“Oleander!” Reve looked scandalized. “Such talk is forbidden.”
“Stop,” Lorien said, putting a hand on Reve’s shoulder. “If we don’t let him talk to her now, he’ll just end up leaving the dream realm again.”
“I don’t want you to hate me for keeping secrets,” Landon said. “I hoped you would just feel like I did. That we were meant to be together. That would have made everything easier.”
Vex just waited.
“But I guess I need to put it all out for you to decide. I saw your face in the dream realm. It’s not supposed to happen. We’re supposed to find a mate in one of the nine realms. For me, it should have been a princess.”
Vex snickered. “Missed the mark on that one.”
“Not exactly,” Landon said. “If not for the lab, you would have been a light princess.”
Vex just shrugged, trying to be calm, though her heart was beating faster just being around him.
It had hurt so much when he was gone. But she wasn’t going to say that. Not until she knew more about this situation.
For all she knew, it would be better if she sent him home with his friends.
“I came here for you,” he said. “I went rogue as a dream fae. We aren’t supposed to leave the dream realm.”
She blinked. “What? Wait, so you weren’t raised in the labs?”
He shook his head. “No, I came to find you and let myself be captured. I thought you would still be in the dungeon. By the time I realized you weren’t, it was too late.”
Vex felt horror fill her. Horror and a kind of awe. “Why would you do that?”
“You were in trouble, and I loved you. I loved you from the moment I saw your face in my dreams.”
“Just my face, then?” Vex cocked her head. “You must have been disappointed when you met me then, with all the scars—”
“Don’t say that!” Landon sighed. “No. I saw your bravery in the darkness. I saw you fighting no matter what. And the more I saw, the more I was desperate to find you. But dreams are sometimes delayed. By the time I was there…”
“I had escaped.” Vex finished.
“Yes,” Landon said.
“He was in a lab!” Lorien said, enraged. “Experimented on.”
“Shh, it’s all right,” Jerrek said soothingly as the crystal disappeared around him, allowing him to go to his friend. “He’s fine now. See?”
“Wait,” Reve said. “Let’s hear them out. We can always take him home with us after.”
The thought of that hit Vex’s heart like a burning arrow. Landon going somewhere he couldn’t reach her… But then again, that’s what she had done to him.
“I’m sorry,” she said, looking up at Landon. “Go on. I promise I’ll listen to the end.”
“I didn’t mind the experiments, honest. When they injected the dragon blood, I only gained immunity.” He grinned. "And eventually, they pumped in enough that I can take dragon form.”
“An abomination!” Lorien said before being hushed again by his friends.
“I like myself,” Landon said. “The dragon part of me. The fae I never left behind. My past. My present. My future, which I intend to have with you, however you want that to be.”
She was still staring at him aghast, unable to process what he’d said before. “You came to a dungeon. You stayed there for me?”
“Hey, you came for me also,” he said.
She bit her lip. “Uh, well, I was actually just taking someone down there to get revenge, and—”
“I believe in fate,” Landon said. “And when you came that night and freed me, I knew I had done the right thing. That we were meant to be together even if I had to travel across worlds.”
Vex took a deep breath, then released it shakily. “So what do you want from me?”
“Just to be with you forever,” Landon said. “You don’t have to be my mate. You don’t have to change anything.”
“But…” How could she possibly deserve him?
Landon cupped her face, looking into her eyes tenderly. “Some people are just meant to be together no matter where they are, no matter what they do. No matter what they’ve been through. No matter where they came from.”
Vex felt her eyes grow misty, and she nodded at him.
Landon smiled. “Whatever we do and wherever we go and however long our life is, I want to be with you.”
She pulled back, swiping a tear away, trying to compose herself.
No one had come to save her. She’d always thought she was alone in the world. She fought for herself.
But he had come for her.
And he’d waited. And he’d been patient. And put up with everything.
And now he was here and saying she was all he could want.
She didn’t even have the excuse that it was puppy love.
“Well, if you really did all of that, I’d be an idiot to reject you,” she said. She swiped at another tear, and he gently lifted his hands to wipe her eyes.
Always so damn gentle.
“It won’t be easy with you,” she said. “I’m still going to be difficult—”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“And I… I don’t know what I want to do with my life, but I know it has to be full of adventure.”
“Then I’ll be right by your side.”
“Then I love you, Landon. And I won’t ever leave you again.” She sighed. “How could I after all of that mush?” She could feel her cheeks burning.
He laughed, pulling her in close, bringing his lips a breath away for a kiss. “That’s my Vex. I wouldn’t change you.”
She closed her eyes, already anticipating his lips claiming hers, when they were interrupted by someone’s throat clearing.
Lorien walked forward, flanked by his cohorts. “I’m sorry, but I think we’re still missing something. This is my brother, and if you think I’m going to let him be with some criminal, you have another thing coming.”
Landon stood, placing himself in front of Vex. “I won’t go.”
Lorien’s hands began to burn with energy. “It’s not going to be your decision.”
Vex moved in front of Landon in a flash and, to her shock, felt energy burst from her back. Lorien’s mouth fell open as he looked up at her wings, bright and white and violet and flaming in huge arcs.
Her hands were in fists as she stared down Lorien. “Don’t make me get out my wand.”
A laugh rent the air, and Jerrek stepped forward, putting an arm around Lorien.
“You really are coldhearted if you could listen to that speech and not be moved.”
“Just an overprotective older brother,” Reve said, joining them. “Come now, Lor. You saw. She’ll protect him with her life.”
“But she’s a criminal, and—”
“So is he,” Jerrek said. “So are we.”
Landon came up alongside her. “That’s right. You left the dream realm to find me. That means you’re rogues.”
“I’m a king. I can do as I like,” Lorien said haughtily.
“Then let me stay here with Vex.”
Lorien shot her a look. “Even the name makes me want to burn something up.”
Jerrek put out a hand, blocking him. “You saw that she would protect him. We threatened her with death, and even though they are clearly close, she wouldn’t reveal him.”
She shrugged, letting her wings slowly retract. “Of course not. I love this guy. I wasn’t going to let you hurt him.”
Lorien folded his arms, looking stymied. “Well, she is at least part dream fae.” He sighed. “Fine then. I’ll let the two of you go. And I’ll find you and discuss this in the fae world.”
Landon frowned. “But—”
“I will meet you there. That is the end of it.” Lorien held up a hand, creating a portal. “I assume you can find your own way back.”
Landon nodded.
Lorien’s eyes softened, and he strode over to Landon, pulling him in for one last hug. “Then I sh
all inform the kingdom. Why did you shut off your dream link?”
Landon sighed. “I didn’t want the scientists to find a way into our realm even through my mind.”
“I suppose you’re not a total traitor, then,” Lorien said. He patted Landon on the shoulder, looking loathe to leave him. He pinned his gaze on Vex. “Now that I know my brother is safe, I have to attend to my kingdom. I have been gone for quite some time.”
Jerrek and Reve nodded. They waved, heading for the portal, Lorien following.
“Lor,” Landon called. “You tried hard to find me. Thank you.”
Lorien just sighed, then walked into the portal, giving Landon a soft smile just before he disappeared. “I’ll find you in the fae world a week from now. Turn on your dream link, idiot,” his voice called as the portal slowly disappeared.
Around them, the clouds began moving, looking more transparent.
“We need to go,” Landon said. “This dimension is disintegrating.”
“So wait, this is like my glamour but stronger? Like they just portal to a different dimension?”
“Yes, but we have access to far more,” Landon said. He swept her up in his arms, brooking no protest. “Now, mate, I intend to take you home.”
“Mate?” Vex blushed. “Not soul bond? What do you call it as a dream fae?”
He cocked his head. “I don’t know if I’m more dream fae or dragon, but I do know exactly what to call you.”
“What?” Vex said, watching in awe as Landon opened a swirling white portal for them, sparkling with rainbow colors, and walked into it with her.
“Mine.”
18
“So, Leander,” Vex said, giving him a teasing smile as they sat in the living room, relaxing after they’d each taken a shower.
“You aren’t going to let that go, huh?”
“Nice name,” she said. “Why should I?”
He sighed, getting up from his chair and moving over to her couch. “Because I did.”
“Are you sure you shouldn’t go back there with him?” Vex gave him a wary look. “They’re your family. I’m kind of surprised you would leave them, to be honest.”
He shook his head. “Every dream prince leaves his kingdom to find his mate. Mine was simply farther than some of them.”
She sighed. “So there’s really no getting rid of you, is there?” But there was a twinkle in her purple-gray eyes.
“Do you want to?”
“No.”
They sat in silence for a moment.
“I’m sorry I ran out on you,” Vex said. “I totally misunderstood you. Underestimated you and—”
“Everyone does,” Landon said. “But I like it that way. I don’t want to be someone who intimidates people, who throws their weight around—”
“So will you tell the others? About being dream fae, I mean?”
“I don’t know,” Landon said. “That depends how things go with my brothers. If they end up coming here or not. If they don’t, probably not. After all, I don’t know everything that comprises Ryder or Dallin.”
“But this is a big part of you. You’re not truly dragon. You’re fae.”
“I’m dragon now too,” he said. “Want me to show you my dragon form?”
Vex looked curious, then sighed. “You’d break the house, so I guess not.” She looked down at her hands. “So we’re both ruined by that lab, hm?”
Landon frowned. “No. I don’t think so.” He sighed. “I think I was reformed by them. Literally changed, but I am essentially what I always was. The same heart is inside. It beats only for you.”
“I just don’t get it,” Vex said. “How lucky I am to have someone waiting for me. Thinking of me. In a way, it’s the most terrifying prospect ever. But in other ways… it gives me peace.”
“Good,” Landon said, letting out a sigh of relief that she seemed to be adjusting to everything.
“So Tyrus… dead?”
Landon shrugged. “I would think so. I left him in the care of the bears.”
Vex’s eyes widened. “Oh yes. Dead then. The bears are very loyal to whomever they consider friends.”
Landon slanted her a smile. “You have a lot of people you consider friends. I don’t know how you could ever consider yourself a monster.”
She looked down at her hands again, then sighed, and a shimmering purple line moved down over her, revealing her without any glamour at all.
She looked at him warily, just as beautiful as ever, though maybe more so for being so brave.
Landon just smiled, in awe of her beauty, and trailed a hand down her face, touching over the faint lines. “Gorgeous.”
“This is really what you want? You can really stand this forever?” She stared at herself. “It’s not just the outside, the inside is messed up too. I run from feelings as I did when I heard you tell Dallin I was your mate.”
“I know.”
“And I’m never going to be really domesticated.”
“I know.”
“And you’re really okay with all of this?”
He turned to her, grabbing her shoulders. “Of course I am. What do I have to do to show you? I’ve seen you so many times in my dreams.”
“I’ve seen you too,” she said. “It’s why I ended up inviting you here.”
He grinned as guilt moved through him. “Well, that’s… Maybe I did that on purpose.”
“What?”
“Dream fae can appear in dreams,” Landon said.
“But I thought they said you turned off that dream link or whatever it was.”
“That’s the link to the fae dream realm. It’s separate from the human one. I can go there without needing a link. So I decided to appear in your dreams until your heart told you what mine had told me. That we were meant to be together.”
Her eyes met his tentatively. “I think you’re the only person I could stand to be with.”
“That’s it?”
“I said I loved you before,” she said. “And to be honest, I don’t think I could have had sex with you, been vulnerable with you, if there hadn’t been something between us from the start. Even if I didn’t want to admit it.”
“I think so too,” he said. “Not because sex is all-powerful, but I knew even as you asked me to meet your ‘needs’ that you could have asked anyone. And you asked me.” He sighed. “I just bet on the fact that it might mean something.” He smiled at her. “I’m glad it worked out.”
“I still can’t believe you came here and took on Tyrus. I really did think you’d go date some beacon or something. I thought that would be better for you.”
“No,” he said. “I’m afraid you’re very much stuck with me as long as you want me.”
She grinned. “Well, I can always use a good cohort.”
When he frowned, she laughed, patting his leg.
“Just kidding.” She stood, reaching out a hand for him. As she did, her glamour came over her again.
Landon shook his head. “Don’t do that. Save your energy. I like you as you are.”
She folded her arms. “I’m going to use it around others, you know. I don’t like looks of pity.”
“I get it,” he said. “But with me, tonight, just stay like this. Just be yourself. I want all of you.”
She swallowed, rubbing the back of her neck. “Beneath the scars, regardless of them, I’m just not sure I’ll ever be enough. I’m not romantic like you, and—”
He came in close, cupping her face and tilting her head. “I need you just as you are. Just you.” He lowered his lips to hers, claiming them fiercely, showing her how much he needed her. Wanted her. Would do anything for her.
Whether that was chasing creatures in the Blur, fighting evil, or just eating ice cream.
She pulled back, finally, breathless, hunger plain in her eyes. “Then I’m never letting you go, Landon.”
He grinned, taking her lips with his again. “Perfect.”
Vex lay back on the bed, heart full of love and wonder
as Landon made love to her body, naked and scarred and unhidden.
It changed nothing for him, and the truth of it made her feel healed deep inside.
Truthfully, she’d never thought her scars made her lesser. But she’d never wanted the reminder that she would always be different from anyone else.
She didn’t regret being in that dungeon, though she knew it was horror. There was no point in regret, no time machines.
And she could now see that even in the darkest moments, sometimes something beautiful could be waiting if one held on long enough.
She wouldn’t be trite enough to say that she was glad for everything she’d been through because it had brought her to Landon.
No, what had happened to her had almost screwed everything up.
But she did take peace and pleasure in knowing that no one could ruin her no matter how they tried.
She was a glamour fae, and thanks to him, she had her wings back. He didn’t even know how much that meant.
She felt powerful and whole and even able to love and have a relationship like others could.
And though her fierce sense of justice would always demand she be out there in the fight, it was enough to know Landon would always be with her.
She’d never be alone in the darkness again.
And she’d always watch out for him. Make sure her too-good-for-this-or-any-world dream fae was happy.
Which he seemed to be whenever he was by her side.
“I love you,” he said, kissing down her stomach, over her hips, his hands kneading her soft thighs before spreading them. His lips moved over her sex. “Love you so much, Vex.”
She arched back as pleasure shook her, as his tongue explored her folds, licked up to her clit. And something else, something stronger than pure sensation, underlined what he did for her. Warm and surging, flowing and aching.
Something that made her heart squeeze whenever her eyes met his.
She arched back as orgasm ripped through her, strong like ocean waves, safe because he was holding her, his arms on her thighs, his mouth still moving wickedly over her sex.
“Landon,” she cried out over and over as her release shook her. It felt like she could cry so much emotion was running through her. Something from so deep inside she didn’t recognize it.
Dragon Reformed (Reclaimed Dragons Book 3) Page 14
