“They’re just worried.”
“Stop defending them. They insulted you. They insulted me. They don’t think you’re good enough for me because you’re human, and they are trying to find a way to show you aren’t my mate.”
“Are you sure that’s what they think? Keara seemed so friendly.”
“All right. Maybe not Keara, but that is what Thoren thinks. I could read his mind. He thinks you are a security risk.”
“Because I’m human?”
“Because you’re different. He senses the difference but can’t yet identify it.”
“I take it telling him about my arm is a bad idea.”
“I hoped he wouldn’t care.”
Parker squeezed his hand and tugged him closer. “I don’t care.” Not here standing next to Jamie. Her job, her few friends, her life. Nothing mattered except for Jamie. Standing before him, she wanted to give comfort, to prove she cared, to wrap her arms around him and never let go.
His gaze met hers, pupils dilating before he focused on her lips. The rough pads of his fingers grazed her cheek, stroking along her jaw, behind her ear. In a fluid move, he ran his hand across her nape, tugging her to his lips. Soft. Firm. Parting.
Parker thrust her tongue between his lips, his tongue meeting hers in a twisting slide of pleasure. He dropped her hand, wrapping his arm around her waist, pressing her against his hard length, entwining them as one. Her body throbbed to the beat of his heart, ached with each pulse of her core. As if he was her other half, a soul mate she never believed existed.
Nothing she had experienced in her life prepared her for kissing Jamie, for the strength of his arms around her waist, for the emotions pinging through her veins like a richocheting wild shot.
He dropped his hand from her nape, placed his arms around her waist and lifted, never breaking the kiss. Parker wrapped her legs around his waist, the hard length of him hitting her right where she needed. Jamie headed toward the bedroom, his hands a firm heat on her ass.
Bam, bam, bam! Parker started as whoever stood at the front door knocked harder. Jamie pulled his head back as she released him, her legs slowly lowering to the ground.
“We don’t have to answer.”
“Oh, yes, we do. That’s Thoren.”
Heat splashed into her cheeks. Great. Thirty-two years old and she reacted the same way she had when eighteen and caught naked with her high school boyfriend. Some things never change.
Chapter Eighteen
Releasing Parker ranked as one of the hardest things he’d ever done. Jamie wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed with her and never leave. To join them as mates, their souls entwined for eternity.
But no, he had to answer the door before Thoren transported inside and caught them in the act, so to speak. Knocking was Thoren’s way of apologizing for his earlier insults. Normally he transported into the living room.
After all, normally Jamie never had company of the female variety.
Red colored Parker’s cheeks. Embarrassment over Thoren or did she regret kissing him? Probably the former. He hoped.
“Go on, now. So we can finish what we started.”
Definitely embarrassment.
A grin turned his lips as he winked at her before opening the door.
Thoren glanced over Jamie’s shoulder at Parker, his eyes flaring as the tips of his ears turned red. Looked like Parker wasn’t the only one embarrassed.
“Sorry to interrupt.” His gaze snapped to Jamie. “I came to apologize for insulting you. That was not my intent.”
“I know.” But it hurt when his father admitted finding him magically defective. Knowing Thoren loved him despite his deficiency only partially eased the ache in his chest.
“I would never hurt you. You know that, right?”
“I know. But you insulted Parker.”
Thoren glanced at Parker and back to Jamie as he slipped into mind-speak. She has a peculiar energy about her. I’m concerned she might hurt you.
I’m aware. That doesn’t excuse the insults.
She might be a security threat.
Jamie crossed his arms. She is not a security threat.
She’s human.
I’m half human.
Thoren ran a hand through his hair. I forget that sometimes.
A bud of pride and love unfurled in his chest obliterating the ache. To have Thoren, one of the most powerful Draconi, forget he was a Halfling was like being given a large, polished ruby.
Thank you.
One side of Thoren’s mouth curled. I’m still not convinced she’s not a threat.
I know she’s not. She never heard of Draconia until we told her. Why would she mean us harm? She’s my mate.
At the risk of picking an open wound, it seems odd to me that with her appearance you take on typical Draconi traits. No offense.
It’s complicated. Heat flooded his cheeks. So much for Thoren not noticing.
Thoren’s eyes narrowed and Jamie swallowed. What other abilities have you manifested?
I’ve always had abilities. They were just hidden.
Hidden? Thoren’s brows dropped.
Jamie paused. How much to tell him without exposing Parker? How much to hide? He scratched the back of his neck. I could work magic in her land as freely as you wield it here.
Thoren’s eyes widened. How? What is different about her land?
They have no magic and use technology. The materials used to build many things are derived from titanium. That’s when I discovered, unlike you, titanium is not a bane to me. Being around the substance is the only way I can work magic.
Thoren blinked. And again. Are you sure?
Positive.
And titanium doesn’t hurt you?
Just the opposite.
Amazing. Wait until I tell the Council. They’ll be awestruck.
I wish you wouldn’t.
Why not?
Come on, Thoren. I’d go from one oddity to the next. It’s bad enough people think I’m magically deficient. Can you imagine what they’d do if they knew how I derived my powers?
Thoren ran a hand through his hair and glanced at the eave of the roof, his gaze bouncing back to Jamie. Point taken. I’m sorry, son. I knew it was hard—
Don’t bother. It doesn’t change anything.
I suppose you’re right. But I’m sorry anyway.
Apology accepted. He couldn’t live his entire life angry at Thoren. Living that way only harmed him, not the object of his ire.
Parker cleared her throat. “Are you going to invite him in or not?”
Jamie looked over his shoulder. “Give us a minute.”
She nodded, leaned against the wall, her eyes narrowed as if in concentration.
Thoren glanced at Parker. Does she carry titanium on her person? Is that the oddity I sense?
Jamie froze, the loud boom-boom of his heart echoing in his ears. How could he tell Thoren if it meant harm to Parker? Would it mean harm to Parker? How could he take that risk?
I’m correct, aren’t I? It must be a very tiny amount of titanium since I was able to transport her. I would assume a Draconi with less powerful magic would lose their powers if she was around.
Like Erik falling out of transport. Fear morphed into aggression as his lip pulled into a snarl. You will not hurt her.
I do not intend to. But I do need to assess the threat she presents to others.
By what means?
A simple spell to determine the distance of her titanium’s reach. I’m assuming she cannot set the metal aside?
It’s a part of her.
Interesting. How?
It’s how her healers fix bad bone breaks. By using titanium screws.
Intriguing. Don’t tell Keara. She’ll never leave your mate alone.
I’d prefer you leave her be.
You know I cannot. But I can perform the spell here. It will not take long.
And it will not harm her?
No. I promise.
The
n what? Do you have to report this to the Council?
I cannot answer that.
Then I cannot allow you to proceed. You promised no harm would come to her. I am not convinced telling the Council would keep her safe.
Thoren sighed. We’re not that bad, you know.
Jamie shrugged.
Very well. Unless her titanium’s reach is found to be a threat to Draconi I will not inform the Council. And I don’t think it will be. If I didn’t know she carried the metal, I would not realize it was in your house. And as you well know, even a small piece of titanium has a large reach.
Jamie glanced at Parker, who leaned against the wall, arms crossed, staring at them as if reading their minds.
Which was impossible. Draconi could project their thoughts into a human’s mind to mind-speak, but a human didn’t have the ability to eavesdrop on a Draconi mind-speak conversation. Right?
“Have you finished determining my fate? Is he,” her chin tilted toward Thoren, “here to,” she swallowed, “arrest me or something?”
“He wants to perform a spell to determine the reach of your titanium screw. You don’t have to let him.”
Her gaze shot over his shoulder and back as she released a nervous chuckle. “Uh-huh. He’s not on board with that idea.”
“I won’t let him if you don’t want to.”
“Why don’t you just send me back? Then you won’t think I’m a security threat.”
An ache exploded in his chest as his breath caught in his throat. She couldn’t mean that. She was his. She couldn’t leave him and return to her world.
“I do not have that ability.” Thoren placed a hand on Jamie’s shoulder. “Will you consent to the testing?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“Yes.” Jamie shrugged off Thoren’s hand. “You do not have to.”
“Jamie,” she pushed off the wall, took a step toward him. “I think I do. All right, I consent. What does this involve?” She swallowed, her bronze skin paling.
“Sit.” Thoren pointed to a chair. Parker sat. “Are you going to let me in, Jamie?”
Jamie paused, his gaze locked on Parker. You don’t have to do this.
Yes, I do. Now, let him in.
Stepping aside to give Thoren entrance physically hurt. While he believed Thoren thought the spell was harmless, he did not want to take the chance with his mate. His mate. Now that he found her, discovered he possessed a mate like other Draconi, the last thing he wanted was for her to hurt. In any way. Physically. Mentally. Emotionally.
And watching Thoren stand beside her, hands held above her head, a spell twisting words on his lips, sent a vibration through Jamie. The same vibration experienced in the underground tunnels. The same vibration that shook him when his hands changed into claws, his skin into scales.
Protect his mate at all costs.
Parker smiled at him. “It doesn’t hurt. I can’t even feel what he’s doing.”
The vibration slowed, the frantic buzzing in his ears calming into a gentle sway. He unclenched his fists. Stepped inside. Closed the door.
Golden threads like large raindrops twisted around Parker’s head in a slow drift toward her feet until she sat entombed in light. Her eyes sparkled, wide and bright, her hands loose in her lap.
No, she wasn’t in pain. Jamie released a breath. Sucked in another one.
Thoren dropped his hands, the golden threads of the spell fading into the air. He touched Parker’s upper arm and held his other hand palm up. Sweat beaded his forehead as a small flame ignited in his outstretched hand. Closing his fingers, he extinguished the flame.
“I will keep your secret. Make sure she doesn’t touch those with lesser magic. And keep her away from the Temple. She might interfere with healings.”
Jamie nodded, relief rendering him mute.
“And, son? You can’t use your magic in front of others.”
“Wh—” The answer slammed into his thoughts, snapping the words off his lips. To protect Parker. Jamie nodded. Proving he possessed magic was nothing compared to ensuring Parker’s safety.
“So that’s it? I’m no longer a threat?”
Thoren shook his head. “I’m sorry I upset you.”
“You should be apologizing to Jamie.”
“I already have.”
“Then I accept your apology.”
Thoren nodded. Turned to Jamie. “Keara said that if I apologized correctly and you didn’t throw me out on my arse that I’m to invite you back to dinner tomorrow.” He turned to Parker. “I promise, no more questions.”
Jamie shrugged, one corner of his mouth kicking into a grin. “We’ll see.”
Forgiveness did not mean he wanted a repeat of tonight’s disastrous ending to dinner. Although, in all fairness, since Thoren uncovered the information he wanted about Parker, he probably wouldn’t question her relentlessly again.
Probably.
“Oh, and I’m also supposed to give Parker this.” He held out his hands and a cloth-wrapped package appeared. Parker grabbed the bundle, untying the string. Female clothing fell out.
“Tell Keara thanks.”
Thoren nodded. “Well, then, I’ll leave you two alone.” From one blink to the next, he disappeared.
Parker sagged in the chair.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” Jamie hurried to her side, resting a hand against her shoulder.
“It really didn’t hurt. For a minute there, though, I thought he wanted to splice me open like a bug under a microscope.”
Microscope? He could imagine what that word meant. “He’s like that. Very security oriented. A lot happened to make him that way, but he’s a good male. I wouldn’t have let him hurt you.”
“I know.” She straightened, offering him a grin. “That’s why I agreed. You said I didn’t have to, but I knew you wouldn’t have let him offer if he meant me harm.”
Warmth spread through his limbs. He held out a hand. “Do you care to pick up where we left off?”
****
Jamie’s hand beckoned, sturdy, warm, dependable. She saw the way his lip curled when he talked to his father, how his body grew as if to prevent Thoren entrance, to prevent her from harm. She never thought she’d like a man to be protective of her. In her line of work, she’d seen protectiveness lead to jealousy which in turn led to abuse.
But she liked how Jamie’s protectiveness bolstered her sense of wellbeing. He made her feel cared for, cherished, loved.
And while Thoren sent her spine into full shiver mode—not that she’d admit it—she understood his questions, his desire to protect his family, his son, his people, from mysterious strangers.
She felt the same about Jamie when she first met him. Calling out the kettle when she was a pot made no sense.
Neither did replaying the last few minutes when a hot man stood in front of her, offering her sexual relief.
Parker placed her hand in Jamie’s large one, their skin a contrast in colors, and let him pull her to her feet. Holding her gaze, he lowered his head until their lips met, one arm encircling her waist, the other placing their joined hands over his heart. She ran her fingers through his hair, her mouth opening for the thrust of his tongue.
Heat crashed through her, small streaks of fire filling her veins, pooling in her core. A shot of lust mixed with an emotion she’d rather not admit, not even to herself, slammed into her chest, powering her heart, her mind. She wanted nothing more than to give herself to Jamie, to allow him inside the darkest chambers of her heart, to erase fleeting memories of her fiancé and replace those memories with a more substantial relationship. She wanted him forever. And the thought scared the hell out of her.
Thoughts she’d rather forget. Forever might never happen. So she’d settle for tonight.
Tingling started around her legs, spread upward as if she transported. The thought of which snapped her eyes open. Yep. Transported. Right into Jamie’s bedroom. A handy skill.
Jamie stepped back, his face the color
of sun-kissed skin. “Sorry. I’m a little new to transporting.”
“You’ve got to admit, beaming us in here has its advantages.” She grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him toward her. “Less distance to travel.”
And then her lips found his, seeking the comfort of his touch, the kindness in his embrace. He walked her backward until her legs hit the bed.
“Looks like you’re trying to tell me something.”
He grinned. “You think?”
“I’m smart like that.”
His hands grabbed her waist, lifting her up and back, pitching her so she landed on his bed. He followed, crawling up her body like a cat until his elbows rested by her arms. Parker spread her legs as he settled into the cradle of her body, his hard length rubbing where she needed.
A thought jolted her from the moment, a thought unwelcomed and invasive.
He paused, his lips almost to hers. “What?” His breath brushed across her parted lips.
“This is silly,” and embarrassing, “but this works the same way it does at home, my home, right?”
He cocked a brow, and Parker stumbled over more words. “I mean, you said you turned into a dragon. So…”
“No worries. Dragons do not experience bedplay.”
Good to know. She breathed a sigh of relief. “Sorry. That thought just popped into my head.”
“Understandable.” A grin spread across his face. “I’d ask if you have any bedplay rituals, but we’ll learn together.”
“Sounds like a winner.”
His lips brushed along her jaw, down her throat, sending tingles shooting across her skin. She ran her hands down his back to his hips, then pushed up his shirt to feel the play of muscles under his skin.
“This needs to come off.”
“True.” The material she held vanished.
Parker sucked in a breath. Right. Magic. Expedient magic. A girl could learn to like that talent of his. “Wow.”
Jamie grinned. “You like that, eh?”
“Can you disappear my shirt?”
A blink later and her shirt vanished. Heat from Jamie’s skin bathed her in warmth, and she reached to pull him toward her. But he resisted, one finger tracing the lace on her black bra.
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