by Zoe Chant
She's safe.
The thought echoed through Braeden's mind, again and again.
He'd made it just in time. He still had no idea what exactly had happened, but he'd come as soon as he'd felt her distress through the bond.
I did that. I drove her off. Maybe it would have been better to let her go...
But she hadn't wanted to go with the cops. He'd felt that very clearly. Worse, she would have been in danger again. If Steele found her, no human weapons would protect her...
Braeden looked over towards Wing Island. He hesitated for a moment.
Then he swerved to the left, away from the shifter town. He headed towards the ocean, following the coastline for ten minutes.
Then another tiny island rose out of the water. It wasn't much larger than a football field, and uninhabited. It had no beaches to attract tourists.
But the center of the tiny island was green, a small meadow shielded by bushes and trees. No one would find them there—neither fire dragons nor human cops.
It was a good place to talk. Because no matter how terrified he was that this dark thing inside of him might harm her, he owed her the truth.
Once she knows about the darkness in me, she'll want to leave.
But that was what he deserved. It had been cowardly to hide from it.
She deserved the truth. And then, if she wanted to leave, he'd help her find a place where she would be safe while he went back to deal with Steele.
Perhaps the storm dragon could help to hide her. Alyx would love Naomi—and she'd be safe.
Braeden folded his wings, landing right in the center of the tiny meadow.
They were surrounded by an ocean of wildflowers in all colors of the rainbow. The scent of flowers overpowered even that of the sea.
As soon as Alyx had slid down his back, he shifted back. And a heartbeat later, Alyx's fists hit his chest, her eyes blazing as she glared at him.
“Don't you ever do that to me again! Don't you dare run without talking to me!”
Braeden swallowed, staring at her.
That wasn't what he'd expected. He'd thought that she'd still be scared, after her run-in with the cops.
Instead, she was furious. If she'd been a fire dragon, he wouldn't have been surprised to see her spitting fire at him.
“I'm sorry,” he said at last.
“Is that all you've got to say?” Alyx demanded. “Damn you, do you know how I felt last night? I don't care what the hell was going on with you. If you don't want me as your mate, I can deal! I'm an adult. It didn't work out; so what? Most people don't have soulmates, you know. I can survive without you, if I have to. But you could at least show me the respect to break up with me to my face, instead of running like a coward.”
“I didn't—I thought—” Braeden forced himself to take a deep breath.
His heart was clenching in his chest. He hadn't thought that he'd hurt her so much. That hadn't been his intention.
He'd wanted to protect her—not make her think that he didn't want her.
“You're wrong,” he said. “I love you. I love you and I want you, more than anything. I've never felt like this for anyone else. I never will.”
“So? Why did you run?” she demanded, hands on her hips.
“I was scared. For you,” he admitted softly. “Of what I could do to you. Of what... Of what Steele might make me do.”
Alyx frowned. “Are you afraid I still think you're one of them? I know you're not evil, just because you're a fire dragon. You're good, Braeden. You're a good person—perhaps the best I've ever met. Even though you don't properly appreciate avocado ice cream.”
Braeden gave her a weak smile. “It's not that. Do you remember that Steele wounded me?”
“Are you still hurt?” Alyx asked immediately, her eyes wide with sudden concern. “Why didn't you say anything?”
“Do you remember those weird shadows on his body? That strange darkness?”
Alyx nodded.
Braeden took a deep breath, feeling the shadows swirling in his chest even now.
“It's inside me. When he wounded me, back in those tunnels... Some of that darkness entered me. I can hear his voice in my head. He's whispering terrible things, Alyx. And as long as that thing is inside me, I can't be with you, don't you see? I'm a danger to you now.”
“Nonsense!” she said, even though he could feel her worry through the mate bond. “How could he—didn't you tell me that you're stronger than him? You're the master of fire, not him.”
“I don't understand it myself,” Braeden said softly. “Perhaps the chimera will know what's going on. But I can't control it. The wounds healed—but the shadow is still inside me. And I can't make his voice shut up.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
The look she gave him was breaking his heart. There was fear in it—and pain. Because of him.
After what had happened to her in the fire dragon lair, he'd sworn that he'd show her the beautiful, peaceful side of the shifter world.
Instead, all he'd done was to cause her more pain.
“It can be stopped.” She swallowed, then deliberately reached out, resting her palm flat against his chest.
Right over his heart, which gave a thump at the touch.
They looked at each other. Braeden felt his breath speed up.
The darkness was still there within him, like a black cloud hovering around his heart. But with Alyx so close, it wasn't strong enough to block out the fragile thread of their mate bond. Even though they weren't mated yet, the golden glow of it pierced the shadow within him.
It didn't drive the darkness away—but in its golden light, it was easier to see the hope that still remained.
The chimera's powerful. He'll know a cure.
Braeden was pretty sure he knew what the cure would be. If he took out Steele, then the shadow would go with him.
“I'm not afraid of you,” Alyx said. Warmth pulsed from her hand through his skin.
Braeden watched as his hands rose. Careful, as if the slightest touch might harm her, he framed her face with his hands, smoothing back her gorgeous black hair. It fell like silk over his fingers.
He trailed the pad of his thumb along her cheekbone, watched as her eyes darkened with need, her pupils so wide they looked nearly black.
They were so close her breath was hot against his lips. He could smell a trace of the herbal shampoo in her hair, mingling with the ocean breeze and the scent of the thousands of wildflowers surrounding them.
And then her eyes fluttered closed, and their lips met.
He couldn't even say who'd moved first. All he knew was that he needed her in his arms.
His strong, brave mate, who'd survived being imprisoned, and who'd never lost her love for life. Who could make him laugh—who could probably make him try garlic ice cream if she wanted. Who was forever curious and excited, as if life had dared her to take every opportunity offered to her.
And he wanted to experience it all by her side. After a lifetime spent underground, hiding from the world, he didn't just want to see the world; he wanted to experience it, be a part of it.
He wanted to travel with her by his side. He wanted to try every weird dish she saw, even if he'd turn out to hate them. He wanted to see all the things humans got up to.
And he wanted her. More than anything, he wanted her.
At that moment, he would have gladly given up all of his power as the master of fire if it meant that he could have her.
“You already have me, you idiot,” she said breathlessly when she drew back.
Her eyes were gleaming—he could see the reflection of the fire filling his own eyes.
“I'm yours! I want you—forever. As my mate. If you promise that we'll deal with any problem together from now on.” Her look made it clear that this demand wasn’t up for debate.
Braeden swallowed and nodded, drawing his finger along her full bottom lip. She'd never looked more gorgeous than she did now, framed by flowers, the
ocean wind tugging on her hair.
He had no ruby tiara for her—not yet, at least.
But that didn't matter. Not now. In time, he'd shower her with treasure. For now, the treasure of her endless trust and faith in him was enough.
“I promise. And I want you, too,” he said hoarsely. His body was thrumming with heat, the flames of his desire burning through his veins.
“Then have me. Here, now.”
Deliberately, she grabbed her shirt and pulled it off.
Beneath, she wore a flimsy bra of red lace—one of the things she'd picked in the boutique the other day. As Braeden watched, she reached around and unhooked it, her luscious breasts spilling free.
A heartbeat later, his hands were on her, reverently cupping her soft curves. His thumbs sought out her nipples, gently stroking them as he leaned forward for another kiss.
The light of the mate bond was so bright now he couldn't see the darkness inside him anymore.
He didn't think it was entirely gone—but with her by his side, he could deal with it.
She'd been right all along. Together, they could face everything, even Steele's shadow inside his mind.
“Be my mate,” he said, gasping the words against her lips as his erection pressed painfully against his jeans. “Be mine, forever.”
“Yes,” she whispered back, arching against him, her fingers digging into his shoulder. “Forever. Now, Braeden, please!”
Chapter Fifteen: Alyx
Braeden groaned, his eyes ablaze with the flames of his power. Alyx ran her hands over his shoulder in appreciation, then pulled demandingly at his shirt. Every inch of her skin ached with the need to feel him against her, just him and her, no more barriers between them.
Hastily, Braeden pulled off his shirt, baring his glorious muscles to her gaze. The warm rays of the morning sun played over the rippling ridges and valleys of his stomach as he drew back for a moment, pulling off his jeans.
Alyx swallowed as she saw just how hard he was. Need spiraled through her, everything inside her tightening with how much she wanted him.
She pushed down her jeans, wriggling out of her panties. Her folds were already slick with arousal, her nipples tight and aching.
For a moment, Braeden stared at her, hunger and awe in his eyes.
No one had ever looked at her like that. Through the connection between them, she could feel his desire like the pulse of a heart, as if their need for each other had become alive, a living, breathing creature with a mind of its own.
And she ached to surrender herself to it. To surrender to him. To lose herself in his embrace until all thought was gone except for the ecstasy of being one with him at last.
“I love you,” he said hoarsely, and then he tumbled her into the grass, his strong hands gentle despite the hunger of his kisses.
He kissed his way down her body as she moaned. For long minutes, he teased her nipples with his tongue, playing with her until her thighs were slick with her need and all thought had fled.
And then he moved further down.
She gasped as his tongue explored her folds. He caressed her until she felt her body was on fire—and then his tongue found her clit.
His hands were on her wrists, holding them gently pressed down as his tongue circled her. She arched against him, pleasure surging through her like electricity.
His tongue was demanding, driving her on, higher and higher while his hands held her pressed down.
The feeling was incredible. She felt as if she was drowning in golden light.
And then her climax flooded through her, wave after wave of pulsing pleasure while his tongue made it last and last.
Her thighs were still trembling when he finally released her. Weakly, she grasped his shoulders as he moved over her. She could feel his shaft against her thigh, hot and hard—and she wanted it inside her again. She wanted to feel his pleasure, too.
He slid inside her easily, and the sensation was enough to make her cry out again. After the almost endless orgasm, she felt so sensitive that every move of him inside her sent prickling flames sizzling up her spine.
Breathlessly, she clutched at him, squeezing her thighs around his hips to encourage him to take her harder, deeper.
His skin was hot against hers. His hair smelled warm and smoky, the aroma of fire mingling with the virile musk of his arousal. In the distance, she could hear the ocean lapping at the rocky shore, like a great, distant pulse.
And the golden light was pulsing in time with it.
It had grown brighter and brighter. No longer a gentle glow, it was so bright now that she had to close her eyes.
Even then, she could still see it. It was as if ribbons of light were wrapping around them, pulling tighter and tighter as they moved together.
Alyx's fingers dug into his skin as she moaned. She pressed her lips to his damp shoulder, her inner walls tightening around his hot length—and then he groaned, the golden light intensifying until it was so bright it hurt.
With thrust after thrust, Braeden spilled himself inside her. At the same time, pleasure broke over her again, even more intense than the first time.
Dimly, she heard herself crying out his name. Through the bond, she could feel his pleasure, her own streaming out of her to mingle with his until she could no longer tell whose pleasure she was experiencing.
It no longer mattered. They were truly one now.
Long minutes passed until she felt recovered enough to move again. Carefully, Braeden rolled to his side, wrapping his arm around her to hold her close.
She sighed in contentment.
She could still feel the mate bond. Before, it had been a fragile thread. Now, it was as strong as steel.
She could reach out to the golden glow of it—and when she did, she could feel Braeden's amazement and love rush straight into her heart. It felt as if a door she never knew existed had opened between their souls.
And it would never close again. She knew that. No matter what happened—they'd always have this bond.
“Thanks for rescuing me earlier,” she said softly. “I didn't want to lead the cops to your friends' island. I didn't even know they'd show up. I called my best friend because I missed her terribly, and I wanted to talk to her—”
“She was probably worried about you,” Braeden said. “I would have done the same.”
Alyx sighed and nodded. “You're right, of course. I didn't think this through last night. I just really wanted someone to talk to.”
“When this is over,” Braeden promised, “when the chimera has fixed whatever is wrong with me, and I've dealt with Steele, I want to get to know your friend.”
Alyx smiled softly. “I'd love to show her this island. I know she won't believe me until she sees it. But I think once she does, she'll know that I'm perfectly safe and happy now.”
Braeden brushed a kiss to her lips. “What about breakfast at Chameleon Coffee? They should open soon.”
“That sounds perfect,” Alyx said with a content sigh. “Shower first?”
“Swim first,” Braeden said, laughing as he sat up and grabbed her hand.
The sun was still low in the sky, the ocean gleaming like molten gold before them.
Alyx had never felt happier as she clambered down the rocks hand in hand with Braeden, the warm glow of the mate bond all around them now.
Chapter Sixteen: Braeden
When they returned to meet up with Timothy and Liana, taking the scenic walk along the beach, the ocean dragon and his mate were already waiting.
“What happened?” Timothy said. “I could feel a flare of your power.”
“Sorry,” Braeden said. “I had to—uh, there's no good way of phrasing this. Burn a few memories out of several cops.”
“What?” Timothy didn't look pleased. “We get along pretty well with our neighboring human communities here. I really don't want that to change.”
“Well, for one thing, they won't remember anything about it, so I don't see why it should,
” Braeden said defensively.
Then Alyx came to his rescue. “Don't blame him. It was all my fault. He was just trying to protect you—and me.”
“How about we all sit down?” Liana suggested. “And Ginny sent an email. We were just about to come and visit you to tell you the good news. You've been summoned to Sky Home. The chimera wants to see both of you. The griffin's coming to pick you up.”
“After what happened last time, the chimera doesn't want you flying on your own,” Timothy said, then added, “I think he's just worried. Remember what happened when I tried to take Liana to Sky Home?”
Braeden didn't like the thought of having to wait for the griffin to appear. But on the other hand, he couldn't argue with the chimera's reasoning.
And given the fact that some of Steele's darkness was still inside him, perhaps he should be glad that Alyx wouldn't be alone with him on the flight.
“Now talk. What's that about burning cops' memories?” Liana sounded a little nervous.
And no wonder. She and Timothy had built a beautiful home. Braeden would feel just as ruffled if someone endangered the peace of his own home.
If I had one.
Braeden took a deep breath. “Alyx and I... had an argument. A misunderstanding,” he said hastily. “Forget it, it's all cleared up now. But I upset her, so she called her best friend—which is only natural.”
“I should have known better,” Alyx said morosely. “But I was upset, so I didn't think. Sarah obviously called the cops as soon as I ended the call. She didn't believe a word I said. I guess it sounded pretty crazy if you don't know that dragons are real.”
“And instead of Sarah showing up to comfort her this morning, a couple of patrol cars showed up. They were all ready to send a SWAT team to Wing Island if it turned out that Alyx, who vanished weeks ago, was really held prisoner here.” Braeden gave Timothy an apologetic look. “Don't worry. I arrived in time and burned the encounter out of their mind.”
“You can do that?” Liana asked curiously, then grabbed her phone to hastily take notes. A moment later she looked up, chagrined. “Sorry! It's just that I've been looking for a cool new feature for our in-game fire dragons...”