Griffin raised a surprised eyebrow in Theo’s direction. “You know why the unicorns waited so long, right?”
Kaiya saw Theo frown in confusion. “No,” Theo said slowly. “Who knows why they do what they do. They’re a strange breed.”
“They were waiting for you to all find your lifemates first,” Griffin said, looking from Theo to Zane, and then to Drake. “Whatever is in these journals is serious information. And it’s something your dad wanted you to know. I would guess it’s also something that’s going to make you angry and hot-blooded, or fill you with some other sort of strong emotion. The unicorns are wise. They know that having a lifemate tempers a man. You must think more rationally when you are thinking about more than just yourself. You must be deliberate and careful when you have a lifemate to protect. Now that you have all found your lifemates, you will approach whatever problem you are about to encounter differently than you would have before. And trust me, it’s going to be a problem. Your dad wouldn’t have written in such a secret dialect for no reason. And your Ma wouldn’t have turned these journals over to the unicorns unless she knew there was something more to them than just your dad’s musings and memories.”
Kaiya saw the Wilson boys all exchange glances. Max and Levi looked at each other, too, with a look of foreboding on their faces. Griffin shook his head slowly as he fingered through another one of the journals.
“I hate to say it, brothers, but I think hard times are ahead.”
Chapter Twelve
The ride back from Griffin’s cabin was even quieter than the ride there had been. Kaiya once again stared out the window as the cloud of dust rose around them when they traveled down the long dirt road. But even after they had returned to the main road and the dust had cleared, she wasn’t really seeing anything as she gazed off into the distance. She was lost in her thoughts, wondering what the journals might say and whether her life or Drake’s life was in danger.
A thousand awful fantasies played through Kaiya’s mind. She’d read enough stories in her lifetime to have a wild, rich imagination, and that imagination was a bit out of control at the moment. Kaiya couldn’t quite squash down the fear rising from the pit of her stomach.
She wouldn’t know for about a week whether any of her worries were founded in truth. Griffin had insisted that it would take at least that long to translate such difficult text. Theo had tried to convince him to come back to Persimmon Springs so that he would be close by, but Griffin had laughed in his face.
“I haven’t been to Persimmon Springs in ten years, and I don’t plan to break that streak now,” Griffin had said. “Especially not just because Mister Theo Wilson is impatient. You’ll get your translation soon enough. Probably sooner if I stay here than if I went to town, anyway. It’s going to require a lot of concentration to get through this, and I won’t be able to concentrate with one of you boys interrupting me every two minutes.”
Theo had tried to protest a few more times, but Griffin had been firm. And so, reluctantly, Theo had agreed that the whole gang would come back to Griffin’s cabin at the end of the next weekend. Griffin had nodded and then shooed them away, eager to get started on his task.
Kaiya wasn’t sure how she was going to be able to concentrate on work for the next week. Between wondering about the journals, and fearing who else might come into her store to attack her because she knew about the old leather volumes, Kaiya suspected she would be useless at the bookstore over the next few days.
She was relieved when Drake finally pulled into his driveway, and even more relieved that Levi didn’t stick around for long. He mentioned something about needing to catch up on work, and then left with the promise to see them both again the next weekend. Kaiya followed Drake into his house and collapsed in exhaustion on his couch. She wasn’t sure why she felt so tired. After all, she hadn’t done much today except ride around in the backseat of Drake’s truck. But her mind had been constantly spinning, and now she felt like she just wanted to sleep.
A few hours later, she woke with a start, disoriented and unsure of where she was. The light coming in through Drake’s living room windows had changed, and long shadows danced across the room. Kaiya sat up quickly, and glanced at the clock on Drake’s living room wall. It was past seven o’clock, and the Texas July sun was slowly making its way down. She hadn’t intended to actually fall asleep, but she had to admit she felt a lot better now that she’d napped. She heard a string of curses coming from Drake’s office down the hallway, and she decided to go see what he was doing.
“Drake?” she said, gently rapping on the door of his office. There was a pause and then a sheepish “Come in,” came from behind the door.
Kaiya walked in and found him surrounded by several massive piles of papers. He had changed into a pair of light sweatpants, but he wasn’t wearing a shirt. The sight of his broad, muscular chest made Kaiya’s stomach do a happy little flip-flop. He looked so delicious.
“Hey, sorry. Did I wake you?” he asked. “I got frustrated sorting through these papers and was swearing a little louder than I intended to.”
Kaiya shook her head. “No, I think my growling stomach woke me up. Have you eaten?”
Drake glanced at the clock on his computer and cursed again. “Shit, no. I didn’t even realize it was so late. I’ve been trying to catch up on sorting through this paperwork and lost track of time. I tell you, Kaiya, I love working as a dentist. But owning my own practice is a pain in the ass. I don’t want to do business shit like this. I just want to look at people’s teeth.”
Kaiya laughed. “You should look at my teeth sometime. I haven’t been to the dentist in several years.”
Drake raised an eyebrow at her. “How many years?” he asked, in the same tone of voice one would use with a child they had just caught stealing from the cookie jar.
“Several,” Kaiya said, refusing to say more. “I’ve always had good teeth, and when I opened my bookstore I poured all my cash into getting it off the ground. Trips to the dentist or dental insurance weren’t my top priority.”
“Teeth are very important, Kaiya!” Drake said, sounding exasperated. “If your teeth aren’t healthy it affects your whole body, and—”
Kaiya raised her hands to tell him to stop. “Okay, okay. Which is why I said if you want to look at my teeth for free, I wouldn’t refuse. Can I get the girlfriend discount, or something like that?”
Drake laughed. “Yeah, I’ll have my receptionist schedule you in for an appointment.”
“I’ll make sure to brush and floss faithfully until then,” Kaiya said, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “And now, Mr. Dentist, what are we doing for dinner? I’m starving.”
Drake sighed again. “Would it be terrible of me to suggest just ordering a pizza? I know I owe you a nice date, but this day has been exhausting. I’m not sure I’m up for going out, and I don’t have anything in the house to cook right now.”
“Pizza sounds fantastic,” Kaiya said. “I’m too tired for a night out, too. Should I go ahead and order? Is supreme okay?”
Drake nodded, looking grateful. “You really are the best,” he said.
About an hour later, Drake and Kaiya were enjoying the last of their pizza, and finishing off the bottle of red wine Drake had opened to accompany it. They had talked and joked lightly during the meal, but now, Kaiya saw Drake’s face turning serious.
“Kaiya, I know the last few days have been crazy. I just want to tell you again how sorry I am for keeping you out of the loop at the beginning. I didn’t realize how serious the journals were. If I had known you would be attacked, I never would have left you alone at your store. Even now, I’m terrified at the thought of you going back there alone tomorrow. I just want to stay by your side constantly. If anything happened and I lost you…”
Drake trailed off, his voice heavy with emotion.
“It’s okay,” Kaiya said. “You don’t have to keep apologizing. I know you had good intentions. And, well, I’d be lying if I said I wa
sn’t a little scared about the future. This whole shifter world is so new and crazy to me. But I can’t imagine life without you. We’ll get through this together. We have each other, and you have your brothers and their lifemates. And I know Griffin and Levi will do everything they can to keep everyone safe. I have to say that with three dragons, a panther, and a mountain lion on my side, things aren’t quite as scary.”
Drake looked at her with a small smile. “Have I told you yet today that you’re the best?”
Kaiya grinned. “You can tell me as many times as you want,” she said with a wink.
Drake’s eyes turned serious. “You are the best, and I don’t think I could live without you now that I’ve found you. If you see anyone even the least bit suspicious come into your store, I want you to tell me, okay? I would rather respond to a false alarm than have something happen to you.”
Kaiya nodded, her heart warming at how much Drake cared for her. “I will,” she said. “I knew right away when that snake man came into my store that he was trouble. I should have listened to my gut. I won’t be so careless again.”
Drake set his empty wine glass down and held his hand out to her. “Come on. I want to snuggle you on the couch. I’ll clean up these plates later.”
The living room had grown dim, but Drake didn’t bother to turn on the lights. The summer sun was still trying to hold on, but the last rays of light were slowly slipping away on the horizon. What remained of the sky was a mixture of orange, pink, and twilight blue, and Kaiya took a moment to admire it through Drake’s huge living room windows as he led her to his couch. Once they reached the couch, though, she forgot about looking at anything other than his face. He pushed her gently down on her back, and then lay on top of her, pressing his body against hers. Kaiya could feel the pressure and stress that had been building over the last several days fading away as he put his lips on hers.
She didn’t know how long he kissed her, but he moved slowly and took his time. Neither one of them spoke now. There were no more apologies, no more things to explain. They just knew that they needed each other. Drake’s hands were tender as he stroked the skin on her face, and he moved gently as he slowly rocked his body backward and forward against hers. Kaiya felt truly at peace for the first time since the attack at her store. She let her worries slip away as she relished the feeling of Drake’s warmth.
Eventually, he moved to slowly pull off her shirt. She was still wearing the same, simple short-sleeved t-shirt she’d worn for their meeting with Griffin earlier. Drake pulled it over her head and off, then reached behind her back to remove her bra. They were both bare-chested now, as Drake still hadn’t put on a shirt. Kaiya closed her eyes and smiled happily as Drake’s muscular chest rubbed against her alert nipples.
Drake kissed and nibbled at her breasts, all of his movements gentle and slow. Kaiya could tell that he was savoring the moment, too. The start of their relationship had been so fast and furious, and then the fallout from their journals had tested their dedication to each other right away. It felt good to take their time and fully enjoy each other.
Kaiya could feel her body heating up as Drake moved to unbutton her jeans. He sat up to pull down the zipper and pull off the pants, pulling her panties down at the same time. She felt a tingling warmth between her legs, and she moaned as she felt herself growing wetter and wetter. She wanted him so badly. This was a tender, sweet desire, though. Usually, she felt like she was on fire and frantic to have him inside of her and have her release. And, of course, she enjoyed those hot and heavy moments. But this slow burn was its own form of pleasure. She moaned softly as Drake used his finger to trace a line up her leg, from her ankle to her dripping wet entrance. He stopped short there, and stood to his full height again to remove his own pants and underwear. He tossed aside the clothes and stood in front of her fully naked, with his stiff, large erection pointing right at her. She felt the breath go out of her at the sight of him. His body was perfection in male form, and she could hardly wait to have him inside of her.
He didn’t make her wait long. He slid back onto the couch, positioning himself directly over her. He paused, and looked deep into her eyes. Now that Kaiya knew about his shifter side, she could see the traces of noble dragon in his expression. He searched her eyes with his own, then gave her a soft smile.
“I love you, Kaiya,” he said in a husky whisper. A smile played at her own lips as she looked up at him.
“I love you, too,” she said.
And then, he was inside her. He slid in easily despite his size, thanks to how wet she had become with desire. She moaned as she felt the pressure of his erection against her inner walls, and the heat within her grew. Everything around her faded away. All she could think about, all she could feel, was his body moving in hers. He kept a slow, steady motion, stoking the tingling fire within her as she arched her back and hips against his body. She felt the slow build of desire, and could feel herself getting closer and closer to the edge. When Drake himself let out a low growl of passion, it was too much for her. She squeezed her eyes tighter and called out his name as she found her release.
Somehow, the spasms he drew out of her from his slow, steady lovemaking were stronger and more intense than when his actions were fast and furious. Kaiya felt wave after wave of pleasure wash over her as her body continued to give itself to him in a rush of passionate ecstasy. She felt her innermost muscles clenching around him over and over, never wanting to let him go. And somewhere, in the middle of her own sweet release, he found his.
He threw back his head and roared, sending a hot stream of himself into her as he pulsed inside of her. His voice was loud and primal, sending chills down Kaiya’s spine. She opened her eyes to watch him as he came back down from the purest, most wonderful pleasure two individuals could share. The pleasure of two true lifemates giving themselves to each other.
She had loved her dragon now. She could never love any other.
Chapter Thirteen
Kaiya had known that this week would feel long, but by Wednesday afternoon she could hardly stand the waiting game any longer. She constantly wondered what Griffin would say when the shifters returned to speak to him. Part of her questioned whether she really wanted to know. She got the distinct impression that whatever Griffin found would mean danger for Drake and his brothers. It hurt her heart to think about the possibility of any harm coming to him. And yet, at the same time, she felt that knowing what they were up against was better than not knowing. Reality couldn’t be much worse than the horrible, wild scenarios her mind conjured up when left to its own devices.
At half past four that Wednesday, Kaiya found herself once again staring up at the clock, wishing for time to hurry up. She loved her little store, and she had not often been in the habit of wishing closing time would come sooner. But the last week had been different. Kaiya was distracted and restless, and sitting alone here with her thoughts, with only the occasional customer to distract her, made things worse. Besides, every time she heard the bell above the door jingle, she would look up with worry, hoping she wasn’t being visited by another strange shifter who wanted to harm her.
A few minutes later, the familiar bell jerked her attention back to the door. Kaiya saw with relief that it was only Rebekah Jones, one of the local townspeople. Mrs. Jones had a reputation for being one of the worst gossips in town, but other than that she was harmless. She certainly wasn’t going to shift into a strange animal and try to hurt Kaiya.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Jones,” Kaiya said with a pleasant smile. “I haven’t seen you in here for a bit. Can I help you find something?”
“Oh, yes, yes. Sorry I haven’t been around. I’ve been terribly busy helping out with my grandson. He’s quite smart that one. Keeps his mother on his toes. They needed someone to watch him for a few weeks while their normal nanny was on vacation, so I jumped in. We can’t have just anyone watch him, you know. He’s not like other children who will happily mind the teachers at a daycare. He’s strong-wil
led that one. Yes ma’am, he is. Takes someone who knows him well and knows how to put their foot down. Luckily, I know a thing or two about handling exceptionally smart and strong-willed children, as all three of mine were that way. Other parents just don’t know how easy they have it.”
Mrs. Jones shook her head and tsk-tsked into the air as she sauntered toward the front counter. Kaiya resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Mrs. Jones was always going on about how smart and strong-willed everyone in her family was. Her two year old grandson was her favorite family member to brag on.
“Very lucky that they have you,” Kaiya said, trying to sound as genuine as possible.
“Yes, yes. I’ve done a lot for the boy, I must say,” Mrs. Jones continued. “I taught him all his colors and the alphabet song yesterday. He’s smart, as I told you. Just strong-willed. He must be challenged. That’s the key. You’ve got to challenge the ones like him, and then they’re happy.”
“How lovely you could teach him all that,” Kaiya said, then quickly tried to change the subject. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep a straight face during this conversation. “You said you were looking for something particular? What can I help you find today.”
“Oh, yes! I need a good beach read, dear. I’m going to take a vacation myself next week. I’m quite exhausted after all this nannying. I enjoy it, mind you. But I’m getting older and it takes quite a bit of energy to keep up with my grandson.”
“Certainly,” Kaiya said, walking around the front counter to join Mrs. Jones on the sales floor. “We just got a bunch of delightful new chick-lit novels in that are perfect for a light beach read. Let me show you.”
Kaiya led Mrs. Jones to the display of novels covered with bright, playful covers, many of which included an illustration of a cocktail or two. Mrs. Jones started clucking on about how she couldn’t believe the state of literature these days. She only read these at the beach, mind you. The rest of the time she preferred the classics and other serious literature.
Lone Star Secret (Shifters in the Heart of Texas Book 4) Page 9