If they didn't defeat Gerszon, they would all die, and it would be his fault. His own damned, stubborn, arrogant pride had started this and only complete honesty—with her and with himself—would fix it.
"Leilani...” He trailed off with a sigh. “I love you, and I'm sorry."
She stiffened in his arms. Her head twisted to the side, and she stared at him wide-eyed. “What ... what did you say?"
He gazed into her blue eyes and saw his own doubts and hopes reflected back at him. He knew he'd never spoken the words before, believing that his actions had spoken louder than words ever could. Believing, too, that no words could come close to describing the depths of what he felt for her.
Looking back on the deep pleasure he'd always known whenever she had professed her love for him, he should have realized before now how wrong he'd been. It had hurt her, not hearing the words—something he would spend the rest of his life rectifying, if she gave him the chance. “I should have believed you two years ago, unequivocally. But what we had, the way you were with me, seemed too good to be true, and I thought it was only a matter of time..."
One slender eyebrow arched. “Before I showed my true colors? Since we're throwing around clichés in the middle of a life-and-death battle,” she added tartly.
"I know there's no time to go into it right now. But you need to know—I never stopped loving you. Ever."
Her gaze searched his, and white teeth clamped down on her lower lip.
"Um, guys,” Melantha called out. Her voice was strained and hoarse. “Kiss and makeup already. I can't hold this on my own much longer."
"Hey, what am I, chopped liver?” Terik asked.
"And me?” Nikolai chimed in.
"What about me?” Rainer piped up.
Leilani turned back toward her sister.
Zander tightened his grip and repeated, “I love you. Please trust that. Trust me."
Her deep breath lifted her back against him.
Zander shared a glance with Rainer. The knowledge of the dangerous cusp upon which they teetered was dark in the other man's eyes.
A muffled shout came from behind the earthen wall. Leilani let out a low grunt, leaning over until her forehead rested against her sister's.
With narrowed eyes, Zander gazed at the earthen prison. When he saw water seeping from around the boulder at the top of the column of dirt, he said in her ear, “You're doing it, raindrop. Now, use the ley lines to draw a grid beneath him. Block him in entirely."
"Did you hear that, Mel?” she asked.
Melantha nodded. “Let's take care of this ancient asshole once and for all, Lani.” Her voice was hard with determination. “No more prison. Let's end his miserable existence so he won't come after our descendents."
"Mel...” Leilani's voice was hesitant.
Zander loved her all the more for her compassion, but he knew Melantha was right. To allow Gerszon to live was to provide the Druid with another avenue for escape. “She's right, Lani. We can't take the chance."
Leilani nodded.
Zander felt his power drop. She was doing it! “That's it, raindrop. Keep it up!"
"You're doin’ it, darlin',” Terik praised Melantha. He leaned his face against her shoulder, and Zander saw the muscles in his arms tremble from the tight hold he had around her.
The same kind of hold Zander had on his woman. And he was never going to let her go. Never give her a reason to want to be anywhere but in his arms.
"Come on, come on,” he muttered, his eyes burning with his open-lidded stare.
Slowly, the earthen walls began to close in on themselves, the column of rocks and dirt becoming smaller and smaller. As it did so, water gradually seeped out, turning the outer layers into a thick, viscous mud.
"We need to dry it,” Leilani said.
Zander grinned in triumph. “I think we can help there. Are you good?"
"I'm perfect."
"Yes, you are.” He dropped a kiss against her jaw, then stepped away and motioned for the other men to join him. Being in their dragon forms would give them a greater force of fire. At his signal, they transformed into dragons and began sending steady streams of flames toward the column of mud, from four directions around it.
The dragon fire acted as a kiln, turning the mud into a thick, heavy clay all the way through. The embedded stones acted like mortar, holding it all together. When some of the stones began to melt, their silica content unable to withstand the lava-like intensity of the flames, he was satisfied it was enough. Zander ended his fire stream, and the other dragons followed suit.
"Finish it,” Leilani called.
Zander turned, facing her, his hind end toward the baked clay. Drawing back his tail, he slammed it against the column. The cylinder shuddered, but didn't fall. He thwacked it again and, with a loud crash, the prison exploded all around them, destroying Gerszon in the process.
With his long snout to the ground, Zander sniffed through the rubble to make certain Gerszon was really gone. Amidst the crumbled clay and rocks were scattered human remains of ashes and small bone fragments.
Working together, they'd done something even the powerful Cathal had been unable to do—destroy the Evil One.
Zander growled and let loose a stream of fire in the air. The other dragons did the same, roaring their triumph, the sound echoing through the air, bouncing along the mountain slopes.
His heart racing, Zander swung his head down to stare at Leilani. His mate. He had a lot to make up for, and he was determined to get started. Right now. He motioned with his head for Leilani to climb on his back. Once she had, and when he made sure Melantha had taken up her spot on Terik's back, he jumped into the air with a huge sweep of his wings.
Rainer and Nikolai fell into formation behind him, flying at a slower pace, not having the same urgency to claim a mate as he did. He was vaguely aware that Terik kept pace with him. Desire no doubt rode his friend just as high.
Leilani's body was a sweet weight on his upper back, a sweet weight he was determined to have ride him again, just as soon as he could get back to his human form and get her into bed. Urgency tightened his gut, hardened his cock, and he pushed forward faster.
When the cabin came into view, he folded his wings back and hurtled through the air like a bullet. At the last minute, he brought his wings up, tilted his upper body, and flapped to slow his impetus. Gently setting down, he lowered one shoulder, extending his leg so Leilani could climb off.
"That was great!” Her cheeks were red from the rush of air, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Terik touched down as Zander transformed into his human form. Melantha tumbled off Terik's back. Her eyes were bright and, the second he was human, she jumped into his arms, locking her legs around his hips. It appeared as if whatever had caused the tension between the two—for now, at least—had been resolved.
A tight grin fought past the grinding lust. Sex could solve a lot of emotional issues, no matter what his Leilani might think.
The other two dragons landed nearby. Ignoring them, Zander swept Leilani into his arms and took the stairs to the porch in one leap. Three seconds later he deposited her on her feet in his bedroom.
As he kicked the door closed, she backed up a few steps, one hand out. “Just a minute,” she said. Her eyes lingered on his face, and he grinned to realize she was deliberately keeping her gaze away from his erection.
"I need you to say it again."
Sobering, he walked forward and took her face in his hands. “I was wrong not to trust you two years ago. I'm sorry."
She shook her head. “Not that part.” Her gaze searched his. “The other part."
Tenderness welled in his heart until it became a physical ache. A soft smile curved his lips. “I love you, raindrop. I have loved you from the moment I first heard you laugh."
Her gaze turned wondering. “You hadn't even seen me then. As I recall, Melantha and I were in another room talking about ... I don't remember. But I was laughing when yo
u came into the room."
"You could be as ugly as an old hag, and I'd still love you.” He touched his mouth gently to hers. “It's your spirit I fell in love with, not your face.” He drew back and grinned. “Although your face is nothing to sneeze at."
"Thank you very much,” she said, her tone dry. She drew in a deep breath. “I never stopped loving you, you know. I don't think it's possible."
His heart stuttered, then began banging against his ribs with a staccato beat. “Tell me you'll give me another chance. Please."
Her slender throat moved as she swallowed. “I don't think...” She paused, and his heart dropped to his toes.
"I don't think I could do anything else."
With a shout, Zander yanked her into his arms. He slanted his mouth over hers. Sweeping his tongue between her lips, he deepened the kiss, pouring all his passion behind it.
Leilani leaned into him, her arms snaking around his neck. She sucked on his tongue, eliciting a low groan from him. She drew away, stroking her hand down his cheek. “Say it again,” she whispered.
"I love you."
She touched her fingers to his lips. “I love you, too.” Stepping back, she shrugged out of her coat and pulled her shirt off, letting it fall to the floor. She unclipped her bra and dropped it on top of the shirt. Lifting her eyebrows, she finally looked at his hard shaft.
Zander felt her gaze like a fist curled around his cock. A muscle in his jaw twitched and he clenched his fists to keep from tossing her onto the bed. They would proceed at whatever pace she decided.
When she toed off her shoes and yanked off her socks, her breasts bouncing with her movements, he bit back a groan. But when she shimmied out of her jeans, a groan came from deep within. As her panties dropped around her ankles, he had her shoulders in his hands before he realized he'd moved.
"I want to ride the dragon again,” she murmured, a wicked light in her eyes.
Zander let out a delighted laugh even as his cock hardened farther. “My thoughts exactly, raindrop.” He picked her up and tossed her onto the bed. “My thoughts exactly."
As he came down over her, Leilani's breath hitched in her throat. He looked feral.
A dragon claiming his mate.
Her already wet pussy gushed with cream at the primal delight that shot through her. He loved her, and he was all hers.
His mouth crashed down over hers. His tongue swept into her mouth with masterful possession that was as thrilling as always, but now had the extra punch of love behind it. When he rolled onto his back, she stared down into a masculine face hard with need.
"Ride me,” he muttered.
She lifted herself over him. Grasping his cock in one hand, the hot skin silken against her palm, she lowered herself onto his thick length. She sucked in her breath at how much he filled her.
Goddess, he felt so good inside her. She never wanted to be empty again.
"Sweet,” he groaned, his hips surging under her buttocks. Big hands came up and cupped her breasts. He swept callused thumbs over her tight nipples, bringing them to greater hardness. “God above, I was an idiot."
"Hmm.” Leilani bent down and kissed him. “But at least you wised up."
His mouth curved beneath her lips. “You gonna talk me to death?” he asked, his tones reminiscent of Terik's drawling sarcasm.
"Giddy up,” she murmured and started to move.
Zander pinched her nipples, giving her a small shock of pain to add to the building pleasure. Each drag of his pelvis against her clit fired her growing orgasm.
When he brought his hand down and rubbed her swollen nub, her climax erupted. She cried out and clenched around him, bracing herself with her hands against his chest. Within only a few seconds, Zander followed her over the edge, his hot release jetting into her.
With a groan, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her, hard. When he drew back, his eyes searched hers, an almost desperate hope in their depths. “You told me once not to count on any anniversaries,” he murmured, his voice hoarse. “Tell me you'll stay with me."
"Wild horses and crazy Druids couldn't budge me,” she murmured, and settled against his shoulder. “Now that I've tamed the dragon."
"Tamed?” He looked down at her, and his eyebrows shot up. “You think I'm tamed?"
"Well, not too tame,” she amended. “I wouldn't want you to get boring or anything.” She pressed a kiss to his shoulder. “Besides, I like a wild ride now and again."
With a low, sexy growl, her dragon man rolled her underneath him. His mouth parted hers, his tongue spearing inside with blatant possession.
And that was all right. Because just as surely as he owned her, she owned him.
She wouldn't have it any other way.
Sherrill Quinn
Sherrill Quinn spent twenty years building her career in Human Resources, reaching the pinnacle as Vice President only to realize her life needed to go in another direction. After taking a “how to write erotic romance” course online in February 2005, she discovered her true calling and hasn't looked back.
You can read about her current and upcoming books at her web site, sherrillquinn.com. She'd love to hear from her readers at [email protected].
* * * *
Don't miss The Claiming, by Sherrill Quinn,
available at AmberHeat.com!
As an Intergalactic Marshal, Kassinda Marjani is all about the job. When her brother is imprisoned on trumped-up charges and she's blackmailed into capturing Rhys Valorian ... well, she's determined to bring in the exiled vampire prince—her former lover—to save her brother's life.
But things don't always go according to plan...
When Kassinda and Rhys crash land on a barbaric planet where men cherish their women and see to their pleasure whenever—and wherever—necessary, Kass realizes she might have to move onto Plan B. If only she had a Plan B.
Good thing she has Rhys...
* * * *
Don't miss A Calculated Risk, by Bernadette Gardner,
available at AmberHeat.com!
Tarrant Kane was bred for one thing: military command. When the war ends, his forced retirement leaves him with more money and free time than any man should have. His new objective becomes learning how to be a civilian.
His self-imposed mission gets a little easier when he meets exotically beautiful Nola Rule at the exclusive resort on Sensuron. Nola offers him intense carnal pleasures and something he craves even more than sex: a challenge.
Kane's dalliance with Nola, however, comes with a steep price. When she disappears after a night of unbridled passion, he realizes that falling in love is a risk he isn't prepared to take...
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Don't miss Dark Passion, by April Reid,
available at AmberHeat.com!
Desert Rose Golden Quill Awards Finalist—
Best Science Fiction/Fantasy/Futuristic!
When Rahim Al Sayyed, Sultan of Aradi, sees the flame-haired Alyssa Palonui standing in chains on the slaver's block, he makes the highest bid, telling himself it's to save her from the vicious owner of a brothel. Rahim doesn't know she's a princess of Oceanus and betrothed to his deadly enemy—the one who caused his father's death.
As they journey across planet Traber, into the enemy's stronghold, and the cave of night-flying dragons, Alyssa and Rahim explore growing paranormal gifts and the deep, dark passions hidden in each other's heart, mind, and soul.
* * * *
Don't miss Inside Man, by Caitlyn Willows,
Available at AmberHeat.com!
FBI Agents Matt Oliver and Allie Quinn will do anything to protect the mission and stay alive. Little do they realize what anything will involve when they come together for what is supposed to be a simple job ... or how distracting that anything will be.
* * * *
Don't miss Stagecoach Capture by Layla Chase,
available at AmberHeat.com!
Boarding a westbound stage in San Antonio, US Marshal Slade Thomas realize
s all three female passengers resemble the wanted poster for a bank robber. The audacious and playful behavior of one passenger, Jessimay “Jazzy” Morgan, especially draws his attention—and suspicions.
Jazzy, a former prostitute, is intent on a respectable future built on the money she earned in Miss Veronica's Pleasure Emporium. Polite society is more taxing than she imagines, however, and a flirtation with the handsome stranger on the stagecoach flares into a rousing night of passion in which she loses a little bit of her heart.
The following day, when the stagecoach is robbed and the women kidnapped, Jazzy is crushed at leaving a beaten Slade behind. Planning an escape against huge odds is tough, but confessing her past to a respectable man like Slade is almost impossible. And Slade must also make a decision that could change his life—capturing the bandits, or saving Jazzy ... a choice between his duty and his heart.
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