by Julia Mills
“You were just talking to Aaron and another dragon when you walked in, right?”
Surprised, Devon nodded and said, “Yeah. How did you know?”
“I could hear it.” Anya pointed to her temple with her free hand. “It was kinda like when I hear you, but it felt like it was on a different channel or something; sort of out of tune with static in the background.” She shook her head, trying to make sense of it.
Devon’s smile grew as he explained, “Well, that’s pretty much what it is. One of the perks of being a dragon shifter is that we’re able to mind speak with those of our clan, our Force, other dragons, and most importantly, our mate. That’s what allowed me to hear you while you were in a coma and how I can hear your thoughts when you have your guard down or you’re projecting. I wanted to ask if you have any psychic abilities or ESP, or maybe even shared some of your adopted parents’ magic.”
Anya shook her head and Devon continued, “The only reason I ask is because, although we are destined to be together, it’s pretty unusual that we would have a mind-to-mind connection so early on, especially before actually meeting. It’s also extraordinary that you could hear my conversation with Aaron. I know abilities grow the longer mates are together, but apparently you’ve had them right from the get-go.”
Anya still shook her head but was deep in thought. Devon paused while she digested what he had just said, but she was quick and immediately asked, “Why could I only hear your voice and not what you were saying when I was in a coma?”
“I’m not really sure, that’s something I want to ask Kyra and Mom. Hopefully, they’ll have an answer. My best guess is that it had something to do with the magical fog both you and Sydney described. It blocked part of our connection.”
“And about this mate stuff…way to drop a bomb on a girl and then walk away,” Anya smacked his knee. “I need a little more explanation than ‘you are mine, Anya Sloane’.” Devon burst out laughing at the way Anya attempted to imitate his much lower voice when she spoke the last few words.
She looked up at him and bit her bottom lip, effectively shredding a hundred years of hard fought self-control. In one sweeping motion, Devon tugged on their combined hands, pulling Anya into his lap and slammed his mouth to hers. The electrifying sensation when their lips met sent a current throughout his body that landed squarely in his dick and made him crave every inch of his mate. Their tongues met as she opened completely to him. Her nails dug into his shoulders, spurring him on and pushed their passion higher.
His hands massaged and caressed her generous curves, bunching the material of her cotton gown until he touched the bare skin of her lower back. Anya’s scent filled the room as her arousal grew, making the man and his beast crazy with desire. His dragon purred at the glory of having their mate excited and wanting in his arms. Their kiss went on and on, and visions of their spent, naked bodies flashed in his lust-addled brain.
She arched her back and moaned into his mouth as just the tips of his fingers slid inside her panties. Goose bumps raised on her heated skin as he sought to memorize every inch of his delectable mate. His fingers grazed the curls at the top of her mound and Anya rolled her hips, grinding against his erection as it tented the material of the sweatpants he had yet to change.
Devon fought for control, telling himself and his dragon it was not the right time to claim her. His brethren and mother were within earshot and Anya was still weak from all she had been through. The longer they kissed, the harder it became to see reason. Summoning all his resolve, he pulled his mouth from hers. Anya moaned at the loss, and with a strength he didn’t know she possessed, pulled him closer.
Unable to stand one more second of sexual torment, Devon laid Anya back on the bed, following her down, never losing contact with her luscious mouth until he lay cradled between her thighs. Her legs wrapped around his waist and their hips met stroke for stroke, the only thing keeping him from burying his throbbing cock deep inside and claiming her for all time was their clothing.
He reached for the hem of her gown just as her hands slipped under the waistband of his sweats and her nails bit into his ass as she held him close. His mouth tore from hers as he moaned long and low. Their pace increased, as the thread holding the last of Devon’s restraint broke. Rising to his knees, he smiled as Anya groaned at the loss of contact and immediately gasped when he grabbed her wrists, lifted them over her head, and secured them with his much larger hand.
Her eyes burned with passion and her kiss swollen lips begged for more attention, but it was her hardened nipples pressing invitingly against the thin cotton of her gown that caught his attention and caused his mouth to water. He held her gaze as he lowered his lips to her breast. Her sharp intake of breath was music to his ears as he sucked as much as he could of her ample breast into his mouth–gown and all. With tongue and teeth he licked and sucked first one breast, and then the other, until she was writing beneath him. The entire room smelled of sand and sea and…Anya.
Leaving the heaven of her voluptuous chest, hating that she was still clothed, he kissed and nipped down her body, her hands still held captive. With his teeth, he worked her gown up over her hips, baring the silky skin of her stomach, demanding to be tasted. Taking a deep breath and pushing his needs as well as those of his dragon back, he kissed from one hip to the other right along the top of her panties, dipping his tongue just under the elastic, enjoying the lift of Anya’s hips and her pleading moans, “Devon…Devon…oh, oh…please, Devon…please.”
“Please what, mo ghra? Tell me what you need.” He crooned as he continued to taste and torment them both.
“I…I…you…” was the only response he received. Anya took a deep breath and pulled against the grip he had on her wrists, “Please…Devon. Let me…touch you…” Her passion-filled voice proved she was as lost to their lust as he. Devon loosened his grip, allowing her to pull free. Her fingers dove into his hair as she attempted to direct his movements. He chuckled against her skin and stuck to his slow, torturous seduction.
Sliding farther down her body, he buried his nose against the moisture that soaked the crotch of her panties and inhaled. Her scent filled his entire being, making his head spin. Completely lost to his mate and with both hands free, he slowed her movements with a hand on her hip as the fingers of his other hand slid inside the leg of her undergarment. His index finger touched her curls, wet with her arousal, and Anya’s hips shot off the bed despite the hold he had on her. He traced her outer lips up one side and down the other as slowly as possible, marveling in her perfection. Anya pulled at his hair, her hips thrusting as she tried to force his hand to where she needed him most.
Her mind was open to his, allowing him to share everything she felt, and enhancing the incredible experience of being with his mate for the first time a hundred fold. She threw back her head, baring her throat to him; her complete trust in him flooded his heart and mind. He watched her cheeks grow more flushed with excitement and her lips draw into a perfect ‘O’. She panted his name as he let his finger slide into her warm, wet pussy, and he couldn’t help his grin as Oh My God floated through her mind. The air was pushed from his lungs and his heart nearly burst with the love he already felt for his amazing mate. She was absolutely perfect.
Unable to take one more moment without her taste upon his tongue, Devon fisted the side of her panties and pulled. The sound of the ripping material made his dragon roar in triumph. The offending material flew through the air as he removed his finger, and before Anya could react from the loss, thrust his tongue deep inside her. He curled the tip of his tongue, teasing the bundle of nerves at the top of her channel, and loved the muffled yell of his name against her fist. Anya’s legs came up over his shoulders and closed around his head, her heels digging into his back as he licked, sucked, and tasted.
Anya’s taste exploded on his tongue, making him see stars and thirst for more. It was like nothing he’d ever experienced. The more he tasted, the more he wanted. There would never be a
time in their very long lives together that he would not crave his mate.
Feeling her orgasm building to its crescendo, Devon placed the flat of his tongue at the base of her slit and licked from bottom to top in one fluid motion, sucking her clit between his lips when he reached the top. He held her throbbing nub lightly between his teeth and teased with the tip of his tongue until Anya was thrashing and mewling and pulling his hair, until he was sure he would be bald. Through their bond, he felt the moment that she could take no more and bit down. Anya screamed her release against her fist. He thrust his tongue into her as far as he could reach, drinking her nectar until the spasms of her orgasm began to subside. Devon continued to lick and suck until she sighed with complete satisfaction and her legs slid from his shoulders.
He lifted his head to see her lazy smile and half-lidded eyes, in that instant, his world became complete. It was not that he hadn’t known she was his–of that he had no doubts–but to have her in his bed with the look of a well-loved woman, and to know he had put that look on her face, was worth every second of every day for the past one hundred and twenty years. There was no doubt she was his…forever.
Devon rose to his knees and slowly crawled up Anya’s body, placing his hands on either side of her head when he had reached his destination. He gazed into her eyes, pouring all that he felt into that one poignant look and spoke the words he had waited his whole life to say, “Ta’ mo chroi istigh ionat, Anya Sloane. Is breá anois agus go deo. My heart is within you. Love now and forever.”
Tears came to her eyes and for a second he thought he had gone too far, but the smile that came to her lips was a thing of beauty, and when she uttered, “Now and forever,” back to him, he was helpless to do anything but lower his lips to hers.
Their tender moment was cut short by the sound of Aaron’s voice in his head, “Dude, I’m sorry to do this to ya’ but Max, Sophia, and Juan Carlos just pulled up. Rayne called them to help. You better…ah…well, you better get your ass out here before the vein in his head starts throbbing.”
Although he was pissed at the intrusion and so hard he thought his dick might burst, Devon still snickered at just how uncomfortable his brethren sounded at having to disturb them. He was sure the others knew what had just happened, even though they had tried to be quiet, but he couldn’t work up the energy to care.
Mentally chastising himself for putting his needs before those of his mate’s, he moved to sit back, but Anya held him tight, forcing him to look back down at her. He was surprised to see her smile from before replaced with a scowl. She shocked him further by speaking directly into his mind, “I’m still getting the hang of talking to you this way and us sharing thoughts, but I know what I just heard. Let me tell you one thing, Mate, what we just shared was amazing, and I won’t let you or your worries ruin it. We have to take our joy where we can find it. So cut the shit, alright? I’m healing faster than ever, and as for the rest, you’ll get it all handled. I have faith in you.”
Devon was humbled by the complete belief and conviction he felt in Anya’s words. Without another thought, he leaned down and kissed her breathless, showing her with his actions where words failed, that he appreciated her trust.
When their kiss ended she spoke, somewhat breathless, “Since I can’t return the favor, how about I promise to make it up to you?” She winked and reached between them, the back of her fingers grazing his still partially erect cock.
Devon shuddered slightly and chuckled at the sly half-grin on Anya’s face as she continued, “You better go wash up, change clothes, and get out there. Sounds like you have important company.”
“I’ll help you get ready first.”
“No, I’m fine. I feel much stronger today, and if something happens that I can’t handle or I get weak, I’ll call you.”
Devon hesitated, but when she put the palms of her hands on his chest and pushed, he felt her strength and relented, making her promise again to call him if she needed anything. Despite her griping, he still helped her up and into the bathroom before he washed up and shaved. She was sitting on the edge of the tub when he walked back in after dressing.
He gave her his best glare and reiterated, “Call me if you need anything.”
“I will. Now get outta here so I can get ready.”
He swooped in for a kiss and smiled from ear to ear when she muttered, “Best kisser ever,” under her breath as he walked out the door.
Still smiling and unable to work up any guilt at all for taking the time to properly say good morning to his mate, Devon turned the corner into his mother’s dining room and found a horde–not only his entire force and their families, but also a few of the younger Guardsmen, along with Maximillian Prentise, King of the Big Cats. Max’s sister, Sophia, and their two most trusted lieutenants, Juan Carlos and Ernesto were also in attendance. All eyes snapped to him when he entered the room and not one to let a moment pass, Lance, aka The Pain-In-The-Ass, was the first to speak, “Glad you could join us, Dev.”
His comment broke the silence and the room erupted into roars of laughter. Devon crossed the room to where the King and the other werepanthers were seated. Max stood as Devon extended his hand and as the men shook, Devon said, “I want to thank you for sending Dr. Lawrence to help us, and you,” he turned towards Ernesto, “Thank you for involving your Leo. I will forever be in your debt.”
Max was the first to reply, “There is no debt. We’re in this together. The traitor has taken from us all. Besides, I’m hoping we might finally get an invitation to a dragon mating celebration.”
“You’re at the top of the guest list. All of you are.” Devon looked at each werepanther and then around the room at all the others, smiling at his good fortune.
Never one to be left out, Aaron snorted, “Well, aren’t we just one big happy family…”
Rayne cut off whatever was to come next in his commanding fashion, “I asked Max to help with the search. While you were otherwise occupied,” the Commander raised an eyebrow before continuing, “We have narrowed it down to five properties from our original thirty, with two at the top of the list.”
Kyndel quickly interrupted, “We came,” she motioned to Grace and Sam, “To see if there was anything Anya needed and maybe get her out for some fresh air.”
Devon nodded, “I left her getting into the tub.”
It allowed him to completely focus on finding Andrew knowing that Anya would not be alone. He had felt her strength and her conviction to take care of herself but couldn’t stop worrying or checking in to be certain she was okay.
The girls and children headed out of the room, but not before Sydney ran over, stopped right in front of him, and crooked her finger in a ‘come here’ motion. When Devon leaned down, she kissed his cheek, and then turned and ran to catch up with the others. He stood grinning and headed to the table that was completely covered with maps.
Aidan began explaining, “These two, although as far on either side of the hospital as possible, are our best bets. The county records show that their lots are enormous and remote, with damn near a forest for cover. The houses themselves are located in the back corner of each property and they have huge open spaces just as you described from Anya’s memories. These are definitely where we should start. Kyra had no feeling one way or another so we’ll have to do it the old fashioned way.”
“I recommend we split up into two groups, comprised of both dragons and panthers, and go tonight,” Max suggested as he turned towards his sister. The look they shared let Devon know they were speaking through the feline version of mind speak. A swift nod from Sophia and she and Ernesto headed towards the door.
Max looked back to the group and explained, “Sophia is going to call Raphael, Fausto, and Benedicto. They’re the best trackers in the Pride.”
“Your help is truly appreciated,” Rayne acknowledged and turned to Devon. “This is your show. Lead away, my friend.”
It was almost an hour later when Jace knocked on the door and hollered,
“Hurry, this son of a bitch is heavy!” Royce laughed as he opened the door and the two younger Guardsmen hauled a brand new, solid oak door across the threshold.
“Did ya get the biggest and heaviest they had, young’un?” Royce asked.
Jace grinned a wide, shit-eating grin, “I got solid oak. Thought y’all might need the extra reinforcement.”
Devon shook his head, “You’ve been spending way too much time with Aaron and Lance.”
“Hey! Not cool!” was heard from the vicinity of the kitchen, but it was the smell of sand and sea that drew his attention. He spun around and there, standing in the doorway between the hallway and the living room, was Anya. His feet moved of their own volition, and within seconds he had his arms around her and was lost to her loving gaze. Sydney squeezed between them and tugged on his belt loop.
“Doesn’t Anya look pretty, Dev? I picked out her top. Purple’s my favorite color,” Sydney chattered on until Devon relented and picked her up.
She placed one arm around his neck, the other around Anya’s, and kissed them both on the cheek. “Love you guys. Now let me down, I need a cookie.”
Devon watched as Sydney ran into the kitchen to get her cookie before he looked back to Anya. She had her head bowed and he could feel her embarrassment at the child’s words. Placing his forefinger under her chin, he gently lifted her head until he was looking into her eyes and smiled. “You are absolutely gorgeous and it has nothing to do with the shirt, although it’s nice too,” he chuckled. “You could be wearing a burlap bag and would still be the most beautiful woman in the world.”
He kissed the tip of her nose and pulled her tight against his chest. “You are perfect and you are mine,” he whispered just before their lips met.
“Ahem, there’ll be time for that later, you two,” Rayne’s voice sounded behind them.