“Her brain functions are also off the chart, Xander, matching ours. The hormone is changing her body. I am guessing because nature has realized that we have no Dragonkyn females to carry on the black dragon line.” Drake seemed utterly fascinated by it all, his eyes flowed over all of the data, a glimmer in their sapphire depths.
“Do you think this means that she will also have an increased immunity and life span?” I asked, sitting on the edge of my seat. It was one secret that we kept well hidden from the public. Dragonkyn lived for a lot longer than humans. My father was almost two hundred years old and still in top physical condition. Many of his men had shared this information with their mates, but the women seemed to be benefiting somewhat from their mate bond. Although the oldest couple had been bonded for just under ten years, Gregor’s mate, Hillary had remained very healthy and had hardly aged in their time together. It was a test that only time would tell.
“I am almost positive if you remained physically intimate with her, that the benefits would remain.” He grinned at me. “We all know that would not be any hardship.” Clasping me on the shoulder, he sighed.
“The one thing that I am concerned about is fertility. Father has told us countless times how many miscarriages Mother had, and then how difficult her pregnancy with us was.” The thought crossed my mind, making me dread the possibility of Aleria suffering the same fate.
“I know, Drake, but for now, we just have to do what we can. Do you think birth control will be effective on her?” I asked, knowing that neither of us would be ready for a child quite so soon.
“I believe so, Monika asked about it as well and said she would discuss it with Aleria during their exam.We both reviewed her results and concluded that the reaction that she had to the hormone could be controlled with a higher dose of a standard birth control shot.”
“Good.”
“Speak of the devil,” Drake remarked as he saw Monika and Aleria walk back into the hallway. Aleria was smiling at the tall woman, she looked pleased with whatever they had discussed and at ease.
“Let me go get my mate.” I growled, rising from my chair to take my place by Aleria’s side.
Chapter 14
Aleria
Drake and Xander approached us, Monika smiling as she reached out and gave each of the twins a firm hug and kiss. “Xander, you have got yourself one heck of a mate. Do not screw it up.” She scolded him pushing her finger into his chest with narrowed eyes.
I turned a side gaze towards Drake and we both snickered at Xander’s downcast look towards Dr. Monika. “Aleria, if you need anything, you call me okay? I gave you all my numbers on that card. If you feel any side effects from the shot, just let me know.” She pulled me in for my own hug and I sighed in contentment at her motherly affection.
“I will, thank you for everything.” Dr. Monika had proven to be just what I needed to settle my nerves through my young relationship with Xander. She had been around the twins since shortly after their arrival on Earth, became the family’s personal physician, and saw to all of their healthcare needs. She understood the situation that I was being thrown into and tried to explain to me a little bit of what she saw was happening with my body.
“According to your blood results, the hormone is essentially making a more viable and healthier Dragonkyn mate. Your brain functions and vitamin levels are now just under those of a typical Dragonkyn female, suggesting that nature is trying to prepare you for future fertility and healthy children.”
The words, while softly spoken, were blunt and matter of fact. Something that I appreciated, but I was still shocked at. Drake had theorized it, but now the blood and other scans had confirmed it. Yet, the good doctor had surprised her by continuing.
“We believe that a simple birth control shot will prevent pregnancy for now until you and Xander have that discussion about when you choose to bless us with little ones.” Her smile was warm, easing my anxiety at the situation. I knew there would be no children, because once I got the key and delivered it to my Uncle, my life would be forfeit.
“It should also counteract some of the effects of the hormone, letting you both resume your exploration of your mating bond.” She winked knowingly at me, sending heat flooding into my cheeks and turning them a shade of deep crimson.
After she finished the exam, she administered the shot before escorted her back into the hall. The stories that Dr. Monika had shared with her of the twins as small boys had her belly still aching with laughter.
Xander turned towards me as Monika gathered her belongings and left the lab, making me grin wider. “You seem to have won her over, little mate.” He smiled, sending a shiver of awareness running down my spine. That devastating smirk should be outlawed for what it did to me. “Not an easy thing to do with our tough-as-nails doctor.”
Drake snorted. “Seriously. At times that woman is more of a dragon than we are.” Xander and I both snickered in response.
“She was very nice to me. I have no idea why you would say that.” I feigned shock at them. “Maybe because you two were such little hellions?” I added sweetly.
“You have no idea, darling.” Xander whispered in my ear, before his teeth nibbled lightly.
“Oh, Xander, before I forget, Pateros said we are to all have dinner together. Six PM sharp as always.” Drake said, looking down at his tablet, walking away to his research. “Until then, little sister.” He winked at me, causing Xander to growl in response.
“See you then, brother.” He bit out as he guided me from the room.
Xander guided me through the house, taking me on a tour through the various rooms of the vast mansion. “I am going to get very lost in this place,” I giggled, then quickly sobered, realizing that I probably wouldn’t be here for too long.
While we looked in the various rooms, I committed the layout to memory, analyzing it to refer back to later when I began my search for the artifact. Frustration rolled through me at the thought. I didn’t want to do this, but I knew I must.
“Don’t worry, you get used to it after a bit. It is laid out in a pattern. You just have to learn it.”
As we were walking down the hall, we passed by a young blonde boy carrying a stack of paperwork, dressed in black slacks and crisp white shirt with a black tie. I cocked my head as his eyes me mine and a spark of recognition struck. I had seen this boy before. In my home, at a party.
What was he doing at Xander’s house?
“How are you doing today, Daniel?” Xander asked the familiar stranger, his hand tightening on mine.
“I’m well, thank you, sir.” The boy, Daniel, squeaked in response, a look of horror on his face as he looked at me.
“I must go, your father is expecting this file,” he held up the bundle of papers he carried and darted through a door at the other end of the hall and out of sight.
That was strange.
“Daniel is a strange boy, but he is my father’s valet slash errand boy, helping him out with simple tasks.” Xander shook his head, rolling his eyes at the closed door that Daniel has walked through.
He turned to me and smiled with dark intentions before his lips descended on mine, backing me into the wall of the library.
“Aleria, I am dying for you.” He whispered, his words husky as his lips hovered above mine. A firm hand slid along my leg, up to my thigh as I lifted and wrapped it firmly around his waist. “Are you dying for me too, little one?” Sharp teeth nibbled on my bottom lip.
His name was a plea as it left my throat, heat pooled between my thighs, sending waves of arousal throughout my body. He hadn’t even properly kissed me yet, hadn’t released his crazy dragon hormones into my bloodstream, yet, my body already cried out for his. “Kiss me.” I uttered, twining my fingers through his hair and crushing my mouth to his.
Our tongues danced together, dueling as he thoroughly fucked my mouth. The tangy flavor that was purely Xander flooded my senses, drawing me under his spell, making me soft and pliant in his arms. His deft fingers sl
id up my waist, under my shirt to trace a line along the bottom of my breast, eliciting a shiver from me.
My other leg lifted from the ground as he fully supported my weight between the wall and his body. Hips arching into his, I ground against the firmness of his erection, moaning in delight at the friction along my aching clit.
“Xander, please.” I whispered against his lips, my fingers working to slide down to the front of his pants.
He chuckled, pulling back to pull my shirt over my head, followed by his. Xander was so impatient that, rather than set me back on my feet to pull down my shorts, he yanked the waistband and ripped them down the center. A groan rumbled from his chest as he realized I wasn’t wearing any panties. He stroked my aching nub, making my back arch and a sound of pure need leave my throat.
“That’s it, ride my hand.” He bit down on the lobe of my ear as his hot breath washed over me. One long finger swept inside me, curling and stroking the inside of my channel. My hips bucked in response, the moans growing louder as he kept up a punishing rhythm. Rubbing lightly over my hard nub, he thrust two fingers deep at the same time he sank his teeth into the flesh of my neck.
The climax that washed over me left me breathless, floating on air as sensations flooded my body. His soft tongue soothed the ache from his teeth, his nose rubbing lightly over the mark as he withdrew his fingers from my body and settled the hand back on my hip. His firm cock nudged my slick folds, demanding entrance as his gaze collided with mine.
“Now, Xander.” My nails dug into the flesh of his shoulder. My head snapped back in ecstasy as he seated himself inside with one deep thrust.
Soft words, whispered in another language against the skin of my throat, left me panting as his cock claimed me. Every thrust, every sound of pleasure he uttered, heightened my pleasure, sending me into subspace.
His name was a chant on my lips as I reached another impossibly strong climax. His hand tightened on my hips in a bruising grip, his thrusts growing in their intensity as he reached his own peak on a long groan. “Aleria,” he whispered, his lips moving over mine in featherlight kisses. Sweat beaded on both of our foreheads as he cupped my face in his large hands.
“Rashka”
The damned word again.
The tears gathered in my eyes, unbidden, and I tried in vain to swallow them down. A deep exhaustion settled in my bones as Xander set me back on my feet. A forceful yawn stretched my mouth as I fought the overwhelming fatigue.
He chuckled as he gathered me in his arms. I snuggled into his chest, asleep before we even got up to his rooms.
“Aleria,” Xander said my name softly, his warm breath fanning over my neck as he traced my cheek with his fingertip. “Time to wake up.”
I groaned as my eyelids fluttered open, gazing into his beautiful sapphire gaze as he beamed down at me. His head was propped up on one hand, braced on an elbow as his other still traced the line of my cheekbone. “You look beautiful, all sleepy and mused from my lovemaking.” He rumbled as his thumb traced my lips.
A sound of pure need left my throat. “You know just what to say to a girl to make her feel special.” My lips quirked in a half smile as I stretched out my aching limbs.
“I can make you feel special, all right, little one.” He rolled on top of me, pinning my wrists beneath one of his large palms as my legs opened to wrap around his hips. His firm erection pressed into me, sliding along my folds, causing the ache for him to intensify.
I breathed his name, pleading for him to relieve the emptiness I felt inside of me. “We don’t have time, little mate.” He nipped my neck, as my back arched into him. “Dinner is in less than 45 minutes and we can’t be late.” He chuckled as he gracefully climbed to his feet, leaving me a throbbing mess on the bed. I eyed his naked backside hungrily as he padded to the closet.
“Damn you, Xander.” I muttered, sitting up and trying to tame my wild auburn hair back into some semblance of order. “I’ve known you a whole twenty-four hours and you are already driving me crazy.” He just shook his head and chuckled.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He leaned his head out of the doorway, winking before smiling at me. “Now get that adorable ass into the shower.”
Chapter 15
Xander
Aleria exited the bathroom and lifted her eyes to me with hesitation. The air was immediately sucked out of the room as I took in her enchanting form, the dress that I had selected for her was perfect in every way. The emerald color brought out her eyes, the gold trim and accents reflected the highlights in her auburn hair, which was gathered atop her head in a simple knot. She was enchanting.
My mouth hovered open as she approached me, “Well? What do you think?” She asked, a coy smile on her face. Her eyes betrayed the tone as they looked for approval and praise.
I cupped her cheeks in my palms, tilting her head up towards mine as I kissed her lips softly. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes upon.” I clasped her hand in mine, intertwining our fingers.
“Ready for dinner?” I asked.
She nodded, clearing her throat, blinking away the moisture in her eyes. “So, will this be super formal? Three different kinds of forks on the table type affair?” She smirked at me, trying to lighten the mood.
“Do you know the proper usage of each fork or do I need to give you a crash course?” I played along with her little façade as we left my rooms.
She chuckled, the light sound warming my soul. “Actually, I do. I was raised in an extremely formal, rigid household.” The smile immediately left her face as an echo of a memory crossed over it.
I brought her hand to my lips, kissing the inside of her wrist before biting gently. “No, love. It’s not a formal dinner. We typically have dinner together several times a week. With the hectic nature of our schedules, it is the one time that we have together as a family to simply enjoy each other’s company. There tends to be a lot of business discussion, but Drake typically steers us in other directions and makes us laugh with his sarcastic wit.”
She tilted her head up at me. “Do you always dress up for it?” She looked me up and down, eyeing my trousers, button down shirt and blazer. I had forgone a tie as I despised the things, only wearing them when absolutely necessary at the office.
“Father does like certain formalities, dressing semi formally being one of them.” I leaned down and inhaled the skin of her neck, easing my nose along the dark smudges of a developing bruise where I had bitten her.
“Admiring your little love bites?” Aleria asked, quirking her brow at me. My answer was to place a lingering kiss along the mark and settle my hand at the small of her back. “Brute.” I heard her mutter.
“I didn’t hear you complaining when I gave them to you.” I quipped, watching the flush rise up her cheeks.
“Ugh, you two are going to be insufferable, aren’t you?” Drake made a gagging noise as he brushed past us, taking his seat at the dining table.
Aleria blanched before Drake winked at her, which I answered with a growl. “Stop flirting with my mate.”
“Calm down, brother.” He held his arms up in surrender. “I’m not flirting.”
Aleria laid her hand on my chest, just above my heart. “Xander, he just winked at me. It was a joke. Nothing flirty or seductive about that.” She murmured, rising on the tips of her toes to give me a soft kiss, calming my ire.
“Look at that, Aleria is a good ol’ fashioned dragon tamer.” Drake snorted as he laughed, slapping his hand on the table, making the wine glass in front of him rattle.
“Drakon, that is quite enough of that behavior!” Hilde scolded as she came out of the kitchen door, holding a bottle of wine in her hand. “We now have a lady in the house and you will be on your best behavior.”
“Yes, Hilde.” He grumbled, lowering his head like a child who got caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
Hilde’s smile brightened as she settled her soft brown eyes on Aleria. Setting the bottle down on the
table, she approached her, arms open wide, and engulfed her in a tight motherly hug. “My dear, it is so nice to meet you.”
Hilde held tight to her hands, taking a step back to look at her. “Alexandros is a lucky, lucky dragon to get a mate so beautiful. You are too skinny though, we need to get some meat on your bones.” She huffed and released Aleria’s hands to begin pouring the wine.
The look on Aleria’s face was priceless as she stared at the short woman in her sixties. “Aleria, that is Hilde. She has been taking care of our household for many years. We would be utterly lost without her.” I said, settling my hand across her shoulders, tucking a stray wisp of hair behind her ear.
“Darn right, young man. You two would never get fed or mind your manners.” Hilde said gruffly, nodding her approval.
“Thank you for your kind words, Hilde.” Aleria said, her voice low. My mate didn’t know how to take compliments. With the little I knew of how she was raised, I wouldn’t be surprised if she never received any in her short life.
“You are quite welcome, dear. Now sit, sit. King Dimitros should be here any moment.” She waved her hand and indicated for them to sit in their usual spots.
“Thank you, Hilde.” I kissed her on the cheek while pulling out the chair for Aleria to sit in. She was surprised at my gentlemanly gesture, but quickly smiled as I pushed her up to the table.
Drake was already drinking from his wine glass, so I pulled the glass to my lips as well. Aleria followed our lead and sipped as well. “Good wine selection, Hilde. What’s for dinner?”
“Roast chicken, potatoes, sprint vegetables and some fancy sauce that the chef came up with. He was very eager to impress your mate this evening.” She beamed at Aleria again, stars in her eyes, as the blush crept up Aleria’s face once again.
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