by Julia Mills
Grinning, Kayne turned forward, made a clicking sound to signal the horses, and led the way up the side of the mountain. The trip was slow but extraordinarily beautiful. Not only was the natural scenery breathtaking, but gray satin bows with red roses had been attached to vines and outcroppings that grew along the trail. Her Grey had thought of absolutely everything.
It wasn’t long before they stopped on the landing that led to the opening of a large cave. Kayne dismounted and moved to the side to help her down while Noah held the reins. Once her feet touched the light gray carpet strewn with red and silver rose petals, the Guardsmen escorted her to the cavern opening. As her hands slid from their arms, Noah presented her with her bouquet before then he and Kayne disappeared into the cavern. She knew from Grey that they would be part of the ceremony, so after taking off her shoes, she waited a few seconds before following.
Star stopped and stared, overcome by the splendor as she entered the cave. She was no stranger to the outdoors having lived her entire life in the swamps, but nothing in the hot, muggy marchlands could compare to what the Blue Dragons called the Cave of the Ancients. The raw power of the cave vibrated around her. Their combined power flowed back and forth, recognizing her as the mate of one of their own and the Princess of the Mac Tíre Liath Pack.
The minerals, rocks, and gems embedded in the rock sparkled and shined in the light of the candles hanging in sconces on the cave walls. There were huge stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the floor standing guard, protecting the sanctity of the ancient power filling the cavern. Walking on the gray carpet, Star followed the sound of a stream flowing into a pool.
Straight ahead, the she-wolf saw an entrance brightened by several candelabras. Following the scent and feel of her mate, Star stepped over the threshold and the water flowing like tinkling little bells as it made its way into the lagoon. Looking around the grotto, she saw huge Grecian planters filled with enormous bunches of the silver and red roses. Her eyes then landed on four chairs resembling small thrones sitting upon a raised platform beside the pool and an archway decorated with silver and gray ribbons positioned in the center of a circle of red rose petals in front of that.
Star saw the small white chair she was to occupy sitting to the side of the platform and made her way to it. As soon as she was seated, the Elders she’d met over the last week appeared on the platform. Rian was first as the Leader of the Clan and the Head Elder. He gave her a nod while the others—Niall, Stefan, and Marcas—all smiled in her direction. A rustling to the right drew her attention as the Dragon Guardsmen appeared.
Watching the men file in, she noted the slightly different color of each man’s surcoat. Declan’s primary blue matched the straightforward man she knew him to be. While the iridescent glow of Pearce’s cobalt surcoat made her remember how brightly the scales of his dragon shone in the moonlight. She wasn’t surprised to see Maddox there in his deep blue surcoat and Kayne in a gold so bright it had surely been fashioned with cloth made of sunshine. Lastly came Noah, whose brown surcoat reminded her of shining bronze.
Grey appeared from the same direction as the others, looking way better than a man had a right to, and when he smiled and winked at her, Star felt it all the way to the bottom of her soul. When her dragon took his place in front of the other Guardsmen, the she-wolf stood and waited as butterflies did pirouettes in the pit of her stomach. The anticipation of mating the man of her dreams was truly exhilarating.
After a few seconds of silence, Rian began to speak, his voice ringing loud and clear in the cavern.
“Long ago, when knights and dragons fought side by side for King and country, it became apparent that dragon kin was no longer safe from those who would expose and destroy them. They sought to join with the knights who had so valiantly fought by their sides during so many battles. Thus, through magic and the will of both dragon and knight, the Dragon Shifters were born.”
“In the infinite wisdom of our Founding Elders, clans were set up, one for each color of the Dragon Kings whose soul we carry within our own. Each assigned a region in which to make their home and to protect. Over time, some have flourished, some have ceased to exist, and others have been born from the joining of many. As the Leader of the Blue Thunder Clan, it is an incredible honor to stand among those of not only my own clan but also our distinguished guests, Maddox MacQueen and Kayne MacGréine. Thank you for your presence and your blessings. We are brothers in blood, brothers in battle, and brothers in loyalty.
“Gathered in the place so sacred to our kin, I can feel how accepted the Princess of the Mac Tíre Liath Pack is by our ancestors. They continue to bless us with extraordinary mates for the best among us. Every one of us that finds the light of his soul knows how sacred she is. It is an honor to witness the power of what the Universe put into place at our inception. Tonight, in this holiest of places, we acknowledge and bless the mating of Grey Acheson to the one the Universe made for him, Star Llyal. Will those seeking to witness this union please step forward?”
Declan stood with his back straight and hands at his side as he addressed the Elders. “We, the brethren of the Blue Thunder Clan, wish to witness and offer our blessing to one born of our blood and the mate of his heart. May their lives now and forever be a testament to all we hold dear…love, honor, and loyalty. As you are one, let your strength see you through many years and the children of your children’s children smile upon you.” He nodded at them both and then returned to his place with the other Guardsmen.
Kayne and Maddox both stepped forward. It was Kayne who looked at the couple and smiled. “It is with the power of Lugh, the Celtic God of the Sun, that I offer the blessing of this union. May the sun always light your path, chase away the darkness, and shine upon you and yours all the days of your lives and theirs.”
Maddox then added, “From the oldest among us to the youngest, I stand as a testament to the power of the dragons and offer this blessing from the ancestors who have gone before to prepare us a place in the Heavens. Live long, love often, and never look away from the light of your soul. The Universe does not make mistakes. She has given you both life that you may share it. Be happy, as that is Her fondest wish for all Her children.”
The demi-god and the mad dragon nodded to the Elders and then returned to their spot next to Noah. After the moment of silence following Maddox’s blessing, Rian again spoke. “Your witness and blessings have been acknowledged and accepted Brethren of the Blue Dragons, Kayne, Son of Lugh and Maddox, Keeper of the Ancients. Grey Acheson, you may go to your mate. Please escort her to the Sacred Circle before the Elders assembled here.”
Grey stalked towards her as he always did, his heart, mind, and soul completely, just as hers was to him. They shared everything completely, just as she’d always been told it would be. He was her dragon, and she his wolf, never to be parted through eternity.
Her mate took the flowers from her hands, placed them on the seat beside her, and gently slid his fingers through hers. Slowly walking backwards, he led her to the rose petal circle in front of the Elders. Star blushed for the hundredth time since meeting her dragon as they shared images of all the ways they would be together throughout all time.
Once they were in place, Rian spoke again, “The grey dragons were born of the black and the white of our world. They are symbolic of the vastness of our existence and the infinity of our souls. They possess the ability to experience life from all aspects. They are highly protective and incredibly magical. Gray dragons are known for their patience and loyalty. The gray and silver of their scales symbolize boundless wisdom and their ability to strike a balance in every situation. Gray dragons will see every advantage, protect home and family with their very lives, and welcome change with calm acceptance. To mate a gray dragon is to accept all that they are and honor the power shared between mates.”
“As the Princess of the Mac Tíre Liath Pack and the mate of the Dragon Guardsman before you, do you, Star Llyal, accept this man and his
dragon as not only your mate but also that of your wolf’s?”
“With all that I was, all that I am, all I will ever be, and all that we are together, I accept this man and his dragon into my heart and my soul. I will share everything that I am with him every day of our lives, both here and in the Heavens.”
“Thank you, Star, we are honored to call you sister. Now is the time of the marking. May the Universe continue to bless you and yours all the days of your life.”
The Elders and the dragons left the cave, leaving Star blissfully alone with her mate. Looking at the man she would give her life for, the she-wolf could only stare. Grey was magnificent in more ways than she could fathom. He smiled that smile that made her weak in the knees and she chuckled, knowing he’d heard her thoughts. It was a comfort she’d never expected to know he felt the same way she did. The longer they stared at one another, the deeper and darker his eyes became until they glowed from within.
Grey lowered his mouth to hers, stopping just as their lips touched, and whispered, “Tá tú mo ghrá eternal. Ta’ mo chroi istigh ionat,” before capturing her lips with his.
Just as it always was, Star could feel Grey and the dragon within his soul everywhere. She was consumed with a heat that laid her open…body, heart, and soul, to her one true mate.
A sting on the left side of her neck caused her to gasp as Grey pulled her even closer, moving his lips from hers, and trailing kisses across her jaw and down her neck until he reached the spot that was still tender to the touch. He licked and sucked the offending area until all thoughts of anything but their naked bodies loving one another fled from her mind.
Placing her hands on either side of his face, Star pulled his mouth to hers, kissing him with everything that she was. Moaning at the loss as Grey pulled back, Star saw the glint of mischief in his eyes and asked, “What exactly are you up to, Mr. Acheson?”
“So very many things, Mrs. Acheson,” he winked, “But right now it’s to tell you that you have made me the happiest man in the world.”
Chapter Thirteen
Grey couldn’t get his beautiful mate out of the Cave of the Ancients and back to their home fast enough. He hadn’t even bothered with the horses, simply using the speed given to him by the Universe and his dragon to race along the perimeter of the Lair and get through his front door without being seen by any of his brethren.
Kicking the door shut before setting Star’s feet on the floor, his heart nearly burst with happiness as his beautiful she-wolf looked into his eyes, and sighed, “I simply adore you, Grey Acheson, with everything that I am. You make me a better person just for loving you. Thank you so much for everything.”
As she laid her lips to his, Grey fought to contain the emotion this one woman brought out in him. She was the hope, the wonder, the perfectly quiet surrender of pure love, and he was the luckiest dragon in the world to have her by his side for all eternity. Deepening the kiss, the Guardsman was once again in awe of the feelings flowing between them.
Kissing her neck, he nibbled her ear and smiled against her skin as she sighed in ecstasy. Her thoughts mirrored his. Their love was a treasure. Something they would spend their whole lives nurturing and growing. Her desires fed his. His need made her burn. The kiss that started as slow and gentle quickly turned passionate and possessive.
Star’s legs wound around his waist as he once again lifted her body to his. The long skirt of her gown bunched between them but Grey couldn’t care as he leaned her back against the wall, growing harder as she rubbed her silk covered pussy against his woolen covered erection.
Grey could barely breathe as he pulled his lips from her throat. Taking full advantage of the moment, his sassy Star slid her hand under the waistband of his pants and fisted his throbbing cock. Unable to breathe, the Guardsman threw back his head as she ran her thumb through the drop of moisture already gathered on the tip and groaned, “Star… mo stór”.
She continued to massage him and grind her hips against the combination of her hand and his hard cock until Grey was sure he would die. Quickly losing control, he thrust his hips against her. Their pace was immediately frantic. Needing to feel her skin against his, the proof of her arousal on his fingers where his hand cupped the tender globes of her ass, Grey quickly unzipped Star’s dress and lifted it over her head.
Just like the first time, just like every time, touching her skin was electric. Needing all of his mate, he ripped the panties from her body and threw them over his shoulder. Her scent filled the air, driving both man and dragon wild with unbridled need. No longer able to hold back, Grey thrust two fingers into her weeping flesh, shouting his pleasure right along with hers at how perfectly they fit together.
The Guardsman didn’t even attempt to stop the smile that crossed his lips as Star screamed, “Oh my Goddess, Grey, more…please…more…”
Pushing his thumb against her aroused nub, Grey rubbed circles at the same time he curled his fingers buried deep inside her to torment the bundle of nerves at the top of her channel. Star’s eyes flew open, holding him hostage with a look so passionate, so possessive, and so raw, Grey was lost forever, adrift on their love.
Mischief twinkled in the depths of her eyes as Star reached between their bodies, quickly unzipped his pants and fisted him from root to tip. Grabbing the moisture from the tip for lubrication, she worked him faster and faster until Grey was sure he’d gone to the Heavens.
Needing to be buried deep inside his mate, the gray dragon pulled his fingers from Star’s pussy, ignored her moans of loss, and let her legs slide down his body, pushing his pants to the floor as she went. Stepping back, he reluctantly forced his she-wolf to release his throbbing cock, even as she pouted, spinning her around and whispering while holding her earlobe between his teeth, “Lean forward, mo chroí. Hold the bannister.”
Grey’s dragon roared with pleasure as Star did what he asked without a second thought. She trusted him to always have her best interests at heart, just as he trusted her with his very life. Looking at his mate as she stood before him hot, wet, and naked in their home…his and only his forever, Grey said the first words that popped into his mind. “You are the most spectacular woman I’ve ever seen.”
Before Star could respond, he thrust into her with such force the tip of his cock touched her womb. Their new position caused him to fill her as never before. Her walls stretched to accommodate him. They fit together like glove and hand. Grey could think of no place he ever wanted to be but within the haven of his Star.
Completely seated within her, Grey stopped all motion and watched as his she-wolf dropped her head forward in perfect submission. Her delicate hands were clenched around the bannister, her knuckles white as she used all her strength to stay upright. Star’s womb squeezed tight around him, shattering his hard-fought control. Leaning forward, he grabbed both her shoulders and began to thrust, hard and fast, creating the perfect rhythm.
Star’s moans of ecstasy grew louder with each stroke Grey made into her warm, wet flesh. Pushing back, she met him thrust for thrust. Their movements inevitably became uncoordinated and frantic. He felt her orgasm building, threatening to take them both over the edge but needing an extra push. Removing one of his hands from her shoulders, Grey palmed her breast, squeezing her hardened nipple between his thumb and forefinger until she screamed her release to the Heavens with him blissfully following her into ecstasy.
Leaning forward, he rested his chest against her back, inhaled their combined scent, and bathed his senses in everything that he and his she-wolf were together. Only his arm around her waist kept Star from falling as her legs threatened to fold. Kissing up her spine, his erection began to once again harden as she tightened around him.
Sliding from her warmth, Grey pulled Star into his arms, carried her up the stairs and to the bed. Following her down to the mattress, he was shocked as she pulled him to her, slammed her mouth to his, and immediately demanded entrance. He could feel her need and that of her wolf to claim both man and drag
on just as he’d claimed her. It was exhilarating to know they were in it together…all the way…always. Deepening their kiss, she moved her body over his, her thighs falling on either side of his, the wetness from their earlier lovemaking still warm on her curls.
Breaking their connection, Star sat up, giving Grey a coy look that suggested he was going to seriously enjoy whatever she had in mind. Her fingertips rubbed over his shoulders and across his chest, lightly toying with his nipples, causing him to shiver. Biting her bottom lip, she paid special attention to each ridge of his six-pack and then teased the thin line of hair leading toward his pelvis. It was sensory overload at its best. Grey’s eyes threatened to close at the sheer pleasure of her fingers on his skin.
With her hands on his stomach and her eyes holding his captive, Star slid down his legs until his erection was just before her lips. The dragon knew immediately this was what paradise felt like. The tip of her tongue teased her bottom lip and Grey became light-headed. Star then captured the small bead of moisture at the tip of his erection on her tongue and the Guardsman knew beyond all understanding that the image would forever be burned into his memory. Star immediately tasted him again and he gave up the fight, letting his eyes slide shut.
Massaging up and down his thighs, Star rubbed her cheek from the tip to the base of his cock, her tongue lavishing the vein that ran his length. Working her way back to the top, she dipped her tongue into the slit, teasing Grey until he was sure his head would explode.
Star sucked as much of his length into her mouth as would fit and hollowed her cheeks. Lost to the sheer pleasure of it all, Grey’s hands pushed into her hair, careful not to pull but needing something to keep him grounded as she worked him in and out of her lips. Growing larger and thicker, the dragon held on by the thinnest thread, trying not to explode in his mate’s mouth.
Letting him slide across her lips until just the head of his cock remained, Star looked at him through her long thick lashes and Grey instantly recognized the gleam in her eye. There was no doubt he was going to love whatever she had planned. Groaning loud and long as she sucked him back into her mouth with such force the head touched the back of her throat, the dragon thanked the Universe for the perfection of his mate.
