Dresden nodded, and Nadie had to hold back the sudden urge to rub herself all over her men, marking her territory.
Corena grinned. “You’ll learn to hide your urges better in the future, young one.” Nadie blushed but didn’t respond. “Dante, Jace, it is good to finally meet you. We’ve heard of both of you, as you know. To have you mated to one who might one day be our own will only honor us.”
“One day?” Nadie asked then cursed herself.
Corena nodded. “We do not know you or how you’ve come to be, Nadie. We are not like those in other realms who will cast you out with no reason, but we are also…leery. I will protect my people no matter the cost, and once we find out how we blend and who we are as a people with you as one of us, then we can become something less…informal.”
For some reason, the honesty allowed Nadie to relax. She didn’t misunderstand and think these people would welcome her with open arms. While it might have been that way with Lily and the brownies, Becca and Jamie had to fight all out hostility. The cautious approach of the succubi made sense, and Nadie wouldn’t waste her chance.
“Thank you for the welcome,” Dante said, his voice low. Nadie couldn’t tell what he was feeling, but she was glad he was there.
“Yes, thank you,” Jace added in.
“Now, Nadie, take a seat with your men, and let’s discuss why you are here today.”
Nadie gripped her men’s hands then followed Corena to a table, which was low to the ground; pillows surrounded it in a decadent array of comfort. Nadie sat between her men, not quite relaxed but feeling better than she had before.
“I’d like to know more about what I can do, who I am,” Nadie said after the attendants filled their wine glasses. Dante brought hers to his nose then to her lips.
Corena laughed softly as Dante tilted the glass so Nadie could take a drink. “We aren’t going to poison your mate, dragon. You know we don’t like confrontation.”
Dante winked at Nadie then set the glass down. “I trust no one at first glance. I’m a dragon.”
Dresden snorted, Jace joining in.
Corena shook her head, her lips twitching. “Now, Nadie, we will be able to tell you more about who you are and what you can do once you tell us what mark you bear.”
Nadie frowned. “You mean the ink?”
Corena nodded. “Yes, your ink. Each succubus holds a mark on their skin that reflects their house. As you grow into your power, your ink will change and evolve to add your own personality, but the initial mark will always be your history. As yours comes from dormant DNA, I’m interested to see what house lost your line so many years ago.”
“You’re saying that each house has a different power?” she asked, though Dante had explained it as such before. It didn’t hurt to hear it from the queen as well.
“Yes. Some have more defensive skills than those with offensive ones, while others can heal or read minds.” Corena waved her hand, and an attendant came forward, a large book in his hands. “You can have a look at our history and such in this. Normally, I wouldn’t hand it off to one I do not know, but it’s merely a copy, and you’re mated to a Royal dragon and bear. That makes things different.”
Jace accepted the volume and placed it near him. They’d look at it later when they were alone.
She looked at both her men, who nodded. With a strained smile, she stood between them. They each placed a hand on one of her legs, and she centered herself before turning to bare her side. She pulled up her shirt and pulled her slacks down slightly so they could see her hip. She wasn’t as open showing her body to strangers as some in the room, and with her two mates at her side, she didn’t want to incite a confrontation.
Corena gasped then murmured to Dresden before standing. Nadie tilted her head as she righted her clothes.
“What’s wrong? What did I do?”
Corena shook her head, tears filling her eyes. “You did nothing, child,” she said before baring her hip.
Though parts of the design were different—showing Corena’s own path rather than her line’s history—the resemblance was striking.
Black leaves with crimson-red roses.
“You are of my line, Nadie Morgan. You are royalty.”
Nadie blinked and sat down, needing to be near her men.
“What…what does that mean?”
Corena smiled again then sat down, gripping Dresden’s hand. “It means that, though our bond is diluted, we are family.” She looked at Nadie’s two men before gazing at Nadie once more. “Our line isn’t as large as the others because of who we are, but to find another can only bring joy and acceptance. You are one of us, Nadie. There will be no questions, no waiting.”
Dante squeezed her side, and Jace did the same. “Does this mean you will fight for her if there comes a time she is in danger?” Dante asked.
Nadie started then looked at her dragon.
Corena tilted her head, interest on her face. “If we must, we will. We do not fight wars like the others in our worlds, but if one of our own is in danger, then we will fight. Now tell us about this possible danger and what you see in your future.”
Dante told the succubus and incubus everything, surprising Nadie at the amount of trust involved. It seemed that Dante was gathering forces and not hindered by the fact that he wasn’t supposed to talk of the Conclave. With a potential battle on the horizon, the need for secrecy from a group of paranormals that thought they ruled the world went out the window.
By the end, Corena’s scowl made Nadie want to back away from the woman. “We must discuss this further. I will do what I can to show Nadie how to fight for herself as well.” She met Nadie’s gaze. “Your dragon can help. Nadie, our line has an offensive power. We use the life force we gain through sex and sensual contact to make a form of splintered lightning. You will be able to use this to injure and, one day, kill your attackers. It is not easy, but it can be managed.”
Nadie swallowed hard at the facts she laid out. “I want to learn it all. I don’t want to be their weakness.”
Both men growled beside her as what Nadie thought was pride filled Corena’s eyes. “We won’t let that happen. Now, I have to talk with my own council about this,” she told them all. “We cannot let a ruling body force us to abide by their dictates without our own voices.” She stood with a feline grace, and the rest followed. “I will be in contact with you soon.” She moved then, gripping Nadie’s hands. “It is good to meet you, Nadie Morgan.”
“You as well.”
Corena grinned then waved them off, Dresden at her side. Nadie followed Dante and Jace through the portal as soon as they made their way through the room with the writhing bodies—only this time they stared at her with awed wonder rather than mere curiosity. That would be something to think about later.
Right then she needed her men.
As soon as they hit the clearing, Jace’s phone rang, and Nadie frowned.
“Shit, I missed four calls,” Jace mumbled as he listened to whoever was on the other line.
Nadie felt Dante tense beside her, and she wrapped her arms around his waist, wanting to soothe but not knowing why he was reacting this way.
When Jace hung up, Dante scowled.
“You know I have to do this,” Jace said.
“Do what?” Nadie asked.
Jace cupped her face and kissed her softly. “I need to meet with another Meditator. I will have an assignment soon, and I have to keep up my training.”
In all that had happened since she’d met him, she’d almost forgotten he had a duty as Mediator. He’d been on break since he’d met her, and for some reason, she’d thought they’d have more time before he would be gone for long stretches of time…leaving her alone with a dragon who might not be beside her once the dust settled and the Conclave had their way.
She fought back panic and raised her chin, determined to be stronger than her fears.
“It’s just training? You’ll be back soon?” she asked.
“Yes.
I’m going to do all in my power to take time for us. I had told them this after my last assignment.” The one that had separated him from them all for so long. “I will find a way to make this work.”
It seemed they were all saying that to each other more often than not.
She didn’t know how she felt about that.
He kissed her again then did the same to Dante, who hadn’t spoken. Jace gave them both a sad smile then turned to run to where his bike was parked on the other side of the house. He would take his bike to another clearing and open a portal. Sometimes he would be able to do it from Dante’s clearing, but right then, she had a feeling he needed to be alone. Or at least away from Dante. She leaned into Dante, wanting to take his mind off the pain of watching Jace going away—even if it was just for the short term.
Dante looked down at her and sighed. “I’m sorry I’m acting like an ass.”
She grinned at him. “You know how you can make it up to me, don’t you?”
His eyes darkened, and he licked his lips. “I have a few ideas.”
Chapter Fourteen
Nadie wiggled away. “You’ll have to catch me first.” She darted away, running as fast as she could, reaching the house and clamoring to open the door.
Dante roared a laugh behind her, loving the way his mate knew him. “I’m a dragon, my darling. You should know better than to give chase.”
She tossed a look over her shoulder then turned to run through the house. Before she could take another step, he pounced on her, clutching her to his chest.
“I wanted you to catch me,” she said, breathless.
Dante growled, biting down on her lower lip. “Next time I’ll let you run longer. Right now I need to be inside you as I suck on those pretty tits.”
She pushed against him, rubbing along his body like a cat in heat.
“Inside me. Now.”
He quickly stripped her down to her skin and pulled his clothes off as well. Her breasts fell heavy into his hands, and he sucked one nipple into his mouth, biting down with the tip of a fang. She moaned against him as he plumped her other breast with his free hand. Gods, he loved the taste of her skin.
Dante licked and kissed up her body until he towered over her.
“Dante,” she gasped.
He grinned, his dragon ready to take her, possess her.
“Nadie.”
He kissed her then, hard, fast, demanding. Her arms went to his back, her fingernails clawing his skin. He pulled away slightly, holding back the roar that would show her that he fucking loved it.
When he went back to his knees, she blinked down at him, licking her lips.
“Face the wall,” he ordered.
Her eyes widened, but she did as she was told.
He kissed her lower back then gripped her ass, spreading her cheeks and lowering his face. She gasped at his movement, pressing her body closer to him. He tongued her hole, licking and sucking before burying his face in her pussy. She rocked against him, rolling her hips in time with his penetrations. Since she was facing away from him, her hands braced against the wall, he was able to let his hands roam so he could cup her breasts.
“That feels so good,” she moaned.
He growled, knowing the vibrations would be a shock against her clit. When he rolled both nipples between his fingers, he heard her cry out and felt her come on his tongue. He didn’t stop licking her up but moved his hands down so he could fuck her with his fingers. He changed positions slightly, allowing one hand better access to her pussy while he used her juices to play with her ass with his other hand.
She rolled her hips, and he grinned before sucking on her clit.
“Dante, please, fuck me.”
“I love the way you beg, my sprite. I’m going to make you come on my face one more time, and then I’ll fuck you hard. Make it good for me, darling.”
She moved her hips faster, and he grinned before gently letting his thumb breach her ass. His mate froze for a moment, and Dante stopped, thinking he’d gone too far, but when she arched her back, taking his thumb deeper, he growled. She danced her hips in circles on his face, and he fucked her pussy with one hand and her ass with his thumb.
“Give it to me,” he whispered, his voice full of need and sin.
“Yes!” she screamed as she came again.
Before she finished her orgasm, Dante pulled back and stood, gripping her hips. He entered her in one thrust, both of them crying out.
“Move, please,” she begged, pressing her ass closer to his groin.
“You’re so fucking tight.”
“Then make it good.”
He grinned then pumped into her, gripping her hips so hard he was sure he would leave bruises. His Nadie could take it though, and from the way she moved with him, she would wear those bruises with pride.
Fuck he loved his mate.
Nadie looked over his shoulder, and he leaned down to capture her lips, his body never losing rhythm as he made love to his mate.
“Come in me, please, my dragon, come in me. With me.”
How could he deny that request?
He slammed into her once more and roared as he came within her. Nadie called out with him, her pussy clenching his cock as she milked him.
When they finally stopped shaking, he fell to the floor, pulling Nadie into his lap and holding her close. They both were drenched in sweat, yet he didn’t want to move. He just wanted his Nadie.
His mate nuzzled into him, and he ran his hands down her body.
“Best. Ever.”
Dante grinned at her words. “Better than the first time?”
She pulled back and looked at him, tilting her head. “Um, I don’t want to choose. Let’s just call them all the best ever.”
He chuckled and kissed her forehead. “Deal. And, yes, it was the best ever.”
And his dragon couldn’t wait to do it again.
They stood in the clearing again, only this time while Dante changed into a dragon, he would be doing it with Jace and Nadie there. Jace had seen his form many years ago, but Nadie had not. His dragon preened at the idea of their mate seeing its form. Dante was surprised the damn thing didn’t want to primp and shine up its scales before the big reveal.
Jace had come back quickly from his meeting, his decision made it seemed. They were not going to follow the Conclave’s demands until all was calm. His lover seemed to be okay with the decision, but Dante wasn’t sure. The time would come when they would all have to figure out Jace’s line of work and duty, but not right then.
He’d put off going to the dragon realm for far too long, and now, two weeks after their journey to the succubus realm, they were heading into the den of fire. While Nadie might have looked excited to see his dragon, none of them were looking forward to spending any amount of time with the rest of the dragons.
This wasn’t going to be pretty.
He not only needed to introduce Nadie and Jace to his family, but to his House as well. His family was filled with sadistic, murdering bastards who wanted power, wealth, and sex without having to do any work. The House, though, was filled with females.
Black-and-blue-scaled females that had been hounding him for centuries to mate with him. He really didn’t want to deal with them and Nadie’s and Jace’s reactions.
When had his life turned into a soap opera?
He used to be the nomadic hermit dragon with friends from other realms and no worries other than keeping others at bay. Now he had a potential war, two mates who he loved and didn’t want to leave, and now…this.
Dragon shit.
“Ready?” Jace asked from his side, his hand resting on the small of Dante’s back.
Dante relaxed for a moment, leaning into the other man. He closed his eyes, needing to regroup before they left. It wouldn’t do anyone any good for him to be a stressed-out basket case. He’d either end up throwing his mates in his hoard and hiding them from the outside or start growling and spitting fire at random dragons that dared enter
his line of sight.
Nadie nuzzled into his side, and he grinned, wrapping one arm around her so he could press her as close to him as possible.
“I’m ready now,” he said after a few moments of blissed silence. He pulled away from them so he could have the space to shift without crushing anyone. “Stand back.”
Jace took Nadie’s hand, and they took a few steps backward, curiosity on both their faces. Even though Jace had seen his dragon form, it had been many years.
He sucked in a breath and drew on his dragon’s essence. He knew what his mates saw—white smoky eyes and an almost glowing presence—as well as what they felt—a manic energy and the sudden drop of temperature.
He pulled harder on his dragon, and it shimmered into existence.
“You’re…you’re beautiful,” Nadie whispered.
Dante ducked his head, his snout touching the ground so he could be closer to Nadie without hurting her. The dragon wanted to reach out with its claw and hold her close, never letting her go, but the man didn’t want to scare her. After all, he was one fucking huge dragon.
Nadie raised her arm as if to touch him then froze.
Dante moved closer, butting her hand with his snout, wanting her touch.
She sighed as her palm brushed against his scales, and if he’d been a cat, he’d have purred. As it was, his fire rumbled, content and ready to move closer.
“You’re warm,” she said in awe, and Jace chuckled beside her. She looked over at their mate and frowned. “What?”
Jace shrugged then put his hand next to her. Dante sighed at the contact of his two mates. “I think I said the exact same things you have when I first saw Dante’s dragon. He’s one beautiful beast.”
His dragon wanted to bow and preen, as was his due.
Dante relished their touch for a few more moments, but if they didn’t leave soon, they never would. He pulled away and smiled at the put-out faces.
“Come on, you’ll be riding me into the realm,” Dante said. His voice was lower, more of a growl in this form than his human one.
Jace snorted. “We can talk about a different kind of riding later.”
Tangled Innocence Page 15