Blayze’s rasping breath was the only sound to disturb the silent air, her world narrowing to the point where Char’s body surged in and out of her.
She was swiftly careening toward a distant goal, her back arched and her fingers digging into Char’s back.
And then…it happened.
With one last surge he tumbled her over the edge, sending her spinning with a tidal wave of dizzying bliss.
He claimed her lips in a searing kiss, continuing to pump into her shuddering body until he went rigid with his own release. Then, as he shouted out at the force of his climax, their flames combusted around them.
Her eyes slowly opened, a sated pleasure settling over her with a delicious sense of peace.
“Char.”
***
Levet sighed, preparing to make his way to the portal that Tayla had created for him just outside Synge’s lair.
He should be delighted.
What had the great bard said? “All’s well that ends well.”
And everything had certainly ended well.
Blayze and Char had safely returned from their journey back in time. And not only had Blayze managed to get rid of her curse, but she’d mated with Char. Something that might have pissed off Synge if the older dragon wasn’t busy destroying Magma and his clan.
Bolt had been reunited with his grieving father, who’d been so relieved to have him back that he hadn’t even protested when Bolt insisted that Vex was going to be his mate.
And Baine had just returned from The Viper Pit to command that Tayla travel with him to their private lair, so they could enjoy some “alone time.”
So why was he feeling azure? No, wait…blue. Oui. Why was he feeling blue?
His gaze skimmed over the crowd that filled Synge’s throne room, lingering on the couples who were clinging to each other like they might suddenly be pulled apart.
Char and Blayze, both glowing in the lovely light from Blayze’s skin. Vex and Bolt, who could barely look at anyone but each other. And Tayla and Baine, who were playing kissy-face in a dark corner.
Then he wrinkled his snout. It was well known that he was a romantic at heart. And he was truly delighted with all the happy endings. But he could not deny a hint of envy.
Had he not been the one to create the happily-ever-afters for everyone?
So where was his?
Giving a click of his tongue at his unusual bout of self-pity, Levet spread his wings and turned to leave the lair, then stepped to enter the portal. Tayla had promised him that it would take him to where his heart most desired to go.
He was very much hoping that meant a one-way trip to his lovely fire imp who he’d abandoned when Tayla had first called for him.
Darkness surrounded him, and Levet felt himself being whisked away. There was a strange sense of disorientation as he floated in space, then, with a violent bump, he landed on a hard floor.
Shoving himself to his feet, he scowled as he rubbed his scuffed derrière. The portal had clearly been defective. Otherwise he would have landed with his usual graceful style.
As if to prove his point, he glanced around the dark room, quickly realizing this was not a cozy bedchamber beneath a volcano.
Non. This was…the cellars beneath The Viper Pit.
His tail suddenly twitched, his annoyance evaporating as he scurried toward wooden shelves that were lined with bottles.
Viper’s private stash!
Wine. Champagne. Bourbon. Tequila. Even an entire barrel of nectar.
Ah. This was precisely what a weary gargoyle needed after stopping a war, and ensuring a happy ending for all.
Grabbing a ladle that was set on one of the shelves, Levet scurried toward the barrel and pried off the top. Then, dipping the ladle in the golden liquid, he lifted it to his lips to take a deep swallow.
Instantly his muscles loosened and his wings fluttered in pleasure. Sweet, sweet nectar.
The drink of the gods. And miniature gargoyles.
He’d almost managed to polish off the entire ladle and was enjoying a dizzying buzz of euphoria when a cold chill snaked its way through the cellar.
“Who’s down here?” Viper’s familiar voice echoed through the air.
Levet slapped his hand over his mouth as he stifled a giggle.
Not that it helped. Viper was a vampire who had an uncanny ability to sense when someone was tapping into his cache of expensive spirits.
“Do I smell granite?” Viper rasped, the crunch of his footsteps coming closer and closer. “Levet, I’m going to kill you.”
Levet released a hiccup and dipped the ladle back into the nectar. If he was going to die, he was going to do it with a smile on his face.
The End
About the Author
Alexandra Ivy is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Guardians of Eternity, as well as the Sentinels, Dragons of Eternity and ARES series. After majoring in theatre she decided she prefers to bring her characters to life on paper rather than stage. She lives in Missouri with her family. Visit her website at alexandraivy.com.
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