by A. C. Ryals
“He didn’t have to rectify it. I would have never known about the curse or anything. He just wants you to call a nephew named...Caspian?”
“Cassian? Hell no. Then I would owe Cassian. Asking a favor of a power hoarder is the worst thing you can possibly do. He keeps a record of everyone who owes him, and he will call it in. I’ve never dealt with him personally, but he’s one of the only dragons the basilisks ever work with. It’s always something shady. Aegidius should never have involved himself with that kid.”
“I feel sorry for him. He says his dragon is tormenting him day and night. Is that like having a song stuck in your head?”
“No, it’s like having a nagging woman bugging you about helping someone who should really help themselves.”
Jess instantly regretted every nice thing she’d said about Wrath to Aegidius.
“Fine. If expressing myself is nagging, then I’ll stop talking.”
“Jess, I was kidding.”
Jess said nothing and pretended to work.
“I’m gonna go. I have to...do my Spanish class,” Lily said, grabbing her laptop.
“You haven’t taken Spanish since sixth grade, but run along,” Wrath said.
As soon as Lily was out the door, Wrath said, “You’re really not going to talk to me?”
Jess tried to appear focused on her screen and not on the big sexy jerk who called her a nag. Of all the sexist, rude, mean spirited…
“I’ll leave you to work,” Wrath said.
Damned if she didn’t spot a smile on his arrogant face as he left the room.
Chapter 17
Hope only stopped crying when she was too exhausted to continue. She’d seemed fine at first, feeding eagerly at Faith’s breast. But then the crying started and wouldn’t stop. The mage, who’d left shortly after the birth, advised the anxious parents to take Hope to a shifter pediatrician.
Kurt called the pediatrician who said Hope needed to be brought into the office where he was better equipped to find trouble.
If she was crying at home, she was in hysterics in the car. Kurt’s baby girl sounded like she was in agony. It felt wrong. She was barely eating. Dragon babies didn’t sleep so all her energy was going into crying. She was most quiet when they laid her on the floor or sat still with her, but then her hunger got the better of her. As soon as she was lifted up, she’d scream louder like she was in pain. Any movement upset her.
Was she in pain?
The thought of his baby hurting made his inner dragon want to burn things. All things. Faith sat with the baby in the back of the car, Hope secured in her car seat. Faith tried to talk soothingly to the baby, but her voice shook with her tears.
Faith had spent hours singing her siren songs to the infant, but now her voice was too hoarse to continue.
Babies cried. Even Kurt, who’d rarely been around infants, knew that. But this was different. He’d even called his brother Damon for advice, since he was the brother who most recently had a child, two hundred some years ago.
“Dragon babies are hungry. She should be eating constantly. If she’s not...I don’t know what to say, brother. Get her to a doctor,” Damon had said.
So now they were driving into Tacoma with a child who was screaming like they were torturing her.
The drive seemed to take an eternity, but finally they were pulling up to the clinic. As soon as they were parked, Kurt jumped out of the car. Faith looked exhausted, but he knew it was pointless to try to take Hope from her. Instead, he carried the diaper bag.
Inside, they were ushered straight to the back by a nurse. The doctor was waiting by an exam room door and he waved them in.
Thirty minutes later, they left. Hope had been given some spray to numb her throat while her parents were told to take their infant to someone else.
Chapter 18
“How the fuck did you get my number?” Cassian asked.
Wrath sat back in his leather office chair and rolled his eyes.
“My sixteen-year-old great granddaughter found you. It wasn’t that hard. Now, I have to tell you something because if I don’t my mate will be upset with me. You should consider yourself honored. I don’t call dragons very often.
“My mate was orphaned when she was an infant,” Wrath continued. “Aegidius helped take care of her financially and paid for her college. He eventually helped her get a job with Kurt. She didn’t even know about his help until today. She talked to him and he told her some sob story about you taking half his money. She would like you to help him out. I don’t care either way, I’m guessing he deserved it.”
“He kidnapped my mate.”
“Is she okay?”
“Yes, he did it on Kur’s orders, but she had my scent all over her.”
“I don’t see what the problem is.”
“Fucking first-generation dragons. Women don’t like being kidnapped, and I don’t like having my treasure stolen.”
“My mate didn’t mind when I kidnapped her. We had great sex after. Anyway, Aegidius was acting on Kur’s orders. Kur doesn’t ‘discipline’ his grandchildren, but his sons know exactly how evil he is. You know his fire can burn a dragon, right? Ever have him burn your skin off? It’s not pleasant. He knows just how far he can go with torture and still allow you to regenerate. Aegidius would be an idiot not to comply. You got your mate back. Stop crying over it.”
“I don’t care about any of this.”
“Neither do I. I did what my mate wanted, and it went exactly as well as I expected. You can fuck off now.”
Wrath disconnected the call and headed downstairs. He found Jess in the kitchen making a sandwich, her dark hair loose and flowing down her shoulders.
“I called Cassian,” Wrath said. “I asked for no favors, but I think he might let up on Aegidius. He’ll think about it and realize that it’s the better business move. Being on friendly terms with my family has benefits. Are you going to talk to me now?”
“Yes, thank you for calling him. I’m sorry I got all moody.”
“You know what it means, don’t you?”
“I’m not PMSing.”
“I couldn’t get under your skin so easily if you didn’t like me. I’m definitely getting laid tonight,” Wrath said.
“Oh my God.”
“Demigod.”
“Fuck you.”
“You will. You like me. You want more of this,” he said with a sweeping gesture down his torso to his crotch.
She shook her head, but she was smiling.
“Eat your tiny meal, human. You’ll need the strength for tonight,” Wrath said.
“If you weren’t so hot, I don’t think I’d put up with this,” Jess replied, picking up her plate.
“But I am,” Wrath said, flexing his biceps.
Jess laughed and then sat at the table pushing her laptop away to make room for her late lunch or early dinner.
~
With Wrath back upstairs working, Jess had some time to eat and then write a report on the security weaknesses of the coffee chain’s website, particularly the online ordering aspect.
Empty plate sitting on the table beside the laptop, she wrote up a quick report and then submitted it. She had just hit send when her phone buzzed with a text message from an unknown number.
Can you talk? This is Drake.
Yes, Jess replied.
Her phone rang.
“This is Jess,” she answered.
“What can you tell me about Ezzu?” Mr. Drake asked.
“I don’t know any secrets about him and I wouldn’t share them if I did. I...bit him. I guess we’re mates or something now.”
“I can get you out of there if you aren’t happy with it.”
“No. Nothing like that. I didn’t mean to sound sullen. It’s just all very unexpected. I like him, a lot. I’ve seen his...other form. I know in my head that he’s dangerous in a way. I felt it when I first met him, but he’s never been particularly threatening with me even when he might have tried to be at th
e beginning. He’s good hearted. I’m just…”
Stop talking, Jess.
Why was she rambling about her love life with her boss? She almost brought up the curse and the fear that Wrath might just be attracted to her because she looked like his dead mate. That hadn’t left her mind. It was just less important when she was having a little fun with a dragon man.
Her boss didn’t need to know those things.
“I’m just feeling the need to be cautious,” she said. “There’s nothing sinister about him. He loves his family and leads a quiet secluded life. Mostly, I think he doesn’t want to be bothered.”
“I can relate to that. It’s a dragon trait I suppose. Look, I shouldn’t have sent you there without more information. You’ve met Etel?”
“Yes. I’ve only met two dragons, but if you asked me which one was the villain, my instinct would say it was Etel. I know that’s not what other dragons think, but it’s true.”
“I understand why you’d feel that way. Etel has a way of putting people on edge. He’s essentially our prince. Anyway, have you met any basilisks? I’ve never met one.”
“Yes, more than one. I’ve only seen one changed, though. She was thrilled to show me her other form. She’s a feisty little thing.”
“She was a child?”
She’d just stepped into a trap. Being nervous about talking to her boss made her mind slip. He was the enemy as far as Wrath was concerned. She should have been more careful.
“I’m sorry, I don’t know how much I should say,” Jess replied. “Is there something specific you’re reaching for? I’m trying to give you all the information I can without breaking any confidence.”
“Is he good with kids?”
“I can’t say.”
“And the basilisks you’ve met, how are they?”
“I’ve only met a couple, but they were pleasant. I think they’re just normal people, sir. I mean, aside from the shifting thing.”
“You feel safe?”
“I’ve never felt safer. Honestly, what burglar would come in here? I’d pity any who tried. There’s nothing they’ve said or done that makes me feel threatened. I’m fine here. You don’t have to worry.”
“That’s good to hear. I’ll let you go. I just wanted to make sure you’re really okay there. If you need me, just call back at this number.”
“I will. Thanks for checking in.”
She had to go tell Wrath about the conversation. A dragon was asking about him and his family. That seemed like something he’d be concerned about. She was afraid she’d said too much, and it was better to come clean quickly.
She now had sympathy for all the people from whom she’d weaseled information. She wasn’t as scary as her boss, but keeping her mouth shut was harder than she expected.
Wrath hadn’t given her a tour of his house. Rude. Still, she knew he was upstairs somewhere. Since the downstairs was like a standard old house, she expected the same upstairs. She was wrong.
The walls had been pulled out and the scent of old books filled the air. Load bearing walls had been converted into bookcases. The outer walls were completely lined with bookcases as well, with gaps for the windows. It was an impressive library.
At the far end, Wrath sat at a large ornate desk. He sat back in his imposing chair and a smile tugged at his lips. He looked like a king.
“Bored?” he asked as she approached.
“No. I got a call from Mr. Drake.”
His eyebrows raised and he gestured to the chairs across from him. Jess took a seat.
“What did he have to say?” Wrath asked.
“He had questions. I realized too late that I shouldn’t share information until I knew whether anything I’ve seen here is something he shouldn’t know.”
“What did you tell him?”
She recounted the conversation to the best of her ability. Wrath listened quietly, leaned back in his chair, looking relaxed except for the slight furrow of his brow.
“His questions were wrong. He wasn’t asking out of concern. Did he ever ask if the basilisks here threatened you?”
“No. He asked if I felt safe, though.”
“A protective dragon would have wanted to hear about specific threats, and it would have been his first question. If he’s not feeling protective of you, then his questions have another motive. It’s no secret that basilisks have kids, but I don’t think he was asking about them idly. You were right to shut down that line of questioning.
“It could be something simple,” he continued. “He just had a child himself. A daughter, which makes her the first female child of a first-generation dragon. Maybe it’s something innocuous like him wondering how we deal with daughters. I don’t know, but I don’t like it.”
“I’m sorry if I said too much.”
Wrath got up and walked around the desk. Jess wasn’t sure she liked the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth or the glint in his eyes.
“You did say too much,” he said. “For that I have to punish you.”
Jess didn’t think she was the type to be turned on by those words, but now they worked for her. Her heart rate increased, a rush of heat pooled between her legs, and her breathing became rapid and shallow.
Wrath took her hand and helped her up from her seat. Her body acted on its own accord, her arms found their way around his shoulders as his hands pressed on her backside and brought her flush against him. She felt his hardened shaft against her belly as he leaned down and slanted his mouth over hers.
His tongue moved in a hypnotic rhythm that had her so entranced she didn’t notice that he turned her around until he was lifting her onto his desk.
Later, she couldn’t even recall having her shoes, socks, and jeans removed. It just sort of happened. Her sweater stayed on, but it was rolled up and rested on top of her breasts. Her bra was pulled down and Wrath suckled her nipples until she was practically screaming at him to fuck her.
Maybe that was the punishment.
When his jeans and briefs went down around his thighs, her torment only increased until he was cradled by her hips and driving himself deep inside her. His thumb found her clit and she thought she might die of sensory overload as he relentlessly drove into her.
She called out his name, or though she might have, as her body tensed. For one moment, reality seemed to bend and her body felt as though it had ignited with sensation. She screamed as the orgasm overtook her.
Her muscles pulsed around Wrath, who growled as he picked up his pace. His muscles tightened and he shouted Jess’s name before emptying himself into her.
Chapter 19
It was still dark out when Jess’s phone buzzed with a text message. Wrath was in the shower already. Must be nice to have that kind of energy.
After having sex on his desk, they spent a few hours talking. Then they went to bed and had more sex interspersed with pillow talk and whispered secrets. She didn’t get to sleep until well after midnight.
Jess sleepily picked up her phone to see what monster had sent her a text before dawn. It was Kurt Drake.
I need to talk to Ezzu.
Jess dragged herself out of a perfectly warm and comfortable bed feeling tender and sore. She’d had quite a workout. Wearing only Wrath’s t-shirt, she knocked on the bathroom door.
“Come in,” Wrath called.
Steamy warmth enveloped Jess as she entered the bathroom. Wrath was already facing her through the glass shower door in all his sexy glory.
“Want to join me?” he asked.
“I would, but Kurt wants to talk to you.”
Wrath rinsed his hair and then shut off the water. Jess handed him a towel and her phone. He pressed the screen a couple of times and then held the phone to his ear.
“It’s Ezzu,” Wrath said, with a strong accent on the name Ezzu. It reminded Jess had lived a very long life during which he’d spoken many other languages.
He paused for a second and then said, “No.”
Several seconds
later he sighed. “On my honor I swear that if you come in peace I won’t harm you, your mate, or your daughter and you may all leave in peace. I hope you know making me swear that is offensive. One false move from you and all bets are off.”
A pause
“I said...never mind. We’ll talk later.”
“Later. Goodbye.”
“What was that?” Jess asked as Wrath handed over her phone and continued drying off.
“He’s coming with his family. The baby was crying her lungs out. They’ll be here in half an hour or so, depending on traffic.”
While Wrath went to get dressed, Jess got in the shower. By the time she was out and getting dressed, he was already gone.
She could have slept through it all. Sure, her boss she’d never met was visiting, but he wasn’t there to see her. Still, she checked the weather and then slipped on a sundress and sandals. After putting her hair up in a loose bun, she made herself take the time to put on a little makeup even though the scent of coffee was trying to lure her toward the kitchen instead.
Finally presentable, she went to the beckoning coffee pot.
She poured herself a cup and lingered in the kitchen, sipping it, until Wrath came downstairs.
He smiled when he saw her. “You look lovely,” he said.
“Mm,” she grunted.
“Not a morning person?”
Jess rolled her eyes.
“They’re almost here. Want to go meet your boss?”
“Sure.”
They walked out onto the front porch. Jess saw headlights through the trees.
“Do you feel the magic?” Wrath asked.
Jess closed her eyes. The air felt heavy, but it always did around Wrath. It did seem to be getting heavier by the moment. Not like with Etel, but still noticeable.
“I sense two dragons coming,” Wrath said. “One weak, the other stronger. I also sense…” His eyes opened wide. “Shit.”
Wrath whistled loudly and then shouted, “Call Alex and get the fucking nursery ready!”
He grabbed Jess’s hand and they ran toward the approaching headlights. Wrath held up his hand and the SUV stopped. Wrath went to the front passenger door.