by Jana Downs
“But the things I said—”
Layden pressed a finger to Devon’s lips. “I know you didn’t mean it, Devon. I know you love me and Abraxas more than anything. You proved that when you stood before Ryujin, declaring your feelings.” He took the fragile human into his arms, grateful to have him near once more. “I love you, Devon Avalon, and I will always love you, no matter what.”
Devon clung to him for a moment before Layden felt him relax into their embrace. “I’m just so happy,” he whispered at last. “I’m so happy that we can finally be together.”
Layden lifted Devon’s chin and placed a kiss upon his lips. The touch sent a rush of desire straight to Layden’s cock as he grabbed at Devon’s slender frame, pulling him close.
When Layden finally pulled back, they were both left breathless. He reached for Devon’s hand and felt the silver ring around his finger. “You’re wearing it?”
“Of course,” Devon said. “I’ve worn it since you gave it to me.”
Layden extended his own hand and showed him the matching ring on his finger. “Abraxas and I both have one. We bought them at the market. Do you like it?”
Devon nodded. “I love it.”
The smile on his face made Layden’s heart skip a beat as they walked hand in hand to join Abraxas in the bath. Devon slipped out of his clothes, standing naked before both of them and his auburn hair fell in front of his lust-filled gaze. Layden and Abraxas exchanged a knowing look before they reached for their human, determined to show him just how much they really did care for him.
* * * *
“I present to you the new Kings of Draconia,” Druis announced to the mass of people that had gathered for the crowning ceremony. Cheers erupted as Abraxas and Layden waved to the people.
The crowning ceremony had been long and boring but it was a tradition that was required by the laws of the land. Devon was just glad it was finally over. With the people’s cheers following them, they were led by the guardsmen back inside the palace where they were greeted by the clan leaders and Brandon. Each of the leaders were dressed in their formal attire designed to represent their individual clans.
Asher and Ezekiel moved closer to shake Abraxas’s and Layden’s hands first.
“Congratulations,” Ezekiel beamed.
“Yeah, congrats,” Asher added.
A small smile tugged at the corner of the Layden’s lips. “Thanks.”
Ezekiel approached Devon, giving him a hug and wishing him well. “You can always call me if you need anything.”
Devon nodded. “I will, Zeke. I promise.”
“Well,” Lady Azure said, interrupting the heartfelt moment as she and her husband stepped forward to greet their son. “I see the Dragon God has bestowed his blessing on this union.” Her emphasis on the last word made her displeasure at the situation known. Layden’s father refused to look Abraxas or Layden in the eye as he stood tall and tense.
Layden’s lips pursed and Devon could see his anger rising. Devon placed a reassuring hand on his lover’s shoulder, providing instantaneous relief to the building tension. “Thanks for coming, Mom, Dad.”
They nodded in unison and turned to leave, eager to be as far away from the Night clan as possible. Layden’s father cast one last look over his shoulder. “I am proud of you, son.”
Before Layden had a chance to respond, his father shifted forms. His massive frame filled the entirety of the room before he took flight through the open doorway. His wife joined him and they disappeared in the skyline.
Abraxas’s father snorted as he approached his son. “Thank god they’re gone.”
Abraxas raised his brow at his father. “That’s King Layden’s parents you’re speaking about.”
His father shrugged. “I don’t care who they are, they’re still my enemy.” But his voice held less conviction as he glanced at Layden. “You know I mean no insult to you, King Layden.”
Layden nodded and Devon could tell he was just as anxious as he was to be done with this whole ordeal.
“Congratulations, son. I look forward to seeing what you accomplish as the new King of Draconia.” He extended his hand and Abraxas took it. Every muscle in his body was rigid. “Your mother sends her wishes. She wasn’t feeling well today.”
Abraxas nodded. “Tell her I said hello.”
Satisfied, his father turned to leave. “I’ll expect you to call and check in every once in a while.”
“All right,” Abraxas agreed. They watched as the Night leader disappeared through the doorway. The moment he was gone, Abraxas and Layden let out a sigh of relief. They had told Devon about their parents and the tension they had grown up in but Devon hadn’t really understood what they meant until now.
“Well, that wasn’t as bad as what I thought it was going to be,” Layden offered.
Abraxas snorted. “Speak for yourself. I’m just happy they’re gone.”
Devon wound his arms around Abraxas’s waist and smiled up at him. “Give them time. You can’t expect them to start getting along after one day. The fact that they could tolerate each other without breaking out into a fist fight is an improvement from the stories you told me about.”
Abraxas glanced down at Devon and sighed. “You’re right. I know it’ll take time. I’m just so tired of the tension.”
“It will get better,” Druis offered. “With Ezekiel and Asher on your side and Faylnn set to take the Jade clan throne, you have plenty of people supporting you and Layden as King.”
Abraxas pursed his lips. “Do you really think Faylnn will be in support of us?”
Druis nodded. “I’ve already spoken with her. She will be crowned clan leader tomorrow and is scheduled to come show her support. Apparently, she’s endured her share of beatings at Cerilius’s hand and trust me when I say, she’s more than grateful.”
“Well, at least that’s one person I don’t have to worry about. What’s on the agenda for the rest of today?” Abraxas’s authoritative tone reverberated throughout the room, but Devon could see the exhaustion weighing on his features.
Druis gave him a weak smile. “Nothing, my King. The affairs of the kingdom have been pushed back until tomorrow. I figured you and Layden would need a break after everything you’ve been through today.”
“Thanks,” Layden said, standing next to Abraxas and entwining their fingers. He glanced to Devon. “Shall we retire for the evening?”
The proposition held a hint of desire and Devon was more than eager to be alone with his dragons. He nodded, saying his good-byes to Asher, Ezekiel, Druis, and his brother.
They stepped inside their bedchamber—a place Devon was getting used to calling home.
Devon reached for Abraxas first. Their lips collided and a flood of desire flowed through his body. He wondered if he would ever tire of being theirs.
A low growl sounded from Layden as he watched Abraxas pull off Devon’s shirt. Devon glanced back at the water dragon, reaching for his other lover. “Why don’t you come join us, my King?”
Epilogue
A year had passed since Abraxas and Layden had been both named King of Draconia. Brandon had decided to stay with Devon, making Draconia their permanent residency, and Devon couldn’t have been happier.
A knock at the door sounded, and Devon glanced up just in time to see Druis stick his head in. “You ready?”
Devon nodded as he cast one last look in the mirror. Today was their wedding day, the day he’d been waiting for since the Dragon God had given their relationship his blessing.
Druis walked him down the hall to the throne room where everyone else was waiting for him. The music sounded, and Devon linked his arm with Druis, happy to have him in his father’s place.
“You got this,” Druis said reassuringly. It did little to ease his nerves.
Devon took his first step down the aisle and his eyes locked on the two men he was about to pledge his life to. All his fears and anxiety faded until nothing but his love for them remained. Abraxas had a
warm smile on his face as Layden reached out, taking Devon from Druis.
The priest they’d hired began with the formal blessing as he spoke the vows in the ancient Draconian language. When all was said and done, they locked hands, each one adorned with the rings Layden and Abraxas had picked out for them.
Abraxas pledged his love first, then Layden. The priest finally addressed Devon as tears cascaded down his cheeks. He turned to look at his lovers. There was nowhere else he’d rather be.
“Do you, Devon Avalon, pledge your undying love to each of the dragons standing before you through the spiritual bond blessed by the Dragon God Ryujin?” the priest asked Devon at last.
A smile spread across Devon’s face as he met Layden and Abraxas’s gaze. “Forever and always, I pledge my love to you.”
THE END
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jana Downs lives in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina with three cats, one dog, several dozen fish, and a very understanding partner-in-crime who hates to read but makes exceptions for her stories.
You can usually find her either watching bad reality TV, buying way too many books on Amazon, or dreaming up another man or two to occupy her time because life is good but several drop-dead gorgeous nonexistent men is just better.
For all titles by Jana Downs, please visit
www.bookstrand.com/jana-downs
Siren Publishing, Inc.
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