by Tasha Black
“How much of our time will be needed at the cottages over the next three days?” Rexx asked.
Clover hummed in thought. “As you were arriving from off-moon and then by cross-moon train, we allowed an extra week of over-staffing to accommodate a late arrival.”
“Can we keep the overstaffing going even though we’re here?” Rexx asked.
Abigail turned to him, wondering what the big idea was.
Next to her, Verat giggled.
“Of course, your honor,” Clover replied.
“And I suppose you’ll need a babysitter?” Tilden asked Rexx.
“When we get settled, I’ll bring him over to you,” he said, nodding. “So long as Abigail doesn’t object.”
Abigail looked back and forth between them, completely puzzled.
“I’ll explain when we’re home,” he told her.
Home.
The word sounded good coming from Rexx’s mouth. She decided not to question anything.
“You’ll be in Cabin Seven, madam,” the bot told Abigail. “And your guests will be over in Cabin Two.”
“We always take Cabin Two,” Verat confided. “We can show ourselves the way. See you in a bit, Rio.”
“See you later, dear,” Tilden said, squeezing Abigail’s arm. “Good luck.”
A small sign pointed to Cabins 1-5 on the left and 6-10 on the right.
There was nothing to do but wave good-bye to their friends and follow the path through the trees.
“Why were they saying we would need a babysitter?” Abigail asked.
“We’ll talk about that later,” Rexx told her. “For now, I just want to know how the rings you know so much about runing the Peregrine.”
“Because of my grandfather,” she reminded him with a smile.
“But with his position I would have expected you to be spending more time with him in the boardroom than on an actual train,” Rexx said.
“Why would my grandfather be in the boardroom?” Abigail asked, completely confused.
“Didn’t you say your grandfather ran the train company?” Rexx asked. “Your last name is Shaw.”
Abigail burst into laughter.
“Isn’t your grandfather Sebastian Shaw?” he asked.
“Sebastian Shaw is a billionaire,” she said, wiping tears from the corner of her eyes.
“I’m not interested in the money,” Rexx said quickly. “But you were chosen to adopt a baby. I knew there had to be a reason. And when you said your name and that your grandfather ran the Peregrine…”
“My grandfather was a conductor,” Abigail said. “I used to ride with him and watch the guys in the engine room.”
“So, you’re not the heiress of the Peregrine empire?” he asked.
“I’m a teacher, Rexx,” she said. “I don’t know how they run things on Ignis-7, but on Terra-8, teachers are not well paid.”
“But the scarf…” he said, trailing off as if he didn’t want to offend her for her wild shopping habits.
“Gods of the realm,” she said. “It was free.”
“That’s not what the tag said,” he told her.
“I only picked it up to look at it because I thought it might be a good baby carrying scarf,” she said. “The lady in the shop said I was the only customer who had ever touched it. She threw it in with my clearance dresses.”
“So, you’re really a school teacher?” he said in wonder.
“Well, I was,” she said. “Now I’m the owner of some lake cottages. You can see how my fortunes have changed.”
She bit her lip, not wanting to have to ask, but knowing it would bother her forever if she didn’t.
“Does this change things between us?” she asked.
“Of course not,” he told her. “Actually, it’s a relief. I’m a soldier. I’m paid a lot like a teacher, I’m guessing. My family was poor. And I distinguished myself through service to earn my place with this baby. Just like you did on our trip.”
She smiled, relieved.
“The baby is lucky to have you,” he told her earnestly.
“No,” she said. “He’s lucky to have us.”
Rexx pulled her close and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
“I can’t wait to get you home,” he whispered.
“You’re in luck,” she told him, pointing up ahead to a pretty little cottage with a moss roof and a silver number seven on one of the porch columns.
They climbed the steps and Abigail soaked in the scents that reminded her of summer camp back home - wet wood, loamy soil, and leafy trees.
Rexx ran his thumbprint over the sensor and the door opened to reveal a large but cozy living room with a rag rug and a wood stove.
“It’s perfect,” Abigail said, delighted. “Let’s look for the kitchen.”
They wandered into a small dining room, and just past it was a lovely kitchen with modern appliances and a wooden countertop.
“I’ll fix Rio some milk,” Rexx suggested.
Abigail placed her bag down in the dining room and joined Rexx in the kitchen.
“He’s sleeping so hard right now,” she said, looking down at her snoozing blue bundle.
“He’ll wake up when he smells his supper,” Rexx suggested, pulling the heated milk cell from the hot water.
“So why do we need a babysitter?” Abigail tried again.
“Ah,” Rexx said, smiling. “Yes, now is a good time to discuss it.”
“I’m glad it’s convenient,” she teased.
But Rio chose that moment to begin stirring.
“Your daddy was right,” she told him softly. “You smelled your dinner.”
Rio chuckled and grabbed a handful of her hair.
Rexx handed over the milk and she offered it to the little one.
Rio latched on, gazing up at her, his eyes solemn now.
“You’re such a good boy,” she assured him. “You’re the best baby in the universe.”
When the cell was empty, she put him over her shoulder to burp.
Within minutes, he was asleep on her shoulder again.
She turned to Rexx.
“Remember when we talked about how dragons mate for life?” he asked her.
She nodded, feeling the color rise to her cheeks.
“The first claiming is… intense,” he told her. “So intense that it normally goes on for days.”
“Days?” she echoed.
He nodded.
“It sounds like the place can run without us for another week if need be. And Founders Day is just about two weeks from now, so we’re safe as far as that goes.”
“Rexx,” she murmured.
“The ladies have cared for Rio before,” he told her. “They know what they’re doing. The only question left is… will you accept me as your mate?”
He gazed down at her, his handsome face a study in desire.
What had she ever done to deserve such happiness?
“Abigail,” he murmured.
“Yes,” she told him. “Yes, yes, yes.”
She went up on her toes to kiss him and he kissed her back fervently, until she was dizzy.
“Let me take the boy to Tilden and Verat,” he told her. “Do anything that needs doing for the next three days while I’m gone.”
31
Rexx
A few minutes later, Rexx jogged back through the woods toward his mate, his eagerness rushing him onward, even as he wondered if he should hold back a bit to let her get prepared.
Tilden and Verat had been delighted to hear about the mating, though he suspected their joy was partly their own selfish happiness at having Rio to themselves for a few days.
The two women were definitely going to spoil Rio beyond belief, but Rexx couldn’t find it in his heart to mind.
Knowing the boy was safe allowed Rexx to let down his guard in a way he hadn’t done since taking custody of the small one, which felt like a lifetime ago.
He had not anticipated how much caring for Rio would affec
t him.
Or how much loving Rio’s mother would change him.
Until Rio and Abigail had entered his life, Rexx had measured his happiness in accomplishments and discipline.
Already, he could see those things were no longer the most important factors in his life. Maybe they had never really been important at all.
The only thing that mattered now was the happiness of that little boy and their small family.
He ran on through the fragrant forest, passing the small cabins, his heart growing lighter the closer he came to his mate. He slowed down when he reached Cabin Seven once more. The light inside gave the place a magical glow. It was the warmest sight imaginable.
Inside that humble dwelling, his exquisite mate was readying herself for him. Rapture beyond anything either of them had ever experienced awaited them both. All he had to do was go inside and accept it.
He jogged up the stairs, pausing when he reached the front door.
Though his life had already changed so much, duty still mattered to him.
If he had to surrender his post in order to be with Abigail, he would do it. There would be other work on this frontier moon. He was able-bodied and willing to put in a long day.
He could just hear the shower unit running inside. He had a little time.
And now that he had reached his post, he was due a transmission anyway.
Taking a deep breath, he pulled out his transmitter.
Soldier 737-4-2 “Rexx”:
Soldier 737-4-2, reporting successful delivery of Imberian and adoptive parent to target location. Request permission to claim mate bond with adoptive mother.
He swiped the green light to send his transmission and sat on the rocking chair.
His missive might not be answered for days.
And he was not going to hold out that long.
But reporting to his commander meant he had done all he could. If they dismissed him from his post, they might choose to overlook the timing of the claim due to his asking permission beforehand.
After all, he was a dragon. Patience in the wake of finding a true mate was not a trait of the ancient ones.
When his transmitter buzzed almost immediately, he leapt out of the chair.
He took another deep breath before reading the feed.
Invicta Homeland Authority, Post 12:
Permission granted. And why the formality, buddy? A dragon needs only his mate’s consent. Congratulations!
Soldier 826-4-1 “Warr”:
Bring luck on Lachesis, brother! And on your mate! May the Gods of the realm smile on you both.
Soldier 374-4-8 “Ajax”:
Drinks on you when you bring your mate for a visit to the homeland!
More messages appeared, one scrolling after the next. It occurred to Rexx that he probably shouldn’t have sent that particular missive on an open channel. But there was nothing to be done about that now.
He blinked down at the screen, unbelieving.
Could it really be that simple?
“Hey, what’s going on out here?” Abigail’s voice was soft and teasing.
He looked up to see her with no more than a towel wrapped around her deliciously clean and fragrant body.
“Nothing important,” he said, his body instantly sizzling for her.
“The transmission?” she asked, gazing at the device in his hands.
“Just my buddies congratulating me on finding my mate,” he told her. He couldn’t resist a smile.
“You spoke with your commanding officer?” she asked.
“We have his blessing,” he told her.
His transmitter flashed again and then twice more.
“We have everyone’s blessing,” he said, laughing.
“Then what are we doing out here?” she asked, quirking an eyebrow at him.
He took in her sparkling eyes and the way her breasts threatened to escape the towel with each breath she took.
“I have no idea,” he admitted.
He threw the transmitter onto the rocking chair. He could read the messages later. All he wanted now was his mate.
She giggled and dashed into the house. He chased her through the living room and into a hallway behind.
They hadn’t even had a chance to explore their new home, but surely, they would get to a bedroom quickly. Otherwise, he wasn’t sure he could resist the temptation to take her on the floor.
She flung open a door at the end of the hall to reveal a room with a huge bed at its center.
She stopped when she reached it, panting and smiling at him, her cheeks pink with excitement.
He strode up to her, his heart melting with love even as his body made fierce demands. He extended his hand slowly and tucked his finger under her towel to release it.
She let out a little gasp as it hit the floor.
Gods, but she was beautiful.
He bent to taste her lips, loving the way she pressed her body to his.
Even through his clothes, he could sense the heat of her soft flesh. She clearly felt the pull of the bond just as he did. It would be torture to take his time, but he was determined not to hurt or frighten her. This was the beginning of their lives together. It had to be magical.
“Rexx,” she moaned against his mouth.
“Lie down,” he told her, through gritted teeth.
He watched, with the dragon’s cool stillness, as she crawled into bed, the movements of her hips and thighs driving him wild.
When she was on her back, russet tresses spread on the pillow beneath her, he began to remove his own clothing.
She watched him, lips slightly parted, with an expression of naked hunger.
Her eyes widened slightly when she saw his rigid length.
“Don’t be frightened,” he told her. “I would never hurt you.”
She put her arms out to him and his heart throbbed at this show of trust.
He crawled in, covering her body with his, caging her head in his arms.
“Abigail, I adore you,” he told her, gazing into her beautiful green eyes. “Let me seal our bond, and I promise to care for you always.”
“Yes,” she sighed happily, tilting her chin up for his kiss.
He claimed her mouth fiercely, unable to contain the passion he felt.
She kissed him back, twining her arms around his neck and arching her back so that her breasts pressed against his chest, driving him wild.
“Easy,” he murmured to her, pulling back to nuzzle her neck.
She shivered and arched her back again, as if to offer him her beautiful breasts.
Gods, give me strength…
He cupped one in his hand, skimming his thumb over her rosy nipple, which pebbled tighter in response.
She moaned lightly and he couldn’t resist flicking the little bud with his tongue.
Abigail whimpered, and the sound set something on fire inside of him.
He growled with lust and fed on both of her breasts, licking and sucking on her sweet nipples and filling his hands with her.
Abigail clutched the sheets, her hips trembling.
He pressed his lips to her sweet belly, nudging her thighs apart.
When she allowed her legs to fall open for him, the dragon roared with rapture in his chest.
Mine.
He begged the dragon for more time. This had to be perfect for their mate.
Abigail seemed to be holding her breath as he pressed kisses to her hips, the tender flesh of her inner thighs.
Her scent was intoxicating. Rexx was lost in an ocean of need.
He nuzzled her tender sex, drinking in her cry of pleasure along with the sweet fragrance. He ran his tongue softly along her opening.
Abigail moaned, a low and needy sound that drove him half-mad.
He licked her again, firmly this time, and smiled when she lifted her hips to meet his mouth.
Every fiber of his being told him to ravage her, but he was determined to go slowly, make her wild with need before he tried to fi
ll her delicate sex with his throbbing organ.
32
Abigail
Abigail was lost in a haze of desire. She wanted to beg, but she had forgotten how to speak.
Her whole being was focused on Rexx’s wicked mouth. He coaxed her slowly to the edge again and again without letting her taste satisfaction.
She could feel herself unfurling, her body begging more eloquently than her words ever could have.
Surely, he knew that she needed him, that she was dying without him inside her.
But he buried his mouth in her again, slowly, inexorably teasing her toward a climax he denied at the last instant, leaving her whining with lust.
“Are you ready now, my love?” he asked, his voice deep with need of his own.
He crawled up to cage her head in his arms again and she could see his eyes were hazy with need.
His massive cock lay heavy on her belly. But she wasn’t afraid.
“Please,” she managed. “Please, Rexx.”
He kissed her forehead.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and gasped when he nudged against her entrance.
The pleasure was blinding.
“Slowly, my love,” he whispered to her as he eased himself against her.
There was a moment of sharp, stretching pain, and then a sensation of intoxicating fullness.
“Gods,” he groaned.
Rexx held himself perfectly still, as if allowing her to accommodate herself to him.
But she desperately needed him to move. She jogged her hips up, sinking her nails into his shoulders.
Rexx growled and pulled back, thrusting into her in one smooth motion.
Abigail saw stars.
“Please,” she moaned.
This time he gave her what she needed, deep thrusts in a slow, steady rhythm that pushed her closer and closer to her bliss.
She opened her eyes and looked up at him.
His handsome face was a study in restraint, jaw taut, eyes burning.
She slid her hand down from his shoulder to cup his cheek.
The next thrust threatened to shatter her.