Hyacinth, Scarlet - From the Ashes [Chronicles of the Shifter Directive 7] (Siren Publishing Epic Romance, ManLove)

by Scarlet Hyacinth

  For the moment, Princess Akarawem’s capture was a huge win on their side. Sage didn’t really want to think about the fact that he’d once sworn loyalty to her. Instead, he focused on the good side, on the fact that it could bring an end to the far too long conflict between the species.

  He did want to address the matter of Selbrian’s distrust, but Philip Strange almost seemed to guess that and asked, “Lord Selbrian, can you send a message pearl to Draechenburg? Unlike other means of communication, it’s untraceable.”

  At Philip’s inquiry, Selbrian started from his trance. “Yes, of course. I will do so as soon as we finish the meeting.”

  “If you’ll allow me one word of advice, Lord Selbrian,” Sage piped up. “Be careful how you phrase your request. Emperor Shtamakarein is known for having a temper. He might not want to negotiate, in spite of us having his sister.”

  Philip arched a brow. “You think he’d sacrifice her just for the sake of his own pride?”

  Sage shook his head. “That’s not it. He might fake cooperating, but he’ll likely intensify the search for your headquarters.”

  He knew his emperor well, and he realized that, while it wasn’t obvious, Shtamakarein Tersain cared about his family. In the past, Sage had seen him lavish affection onto his consort, although Sage didn’t want to expose that side of the draechen emperor. He might have told his mate about it, but at this point, Camden was the only man he could trust. These people, while they were supposed to be his allies, had no faith in him, and no inclination to even listen to what he had to say.

  “We’re prepared for that,” the panther-shifter pointed out, as if specifically to confirm Sage’s thoughts. “Otherwise, we never would have gone through with this in the first place.”

  “I’m aware of it,” Sage offered. “I just wanted to make a note of the emperor’s character, just in case.”

  “That’s why Sage is here, after all,” Camden said with a frown, “to give us insight on the Ornozian imperial family.”

  The feline shifters didn’t answer. Likely they knew better than to pursue the matter, and apparently, so did Selbrian. “Thank you,” he answered. “Every piece of information is useful, especially when it concerns Ornoz.”

  In spite of his more than appropriate reply, Selbrian still appeared to be distracted. Therefore, Sage decided to finally take matters into his own hands. “Your Lordship, can I have a word with you in private? It’s a personal issue.”

  Selbrian blinked in obvious surprise. “Of course.” Turning toward the naga royal family, he said, “If you’ll excuse us…”

  “Of course, Lord Selbrian,” Queen Anais Isaiat said. “There’s no reason to prolong the meeting any further. Everyone here knows what they have to do.”

  Sage squeezed Camden’s hand once, then reluctantly left his mate’s side. Together with Selbrian, he exited the meeting room and entered an adjoining chamber. “If you could please ensure our privacy, Lord Selbrian,” he said once they were behind closed doors. “I don’t want anyone to overhear.”

  He felt the shield engulf the entire room, making sure the sensitive senses of the other shifters wouldn’t catch what Sage was about to say. “All right. Now tell me what’s going on. Why did Princess Eanera and Prince Sareltae leave? And why do you look so worried?”

  “That is an Ivenian matter,” Selbrian answered, scowling at Sage. “You would do well to stay out of it.”

  “I would do so, except we’re relying on Ivenia to be the focus of our forces. The king doesn’t get involved with the main attacks, so the management of the troops has always been your task and that of your mate. Will you have me believe that a disturbance in fae dynamics wouldn’t affect us, too?”

  “For the moment, this is a family affair,” Selbrian replied, apparently not moved in the slightest. “Hopefully, it won’t go any further. But if it does… Well, you might as well know that the emperor’s reaction to our demands may not be what you, or any of us, expect.”

  “The emperor?” An unpleasant shiver coursed down Sage’s spine. “How is he involved in your family affairs?”

  Sage couldn’t imagine what kind of connection Emperor Shtamakarein might have with the royal Ivenian family. He respected his former leader, but he was also aware of the fact that Shtamakarein considered the Myrthylar among his worst enemies. While Princess Akarawem’s capture would likely hold that hostility at bay, not even that would be able to save them if they crossed a certain line.

  “I don’t like this, Sage,” Camden told him through their connection. “He’s hiding something serious. You have to get him to tell you.”

  But it was easier said than done. Sage couldn’t exactly force fae royalty into doing what he wanted to, and for all of Sage’s claims, Selbrian was completely entitled to maintain state secrets if he so desired. In the end, Sage was a draechen, one who’d barely managed to earn the naga’s trust. Even the support of the Isaiat was tenuous and mostly based on Sage saving Camden’s life during the draechen attack on the naga. Taking all that into account, Sage couldn’t expect Selbrian to reveal much of anything, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t try.

  Just like Sage had expected, Selbrian shook his head. “I thank you for your concern, but right now, I can’t tell you more. Now if you’ll excuse me, I believe I have a message to send.”

  However, before Selbrian could take his leave, the blood drained out of his face. “No…” he whispered. “Oh, no. Sari, you can’t.”

  He swooned on his feet and would have fallen, but Sage was there, catching him. “Lord Selbrian?”

  Selbrian gave no sign of having heard him. “Sari…” he murmured to himself. “No, we can’t allow it.”

  “Should I call a medic?” Camden asked.

  Sage was about to say yes, but then, Selbrian suddenly recovered. “Well, it seems you’ll get the answer to your question, Mr. Zager,” he said. “If you must know, my son believes he is the emperor’s mate, and he wishes to see Shtamakarein Tersain as soon as possible. He believes that the possibility of peace exists between our nations.”

  For a few moments, Sage thought this was all some bizarre dream. However, Selbrian looked completely serious, and Sage heard himself asking, “Lord Selbrian, do you have any idea what you’re saying? If your son truly is Emperor Shtamakarein Tersain’s mate…there will be a price for the peace you describe. The emperor will never let your son go.”

  “I’m aware of that,” Selbrian replied. Suddenly looking very old, Selbrian headed toward the door. “I’ll notify everyone else of these new developments.”

  With that, Selbrian headed out of the room, and Sage was left alone, still musing over what he’d just learned. He was surprised that Selbrian had even told him that much, but he surmised that Sareltae Myrthylar must be really intent on this, and that Sage would have found out sooner or later.

  A few moments later, Camden joined him in the room and walked to his side. “What do you think?” the young naga ask. “Can something like this truly work? Can it bring peace?”

  “I have no idea,” Sage answered, “but if there’s anything that can turn the tide of such a war, it’s the power of a mate bond.”

  Camden smiled at him. “You’re such a romantic,” he said, cupping Sage’s cheek.

  “I can’t help it,” Sage answered. “When I’m around you, I get all sappy and ridiculous.”

  Camden brushed a kiss over Sage’s lips. “One day, we’ll both be able to be as sappy as we want, all the time. I promise you that.”

  “And I’ll hold you to that promise,” Sage answered.

  As they deepened the kiss, Sage forgot all about his worries and just lost himself in his Camden’s sweet taste. A volcano of fiery passion surged through Sage, which was kind of ironic, given that he was an ice dragon. But then, when it came to Camden, none of Sage’s previous rules applied. Ever since that day, when he’d come face-to-face with the beautiful, brave naga, nothing had ever been the same. He’d met Camden’s slitted gaze, and the i
ce around his heart had cracked, unleashing a torrent of wild need. Sage had abandoned everything, his old life, his family, his duty, his people, and he truly had no regrets.

  Camden melted in his embrace, wrapping his arms around Sage and releasing soft gasps of pleasure. Sage took Camden up on his invitation and devoured his mate’s mouth. Camden’s forked tongue met his, and pleasure shot down Sage’s spine upon experiencing the distinctive feel of Camden’s kiss.

  Sadly, Camden was still dressed, which dissatisfied Sage a great deal. Well, that was a problem that could be easily fixed. In one simple motion, Sage tore off Camden’s shirt, his claws slashing at the material and reducing it to scraps. He discarded the remnants of the garment on the floor and went on to caress every inch of silky skin he’d uncovered, never once giving up on the kiss.

  He was instantly drawn to his mate’s nipples, which had already peaked, as if demanding Sage’s attention. As he swirled his tongue inside Camden’s wet cavern, he tweaked and rubbed those naughty bits of flesh, swallowing Camden’s whimpers as the young naga expressed his excitement for Sage’s ministrations.

  He only tore his mouth away from Camden’s for that exact same reason, because Camden’s muffled moans were quickly driving him wild with need. His dragon roared inside him, demanding that he claim the young naga in every way.

  “Yes,” Camden gasped out, tilting his head back in a beautiful gesture of submission. “Yes, please. Sage…”

  Sage released a low growl at the sinful sight of his mate offering himself to him. He shoved Camden against a nearby couch and climbed on top of his mate, already reaching for Camden’s pants.

  Distantly, he acknowledged that this was hardly the time, or the place, to engage in sexual interaction with his mate, but throughout his life, Sage had learned something very important. He had to seize the moment, to enjoy every second he had with Camden, because no one ever knew what would come next. It could very easily be peace, or it could be another even more destructive war. With the differences between them, there were countless things that fought to separate them on a regular basis. If he’d managed to steal a few moments away from the rest of the group, by the Overlords, he would use them to make love to Camden.

  He had every intention to tear Camden’s trousers like he had with the naga’s shirt, but some part of him recalled that they weren’t exactly in their private quarters and didn’t have Camden’s full wardrobe at their disposal. At the last moment, he pulled back and summoned all the training and discipline that had been engrained in every fiber of his being from a very young age.

  For once, being an ice dragon came in handy. He managed to rein in his passion, or rather, to buy himself some time. He used it to remove Camden’s shoes and throw them onto the floor. After that, he went on to unbutton Camden’s pants. His mouth watered as his fingers brushed over Camden’s dick, and he truly had no idea how he managed to continue with his plan.

  He did note that frost was starting bloom down the couch, avoiding Camden, but advancing more and more, a proof of Sage’s mounting arousal. Camden liked to compare Sage to a blizzard, and maybe he was exactly that. Fortunately, his magic couldn’t hurt the young naga, so Sage allowed it to flow out of him, knowing that Camden actually liked it when Sage let go.

  In response, Camden reached for him, too, trying to disrobe Sage with frantic hands, and mostly failing. A few buttons flew as Sage’s shirt finally ripped. That sound almost seemed a switch, since what little control Sage had managed to muster snapped.

  He pulled off Camden’s pants and tossed them away, too, uncaring where they landed or if he’d ripped them. At this point, his full focus was on Camden. His mate had chosen to go commando, perhaps anticipating that they’d end up fucking eventually. The end result was that Sage literally froze in awed lust at the sight of his naked mate, lying there, his face flushed, his dick leaking copious amounts of pre-cum. He was practically begging to be ravaged, and Sage proceeded to do exactly that.

  It was hard to choose between what he wanted to touch and taste most. In the end, he picked the tight little buds that had drawn his attention earlier. As he lowered his mouth to Camden’s left nipple, he snaked his hand between their bodies, gripping Camden’s hard prick into his fist.

  Camden arched against him, his arms tightening around Sage as he tried to thrust into Sage’s hold. “Oh, Varuna… Sage…”

  Sage smirked around the bit of flesh in his mouth, all the while rubbing his thumb over the leaking tip of his mate’s dick. But Camden needed more, and so did Sage. He released his mate’s nipple with a wet pop and licked down Camden’s chest and abdomen, until he finally reached his prize.

  Camden’s hand buried itself in Sage’s hair, guiding him, and Sage accepted his mate’s silent command. He took Camden’s prick into his mouth, groaning as the flavor of the naga’s pre-cum hit his taste buds.

  The vibrations made Camden shiver with pleasure, and that very same ecstasy echoed into Sage. He took it as encouragement, and he bobbed his head up and down Camden’s cock a few more times. After that, he changed the pace, wriggling his tongue around the slit instead, or tracing Camden’s dick with the slick muscle.

  He continued his sensual torture of his lover, making Camden writhe under him. Of course, by doing so, he was tormenting himself, too. Through their connection, he experienced every sensation Camden did, both his rapture at the wet heat enveloping his prick, and his desperate need for more. It was sweet agony, a drug that Sage had become addicted to after a single taste and that he never wanted to give up. His body, his heart, and his soul begged for him to get on with it, but Sage refused to rush. He could live with the strain of the sexual frustration, as long as he managed to prolong these beautiful moments.

  Or, at least, so he thought, until Camden finally cried out and pleaded, “Sage… Fuck me. I can’t bear it… Fuck me now!”

  Sage couldn’t resist the desperation in his mate’s tone. He had wanted to make his mate come just by sucking him off, but he didn’t have time for that anymore.

  Without giving his mate a single warning, he released Camden’s dick and flipped his mate on all fours. Camden went with it, wiggling his ass invitingly, nearly making Sage’s mind melt with lust.

  He spread Camden’s ass cheeks and licked across his lover’s crease, tasting his mate in his most intimate spot. Camden’s reaction didn’t delay in appearing.

  “Sage,” Camden whined, clawing at the couch. The leather tore under Camden’s fingertips, and the proof of his passion just fueled Sage’s own desire.

  He thrust his tongue into his mate’s ass, wiggling it around and stretching Camden’s channel. It was unfortunate that neither of them had remembered to bring lubricant, but then again, the oil wasn’t very easy to carry around. It tended to spill everywhere, and really, Sage liked doing this so much more.

  He’d have liked to prepare Camden more thoroughly, but his patience had completely dissipated. Overlords, he hadn’t even taken his pants off yet, and he already felt like he was going to come any moment now.

  As quickly as he could, Sage toed off his shoes and slid out of his clothes. He dumped them next to Camden’s and focused on his mate once more. In the few seconds Sage had been forced to move away from Camden, the young naga had decided to take matters into his own hands—literally. He was jacking himself off furiously, and Sage hissed as the pleasure rushed over him, too.

  When Sage pressed his naked body to his mate’s, though, Camden stopped touching himself. He held onto the couch, much like he had earlier, his entire body trembling with sexual tension. Sage spat in his palm and slicked up his cock as well as he could. He positioned his dick at Camden’s opening and pushed.

  Both of them groaned when the head of his prick pierced the ring of guardian muscle at Camden’s entrance. Frost bloomed all around them and within Sage’s vision. Even if Sage had endeavored to prepare his mate, Camden was still so very tight, his ass gripping Sage in an ironlike vise.

  It took everythin
g Sage had not to start pounding in and out of Camden like an animal. He penetrated his mate slowly, monitoring their mate bond for any sign of pain from Camden. It wasn’t really necessary, because Camden’s flesh yielded easily to the invasion. Their bodies were well accustomed to each other by now, so much so that Sage truly should have known better than to be worried.

  Still, when he fully embedded himself into Camden’s ass, he remained motionless, allowing Camden to get used to it. In spite of the nearly maddening lust, he never wanted to reach a point where he accidentally hurt his mate in his zeal. He started a slow, almost lazy rhythm, moving inside his mate in shallow thrusts meant to prepare and tease, rather than give them what they both wanted.

  In the end, it was Camden who drew the line and changed the course of their lovemaking. He tightened his ass around Sage’s prick, hissing, “Now, Sage. Don’t make me wait.”

  Sage’s name on the naga’s lips came out like a melody created with the particularities of Camden’s speech. No matter how much he tried, Sage could no longer resist the spell Camden had created. He fully pulled out of Camden and thrust back inside, far more violently than he himself had expected.

  Camden didn’t seem to mind. He pushed back against Sage, impaling himself on Sage’s dick. They fell together into a rhythm that was pure perfection, their bodies moving together in complete synch. Sage lost track of the world outside their perfect union.

  He wanted to seize that sensation and bottle it up inside, protect this bond from the outside world. He wanted to bury himself so deep inside Camden that nothing could ever separate them. Aching with desire, he plunged harder and harder inside his mate, managing to hit Camden’s prostate with every motion.