Fury of Shadows: Dragonfury Series: SCOTLAND #2

by Coreene Callahan

  Her heart paused mid-thump. “Is that what I think it is?”

  “Go and see, lass.”

  Shaking free of Cyprus’s hand, she headed for the entrance. Her feet took her across the tiled mosaic floor. Elise hardly noticed. She was too busy staring…hoping and praying too. As she paused under the arch, her breath hitched. Wonder filled her. One hand pressed to chest, Elise looked her fill and—

  “Holy crap,” she whispered, awe in her voice. Books. Thousands of them. Row upon row of tall antique cases pressed end-to-end. Her gaze jumped to the second floor. More of the same, wall-to-wall, paradise clad in Cherrywood. “A library.”

  “One of the largest in Britain.” A step behind her, Cyprus pointed at the spiral staircase leading one level up. “Perhaps not as extensive as the museum’s, but close.”

  “God.” Elise shook her head, unable to believe what she was seeing. “All the wood is hard-carved, isn’t it?”

  “Every molding, banister and bookshelf. My uncle invited a human master craftsmen tae visit in the eighteenth century. He is credited with designing the library.”

  “Invited?” She huffed, knowing better than that. Dragonkind didn’t do things in the usual way. Males of his kind never invite humans anywhere, never mind into their homes…unless, of course, the human happened to be female and it couldn’t be helped. “Or imprisoned?”

  His lips twitched. “Before my time, lass. But from what I understand, Jacob was very happy here.”

  “I’m sure, but…”

  As she trailed off, Cyprus frowned. “What?”

  “God, Cyprus.” Turning full circle in the center of the room, she stared at the splendor. “Words aren’t enough to describe it. It’s incredible, the most beautiful library I have ever seen.”

  “What if I told you it isn’t the best part?”

  Elise threw him a look of disbelief. Not the best part? He’d clearly lost his mind. Nothing came close to the plush reading chairs and velvet upholstered couches. The antique work tables and glass covered cases with antique manuscripts inside weren’t sloppy seconds either and—holy crap. She scanned the stacks again. The sheer enormity of it floored her, and the books…God. The books, so many beautiful leather-bound books.

  “Do you like my gift, Elise?”

  “Yes,” she said, unable to speak above a whisper.

  “Good. Now, come here.” He held out his hand. Dragging her gaze from the room, she took it without hesitation, letting him lead her toward a wall clad in wood paneling. He tapped the bronze dragon perched on the center panel. “Press on it.”

  She held his gaze, then did as he asked and pushed against the emblem. A click sounded. The dragon moved backward, disappearing into the hole left by its absence. Gears ground into motion. A quiet clank. A whirling whisper. The shift of warm air and—

  The wall slid sideways to reveal a solid, steel door.

  Round instead of square, it looked like a fancy bank vault. Elise studied it, examining the outer edges, searching for seams, looking for a way to open it. No luck. No combination lock, electronic keypad or touch screen either. No handle to turn or button to press, just a seamless steel door with a flat face and no apparent way in.

  Glancing over her shoulder, she looked at Cyprus. “What’s in there?”

  “Place your hand here.” Knocking against steel with his knuckle, he indicted the spot and settled behind her. His chest pressed against her back. His breath warmed the side of her neck. His spicy scent rose to surround her. Her body reacted, whipping her hormones into a frenzy, distracting her as he cupped her hand and set it against the vault door. Threading his fingers between hers, he pressed his palm to the back of her hand, leaned in, and murmured in her ear, “Ask it to open, Elise.”

  With him so close, need sank deep. Her muscles twitched as her mind screamed, wanting her to forget about the vault and pay attention to him. Great idea. Super suggestion, one she needed to follow before—

  “Elise—quit teasing me. Do as you are told.”

  “So bossy,” she murmured, squirming against him, struggling to gain control. He rumbled a warning. She swallowed a moan and did as he asked. “Open Sesame.”

  Cyprus chuckled.

  Heat raced across her palm. Steel warmed beneath her skin. A purple glow eclipsed the vault face, spreading out to touch the edges. Elise gasped as something clicked deep inside her, like a key turning in a lock and…

  The door cracked opened, then widened, forcing her to step back.

  “The vault is magically sealed. It has a mind of its own, but knows you by touch now. Your bio-energy is the key tae unlocking it.” Keeping his arms around her, he nipped her ear lobe and, nudging her forward, walked her ahead of him into the vault. “You will be able tae open it any time you like from now on.”

  Unable to concentrate with his mouth on her skin, she nodded. “Sure. Okay and—oh my God, do that again.”

  Licking over her pulse point, he smiled against the side of her throat. “Explore first, talmina, pleasure second.”

  She forced her eyes open. Right. No problem. She could do that, explore a little before getting to the good stuff, like—

  Her attention landed on a stack of books sitting on a scarred tabletop. She read the first title. Her attention jumped to the second. The third and fourth registered. Her mouth fell open as she stared at the fifth leather-bound spine. She jerked against Cyprus, shifting to take in the entire room.

  “Dear God.”

  A collection of rare books, some of the most coveted on the planet. She scanned title after title. Some she’d read about in museum journals, some she’d seen in pictures and heard about at conferences, but…someone pinch her. Or punch her. She needed to wake up. It couldn’t be—just couldn’t—but as her knees went weak (and Cyprus held her up), Elise knew she wasn’t dreaming. It was real. A whole room full of rich and rare finds.

  “Cyprus…” she said, struggling to find the right words. “You realize…this is…the value in this room can’t be measured. Most of these books are priceless: first additions, the only known copies, like no others in the world.”

  Hugging her from behind, he rested his chin on top of her head. “I know. And now, all of it…each and every one…belongs tae you.”

  She swallowed, fighting back tears. Oh, God—the responsibility. The enormity and absolute privilege of curating such a collection. “How can you…would you really trust me with it?”

  “My uncle loved books. He spent a great deal of time in here,” he said, his gaze skimming over the shelves. “None of my warriors have an interest in his collection. The manuscripts, scrolls, books and treatise haven’t been seen tae in years. You’re as passionate about books as he was, lass. I can hear it in your voice, see it on your face and…” Cupping her jaw, he tipped her head back, turning her face up to his. The approval in his eyes took her breath away. “I hear it in your heart too, so aye. Of course, I trust you with it. The collection needs your care, Elise. My hope is you will build on what my uncle started, add tae his legacy, and make it your own.”

  “You…I can’t even begin to…you have no idea how much…” Her throat tightened, cutting off her words. Her dream laid out at her feet, in one room, given to her by a man she’d only just met, yet felt more connected to than people she’d known all her life. He was incredible. Beyond generous. The kind of man she’d always wanted, but hadn’t believed existed.

  Wiping a tear from her cheek, she turned and laid her hands on his chest. “Hey, Cyprus?”

  “Aye, lass?”

  “Kiss me.”

  He sucked in a breath. Heat kindled in his eyes as he dipped his head. “I thought tae give you more time before we—”

  “I don’t need more time. I need you.” Caressing his shoulders, she offered him her mouth. “Please, Cyprus, kiss me.”

  An impatient request? Too much, too soon? Maybe, but Elise didn’t care how crazy it sounded. Or that Cyprus was probably right. She needed to make love with him. He
wanted her just as much, so…

  To hell with restraint and reason. Forget about playing it safe.

  Pressing her body to his, she moaned and sank into the pleasure of his kiss. God, his touch and taste, the way he made her feel: beautiful, passionate, like a colorful bird in a faraway land. She couldn’t get enough and didn’t try. Elise let go instead, allowed him to control the pace and her pleasure, embracing her bliss, encouraging him to take more. Right now, in this moment, he was all that mattered. She wanted to live and experience. Tomorrow would be soon enough for regret.

  Fifteen

  Elise tasted like an exotic treat. Sweet and spicy, so hot she surpassed needy rocketing straight to naughty. Not that he was complaining. He never imagined she would be like this—all over him, hands and mouth working in tandem, driving him crazy as she learned his body and sucked on his tongue. Fuck. She was his dirtiest dream come true. A goddess come to life. He adored her eagerness. Loved the boldness that shoved her inhibitions aside, pushing him past his own, making him greedy for more of her.

  With a hum, he encouraged her to go farther. Touch more. Kiss him harder. Be as aggressive as she wanted.

  She tugged at his T-shirt.

  He broke the kiss long enough to yank it over his head. She touched him everywhere, chest, shoulders, back, ran her clever fingers across abdomen. The scrape of her nails on his skin made him quiver. Pleasure vaulted into holy fuck territory. His dick jumped behind his button-fly, impatient for her, wanting the same kind of treatment from her hand.

  Elise whispered his name. “Kiss me.”

  Under her spell, Cyprus dipped his head and invaded her mouth. She curled her arms around his neck, tongue dueling with his, and pulled him closer. Hmm, she was delicious. So beautiful in her desire: brazen and unabashed, reckless with demand. And her natural perfume—bloody hell, he could smell her, the sharp pitch of arousal combined with the intoxicating scent of her skin. Beautiful beyond belief, and so potent it made him lightheaded.

  Cyprus breathed deep, taking another hit, wanting to lick the fragrance from her skin. He tried to hold back, to slow down and treat her as gently as she deserved.

  Fisting her hands in his hair, she nipped his bottom lip. He groaned and kissed her again, losing himself, giving her all she asked.

  Goddess, he couldn’t get enough.

  He wanted more. More of her taste. More of her touch. More of the soft sounds she made as he cupped her arse and pulled her against him. Elise wiggled, adjusting their fit, cradling his erection against the soft curve of her belly. Bloody hell, she unhinged him. Was magic, pure pleasure, a wee temptress with clever hands and a wicked tongue. His equal in every way, and so demanding she launched him into uncharted territory.

  A death grip on the urge to forget foreplay and go straight to fucking, Cyprus slipped his hand beneath her oversized sweatshirt. Smooth, warm skin caressed his fingertips. He brushed his hand over her waist, up her back and around her ribcage. She squirmed in his arms. He stroked over her skin with singular purpose, learning her shape, searching for the sensitive spots that would drive her wild.

  He wanted her hot and greedy. Slick and ready, so aroused she came at least once before he took her. Twice would be better, but with passion lashing him—and Elise holding the whip—he wouldn’t last that long. She threatened his control, rubbing her breasts against his chest, scraping her nails over his scalp, whimpering as though she would perish without his touch.

  Cyprus understood her reaction.

  With his dragon in full flame, he burned for her, firing so hot his mind shut down. The world ceased to exist. All that mattered was Elise—kissing her, touching her, loving her until she called his name, and he came apart in her arms.

  The thought acted like a Molotov cocktail.

  A fireball of lust exploded through him.

  Cyprus groaned into her mouth. Goddess help him. Not good. He needed to rein himself in right now. Before she drove him over the edge of reason and…aye. Absolutely. Slowing down was a great plan. One in need of immediate implementation. Easier said than done in the arms of a wee temptress with nimble hands tugging the buttons of his fly open.

  Warm fingers wrapped around his erection.

  Pleasure weakened his knees. Cyprus wrenched his mouth from hers. “Bloody hell, lass.”

  Denied his kiss, Elise licked over his pulse point. Wet tongue on his skin. Busy hand down the front of his jeans and…oh fuck. She felt so good. Hot palm. Firm grip. Rhythm just right as she stroked him root to tip. The muscles roping his abdomen tightened. Each breath coming hard, his hips followed each caress, begging for more of her touch. Unable to stop himself, Cyprus tipped his head back and let Elise have her way, groaning with each slow pump. The pad of her thumb circled the head of his cock, caressed the sensitive underside, driving him closer to madness with every tantalizing glide.

  Her fingers pulsed around him. Once. Twice. A third time…

  His chest heaved. “Holy fuck, Elise.”

  “Feel good?”

  “Aye, but…” He cursed as she stoked him again. Harder. A wee bit faster, demolishing his control. “You need tae stop now. I won’t last if you—”

  “I need a taste, Cyprus,” she whispered, nipping his skin.

  A taste. His brow furrowed. Of him? Cyprus opened his eyes. Not understanding, he stared down at her. Lowering her mouth to his chest, she swirled her tongue around his nipple. The sensitive nub contracted, sending bliss in a straight line to his balls.

  “Please?” Pretty blue eyes peeked up at him.

  Locked in a carnal fog, he blinked, trying to make sense of her request. Elise flicked him with her tongue again. He drew in a deep breath. Was she asking if she could…if he would let her…

  His brain turned over. Understanding struck, hitting him like a lightning bolt. Cyprus exhaled hard. Oh, man. Only an idiot would say no. He craved the pleasure she would give him more than his next breath, but…he frowned. Elise was his mate. His to protect, nurture and please. He didn’t want her doing anything that made her uncomfortable.

  The idea cooled his ardor in a hurry. Thank the goddess. It was about time his brain started working and his cock stopped calling the shots.

  Cupping her chin, he forced her to look at him. “You wish tae pleasure me with your mouth?”

  She blushed, but nodded.

  “Do you enjoy giving head, Elise?”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never tried it, but I want to with you,” she said, honest desire in her voice, the need to please in her eyes. “Give me a taste, Cyprus. Just a little one. You can do whatever you want to me, afterward.”

  Her ‘whatever you want’ got him moving.

  His nostrils flared. A plan formed. Stepping back, he looked her over. “Clothes off, talmina. I want you naked and kneeling when you use that gorgeous mouth on me.”

  Shock flared in her eyes. She hesitated, her hands fisted in the front of her sweatshirt. A moment passed before she pulled it up, exposing the enticing curve of her belly. She revealed her breasts next, making his mouth water as she tugged the sweater over her head. Blonde hair in a tumble around her shoulders, she pushed jogging pants over her hips. Arousal spiked in her scent as she bared her body, telling him he was on the right path. Elise might not be accustomed to taking orders in bed, but she would take them from him. He ruled in the bedroom and, despite the chaotic beginning to their coupling, she needed to know he would take control of her passion and reward her with pleasure.

  Kicking out of her pants, she stood proud, offering herself, humbling him.

  His shaft kicked as he looked her over. Pale skin. Pink lips. Full breasts with tightly furled nipples. A small waist that curved into lush hips and a round arse he longed to get his hands on again. But he would wait—give her all the time she needed—before paying homage. Before worshiping every hill and valley, every inch of her sweet-smelling skin.

  “Beautiful, Elise.” Trapping her gaze with his, he held out his hand. “Come here
.”

  Her fingers slid across his palm.

  He conjured a thick pillow and, setting it at his feet, widened his button-fly. “On your knees, talmina.”

  Excitement flushed her cheeks as she kneeled in front of him. Shifting on the cushion, she gazed at his erection and raised her hand. Her fingertips touched down, skated along his length, making his muscles tighten, and him pray for mercy. Elise showed him none. She wet her lips instead, making him groan, and leaned forward. The tip of her nose touched his shaft. Bliss whispered his name as she breathed deep, scenting him and—

  Her soft mouth brushed over him. “Hmm, you taste good.”

  The comment made him pulse with anticipation.

  He clenched his teeth, clinging to control, determined to hang on, loving the sight of her at his feet. Unable to look away, he watched and felt and…nearly died when she swirled her tongue over the head of his shaft. His heart jackhammered the inside of his chest. His breathing went haywire as she opened her mouth and pushed forward, engulfing him in soft, steamy heat.

  Delight poured into his veins.

  A raw sound left his throat and…goddess almighty. Jesus fucking Christ. The heat, the scorching pleasure, twisted him through him. Volcanic need boiled over. He wanted inside her, wasn’t going to last, but holy hell…he planned to try. His female wanted the experience. Had asked so beautifully, needing to please him as much as he wanted to pleasure her. He saw her enthusiasm as he fisted one of his hands in her hair, felt her enjoyment with each sucking pull, so…aye. He would stand strong, hold on, and let her have her way. Even if ecstasy brought him to his knees, and he lost his mind in the end.

  Sixteen

  Anyone who thought a woman couldn’t be powerful while on her knees was wrong. Dead wrong. The belief must be a myth. A trumped-up misconception, but Elise knew better now. Blowjobs equaled power, on a grand scale. The kind every woman ought to wield, and as she swirled her tongue around Cyprus, learning what he liked, holding him in thrall with her mouth, she wondered what the hell had taken her so long. She should have been more adventurous and tried it sooner. Then again, maybe not.