by Lili Zander
“There is a spell. It will temporarily remove your worries.”
I give him a skeptical look. “Like a magical Prozac?”
“Not exactly. This gives you the same mellowness that drinking a glass of scotch would, but it’s temporary. At any time, I can make its effects disappear.”
“I don’t know…” I pause my pacing and consider his words. If something is really wrong, then I need to be calm. Ready to act. Freaking out is the least useful thing I can do. “Okay. What do I need to do?”
The tip of Mateo’s finger lengthens into a talon-like claw. The ability to partially shift takes immense control and concentration; it’s a testament to the power that Mateo has over not only his magic but his dragon too. “It starts with a simple blood exchange,” he says pricking his finger.
I offer him my own willingly. The sharp sting is gone as soon as Mateo’s bloodied finger touches mine.
“Relax,” Mateo’s says, his voice taking on the same cadence that Zyrian’s did when he was inside my mind. Except Mateo feels like a warm fuzzy blanket that I want to curl up in, and Zyrian’s was laced with darkness.
I close my eyes and concentrate on what Mateo is doing. My anxiety feels like a set of too-tight clothes, and his magic is removing them. When he’s done, he neatly folds it and puts it away in a drawer inside my mind. It’s still there. I can sense it, but I’m no longer overwhelmed by it.
“Better?” he asks.
“Much. Thank you.” I glance at my finger, and even though I shouldn’t be, I’m surprised to see it’s been healed. Mateo shrugs like it’s nothing, and I suppose to him it really isn’t.
Mateo pulls me into his arms, and flames of need lick across my skin. The blood magic a powerful aphrodisiac, one that I can’t deny. Suddenly I’m consumed by the desire to be closer to my dragons. Now.
Yes. I know it probably seems crazy to be thinking about sex at a time like this. It is crazy. Mateo’s removed the worry from my mind, but he hasn’t removed the voice of common sense that looks at me and says, Really? Is now the time?
Then again, why not? Mateo, Rhys, and Casius seem absolutely insistent that I stay inside the castle. The fog of fear in my mind is temporarily gone, and only lust remains in its wake. I might as well take advantage.
I grab Mateo by the back of his neck and pull his lips to mine. Without missing a beat, his tongue sweeps into my mouth, and he takes control of the kiss. “Need you,” I whimper into his mouth.
“Need you too, tesoro,” he groans. “Take off your clothes.”
“Only if you do too,” I taunt, feeling lighter than I have in days. Man, that blood magic is powerful stuff. Who needs Prozac when you’ve got a dragon mage around?
He quirks up an eyebrow, a broad smile parting his lips. Slowly, he starts to strip. When his shirt hits the floor, I drop my own. He removes his shoes and socks, and I follow suit. Our pants are next, and I suck in a breath when his erection springs free. Mateo stands before me stripped bare like a Greek god. My mouth waters at the sight.
“You’re overdressed,” Rhys says, commenting on the fact that I’m still wearing my bra and panties. “Let me help with that.”
My underwear hits the floor, and then I’m tossed over Rhys’ shoulder. He unceremoniously drops me onto the bed, knocking the wind from my lungs. “Hey,” I protest.
He grins at me as he starts stripping out of his own clothes. “So impatient,” he says with a shake of his head, climbing on the bed and settling atop me. The bed dips to our right and then our left. I practically purr in anticipation as Mateo and Casius join us. It’s a little strange to have three of them in bed with me, but it also feels really right.
Rhys kisses his way down my body, settling between my legs with his mouth hovering over my pussy. Mateo and Casius suck my nipples between their lips, sending delicious heat spiraling through me.
I throw my head back as pleasure engulfs me. This is so good.
Casius releases my nipple from the deep suction of his mouth. With a hand buried in his hair, I pull his mouth to mine. Our kiss is wild and passionate and out-of-control. Rhys continues his delicious torture of my clit while Mateo nips and sucks my breast.
I rip my lips away from Casius on a moan. “Oh God, I’m gonna…”
“Give it to me, little thief.” Rhys buries his tongue inside me, rubbing little circles around my clit with his thumb. I cry out his name as my orgasm rolls through me.
Fuck. That was amazing. And judging by the looks in their eyes, we’re only getting started.
“Delicious,” Rhys says, sounding satisfied. He kisses me deeply, and I kiss him back, tasting myself on his lips. I’m still lost in post-orgasmic bliss when Rhys rolls us until I’m straddling him. I grind my hips into him and shudder when his hard cock presses against my clit. I work my hips back and forth, rubbing against him. “That’s it, love,” he encourages. “Ride me.”
Don’t mind if I do.
Reaching a hand between our bodies, I guide his cock to my entrance and slowly slide down his thick shaft. My head falls back as he fills me. I rock my hips, grinding down on him as I go. “Do you want more?” Rhys asks, holding my gaze in his. “Fancy kicking it up a notch?”
There’s three of them, so I don’t have to be a mind-reader to know what he’s talking about. And I’m game. “Always,” I reply, my lips tugging up in a smile.
“I thought you’d say that.” Rhys pulls me down against his chest, one firm hand on my lower back holding me still.
A cold drizzle of liquid drips down my ass followed by a gentle press of a finger—Casius’. I shudder as he slowly works his finger inside me, filling me in a way I’ve never felt before.
“Mmm… that’s it, love,” Rhys praises. “Casius is going to fuck that perfect ass of yours while I’m buried in this tight little pussy.”
My emotions are swinging between ‘holy fuck’ and ‘hell yes.’ Before I can settle on a state, Casius adds another finger, and I moan as he stretches my ass. I wiggle in Rhys hold, needing more. I’m not even sure what more is, but I need it. Then Casius’ fingers are gone, and I’m left desperate. “Please…” I sob.
Then he’s there. His thick cock pressing against my back hole. Slowly he presses forward until I feel the heat of his pelvis against my ass. I groan at how full I am, overwhelmed by it in the best possible way.
“You okay?” Rhys asks.
“Couldn’t be better.” I wriggle between them, wanting them to move. They are being so careful not to hurt me.
Not just during sex. They’re always watching out for me. Never smothering, but always there if I need them. I have it pretty damn good.
That realization makes me fall a little deeper for my dragons. I won’t say love—not yet—but I’m in deep with my mates. Scarily so.
“Move,” I urge.
“Once again, so impatient,” Casius says with a half-laugh.
He slowly pulls out, then pushes back in. They set a rhythm. Every time Casius withdraws, Rhys thrusts. Every time Casius thrusts, Rhys withdraws. I’m a mindless, boneless mess of sensation as they work my body.
I reach out to Mateo, wanting—no, needing—to feel connected to him as well. I grip his shaft in my hand and pump him in a way meant to drive him crazy. His groan spikes my desire.
I’m teetering on the edge of release. One more swivel of Rhys’ pelvis against my clit and I’m going to explode. I try to shy away from my impending climax. It feels bigger than anything I’ve ever felt before, and it scares me a little. Something tells me nothing will ever be the same after tonight. Trying to distract myself, I lean over and take Mateo into my mouth.
“Fuck, tesoro. Yes, suck me.” Not needing any encouragement, I suck him harder and deeper. I’m not sure why I thought this would be a distraction, because having him in my mouth is nothing but more pleasure. All I’ve done is add another level of arousal to the mix.
“I can’t hold on much longer,” Casius gasps.
“I’m right there w
ith you.” Rhys punctuates the thought with a rough flick of his hips.
I clench around them in agreement because I’m there. Right there. My orgasm won’t be denied. My whole body spasms with my climax, and it’s only Mateo’s cock in my mouth that keeps me from screaming the castle down around us.
Casius is the first of my mates to follow me over the edge, followed by Mateo who floods my mouth with his release. Rhys buries himself to the hilt, his cock jerking inside me as he reaches his climax. I collapse on Rhys’ chest and suck in gasping breaths.
Awareness slowly returns. Mateo and Casius are on either side of us. Mateo runs a gentle hand through my hair. Casius’ hand cups one of my ass cheeks while Rhys cradles me against his body.
That’s when a shock runs through me, jolting my entire body. Mateo sits up, his face going white. “That’s an attack on the wards,” he says. “A powerful one. Something’s badly wrong.”
85
Erik
“This is dumb,” Bastian says to me as we drive north to the lake where I’m supposed to meet my dead mate’s father. “Mettler loathes you. Why the hell do you want to talk to him?”
I take a deep breath. “I want closure,” I reply quietly.
He gives me a sidelong look. “Because…?”
A wry smile curves my lips. Bastian knows why. He just wants to hear me say the words. I trace the mating mark on my wrist with my fingertip. “I’m ready to move forward.”
“I’m really glad, Erik,” he replies quietly. He lapses into silence. A few miles go by, and then he speaks up. “I hold myself responsible for Gisele’s death.”
“Why?”
“Zyrian went after the Council because of my mother’s actions. Had she not chosen my father…”
I hold up my hand and cut him off. “For more than five hundred years,” I tell Bastian, “I’ve blamed myself. My honor guards failed. Had I been with Gisele that day, maybe I would have been able to save her. But I realized something recently.”
“Which is?”
“Zyrian’s the only one responsible. He cast the curse. He went on a killing spree. Because I blamed myself for Gisele’s death, I isolated myself from everyone. We were weaker because we were divided. I’m not going to let that happen again.”
We walk into an ambush. Luka Mettler is waiting with twenty panthers, all armed to the teeth. “What the hell?” I swear out loud.
“You killed my daughter, Valder,” he growls. “Do you think forgiveness is possible?”
“Gideon Zyrian killed your daughter,” Bastian retorts, his eyes flashing with fury at the betrayal. “Actions have consequences, Mettler. Think carefully before you stand up against us.”
“Oh, I’ve thought about it,” he replies. “I’ve thought about nothing else for more than five hundred years. And now, finally, I have the means to ensure your destruction.”
Flames start dancing over his skin. He’s shifting, calling forth his dragon. Gritting my teeth, I do the same. At my side, Bastian’s blood red dragon emerges, pawing the ground and shooting fire into the air.
Then one of the panthers throws something at Bastian, and impossibly, he collapses. I barely have time to respond, because Mettler’s holding a spear delicately in his claws.
The sight of the weapon fills me with inexplicable fear. Then it’s hurtling toward me. It pierces my side, and when it touches my scales, my body blazes with agony.
Aria’s face swims in front of my eyes.
And then, darkness.
86
Aria
Mateo snaps his fingers and returns me to full alertness. The anxiety rushes back into my mind, and for an instant, I freeze, overwhelmed by fear.
And then, training takes over. Everything I’ve learned in my life comes to the fore. Surviving on the streets. Learning to steal. Learning to fight. My magic lessons. Everything I’ve done in my life has been to prepare me for this role.
Mateo’s face is strained as he struggles to shore up Maija Essen’s wards. I can feel the malevolent force outside the castle, battering at the wards, raging in anger at the failure to rip them down. “They’re holding,” he says. “For now.”
“What can I do?”
“I need you to find Erik and Bastian,” he says grimly. He takes a deep breath. “If they’re still alive.”
I’d know if they were dead, wouldn’t I? I have to believe I’d know.
My hands shake. Rhys laces his fingers in mine, and Casius puts a steadying arm on my shoulder. “We’re here for you, Aria,” he says. “Use our strength. Take what you need.”
I take a deep breath and reach for courage. I have to do this.
There’s a hard ball of fear in my throat. I should have followed them, but instead, I’d allowed Mateo, Rhys, and Casius to distract me. I’d been having sex. If something were to happen to Bastian and Erik, I’d never, ever be able to forgive myself.
Please. Please let this be okay.
Closing my eyes, I look for them. For Erik’s hulking yet surprisingly graceful presence, for Bastian’s bright one. Bastian seems angry, but Erik’s aura is dim. Even dimmer than Mateo’s had been.
“Erik,” I gasp, tears running down my cheeks. “He’s badly hurt. He’s…”
“Still alive?” Mateo asks sharply.
I nod.
“Good. Aria, remember Paris? You asked me if I could translocate dragons, and I said no, not unless they were in my sight. You remember why?”
“Because you can’t sense them.”
“Exactly. But you can.”
He lifts the chain holding the Bloodstone from his neck and places it over mine. “I’ll feed you strength,” he says. “And so will Casius and Rhys. But Aria, I need you. You’ll need to find Erik and Bastian and bring them back into the castle.”
“Okay.” My lips are dry with fear. I haven’t been able to translocate anyone ever, but if there’s ever a time that I need to succeed, it’s now.
I rub my eyes. There’s no time for tears. I need to act. I grope for the red magic within me. Hey, you guys? I whisper to them. I really, really need your help.
My magic reacts, and not just my magic. The Bloodstone flares to life against my neck. I feel it glowing red-hot, burning my skin.
Just like it had in my dreams when I approached Zyrian’s castle.
Not now. I don’t have time for distractions. I send the threads of magic outward, my senses expanding, my focus unwavering. I patiently use the strands to weave a net around the two ethereal shapes of my mates. As much as it’s tempting to push the magic, I stay patient. It’s eager to cooperate. I just have to get out of the way.
When I start to falter, Mateo feeds me strength. I add his golden strands to the net I’m making. I take from Rhys and Casius too. The net needs to be strong. There’s magic acting to counter mine, but I will not fail.
It’s done. I yank with our combined strength. A tremor runs through the castle as Bastian and Erik hit the barrier of the castle wards, and then the wards part and let them through.
I’m already running outside.
Two giant dragons are slumped on the lawn. One of them, a scarlet dragon—instinctively, I know it’s Bastian—seems to be unconscious.
But it’s the other dragon that makes me gasp in horror. Sticking out from Erik’s chest, puncturing his jet-black scales, is a spear. Waves of cold evil emanate from it, and Erik’s light has almost been snuffed out.
Mateo swears long and hard. He tugs on his strands of magic, and the spear comes loose. “Can you heal him?” I whisper. “Will he make it?”
“I don’t know,” Mateo replies heavily as his magic knits the wound back together. “I just don’t know.”
Bastian recovers in a day. Erik, on the other hand, lingers in the valley between life and death for five long days. Finally, on the sixth morning, Mateo’s face fills with relief. “His body is winning the fight against the poison.”
For five days, I’ve bottled every emotion I’ve felt. The pressure has b
uilt inside me, and it all comes bursting out now. I’m shaking with relief that Erik’s going to be okay, but underneath is a river of hot molten rage. We all know that the Dark Dragon was behind this attack. How much damage is he going to cause? How much are we going to allow him to get away with?
“How long are we going to stay here, hiding in fear?” I yell. It feels good to give into the rage. “Why are we letting Zyrian run amok?” I point my finger accusingly at Mateo. “You’re the second most powerful mage in the world,” I snap. “Why aren’t you trying harder to break the curse?”
His face whitens. He’s exhausted. He’s been fighting the poison in Erik’s body. I don’t think he’s slept more than an hour or two in the last five days. I have no business yelling at him.
But I can’t stop the words. “Or is it just easier to stay here and have sex with your mate, no matter how many people die on the outside?”
“Aria.” Bastian’s voice is firm. “Enough. You’re tired. Stressed. You’re not yourself.”
“Or what?” I pivot to him in a rage. “Or you’ll make me a prisoner again?”
Mateo’s self-control snaps. “Do you think this is easy?” he snarls. “I’ve known how to break the curse for weeks.”
My body goes cold. “Then why…”
“Because I’m not willing to pay the price,” he says heavily. “There’s magic in the Bloodstone, magic that needs to be released into the world. Your blood can break the barrier binding it.” He laughs bitterly. “But of course, it’s not that simple. It never is. Because the magic it contains is tainted.”
He looks at me, his eyes bleak and bloodshot, filled with pain. “Within you is the only untainted magic in the world, Aria. The magic will need to be purified through your blood. There’s only one problem. If I do that, you’ll die.”
87
Aria
“Please tell me you’re not thinking of doing something stupid.”