"Have there been any results for our mating analysis?".
"There's nothing new to report. I will tell you as soon as I know anything."
"Very well then. I should go. Waverley is waking from her nap."
Zephyr’s mind went silent as Maia withdrew. He felt energy rush out of him as if he had lost part of his soul. He squeezed his eyes shut as his inner dragon lashed against the backs of his eyes. It was too much to bear, and he felt as if he would be torn to pieces by the other side of himself.
"I must wait for conclusive results." Zephyr enunciated each word. He looked up at the holographic screen before him and a new file appeared.
"Mating analysis complete," Azure intoned.
“Results?" Zephyr asked, excitedly.
"Mating analysis between Maia Tide and Zephyr Storm remains inconclusive."
Chapter 15
"I have the results from the latest mating analysis," Zephyr said to Maia through the mental link. She was sitting in the ship of the House of Stone, looking out at the mountain landscape below. Her heart leapt in her chest when Zephyr's voice rose inside her mind.
"What is it?" she asked excitedly.
“I'm afraid it remains inconclusive.”
"Inconclusive. How can that be?" Maia instantly grew angry.
"Azure cannot confirm or deny that we are mates."
"I'm sick of this, Zephyr. I don't care anymore. My inner dragoness torments me ceaselessly. Don't the old ways mean anything anymore?"
"Dragons have not relied on intuition for a thousand years.”
"Our grandparents did. Before the diminishment of our sun and the decline of the female birth rate, all dragons followed their instincts. Why should we be so different now?"
"There is so much at stake, Maia. I know you know this.”
"What I know is I'm being torn apart from the inside out. I cannot sustain my sanity against the barrage of anger from my inner beast. I need relief."
"I know how you feel." His voice was faint.
"Would it be so wrong if we gave in to our passions?”
"I don't know what to say, Maia. I honestly don't. At first, I believed it was a matter of honor that we should wait for conclusive results. I have no wish to be like the Prince of Tides.”
"I asked you not to compare yourself to him ever again."
"I am a scientist. I rely on analysis, experimentation, and provable results. The ravings of my inner beast provide me with none of that.”
"I can't go on like this. I need to see you."
"It would be better if we remained apart."
“Why do you torture me like this?"
“That is the last thing I want to do."
“Then why do you refuse to see me?”
"I don't refuse to see you. I just think it unwise to be together until we have conclusive results. It will make it easier to control our passions.”
“Come to Colorado.”
"I can't, we've just begun work on the dating website. And we are at a crucial moment in the war with the vampires. Simulations suggest that the vampires will retaliate soon. The vampires are starving, and humans grow more unpredictable by the day. And I’m trying to find a mate for your captor.”
"All of those things pale in comparison to my need for you," she said. Her heart filled with the truth of her words.
Zephyr sighed inside her mind. “You should come to me,” Zephyr said, his inner voice so soft she could barely hear him. Then he went on, gaining confidence. “We will spend a day together. Without any restraints between us."
"And we can pretend that we know we are mates and are free to go courting."
"Yes," Zephyr said at a whisper.
“I will be there by nightfall. Waverley will be safe here until I return. We can be alone together."
"I await your arrival with great anticipation."
Maia quickly prepared for the journey, packing the white dress she'd bought for the look in Zephyr's eyes. She would finally get a chance to wear it for him. She informed the Prince of Stone of her plans and made sure that Waverley would be well attended to while she was gone.
She hurried to the shuttle and climbed inside. Her excitement thrummed in her chest. She had given birth to twelve dragonkin, but she had never been in love. She had never kissed a man. She had never been held in a passionate embrace. The thoughts of holding Zephyr played across the screen of her mind as she slid her fingers over the dashboard of the shuttle's control panel.
Her shuttle ejected from the larger ship, flying through the bright Colorado sky. She flew over the snowcapped mountains, over the valleys and red rock formations, across the plains and lakes, until she came to Zephyr's home state. She set down the shuttle and transformed it into a vehicle on a secluded country road near his house. After removing the stealth shield, she continued to the front gates of the House of Storms.
Maia truly enjoyed the sense of freedom and opportunity that lay ahead of her. The gates opened, and she drove through, parking in front of the house. Zephyr was not the dragon who greeted her at the front door. He quickly introduced himself as Raiden and guided her inside. She found a group of dragons and Dragon Souls waiting for her in the living room.
"It is so good to see you again," JoJo said, standing from the couch and crossing the space to kiss Maia on the cheeks.
"So, you are the famous Dragoness Prime," said a woman finishing off a plate of chicken wings. She wiped her fingers on a napkin and smiled. “We are working on the dating website right now. We’re brainstorming it, anyway. Cato and Penelope are on the line."
The hungry woman pointed to a human technological device sitting on the short table in the middle of the room.
"Hi," came an enthusiastic voice from the device. “I’m Penelope. I can’t wait to meet you in person.”
Zephyr entered the room, holding a coffee cup in his hand as if and as if he was lost in thought. Their eyes locked when he saw her. His expression shifted through so many emotions, Maia couldn't keep up.
"You arrived more quickly than anticipated."
"I left right away." She wheeled her suitcase around in front of her.
"So you're going to take the lady on a proper date?" JoJo said.
“I’m going to try."
"Did the mating analysis finally prove you two are mates?” Hanish asked.
Both Maia and Zephyr remained silent, staring at each other across the distance. But it was Maia who spoke first.
"I'm afraid not. The mating analysis remains inconclusive. But, our inner dragons are quite conclusive. We've decided to spend some time together, regardless of the analysis is results.”
"That's quite unlike you, Zephyr," Hanish chuckled.
“There is an old human saying," Zephyr started. “The heart wants what it wants. Maia and I are being relentlessly harassed by our inner dragons, and we agreed that spending some quality time together may give us some relief.”
"You shouldn't believe everything that you think you know about mating," Raiden said. “I speak from personal experience. Flora and I were best friends and had a connection to each other, but my inner dragon never said a thing. If I had ignored my feelings and only believed in the stirrings of the inner beast, I never would have had a chance to make her mine. When I could no longer resist my feelings, I finally ran the analysis to prove she was my mate. The rest is history. You never know how things will turn out until you try."
"The difference is that the mating analysis ultimately proved that you were mates," Zephyr said.
"Fate works in mysterious ways, Zephyr. You can't always rely on instinct or on science. Sometimes you just have to go with your feelings."
"He's right," Flora said, starting in on another plate another chicken wing. "I'm going to have a baby soon. That's proof enough that we are fated, wouldn't you say?” She chuckled, waving a barbecue sauce covered wing at Zephyr.
"I'll show you where you can change," Hanish said, taking the handle of Maia’s suitcase. She followed hi
m up the stairs to the bedroom where she’d changed the last time she was there.
"Can I ask you a question?" Maia asked.
"Of course," Hanish said, standing by the door.
“I believe that Zephyr is my mate, but the mating analysis results are inconclusive. I know dragons of old depended on their intuition to find each other and that the majority of those mated on this planet have felt the same urge. I believe we should ignore the results and follow our hearts, but Zephyr does not. Could you give me some advice about how to get through to him?"
"Zephyr is a man of science," Hanish said. “He only believes in facts. But I know that he longs for you as much as you long for him. I've never seen Zephyr look so desperate.”
"What should I do?"
"Zephyr is a man who leads with his head, not his heart. And even less with his body. You can help him get in touch with those things. Then you may see that he is able to change his perspective."
"I see.”
"Maia, you gave me my son, the most precious gift possible. I want you to be happy. You are a strong woman who knows her own mind. You have sacrificed so much for so many. It is time for you to get your happy ending.”
"Thank you, Hanish." She took his hands in hers and grasped them affectionately. “Thank you for everything you've done for me. I don't know where I would be without you right now.”
"All of us would have been lost without you, Maia. It was your willingness to carry the dragonkin that inspired us to defy the elders and leave old Dragonia. You and your love are an inspiration to all dragons. Fate will repay you in kind.”
"I hope you're right, Hanish," she said, looking to the ground.
"I will leave you now to prepare for your date. Remember what I told you about how to get through to him. If you take it slowly, I know he will see the light.”
"I will remember."
Chapter 16
Zephyr rested his hands on the dashboard of his ship's computer, staring at the holographic screen in front of him. The mating analysis might not have been conclusive, but his latest simulations were. He knew the vampires would act soon and there would be a reckoning for what the vaccine had done. The newly awakened dragons were all clamoring for a dating website, but all Zephyr could think about was Maia.
He made his way upstairs and looked across the room see a vision of infinite grace of loveliness. Maia stood there in the white lace dress, her hair done up in curls, and cosmetics were applied to her already beautiful face. Her legs were shaped by the height of her heels and she wore a black fur cape around her shoulders against the cold.
He had seen her in the dress before but seeing her now, with the promise of time alone together, completely floored him. He strode toward her, gulping down the lump in his throat.
"You look lovely. Lovelier than the moon and stars." The words tumbled out of his mouth as if from the ether, and he couldn't believe he had said them. Maia’s face turned pink as she smiled coyly and reached out to take his hand.
"Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself."
Zephyr had dressed in a black suit with a silver tie that he had bought for Hanish and JoJo's wedding. He hadn't worn it since and hadn't expected to. Hanish had suggested he wear it tonight, and he had listened to the advice of his captain.
"Shall we?" he said, offering her his elbow.
She hooked her arm through his, and he opened the door for her, escorting her outside to the Tesla. She slid into the passenger seat, and he hurried around to the other side, slipping behind the wheel.
He glanced over at her to see the rise and fall of her chest as she took quick, deep breaths. A rouge spread over her chest, and he could only assume she was feeling the same heightened sense of awareness he was. His inner dragon was in hysterics, sending him impressions of ravishing her lovely body and raining kisses across every inch of her beautiful glowing skin.
He started the engine and peeled out of the driveway burning rubber down the road. Soon they were speeding along the freeway, headed north toward the city. He'd booked a table at a fine restaurant and a room in a five-star hotel. He had told himself repeatedly he shouldn’t get the room, but his dragon had seemed to take hold of his body and mind and made the reservation for him.
When they made it to the city, he parked in the lot outside the restaurant. As they walked inside, his inner dragon could barely contain himself. The beast insisted he could wait no longer for his mate, and Zephyr used every ounce of strength and rationality to hold back the tide of passion raging inside him.
He told the hostess his name and they were guided toward a table by the window, looking out on the snowy street. Soft music danced on the air as the light tinkling of conversation filled the room with a sense of peace and celebration.
"Can I start you with drinks?" the hostess asked.
"The finest bottle of your champagne," Zephyr said, loosening his tie.
He felt constricted, as if his inner dragon would jump out from inside of him at any moment.
"Will have that for you right away."
Maia looked down at the menu, her eyebrows crinkling up in confusion. "I don't suppose we can order everything on the menu this time.”
"There's no reason why not. But it might not all fit on this table."
She giggled, covering her mouth with the tips of her crimson red fingernails. The sight of the color against her mouth made him mad with desire, and he had to close his eyes to maintain control. The wine steward returned with their bottle of champagne and poured them both a glass. Zephyr needed the relief of intoxication and drained the entire glass in one go. Maia chuckled at him as she sipped the bubbly liquid.
"It tickles my nose."
Zephyr knew it was impolite, but his eyes were fixed on the curve of her breasts. When Maia saw him looking, her reaction was anything but offended. Instead, she bit her lip and batted her eyelashes seductively. Her pupils dilated and the pink in her cheeks grew more vivid.
"I suggest the lobster,” he said. "That's what I'm having.”
"I'll have the same. I know I enjoyed it on the island."
After the server had taken their orders, they nibbled on bread and hors d'oeuvres. Zephyr felt himself harden between his legs with the force of his inner dragon, vibrating within him. He drank another glass of champagne, gripping the crystal so tightly he made a hairline crack. He set down the flute and tried to breathe through his lust.
When the lobster was served, he sated himself by cracking the thick carapace of the crustacean. The violence offered some release for his inner agitation, but it could not truly soothe the beast within. Nothing could do that. Nothing except Maia. He needed her.
He needed to hold her, to love her, to feel himself deep inside her. He needed to wrap her in his arms and claim her as his own. He knew this to the depths of his soul. He knew that fact better than he knew his own name. There was no question. Until his logical mind reminded him that he had no true proof she was his mate. Only his simple, barbaric feelings.
Chapter 17
Maia enjoyed the lobster tremendously. It was cooked with different flavored sauces than they had experienced on the island. She was getting a clearer sense of what Earth had to offer all the time. When they were done with their meal, they ordered chocolate soufflé, and Maia dipped her tiny spoon in the dark sauce, licking it with her delicate tongue. Zephyr couldn’t take his eyes off her, and she saw the storm brewing behind his serious façade.
He clenched his fist so hard it turned white. Maia reached across to him, sliding her palm and fingers over his hand. He loosened his grip, and she grasped his hand. The energy vibrated between them, and they looked deeply into each other's eyes.
"Are you ready to get out of here?" Zephyr said in a low grumbling voice. His dragon was so close to the surface.
"I thought you'd never ask," Maia said, in this same deep tone.
"I have a room at the hotel across from here," he said. "Would you like to go with me now?"
"Yes,” she
said breathlessly.
They rose from the table after paying the bill and silently walked from the restaurant. Maia giggled with anticipation as she followed Zephyr out the door and onto the cool Seattle streets. A light dusting of snow had settled on the sidewalks and the lights of the avenue were sparkling in the what concrete. The smell of the damp air hung heavily around them and filled her with a sense of liveliness, even in the chill. They trotted across the street at the crosswalk and found their way into the hotel.
This was one of the most exciting moments of her life and she didn't quite know what to think or do. Zephyr checked them into their room, and they made their way to the second floor. Inside their suite, Maia smelled the scent of flowers and spotted a large bouquet of white and pink roses in a vase on the table. The fragrance filled her with a sense of peace and luxury. She pressed her nose to one of the blooms, taking a deep draw of the scent. Zephyr reached out for her and kissed the back of her neck with a deep inhalation of breath.
"I am ravenous for you." He turned her toward him.
She gasped as he spun her to face him. She couldn’t believe she was finally here with him. Having to wait for him had only increased her longing. The cup of her desire had grown a thousand-fold and now that he was filling it, she could barely contain herself.
Their lips met in a hungry kiss. They grabbed for each other and he pulled her against the hard planes of his body. She growled deep in her throat, feeling her dragon so close to the surface, she feared it might break through and devour him whole.
"Zephyr," she moaned.
She wanted to consume him, to feel him inside her body and soul. She had no words. She was body, beast, and instinct. Everything else was a distant memory. He pressed his thick manhood against her, his dragon rumbling in his chest. Unable to hold back the tide of passion, she ripped at the buttons on his shirt, tearing the fabric open to reveal the taut muscles of his deep chest.
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