast, and Jessalyn sat back, watching Manu.
Cassie tapped her on the shoulder. “You’re proud of him.”
“I am.”
“You love him.”
Jessalyn tested the emotion, even though she knew it to be true.
“Yes. Yes. Yes! Sexy black beast!” her taniwha crowed.
The leaders fell silent and turned to Jessalyn. Heat surged into her cheeks as she met their gazes, one by one.
“You have got to stop doing that,” Jessalyn muttered.
Manu wove their fingers together. He lifted her hand and kissed the back, his eyes golden and twinkling and his taniwha peeking through. “Nine o’clock tonight at the marae in Papakura. We will demonstrate the stealth unit.”
Jessalyn had expected Manu would drive to the warehouse in Onehunga, but he didn’t. Manu drove them toward the inner city.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“A surprise.” He winked at her. “I thought I’d get started on this dating business.”
Manu pulled into the foyer of an exclusive hotel on the Auckland waterfront. Jessalyn’s eyes widened, and she was glad she’d listened to Cassie and worn the sundress and sandals. “Are we having lunch?”
Manu laughed as he handed the keys over to the valet. “Are you hungry again already?”
“I could eat,” Jessalyn said, her tone rueful.
“Then it’s lucky for me I’ve organized a private meal up in our suite.”
“A suite? Wow!”
“You’re worth everything,” Manu said and, taking her hand, led her into the foyer.
The check-in took mere minutes and soon an elevator whisked them up to the top floor, a keycard letting them into the suite.
Jessalyn followed Manu inside, their hands still clasped. Her shoes sank into the thick carpet as she took in the cream furnishings with punches of ruby and forest-green accessories. And the view—the harbor, blue and sparkling, spread out before them. Half a dozen yachts sped across the water, their sails full of wind. In the distance, the familiar volcanic cone of Rangitoto pushed from the sea. Although dormant, it was still imposing.
“This is beautiful,” Jessalyn said. “I can’t believe you did this for me.”
“We’re staying here tonight, and even better there is a deck where we can take off and land with no one any the wiser.”
“We’re flying to the meeting,” Jessalyn squeaked.
“I thought we’d make an entrance. You did say you wanted to practice flying, and it’s a short flight from here to Papakura. Are you still sore? A soak in the hot tub might fix that. We have our own private one.”
“Let’s do it!” her taniwha shrieked.
Manu chortled as Jessalyn rubbed her ears. “I’ll take that as approval.”
A knock sounded on the door.
“Ah, perfect timing,” Manu said. “That will be our afternoon tea.” He opened the door to let in the room attendant.
Sausage rolls. She caught a whiff of meat and pastry and chocolate. Definitely chocolate.
Once the door closed behind the room attendant, Manu went to her.
“There is one more thing,” he said. “Before we eat.” He produced a small navy-blue box from his pocket. “I promised I’d give you time before I pushed our relationship, and I mean to take things slowly.” He kneeled and opened the box to display a ring with golden diamonds. “But my taniwha is just as pushy as yours. You don’t hear him because he’s well-mannered,” Manu added. “Please, Jessalyn Brown, guardian of the taniwha, will you marry me?”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!” her taniwha shrieked.
Jessalyn rolled her eyes. “You’re a good man, Manu Taniwha, and even though we haven’t known each other for long, I love you. My answer is yes.”
He closed his eyes for a moment, but not before she glimpsed the gold of his taniwha. “She said yes.” He pushed the band onto her ring finger and stood to pull her into an embrace.
“I loved you from the moment we met,” he said. “I can’t wait to make you my wife.”
Jessalyn’s stomach rumbled, and she groaned. “I guess we’ll be eating first instead of celebrating our engagement in that big bed over there.”
Manu drew her over to the table where their afternoon tea awaited. He poured two flutes of champagne and offered her one. “Let’s do both,” he said.
So they did.
Epilogue – The Wedding
Six months later
Jessalyn stood on the banks of the Waikato River, dressed in a wedding gown of cream and gold. Manu stood beside her, resplendent in his charcoal-gray suit.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride,” the wedding celebrant said.
“Jess,” Manu whispered. “I love you.”
Then his lips were on hers, and she clung, overwhelmed by the depth of her feelings for this man who accepted her for what she was—the taniwha guardian and an ordinary woman.
The crowd cheered behind them as their lips parted, and they turned to face family, friends, and taniwha.
The leaders of various tribes approached and each of them pressed their noses to hers in a hongi. A formal welcome and acceptance.
Pleasure rushed through her at the open approval and recognition of the work she’d done for the tribes during the last months. Manu, sensing her emotion, squeezed her hand.
“I love you too. So much,” Jessalyn whispered.
Since she’d burst onto the scene in her taniwha form, life had become very different. Of course, her engagement to Manu had been part of it, but learning more about her people and helping them to have better lives brought fulfillment and confidence she’d never possessed.
“Congratulations!” Cassie waddled toward them in an advanced stage of pregnancy. Hone hovered at her side, tall and protective.
Emma and Jack joined them, carrying a baby each.
There were hugs all around and hearty congratulations from the guests. Jessalyn smiled often. She also surreptitiously pinched her inner wrist to ensure this wasn’t a wondrous dream.
Manu and Jessalyn led the joyous group into the dining room because, of course, everyone was hungry. The strident chant of a haka echoed with appropriate ferocity, and tears of happiness blurred Jessalyn’s vision, gratitude that she’d found her place and truly belonged.
Cassie thrilled them with two songs before the band took over, and they danced and partied.
It was almost midnight when she and Manu left.
“Our destination?” she asked.
“I booked the suite at the waterfront hotel again. I thought we’d hole up there for a few days and enjoy our new roles as husband and wife.”
She reached over to pat his hand. “Sounds like a plan, husband.”
“Mrs. Taniwha has a nice ring,” Manu said.
As had happened last time, checking in was fast and efficient and soon they were alone in their suite.
Jessalyn sashayed toward Manu, putting an extra sway in her hips. She turned to present her back to him. “Will you unzip my gown?”
“
In a minute, sweetheart. There’s something we need to discuss first.”
Jessalyn turned back to face Manu, her happy contentment slipping from her lips and settling in her gut when she noticed his serious expression. “What is it?”
“A letter arrived for you from Australia. It came last week, but selfishly, I refused to let anything impede our wedding. I wanted to marry you in the worst way, and I hope you’ll forgive me for holding back the letter.”
“From Australia?” Jessalyn eyed the envelope he pulled from his inside jacket pocket with disfavor. “Is it from Karen?”
“Yes, she sent it with a note that asked me to forward it to you. She sensed we were mates.”
“I’m not sure if I want to open it.”
“You’re angry at her. I get that, but she might answer some of your remaining questions.”
“True.” Jessalyn pushed out a hard sigh. “Let’s have a celebratory drink and we can read it together.”
“Plan,” Manu said and stalked over to a champagne bottle that nestled in an ice bucket.
While she waited, Jessalyn studied the room and let a host of wonderful memories of their last visit bloom. A large vase of roses, the petals the color of her taniwha, released a delicate perfume. A basket of snacks sat near the tea-making station along with a caddy of her favorite Russian Caravan tea. Manu had planned everything, and he made her life easier with his care and advice. His love. She’d enjoyed her engagement and eagerly awaited their life as a married couple.
Manu handed her a glass and lifted his in a toast. “To my beautiful wife.”
“My sexy black beast,” her taniwha shouted, her tone gleeful.
Jessalyn groaned before she lifted her glass. “To my handsome husband and his sexy black beast.”
They sat together on a cream two-seater. Manu kicked off his shoes and Jessalyn followed suit, delighting in wriggling her toes in the thick, luxurious cream carpet.
“Open the letter and read it aloud,” she suggested.
“All right.” Manu made quick work of the envelope. “‘Dear Jessalyn,’” he started. “‘This is a hard letter for me to write since it brings back the past and every one of my insecurities. Best to start at the beginning, I think.
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