Drawn to the Dragon (Banished Dragons Book 5)

by Leela Ash

  He seemed immediately able to read her mood, and she could feel the shift of his energy move from comforting to aroused. It sent a deep thrill through her body and his eyes caught hers. Naomi’s heart thudded hard in her chest when he held her gaze, his dragon’s eyes glowing a moment before they flashed with need. Soon, his lips were pressed urgently against hers, and she met him in a passionate kiss.

  Naomi’s body was enrapt, aching to feel Gavin ever closer. Their hands roamed each other slowly, passionately, and he held her close to his broad body, his every touch only stoking the fire within. She only broke away from the kiss to let out a soft groan of pleasure when Gavin’s strong hands began to roam under her shirt, up her back and cupping her breasts gently, exploring her as if to appreciate every slight curve and crevice. She had never felt more beautiful or appreciated, and a quiet moan escaped her lips as he pulled her gently onto his lap, burying his mouth against her neck and sending another thrill of desire pulsing through her body.

  He undressed her slowly, carefully, until she was naked on top of him with nothing to separate her middle from his pulsing manhood. She shuddered in pleasure as he slowly began to move his hips, their bodies gradually moving in unison. The sensitive bundle of nerves between her legs sent urgent messages of pleasure through her body, until she found herself buckling against him, moving her hips slowly to follow the trail of their pleasure. Gavin’s eyes met hers, serious and awaiting approval, and a hot flood of longing surged through her. He was ready. Naomi let out a soft hiss of pleasure as he started to work his way carefully inside her.

  She cried out in rapture, then bit her bottom lip as he pushed himself deeper inside. Gavin stood suddenly, sending a thrill coursing from head to toe as he began walking, still holding her tight against him. His lips never parted from hers and he carried her to the bedroom, his strong arms supporting her waist and gripping her ass gently, appreciatively.

  Gavin supported her weight, gently urging her hips with his hands to move slowly up and down, sliding along his member. Every slight movement sent a jolt of pleasure through her body, and Naomi’s breath quickened as he carried her to the bed and laid her down, crawling on top of her, his brilliant eyes flashing with need. He growled against her ear, the sound reverberating and sending a deep thrill throughout her body. She wanted him. Badly. She had never felt a desire this strong in all her life. The first time, sure, they had made love, but it was before she knew him. Now, she was ready. she accepted him. Wanted as much of him as she could get.

  Gavin seemed able to sense her readiness and his strong hips gave another powerful thrust inside her. Naomi cried out as he pried inside, her walls contracting tightly around him and sending a hiss of pleasure from his lips. Gavin gritted his teeth and gave another slow thrust, the delicacy of his movements sending agonized thrills throughout her body.

  Naomi writhed beneath him, silently urging him to unleash his full potential. He seemed unsure as to whether or not that was a good idea and gave another slow pump. The friction of his pulsing muscle dragging against her brought a gasp to her lips, and something in Gavin seemed to change. He wanted to give her his all, and she could tell that he was losing his grip steadily. The thought of the beast within him taking over was thrilling to her, and she tried to silently encourage it, bucking her hips suggestively, her eyes seeking his with silent approval. She knew what he wanted and was willing to allow it. He had to know that. He could give in. it was what they both wanted.

  Gavin’s body tremored for a moment as the sudden realization struck him. He was allowed to do exactly as he wished. The dragon within him wasn’t going to hurt her. If anything, it might heal her somehow. Heal them both. Bring them the connection they had been waiting for.

  He inhaled deeply, tangling one hand in Naomi’s hair and pulling her head to the side to kiss her neck eagerly. His hot lips dropping on her again and again sent lightning bolts of pleasure throughout her system and suddenly, Gavin’s body began to work in overdrive, submerging himself again and again inside her hot folds.

  Naomi shuddered in rapture, her voice muffled against Gavin’s broad shoulder as he continued to devour her flesh with his lips. His body only seemed to grow stronger and more eager as he worked inside her, gratifying them both with the incredible passion that the dragon allowed him to unleash.

  She let out a startled cry when he flipped her over suddenly so that he was behind her, gripping her neck with his teeth as he held her hips steady, engulfing himself again and again in her heat. She could feel the steady pressure of her climax building, every stroke of his body sending untold pleasure surging through her system.

  She tried to hold back, to halt her orgasm before it tipped her over, but the cry that wanted to peal from her lips was impossible to suppress. She wanted to fight it. To make this beautiful moment last even longer somehow.

  But it was too late. Whether she wanted to or not, she couldn’t fight it any longer.

  She was helpless against the exclamation of her pleasure as it pealed from her lips. This only seemed to enhance the delicious feeling of her lover’s body against her, and she quickly climbed to the peak, her entire body trembling against Gavin as a swell of cries burst from her chest and echoed in the small bedroom.

  When Gavin saw that she had approached her climax, his eyes flashed with the unchecked power of the dragon within him. Her body was carried to a whole new place as the foreign energy began to take over, his body working double time to help her enjoy her climax and approach his own.

  Naomi could feel him starting to reach his peak almost as acutely as she had felt her own, and another swell of pleasure surged through her as he began thrusting fervently, his longing beginning to spill from its confines and fill her entirely. She gripped him tightly, her cries growing louder as he suddenly unleashed a hot torrent of his desire within her with a roar of satisfaction.

  They were together as they climaxed, climbing to a whole other world together. One she had never been to before. But it was theirs. A place they had created. And yet one that had always been there, long before them and would be there long after. But for now, it was only the two of them there, in this new plain. And … suddenly … someone else. Someone new. Small. Theirs.

  Naomi’s eyes snapped open and locked on Gavin, and it was clear from the shocked expression on his face that he had experienced exactly the same thing.

  “A sacred child,” he whispered, his face pale. “We have one.”

  When he spoke the words, Naomi knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that they were true. “And we will take care of it for all time.”

  Epilogue

  “That’s the last of them, Miss. Good luck!”

  Naomi smiled at Max, one of the Dragon shifters that had been banished with Gavin. They had successfully rescued every single cat on the property before the demolition, and with the money she was able to save in rent because Gavin owned the house they lived in, she would have more than enough to provide shelter for the strays for as long as they required.

  Gavin strode through the door, his shirt sleeves rolled up attractively over his taught muscles. “I think we did pretty well,” he murmured, coming to her and pressing a hand over her abdomen. He was already completely in love with their child, and it was hardly developed yet. “Maybe you should sit down and rest. I’m concerned about you.”

  “I’m fine,” Naomi scolded, shooing him away. But she was secretly pleased. “I can’t believe you got Stu arrested.”

  “He had a hand in your abduction, and it is against my code to destroy humans. Besides, this way, he will never be able to lay claim on our child.”

  Naomi hadn’t even thought of that and nodded somberly. “Right … well, either way, I am really glad for how things were dealt with.”

  “Uncle Gavin! Can we have a kitten? Mom said to ask!”

  Gavin beamed down at one of the sacred children, the one that had known how he was struggling during the barbeque. It seemed so long ago that he had been worried
he wouldn’t find his sacred mate. Now, those worries seemed ridiculous and unfounded. And so very far away.

  “Of course you can,” Gavin said, kneeling down to smile at the child. “Any of them you want.”

  “Except the orange tabby,” Naomi interjected. “She is going to someone special. Who helped me from the start.”

  “Right,” Gavin said with a wink. “Anyone but that.”

  The child grinned and ran to the back yard, where the strays were sniffing around the fence curiously.

  Naomi leaned against Gavin and they gazed out the window together, proud of all they had done.

  “How did we ever get to this point?” Naomi murmured. “This place really feels like a home now. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Or with anyone else.”

  Gavin smiled, surprised by just how deeply he felt the same way. He had put this place together. Made it his home. And now, he had his fated mate and a child on the way. Life was good. Finally, life was good.

  Still, something big was coming. He could feel it. He would have to be on his guard and let the others know to do the same.

  But that was a problem for another day. Today, though, he held his fated mate close and kissed her forehead reverently.

  “We will stay here until our last days and raise our families together. We will protect the universe right from Earth. And our child will be a shining beacon of hope for all.”

  Naomi grinned and squeezed Gavin’s waist. “I love you.”

  Gavin grinned and pressed his hand against her abdomen once more. “I love you too,” he replied. “And just as I told you, everything is okay.”

  “It really is,” Naomi murmured, kissing him gently. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  ***

  I hope you liked my tale!

  Want more shiftery good romance? Well then check this out...

  The first story in this collection is the first in a series – and a new world I have created with Tabitha St. George! Come discover the Wellsprings…

  SHIFTER HEAVEN BOX SET PREVIEW

  Dragon Protector

  Dragon Dreams Book 1

  Leela Ash & Tabitha St. George

  Chapter 1

  Golden and mysterious, the coin in Hannah Stiles’ hand hinted that there was hope. That, maybe, just maybe, there was a path out of this disaster.

  From downstairs, she caught snatches of her parents’ hushed debate.

  “…extremely generous offer… we won’t see another like it…”

  “…but we’ll lose everything!”

  “Everything except our son.”

  Silence fell. There was no arguing against that last point. Four months ago, a hit and run driver struck her seventeen-year-old brother Danny as he walked home one evening. Bills mounted. Insurance, that had promised the world, delivered far less protection than they needed. Hannah didn’t know the details. Even though she was six years older than her brother, her parents still treated her like their little princess. They tried to shield her from life’s ugly truths.

  But things had come to a head and there was no hiding now. Her parents owed the hospital $72,300. As much as their small farm made in an entire year! With their savings drained, a ‘savior’ had appeared, a real estate developer who made them a very generous offer for their farm. Enough money to cover their debts and set up somewhere else…

  …if they were willing to abandon their home. A house that had been in the Stiles’ family for centuries. The place where she and her father had grown up. Her parents hated the idea – but there was no other option.

  Except this coin.

  Hannah took a deep, shaky breath and prayed it was as magical as Grandpa had said. “When things are darkest,” he’d told her, “when there’s no hope at all, show this to the Protectors. They are bound by blood and honor to aid us.”

  Unfortunately, he hadn’t told her how to find those ‘Protectors’. His grandfather hadn’t bothered to pass that important detail along. Being a modern girl, Hannah didn’t believe in ancient debts and magic coins. But if this thing had truly been in her family for 300 years, it must be valuable. Maybe valuable enough to save their home. And she had a good idea where to find a ‘Protector’ of her own.

  Online.

  A quick image search didn’t turn up anything that looked similar. The coin itself didn’t offer many clues about its origin. No date, no sign of what country it came from. One side was blank. On the other, a dragon curled around the edge, circling two words: “Noraste Mel.” Google couldn’t translate that. When she posted on a rare coins forum, no one had ever heard of anything like it.

  Until yesterday, when an email arrived:

  Ms. Stiles,

  I am keenly interested in the coin you describe. If I am right about its origins, it is priceless. Though, surely, its Protector has told you that?

  I need to see the coin to be certain. I will arrange a video conference tomorrow night at 6:00. Do have the coin with you.

  Sincerely,

  Brandon Lorde

  Two words sent butterflies winging through her stomach. ‘Priceless’ – because that could save them. And ‘Protector’ – a strange echo of her grandpa’s own words. Quickly, she’d agreed to speak to Mr. Lorde tonight.

  Her computer’s clock read 5:58pm. Hannah set the coin down and ran a hand through her long blonde hair. Nervously, she swept a wrinkle out of her sleeve and worried that perhaps jeans and a faded state fair t-shirt weren’t the best choice to impress a stranger.

  Nonsense, she scolded herself. This isn’t a date. He’s interested in your coin, not you.

  The exact moment the clock ticked over to 6:00pm, a soft ping announced that Mr. Lorde wished to begin a video chat.

  Hannah licked her lips and clicked ‘accept’.

  She had expected some little old man surrounded by cats, coins, and dusty antiques. Instead, a Greek god appeared on her screen.

  Black hair, thick and light as a raven’s wings, framed his strong, angular face. Everything about him radiated strength, from his muscular arms to the sharp cut of his jaw and his full, firm lips. And his eyes…!

  They caught her and held her as tightly as a hare in a hawk’s grasp. She had never seen eyes like them before. Rich, sapphire blue. For a moment, she swore there were lights in them, tiny flecks of purest gold that swirled around the pupils’ dark center.

  Hannah’s breath caught in her throat. She simply stared, like a deer in headlights, wishing, once again, that she’d changed clothes after coming in from the barn.

  For a moment, those luscious, mesmerizing eyes scanned her, drinking in every detail of her face, her clothes, her hair. Perhaps it was crazy, but he seemed… eager? Anxious? No, nothing that weak. But clearly, whatever this coin was, it held great importance to him.

  “Ms. Stiles?”

  Even his voice thrilled her, a deep, rich bass that transformed her plain, boring name into something enchanting.

  He cleared his throat. “Ms. Stiles?”

  Oh heavens! He expected an answer? Blood rushed to Hannah’s cheeks as she realized she’d been sitting there staring at him. “Yes? Uh, yes! I’m, uh, Hannah. Hannah Stiles.”

  “Good. Please hold the coin up to your computer’s camera.”

  No small talk? No ‘Hi, how are you, nice to see you?’ For the first time, she felt a twinge of uneasiness, but she ignored it. Of course, he was all business. A wealthy, elegant man like him would never care about a plain farm girl like her. Still blushing, she raised the coin, so he could see it.

  Immediately, he gasped. Some bright emotion lit his azure eyes. Hope? Joy? She couldn’t tell. For one moment, a dazzled smile brightened his face and he began to speak in a deep, musical language.

  What it was, she had no idea. Certainly nothing like her high school Spanish. He fell silent, awaiting an answer. Hannah winced. “I’m sorry. I don’t know that language.”

  At once, clouds of suspicion darkened his handsome face. He repeated the last sent
ence, his smile fading.

  “Sorry, I really don’t have any idea what you’re saying.”

  “Marakeen?” Those brilliant eyes bored into her now, seeking traps and deceit. “This word means nothing to you?”

  Hannah shook her head. “Is that the name of the coin?”

  His eyes closed, freeing her. Every muscle in his lithe body tensed, as if some fierce battle raged inside him. When he opened his eyes again, they were as cold as glacial ice. Chin raised, he stared through the computer at her with chilly disdain. “So, tell me, where did you steal the coin from?”

  Steal?!? Now her eyes flashed. “Excuse me? How dare you accuse me of theft?”

  “How dare I?” he sneered. “You have no idea what you hold in your hand. Clearly, you are a thief.”

  “This coin has been in my family for hundreds of years!”

  “And yet, you know nothing of the Marakeen?” She glared back at him, unwilling to answer, and he gave a short bark of laughter. “Then let me correct myself. You are not a thief – you are the descendent of thieves.”

  “I think this conversation is over,” Hannah hissed. Gorgeous or not, he didn’t get to sit there and insult her family like that.

  As she reached for the mouse, his lip curled in mockery. “Don’t you want your money, thief’s child?”

  Hannah froze, and now it was her turn to fight back anger.

  Money. That was why she was here. She couldn’t forget that. Couldn’t let her anger… her disappointment, cloud her mind. Yes, her ‘Greek god’ seemed to be more of a devil. Yes, he was arrogant, and dismissive, and…

  She swallowed and scrubbed her eyes, quickly wiping away any trace of the shamed tears his taunts had summoned. None of that mattered. What mattered was that, judging from the luxurious furniture she saw behind him, he was rich. And he wanted her coin.