The Dragon's Mate (Elemental Dragons Book 1)

by Emilia Hartley

  “Thanks for getting dinner.” Handing him a glass, Jo walked back to the kitchen and rummaged through the drawers until she found some plates and cutlery. “It smells amazing.”

  The bear grew quiet, waiting for him to make a move on Jo. She was different now, relaxed and happy. He liked her happy. "Best takeout in town!" he replied, laying out their food.

  Sitting down at the table, Jo smiled awkwardly as he refilled first her glass. “It feels a little strange, if I’m honest, making myself at home in a stranger’s cabin.”

  “Not at all,” he replied with a grin. “I hope the bath helped.” She used a mixture of essential oils and pheromones.

  Jo paused, her fork halfway to her mouth. “How did you know I had a bath?”

  Oh. "Uh…your hair is still a bit damp and I figured you'd prefer a bath over a shower. Especially after the day you had," he fumbled, seeing her relax. Why aren’t you being more careful? You can’t give yourself away.

  “Right,” Jo laughed, feeling even more ridiculous. It wasn’t as though he had a camera in the cabin or something, watching her – although that idea… Forcing her mind back on the food, she picked up a cracker. “This place is amazing,” she mumbled, working through the sudden awkwardness. “Do you, uh, bring other people here?”

  The corner of Nick’s eyes crinkled as a hint of laughter filled his gaze. “If you’re asking if I have a girlfriend, the answer is no.” His strong hand cradled the wine glass gently, swirling it around before taking a sip.

  “I wasn’t asking that,” Jo protested, barely able to take her eyes from him. “It’s just such a beautiful place, I thought…” She closed her eyes briefly, aware that he was still smiling at her. A surge of desire mingled with embarrassment confused her even more. She tried covering it by bringing the glass of wine to her lips.

  Fighting the urge to reach across the table for her, Nick sat back and tried to relax. He could hear her breathing quicken and caught the way she licked her lips just once too often. Shifters don’t touch humans. You’re too strong for her. Clearing his throat, he tried to change the subject. “Do you enjoy your job?”

  “Mmm,” Jo mumbled, non-committal. “It has its good points.”

  “Except for your boss,” he quipped.

  “Yes, exactly!”

  He watched her steadily for a moment. “Then why not leave? Quit?”

  A sigh left Jo's lips as she put her glass down on the table. "Believe me, I've been thinking about it." Returning his smile and ignoring the way her stomach turned over at the piercing darkness that suddenly filled his gray eyes, Jo turned the question back on to him. "Have you always been a mechanic?"

  “Yes, most of the time,” he replied, deftly spearing a piece of chicken. “Tom and I, well, we always planned to start a place of our own.”

  “You seem very close,” Jo commented.

  He snorted. Shifters have to be. “We share a special kind of bond, I guess. We’re good friends as well as brothers, so it just seemed the right thing to do to set up a business together. The land this cabin is built on belonged to our dad, but we had to buy the mechanics.”

  “That sounds great,” Jo commented, quietly. She wondered what it would feel like to be content with her life, to be happy. All she had was work and any free evenings were spent alone in front of the television, making her way steadily through a bottle of wine. Hoping that this evening would be different, Jo let her gaze slowly travel up Nick’s body as he got up to clear the dishes.

  A short time later, glass in hand, Nick studied Jo quietly, as the light from the fire flickered over her face. She was watching the flames steadily, one elbow on the edge of the sofa, her head resting on her hand. Her legs were curled underneath her and the nearly finished glass of wine was held lazily in her other hand. She was the picture of relaxation but the bear knew better. Now and again, she’d glance at him, her breath coming a little faster if their eyes met. Her hand was scrunching her hair over and over again, which was probably something to do with trying to get a hold on what she was thinking.

  She wants you.

  Nick shook his head, stretching back into the armchair. He couldn’t touch her. She was too delicate, too fragile. He needed a shifter to mate with, not a human. Humans were weak, shifters were strong. So why are you still here?

  He couldn’t leave, not now. The urge to have her was too strong, despite the warning in his heart, despite the rules. His breath coming faster, Nick eased himself out of the chair, took the glass from her hand and sat down next to her, watching the way her pupils dilated as she looked at him.

  “Nick?”

  CHAPTER 7

  Nick's mouth was on hers before she could say another word, her gasp captured by his lips. She couldn't do anything except cling to him, as he slowly moved her backward onto the sofa. She'd been wanting this, needing this, but now that it was happening, Jo found herself completely helpless, only able to cling to him as his tongue slipped into her mouth, tangling with hers.

  Passion roared to life as his lips slipped over her cheek and down her neck, nuzzling into the little hollow at the base of her throat. Nick groaned with raw need, a kind of desperation in his kisses.

  She was trembling, he could feel it. Trembling from the force of the need that was rampaging through her, the scent of her arousal pushing him into an almost frantic state. He bared his teeth, scraping them gently down her neck and shoulder, the beast in him was demanding more. The blanket was still around her chest, and with clawed hands he tore it from her, throwing it to the floor. The noise that came from his throat was more bear than man, but thankfully Jo didn’t seem to notice.

  Jo didn’t know what was happening to her, almost couldn’t explain it. Her need for him was working her into an inferno, her entire body was on fire. His hands weren’t just exploring her, they were pulling the clothes from her body in an almost feral way, tugging and clawing at them until her skin was exposed. In response, she spread her hands across his chest. Nick ripped his own shirt off, tearing it at the neck. Jo didn’t normally like rough men, but Nick was different. He was both rough and strong, yet managing not to hurt her even slightly. It was….exciting. Each touch of his hands seared her skin.

  You need to stop. You shouldn’t be doing this. “I can’t stop,” Nick breathed, half to himself as his hands tugged her top up before landing back on her soft, warm skin.

  “I don’t want you to,” Jo moaned. “Please, don’t stop, Nick.” She was gasping now, her breath coming quick and fast as he continued to explore her body. Her hands gripped his hair, tugging it hard as she arched against him.

  The pain almost had him change right then and there. You’re not going to make it.

  “Please,” Jo whimpered, her nails scratching down his back before scrambling at his trousers. “Please, Nick.”

  “No!”

  Tearing himself from her, he got to his feet, running two hands through his hair. Breathing hard, he tried to control the bear. The bear liked pain, it needed pain when it came to mating. Just a little, but enough. The way she'd tugged his hair and scratched her nails down his skin had been too much. His breath was rattling, a warning that the bear was on the verge of pushing through his skin. "I have to go. I shouldn't be doing this."

  And with that, he was gone. Leaving his shirt behind.

  When Jo woke up, she had absolutely no idea where she was. Lifting her head, she looked first at the fire, then saw the two empty wine glasses on the table – and everything came flooding back.

  Getting to her feet, she stretched lazily, before rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Groaning as she saw the discarded clothes on the floor, she bent to pick them up, everything coming back to her at once.

  She had no idea what had happened to Nick, or why he’d run out on her. It had been one of the most mortifying moments of her life. She’d been lying there, almost on the verge of release just from him touching her – and he’d left. His eyes had been darker than she’d remembered and his chest was
heaving as he’d stood, clearly aroused, but trying to gain control. Why had he left? What had he meant when he’d said that he ‘shouldn’t be doing this’? What had been so wrong? It had certainly felt right to her.

  Picking up her top, Jo realized that it was torn all the way down, meaning it was only fit for the trash. She couldn't wear it now. Trying to remember if it had been Nick or her who'd done that, her eyes fell on Nick's shirt. Frowning, she picked it up. He'd gone out in the cold, back home, with nothing on? It had been below freezing last night! Seeing the way it had been torn at the neck, Jo felt heat rush up her neck and into her cheeks. Her heart began to pound just with the thought of him, the way he'd literally torn the clothes from her body. It had been rough, but she'd liked it. She'd felt safe, even with his intensity. Somehow, he'd been both strong, but still gentle.

  Trying not to worry about seeing Nick again, Jo poured herself a cup of coffee and wandered over to the snug book corner. It would be embarrassing when she saw him again, that was for sure! Trying to push all thoughts of the man from her mind, Jo picked a couple of books off the shelf, snuggling up into a cozy armchair. Throwing a blanket over her legs, she opened the first book and began to read.

  “How much is there still to fix?”

  Tom grimaced. “It’s mostly cosmetic stuff that’s left, really. The lights still need a bit of work, but not much.”

  “I’ve fixed the oil leak,” Nick grunted, pulling himself out from under the car. “So just the lights and some panels to fix. That won’t take long.”

  “Then we’ll just be waiting for the part,” Tom said, fixing his brother with a look. “You were back home late last night.”

  Nick shrugged. He didn’t want his brother to know anything about what had happened. “We were just talking.”

  “Right. And I’m just a –”

  “Don’t start,” Nick interrupted. “I already know what you’re going to say.”

  “So what happened?”

  “It’s not your business.”

  “So you just ate, talked and then you left?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m not stupid, Nick,” Tom bit out. “You’re not the only one who could see how she was watching you.”

  A rattle came from deep in Nick’s throat, warning his brother off. “It doesn’t matter how she was looking at me or anything like that. We’re just helping someone that stopped by. That’s all.” That was far too close last night. You can’t go near her again.

  “I’m not going to quit warning you away from her, Nick. You’re normally the smart one, but when it comes to her, your brain’s not working properly.”

  Nick had heard enough. If Tom wanted a fight he was going to get one. The rattle in his throat changed to a growl, his whole body tensed. His spine cracked, as the bones in his body began to lengthen and change. There was no-one else around, no-one to hear the half scream, half roar that sprang from his throat. Fur climbed over his skin, his anger and rage made him coil inwardly, ready to spring at his brother. They were going to fight this out.

  CHAPTER 8

  Something had woken Jo, but she wasn't quite sure what. Her book had been mildly interesting, but the blanket had been warm and the little area quite cozy. Despite the cup of coffee she drank, she still was unable to stay awake. Nick hadn't exactly helped her to get a lot of sleep last night. Her eyelids fluttering, she tried to wake up a bit more. The blanket slipped down, making her shiver a little. Tugging it up over her shoulders again, Jo cuddled back into the chair. She was awake at least, but she didn't want to leave her lovely soft den. Realizing that she had no idea what time it was, Jo grinned to herself. She didn’t care, and out here, she didn’t have to care. “I’m definitely making this a vacation,” she murmured to herself.

  A sudden noise had her pushing herself upright again, her eyes widening as she realized the sound had been a roar. Her mind whirled, trying to place the noise. It sounded as though something was in pain. It came again, forcing her to get out of the chair. She had to find out what it was and where it was coming from. Her book fell to the floor with a thump as she crept across the floor, fear tingling all the way down her arms. The sound, she was sure, came from an animal. Given what had happened to her on her way here, her first thought was that bears were approaching the cabin. "Did you lock the door?" she asked herself, her eyes narrowing as she stared at the key in the lock. Carefully jiggling the handle, she let out a sigh of relief, glad that she was safe. She hadn't touched the windows since she'd arrived, so everything was secure. The sound came again, making her jump with surprise – and then another, and then another. "There's more than one," she muttered to herself, her heart picking up its pace.

  Stepping carefully to one side, Jo peered carefully out of the window, trying to see where the noise was coming from. She couldn’t see much except trees, the sound of her breathing the only noise. “There!” she exclaimed, after a few minutes. There was something moving in between the trees – something big and dark. It had to be a bear. “There’s no reason for them to come near the cabin,” Jo told herself, spotting another one. “Just stay indoors and try not to worry.”

  Moving back slowly from the window, Jo wondered whether or not to phone Nick. Shaking her head and deciding that she was being ridiculous, she walked into the kitchen area, thinking that perhaps she’d grab something to eat and head upstairs. The roars were getting louder, as though they were getting closer and Jo felt all the hairs on the back of her neck stick up in fright. Trying to settle her nerves, she began to head towards the stairs, when a sudden thud hit the front door.

  Jo screamed aloud as it came, again and again, the sound of the bear's angry roars flooding her ears. Panic flew through her, her heart hammering wildly. Glass smashed from the window beside the door, where she'd been standing minutes earlier. Her eyes widening, Jo tried to edge her way towards the staircase, but her legs were quivering so badly, she could barely move a muscle.

  The roars came again, the door cracking under the strain. A scream lodged in her throat, the shock forcing her into action. Scrambling for the staircase, Jo climbed the stairs two at a time, sure that the ground was shaking under her feet. As she threw herself into the bathroom and locked the door, Jo realized that it wasn't the ground that was shaking – it was her. By now she was so frightened that her legs had turned to jelly as the bears surrounded her and the cabin. Glancing out of the window, she saw a very large bear begin to walk towards the other three. Growls came from him, clearly in warning. As she watched, the largest of the three moved forward, growling back.

  “They’re talking to each other,” Jo murmured to herself, her fingers tingling as she let go of the windowsill, letting herself drop down to sit on the floor.

  “Tom!” Nick frowned, glancing up at the security camera that focused on the cabin. They used it regularly, to ensure no-one was causing any damage to their property - but now a movement caught Nick’s eye.

  “What?”

  “Look.”

  Tom shook his head. “I don’t see anything.”

  Refusing to even blink, Nick stared at the camera. “I swear I saw something.”

  Watching it for a few seconds more, Tom was just about to turn away when he saw it too. Something moving, rippling, in the long grass. It was approaching the cabin. “Is that what I think it is?”

  “I reckon so,” Nick replied, grimly. “I didn’t think the Northern Wind pack would be back so soon.”

  Tom watched as two bears walked into the security camera’s feed, making their way towards the cabin. “You said that, if they did come, they’d get her scent and leave her alone.”

  Saying nothing, Nick shifted uneasily.

  “Nick,” Tom said, warning in his voice. “You said they’d leave her alone, right?”

  “Maybe I was wrong,” Nick muttered, seeing a third bear begin to climb the steps of the cabin. His muscles were tensing, his anger growing as he gave in to the urge to fight.

  Tom shoved his brother, ha
rd. “You said she’d be safe, Nick! Get out there and take care of this! You put her there. She’s your responsibility!”

  Nick moved at once, practically running to the door. “I won’t be long.”

  “Do you need me to come with you?” Tom asked. While he thought this was Nick’s mess, he didn’t want to leave his brother to face the Northern Wind pack alone.

  Nick shook his head. Whilst they were both alpha bears, being the eldest he was slightly bigger and slightly stronger than his brother. “There’s only three of them. They’re small. I can handle them by myself.”

  Tom said nothing, turning away from both Nick and the camera.

  It didn’t take Nick more than a few minutes to arrive near to the cabin. Throwing the car door open, the scent of the Northern Wind pack hit his nostrils almost at once. Tearing off his clothes, Nick felt his veins begin to pump with blood. The rattle in his throat was there immediately, his body tensing in preparation for the change. His bones were shaking, his spine cracking as it lengthened. It was a mixture of pain and exhilaration, his body growing and changing in one swift motion.

  His paws hit the ground, the fur immediately warming him. His strength as a man was nothing compared to his strength as a bear. He could feel it coursing through him, his breath coming out in an angry snort.

  Shaking his fur once, he breathed in a long breath, the scent of the Northern Wind pack forcing a growl from his throat. His bear wanted nothing more than to fight, to knock them all into the ground, ripped and bleeding. The human part of him wanted to try and talk them out of it, but if it came to it, then he would fight and fight hard. They had to leave. He had to protect Jo. Moving forward, Nick rose onto his hind legs, drawing the Northern Wind pack away from the cabin and towards him.