by Ava Mason
“You should be so lucky.” The spell broke, just as the guy behind me tugged on my hips, turning me to him.
The man behind me was just as sexy as the other guy. His sun-kissed golden skin glowed under the harsh bar lights, and his deep hazel eyes bore into me, amused. His body was athletic, his arms thick and corded with muscle. His lips were the perfect size, thick and luscious, and I watched his tongue dart out and flick his upper lip expertly.
I clenched my thighs; I knew exactly where that tongue could go.
He leaned down, his hand cupping my face. “What’s your name?”
I blinked, as what he’d said earlier finally registered in my mind. “Wait, what did you say?”
“I said, what’s your name.”
Loud laughter raked in my ears. “Hey, baby.”
I turned back just in time to see Denver, the black haired sex god, grab another girl, tugging her towards him. He kissed her on the mouth, staring at me the whole time. She froze, shocked, with wide eyes, and then relaxed into him. She was model-y thin with too-perfect boobs and long blonde hair and I immediately hated her.
“Hey, Denver.” Her voice was low and seductive and he finally stopped staring at me to look at her, his eyes cold. She simpered under his touch. “You free tonight?”
I watched as his hands wrapped around her thin waist, then lowered to grab her ass. She moaned as he kissed her again, flicking his tongue in her mouth, then pushed her wispy hair to the side to nibble at her neck. After a moment, he released one hand on her and grabbed Sawyer’s shirt, pulling her to him.
“Fuck off, Denver.” Sawyer pushed him back and he shrugged, grinning.
Blondie suddenly squealed as her almost-perfect redhead friend ran up to her. Denver was immediately interested, and began kissing them both. I watched, intrigued and a little disgusted at his blatant display in public. This guy didn’t care who he kissed; he just wanted a face and a willing body. Then Denver pulled back to let Blondie clasp her friend’s cheeks, taking her turn kissing her. Denver’s eyes flicked to me, catching me staring.
His blue eyes pierced mine, dark and taunting. For a moment, I felt naked.
He grinned and crooked his finger, inviting me to join them.
Energy pulsed from him, dragon energy, so strong and seductive I could feel it tug and vibrate through my chest, haunting, unwelcome, and inescapably seductive.
I wanted to kiss him. To let him run his fingers over my skin, to remind me what it felt like to be possessed. He looked at me like he owned me. Like I already belonged to him and didn’t know it. He probably fucked the same way - possessively and seductively.
But, I didn’t know who this guy was and, apparently, he didn’t care who I was. I was just one of the many women in the club; he probably didn’t even care what my name was.
I shook my head, pushing my desire away, as Hazel Eyes tightened his hands on my side, leaning forward to yell over the music in his friend’s face. “You’re drunk, mate.”
Denver grinned lazily, his eyes drifting back to the two girls who were still kissing. “Yes, I am.”
I was dismissed. Because I hadn’t joined them.
Angry, I swirled around to face Hazel Eyes, stepping out of his grasp. “What did you say to me earlier?”
He lowered his lips to my ear again, clutching my side again. “I said I didn’t know wolves could be so sexy.”
I grabbed his chin, pulling him to look into my eyes. “Something about being so lucky?”
His eyes landed on my lips; he looked like he wanted to bite them. “You’re a wolf. Denver doesn’t ever go for anything lower than pureblood dragons. You’re lucky that I’m interested.”
“Are you serious?” Anger flashed through me. How dare he talk to me that way. Like I’m the lucky one.
Seething, I stepped out of his arms and marched straight up to Denver, who immediately stopped kissing the redhead to look at me. I grabbed his face, pulling him away from her to kiss him. Letting the other girls go, he clasped my face to kiss me back.
Fireworks exploded between us, a sexual energy so strong that I could fuck him right here in front of the others and I wouldn’t care.
My mind was consumed with his touch, his kiss, the way his hands were holding me so tight, I thought he would never let me go.
He moaned into my mouth, pushing me against the wall. He grabbed my thigh, pulling my leg up to wrap it around his waist as he rubbed his pelvis against me. His hardened dick stroked me right in the right spot and I felt so needy.
So fucking needy and turned on.
The thick material of our clothes was the only thing keeping him from fucking me right here in the open.
I wanted him to take me. Right here, right now.
And I didn’t even know the asshole.
“Slut,” the redhead said before walking off, Blondie huffing and flicking her hair as she followed her friend.
Ignoring her, his hand lowered, his fingers lowering to in between my legs, teasing me. Wetness pooled in my panties, and I rubbed against him, needing more.
“Yes,” I hissed.
I’d meant to just kiss him and leave. Just to show Hazel Eyes that I could. Instead I found myself wrapped up in desire and need and want. Sexual intensity that I couldn’t walk away from, instincts blaring at me that this man was mine.
“It’s nice to share, Denver.” Suddenly another hand was at my side, and Hazel Eyes gripped my chin, forcing my face away from Denver. “Besides, I wanted her first. You said she was ugly.”
Denver grinned at him. “Feel free.”
Then Hazel Eyes’ lips were on mine, claiming me possessively. I sucked in a breath, taking his with me, falling into a deep well of hazy, erotic bliss. He held my chin firmly, his hand tight on my shoulder, but his lips moved sensually slowly, tasting and probing. His tongue was soft but firm, and tasted like butterscotch.
Heat buzzed in my chest as I wrapped my arms around his neck, letting him explore my mouth even though Denver was still stroking me softly between my legs. I was going to explode from so much contact.
Because of that, it took a few moment for Hazel Eyes’ words to register but when they did, indignation rose up inside me. His friend said I was ugly? And Hazel Eyes had the audacity to remind him in front of my face?
Snatching my legs away, I bit on Hazel Eyes’ tongue harshly. He jerked back, his angry eyes staring into mine.
“What the fuck, bitch?”
“Did you just call me a bitch?”
He grinned lazily. “Well, you are, aren’t you?”
Fury rose in my chest, burning into my stomach. My finger burned, the one that had my mother’s ring on it, and I knew my emotions were sparking the witch side of me. Not giving him the satisfaction of an answer, I turned to Denver. “And did you tell your friend that I was ugly?”
Denver’s eyes raked down my body and I shivered, feeling his gaze on my body like a physical touch. Then his face hardened and he sneered. “You’re a little too thick to be my type.” His eyes landed on my boobs. “Although even I’ll admit that you’ve got nice tits.”
I gulped in a breath, feeling my magic run through my body, electrifying me. I’d never felt so alive, like a live wire. “Then why’d you just kiss me?”
He shrugged, grinning, his eyes locking on mine. “A hole’s a hole, am I right?”
His eyes may have screamed sex, but I wouldn’t screw this guy if he were the last one on earth. I respected myself too much for that. Clenching my hands into fists, I shoved them both to the side. “I don’t fuck losers.”
Denver grabbed my side, holding me still. His eyes narrowed, distaste plastered on his face. “We aren’t the losers here. Dragons own this world. We are faster, stronger, better, Period.” His gaze bore into me, the sneer on his face showing his disgust. “The only reason we didn’t let the world know about our country is because we didn’t want to let the filth in.”
His hatred pulsed through me, his eyes dead serious, and I kne
w that he meant it.
He hated wolves.
I grit my teeth, my own anger flaring up. I gripped his shirt, channeling my power, and zapped him. A quick hit, a lesson not to fuck with me. As soon as it flowed into him, it sizzled and puttered out. My mouth dropped open in shock. What the hell?
I flashed back to that helpless feeling, the one I’d felt when Garrett and Elias took over my pack and I was helpless to stop them. They’d kicked Lizzy out, killing her parents, and trying to kill her. We had to live for a year under their rule, and the helplessness I felt back then was not something I ever wanted to feel again.
I tried it again but, again, it sizzled as soon as it touched him. Denver laughed, and it echoed through me. Shame burned my face. I wanted to yank the stupid ring off my finger and throw it in the trash, the useless stone. Lizzy said maybe my power would increase, being here, but instead it seemed to become overpowered by the dragon magic instead. His laugher grew louder, and the hair at the back of my neck pricked and my wolf threatened to emerge.
I might not be a powerful witch but my wolf had claws.
I growled, showing him my teeth. I didn’t know what the hell his problem was but one thing I wouldn’t stand for was some prick trying to insult me and fuck me at the same time. I raised my hand, ready to punch his stupid face in, but he caught it. Taking one more step back to press it firmly over my head, he pushed me against the wall.
“You think you can hit me, little kid?” He licked his lips, staring at mine. My chest was pressed out, my boobs brushing against his chest in the small space, making my nipples pebble. He leaned in close, his nose brushing against mine, his breath puffing in and out. “I dare you to try that again.”
I wanted to knee him in his hard dick. I also wanted to kiss his stupid, disgusting lips off. I opted for a growl, low and warning. My wolf pressed me on all sides, ready to bust out and kick his ass. He took a step back, surprised.
“Is that a challenge I smell?” He laughed. “As you’ve already proven, you can’t handle me.”
I shoved him away. “I don’t want to handle you; you’re not all that.”
A low, animal-like sound ripped from his throat, and I saw my own anger reflected in his eyes. For a moment, our magic pressed up against each other’s, testing, feeling, waiting for one or the other to give.
“You need help, Denver?” A voice to his side said, and I turned to see another guy staring me down. He stood next to Denver. Combined with Hazel Eyes, the three of them formed a wall in front of me.
“I think that’s enough for one night.” A hand grabbed my arm and yanked me away. I stumbled in my, well, Sawyer’s, heels, across the dance floor. Sawyer headed towards the door, pulling me along with her.
“Yeah, run and hide, sweetheart. Let the adults play.” Denver’s voice rang out, loud enough to be heard over the pounding music.
Condescending son of a bitch. I yanked my arm out of Sawyer’s hold, ready to march back and kick his ass.
“Hold on there, Furry.” Sawyer grabbed me again. “We’re not doing this right now.” This time, her hold on my arm was a steel trap as she pulled me out the front door. She planted me on the curb and I sucked in the cool night air, trying to take in a breath even though I really wanted to kick something right now.
“You’re not going to let me defend myself? He was an ass, treating me like a piece of meat! You heard what he said about wolves.” And why hadn’t my powers worked? Ugh, I felt so weak.
“Yeah, and if you have to fight every dragon that slights you, you’ll never get out of Aerwyna alive.” She sat down next to me, running her hand through her hair and chuckling softly. “Believe me, you don’t want to get into it with Denver.”
“I could kick his ass,” I mumbled, staring across the street.
Sawyer pinned me with a stare that was dead serious. Her eyes a dark blue and swirling, her dragon lurking behind it. All the humor was gone. “No, you couldn’t.” She blinked and with it, her dragon was gone. Her look was softer now but still serious. “Don’t even try it. Besides, the fact is you’re a wolf, and most dragons don’t like you.” I tried to protest, but she cut me off. “It doesn’t matter that they don’t know you. They will hate you on that basis alone. So for now, act like a tourist and stay out of trouble.” She grinned, showing sharp incisors. “I wouldn’t usually care, but I’m not allowed to get you killed on my watch. I’ll be pissed off if I have to bring your dead body to Easton.”
“Killed?”
“Yes, killed!” Sawyer stood up, walking towards her car, and tugging me along with her. I was never going to wear heels again; they were killing my feet and made it so much easier for her to pull me alongside her.
“Come on, Furry,” her quirky side was back, her smile bright. “I know another place just down the road and if I’m not mistaken, happy hour just started.”
I sighed, letting my anger roll through me, deciding I wasn’t going to let those jerks ruin my night. She watched me closely as I walked around her car, half her lips twisted up in a grin. Probably making sure I wasn’t going to go back into the club.
I pulled open the car door and it creaked loudly. “What? I’m not going back.”
Her half smile turned into a full grin. “It was just nice, is all.”
I raised an eyebrow. “What was nice?”
She pulled up one of her shoulders in a shrug, still smiling, before climbing into her car. “I’ve just never seen anyone talk to The Elite like that, ever.”
3
Tallon
The moon was a full, bright orb of silver in the sky and it called to my dragon. I turned my face to it, closing my eyes for a moment, listening to her song before opening them again. I half listened to Denver and Blaze as I walked along my route. I usually did this alone but tonight they’d decided they wanted to come with.
Probably to bitch about the girl. It had been a few nights since we’d met her but they still wouldn’t shut up about it.
My patrol route led all the way around the Palace grounds and down to the river. It didn’t only cover the Royal grounds but also some homes as well. Although they might as well be royal grounds. They were the homes of the nobility, the aristocrats. The purebloods of the race that were all rich as hell and considered the only hope to save our bloodline. We had to patrol their homes also, make sure they were kept safe. And here I was, putting my life on the line for them.
“She had to be one of the wolves the Queen brought in,” Denver said, for like, the twentieth time tonight.
“Of course she was. Probably a pack member of that snobby Alpha Princess or whatever.” I snapped. “Otherwise she wouldn’t be out in the open like that. She’d be hiding in some grimy building, waiting to kill one of us.” Or whatever it was those wolf terrorists did; I imagined they didn’t go out in public or they’d risk being killed on site. “She was with Sawyer, who’s good friends with Hunter and Easton, so I’m sure she came in with them.”
Denver’s constant yammering on about her was driving me batshit crazy. Personally, I couldn’t get my mind off her either but I didn’t go on and on about it.
Of course, we’d noticed her as soon as she walked in the door. Her wolf stood out like a beacon, immediately drawing our attention. The fact that she was with Sawyer made certain she wasn’t bothered, and we’d tried to keep our distance for a while. Denver had even gone so far as to talk shit about her as loud as possible.
But as soon as she’d begun dancing, we were all drawn to her like moths to a flame.
She had a wildness about her, primitive and savage as fuck.
Blaze had just sat at the bar, drunk and watching her like a damn voyeur. But Denver had actually tried to fuck her, like he did every pureblood girl that had two tits. I didn’t know what the hell that was about because Denver only fucked purebred dragons, period.
Plus, Denver hated wolves.
I gritted my teeth, thinking about him touching her. It was different with me; I’d actually danced wit
h her. As we’d danced, I could feel her power, pulsing into me, drawing me to her like a goddamn siren. I wanted a taste of her, just once. To bask inside the spirit of that wolf, a beast as strong as her, and mark that beauty.
Hell, yes.
“Fucking perfect.” Denver’s cold voice interrupted my fantasy. “Do they think this place is some halfway house for wolves now? Just because the Queen didn’t kick that girl out the first time. Now they think it’s okay to bring ‘em all in?”
“That girl’s name is Elizabeth, and she’s officially in their clan now.” I lowered my voice. “She’s their Alpha, for fuck’s sake, so watch your mouth. Any one of them could be around, at any time.” Personally, I didn’t think much of her either. She was probably some rich wolf royalty type, who somehow figured out how to lure in some high rate dragons with her honey cunt. But I wasn’t going to say so out loud, not while we were on castle grounds.
Denver laughed. “I can’t believe Hunter let some wolf girl dominate him.” He rubbed his hand across the stubble on his chin. “Had it coming, if you ask me. That whole team was getting weak, with what happened with Sophia and all that.”
“I don’t care what happened with them and Sophia.” I punched Denver’s shoulder. “They could still kick your ass, so watch what you say while they’re here.”
“Shut up, Tallon,” Blaze said.
“Yeah, shut the fuck up, man.” Denver grew quiet, silently fuming. Hunter was the only one who’d ever kicked his ass back in the day, and Denver had never forgotten it. Something I loved to point out, any time I could.
Denver’s sullen anger bled into me and I put up my shields to keep it from affecting my mood. I was used to shielding myself around him, all the time. I was an empath and being around Denver required a firm control over my own feelings because he was so damn irate all the time. Plus, he didn’t mind letting everyone around him know it, so his intense hatred could be overwhelming to my sensitive gift.
