“Of course we do,” Carth said. “They had to be stopped. But we were split up from you and couldn’t protect you.”
Zain took my chin in his hand. "If you ever do something like that again without a second thought to your own well-being again, I'll..."
I arched one eyebrow. "You'll what?"
“Yeah, what will you do?” Carth asked with a grin. “Turn her over your knee and give her a spanking?”
Erroh doubled over laughing. “No, she might enjoy that too much.”
I rolled my eyes, even as heat flared between my thighs. Welcome to life with four mates. “I appreciate your desire to protect me, but don’t forget I’ve spent my entire life training for this role under the current Dragons. I can handle myself in combat.”
Parin cleared his throat and shifted like he was uncomfortable. “We need to figure out a plan for dealing with the Unseen.”
“Varek is trying to get more information for us,” I said. “He proved to be trustworthy tonight, so we have to believe he will continue helping us. I will send a message to my mother about the kidnapped elementals too.”
“We should continue to the Fire Temple,” Zain said, and gave me a heated look. “It’s more important than ever for us to be at our full strength now.”
I nodded, and swallowed my desire before it overwhelmed me. “We’ll leave tomorrow.”
Chapter Fourteen
In the morning, we set off for the Fire Temple.
Parin stayed behind to see what he could learn about the Unseen, to oversee the protection of the kidnapped elementals, and to fill in my parents if they returned before we did.
Carth and Erroh both stayed in dragon form for the entire trip, except for when we stopped to eat or take a break. The journey took most of the day, although the Fire Temple was the shortest distance from Soulspire, at least when flying. Zain and I alternated riding the two dragons, giving the other one time to practice flying maneuvers. We could have had a dragon each to ride, but out of an unspoken agreement we decided to sit together. I liked having his arms around me and his hard chest against my back. I also liked when his hands spread down to cup my breasts or idly stroke my thighs.
As the sun set, the land underneath us changed to a desolate expanse of earth turned black by previously spilled lava. The volcano, Valefire, loomed before us with smoke rising from its mound, and I glimpsed the ocean behind it. We flew over vents in the ground shooting up steam and boiling water, and as we approached, the air grew thick with heat and humidity, along with the smell of rotten eggs.
Zain’s hands tightened around my waist. “It’s good to be home.”
We landed on the top of the volcano, which was flat and smooth before dropping off into a huge crater in the center. A glowing light came from within it, and Mom told me that was where the Fire God had appeared to them. I wondered if he would make an appearance for us, or if Zain was right and the Gods had abandoned us. Hearing him, my most devout mate, say such a thing had been disturbing…but I feared he might be right.
The Fire Temple stood before us and was made of glossy black obsidian and featured huge pointed towers. Two women emerged from the tall door at the front, both wearing black silk robes with red trim. One was Zain’s mother, High Priestess Oria, and the other was his grandmother Calla, who had been High Priestess during my mother’s Ascension. Orla had the same nearly-white hair as Zain, and Calla’s hair had once been blond but had turned white with age. She held onto Oria’s arm for support as they moved toward us.
“Mother, grandmother,” Zain said. “I’m pleased to announce I am Sora’s fire mate.”
“We’ve heard.” Oria held out her arms, and Zain hugged her. “We’re so proud. I prayed you would be chosen, and I’m pleased the Fire God listened.”
“I prayed as well,” Zain said.
"Zain," Calla said with a giant smile as she embraced him. "I'm happy to see you on this joyous day."
“And you, grandmother. None of this would have been possible without you.”
“Our family has always served the Fire God, and it pleases me that you will continue that tradition.” She patted his cheek and then turned to me.
I bowed my head in respect. “High Priestesses.”
Calla took my hand. "I'm so pleased things happened this way. You've always been the granddaughter of my heart, but now it's official."
My heart warmed at her words. She'd been like a grandmother to me as well, even though we were not related. When I was very small, if my parents needed to leave me to go on some diplomatic mission or another, they’d always left me with Calla, first in the Fire Temple, and then in Sparkport after she retired as High Priestess.
“We’ve prepared the bonding room for you,” Oria said, as she led us inside to a large entry with a statue of a dragon. “Would you like to share a meal first?”
“No, thank you,” I said, glancing at Zain. He nodded. Neither one of us wanted to wait any longer.
“We’ve already eaten, but we’d enjoy sharing a meal with you in the morning,” Zain said diplomatically.
In the entryway, we briefly said hello to Zain’s four fathers who all told him how proud they were, before they took Erroh and Carth to their own rooms.
We didn’t have to go anywhere—the bonding room was just on the other side of a tall door in here, which was carved with two dragons. Oria and Calla both gave us knowing smiles and bowed their heads, as we stepped inside.
The bonding room had a domed ceiling, flickering torches, and the large bed I’d come to expect. But I barely had time to look around before Zain reached for me.
There were no nerves. No hesitation. No need to speak. I didn't care about the dust we'd picked up or how wild my hair was. As soon as the door closed behind us, we launched ourselves at one another, removing our clothes as quickly as we could.
“Later I will take the time to savor you slowly,” Zain said, between passionate, hungry kisses. “Being the third of your mates has been torture. I can’t wait any longer.”
“I can’t wait either. I’ve wanted to do this since we kissed a year ago.”
His hand slid down to my breast, recreating the moment when we’d shared a forbidden kiss in the dark halls of the temple, only to never speak of it again. Until now—when we were finally allowed to be together.
We fell on the bed together, in the same position we'd been interrupted in the night before. Desire raced through me, this time hotter, brighter. I spread my legs and grabbed his hard cock. His girth was impressive, more than either Carth or Erroh, though not quite as long. As I guided him to my entrance, eager to feel him move inside me, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be with all three men at once.
But when he pushed into me, all thoughts vanished. Throwing myself back on the bed, I moaned at the feel of him filling me, stretching me.
Zain moved fast, pulling me into his arms and thrusting into me over and over. I clenched around him when he slipped a hand between us to press against me, knowing exactly where to go and what to do.
Then he rolled us over on the silk sheets, putting me on top. After sleeping with two other men a few times, I knew what to do now, and I rolled my hips while he pinched my nipples. It felt good to take control and chase my own pleasure, especially when I could see how much it excited him too.
In the hot, humid room, sweat poured out of me, slicking my body against his so that each slide was an erotic massage. His hands clenched my behind and guided me faster, harder, urging me on while I threw my head back and let go.
My cry of pleasure echoed through the obsidian chamber as the orgasm burned through me. My inner walls clenched of their own volition, milking Zain and bringing his climax too. As we both came together, fire burst out of his skin and soon engulfed me, spreading through me like I was a dry forest full of kindling. I knew now this was how our bond was formed, and how I gained his powers, but it was still shocking to have flames rippling across my naked skin.
Then the fire
died out, and we clung to each other while we caught our breath. The heat inside me slowly quieted until the sweat dried on my skin.
“I love you,” Zain murmured against my ear, as he stroked my back.
“I love you too.”
He sat up and reached for his clothes. “Come. Let’s see if we can lure the Fire God from the volcano.”
There was a door on the other side of the room that Zain opened, and it took us back outside, this time near the crater in the volcano. The heat grew more intense here, but the volcano was not erupting right now, so we had little to fear as we approached.
Zain stood before the glowing crater and raised his arms. “Fire God, we have come for your blessing. Please honor your devoted servants with your presence.”
He was laying it on thick, but waiting around for the Gods in the other temples hadn’t worked. Maybe this would. Mother had told me the Gods had just showed up, but things had changed since then. My Ascension was proving to be very different from hers.
“We beseech you,” Zain called out. “Show yourself!”
Nothing happened.
I let out a long sigh. “He isn’t coming. As you said, the Gods have abandoned us.”
“I thought, out of all your mates, I would be the one who could summon a God.” A heavy frown settled on his face. “I’ve failed, like the others.”
“I’m sorry.” I took his hand. “It isn’t your fault. None of us know why they’re not appearing, but the Fire God chose you for a reason. He knew you were my perfect mate. Focus on that.”
He slowly nodded. “I can do that.”
We went back inside the bonding room, and he focused on me for the rest of the night. It was enough to almost make my worries about the Gods vanish completely…but not quite.
Chapter Fifteen
In the morning we had a nice breakfast with Zain’s family, and then we stepped outside so he could shift into a dragon for the first time. Everyone applauded and cheered as blood red scales covered his body and grew into wings, and then he launched into the air. He had a moment where he took a dive and nearly fell, but Erroh and Carth were there to lift him up with some wind magic and give him a few pointers.
We returned to the palace that evening, and Parin rushed out to meet us when we returned. His face showed obvious distress, and I quickly slid off Zain’s back and asked, “What is it? Is something wrong?”
"I'm glad you're back so soon," he said. “We have a problem.”
As my other mates returned to their human form, they gathered close. “Tell us,” Zain demanded.
“A large delegation of elementals was supposed to arrive this morning from Divine Isle. They've been visiting each Realm, trying to continue to foster good relations between the humans and the elementals, as your mother requested."
“Let me guess,” Carth said. “They never arrived.”
“Indeed. No one has heard anything from them in days.”
“Perhaps they’re simply delayed,” Erroh said, though he didn’t sound like he believed that.
"Have any of my parents returned yet?” I asked, as my stomach became leaden with dread. We all knew what had happened to the elementals, even if we hoped that wasn’t the case.
“Unfortunately, no,” Parin said.
My mouth twisted into a grimace. “We’ll have to handle this on our own then. Is there anything else you can tell us? How many there were? Where were they coming from?”
“They were coming from the Air Realm. I believe there were about twenty-five of them.”
“That’s twenty-five more people who could have magic soon,” Zain said.
I turned toward my three bonded mates. “Do the three of you feel up to flying again?"
Erroh puffed out his chest. "I could fly all night long without a problem.”
Carth rolled his eyes. “We’ll be fine. We can investigate the elementals’ journey, retrace their steps as best we can, and see if we find anything.”
“Thank you,” I said. “Are you sure you’ll be all right?”
All three men swore they were fine and would leave immediately after grabbing some dinner from the kitchen. Flying made you very hungry.
My heart sank a bit as they walked away. I didn't like the idea of being away from them, but it was necessary to find anything we could about that missing delegation.
I turned toward Parin. “I’m going to visit Varek and see if he’s learned anything new.”
Parin’s brow furrowed. “Would you like me to come with you?”
“No, although I appreciate you asking, instead of demanding you’re going to protect me.”
“You’re a formidable woman, Sora. I’ve come to realize that over the last few days.”
His words gave me a bit of hope. Maybe he no longer saw me as just a little sister anymore?
“Besides,” he continued. “Although I don’t approve of Varek’s lifestyle, he has proved useful. We need whatever information we can get from him.”
“I agree.” I tentatively reached out and took his hand. “Thank you for taking care of things while we were gone.”
Parin glanced down at our linked fingers, and then gave my hand a squeeze. “I’m happy to help however I can.”
I leaned close and pressed a light kiss to his check. “Please stay here in case the elementals or my parents arrive. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
I didn't waste any time rushing out to find Varek. An entire envoy of missing elementals was enough to make my blood run cold. If the Unseen took all their powers, we would be vastly outnumbered in a fight. The delegation had to be found immediately.
Remembering Varek’s words about being discreet, I went to the back door of the Lone Wolf Pub, the one he’d led me out of last time. Once there, I knocked sharply, keeping my head down and my hood pulled low over my face. I couldn’t risk getting caught alone by the Unseen.
Varek’s sister, whose name I vaguely remembered was Wrill, opened the door with a sneer. I was starting to think that was her permanent expression. “The princess has returned.”
“I need to speak with Varek.”
She stepped aside to let me in. “We knew you’d come crawling back for more.”
“He is my mate,” I snapped. What was her problem with me? “I didn’t choose him, but I have to make the best of it. As does he.”
She tossed her black hair. “Go on then. You know where to find him.”
Ignoring all the other doors, I headed straight for Varek's office. I considered going right in, but took a deep breath and knocked instead. Just because Wrill was rude and condescending didn't mean I needed to be too.
"Enter," he barked.
I stepped inside, and saw him standing beside his desk. He was shirtless and slightly sweaty, rubbing a cloth along the back of his neck, and I was momentarily stunned by the sight of all those muscles and tattoos. I had the strongest desire to run my hands down his chest and trace every dark line of ink.
When he saw it was me, a slow grin spread across his face. "A visit from the princess. Is it time for our bonding?”
"No, although I’m sure you wish it was." My gaze snapped back to his face as I tried to focus on why I was here. “A delegation of elementals went missing, and we suspect the Unseen have taken them. Have you heard anything about that?”
“I have not.”
I sighed and tried again. “Have you learned anything new about the Unseen since we last spoke?”
“No, but my people are still working on it.” He tilted his head and studied me. “That’s not the real reason you came here though, and we both know it.”
The way he said it sent heat to my core, but I refused to let him affect me that way. “It’s time you moved to the castle and became one of my mates in more than just name. We need your help with the Unseen, and that will be easier if you’re beside us.”
He stalked across the room, until he was standing right in front of me, and I couldn’t help but look at his naked chest again. “Or maybe yo
u just want me near you.”
“It wouldn’t hurt for us to get to know each other better,” I admitted.
“We know everything we need.” His hand reached up and slid behind my neck, and I thought he would pull me in for a kiss, but he only gazed into my eyes. “I’ll make you a deal. Fight me in the ring. I want to see if you're as good as the stories say. If you win, I'll move to the palace and be the good little mate you want."
That sounded too good to be true, considering it was unlikely he'd win. "And if I lose?"
"You get on your knees and suck my cock until my seed spurts down your throat. Then you call me your king.”
My eyes widened at his vulgar words and shocking demands. His fingers tightened in my hair and his dark eyes roamed down my body, making it clear he planned to win. I tried not to show the way my body responded to his rough, demanding touch, and to the thought of wrapping my lips around his cock. I shouldn’t have wanted him so badly, but I couldn’t help myself.
“Deal," I said, my voice breathless.
A wicked grin crossed his lips as he let go of me. “Follow me, princess.”
He led us to the door I'd peered inside the first time I came to his bar. The door opened into the massive room, where two men were fighting while a small crowd watched.
“Everyone out,” Varek’s voice boomed. No one argued or even hesitated. They grabbed their things and headed out the door, only pausing to give him nods of respect.
When the last person had exited and we were alone, we both stepped into the ring painted on the floor. Torchlight flickered across Varek’s chest as he faced me. I loosened my shoulders and rolled my head, ready to fight. I couldn’t lose this one.
“No weapons, no magic,” he said. “We fight until one of us concedes defeat or is forced out of the ring.”
“Agreed.”
Varek went immediately on the offensive. He ran straight for me but was easy to dodge. We spent a few minutes going back and forth that way, each of us easily ducking and darting away from the other.
Her Elemental Dragons: The Complete Series Page 73