by Milly Taiden
His senses picked up on his mate’s scent. He popped his eyes wide to see his love standing behind Greta, wooden chair she was once tied to raised over her head.
“I said, stay away from him.” The chair whipped through the air, smashing into the dhampyre’s back, knocking the bitch away from him. The chair splintered into pieces. His mate was freakin’ strong.
In a heartbeat, Greta was on her feet, hands around Kat’s neck. His mate crossed her bleeding wrists and grabbed the arms extended toward her. Pushing each arm to the side, they easily pulled away. Basic self-defense.
At Greta’s surprise, Kat sneered. “You’re not the only one with supe powers.” With that, Kat hiked her leg up and kicked the dhampyre in the stomach. The woman flew back, sliding on the floor.
Immediately, Kat crouched next to him. Her hand cupped his cheek, turning his head toward her. “Thank you.”
He wondered what she gave gratitude for. He’d done nothing to help her. He couldn’t even keep her safe. Behind her, Greta climbed to her feet, face snarling. Panic roared through him, but he couldn’t tell his mate to run, to get away. He was completely helpless.
She winked at him. “I got this.” Movement next to his thigh caught his attention. In her hand, she held a broken piece of the chair—a wooden stake.
Greta moved at vamp speed, scaring him. How could a human react fast enough?
Kat swiveled on the balls of her feet, rotating around with the wood shard braced in her straightened arms. As Greta lunged at her, the dhampyre impaled herself around the weapon. His mate and Greta rolled over him, Kat coming up to push the stake all the way through the vamp’s body.
Greta screeched, grabbing at the scrap of wood, but quickly fell back, dead. He breathed out, relieved his mate was strong in more ways than one. And his.
* * *
Kat had draped a piece of Hunter’s torn clothes over his lap. During her digging, she came across a dart like the kind that held tranquilizers. He had to have been shot with it. She was scared shitless. Hunter didn’t seem able to talk or move. Only his eyes worked. Was he dying? If only the dead bitch could talk.
When the vamp dove at her, she felt the piece of wood embed itself in the woman’s chest, but when rolling along the concrete, Kat knew the job hadn’t been finished. Not until she felt the life leave the bitch’s body did she let herself relax.
With Greta’s death, her mind control over the men vanished. They surrendered to Brock and the police. The boss had Sway and Cash dragged out and taken to the shifter hospital or wherever they went. He now stood over her and Hunter.
“What happened here?” Brock asked.
Kat shrugged. “I’ll give my statement later. We need to find out what Hunter was injected with.” She handed the dart to Brock. He sniffed it.
“Never smelled it before.” He pocketed the weapon. “I’ll have the men cart Hunter to the med lab.”
The sweet voice she longed to hear spoke beside her. “Bullshit,” Hunter slurred, “I’m not being some pin-cushion rat for your experiments.”
Brock smiled. “There’s the man we know and love. Well, at least you, Mejia.”
Oh God. Her face erupted in flame. She’d never told him how she felt about him.
Brock turned and walked away, saying over his shoulder, “Don’t worry, Mejia, you’re the only one who didn’t have a clue how much he loves you. We all have mates.”
Was that what she’d felt? Earlier, when lying on the ground, every muscle ached. Her head wouldn’t stop spinning and her ribs poked her lungs with every inhale.
Then suddenly she felt an. . .essence. . .in her heart, asking for her to open. Instinctively, she knew this was Hunter asking her to love him. That he wanted her to be a part of him forever.
She let herself take in his connection and felt a link snap into place. Tingly energy zipped through her body. The aches and pain disappeared. She could breathe deeply again. Looking around, she noted the woman bending over her man’s cock was about to be gandar fodder. The quickest, easiest weapon she had was the chair, which worked out very well.
Now with Hunter getting better, she let her anxiety go. His hand lifted to her face and he pulled her toward him for a kiss so hot, she was sure her undies were soaked.
He pulled back, leaving her wanting more. He said, “How about we get out of here?”
Her brow raised. “And how do you suggest we do this?”
His grin was so adorable. “Whatever Greta had cooked up is wearing off.” He let out a sigh. “My dragon is back and wanting you to himself for a long time.”
“I think I like this dragon. How do I meet him?” she asked.
His grin turned into a smile. “Give me a minute and you’ll get the ride of your life.”
She laughed wondering what he meant by “ride.”
18
There was no way she could’ve known that saying yes to Hunter’s simple question would’ve landed her on the back of a dragon or in another country. Sleeping most of the way and allowing the healing magic of her mate’s dragon to finish restoring her bruised and battered body, she awoke to a candlelit dinner on the highest terrace of Hunter’s castle.
Shock and awe didn’t begin to describe how she felt, and then there were the nerves. She’d been sure she would catch the sleeve of her dress on fire, say the wrong thing, or spill the wine, but it was a dream come true. She and Hunter had talked until the sun came up then made love until it went down. Kat thought back to the hours they just spent in bed.
“Sweetheart—”
She shook her head and undid his fly and shoved her hand into his jeans. “Mmm, you’re really hard.”
“Fucking hell!” He groaned, growing harder at the feel of her hand around his cock, teasing him and jerking him in her hold.
She bit her bottom lip and gave him a look full of heat.
He claimed her lips, thrusting his tongue into her mouth and loving the taste of her. He’d never tire of her. Never tire of hearing her little moans when he kissed her or the way she curled her tongue over his, rubbing his and trying to drive him fucking insane.
He removed her clothes with quick movements, growling softly as her skin was uncovered. With her naked, he could feel and touch her silky curves. Her skin felt warm and so soft, he could touch her forever.
She yanked his jeans down and jerked him in her grasp. Sucking one of her nipples into his mouth, he slid a hand between her warm thighs and was greeted with liquid heat dripping from her center.
“Fuck, Kat,” he groaned and dipped a finger deep inside her. “You’re so goddamned wet.”
She moaned, raking her nails over his shoulders and rocking her hips into his hand so he could go deeper inside.
“Fuck me,” she breathed. “I dreamt you made me come on my dragon ride. Make it a reality now. I woke aching for you.”
He flipped her, draping her over the bed. She shoved her ass back, spread her legs wide and clung to the headboard. He didn’t wait. She was slick and more than ready for him.
He drove deeply until he was balls deep inside her. Her pussy fluttered around his length. “God, baby girl. You’re so damn hot and the sucking sounds your pussy’s making is driving me crazy.”
She whimpered and pushed back to each of his forward drives. He gripped her hip and shoved her hair over her shoulder, kissing the back of her neck. Her pussy tightened around his dick, making it almost impossible for him to pull and surge deep.
“Faster,” she panted.
He gave in, increasing his speed and drive. The sound of skin slapping, her moans and his grunts filled the bedroom. He bit the back of her neck.
She turned her head and he kissed her ear lobe.
He fucked her hard, his mind full of the idea that she was his and his alone.
She held the bedframe in a white-knuckle grip. “Oh my god, Hunter. Please. I’m so close.”
He went deeper. As deep as he could while pulling her ass into each of his thrusts. Then he licked her e
ar. “I don’t have time to give your gorgeous ass the fucking it needs right now, but I’ll get you off so hard you’ll never doubt who you belong to.”
He sucked his thumb into his mouth and pushed it into her asshole.
She gave a loud groan, her pussy squeezing hard at his dick. He curled his arm around her hip, pressing two fingers over her clit.
“Oh my fucking god!”
He fucked her ass with his thumb and took her pussy with quick drives of his cock. She tensed, her pussy sucking wildly at his shaft.
Then she screamed and came apart in his arms. He continued driving his thumb in and out of her ass at the same time he took her sex. Her pussy walls tightened around his length. He bit down on her shoulder, finally giving in to his own climax. He came hard, his cock pulsing and spilling his seed inside her. His dragon roared, the sound coming out of him in a loud growl. He emptied himself in her and knew there was no way in hell he’d ever let her go. This wasn’t just here and now. This was forever.
She couldn’t wipe the smile off her face if she tried and she didn’t want to.
No longer did the words arrogant, aloof, or unapproachable describe the wonderful man she would love for the rest of her life. They were replaced with generous, kind, affectionate, open, and honest.
She would never forget the shy look on his face when she blurted out, “Why were you such an asshole when we first met? The way you glared and avoided me, I thought you hated me.”
Looking away, his gorgeous profile intensified in the soft, golden glow of the candles, she’d longed to rub away the lines of tension at the corners of his eyes and the deep frown of his lips. Finally, when he looked back, she’d seen true regret written across his face as he explained.
“Mates were for other people, or so I thought. I’d been a loner most of my life. Damn sure didn’t like to share my toys.” His chuckle was harsh and full of regret, more of a bark really. “Undercover was a perfect fit for me. I didn’t have to look out for anyone but myself. Did what I wanted, when I wanted, answered to the boss, and told the rest of the world to fuck off. That’s the way I thought I liked it, but dammit it all to hell was I wrong. I was actually dumb enough to think I didn’t want or need you.”
Reaching for his hand, she held on tightly, offering him the support she knew he needed as he struggled to continue. “Then there you were, gorgeous, dynamic, smart as a fuckin’ whip and I refused to go down without a fight. Sure, it was useless,” he scoffed. “But I fought it anyway.”
Lifting her hand and kissing the knuckles, Kat felt his gaze to the very pit of her soul as he whispered, “Thank God, I came to my senses.”
Waking to butterfly kisses on her cheeks, down her neck, and across her shoulder for the third morning in a row was nothing short of heavenly. Add to it that she was in an honest-to-God castle in the Scottish Highlands and the only thing better was the man who’d sworn his undying love to her.
Rolling onto her back, she sighed, “You better hurry before my husband gets ba…ooohhhhhhh nooooooooo.” She ended up giggling and squealing as Hunter started to tickle her ribs. “Stop stop stop stop stop,” she begged with what little breath she had left, gasping when he reluctantly did as she asked.
Running her fingers through his hair and staring into his eyes had become her favorite pastime, and this time was no different. Biting her bottom lip, she went ahead and restarted the conversation they’d been having since they’d arrived at his family home.
“I have more questions.”
Flopping onto his back and covering his eyes with his forearm, Hunter groaned, “Already? We haven’t even had coffee yet.”
Popping up to sitting position, Kat covered herself with the sheet and while running the tip of her finger through the little bit of dark hair covering his nipple, playfully cooed, “I’ll make pancakes. With blueberries and honey.”
Peeking out from under his arms, Hunter’s lips curved into a body-warming grin as he hummed, “And bacon and those scrambled eggs with cheese?”
Leaning down, she placed a chaste kiss on his lips before nodding, “Uh-huh, sure will.”
Moving to his side and propping his head on his hand, her gorgeous mate acquiesced, “Okay, hit me, sexy woman.”
“When you thought it was Sway, were you really going to kill him?”
“Yes, I was. If he had been the one who hurt you, I would have ended his life without a second thought and never looked back.” Shaking his head and letting out a long-suffering sigh, he went on, “But, I should’ve recognized Greta’s scent. Should’ve known she’d forced him to drink her blood in order to control him. I really want to know what she threatened him with. Had to have been something really important to get him to purchase that nursery, use the computers at FPU to find the girls she wanted, and drive the getaway car all those times. I’m sure those young women are alive because of him.” Looking up with half a grin, she knew he was forcing for her benefit, he chuckled, “But the boy’s tough. In the end, he shook her control better than that fucking hawk who’s at least four times his age.”
“Speaking of Cash, you going to be able to forgive him? You guys have known each other for a long time.” She pushed on, needing her questions answered. “I mean, he was the one actually kidnapping the girls and telling Greta everything we were doing.”
Just as it had been the other times they discussed the hawk shifter, Hunter’s eyes flashed a dark, stormy, midnight blue and his pupils elongated just as they had in dragon form. Fortunately, this time, he recovered a little quicker and his voice was less harsh.
“Yes, I forgive him, but I will never forget. Sure, he was under Greta’s mind control just like Sway had been, but at least part of him had to be willing. Ya’ know what I mean?”
“No, not really. You shifters have a whole load of stuff going on that I’ve yet to figure out.”
“True,” he nodded. “But Sway was able to shake the effects of Greta’s blood and mental suggestions. It should’ve taken a sledge hammer and a gun to the head for her to fuck with Cash’s brain. Hawks are predators. They rule the roost. He just didn’t resist. That’s the only explanation.”
Scratching at the sexy stubble on his kissable jawline, her mate shrugged. “Maybe it’s the lack of family, a mate, no deep ties to anyone or anything, or the combination of everything. I just hope he gets the help he needs.” Hunter paused then looked her right in the eye. “What I can’t…won’t forgive is myself. Not yet. If I had killed her when my clan and I were sent in all those years ago to exterminate that entire bloody coven, none of this would’ve happened. You wouldn’t have—”
“Stop,” she demanded, swatting his arm. “I won’t listen to you take the blame for having a good heart, for sparing a life. Besides, you saved me first. If your friend hadn’t undone my restraints, things would’ve ended very differently.”
“Yeah, so you keep saying.” Love combined with vehemence made his eyes glow a brilliant blue. “But think about it from my side. That bitch came here to punish me. She had Cash and Sway abduct those girls to make them blood slaves for her coven where I live and work. According to Wyatt, it was her plan to have at least fifty who could feed them and in the long run create a synthetic drug for taking down all shifters.”
Moving her hand to his chest and laying it over his heart, she smiled. “I know it’s too soon, but some day you’ll find a way to forgive yourself. Until then, it’s my job to remind you a hundred times a day that you have an amazing heart with an endless capacity to love and accept.”
Winking, she added, “Look at us. You never wanted a mate. Did everything you could to scare me off and here we are. You healed me…no, saved my life when I didn’t even know I was dying.” Wrinkling her nose because she knew it made him smile, she went on, “And, hey, it doesn’t even freak you out that I know when people are dead by looking at a picture or touching the same doorknob they touched.” Slapping her free hand over her own heart, she chuckled, “And that’s a first for me.”
Shaking his head and smiling, Hunter sighed. “You’re right, I did try to run from having a mate, but it had nothing to do with you, my love. I couldn’t run away from you.”
Holding up her hands, waving them for him to hush, she imitated his voice the best she could and teased, “I’m just a big, burly, pain in the ass dragon, a loner, and I thought I’d just fuck it all up. I was afraid of hurting you and ending up hating myself.”
Squealing when he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her onto his chest, Kat shook her index finger and warned, “If you distract me again, Mr. Cross, I might not have the strength to cook your breakfast.”
Out of the bed, dressing not only himself, but also her, and transporting them into the kitchen before she knew what was happening, Kat held tightly to his arms until the room stopped spinning then snickered, “I’m never gonna get used to how fast you can move.”
“Sure you will,” he answered over his shoulder, his head in the huge, stainless steel refrigerator. “You’ll get lots of practice.”
“Like flying on the back of your dragon?”
“Ah, yep,” he winked, placing eggs, bacon, cheese, and milk on the counter.
“Cross Dragon Airways is at your disposal, my lady.”
Batting her eyes and pretending to fan her face, Kat flirted, “Why Mr. Cross, I do think you’re tryin’ to spoil me.”
Leaning across the counter and kissing her soundly, Hunter pulled back and waggled his eyebrows as he assured, “Every day for the rest of your life.”
The heat in his eyes made the bite mark on the side of her neck pulse and her pussy wet with need. Touching the mark, his mark, she sighed, “I can’t believe we’re already married…I mean, mated.”
“We are whatever you want us to be.” He kissed her again before pulling her onto the counter, sliding her bum toward him until she wrapped her legs around his waist. “Mated, married, lovers, partners, anything you want, I will make it happen.”
“Even a big wedding.”
“Even a big wedding,” he easily agreed. Slamming his lips to hers and kissing her senseless, she moaned at the loss then chuckled when he lifted her off the counter and gave a sexy growl. “Hell with food. You’re all I need, Katrina Cross.”
