by Brenda Trim
“I’m starving, mate, and I need to taste you,” he mentally replied, and Mack watched his tongue dart between his fangs then swipe through her fleshy folds.
Mack arched off the rock as Kyran feasted on her sex with abandon. He licked and sucked her clit until she was begging for release. One finger slid inside her womb then two. She felt him press against her G-spot, making her wild with need. When his fangs scraped against her sensitive flesh, she lost it.
“Now, Kyran! Bite me!” she demanded. And bite her he did.
Her climax exploded the moment his fangs pierced her clit. Stars winked in her vision and her body trembled with release. Mack hooked her legs around Kyran’s neck and held him in place while her body quivered uncontrollably. There was no greater orgasm than when Kyran bit her. She craved it above all else.
Every draw of blood he took sent her into another climax. It was torture and ecstasy combined, and she gave herself completely to her vampire. She was honored to offer her blood to him. He needed it to survive, and hers was the only blood he could drink. That was how it was between Fated Mates. She was vital to his survival.
“My God, you’re incredible at oral sex, bloodsucker,” she panted when her climax subsided. Mack relaxed her hold and unhooked her legs. They felt like rubber bands after the multiple orgasms. In fact, she didn’t think she’d be able to walk back to the castle.
“And, you give an epic blowjob, mate,” he confessed as he picked her up and cradled her in his arms. Mack smiled at his words of praise and leaned in to kiss him.
It was a tender kiss, and she poured all her love into it. They weren’t the couple that said I love you. Too many threw the phrase around nonchalantly. But not them. No, they believed actions spoke loudest, and Kyran showed her every day how much he loved her.
“We should probably get back to the castle before Angus sends the cavalry looking for us,” Mack stated with a laugh.
Kyran carried her to the shore and set her down near her clothes. She checked to make sure the satchel of stones was still there then grabbed her panties. “Guess I’ll be going commando,” she divulged as she twirled the ripped garment.
“You doona need them. As soon as I get you to the bedroom, we’re going to put your diaphragm to work,” he husked and tugged her against his chest. “And, I will be tying you to the bed,” he murmured then leaned down to nip her lower lip.
Mack shivered as arousal rippled through her body. “Lucky for you I’m feeling very naughty tonight,” she purred and sucked his lip. His eyes glowed bright, and she felt his shaft harden against her lower stomach.
Kyran popped Mack’s ass then picked up her remaining clothes. They dressed quickly and she grabbed the satchel of stones. She wrapped her arms around Kyran’s neck, and he flashed them back to the castle. As much as she didn’t want to leave their romantic getaway, Mack couldn’t wait until the following day when they could return to Zeum with the mating stones and get back to a normal life. Well, that was her plan anyway. Until they walked into the castle and saw a distraught Keira.
8
Kyran was on a high from watching Mack on her knees sucking his cock then her screaming his name in pleasure. He couldn’t wait to get her to a bedroom, and fully sate his craving.
But the moment they stepped inside the castle, that plan deflated. Keira was standing with Angus, tears streaming down her face. She cradled something in her arms wrapped in a small blanket. Was that a baby?
Mack released his hand and rushed to Keira’s side. “What’s wrong? And, what is that?” she asked as she lifted the blanket and peered inside. “Who’s baby?”
Kyran walked over and stood by Angus. He wasn’t a wreck like Keira, but the king was worried, nonetheless. Kyran clapped him on the shoulder, and Angus gave him a ‘don’t ask’ look. Kyran nodded his understanding and waited for the females to discuss what went down while he and Mack were at the waterfall. Apparently, a shit storm.
“It’s such a long story, Mack. I don’t even know where to begin,” Keira managed between sobs. The queen looked down at the tiny creature in her arms, and the crying continued.
“I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think. Start by telling me who this baby belongs to,” Mack suggested as she rubbed Keira’s back, offering comfort.
“Her name was Harlow. She’s been staying with us for the past month. She went into labor about an hour ago, but––,” Keira trailed off as she tried to compose herself.
“Her delivery was difficult from the verra beginning,” Angus finished with a sigh. “Harlow was bleeding internally, and Dyson warned us she might no’ survive. All she wanted was for her baby to live. Personally, I think Harlow wanted to die,” the king revealed with a shake of his head.
“Why would you say that?” Mack asked as she stared at the baby. “She had this beautiful child. Isn’t that reason enough to live? Where’s her mate? He should be here with his…daughter?”
“Yes, a perfect baby girl,” Keira muttered as she lifted the bundle, and kissed her forehead.
“The father died recently in a tragic mining accident. In fact, several males died when the mine collapsed. We insisted Harlow come stay with us after her doctor informed me that she was suicidal,” Angus relayed to them.
“That’s terrible. Surely, there’s a family member who will step in and care for the bairn,” Kyran asserted as he thought about his parents’ murders. He didn’t know what would’ve happened to him if Zander hadn’t assumed the role of mother and father, and raised him, Bhric and Breslin.
“Unfortunately, there’s no one. We’re all the family Harlow had, and now we’re all this little one has,” Keira declared, and Angus shared a look with Kyran. It was clear the king wasn’t too happy about her declaration.
“Miss Keira,” shouted a frantic female as she rushed into the gathering room. She was a petite female with amber eyes that reminded Kyran of his siblings, Bhric and Breslin.
Keira startled, and tugged the baby closer to her chest. “What is it, Elysia?”
“It’s Miss Josie. She’s very upset about Harlow. I can’t calm her down,” the female informed the queen.
Elysia looked like she was on the verge of tears, as well, and Kyran considered flashing the hell out of the castle. He didn’t mix well with emotional females. He was better at consoling males. Somehow ‘rub some dirt on it and shake it off’ didn’t seem appropriate for this situation.
“Oh, dear. I’m coming,” Keira replied and handed the baby to Mack. “Can you watch her for a while? Josie adored Harlow, and I need to go to her,” she said and rushed off before Mack could answer.
Mack looked to Kyran like a deer caught in headlights, and Kyran couldn’t stop his smirk. “Um, you going to just stand there, or are you going to help?” she blurted.
Kyran shrugged. “Doona look at me. You got this, Firecracker,” he quipped and gave her a thumb’s up.
“You know what you can do with that thumb?” she countered then walked in the opposite direction. He heard her cooing to the baby and decided to let her be. Quality baby-time might do her some good.
Kyran turned back to Angus. “So, I take it you doona want this responsibility.”
“‘Tis not’ that I doona want to help, but our hands are full. Josie keeps us on our toes, and Blaze is at that Gods-awful stage where he defies us at every turn. Plus, we’re Izzy’s guardians. I just doona think we should take this on, as well. But I know my Keira. Her love knows no bounds. She will insist we keep this child, and raise her as
our own,” Angus acknowledged as he walked to the large fireplace and tossed another log onto the burning stack of wood.
“I wish I had your problem. I would give anything for Mack to have a bairn. She’s so committed to the Dark Warriors, I doona know if she’ll ever get pregnant. ‘Tis ironic, when you think aboot our dilemmas.” Kyran offered with a laugh.
“Aye, I suppose you’re right,” Angus replied as he walked to the small bar beside the fireplace. “Drink?”
“Aye. Last time I was here, Lorne convinced me to try Khoth’s famous whiskey. What’s it called again?”
“Dragon piss,” Angus answered and grabbed two lowballs and filled them with ice and alcohol.
“Aye, that’s it. I thought I would hurl from the name, but that shite is good,” Kyran admitted as Angus handed him a glass.
“To family,” Angus toasted.
“To family,” Kyran repeated and turned to see Mack standing in the doorway.
“There’s my Firecracker. How are you two getting along?” he teased as he watched her gently rocking the baby in her arms. She was a fucking natural, in his opinion, and he prayed her biological clock started ticking soon.
“Angus, this baby’s eyes remind me of my mating stone. Kyran, you’ve got to see this,” she insisted as she walked toward the two males.
Angus peered at the infant and smiled. “Her father’s eyes held the gray flame, as well. Jonah was a descendant of the Protectors of Mt. Batia.”
“Jonah? That name sounds familiar,” Kyran interjected as he stared into tiny eyes that refused to let go. Sure enough, a gray flame flickered in the center of each pupil.
“I believe he’s the blacksmith that created our stone,” Mack informed him as she stared in awe. “Isn’t she the most perfect baby you’ve ever laid eyes on?” she whispered.
“Aye, she is,” Kyran agreed as he stared at his mate. He picked up on her thoughts through their mating bond. They were all over the place, and she was trying to make sense of what she was feeling.
“Kyran, can I speak to you privately?” she asked, and Angus quickly cleared his throat.
“I should probably check on Keira and Josie. Would you like me to take the baby?” he asked and held out his arms.
“No, I’ve got her. You take care of your family, and we’ll see you in a bit,” Mack replied and tightened her hold on the child.
Angus left the room, and Kyran turned to his mate. “You canna be serious?”
“What?” she defended as guilt washed over her face.
“I already know what you’re thinking, my lovely, smart, loyal, bat-shit-crazy Fated Mate,” he informed her as he balked at the notion running through her mind. “You’re the one who said you weren’t ready yet. Should I repeat your exact words, Miss I’m-a-Dark-Warrior-and-my-place-is-on-the-battlefield,” he mocked sarcastically.
“I remember, bloodsucker. You doona need to remind me,” she countered in a lame attempt at Scottish brogue.
“So, what are you saying? Now, you’re suddenly Sara Homemaker?” he scoffed.
“It’s Suzy Homemaker, you dork,” she taunted. “Don’t you feel like this is Fate intervening? I mean, seriously, what are the odds? The missing mating stones send us here, of all places. Both of her parents are taken from her, with no known relatives to step in. And, most importantly, she carries the same flame as our mating stone! I feel like if we don’t take her, the Goddess will strike us dead before we make it home. Are you picking up what I’m putting down?” she professed vehemently.
Kyran exhaled. It was impossible to defeat a determined female. But he truly believed she was caught up in the moment, and not thinking rationally. “Mack, are you forgetting something? We are no’ fucking dragons. Doona you think she would be better off with parents that understand what that means so they can teach her what she needs to know. How are we supposed to give her that?” he argued. Her face slowly dropped, and Kyran was proud of his thought-provoking dispute. It wasn’t often he won a battle of wits against his clever mate.
A thud had them both turning toward the sound. A haggard Nate stood in the doorway. His hair and clothes were unkempt, and the male looked like he hadn’t slept in weeks, even though they’d been in Khoth for less than twenty-four hours.
“What the hell happened to you?” Kyran blurted.
“Her name is Rochelle, and I’m pretty sure she fucked my brains out,” he slurred with a wry smile. His body leaned sideways, and Nate almost toppled to the floor.
“Drink much?” Mack asked as Nate reached for the door jamb and steadied himself.
“Yep, and she was worth every shot I licked off her incredible body,” he retorted then his eyes spotted the baby in Mack’s arms. “Damn, how long have I been gone?”
“She isna ours, you blootered galoot,” Kyran admonished as he downed his drink and walked to the bar for a refill. Maybe he should join his wasted friend because he was clearly surrounded by idiots.
“No, but she could be,” Mack snapped, and glared at Kyran. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Apparently, his mate wanted to skip the whole pregnancy, and go straight to parenthood. He wasn’t ready for this.
“Okay, you’re going to need to explain. I’m really confused,” Nate stammered as his wobbly legs carried him to the sofa. He collapsed onto the cushion, and his head fell against the back of the sofa.
“Her mother died during childbirth, and her father passed away before that. She has no one, and I believe the Goddess has blessed us with this precious baby,” Mack cooed to the infant, as if she was telling her the story.
Kyran rolled his eyes and looked to Nate for support. “And, I think a dragonette should be raised by dragons. Am I wrong?”
“Nate, tell the bloodsucker you’re more than happy to teach us what we need to know,” Mack ordered, and Kyran threw his hands up in defeat. She was pulling out all the stops on this one.
“Doona persuade the half-lit, sexually-sated dragon to your side. He’s in no shape to voice an opinion right now,” Kyran barked and took a deep swig of dragon piss.
“Actually,” Nate interjected, holding up a finger, “I’m on the bloodsucker’s side with this one. Last thing I need is to play nanny to a fire-breathing dragonette. All they do is poop and destroy. Nope, not gonna happen,” he murmured through half-closed eyes.
“I take it back. Nate knows exactly what he’s talking aboot,” Kyran said with a victorious grin.
Anger immediately flashed in his mate’s eyes, and he knew Mack wasn’t playing around. She was dead serious. She truly wanted this baby.
He let out a breath and set his glass on the coffee table then walked over to his mate. He caressed her cheek, and Mack’s harsh gaze softened. “Is this what you really want? Think aboot your answer verra carefully. This is no’ a game, and we canna change our minds later. A bairn is a huge responsibility. Are you ready for it?”
She held his gaze for a long time then smiled softly. “Yes. I want her more than I’ve wanted anything in a long time. When I first looked into her eyes, I felt it. I know this is meant to be. But you have to want it, too. We’re a team, Kyran. It’s all or nothing,” she reminded him then peered down at the sleeping baby.
Kyran gazed at the tiny creature. She looked so happy and content. And, his mate had never looked more beautiful. She didn’t give birth to this baby, but he’d never seen such devotion in her whiskey eyes.
“I ask only one thing of you,” he countered. Mack looked up and their gazes locked. “Promise me you’ll give me a so
n one day.”
She smiled wide and kissed him gently on the lips. “Done,” she whispered against his mouth.
“Then I guess we better talk to Angus and Keira aboot an adoption. We need to get back to Zeum asap,” he acknowledged and wondered what the others would say about their new addition. “What will we name her?” he asked curiously.
Mack paused and tilted her head, staring down at the infant. “I think the best way to honor her mother would be to name her Harlow. She has her father’s eyes, and deserves a piece of her mother, too.”
“I think Harlow is perfect. And, so are you,” Kyran declared and claimed Mack’s lips. The kiss turned passionate as desire exploded between them.
“Thank you so much for this. Best Christmas present ever, Santa,” Mack murmured against his mouth.
“You can thank me later, over and over,” he muttered as an image of Mack dressed in a leather corset flashed through his mind. Oh, he was going to thoroughly enjoy her show of appreciation.
Mack hugged Izzy tight. She hated leaving her niece, but it was imperative they get home. She was certain the women at Zeum were anxiously awaiting their return. “Be good, and remember how much I love you,” she whispered in Izzy’s ear.
“I love you, too. Tell Mom and Dad I miss them, and they better come as soon as the baby is born,” she replied then murmured, “What did you think of Troy?”
Mack glimpsed to the auburn-haired young man that hadn’t taken his eyes off Isobel since he arrived. He seemed mature for his age, and Mack was concerned about his intentions toward her niece.
“He seems okay. Just remember something. You always have the power. Don’t ever let some guy persuade you into doing something you’re not ready for. You following me?” Mack asked as she stared at her niece. Isobel was a stunning young woman, and Mack had the feeling Troy was more experienced than Isobel. His mannerisms told Mack he was way past holding hands and stealing kisses.
