by M. A. Church
Avery pursed his lips. “I’ve heard dragons were really secretive.”
“If we are, it’s because we have reason to be.” Warwick threaded his fingers through Avery’s and was pleased when Avery didn’t pull away. “Now, about this mating between us. Are there any questions you wish to ask me?”
Avery jerked, as if he was shocked. Or maybe surprised. “I… I don’t know what to ask. I…. How much freedom am I going to have? Can I come and go as I want? Can I have a job? Can I see my family and friends? Do you mind if I bring some personal things? Do you really live in a castle? I—”
“Well, it seems like you found a few things, after all.” Warwick chuckled as Avery blushed. “Okay, first things first. You’re not a prisoner, nor am I going to lock you in a tower. You can come and go as you as you wish, but please do me the courtesy of letting me know so I don’t worry.”
“Why would you worry?”
Warwick blinked. “Why would I not?”
“Ah….”
“I protect what’s mine, and you’re soon to be mine. As you may know, a dragon’s hoard is of the upmost importance to them.”
“I’m not an object—you do realize that, right?”
“Indeed I do, but that doesn’t change the fact you are mine.” What could he say? There was some truth to the stories about dragons defending their hoards. “Anyway, if you don’t have a cell phone, I’ll provide one for you.”
Avery quietly released a deep breath. “I have a cell phone.”
Warwick couldn’t tell if that was a good deep breath or a bad deep breath. He decided to go with good. “Okay. As far as a job, of course you may work, if that’s what you wish. You don’t have to, though. I’m not going to insist upon it, nor am I going to tell you that you can’t work.”
Avery cringed. “I think I’d lose my mind if I had to sit around on my ass all day.”
“As would I.” Although he had no problem shifting into his dragon form and curling up around his mounds of gold. “Now, let’s see. What else was there? Oh yes, family and friends. I have no problem with you visiting with either. In fact, I encourage you to. I’m not sure why you thought I wouldn’t.”
“I just… I just…. The legends of old say dragons are insanely possessive.”
“Those same legends say werewolves were bloodthirsty monsters. I’d highly suggest not basing assumptions on such.” No point in letting Avery know just how much truth there could be in those stories. “As far as personal belongings, of course you may bring them. Anything you have that you want to take from your father’s house will be incorporated in my home. And yes, I really do live in a castle.”
“That’s cool.”
“Thank you. I’m fond of it, especially since it has all of the modern conveniences one could want. I hope you like it.”
Avery smirked. “Like hot water, do you?”
“Most definitely. I especially like not having to heat it over an open fire.” Warwick squeezed Avery’s hand. Time to tackle what he smelled in Alpha Montgomery’s office. “By the way, dragons happen to have enhanced senses like werewolves do.”
Avery frowned. “What does that mean?”
“It means I smelled your desire when I walked into the office.” After Warwick dropped that bomb, he watched Avery’s face flame. His intention wasn’t to embarrass Avery, but he wasn’t going to allow Avery to deny what he felt either.
Blushing furiously, Avery jumped up and paced in front of Warwick. “I…. You…. By the gods, I can’t believe you said that.”
Warwick watched Avery walking in circles in front of him. How cute! He was tempted to pull Avery down into his lap and kiss him senseless. “Odd, I didn’t know werewolves were such prudes.”
Avery stumbled to a halt and gaped at Warwick. “Prudes? Prudes? Where the hell did you get that idea from?”
“From you.”
“Me?” Avery damn near shrieked.
Warwick made a point of looking around. “You’re the one I’m conversing with, so yes. I concluded such, mainly by the way you’re acting.”
Avery massaged his temples, and a painful look flashed across his face. “We are not prudes. For crying out loud, we undress in front of one another all the time when we’re shifting. No one thinks anything of it. Nudity is normal and natural.”
“Ah, but we’re not talk about nudity—although I can’t wait to see you in that state—we’re talking about your desire… for me.” Warwick watched as Avery’s face turned a more interesting shade of red. “Are you embarrassed because I know you find me attractive?”
Avery ran his hands through his hair and tugged, rather violently. “Yes. No. I don’t know! Dammit, it never crossed my mind you could smell something like that. You’re not the same species as me.”
A thought crossed Warwick’s mind. “Did you smell anything from me? I mean, do I have a scent?” Fascinated, he watched Avery blush even harder. Apparently that was a yes. He leaned back against the bench and crossed his legs. “What kind of scent do I have?”
“I never said you smell like anything.”
“Going by your reaction, I’m going to guess I do.”
“I’m investing in a mask,” Avery whined, throwing his hands up.
“Oh, I don’t think so. You have the most expressive face I’ve ever seen. Tell me, what do you smell?”
Avery dropped back down on the bench next to Warwick and buried his face in his hands. “This is mortifying.”
“Why?”
“Oh gods, if you have to ask, there’s no point explaining.” Avery dropped his hands and shook his hair back out of his face.
“Stop dodging the subject and answer me, please. What kind of scent do I have?” Warwick scooted closer.
“It… aw, gods.”
Warwick rested his arm on the back of the bench, which caused Avery to jump again. Were all wolves this jumpy? Or was it Avery? He turned, leaning closer. “Tell me.” He could see the frantically beating pulse in Avery’s neck. His body tightened, and he licked his lips, the temptation to taste that succulent golden skin nearly overwhelming.
Avery shivered. He cleared his throat, opened his mouth, then shut it again. Another tremor racked him. “I… it’s, ah, dark and delicious—kind of like melted chocolate. I… I like chocolate. It’s really, um, yummy.”
Warwick had never been called yummy before, but he could work with that.
Another cool breeze washed over them. Warwick sniffed delicately. It was the dead of winter, and everything had gone into hibernation. The grass was an ugly brown, and the leaves lay decaying on the ground, stripped from their branches. Even when the sun was out, the warmth he often craved was nothing more than an illusion. But as he sat there, the wonderful scent of sunlight on grass, warm, fresh breezes, and summer rain wrapped around him.
Warwick inhaled deeply, and his cock hardened, pressing against the fabric of his trousers. Unable to resist any longer, he buried his nose in the crook of Avery’s neck. Something squeaked close by, but he ignored it as he sniffed hard. Fuck, he’d never smelled anything as decadent as that scent.
He encased Avery in his arms, pulling him closer, and nuzzled the tantalizing skin under his lips, then licked a stripe up Avery’s throat. Summer. Avery smelled like summer—the one season Warwick favored above all others. He groaned as Avery’s soft, dirty-blond hair brushed against his cheek. “So good.” With the blood pounding in his head, Warwick captured Avery’s lips, demanding entrance.
Groaning, Avery yielded, and Warwick’s tongue swept inside. His heart rate spiked and his head spun as an all-consuming fire raced through his veins. Desire uncurled and sank its talons into him. He wanted his hands on Avery, and the damn clothes were in the way. Yet another reason to hate winter.
The need for air broke them apart, and Warwick growled. “You smell like summer—my favorite season. I could eat you up.”
Avery moaned and bared his throat. The move made Warwick throb with excitement. Avery’s eyes drifted shu
t. Unable to resist such an invitation, Warwick nibbled up Avery’s throat, his fangs lengthening as he left sharp little bites until he reached Avery’s lips.
Warwick slanted his mouth across Avery’s, his tongue sweeping inside to once again explore. The kiss was demanding and strong, and Avery responded beautifully.
Warwick’s dragon stirred, wanting more. Images danced through his mind of stripping Avery and plunging into his hot, tight depths. Avery plastered himself against him, and it snapped the thin strand of control he had. He buried his hand in Avery’s hair, gently jerking his head back as he ended the kiss. Avery clutched at him as Warwick licked the shell of Avery’s ear. Those sweet moans were driving him crazy. Chill bumps rose on his arms as Avery’s breath fanned across his cheek.
“Sir?”
Distantly Warwick heard someone clear their throat. His dragon grumbled, wanting to strike whoever was bothering them with a bolt of lightning.
“Sir? As much as I hate to interrupt, there are kids in the park.”
Kids? Park? And who in the hells was that bothering him?
“Warwick? Look, don’t zap me, but the two of you need to tone it down a bit. There are a couple of mothers giving you both the evil eye.”
Ye gods, suddenly where they were and what they were doing came crashing back. He didn’t bother to restrict the moan that slipped out as he slowly pulled away from Avery. His eyelids itched momentarily, a sure sign the scrollwork around his eyes that showed what he was had appeared.
The sight that greeted him almost had Warwick throwing caution to the wind and going back for more. Avery blinked lazily, his eyes heavy with passion and lips swollen and red. Warwick had mussed Avery’s hair too. Avery was simply gorgeous, and his dragon demanded Warwick hide such an alluring sight from all those around him.
Warwick considered removing his coat and throwing it overtop Avery, but the human side of his nature pointed out he probably would get punched if he attempted that. Warwick discreetly rearranged his cock, which threatened to burst from his trousers. He tried to speak, but all he managed was a croak. It was not even a dragon-like croak.
Horrified at such a sound, he swallowed and tried again. “It appears chemistry is not a problem for us.”
Chapter Seven
AVERY shook his head, amused. Nice to know his soon-to-be mate was a master at understatements too.
The kiss threw him off guard. It hadn’t surprised him when Warwick kissed him. In fact, he’d been expecting it. What he hadn’t expected was his response. That kiss had been unlike anything he’d ever experienced, and his body reacted immediately.
Pleasure swamped him, making him want more. He’d kissed other guys, but this was the first time he’d ever lost control to the point that where he was hadn’t mattered. If it hadn’t been for Clarence, who knows what would’ve happened.
After getting the stink eye, he and Warwick decided to walk around. Since they were practically strangers, Avery had assumed their conversation would be stilted. He was very relieved to find he was wrong.
Instead of being condescending, Warwick was easy to talk to. Buried under a chilly composure, there was a sense of humor—granted, a very dry sense of humor—that made Avery laugh. He couldn’t remember the last time that happened.
As they walked, Warwick made a point of taking his hand. Avery was relieved to know Warwick wasn’t afraid to show affection. Although it did bother him that Warwick referred to him as a “treasure.” He was no pretty bauble to be displayed and admired. He had thoughts and opinions, and wasn’t afraid to voice them, even though it often led to him being on the wrong side of his father’s ideals of what was proper for an Omega. Avery had no time for such narrow-minded views.
Avery began to see Warwick was an odd mixture of old-world and new. His pattern of speech sometimes reflected a bygone era, as did some of his notions. Warwick also nodded to ladies who made eye contact with them.
Speaking of eyes, after that last kiss ended, odd scrollwork appeared above and directly below Warwick’s eyes like a vibrant tattoo inked into his skin. He’d never seen anything like it and could only assume it was because Warwick was a dragon. The purple color of the flourishes were slightly lighter than Warwick’s eyes—it was a little unnerving.
When his toes began to get cold, Avery decided it was time to head back. Slowing down, he waited until Warwick stopped too. “I don’t know about you, but I’m getting cold. What do you say we head back?”
“Considering I forgot my gloves, I’m more than ready.”
“Oh. I wish you would’ve said something.”
Warwick lifted their joined hands and kissed Avery’s knuckles. “It was worth whatever minor inconvenience just to have some time with you.”
Well, hell. His heart trembled, threatening to melt, but it was going to take more than a few sweet words to win him over. But that was a good start. “A smooth talker.”
From behind them came a strangled snort.
Warwick laughed softly as he looked back over his shoulder to where Clarence stood. “I need no help from the peanut gallery, if you please.”
“Hey, Clarence, you want to walk with us? You know, instead of strolling along behind?” It felt odd having the other man behind them, almost as if he wasn’t good enough to be included. Since now he knew Clarence wasn’t a threat to him, Avery wanted to get to know him. Later he would examine exactly why he was worried about anybody being a threat to his relationship with Warwick.
Clarence hurried to catch up with them. “Thank you.”
They started heading toward the pack house, and Avery decided to do a little digging. “So, tell me, how long have you worked for Warwick?”
“A long time,” Clarence said.
“That long, huh?” A long time? What kind of answer was that? But from the look Warwick shot Clarence before he’d answered, Avery had a feeling this was something Warwick didn’t want discussed in the open. In that instance Warwick reminded Avery of his father. Mentally he shrugged. Must be an Alpha trait.
Clarence snickered. “I swear, the two of you are going to be perfect together.”
“Oh? Why do you say that?” Avery asked.
“Warwick has a sharp tongue, and I have a sneaking suspicion you do too,” Clarence said. Briskly, he rubbed his hands together. “This should be good.”
“Don’t let him fool you. Clarence has cut his fair share of men down in his life,” Warwick said.
“Well, I did learn from the best,” Clarence quipped.
As Warwick and Clarence traded friendly insults, Avery watched them. Now that he was paying closer attention, it was also obvious there was nothing more than friendship between them. Avery took stock of Clarence. Clarence wasn’t spectacularly handsome, nor was he so ugly he’d frighten children. He was a slim man, with short, wavy brown hair and deep brown eyes. Clarence’s glasses gave him a slightly geeky look, as did the briefcase, which never seemed to be far from his hand. The twill jacket he wore added to the effect. Clarence was a nice-looking man, but… safe. Yeah, that was the word Avery was looking for.
Avery glanced at Warwick. There was certainly nothing safe about him. The air of danger that surrounded Warwick was thick. The lizard side of most human brains probably didn’t know why Warwick’s presence sent it into a scramble, only that it did.
There was something predatory about Warwick, even though at first glance there was nothing physical that said that. Warwick was tall, but he wasn’t musclebound. The long black hair and pale skin didn’t scream aggressiveness. But a glance into Warwick’s eyes dispelled that illusion. That’s when the predator was seen lurking within him.
It should’ve frightened Avery, but it didn’t. Instead, it thrilled him. The temptation to prod the predator prowling underneath the cool, calm exterior was overwhelming. He didn’t know if that made him brave or an idiot. He sighed silently. Yeah, he probably fell in the latter category, but by all the gods, he was due some excitement in his life. He was tired of being r
epressed by what werewolf society thought was proper.
It was beginning to spit snow by the time they were in front of the pack house. As he opened the front door, Avery noticed the tension suddenly rolling off Warwick. Odd. He had been so relaxed before.
Avery held the door so Warwick and Clarence could enter. While they removed their coats, Avery pulled his off and hung it in the coat closet. Before he could lead them back to his father’s office, Warwick laid a hand on his shoulder, stopping him.
“Would you like to be there when your father signs the papers?” Warwick asked.
Avery bit his lip. Did he? On the one hand, he did. He was in this position thanks to his father’s carelessness—and that was the nicest way he could put it. On the other hand, watching his father trade him off to pay his debt was disturbing. It hurt, plain and simple. He didn’t deserve this—no one did.
“I… no. I think I’d just as soon skip that, if you don’t mind.”
“Whatever’s easiest for you.”
“Thank you.” Avery shifted from foot to foot. Now what?
“Well, then….” Warwick scratched his head. “Avery?”
“Yes?”
“I… nothing. I guess you better start packing.”
Over Warwick’s shoulder Avery saw Clarence roll his eyes. Avery slumped. He thought for sure Warwick was going to… what? Tell him never mind? That he was calling off the whole horrible thing? Was it really horrible? He wasn’t so innocent that he’d believe that, but still. He had hoped for something.
“Sure thing. Packing up a lifetime of memories shouldn’t take long.”
“Okay, then.” Warwick raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment. Instead he started to turn away, then suddenly jerked back around. “Have dinner with me tonight.” Warwick grimaced. “I mean to say, may I have the pleasure of your company for dinner tonight?”
Good grief, that looked painful. If asking him out to dinner was that hard, Avery couldn’t imagine what sex was going to be like. His cock twitched. Okay, maybe right now wouldn’t be the best time to think of that. Still, the slight flush climbing Warwick’s cheeks was encouraging. “I’d like that very much.”
