by C J Matthew
Our mate doesn’t believe. Let me show her.
Damn it. Not yet. Let me handle this first part. Then I promise you can show off for her. Devlin’s hands curled into fists. He should have anticipated this. The dragon knew what was happening. Yet he’d stayed quiet all evening. Until now. Carrying on two simultaneous conversations was nerve-wracking. Devlin needed his wits.
He studied his mate’s eyes. She thinks I’m mentally ill.
Maybe I should have called Murdoch for advice. Hell, no. I can do this. Go with the simple facts.
“My mother, the former owner of your broach—” he pointed to Portia’s lapel “—was a sea serpent who could take human shape. She agreed to an arranged union with my father who was a pure dragon shifter. In me, the sea serpent genes cancelled out the huge wings and the fire—”
“So, you’re not like the dragons in Game of—”
“No. Well, sort of. Minus the fire and all that flying.”
“What can you do instead?”
Damn, Portia’s tone said she was only playing along with his delusions. “Thanks to the sea serpent genes,” he continued, “I could swim and live in the ocean for months at a time.”
“How does that work, exactly?” Was he hearing less distain in her voice?
“In my dragon form, I can breathe just fine on land. The gills kick in as soon as I hit water.”
“And you want me to believe all this, a man who can morph into a dragon, but a swimming dragon not a flying one, based solely on your word?”
He gave her a weak smile. “Now wouldn’t that be something?”
“I’m sorry, Devlin. You seem to have a lot vested in me believing you, but it’s too fantastical. I don’t believe it and I can’t just go along.”
“Understood. No problem, I’ll prove it to you. Show you. There are a couple things I want you to understand before I shift. I can’t talk to you in sea dragon form.”
Her shocked gaze took on a glassy appearance. He reached toward her, to cup her chin but she jerked away.
“Portia? Do I have your attention?”
She blinked, swallowed and focused. “Sorry. It’s a lot to take in. I’m ready for the demonstration. I think.”
“I have two serious considerations while in sea dragon form. I can’t shift just anywhere. When I’m not in the ocean I need to find enough space to fit. A lot of that is length. Second issue is mobility on land. I did get legs from the dragon genes so I can walk on land except lots of my back half and tail drag the ground.”
“Is that why we’re here?” she asked, scanning the square footage and the towering roofline. “You knew I’d need to see it?” For the first time she looked anxious. “Just how big are you? Or the dragon…er, the sea dragon? Like Godzilla big?”
“Take a deep breath, sweetheart. This space is plenty big enough.”
“Okay.” Her eyes saucer-sized, his mate was back to wringing her hands.
“I’d normally shift in water, and invite you to swim with me. But since it’s January in Japan, you’d need an all-weather suit. Let me try to explain a few details now. Then while I’m a dragon, you can touch me, climb aboard if you want.”
Now she appeared terrified. “Only because I’d like you to find the spot that supplies breathing air and warmth while we’re under water.”
Her fear seemed to be edged out by a dose of interest. “This is getting real.”
“Pay attention, there’s going to be a quiz.”
“Ha, ha.”
“Sit just below my neck where there’s a break in the spikes. Then bend forward and rest your chin on my scales. In the right spot you’ll feel a gust of warm air. Under water it’s a strong, continuous stream of air. It’ll keep you warm and you can breathe.”
“If it’s true, that’s amazing.”
“Stay here. I’ll shift and then you can check out my sea dragon. Talk to him and I can hear you. Ask questions, I’ll answer when I shift back.” He ached to kiss her. Better wait to see her reaction.
He stood in about the center of the warehouse. Visualized the sea dragon.
Your turn, buddy. Be careful.
The air around him tingled and shimmered. Devlin receded as the Sea Dragon took form, standing on thick legs with large feet and oversized claws. His aft section and tail uncoiled from beneath his hips and with a stretch, extended almost to the back-receiving doors.
The beast tilted his massive head just slightly so he could clearly see their mate. She gripped the arms of her chair. Her knuckles were white. His dragon and his mate both stared.
If you want her closer, put your head down to her level. Do NOT open your mouth. Hell, they should have practiced this. Right, like last week you knew you’d find your fated mate on top of Skytree on Oshogatsu.
The sea dragon’s elongated head swayed gently, then slowly lowered. Legs and torso compressing into a crouch, the dragon rested his neck and finally the impressive jaws on the concrete.
In that moment, Portia appeared ready to run for her life.
Chapter 14
Portia
Oxygen deprived, Portia gulped in a lungful of cool air. Blinking her eyes back into focus, she shoved aside the lap rug, rose from her chair, and filled her lungs again. The gigantic form didn’t move. Encouraged, she took a tentative step closer.
The dragon blinked. She froze in her tracks. Bit back a scream. Was it winking at her? Was Devlin really inside all that leathery armor-like hide and flirting with her? Somewhere deep inside she was drawn to this monster. No, not a monster. This was Devlin.
The beast’s nostrils expanded as he inhaled a slow breath. The slight movement changed the rust colored scales to more of a glossy terra cotta brown. The horns and spikes on the dragon’s head and back caught the light and in the gleam of overhead bulbs, the protrusions seemed to glow.
She shivered and the dragon emitted a soft hum. Fascination began to outweigh fear and she stepped close. One big plus, the beast radiated heat. Balanced on the balls of her feet, she extended her arm, fingers outstretched. If he made any sudden moves, she was ready to jump out of the way.
Her fingertip touched the end of his snout. This close she had a clear view of all the deadly spikes on the sea dragons head. At the right angle, the two big tusks on top could gore an opponent or—
The dragon’s hum grew louder, like the strong purr of a contented cat. This time when he winked, the corners of her mouth curled up. It was Devlin. Oh god, Devlin was really inside this huge beast. Her knees went weak. Catching her breath, she stepped closer. Close enough to run her hands along his jawline and over his nose…snout? The scales and hide felt like hardened leather.
Why not make a circle tour, see it all? Maybe she’d better warn Devlin about that plan.
“Hi, Mister Sea Dragon. And Devlin. I know it might sound strange, but I can almost feel Devlin inside there. I must say, you, Sea Dragon, are extremely impressive. I’ll bet all the women tell you that. Anyway, I’d like to walk all the way around you so no sudden moves, okay?”
Under Portia’s hands the Dragon’s head rose slightly, then settled back down on the bare floor. “Good. I’ll take that as a nod of agreement. Guess I’ll talk as I go so you’ll know where I am.” She ran her hand along the sloping neck and when she reached what looked like a folded fan, she assumed she was seeing his wings.
“When I get back to the front, if it’s safe, could you extend your wings?” Walking further, the dragon’s torso thickened. She carefully stepped around his back foot, avoiding lethal claws. Closer to him once again, Portia walked on, running her hands over the dragon’s flanks until his body began to narrow. Stepping back, she looked at the long tail. The barbed piece at the end twitched, reminding her of a cat. Better not share that comparison with Devlin.
“I’ve decided to cut short my circle inspection. I want to see where I’d sit and breathe, just in case some day I totally lose my mind and agree to go swimming with you. Here I go, walking back to the front.”
/> A scrape-y screech echoed through the cavernous space. Her heart stopped. What the hell? She stumbled back, away from the dragon. And noticed his front leg sticking out at an angle to his body. The screech was the sound of claws dragging on concrete. By side-stepping, she avoided getting closer to the leg, but improved her view of it. If you counted a claw, the dragon had formed stair steps.
She blew out an explosive breath. “Offering me a leg up to climb on your back?”
Marching straight to the dragon’s side, she hauled off and smacked him on the scales.
“Damn it. How ‘bout a little warning? Damn. Don’t you ever do that again. You scared the living shit out of me.” She smacked him again, harder and made her hand sting.
Retracing her steps, Portia stormed along until she faced the dragon’s eye.
“Okay Fido, I’m climbing up your leg and onto your back. Then I’m finding the right spot to sit and breathe, confirming it works. If you so much as twitch and cause me to slip, or god forbid, fall off? I swear, I’ll make your life a living hell. Blink if you understand me.”
The lizard-like eyelid lowered over the sea dragon’s eye.
“Fine. Now don’t forget.” She stomped to the curved claw, stepped out of her heels and climbed up. Actually, the claw wasn’t as slippery as it looked, and the scales offered sturdy hand holds. She hiked up her skirt and swung her leg over the dragon’s neck.
Whoa, the dragon’s heat penetrated her inner thighs. Leaning forward, her chin almost touching him, she tried to feel air blowing. There. She experimented until her face was centered in the stream of air and it blew wisps of hair around her face. She inhaled deep. The air smelled like the ocean on a sunny day.
Excitement trickled up her spine. Would this really work underwater? Had she met and— be honest—developed a crush on a being who could offer her unlimited time swimming and exploring beneath the sea?
“Devlin, when you’re back for Q & A, explain how this little breeze will keep me alive.” She chose the best spikes for handholds and practiced breathing. “I’m coming down, no shenanigans.”
On the concrete, she recovered her shoes and hurried to the dragon’s nose.
This time, she looked deep into the dragon’s eye and recognized the glimmer. Her heart raced. She wasn’t dreaming, it was all still true.
When she could breathe again, she gave Devlin/dragon a quick kiss. “Friends?”
A growling sound sent Portia several steps back. But this time the Dragon disappeared, and Devlin took up a lot less space. She ran to him, jumped his body, her legs wrapped around his waist, her arms circling his neck.
“That was so amazing. You, you’re amazing—”
“Fido?”
“Shut up and kiss me.”
Not waiting for him, she attacked his mouth, her tongue demanding entry. She proceeded to plunder every reachable inch. Reaching one hand between them, she unbuttoned every fastener she could reach. When they came up for air, she shivered and demanded, “Back to the heater and the chair. We’re great in chairs.”
Devlin gave her a breathless chuckle. “What about the limo orgy?”
“Can’t wait. First here, then the limo. Then your spa tub.”
“You’re gonna to kill me.”
“Mythical creature, my ass.”
“On second thought, I’m up for it.”
She loosened her legs, slid down his body until her wet panties lined up with the budging ridge of his cock. “You sure are.”
Devlin backed into the chair and she knelt over him while they stripped off clothing. When it came to the broach, she wasn’t willing to toss it, attached to her jacket, on the floor. She got to her feet and folded the jacket, with the broach on top. Devlin took advantage by peeling off his pants and boxers. And rolling on protection.
“What about my plans for a blow job?” She pretended to pout.
“In the back of the limo.”
“Cliché.” This earned him an eye roll.
“Not for me. A first.”
“Oh baby.” Her heart skipped a beat. “Then I’ll just have to make it your best memory, ever.”
“Stop talking and jump me.”
She straddled his thighs, and reaching down, positioned his cock between the folds, right at the entrance to her channel. Then she tortured them both by slowly lowering her pelvis. Taking him in inch by glorious inch. With a groan, Devlin slid his hands across her shoulders, up the sides of her throat to cradle her cheeks. “Kiss me.”
The power of his kiss mirrored her penetration. Slow and wet, hot and gradually deeper and deeper. His tongue slid sensuously across hers, tantalizing and tempting. When she couldn’t take any more, he moved his mouth down to her chin and thrust his hips up, fully seating his cock.
His hands grasped her hips. “Together?” he moaned.
“Yes, hard and fast.”
She met each of his thrusts. Their mouths and their hands were everywhere. He knew her body just well enough to drive her quickly to the brink. When Devlin took her taut sensitive nipple into his mouth and sucked hard, hot tension consumed her body. She arched her back, grabbed Devlin’s strong biceps, and let go, flying apart. The heat of her orgasm filled her body. Her inner muscles pulsed on his cock while she moaned his name.
Still pounding into her, Devlin gasped, “I’m with you.” One final push and he emptied deep inside her.
When they were both capable of breathing again, they each helped the other to clean up and dress, with frequent kiss and cuddle breaks. She folded her furry rug then reclaimed her seat on Devlin’s lap, right in front of the fireplace heater.
Tracing her fingertip along the trimmed edge of his short beard, she said, “You were right about seeing is believing. How many other people know what you can do?”
“I belong to a clan of sea dragons and one cousin has a fiancé who knows. No other humans know about us. In my life, you’re the only one.”
How could he keep a secret like that? “Seriously?”
“Not one other person, just you.”
“Wow.” She tightened her hug, burrowed into his chest, and buried her face in his neck. Way to make a woman feel special.
Devlin gave her broach a pat and said, “I’ve been thinking about our limo orgy.”
Her head came up and she purred, “Good.”
“From here, the drive to the condo is way too short. I’d be better off requesting a rain check.”
“You got it.” She indicated the items on the area rug. “This is nice. An oasis of warmth and comfort in an empty warehouse.”
“My people surprised me with the extras. However, they forgot water or drinks. I’m thirsty.”
“Me too. And I still have a long list of sea dragon questions. Could you hear me when you were in dragon form?”
“Mostly.” He played with her hair. “Let’s get a fire going at home and I’ll try to answer all of them. Before I call for the limo, I have one question for you.”
“What’s that?” She tickled his earlobe.
“Did you get the job at Ichiban?”
Chapter 15
Devlin
Mentally crossing his fingers, Devlin studied his mate’s expression. Should he rephrase the question? Her working for Ichiban or not wasn’t the point. He needed her to stay longer in Japan. As things stood, she’d return home in just over a week. He couldn’t imagine the pain of saying good bye to his mate. Perhaps forever.
A human male, in similar circumstances, could choose to pull up stakes and follow her. Something men did in this day and age. Not a dragon. Territory was critical to him. This area, Japan with her two major port hubs, and bordered by an imaginary undersea buffer, was all his. Home to his hoard. No other dragon would dare to encroach on his territory and expect to live.
Another segment of his hoard? Muirdris Shipping. Each cousin, every sea dragon director, held his share of company assets as personal hoard.
And the final treasure he’d defend to the death? His fated ma
te was the heart of a dragon’s hoard. He couldn’t lose her.
“What I’m asking,” he persisted, “did Michael make you a job offer?”
“An offer, yes.”
Why did she sound hesitant?
She answered his unspoken question. “Michael’s terms seemed overly generous. Now I’m questioning his reasons for hiring me. I’ve been a part of their family since my parents died and I’m afraid those ties are weighing too heavily, swaying Michael’s choice of a new manager.”
“Set his motives aside for one moment. Do you qualify for the position?”
“Definitely.”
Devlin’s stomach started to relax. “Knowing you’ll have to move to literally the other side of the planet, do you still want the job?”
“Truthfully, I’m excited about the relocation.”
Not as excited as I am. One more negative question. “You’re excited about moving to a country where you only know a few people and don’t speak the language? It—”
“I speak fluently,” she announced in Japanese. “Plus, I can read and write moderately well.” Her pronunciation was impressive.
“Please accept my humble apologies,” he replied in the same language. “I didn’t realize how very accomplished you are. That could be one of the major reasons Michael is anxious for you to join his company. Mastery of the language makes you even more valuable. And it will make your transition much easier, smoother. Plus, living here, you’ll share the social contacts of your god mother.”
She is our ideal mate. The dragon curled his tail around his feet. Heart of the hoard.
Agreed. Now, let’s deal with her dragon questions.
Portia pursed her lips and he fought the urge to kiss her senseless.
“I wasn’t thinking of his offer in those terms,” she admitted. “Still, before I make any a final decision, I need to sleep on it.”
“Wise woman.” He might’ve gained a reprieve on the mate discussion. “Ready to bundle up? I’ll text for the limo.”
At home in the library, he started the fire while Portia raided the small fridge for water and beer. Curled together on the couch, he said, “You asked about sea dragon wings?”