by Victoria Zak
“Fuck me.” As the words left her mouth, she was shocked at her boldness. Who has taken over my body? But that was exactly what she wanted, what she craved. They were beyond slow and easy, she wanted hot, mind-blowing fucking.
He looked up at her, his dark, smoldering gaze sent a shudder of anticipation through her body as hot and lethal as a bolt of lightning. This was it, she was going up in flames.
He reached behind her neck and gently pulled her close, until her forehead rested against his. Her eyes were drawn to his full lips as he wet them with his tongue. “Say it again…” He needed to be reassured—especially after what had happened between them earlier.
A wicked smile spread across her mouth, and without batting an eyelash, she confirmed her command. “Fuck me.” She leaned in and took his bottom lip between her teeth and gently tugged. Just when she released her hold, he drew her back into a ravenous kiss. Their tongues swirled together in a hunger that shook her soul-deep.
She reached down and stroked his cock through his jeans. Ravenous, she unbuttoned his pants and shoved her hand down the front of his body. He grabbed her wrist and sucked in a deep breath. “If you touch me right now, I’ll come undone.”
“I want to touch you.”
“In time, trust me. Right now, I need to be inside you.” In a rush of passion, he grabbed her ass, lifting her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist, his hot skin scorching her tender flesh.
They stumbled across the garage to the Firebird, where he sat her on the hood. The urgency to feel his skin against hers took over as she grabbed at his shirt, tugging and pulling like she couldn’t get the damn thing off quick enough. Once he was free of his shirt, Bex tore hers off and pressed her aching body against his chest. The intimate contact awakened every animalistic urge she’d tried to suppress all her life.
He must have felt the wildfire burning uncontrollably within her, because in one fluid motion without his lips leaving hers, he tugged his jeans off. She wrapped her arm around his neck, fisting a handful of his hair, and pulled him down on top of her as she laid back on the car. Thane braced himself so he wouldn’t crush her. Underneath his warmth and the weight of his body, she found something wonderful …she felt more beautiful, more alive than she ever did before.
Giving him a special invitation, she pressed her heels against his ass and squeezed her legs, bringing him even closer to where she needed him to be—deep inside her. In one thrust, he fully buried himself. Pure pleasure rippled up her body. She sucked in a breath, tensing from the size of his cock stretching her. She grabbed ahold of his arms as she took every sweet inch of him in.
“Did I hurt you?” he whispered over her ear.
“No. You feel good.”
“Just good?” he looked down at her.
“Show me what you got, Dragon.”
Something behind that smirk of his told her she’d just poked the beast more. In a frenzy, he sat her up and gripped her hips, pumping her harder…deeper. He knew exactly what she wanted and how to execute it masterfully. Before she knew it, she was consumed by all that was Thane.
Heat coursed through her body. Her legs quivered as she tightened them around his waist. “Thane, I’m—”
“That’s it, baby.” She held on tight. The buildup was beautifully primal and intense, unlike anything she’d ever felt before. She threw her head back as she surrendered to wave-after-wave of perfect bliss.
“Fuck, yeah,” he growled and then his body tightened as they both shared a sacred moment…a moment she didn’t want to end.
Not knowing much about this side of her dragon, Bex succumbed to a feeling she’d never felt before. In his arms, she’d never felt more beautiful, sexy, and thoroughly loved. This wasn’t just sex, it was something much more. It was as if Thane had been etched into her soul from the beginning of time. The lost girl desperately trying to make sense of her life had finally found what she was looking for. Unfortunately, after tonight, she had to set him free.
In a blink of an eye, the dream was over.
Overwhelming sorrow slammed into her chest as she thought about their hopeless situation. She released her legs and rested them on the bumper of the car. She slipped her hands off his shoulders as her body was telling him goodbye. She never promised him tomorrow.
“Bex, don’t do this.”
She gazed at his face. A mist of gray swirled into the blue-green of his eyes, his lips formed a frown. He, too, felt the dark cloud looming over their happily-ever-after. Thane caressed her cheeks. “You understand what’s happening between us now.”
She nodded, too sad to speak.
“I have one more day to convince you to stay. Promise, you’ll live in the moment with me.”
She nodded again, pushing back the tears that had threatened to fall. Thane was right, she didn’t want to waste time thinking about being away from him. She’d spend the rest of their time together kissing him longer and loving him without regrets. She’d memorize every inch of his body and remember the pleasure he’d inspired. She never wanted to forget Thane.
“Let’s go upstairs where I can love you properly.” Thane scooped Bex up into his arms. “Baby, I’m going to love you so hard you’ll never want to leave my bed.”
Her heart raced with anticipation, for she knew the truth behind his words. If this was just a taste of his carnal appetite, she couldn’t imagine the pleasure that waited. “Promise?” She winked.
“Promise.” He claimed her lips as he carried her inside the house.
10
Thane rolled over in bed, sleep-dazed, and expecting to wrap his arms around Bex’s warm body like he’d done many times. Exhausted after making love again, he smiled at the thought of her being here. Keeping up with his mate’s needs while she was in her prime had already proven to be a challenge. One he liked, a lot. He never realized the pain and discomfort a she-dragon went through during their prime, but after witnessing the relentless ache coursing through Bex, he had a greater appreciation for what females endured. He was grateful Bex only had to go through this once a year.
The cold sheets next to him jerked him awake. He rolled back over and looked at the clock. A whole day had gone by. “Fuck.” He ran his hands through his hair and sat up. His stomach rumbled reminding him they hadn’t eaten in a while. “Bex,” he called out thinking she was in the shower. “I’m going to fix some food. What would you like?” He slipped on his jeans thinking it was odd that she didn’t reply. He padded across his bedroom to the bathroom. “Bex.” He knocked on the door. Slowly, it creaked open. He looked inside. She’s not here.
Quickly, he made his way out of his room to the top of the stairs trying not to panic, but the realization she was gone grew minute-by-minute. He looked down into the living room, praying he’d find her. “Bex,” he called out again. He gripped the wood railing as he searched the porch through the wall of windows. There was no sign of her.
He raced back into his room, searching for Bex’s overnight bag. It was gone, too. “Shit.”
She could still be at Dorothea’s packing. He tugged on a t-shirt from the dresser and bolted downstairs. There was still time, he prayed, to reach her before she left. There had to be. This couldn’t be the way it ended. He slipped on his hiking boots and grabbed his jacket before he left the house.
The Firebird’s engine roared to life as Thane turned the key. He slammed it in reverse, barely missing the garage door as it went up. Tires screeching, he raced down the mountain. The smell of Bex’s jasmine scent still on his skin made him go faster. He had to reach her in time. She couldn’t leave without saying goodbye.
He’d thought she would have changed her mind after knowing they were mates. All the other stuff didn’t matter. All he wanted was her…to spend his life loving her.
A mournful cry bellowed from inside him. His dragon felt the same way. They were losing their mate. “Fuck.”
Thane’s heart settled as he pulled into Dorothea’s driveway and saw Bex’s car parked curbside. She was sti
ll here. He cut the engine and took in a deep breath. What was he going say? What could he do to make her stay? He’d given her everything he had. He’d been so confident he could change her mind, but there was nothing left to make her want to be with him. Thane stepped out of the car and froze as he watched Bex hug Dorothea goodbye at the front door.
For a minute, he thought of running to her, flying her far away from all the outside influences keeping them apart, until she accepted him as her mate. Yes, his dragon was a greedy bastard and yes, the thought was creepy, but he was a desperate man. In less than a week, this woman had awakened him in ways he never dreamed possible.
Thane leaned on the passenger side door waiting for Bex to finish her goodbyes with Dorothea. He stiffened when Bex turned around and began to walk down the driveway. She paused after she saw him waiting. One look at her and he knew she’d been crying—her eyes were red and swollen. Frustrated, he kept his mouth shut, too afraid the sea of words ready to come out would only deepen her pain. Damn her, she could make this all go away if she’d just stay. He’d given everything to her—heart and soul, but it wasn’t enough.
Angry that she was going to skip town without even saying goodbye, he realized if he hadn’t come here, she’d be long gone already. The idea of losing his mate pissed him off.
Bex averted her gaze and continued down the driveway, stopping in front of him. “Hey,” she said.
He stuffed his hands in his jean pockets. He didn’t know what to do or say.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered and scooted close enough to kiss his cheek. He turned away before her lips touched his skin. He refused to accept her goodbye.
Tears filled Bex’s eyes. All her life she yearned to have that special connection with another dragon and now that she’d found it, she had to let it go. She had a life back home, a life she’d worked hard to achieve. Finishing her dissertation and finally reaching her goals were in her grasp. Besides, she was honest with Thane from the beginning, she wasn’t staying. Her heart raced with sadness. Words escaped her when she saw the hurt on Thane’s face. She didn’t blame him for not wanting her kiss; there was nothing she could say or do to ease the pain. This is exactly why she left this morning without waking him. She wasn’t strong enough to end it.
One more kiss, one touch, and she’d never leave his bed. And now seeing him like this, well, she knew if she stayed any longer, she wouldn’t go back to the life she’d worked so hard for. She couldn’t throw it all away.
Before she completely lost it, she continued to her car. Quickly, she threw her bags in the backseat, then got in and pulled away. She gripped the steering wheel and focused on the road through the tears. She didn’t dare look back. Every mile marker she passed was a reminder of what she was leaving behind. And no matter how loud she turned up the radio, nothing erased her thoughts of Thane and the time they’d shared together.
The sound of her cellphone vibrating brought her back to reality. Mel’s name flashed on the radio screen. Bex debated whether to answer. She was in no mood to talk about her vacation, and Mel would want to know everything. On the other hand, she didn’t want to worry her friend. “Shit.” Bex accepted the call. “Hey, Mel.”
“Hey, stranger. I’ve been trying to get ahold of you. Check your messages much?”
“I’m on vacation, remember.”
“I know, but Dr. Valstrath has been trying to reach you all week. He even came into the lab. I told him you had the flu and bought you some time, but I think you need to check your email. Sounded like it was important.”
“I wonder what’s going on. He never comes to the lab.”
“Check your email, woman.”
“Right. I’m on my way home.”
“So…”
Oh, dear god, here it comes.
“What?”
“You know what. How was your vacation? Meet any sexy men?”
“Mel, I’m hanging up, I’m driving. I’ll tell you everything soon.”
“You better.”
“Bye.”
Bex hung up and pulled over to the side of the road. She had at least two more hours in the car and she couldn’t wait until she got home to check her email. She put her hazards on, then pulled her phone out of her purse. It was silly that she hadn’t checked her email sooner, but she had other things on her mind.
She scrolled through her messages and found an email from Dr. Valstrath, subject, urgent. “Shit.” Bex opened it.
She sighed in relief. He wanted to see her first thing Monday morning. Tomorrow was Sunday, giving her the day to catch up before she met with him. But why the urgency? Odd, she thought, but then again, he was an odd man.
11
“Another.” Thane slammed the shot glass down on the table. Fuck yeah, the whiskey was going down smooth.
“Mind if I join the party?” Stone asked as he took a seat next to him and ordered.
“Misery loves company.” Thane nodded to the bartender to fill his glass again.
“That bad, huh?”
“Yep, she left.” Thane studied the shot glass in his hand as if he was watching a rerun of what had gone down this morning.
Stone threw back his shot, then hissed.
“What’s wrong?” Thane snickered. “Can’t handle whiskey?”
“Whew, it’s been a while.”
They both chuckled.
“So, what are you going to do about it?” Stone asked.
“About what?”
Stone gave him an annoyed glare as he ordered a beer.
“There’s nothing I can do. Bex wanted to leave, and I couldn’t make her stay. And to put the pickle on the shit sandwich, she was going to leave without even saying goodbye.”
“That’s your ego speaking right there, my man. You need to go after her, trust me.”
“Nope. My plan is to get drunk and live my life like yours.” He turned and faced his best friend. “I mean look at you. You have properties all over the world. You have beautiful women dying to be with you, with no strings attached. You fuck ‘em and leave ‘em. That, my man, is brilliant.” Maybe it was the liquor talking, but damn it sounded good.
Stone shook his head in disgust. “You haven’t a clue, do you?”
“Nope. And don’t care.”
“You should care. You don’t want to make the same mistakes as I did. You’ll end up an empty, emotionless shell. That’s what happens when you let your mate slip away.” Stone took a long pull from his beer.
“You mean Cyn?”
“Yep, she was my mate.”
Thane never knew the full reasoning behind their breakup, yet he’d seen his friend go through hell trying to get over her. It never crossed his mind that Cyn was Stone’s mate. So, this was what a dragon looked like when their mates didn’t accept them. Thane studied Stone for a moment through a drunken fog. His friend had put on a good show the last year, pretending everything was fine, that he was living the good life. But now he could see the long-term effects of a dragon losing his mate. Stone couldn’t even say her name. Now he understood why Stone slept around, to fill the void his mate left behind.
“Listen,” Stone said, “I made some horrible mistakes that I can’t undo. But you, you must go after Bex. Don’t let her slip away. Do whatever it takes to keep her.”
“I don’t know. She has her own life. She’s studying to become a doctor and is working very hard at it. I couldn’t ask her to give that up.”
“Then don’t. You…” Stone jabbed him in the shoulder, “Need to fit into her world.”
Thane quickly sobered. He could do that, he could fit into her world. Even though his dragon pride wanted her in his world, providing for her every need. They could still be together. “You know, I hate it when you’re right.”
“Get used to it.” Stone smirked as he brought the beer bottle to his lips.
“I’m going after her right now.” Thane stumbled off the barstool in a rush to get to the door.
“Hold up, Casanova.” Ston
e quickly stood, helping Thane keep his balance. “How about I drive you home? You need to sober up before you go after Bex.”
“No, I’m good.” Thane adjusted his jacket, trying to shake off the hazy, double vision. “See, I’m fine.” He swayed into the bar.
“Right.” Stone finished his beer. “Don’t be an asshole. I’m driving you home.”
Thane wrapped his arm around Stone’s shoulders, holding himself up as they walked across the pub to the front door. “You know what?”
“No, but I’m sure you’ll tell me.”
“You are one sexy beast.”
“Thane, shut up before I coldcock your ass.”
Monday morning came too soon. Bex had spent most of the night tossing and turning, thinking about why Dr. Valstrath wanted to see her. Of course, the first thing that ran through her mind was that somehow he’d found out about the anti-shift serum. But she’d been careful and covered her tracks. Perhaps it was about her dissertation. Maybe he wanted her to defend it early.
With coffee in-hand, she opened the double glass doors to the institute and nervously made her way to the lab where she was supposed to meet Dr. V. She walked in and lucky for her, he wasn’t there yet. She flipped on the lights and a sizzling sound followed by a pop happened before the fluorescent lights zapped out. Startled, Bex froze as she watched the emergency light on the far wall come on. She walked to the table and set her laptop bag down, then looked around the lab. Something felt off.
The lab was eerily quiet expect for the hum of the emergency light. She heard another strange noise and crept deeper into the lab trying to figure out where it was coming from. “Dr. V., are you in here?”
There were too many dark corners and shadows; she couldn’t see a damn thing. The mumbling turned into a slightly recognizable murmur she thought sounded like someone talking. An icy chill streaked down her spine as the voice argued with itself.
“I can’t, I can’t…” The voice trailed off as if it was moving across the floor and away from her. “You must,” it hissed.
