by Misty Malloy
I soon felt Ethan’s hands upon my shoulders. His presence curled around me, a strong, dominant energy. He grasped my hair in a ponytail, tugging it tightly, and then I gasped—his burning kiss on the back of my neck sent sparks sizzling across my skin, pushing me even further toward the edge.
Ethan cupped his hands around my breasts, keeping one there while he trailed the other down my stomach. When his fingers reached my clit and began to rub, the tension within me wound tighter and tighter. Suddenly, a wave of pleasure crashed over my body. It took Jackson with it, too—his hot seed spurted into me and filled me with its warmth.
As the waves of my release rolled over and through me, Ethan dragged his fingers away, and then pulled me off Jackson. He grabbed my shoulders to turn me around, crushing his lips to mine in a hot, aggressive kiss.
“I’ve been thinking about this the entire time on the plane,” Ethan rumbled, pulling away to gaze at me, the deep sound of his voice thrumming in my blood.
His eyes blazed with fire. My knees went weak while Jackson’s come dribbled down my thighs. I took a quick peek over Ethan’s shoulder to see Jackson flopped out on the sofa, eyes closed, a look of pure contentment on his face.
You know you want Ethan to take you hard, pointed out my dragoness. Just the right amount of rough, the way you like it?
Oh, goddess. Yes, I knew exactly what she meant.
Ethan stripped off his shirt in what seemed like a split second. Then a pop of a button and quick unzip of his jeans had his cock—long and thick and quite fabulous—out and ready to play.
He stepped out of his jeans and boxer briefs, and kicked them to the side, even though I knew his inner control freak most likely wanted to stop and take a moment to fold them.
Ethan scooped me up, and I automatically hooked my legs around his waist. He quickly strode to one of the floor-to-ceiling windows and pushed me against it, kissing me hard.
A moment later, I felt the tip of his cock at my entrance. Then he eased me down, holding me firmly under my ass cheeks. I arched my back and felt my shoulders press upon the cold, hard glass, but I didn’t mind at all—the coolness felt amazing next to my flame-kissed skin.
Plus, the naughty part of me hoped the neighbors were getting a show.
“You came to Sedona…” I managed to say while Ethan swiveled his hips and thrust hard into me, stirring things deep within.
He nodded. “Yes,” he said, his breath roughened. Raw power and primal strength emanated from every pore of his body.
“Why?” I panted, even though I was glad that he did, as desire for him roared through me like fire. I clung to him while he pounded into me, my nails raking across his back.
Ethan said nothing for a moment, the slick of our sweat providing a delicious friction between our bodies. He rocked me even harder still, a relentless, steady rhythm. The tip of his cock continued to grind against my G-spot, until finally I let it all go, surrendering to him, and my body once again exploded in fiery bliss.
“Because…” he said, his voice deep and ragged, gripping my ass cheeks like his life depended on it. “You’re mine. Of course I had to come.”
Then he shuddered and let out a huge roar of triumph that echoed off the walls of the enormous house.
6
Trey
“T hank you,” I told Ryker after he’d successfully landed and parked the tiny plane at Sedona’s airport. “I appreciate this more than I can explain. I owe you big time.”
Ryker grinned from the pilot’s seat. His bushy beard and longish dark hair covered up most of his face, including the red dragon tattoo on the side of his neck. “No, man. I owe you big time. Glad I could repay the favor.”
“Don’t mention it,” I said, and I meant it. I had helped Ryker out a few times when he’d still been working security for my uncle, but I’d been happy to do so. He was a friend, someone I knew I could trust and who trusted me in return, despite my Seeker heritage. I hadn’t expected anything, but felt grateful that he’d been able to help me.
After Ethan had left for Sedona, I realized there was no way I could stay back. So, I started making plans of my own. I had a hunch where he’d be staying—a vacation home owned by his parents. Once he’d left, I had conveniently hacked into his computer and found the address.
The hacking…yeah, I felt a little bad about that, but I knew Ethan would forgive me. Well, at least I hoped. Lyssa needed me, and so did Ethan and Jackson, even though they might not think so now. We could all smooth things out later.
My goal had been to get from Prague to Sedona as fast as I could, so I ended up doing a couple of things—a commercial cross-Atlantic flight, followed by Ryker’s help once I got to the States. We’d had to refuel several times, but overall, he got me here faster than I would have otherwise.
Especially if I had tried to shift into my dragon form and fly myself there. Dragons were fast and powerful for short distances, but longevity in flight wasn’t one of our strengths. And even if I’d had extra time, and didn’t mind all the eating and sleeping along the way to refuel my stamina, I tended to keep a low profile as my fire-breathing alter ego.
A third option would have been to ask my uncle to send the company jet…but for some reason I didn’t want his help. Wanted to do it my own way.
I grabbed my luggage and hopped out of the Cirrus SR20. Ryker jumped out the pilot’s door and met me around the other side.
“Hey, how’s Sven?” he asked. He still wore his big goofball grin, but I could see a twitch in his neck. I never knew what happened, but I had a gut feeling that something had gone awry between him and my uncle years ago. We’d never talked about it.
“Doing well, I think.” I hadn’t seen or really talked to my uncle since the Dragon Gathering. A big part of me liked that.
Uncle Sven had raised me when I was just a kid, after my parents died, but we’d never been close. Frigid and aloof, the perpetual bachelor, Sven Andersen had most likely not been the best parental figure. I always had what I needed in regards to material things, but any attention or affection? Fucking forget about it.
But I didn’t need it. I had done just fine. And I’d even reconciled with my uncle many years later—now I worked with him at Andersen Technologies.
I enjoyed it. Didn’t I?
I must have made a strange face, because Ryker eyed me oddly. “Everything cool?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yeah. Thanks.”
“Huh. Well, have you…talked to him lately?”
“Not recently.” I peered at my friend. “Why?”
“Uhh…just curious.” Ryker paused as if considering saying more.
“Spit it out.”
Ryker ran a hand through his bushy beard and shifted his weight uncomfortably. Then he shot me another big grin. “Nothing, dude. Really. I just…haven’t seen him in a while. Hope he’s doing well.”
That was bullshit. I’d known Ryker long enough to tell when he had something on his mind, so I waited, hoping he’d say more. When he broke eye contact and started the process of tying down his plane, I knew he’d told me all he planned on sharing.
“Thanks again,” I said, and clapped Ryker firmly on the shoulder.
Ryker laughed and enveloped me in a huge bear hug. “Anytime, man.”
I headed toward the main building of the tiny airport, and after a quick stop at the car rental agency, I soon found myself driving a silver Range Rover along Highway 89 into town. I couldn’t help thinking about what Ryker said—was something going on with my uncle? Something more he hadn’t wanted to say?
I grabbed my phone and swiped the screen, tempted to call Sven. Then, sighing, I dropped the phone back onto the passenger seat. No, I didn’t want to call him. He thought I was off doing some research for the company—let him continue to think that. Conversations with him were swift and to the point, and I didn’t think I’d get any info unless I asked directly. What would I even say?
Most likely, Ryker had heard something insignificant t
hat he’d turned into a much bigger deal. Even big dudes like Ryker could be drama queens.
Before I could wrap my brain around the topic any further, a bright red Lamborghini showed up in my rearview mirror, accelerating quickly behind me.
What a dick. It was a four-lane highway—clearly no need for anyone to ride my ass.
Just when I thought he was going to hit me, the driver swerved into the other lane and sped off ahead. I tried to catch a glimpse of him, but the windows were tinted too dark.
The guy suddenly slowed down to almost a complete stop. As I approached him in the adjacent lane, I shook my head.
Seriously. What the fuck?
I passed him, and soon the red sports car caught up with me, the driver matching my speed.
A thought, tinged with a deep Italian accent, pushed into my mind. Trey! It is you!
I blew out a huge breath. Drake. The window on the passenger side rolled down to reveal his dark wavy hair and stupid grin.
Of course he’d come, too. He would never have stayed back with all of us gone.
Drake’s hotheaded ego annoyed the shit out of me. I’d never had any beef with him to start out with, until he started accusing me of doing dastardly deeds. He thought he knew everything about everyone. Sorry to break it to you, buddy, but not all Seeker dragons are dirty bastards.
I contemplated giving him the middle finger but decided to keep my cool instead. Hey, I sent back. What’s going on?
Want to race? He shot me another bright white grin, and this time I wanted to punch him in the face.
No thanks.
Oh, come on. Don’t be a pussy! And with that, Drake rolled his window up and zoomed off ahead.
My inner dragon bristled with irritation. Drake had directly challenged me. Was I going to be a pussy and back down?
Hell no. I’d never copped out of anything before. Something snapped and my instincts took over. Adrenaline spiked through my veins.
Oh yeah. Let’s see how fast this baby could go. I slammed my foot on the gas pedal.
But instead of the intense turbo thrust I’d expect from a sports car, the SUV steadily increased speed and ambled along the highway.
Shit.
I was already left in the dust. Drake’s car, far off in the distance, torpedoed down the road. Obviously, the Rover was no match for the Lamborghini.
I immediately felt like the biggest fucking idiot.
Really? Trying to race one of the fastest sports cars in the world with an SUV? I reduced my speed and blew out a big breath. And even if I had a super-fast car, would it be worth it to barrel down the highway at a million miles an hour?
Smooth, Trey. Really smooth.
I did my best to calm my inner dragon, who was still roiling with the adrenaline of the challenge. I couldn’t let Drake get me so pissed off again. I didn’t need to prove anything to him.
Yet when I saw the Lamborghini coming back in my direction, I couldn’t help but have another surge of irritation. Clearly, my car couldn’t keep up with his. What was his deal?
Drake flipped around on the shoulder and then fell in behind me. This time he didn’t ride my ass but kept a respectable distance.
What do you want, Drake?
I could feel Drake’s energy in my mind, but he said nothing for a moment. Can I follow you?
Why would he want to follow me when he clearly wanted to drive his car to the max? Suddenly, the truth of it all hit me, and I chuckled. You don’t know where you’re going, do you?
Another silence. No, he finally answered with a hint of sheepishness in his voice. I tried calling Lyssa when I landed, but her phone is going straight to voicemail. I don’t want to call the others.
I grinned, feeling a lot better about the car thing. Drake had the brawn, but he didn’t always have the brains. Even if he had known about Ethan’s family’s Sedona house, he would never have the wherewithal to hack into Ethan’s computer and get the info.
Drake was totally at my mercy, and I fucking loved it.
Okay. I would try to be nice. Especially since we were all Lyssa’s mates—I’d do it for her.
All right, I sent. Follow me.
Glancing back at his car in the rearview mirror, I laughed again. Who in their right mind drove a Lamborghini to a rugged place like Sedona?
* * *
Drake and I found the front door of the house unlocked. Not bothering to knock, we let ourselves in to find Lyssa, Ethan, and Jackson all drinking coffee at the kitchen counter.
“What the hell are you guys doing here?” Lyssa asked.
Okay, so I guess that wasn’t quite the welcome I’d expected, but then her stern face blossomed into a huge grin. She eased off her stool and made her way over to us.
Good. She was happy we’d come.
“I guess I should be mad, but really…I’m not too mad. How did you get here so fast?” she asked, throwing her arms around my neck and kissing me.
My gaze flicked over to Drake, secretly gloating that she’d picked me first over him.
“A long-ass flight across the Atlantic,” I said. “And then help from a friend.”
Drake shrugged. “I chartered a jet.”
Oh. Well, that explained how he’d gotten here so quickly, even though he’d left after I did.
Lyssa sighed and then burst into laughter. “Telling dragons they’re not supposed to do things just doesn’t work, right?”
No. It didn’t. We all wanted to be with her, and nothing was going to stop us. Ethan glared at both me and Drake, clearly irked that we’d come, but I didn’t really care. He hadn’t been invited, either.
As for the Dragon Oracle and her distaste of men—well, we’d just have to figure out how to deal with it. It wasn’t like we all needed to traipse into her cave at the same time and convince her to have an orgy with us.
Then Lyssa pulled out of my arms and flung herself at Drake. He scooped her up and twirled her around.
“Um…hi,” she said, gazing into his face. Her cheeks blushed red. Were those…gaga eyes she was giving him?
Wait. What the fuck? She didn’t do that with me.
“Hello, amore.” Two puffs of smoke flitted from Drake’s nostrils.
I couldn’t help but stare at them. Yeah, definitely gaga eyes. With a little twinkle in them.
I glanced at the other guys, but they continued to drink their coffee. Their faces gave me no clues. Was I missing something here?
Lyssa had seemed excited to see me, but now I felt like chopped liver. By the gods—what was going on between her and Drake?
Go get some coffee or something, suggested my inner dragon. You’re looking like an ass just gawking at them.
But I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Jealousy started to rear its ugly head. Were they having a private conversation?
The look on Drake’s face went from arrogant dumbfuck to utterly surprised, finally breaking out in a huge smile. “Oh! A dragonlet?”
Lyssa grinned at him and nodded.
My breath hitched in my chest. Lyssa wanted…a baby?
“Of course, bella.” Drake’s ridiculous grin lay plastered all across his face. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
Oh fuck.
Lyssa was ready for a family.
A mix of emotions suddenly churned inside me. Of course she’d told Drake—she thought he was the only one she could mate with.
Images from the Dragon Gathering—just a few weeks ago—suddenly flashed through my mind.
Talking with a fellow Seeker near the fertility stone’s pedestal…watching a Healer dragon drop the stone on her foot…rushing to help her…scooping up the stone…handing it back to her…
I’d felt the energy seep into my body right away. Activating my hormones. Boosting the power of my seed.
I hadn’t really thought much about it until now as I hadn’t expected to be breeding with anyone. Never had. To be honest, being a father had never even crossed my mind. Even when I’d met Lyssa and had known right away s
he was my mate.
But, it made sense. Of course she’d want kids. Why hadn’t I thought of this? Ugh…I’d been called oblivious by women before. I’d even been slapped in the face a few times. Hell, I was a silver dragon. Sensitivity wasn’t my strong suit.
Paternal thoughts didn’t come easily to me, but damned if I was going to let Drake ride upon his high horse because he thought he had something the rest of us didn’t.
And Lyssa was my mate, too. If she wanted a family, then I was on board.
I glanced at Ethan and Jackson, then Lyssa and Drake, who were still having some sort of mushy moment. I cleared my throat to get everyone’s attention. “Actually,” I said, “Drake’s not the only one who’s taken the energy of the stone.”
Because my boys were ready to rock and roll, too.
7
Lyssa
I stripped off my hiking shoes and socks, followed by the rest of my clothes, and dumped everything onto a heap in the middle of the bedroom floor. Ethan’s inner control freak would have a fit, but I was too tired to care.
In all honesty, I was too bummed to give much of a damn about anything.
After hours of trekking around the trails earlier this afternoon, I’d found absolutely no sign of the Dragon Oracle. I didn’t know what I was looking for, but I figured there’d be clues. Or heck—maybe I’d even run into her. Possibly stumble upon some sort of cave where I’d find her hanging out.
No such luck. I’d even made the guys stay back near the trailhead, since I didn’t want the Oracle to get spooked. But after I had been gone for a few hours—hiking in circles and covering the same area over and over—they finally came out to search for me.
We’d checked the GPS coordinates what seemed like a billion times—we were definitely in the right spot, unless Torm’s information was incorrect. But that wouldn’t make sense, because he wanted us to find the Oracle as much as we did.
Finally, we had just decided to come home.
I sighed and traipsed into the bathroom to turn on the shower.
This sucked.
