“Exactly.”
“And Blane is waiting for me.”
“Yes, he is most anxious and travelled to get you help.”
She thought about that. A man came for her. Something about that triggered what used to be painful.
“Okay, I’ll come back.”
“Good now don’t fight the pull. You’ll feel it, but it shouldn’t hurt. Only if you fight. Hear me?”
“Yes, don’t fight or it’ll hurt. Got it.”
A tug pulled, then a bigger one, and an even bigger tug until she was moving backwards. Dallas didn’t fight. She did as she was told. The further back she went the more her memories came back, almost like an old black and white movie. She saw Blane’s vibrant red hair and small smile. She saw the blue beast, the one she’d taken in when he almost died, meeting Dr. Carlyle and getting him to agree to take her cancer away. They kept coming faster and faster until everything went black.
***
Dallas’ eyes shot open and she sat up in a panic. When she didn’t recognize where she was she sucked in a breath until she saw him.
Blane.
The beast in her rejoiced.
‘Out mate.’
He strode towards her and the small woman moved to the side just barley fast enough to avoid getting shoved to the side. She didn’t have time to say a word before his lips were pressed against hers. She moaned and kissed him back not caring they had an audience until someone cleared their throat.
When he pulled away smiling she blushed.
“It’s about damn time, woman,” he said and pecked her lips again. “Never do that again.”
She tried to smile. “I don’t know exactly what I did, but I’ll try not to.”
She wasn’t sure how long she was out and only had a brief recollection of being some place happy. Only something niggled at her mind. It wasn’t really a happy place. Someone told her that. She looked to the small woman.
“You brought me back?”
She nodded.
“Why?”
“Your mate insisted, and he’s helping us with our own problem. Was the least I could do.”
Dallas nodded. “Thank you.”
“You shouldn’t be sick anymore. I think the fact that you were so close to the other side and brought back helped. But stay aware of how you feel.”
“I will.”
She went to stand, but Blane pushed her back down. “Stay down you’ve been out for a few days.” He smiled. “I have to finish this then we’ll go home.”
Home.
That sounded amazing.
***
He’d never been more relieved in his life. When Dallas woke up his heart and beast jumped. She looked like she’d only been sleeping. But he knew different. Now he needed to finish up what he came for and get home. He had some feeling things back home weren’t as good. Lucky for him the drive wasn’t too long.
He left Dallas sitting on the small couch and went back to face the witches. “Thank you for doing that. You’ll never know how much I appreciate it, and I’ll be indebted to you forever. Anytime you need anything.” He meant it too. He would be their loyal dragon if that’s what it took.
“That’s very kind, but for now just keep Beverley out of trouble. Some bad things are coming, you’ll need her on your side, but she also has her own past she needs to account for. That’s coming too.” She paused and studied him. “It seems Stratham is a magical nexus. More and more Supernaturals are drawn to the area. We need you and your tribe to keep everything under control. Mostly because it’s your doing. Being different and powerful attracts more power, desires, and greed by others who are—less.”
Blane knew what she meant. Since Aris found Soph things had really changed. They always had someone after them, and each time the Supe was more powerful. He didn’t look forward to more.
“We are trying to keep it peaceful. Humans aren’t ready for the truth just yet.”
“That they aren’t, or we’d already have come out of the magical—closet so to speak.”
He really liked this witch. She was old and wise, and she knew things. He didn’t like hearing that more bad was coming, but now they were more prepared. They understood the Golden Council wanted them gone. He wasn’t sure why yet, but that would be revealed. Until then, he would stay vigilant and now that he had his mate, nothing would hold him back any longer.
Chapter 14
The drive was silent. So much so that Blane was nervous. No one had much to say as they made their way back to Stratham. Blane could have just as easily teleported them, but he didn’t want to leave Bev, and he wasn’t sure if he could transport more than one person besides he was her keeper now. That meant something to him. The witches saved his mate He took his promise seriously. He didn’t like it, she didn’t like it, but the witch insisted. She was now on magical probation and wasn’t allowed to use her powers unsupervised. He wondered how that was going to work. She barely was able to be around them better yet use her magic. Will was the only one of the tribe she actually liked and trusted.
Blane was that supervisor. He didn’t know what that meant in complete terms, but he gathered that he was only supposed to make sure she didn’t attract more baddies to Stratham. The witches used the nexus as a power source for their own magic.
All he wanted to do was get his mate alone and complete the bond. His dragon paced in his mind anxious to have that closeness with her. It was a long time coming, and he knew he wouldn’t be able to wait much longer.
He glanced in the rearview mirror and frowned when he realized she was asleep.
“Dallas,” he said fear lacing his tone. “Wake up baby.”
She shifted in her sleep and he sighed in relief. She really was sleeping this time.
“Stop worrying so much beast, she’ll be fine now. I don’t sense anything off about her anymore.”
He sighed. He didn’t either, but he was afraid of her sleeping. “I know, it’s just—”
Bev laughed. “You are afraid she’ll fall back into Summerland since she’s been there.”
“Yes.”
“Madrid knows what she’s doing. You don’t have to worry anymore. Now get us home.”
He didn’t need to say anything else.
The rest of the drive went back to silence.
***
Instead of going straight home he dropped Bev at the diner. The car idled while he waited for the witch so get out of the car.
“Thank you for going with me.”
He nodded.
“I know you didn’t want to and only did because of Willow.”
“True, but it worked out for everyone.”
“Ha, I’m on magical probation. Do you have any idea how hard that is for someone like me?”
He noticed her bitter tone, but since he didn’t know much about witches or their craft he didn’t know. “Look, I did what you wanted and your punishment for all the magic you’ve been using was like a slap on the wrist. It could have been worse, right?”
She sighed. “Yes, I could have been stripped of my powers or put in prison, which isn’t fun for witches.”
“Then be happy. You’ll just have to deal with me.”
“I guess that isn’t too bad. You’re okay for a dragon.”
“You’re not bad for a trouble making witch.”
“I’m not trouble maker. My magic just gets away from me sometimes.”
Dallas stirred in the back seat and smiled at him. “Hi,” she said.
His heart raced. “You slept well.”
“Yes.”
Bev groaned. “Okay, okay I’m off. Tell Willow I’ll come by tomorrow.”
He nodded not even voicing an answer. He stared at his mate and watched as she licked her lips. “I’m hungry.”
Of course she was. She hadn’t eaten in days. Probably more than he even knew. “We’ll get you something at home.”
“Okay.”
/> Bev took that time to open the SUV’s door and climbed out. She didn’t say another word as she made her way to the locked door of the diner. She’d closed down unsure if she was coming back. Now she could get back to business.
“Want to come up front?”
“No, I’m okay back here. Too comfortable to move.”
He chuckled. “Let’s go home.”
***
She sensed his need as if it were her own, and maybe it was. The beast inside of her was restless. Anxious to complete the mating bond. Dallas had to admit she was too. It had been a long time for her, but she had no doubt it would be worth it when she was finally in his arms.
She watched him from the backseat as he took the curvy roads with ease. His hands tightened on the wheel as if he knew she was watching him.
He did.
“Stop that, we’re almost home.”
She didn’t know what to say. No man had ever wanted her so badly. “I’m not doing anything,” she replied in a low voice.
Who was this woman? She didn’t sound sexy. She didn’t play coy. But she wanted him.
“You know exactly what you’re doing, mate.”
Shivers ran down her spine at how deep his voice went. The growl made him even sexier. He was such a calm man, but now he wanted her. He craved her. She could feel it. Soon they would be one.
Blane took a sharp turn down a gravel road.
“This is how to get to the house?”
“No,” he said.
“Then where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
Dallas leaned back in the seat and nibbled her lip. He wasn’t taking her home. She knew what that meant. But it had been so long for her. Would she know what to do?
***
Blane knew if he went home with Dallas they would be bombarded by the others, and right now he needed her alone. There was only one thing to do—off road it. He needed to find a place where they could complete the bonding before they had to deal with reality. The feeling that all was not well hadn’t diminished. But right now, he didn’t care. Right now, all he cared about was the woman in the back seat of the SUV putting off a scent that was so strong he could barely drive.
“Almost there, baby,” he said and drove around a gravel bend. It was surround by trees covering the vehicle instantly. Normally he wouldn’t have done this, but he needed her, and he needed her now. The beast ached to be inside of her and show her just how much he loved her. Not that she needed to know that. For hell’s sake, she was unconscious most of the time, but his beast knew, and most of all so did he. The bond between them was growing by the second.
Chapter 15
Blane parked behind the cover of trees and turned in his seat. His eyes shifted Amethyst. They were the most beautiful she’d ever seen. It triggered hers to change, seeing in shades of yellow. She moved to look in the mirror and gasped.
“My eyes!”
“That’s what happens, baby.”
Without taking her eyes off herself in the small mirror she licked her lips. She knew what it meant. She was aroused. But she didn’t need her eyes to change to know that. The beast inside of her preened at the attention of the male. She basked in his scent. His arousal was strong, and her body clenched with a need she’d ignored for far too long, but now she was glad she did. This moment was right.
“Come back here,” she said and her eyes widened at her own growl. “Oh.”
He didn’t need to be told twice. “Climb in the back.”
She nodded and climbed over the back seat. The SUV was huge, and she realized there was enough room for them in the back.
It didn’t take long for him to be next to her, his hands were everywhere and he smashed his lips to hers. She opened her mouth for him allowing their tongues to dual. She sucked his tongue into her mouth and he groaned against her lips as she added more pressure. The kiss went on as he slipped his fingers under her shirt and ran them gentle along her skin. She shivered and squirmed when he hovered over her breaking the kiss.
When their eyes locked it was the four of them. Two human bodies and two dragons. The bond was palpable.
“You’re so beautiful,” he said and kissed her—gently this time.
Dallas wasn’t sure what she liked more.
Hard or soft.
The only thing she knew was he was hard against her. He was ready, and she felt herself on her panties. Never before had she come from a mere touch, but this was different. It was right.
The kiss went on but when he went to pull back she followed.
He chuckled and broke the kiss. “I want to see you.”
When she would have reached to take her clothes off he pushed her hands away and gripped the waist band. She lifted her hips and allowed him to slide them down her thighs. Not even an ounce of self-consciousness filled her. She knew he loved how she looked. When he reached for her panties she shivered as his fingers grazed bare skin.
“Too slow,” she said.
“I want slow. I want to enjoy you.”
“But—”
“Shh, just let me love you, baby.”
He was so confident. It was almost as if being with her is what it took. She hadn’t gotten a chance to get to know him before she went out but she knew for certain that in other parts of his life he didn’t have any confidence. She loved that she brought it out of him. It was how he brought it out of her.
“Okay.”
He slid his finger over the warmth between her legs and she sucked in a breath. That made him do it again running his finger between her lips.
“You’re ready for me.”
“Yes, please.”
It was the please that made him shudder. “Not yet.”
Impatience filled her, but she let him take the lead. It seemed he needed to be in control, and for the first time in her life she wasn’t afraid to let it go. His hands caressed and explored shoving her shirt up.
She said up and pulled it over her head tossing it to the side. She reached behind her back and unclasped her bra knowing he wanted her completely nude.
He leaned back on his feet and devoured her with his eyes.
“You’re perfect, truly beautiful. I can’t wait to feel you wrapped around me.”
Dallas blushed knowing what he meant. Was she ready?
Not only yes, but hell yes.
She leaned forward and closed her eyes, but instead of kissing her he lowered her back down against the carpet. It scratched against her sensitive skin but she didn’t care.
She watched him maneuver out of his clothes and was in shock by the amount of muscle he hid underneath his clothes. His abs were hard and defined and his arms bulged as he took his pants and boxers off. He was stunning in all his glory.
Best of all—he was hers.
He laid over her and brought his mouth back to hers. She kissed him eagerly and moaned when he used his knees to push her legs further apart. She cradled him between her.
When the tip brushed her, her hips rose inviting him in. More than ever she wanted to feel that silky smoothness. Pulling away she gasped. “It’s been—”
“It’s okay, I’ll be gentle.”
And he was. He pressed to her opening and in a slow move pushed into her. Slow and steady. It almost seemed like he held his breath as her walls pulled at him gripping him tightly. He thrust in further until he was fully seated. The movements were precise and she felt every inch of him when he pulled out almost all the way before one big thrust back in.
The rhythm quickened and she met each pump of his cock with enthusiasm. There were no words. Their eyes stayed locked and he smiled at her.
“Like I said perfect.”
Magic filled the SUV. It was the bond. Their dragons took the lead and things went fast from there. She lost herself in the passion between them as their beasts mated.
Not long Blane’s thrusts became unsteady and his body tensed.
“Come for me sweetheart, I want to finish together.”
“Oh Gods,” Dallas responded. Just the sound of his voice low and deep aroused her. Her body was covered in sweat and she felt the binds that tethered together tying them, making them one.
“Now.”
She closed her eyes and screamed. His arms tightened against her body as he finished. The warmth of him soothing and exciting all at once. She felt his release and her orgasm lingered. Her body shook and a tear leaked from her eyes.
She wasn’t sad. It was the best experience of her life. The way their bodies fit together. She knew she would never be alone again, for as long as Fate allowed her to live.
He was breathing heavily but had a huge smile on his face until he saw the tear.
“Are you okay?” He reached over awkwardly and wiped it away. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“Oh no, I’m just so happy.”
She lifted enough to kiss him slowly lingering to show him just how much she enjoyed what they did. She’d never been loved with that much passion. No one could make her feel this good.
“If you’re sure.”
“I am, don’t worry.”
He nodded and pulled slowly from her body before rolling to her side. His breathing came out in short pants. His body was warm and a sheen of sweat covered every inch of him.
“Now the bond is complete, my mate.”
She turned towards him. “Mate.”
Who knew two weeks before that she would not only be bonded to a dragon—but be one herself.
She felt great both emotionally and physically. Her body craved more of him, but she knew it was time to go home. It was time to get back to reality and face any problems that might have come up.
He didn’t want to leave their serenity any more than she did, but it was time.
Chapter 16
Blane had never been more satisfied before, and it wasn’t just because the sex was amazing. It was the whole bond. Dallas was well and truly his. Never in his life did he ever think he would belong anywhere, but now he knew different. He belonged with her. She was his home.
Blane (Stratham Shifters Book 5) Page 8
