by Zoe Chant
And while Mercy loved that feeling, she wasn’t sure she had the patience for it today. Dante had said he had crowned her, and that now the only thing left was to claim her.
I want you to do it, Dante, she sent to him desperately as she squirmed beneath his lips and tongue. Please, please. I can’t wait. I want to be yours.
You were always mine, Dante sent back to her, as his tongue trailed low over her belly. And I was always yours.
Mercy groaned, feeling almost frantic with lust. She unclipped her bra, throwing it across the room, as Dante slid her comfortable pants down her thighs, quickly followed by her panties. He leaned back a moment, his eyes roving hungrily over her body. Ordinarily, Mercy might have felt embarrassed or tried to cover herself, but under Dante’s eyes, she had never felt sexier than she did right now. The massive bulge in his jeans was proof enough of just how irresistible he found her.
“You’re wearing too many clothes,” Mercy gasped out, reaching up to fumble at the buttons of his jeans. In the haze of her lust, she couldn’t seem to make her fingers work properly – but then, his own hands came up to over hers, undoing his jeans before shoving them down his thick, muscular thighs, along with his boxer briefs.
His massive erection, hard and fully veined, sprung free immediately. Mercy couldn’t help but gasp at the sight of it, her mouth watering.
I want you so much. Please, Dante, please –
Dante laughed low in his throat. “I’m going to do this properly, Mercy.”
Mercy groaned, her head falling back against the pillows as Dante’s tongue trailed low over her belly. Fire ran though her veins as he gently pulled her thighs apart, his mouth dipping lower and lower, sending shudders through her with every flick of his tongue.
She cried out when at last he bent his head between her thighs, finding the core of her pleasure immediately, his tongue expertly sending waves of pleasure through her. Mercy gripped the bed sheets, arching up, her mouth open in a silent cry. Ecstasy flooded through her with every movement of his mouth, every flicker of his tongue. His fingers pressed against her opening before sliding easily inside her. Mercy cried out again as he curled them, finding the right place inside her instantly.
“Dante!” She couldn’t stop herself from calling out his name as his tongue circled her clit, his fingers pressing against her again and again, relentlessly drawing pleasure from her body. All her nerves were set alight, her body shaking uncontrollably.
Mercy twisted on the bed, thrashing her head, desperate for the release she could already feel building in her belly. But at the same time, she never wanted this to end – this total, devastating pleasure that seemed to pulse through her like a heartbeat.
Dante knew just how to touch her to make her cry out, knew her body inside and out. Mercy closed her eyes, feeling all her muscles clench – and then her climax was breaking over her like a wave crashing against the shore, utterly overwhelming in its intensity. Stars swirled before her eyes and she heard herself crying out as Dante continued to tease her, bringing her down slowly from the peak of her pleasure.
Mercy could do nothing but lie back and pant as she slowly descended, her heart beating wildly in her chest, her skin tingling.
“Wow,” was all she could say, when she finally got her breath back. “Wow.”
Dante kissed her thighs, her belly, her breasts, before finally raising his head to look her in the eye.
“I take it you enjoyed that?”
Mercy laughed, as much at the teasing quirk of his eyebrow as his silly question.
“Come here,” she said, wrapping her hand around the back of his neck and drawing him into a kiss.
She could still feel the hard heat of his erection against her hip, and, even as satisfied as she was, Mercy felt desire flare in her belly at the sensation. As good as it had been, she still wanted more – she wanted him.
And, as per usual, he knew exactly what to do.
Their kisses grew frantic as he moved between her thighs, his hard cock pressing against her belly. He drew back slightly, lining himself up – and then pushed into her in one perfect, long stroke. She was so wet, so ready for him that he slid into her body easily, filling her to the brim.
Together, they gasped, their bodies fitting together perfectly. Mercy’s vision swam with pleasure as she felt him pressing against her walls, massive and hard and hot, as if he had been made just for her – as if they had been made for each other.
We have, Dante sent to her, as he leaned down to kiss her once more. We’re mates. And mates are made to be together.
Mercy felt too dazed with pleasure to answer him, even within her own mind. All she could do was simply grip his shoulders, moaning as he made his first thrust within her. Sparks of pleasure shot through her body, every vein on fire. Mercy cried out desperately, wrapping her legs around his hips as if to urge him to drive into her harder, deeper.
She bucked up against him, squeezing herself around him and hearing him moan in response.
“Mercy.” Her name on his lips made her groan, fire gripping her. She felt consumed with it, consumed with pleasure, as Dante’s thrusts grew harder and faster.
Ecstasy swept through her, her muscles straining. Dante was relentless, pounding into her again and again and again. Mercy cried out, her body singing with bliss – she could feel her climax building within her, every movement of their bodies bringing her closer and closer.
Mercy. Mercy, my mate. I love you. I love you.
Mercy could feel Dante’s mind reaching out to touch her own – and this was enough to send her tumbling over the brink. Her orgasm burst through her, sending bright splinters of pleasure surging through her body, leaving lines of fire in their wake. Above her, Dante let out a long, desperate groan, his hips jerking, his muscles clenching as they rode out their climaxes together.
Mercy didn’t know how long it took for the final waves of bliss to crest and then slowly subside – she only knew that she was here with Dante, their sweat-slicked skin pressed together, their arms around each other’s bodies. Here, she felt utterly at peace. Her mind was so often filled with problems – what to do next, whether she was making the right decision, thinking of the futures of all the children in her care. Even on the days when she knew she was in no danger of having a panic attack, her mind was busy. But here and now, she felt only a deep sense of harmony.
And she was determined to enjoy it.
Dante’s warm breath on her neck was sweet – but as Mercy came more and more back to herself, she began to realize just how damn heavy he was.
“Hey,” she whispered, her fingers playing over his back. “Hey. As good as this feels, you’re kind of squashing me.”
With a low groan, Dante roused himself, rolling slightly away from her, his cock slipping from her body as he did so. Mercy missed the feel of him inside her immediately – but then again, they had all night for round two. Or three. Or –
Now, now, no need to be greedy, she told herself, unable to stop herself from smiling. She raised her hand to her head to find the crown Dante had given her still in place, the surface feeling warm against her fingertips. After all, Dante has already given you the best gift he possibly could.
It was true, as well – as strong as their bond had been before, somehow it now seemed to glow even brighter within her. When Mercy closed her eyes, she could see the golden glowing rope that connected their hearts, sealing them together.
“It’s because I’ve crowned you and claimed you,” Dante said, his voice low, his eyes soft as he looked down at her. “And you’ve claimed me. I’m yours forever.”
He cupped her jaw, kissing her, and Mercy kissed him back just as slowly, just as deeply. Mine. He’s mine.
Together, they could overcome anything – no matter what the future might throw at them, she knew that they would be facing it as one. She knew she could rely on Dante – and moreover, she wanted to rely on him. She didn’t have to do everything by herself anymore. In front of him,
she wasn’t afraid of looking weak – because she understood now that needing help sometimes wasn’t a weakness.
Mercy smiled into the kiss, before snuggling herself against Dante’s broad chest. She could hear his heartbeat, strong and steady, against her ear, and below that, she imagined she could hear his dragon purring in contentment.
It still seemed incredible to her that she of all people had found herself pulled into a world like this – a world of dragons and manticores and golden treasure hoards and princesses and princes – and it felt like she still had so much to learn. It still hurt her heart to think of everything that Dante had been through – the family and clan he had lost, the life he had been forced into. The way he had felt unworthy of their love, and turned away from them until he could prove himself.
She felt tears spring to her eyes as she thought about it now, her peace momentarily dispelled.
“Dante, I’m so sorry,” she murmured into his chest.
Dante said nothing – he simply cupped her face, raising it until her eyes met his.
“There’s nothing to be sorry about,” he said, his thumb stroking over her cheek. “The past is over and done with. Of course it still hurts – but it’s gone. I have you now. I have my clan. The only thing I want to think about now is the future.”
Mercy nodded, swallowing. He was right.
The past might have its dark and painful memories – but their future together was nothing but sunshine. Together, they’d work to make it that way. Both for themselves, and for the people of Hainesville.
I love you, she sent to him, as he leaned down to kiss her.
And I love you, he replied, his lips warm against hers.
And in the end, Mercy decided, that was the only thing that mattered.
A note from Zoe Chant
Thank you for buying my book! I hope you enjoyed it. If you’d like to be emailed when I release my next book, please click here to be added to my mailing list. You can also visit my webpage, or follow me on Facebook or Twitter. You are also invited to join my VIP Readers Group on Facebook!
Please consider reviewing The Lost Dragons Box Set Volume Two even if you only write a line or two. I appreciate all reviews, whether positive or negative.
Page down to read a special sneak preview of the first in the Lost Dragons series, A Mate for the Dragon.
The cover of The Lost Dragons Box Set Volume Two was designed by Isabelle Arden.
More Paranormal Romance by Zoe Chant
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Guardian Lion. (Cedar Hill Lions #2) A curvy, confident accountant + a sexy lion shifter bodyguard sworn to protect her + a terrifying kidnap attempt = one roaring romance!
Rancher Lion. (Cedar Hill Lions #3) An independent BBW on the run + a sexy protective lion shifter + a pack of deadly enemies = one action-packed romance that will leave you breathless!
Second Chance Lion. (Cedar Hill Lions #4) A curvy independent woman + a protective alpha lion + old memories and new beginnings = one heartwarming story of second chance romance!
Protector Lion (Cedar Hill Lions #5) A curvy single mother in need of a protector + a hotheaded lion shifter who needs to make up for past mistakes + the little boy who brings them together = one heartwarming romance!
A Mate for the Dragon (Lost Dragons #1)
by Zoe Chant
Special Sneak Preview
The bear showed no signs of backing off. It dropped down onto its forepaws again, splashing water over its thick fur. Then it slowly began to advance.
Holly bit her lip, trying to slow her breathing. Don’t panic, don’t panic, don’t panic, she repeated to herself as she slowly backed away. The bear can probably just smell your food. He’s just curious. He doesn’t want to hurt you.
Maybe it’d met other campers and hikers who’d fed it, or else had easily raidable backpacks or food stores. Maybe it thought Holly was an easy meal ticket.
Maybe I should rephrase that, she thought to herself.
Whatever it smelled in her backpack was an easy meal ticket. Not Holly herself.
The bear is not going to eat me, she told herself. That would be silly. And more trouble than it’s worth.
On the other hand, Holly thought wryly, there would certainly be some good eating on her – she’d hardly make for a light snack!
The bear grunted again – only now, it was more of a growl, revealing its teeth again as it lowered its head. Apparently it had decided that Holly needed a little more convincing to give up whatever delicious treats it smelled.
It was getting impatient. It wanted its food now.
Oh my God, Holly thought, finally feeling her panic break loose as the bear began to run, splashing across the stream toward her. She felt the can of bear spray in her hand and she whipped it out of her pocket, uncapping it clumsily.
“I didn’t want to have to do this, bear,” she said, raising her shaking hand.
But before she could press down on the button, her feet tangled in a tree root, and she came down heavily on her backside.
Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, Holly’s brain was screaming as she scrambled to recover herself, hearing the bear clear the water and come crashing through the undergrowth on the other side.
Holly closed her eyes as a dark shadow suddenly fell across her. She waited, wondering if this was it, and the next thing she’d feel was the bear’s nose against her skin – or its teeth.
When neither of those things happened, she slowly opened her eyes, frightened of what she might see when she looked up.
But there was no bear looming over her.
There was no bear at all, in fact.
Instead, standing a short distance away from her was a man.
Holy… holy hell.
Holly blinked, scarcely able to believe her eyes.
A man didn’t really even begin to cover it.
It was a broad-shouldered, deep-chested, tall, tall man, his fist clenched by his side, eyes blazing. From this angle, Holly could see him only in profile – but that was more than enough for her to see the squareness of his jaw, the perfect angle of his Roman nose, the tousle of dark hair that fell over his forehead, and the brilliant green of his eyes.
And then there was the fact that he was facing down a charging bear.
Swallowing heavily, Holly forced herself to look away from her mystery savior. The bear, which had been merrily charging its way toward her just a few moments ago, had now stopped dead in its tracks. One paw was raised in almost comic indecision, as if it had stopped mid-step. Its facial expression – if bears could have facial expressions – was uncertain.
The man, despite his size, was still smaller than the bear. And the bear was, well, a bear, Holly thought, her breath catching in her throat.
But there was something about this man – whoever he was – that exuded strength – strength, and power. Power that could stop even a bear in its tracks.
The bear grunted a little, sniffing, taking a step back.
Suddenly, its easy meal no longer seemed so easy. It was clearly weighing things up: but Holly could see it wasn’t interested in pursuing this anymore. Whoever this man was, he had made the bear think twice. And on second thoughts, it had decided this probably wasn’t worth it.
Giving one last grunt, the bear backed away, its teeth still showing, but its heart clearly not in it. Once it had crossed back over the river, Holly watched as it turned, its massive hairy backside disappearing into the thick ferns it had emerged from.
Her chest burning, Holly let go of the breath she’d been holding.
“Oh my goodness,” she said, shaking her head. Her heart was thumping in her chest. She looked up again at the man who had saved her, only to find him looking down at her with his beautiful, bright green eyes. Oh, my.
“Are you all right?” he asked, and Holly felt a shiver pass along
the whole length of her spine. His voice was deep and rich, like dark treacle. She licked her lips.
“I’m fine,” she said, shaking her head. “He just gave me a scare, that’s all. I’m sure he didn’t want to hurt me.”
The man nodded. “Well, maybe not. But it’s best to play it safe with bears.”
Holly laughed a little shakily, feeling foolish. She must look like an idiot, she thought – wandering around here where she didn’t belong, tripping over and being frightened out of her wits by bears. She looked wistfully at the rippling cords of muscle in the man’s forearms. He didn’t look like he’d need to be frightened of anything.
“I should thank you,” she said, the words tumbling out of her mouth before she could stop them. “I don’t know – I mean, like I said, I’m sure the bear didn’t mean me any harm – but still, I – ”
“It’s okay.”
That voice again. It seemed to send warmth straight to the pit of Holly’s stomach. She didn’t recall ever having responded to any man like this before in her entire life.
Then again, the men she mostly mixed with in her day-to-day life were office-bound city-dwellers – not that there was anything wrong with that. After all, she was an office-bound city-dweller. Most of them were perfectly nice men.
But now, confronted with the rugged beauty of the man before her, they all seemed to pale by comparison. This man was the definition of an outdoorsman – six foot and change of muscle and scruff, his handsome face tanned by the sun, his body tempered by hard work. His hair was jet black and his eyes an unusual shade of green – bright, almost like a cat’s.