He sighed. “I didn’t want to push her into learning who she was sooner than she was ready. She knew she was Fae. That was enough. She needed to be safe. And right now, between you, Toryn, Lonny, and the rest of your friends, she will be safe.”
“I hope so. I don’t know what I would do without her. She’s one of my closest friends.”
“You could have bound her to you,” Reance offered.
She shook her head. “No. Lonny was the better choice. She trusts him with that.”
“She would have trusted you as well. Though, he is the better choice.”
Isa smiled. “I don’t need another dragon bound to me. I get along well enough with Alenathos now, but he still doesn’t fully trust me.”
“You gained the last bit of trust when you didn’t force him to explain why he was there for Lana. I do believe that is his last big secret, and that was done for her sake.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Isa sat back, rubbing her tummy. Kiernan kicked. Toryn sat beside her, covering her hand with his.
He looked into her eyes. “Is our little one okay?”
She nodded. “He won’t stop squirming.”
Reance smiled, crossing his ankle over his knee. “I can’t wait to meet my grandson.”
“I can’t wait to hold him,” Isa answered.
Toryn slipped his arm around her. “Same here. All I can say is soon. Let’s hope after we’ve dealt with the Delnias family.” He turned to Reance. “Can you arrest them yet?”
“Working on finding where they’re hiding at the moment. Perhaps they feared us catching on. They moved to a different estate in recent months and haven’t been at any of the courts. Xander is searching for him, since they typically reside in his realm, but no one is talking, and I don’t know the landscape well enough to figure out exactly where they might be.”
“Why can’t it ever be easy?” Isa asked.
“Unfortunately, that’s never the case,” Reance answered.
“So, what do we do for Lana?”
Reance looked outside. “Be there for her when she needs you. One of them will let you know.”
Lonny came back to the room. He’d stepped outside and shifted to a hummingbird to watch Lana training some time before. None of them had expected Reance to simply bring Fuerah out, but so far there was no fighting between the dragons.
“I expected Fuerah to be pissed,” Lonny stated.
“I took much of the blame and explained that I did it because I saw no other way for the three of them to be safe and happy later.”
“As long as it keeps them from fighting with Lana present, that works,” Isa said.
“It’s the truth, Isa,” Reance answered.
She nodded, but not like she necessarily believed it.
“It can be complicated for dragons. They are easily enslaved by people with enough power.”
Isa sighed. “Why is it so easy to bind one to you?”
“It’s only easy for those strong enough to pull it off. Someone who can’t hold the dragon, can’t bind them. You were always going to be powerful, Isa. And the Hyter Sprites were always a powerful people. It’s a shame that so many have been killed.”
“Are there any others?” Toryn asked. “Did any survive?”
“A few escaped, but they went into hiding,” Reance explained.
“They weren’t part of my family,” Lonny answered. “I never wished to meet them.”
“Not interested in knowing more of your kind?” Isa asked.
A sigh escaped and Lonny shook his head. “They never looked for me, and I gave up looking on them long ago.”
Reance nodded. “Though if they find he mated a dragon, they may take issue with Lonny. Unfortunately, a dragon was the one to destroy most of their race.”
Sighing, Isa sat back. “Why can’t everyone just get along? Why does there have to be prejudice? Seriously, it’s ridiculous.”
“It is. And it’s funny. Most earth dragons aren’t as powerful as other elements. And a lot of them wind up bound to terrible people.”
“Prejudice has always existed. It ebbs and flows between more and less. Unfortunately, many fear what they don’t understand. Others are like us and enjoy diversity, and learning about other people.”
Toryn moved to the window. “Seems Fuerah is taking this well.”
“Thankfully. I worried she would be angry. However, she’s seen me guide many people over the years. She knows I would not have helped Alenathos take her child if I had any hope of giving them another answer.”
“Doesn’t it get old seeing everything?” Isa asked.
“Yes and no. Things change. I may see an outcome, but soon see another. Besides, the visions have staved off the worst of events.”
Lonny turned back to them. “You don’t have a way to find Maddock? Or the rest of his family?”
“I’m doing my best, but I don’t believe I’ll be the one to find him, though I will definitely be there to stop him.”
Lonny blew out a breath. “Yeah, okay.”
“Does it help if I tell you that the two of you are going to live long happy lives and have children?”
Lonny smiled. “Yes and no.” He shrugged. “I like simply living, and not worrying about who is pushing me where. But at the same time, I have benefited from your foresight, same as all of us. Still, I’d rather not think too hard on it.”
“I’ll be taking my leave. If Fuerah asks, she can stay if she pleases. Perhaps talk to Alenathos if she isn’t too angry.”
He nodded.
Isa smiled. “Well, we’re going to find someplace to stay. Let us know if you want to go out or bring dinner back. I feel better seeing her smiling with both of her parents here.”
“Me too,” Toryn added.
Reance opened the door and waved at Lonny.
Lonny followed them to the door and shut it. Then he moved outside, where he could watch and offer help if anything came to mind.
He sat on the porch. Lana quickly acclimated to the knowledge she was a dragon and not a simple Fae.
Chapter 17
Lana formed a ball of ice in one hand and a bolt of fire in the other. “I did it.”
“Can you combine them?” Fuerah asked.
She moved her hands together. Fire rippled and rolled over the ice, changing color, but forming one spell.
“What about flying? You want to try?” Fuerah asked.
“Here? Wouldn’t we be seen?” she asked. Not to mention she didn’t want to leave without Lonny. Around an hour ago, he took a seat on the back steps, watching them. His smile was bright, but his look far away. As if he was happy, yet trapped in thought.
Alenathos chucked. “We can hide in plain sight.”
She shook her head and yawned. “I think that’s enough for now, if you don’t mind.”
Fuerah moved to her. “Did we wear you out? This is the first time you’ve really used magic, isn’t it?”
“On purpose, yeah. I mean, my family tried to get me to do the things they could, and that obviously wasn’t happening, so I gave up. And then last night, I roasted some asshole who came to take me away.” Lana closed her eyes for a second.
Lonny took her hands. “You did what you needed to in order to protect yourself. Simple as that. And had I realized you were there sooner, I would have taken you away without incident.”
“I may have fried you.”
He lifted a shoulder, caressing her cheek. “You wouldn’t have.”
She hugged him tight.
Fuerah cleared her throat. “Elondril, I’m glad you’re with my daughter. And were there for the first attack.”
“I will never let anything harm Lana if I can stop it.”
She smiled. “I have no doubt of that. I understand she was shocked when she partially shifted.”
“At first, but she calmed down.” He turned toward her parents. “It may have helped that it didn’t bother me in the least. B
ut I had my suspicions when Alenathos was the one who froze the first bastard.”
“I thought you were the one who saved her,” Fuerah stated.
“Yes, but Alenathos froze him after we came back to the plane when he started to come to.”
Fuerah turned to Alenathos. “You’ve been watching over her all these years?”
He nodded. “As much as I could. There were times I was unable. However, she’s had good friends who would keep her safe no matter what.”
“I thought everyone was there simply to protect the princess.”
“Yes, but Isadora has always considered Lana a close friend. Purely luck there. And Lonny has had his eyes on Lana since they met.”
“How could I not? She’s a beautiful, strong, intelligent woman with a fire inside. If she hadn’t been with someone else when we met, I would have pursued her, at least until I found out why Toryn was watching over Isa. And then I learned patience.”
Alenathos chuckled. “Something I hear you never had much of before.”
“Lana was worth every second.”
She turned to him, her eyes shining with light. “I never imagined things with you would be this good. I was so sure everything would be screwed up somehow.”
“The only screwed up thing is that bastard trying to take you, but we’re putting a stop to that as soon as we find him, or he makes the mistake of coming to us,” Lonny promised.
She kissed him softly.
When Lana finally turned back to her parents, Fuerah smiled sadly. “Your father and I should talk. You two enjoy your evening. I already know you’re meeting Isa and Toryn for dinner.”
“I’m sure they wouldn’t mind the extra company.”
She shook her head. “No, I really do need to speak with Alenathos before I do anything else.”
Alenathos dipped his head. “I have a lot to explain. I’m lucky she didn’t find a way to kill me.”
“I’m starting to understand. That doesn’t mean I forgive you just yet. But I’m not looking to kill you. Just talk to me. Help me understand why you would do this to us.”
“I didn’t know another way to protect you and our daughter from Saressa. The things that bitch did to me, forced me to do…I couldn’t allow that to happen to Lana. She would have killed you, after torturing you for days, maybe weeks.” He shook his head. “But that’s a conversation for somewhere else.”
“It is.” Fuerah hugged Lana. “You have a good man. I’ve known Elondril for ages. He will protect you, if you don’t protect him.”
Laughing, Lana nodded. “I think we can protect each other. Thank you for coming out, helping me learn. It’s good to hear both sides.”
Fuerah let her go, and Alenathos pulled her in for a hug. “I’m so happy I can finally call you daughter and be there. If you ever need me, have Isa call me. Or maybe she can find a way I’ll hear.”
“I will, thank you.” Lana stepped back.
Alenathos touched Lonny’s shoulder. “Take care of my daughter.”
“You know I will.”
Alenathos stepped back and shifted. “Shall we find a quiet place to talk?”
“I’ll follow,” Fuerah said.
“I’ll see you soon?” Lana asked.
“Very,” Alenathos answered.
He turned and flew away. Fuerah did the same.
Lonny pulled Lana inside. “How do you feel?”
“Fine. I’m not tired, I just wanted time with you before Isa comes back.” She winked.
Chuckling, he led her toward the big window overlooking the drop down to the water. Then he backed her against it, kissing her lips.
Her hands tangled in his hair. He was so gorgeous, and like no one else. His touch made her come alive. Lonny kissed her jaw, his breath teasing her ear and hair.
“I need you. Tell me we have time,” she begged.
“We do.” He leaned back, making eye contact. “Even if not. They’ll wait.”
She giggled. “True. I don’t know how many times I’ve been locked out of the office because of them.”
“They as loud as they can be when they lock themselves in his office at the firm?”
“Usually the music is loud enough no one notices.” She reached down, opening his belt. “I don’t want to think about them getting down and dirty when we can do that now.”
“Hmm.” He licked at her nipple, sucked, then knelt before she got his zipper down. Lonny pulled her leg over his shoulder as he explored her slick sex with his tongue.
Her hands landed on the window as he followed her cues, driving her crazy with his mouth. She spiraled into release, gripping his hair and calling his name.
He held her up, looking up her body, licking her juices off his lips. “I love your taste,” he murmured, colors dancing through his eyes.
“You need to make love to me now.” She thanked every star the words came out coherent.
He stood, spinning her around. She put her hands on the window as he kissed her shoulder and pulled her hips back to glide into her with such perfect force she nearly cried. One hand landed beside hers. The other cupped her breast, teasing her nipple as he took a slow pace.
He felt so damned good inside her. “Lonny, please.”
“Please what.”
“Harder.”
He kissed her neck, thrusting harder, pushing her chest against the window as his hand slid down to her hip, holding her in place with incredible strength.
Lana couldn’t think as he showed how much he cared with each touch and kiss. He made love to her, his emotion flowing through her with each second.
“Lonny, I’m there.”
He reached around and flicked her clit. She came with him. Holding her there, he whispered in her ear, “I love you, Lana.”
“Love you,” she answered.
Then she was in his arms, moving across the room. He lay back on the couch with her on top.
She turned, snuggling tight. “Can we ask Isa and Toryn not to come?”
He rubbed her back. “We could, but shouldn’t. They’re here to make sure you’re okay with everything you’ve learned so far. Remember, Isa went through similar. Not exactly the same, but she didn’t know anything about what she is, and you had no idea you are a dragon.”
“Yeah, I know. And it took her time to acclimate, but she managed. I can. And right now, I feel like I could take on the world.”
“So let them bring food or we can go out to eat. Either way.”
“We should go out. Here, I’m going to want to ignore them and take you to another room.” She climbed to her feet, heading to the bedroom.
She needed to have clothes on if she were to be ready for Isa and Toryn’s arrival.
* * * *
Lonny called Toryn, still sitting on the couch without his clothes.
Toryn answered. “Everything okay?”
“Yes, but she wants to go out.” Lonny rubbed his chest. “We could go to the pub in town.”
“Sounds good. I’ll let Isa know.”
“We’ll be leaving in a few. See you then.”
“All right.” He hung up and Lonny set his phone down. Staying in the house seemed the better option. He’d felt as if someone were watching while they were exploring Port Townsend. And still, he wasn’t going to tell Lana no.
Lonny climbed to his feet and pulled on his clothes. He found Lana in the bedroom, wearing a dress Isa must have packed for her.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, stepping closer.
Smiling, she glanced at the mirror. “I’m not sure what to do with my hair.”
“I like it. No, I love it.” The streaks of red, blue, and purples fit her. And she glowed in a way she hadn’t before they were together. “They’ll meet us at the pub in town. They have good food. You ready?”
“Almost.” She went to the bathroom and he headed back to the living room, taking a seat. He couldn’t help worrying about who would fin
d them in town.
Something was coming. He had no idea what. But the question became, would the person be foolish enough to take them in a crowded place, or somewhere else.
Either way, he wanted her safe, and he wanted to keep Port Townsend safe from what could be after them. He wanted to keep the refuge he’d found there, even though he doubted he’d have much use for that in the future
He’d longed for her for so damned long he wasn’t sure he’d ever have her. And there they were, mated, happy, and ready to take on the world.
Lana came back, makeup on her face. Something she definitely didn’t need, and yet, she was still gorgeous as ever. “Shall we?”
He dipped his head and stood. She moved to him, throwing her arms around his neck before tasting his lips. He opened, sucking on her tongue. She groaned, pressing tighter before pulling away.
“We should go.” The words were breathless, her lids heavy.
He took her hand and started for the door.
Chapter 18
Alenathos landed, facing the south. He wanted to say so much to Fuerah, but assumed she needed to rant first. He deserved it. And still Alenathos felt like an asshole for taking their child and hiding her away from Fuerah.
Her hand lightly landed on his back, then moved to his shoulder, squeezing slightly.
“Tell me your version,” Fuerah pleaded.
“I wanted you safe. I wanted Lana safe. I needed to know Saressa couldn’t reach our daughter. I knew you’d hate me. That was a risk I was willing to take in order to keep you both alive. Divad might not have been the best choice, but I didn’t have many who would never bring Lana back to Faery. I needed someone I could keep an eye on and who would treat her like one of his own. And he did, for the most part.”
“You wanted to keep me safe?”
He turned, looking her in the eye. “Saressa would have used you against me. And our daughter. You have to know that. I’ve seen the lengths she was willing to go to control people.”
Her eyes filled with tears as she took his hand. “You did this for us?”
“Who else? I didn’t care about myself. I only knew I needed to protect the two of you. I did what I had to. Reance helped because he knew it was the only way.”
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