by Julia Mills
“Okay, if you say so,” Star nodded. “Just remember, I’m with you all the way.”
Leaning over and giving her a quick peck on the cheek, he teased, “You better be. I’d hate to have to chase you again.”
Shaking her head and rolling her eyes, Star groaned, “Chased me, did ya’? All you had to do was come knocking at my door.”
Their exchange was cut short when Kayne complained, “Isn’t the heat and humidity bad enough without making me sick to my stomach with all the lovey dovey crap?”
“Thank the Goddess,” Pearce chimed in. “I thought it was just me who was tired of ‘As the Dragon Turns’ up there.”
“Or is it, ‘The Young and the Wolf’s Mate,” Noah laughed at his own joke as everyone else in their group groaned.
Star laughed as Grey growled, “Shut up,” which only made the other Guardsmen laugh louder.
She figured she had Marrok’s mate, Scotlyn, to thank for her Alpha letting her leave the safety of their Pack lands to help her mate recover his brother with Thanatos still lurking about. She’d heard the couple having a heated debate that ended with Marrok grumbling, Aw heck, I give up,” before she’d been called into the office and he’d given his permission.
Traveling a hundred and fifty miles through the swamp by airboat they had finally reached dry land and had been mucking through the marshes for nearly two hours. Slowing down as the foliage began to thin out, Star pointed through a hole in the trees. “See that rusty, old, aluminum building?”
She waited until everyone was gathered around and had taken a good look before continuing, “That’s the place. That’s where Alicia saw Garrett.”
Holding her breath, trying hard not to wrap her arms around her dragon and hold him tight as she watched a flood of emotions cross his face, Star slowly exhaled when Grey nodded, “Alright, let’s do this.”
Stepping forward, Drago held up the silver amulet his mate had given him. “I will take the lead. Alicia assures me this will burn like fire if we get within fifty yards of any black magic.” He looked right at Grey as he went on, “I will leave no one behind. So, stay close and stay sharp.”
“Aye,” was muttered in unison as the Assassin led the way beyond the cover of the trees and across the tall field of sawgrass. Walking in a circular formation with Star in the middle, the rescue party slowly made it to the wooden deck surrounding the building.
Looking up, the she-wolf read the weathered and chipped sign aloud, “Sugarland District Pump House.” Then she exclaimed, “Oh my Heavens, I know what this place is, and I know what it was Alicia saw Garrett chained to.”
Pushing through the line of men, she grabbed Grey’s hand and nearly ran towards the door, hanging on its last hinge rusty hinge, explaining over her shoulder as she went. “The Healers of my father’s Pack used this place as a type of retreat because of the water running under it and the unclaimed land surrounding it. I imagine Thanatos thought he could warp their magic and use it against them, but I remember what Abraham and Isaac taught me and know for a fact without their blood and a counter-spell they never created, this land will always remain pure.”
Carefully pushing the door open, snickering when it fell off to the cement floor with an echoing crash, Star had to bite her tongue when Grey jumped in front of her with a frown and a curt, “I’m leading the way. I like you in one piece.”
Rolling her eyes, but letting him lead, the she-wolf tapped him on the shoulder and pointed, “The pump room is over there, and I know just as sure as there’s gators in the swamp that the rusted-out tank Alicia described is in there.”
Without looking back, Grey changed course, slowing his steps the closer they got. Feeling his trepidation and needing to comfort her mate, Star whispered directly into his mind, “Do you want to do this by yourself?”
Looking over his shoulder, her brave dragon gave her a weak smile as he shook his head and answered aloud, “No, let’s go in together.” Then to his brethren he continued, “Watch our backs, we’re going in.”
A collective nod was all that was needed and the group crossed the concrete floor. Holding tight to her hand with his short blade in the other, Grey kicked the door open and once he was sure there was no one but Garrett inside, rushed towards his brother’s unconscious body.
Dropping her hand, Grey ripped the silver chains from Garrett’s body, his blood coating the metal as he flung them aside. She could feel the barely contained rage boiling inside him and knew the moment it took over as shimmering gray scales covered the backs of his hands and decorated his arms and his pupils went from those of a man to the elliptical shape of his dragon.
Roaring as the final chain broke free, Grey stood panting, his chest heaving, perspiration gluing his shirt to his chest. Star stood silently as he laid the back of his hand on Garrett’s cheek and whispered, “Oh, deartháir beag. What have they done to you?” Without looking up, he added, “He’s in some kind of magical coma or something. I can feel it in him. His dragon is there, but so weak and unable to fight off the offending mysticism.”
Still unmoving except for the slow, rhythmic up and down of his chest, Garrett was nothing but skin and bones, cuts, bruises and scars decorating every inch of exposed skin. His hair and beard were long and matted. His fingernails, the ones that remained, were broken and jagged as if he’d used them to try to dig out of whatever hellhole he’d been in at the time. To say he had been tortured was an understatement.
Looking up from her mate’s brother, Star’s eyes met Grey’s. The pain and anguish she saw in their tear-filled depths took her breath away. Needing to be strong for the man she loved more with every beat of her heart, the man who had freely offered his life for hers, the she-wolf moved forward, laid her hand on his where it laid on Garrett’s torso and said, “Let’s take your brother home.”
“Do you think your Pack Healers can help him?”
“No, Grey, I mean your home, to your Clan. That’s where he needs to be. They are the ones who can help him the most.”
For the first time since they’d entered the pump house, she felt hope return to her mate’s heart and couldn’t help but smile when he asked, “Are you sure? I know you need your Pack. Before all this,” he looked down at his brother, “I was gonna beg you to let me stay with you.” He looked up. “Because there’s no way I can be without you, not now, not ever.”
Making her way around the tank, Star wrapped her arms around Grey’s neck and as she looked him right in the eyes, assured, “I feel the same way. You, Grey Acheson, are the only Pack I need.” Kissing him on the end of the nose she added, “Now, get those friends of yours in here and let’s get Garrett outta here.”
Giving her a quick kiss, Grey grinned as he pulled back. “I am the luckiest dragon in the world.”
Chapter Eleven
Flying across the ocean with his mate on his back and his brother on a gurney clasped between his talons gave Grey time to think about his next move. He knew beyond all doubt he wanted his mating to Star to be official as soon as possible, but he couldn’t help but feel guilty. Should he wait until Garrett was at least awake, if not better?
When he and Star had talked about it, she had insisted they get Garrett home and to the Clinic before worrying about anything else. He had continually asked if she would agree to be his mate, only to receive a wink or a smile and an “I’ll think about it.”
She drove him absolutely crazy in the best of ways. Star was everything he never knew he wanted and he was ready to start their forever just as soon as possible, but he also had to think about Garrett.
When he woke up, and he would wake up, would Garrett even remember what it was like to be part of a Clan? Would he resent Grey for having a halfway normal life? Would he even remember who he was? So many questions and the one person able to answer them all under the spell of a fucked up demon with a sick sense of humor.
“What have I told you about thinking positive?” Star’s question drifted through his mind.
&nb
sp; “That I have to remain positive until all hope is lost,” Grey answered verbatim what his wise and wonderful mate had been reciting to him since the moment they carried Garrett out of that old pump house.
“That’s right.” He could hear the smile in her voice. “And don’t you forget it. Now, tell me how long until we get there.”
Starting his descent, the gray dragon replied with a chuckle, “About five minutes.”
Landing after Kayne, Pearce and Noah had led the way and were standing atop the mountain in human form, Grey touched down in dragon form holding his front right claw above the ground. Balancing on three legs until the others had untied and removed Garrett’s cot and helped Star off his back, the Guardsman was happy to change back to a man and put his arms around his mate.
Kissing her soundly, he asked, “How did you like the flight?”
“Like I said about a thousand times, I loved it.” She swatted his arm. “Now, let’s get Garrett to that Priestess of yours and get him better.” She winked, “Although, I’m not sure the world is ready for two of y’all.”
Kissing her again because he just couldn’t help himself, Grey quickly pulled back, ignoring the groans of his brethren and grinned, “Oh, baby, the world is in for a treat.”
Threading his fingers through Star’s, Grey took Kayne’s place holding one corner of Garrett’s cot as they carried him down the mountain and into the Clinic. Calysta, Della and Niall, the Elder Healer of their Clan, were all waiting and ready to go since he had briefed them before leaving Florida.
The next three hours were excruciating as he and Star waited to hear what the Healers had to say. He’d tried to get Star to go to his house and sleep while he waited, but she refused, and he had to admit that he loved her all the more for it. There would never be a time that he didn’t want her by his side.
Finally, as the clock in the waiting room read twelve noon, Calysta appeared in the doorway. Crossing the room, she sat beside Grey and after he’d introduced her to his mate, the Priestess explained, “This one is gonna take us a while. Neither Della or I have ever seen magic like this, black or white.” She laid her hand on his arm. “But don’t worry, Niall had connected with his dragon and will continue to bring the beast back to full strength. Once he’s there, the big guy will be able to help us. In the meantime, we have him on an herbal IV for fluids and another for nutrition.” She patted him like his mother used to and added, “He’s not in any pain, Grey. That’s all over for him, and I’ll make sure he’s comfortable every step of the way.”
Letting out the breath he’d been holding the entire time Calysta had been speaking, the Guardsman nodded, “Thank you so much. I know he’s in good hands. Can I see him one more time before we go get some sleep?”
“Sure, go on in. I think Della should be just about done getting him all set up. His room is at the end of the hall.”
Standing as Calysta did, Grey hugged the Priestess and once again said, “Thank you again. It means the world to me that you’re helping my little brother.”
Entering Garrett’s room, Grey had to look twice as Della, Calysta’s sister had washed and cut his brother’s hair and beard, cleaned him up and put him in a fresh white T-shirt and sweats. Had it not been for the IVs, Garrett looked like he was no worse for wear and just taking an afternoon nap.
Yeah, so please, wake up…
When he could barely keep his eyes open and Star had tried to hide her fourth yawn, Grey got up from his brother’s bedside, scooped his mate up in his arms and carried her out the back door of the Clinic and straight to his house. Once inside, he climbed the stairs, walked right into his room and tucked them both in. Kissing her soundly, Grey promised his mate, “This is the one and only time we won’t be sleeping naked, got it?”
Chuckling even as she yawned, Star readily agreed and for the first night of many, Grey fell asleep with the woman of his dreams in his arms. Waking with a start to the sound of male chuckles and an empty bed, the Guardsman jumped out of bed, stalked down the stairs and after entering the kitchen to find Noah and Kayne eating him out of house and home, he grumbled, “What the hell are you two doing here? Can’t a guy and his mate get any privacy.”
With his mouth full and while pointing his fork at his plate, Kayne said, “Not when your lovely mate can cook like this.”
Making his way to Star who was wearing one of his T-shirts, that hung to her knees, like it was a dress, he kissed her good morning despite the audience and whispered, “I should have told you, don’t feed the dragons.” Then in a slightly louder voice he added, “Because you’ll never get rid of them.”
“Oh poo, I’ll feed anyone I like,” She chuckled. “Now, sit down and let me feed you.”
Taking a seat while giving his friends the evil eye, Grey soon forgot his frustration as he tasted Star’s fluffy buttermilk pancakes, perfectly scrambled eggs with and delicious sausage. Not speaking until he’d finished every bite, the Guardsman sat back in his seat, patted his stomach and announced, “I didn’t think I could love you anymore but girl, you can cook.”
Kissing him on the top of the head as she came to stand beside him, Star grinned, “I love you, too and I’m real glad you like my cooking since you’re stuck with me.”
Springing up from his chair, Grey wrapped his arms around Star and asked hopefully, “Does that mean what I think it means? Are you agreeing to be my mate? Is that what you’re saying? Oh, Heavens, I need to hear you say the words, Star.”
“Yes, Grey Acheson. I, Star Llyal agree to be your mate, forever and always, in all ways, here and in the Heavens.”
Looking over his shoulder, he growled, “Get lost,” to his brethren before picking up his mate, carrying her to their room and making love to her for the very first time.
Chapter Twelve
The last week and simply flown by. Between visiting Garrett, keeping Grey from dragging her to bed and talking to Olivia at least four times a day, Star was glad that the day of her mating ceremony to Grey had finally arrived. It was sad her best friends couldn’t be there, but knew when she and her dragon returned to Florida for the lupine mating ceremony, the three sisters of the heart would be reunited once again.
Standing in the mirror, looking at herself in the gorgeous silver-gray satin gown Grey had designed, the she-wolf felt like a princess for the first time in her life.
And I even had the honest to Goddess title for a while…
She loved the satin straps delicately sewn into a sweetheart neckline and the corset type bodice that showed off her full bust to perfection. But the pièce de résistance was the tiny sparkling silver expertly embroidered in a sporadic pattern the entire length of the skirt.
Slipping her feet into the matching ballet slippers that had come in the big box, tied with a gray satin bow and containing a note from Grey that read, Today we become one, always together in all ways, forever, Star looked into the full length mirror in her mate’s bedroom one final time just as the doorbell rang. Carefully descending the stairs, she opened the door and smiled at Kayne and Noah who were dressed like they’d stepped right out of a Knights of the Round Table movie.
Their black pants were tucked into the top of their polished knee-high black boots that Star knew beyond all doubt she could see her face in if she dared to bend down. Their long-sleeved black undershirt gave the perfect backdrop for the shimmering gray of their surcoats that were an exact match to the color of Grey’s dragon’s scales. Black braiding trimmed the top and sides, but it was the dragon in the throes of battle embroidered on the front that made their uniforms magnificent.
“Are you ready, Star?” Kayne winked.
“I sure am.” She beamed at both men, who turned until their backs were to her, crooked their elbows, and looked over their shoulders, returning her smile.
She placed her hands on their arms and let the Guardsmen escort her down the steps toward three breathtaking black stallions. Tears filled her eyes as she immediately knew Grey had arranged for the exac
t same breed of horses from the story she’d told him about her father taking her horseback riding for her twelfth birthday. She marveled at the tiny silver flowers woven into each horse’s mane and the horse’s gray and silver saddle blankets that exactly matched the Guardsmen’s uniforms.
Kayne and Nathan helped Star onto the most decorated of the horses and stood by while she got situated to ride sidesaddle before climbing upon their own mounts. Their ride to the ceremony took them through the woods behind Grey’s house and behind the building the dragons called the Grand Hall. Each tree along their path had been decorated with a grey satin bow holding six silver roses. It was absolutely stunning and so much more than she’d ever imagined.
As they exited the trees, Pearce, also in dress uniform, stood holding a bouquet of at least three dozen red roses. Her horse slowed. She felt Pearce speaking directly into the horse’s minds and couldn’t help but wink in his direction.
The calmest man she’d ever met in her entire life approached with a huge smile, handed her the roses, and bowed before returning to his post. She thought about teasing him for being so formal after how mercilessly he’d teased Grey over the past week, but couldn’t bring herself to ruin the majesty of such a special day. The card attached read…I can’t wait to see you, mo mac tíre beag. Words fail me. I love you more than I can say and will spend the rest of our eternity showing you just how much. Love always, Grey. She sat still for a moment, feeling so blessed and so complete that for the first time, Star finally believed the past was behind her and she could start anew with the man she loved more than life itself.
When their horses started moving again, they headed towards the same mountain Grey had landed on when they’d flown in from Florida. Turning in his saddle, Kayne said, “I know you’re an expert rider, just wanted to let you know we’re headed to the highest ledge.”
Star’s eyes followed his gesture to a narrow path carved into the side of the rock and nodded. “I’m ready.”
