by Cara Carnes
Macy nodded, pride surging in her. “Thank you for telling me.”
“Good luck, little dragon. You will need it.”
No doubt. A man walked into the room, his arms bigger than tree trunks and his chest wider than a semi. Yikes. She craned her neck up and up and finally surrendered to her short stature.
“This is Griffon. He will lead you to where Dmitri and Alonzo are being held, but it will take a couple of days to gain entry into the dungeons. The contact I have won’t be on rounds until then.”
Alonzo. Crud. She supposed he would need to be rescued as well. Perhaps if she did he’d dig the stick out of his butt where she was concerned.
One way or the other, Dmitri was hers. And the witch would die for touching him.
Chapter Seven
Dmitri tensed as fire flicked across his shredded back. Deep breaths added to the searing stab wounds up and down his ribs. He wouldn’t die, he’d simply wish he had.
He’d lost track of the days, but suspected at least two had passed since he’d been taken. Maybe three.
By now Macy would be tucked away, safe in the earthen realm, away from Dmitri’s father and the witch determined to break him.
Feminine purrs echoed as the fire whip paused. The wielder trudged out of the room, no doubt exhausted from the one hour session. Beads of blood ran down Dmitri’s forehead, shoulders, stomach.
Morva prowled into view, her blood-red lips pursed in contemplation. “Are you ready to indenture yourself to me now, vampire?”
“Hell will freeze over before I bed you, witch.”
She cackled her delight. “You amuse me, Prince.”
“Glad to alleviate your boredom.” He suppressed a groan when her nails ran down his back.
“Tell me, Dmitri. Does it heat your blood to know Zivon is bedding the dragon witch?” She circled to his front. “I was told you are the one who brought her here.”
“I was her indenture.” He forced his breaths to remain shallow and his powers to wane.
Zivon would die if he harmed Macy.
“Bed me and she will be freed.”
“Is my father’s bed so dull you have to torture another man to find pleasure?”
The slap had the necessary consequence—it forced his focus on the pain rather than Macy. His hands fisted and he pulled himself up, grimacing as the silver dug into his wrists.
Morva unzipped his jeans and tugged them past his hips. He growled when she clenched his shaft and began pumping.
Hell would freeze over before she had any success.
The flame behind her flickered. He’d never see a fiery flicker and not think of Macy. The flame grew and surged forward. The fire burst into nuggets of power, all aimed at Morva.
The witch screamed as her hand erupted with blue fire. She whirled, moving aside for Dmitri to see the attacker.
Macy.
He channeled his strength, sealed his wounds and tugged on his restraints. His powers worked on healing the worst of his injuries. He’d avoided using power to heal himself, knowing it’d only mean more suffering.
But his little dragon couldn’t see him like this.
The two women squared off. Rage flowed from Morva. Macy walked into the room, her glance casual and deadly, possessive as it slid over Dmitri.
“I was going to let you live, but you touched him.” Macy stood with her legs slightly apart, one hand on her hip. “No one touches what is mine.”
The other witch gasped as Macy released the shields she’d had on her powers. Magic drifted and engulfed the room.
“I seem to recall you assessing my witchly potency earlier. Shall we test yours?”
A cocoon of pocketed air slid around him, feather soft in its caress against his damaged skin. Her scent overwhelmed him.
Morva stumbled and shot an energy bolt toward Macy, who absorbed it within her power strands.
“Not bad, but I admit I expected more.” Rage glinted in Macy’s reddened eyes. “You killed my father.”
The entire chamber vibrated with animosity, wild and rampant. Thick strands of fiery power interspersed with air bubbles squeezed Morva. The witch’s screams echoed within the chamber. Her body contorted, yet the power strands continued constricting.
A burst of vibrant red, orange, and yellow cascaded within the room as the strands exploded. Dmitri tugged on the restraints. Where was Macy?
The power waned. Dust drifted in the air and a soft cough on the other side of the room rushed relief through his ravaged body. She was alive.
Dirt marred her soft cheeks. A busted lip drew his inner demon’s rage as the bruises along her face and arms came fully into view. Someone had hurt her.
She ran to him, her hands halting as her gaze swept him, her powers mingled within his aura.
“I’ll heal, little dragon,” he promised. “You shouldn’t have come.”
She shrugged nonchalantly, her arms slid protectively over his chest, pausing near each healing knife wound. “They hurt you.”
“I’ll heal.”
She nodded. Her throat moved, her eyes moistened. A faint smile defied the terrified aura he sensed. “I thought you were dead.”
“I thought Zivon had you.” He tugged on the restraints. “Are you going to let me go?”
A sinister grin spread on her face as her power honed into a thick, tight shield, sheathing them within the chamber unseen. “I seem to recall having you in this situation before, my vampire prince.”
His cock twitched as her gaze slid over his lap. “And I seem to recall that your pants were about in the same position. Tell me, do you always find it difficult to remain clothed?”
“Around you, yes.” His shaft hardened. Her eyes widened. Her tongue licked her lips and he groaned. “Around you I’m a weak fledgling.”
Her eyes continued assessing him, her hands drifted across his neck. Cinnamon and mint mingled in his nostrils. The sweet nectar pumping in her veins pulsed so close. He leaned down to lap at it, inhale the divine ambrosia. His mouth dried, his fangs distended.
He scraped them across her pale neck and felt her shiver as she wrapped her arms around him. Her skirt rustled and her hand wrapped around his shaft.
“Tell me, vampire prince, would you tire of a dragon witch’s blood?” She suckled at his neck.
“Never,” he growled.
“Then taste me, Dmitri.” She pumped his shaft. “Let me love you.”
He claimed her vein, too aware of the tight sheath so close to his manhood. He fed, lapping her sweet blood and letting it drift down his throat. He’d never tire of her taste, her voice, her sweet body, her willful mind.
With a chaste kiss on his lips, she slid him into her. He groaned and thrust forward, relishing the feel of her soft body riding his cock. Tonight he’d spend hours tasting and worshipping her luscious curves. He’d savor each gasp and moan as he drove into her again and again.
Now, now he’d enjoy the sway of her hips as she rode him. He cast his powers beyond her shield, careful not to touch it. He sensed the battle brewing outside as the royal army was forced to choose sides.
His release came quick and harried, moments after hers. She ran her hands up his body and released the manacles securing his hands into place. With an impish grin she whispered, “I sort of like having your hands locked up.”
“Careful, little dragon, or I’ll do the same to you.”
“You promise?” She pulled away and looked around, the shields lowering slowly. Concern flickered in her gaze and he knew reality had returned. “What now?”
“Now I challenge my father.”
She chewed on her lower lip. “I suppose you couldn’t forget all this happened and live with me in the earthen realm.”
“Would you truly want me to turn my back on this?”
She shook her head. “No. No, I’d want you to fight. I hate that you could die and I haven’t even told you I love you.”
Her eyes widened, as if the words had been ripped from the depths
of her heart without her permission. Pleasure awakened Dmitri’s heart and released his soul from the darkness.
“I love you too, little dragon.”
“You do?”
“Yes, I do.” He stepped forward and circled his hands around her waist. “Why else would I let you accost me while I’m defenseless?”
She slapped his arm. “This is serious, Dmitri. You could die.”
“My father has grown weak, he relies on his army to do his bidding.” Dmitri wouldn’t be surprised if his father had already retreated. He’d have sensed Morva’s death since they’d shared blood for centuries.
“And after you defeat him?”
“You will have a choice to make. Live here as my queen and help me rebuild this world for my people, or reside in the human realm.”
“Without you?”
“No, little dragon, no matter what realm you choose, I will always be beside you.”
Her hand ran across his cheek. “You’d give up your throne for me?”
“If I had to, yes.” His brother would likely never forgive him for shoveling all the crap his direction, but Dmitri knew the younger half-breed was better suited for leadership.
****
Love drowned Macy. Dmitri loved her.
No doubt Sarah would have her ass for the spontaneity of it all, but the whirlwind events made perfect sense to Macy’s lonely soul. She’d always known she’d recognize her soul mate immediately. The fact he was willing to secede his throne for her made her realize that, for the first time in a long time, she wasn’t alone.
She’d have a champion, a friend, a lover.
A mate.
Footsteps sounded in the corridor and Macy allowed her stranglehold on the shields to subside. She could only hold reality back for so long, and she suspected hell had broken loose.
Alonzo walked in, his aura damaged like Dmitri’s. Hell resided in his averted gaze. Guilt plagued her. She’d never cared for the man, but she suspected he was a true, loyal friend. Perhaps they’d be able to give one another a second shot.
“I heard you blew her up.” He eyed her warily.
“Word around the vampire dungeons travels fast I see.” She chewed on her nail. “I warned the bitch not to touch what’s mine. She should’ve listened.”
“Well, that ought to keep the visitations to the palace to a minimum then.” Alonzo chuckled.
“You speak as if I’ve already won the throne.” Dmitri tensed behind her.
“Your father fled when Morva’s demise became known. She was the fear behind the reign, as you know.”
“We will find him,” Dmitri stated.
“Two garrisons are already working on it. I doubt it’s the last we’ll see of him. For now, per ancient law, the throne is yours.”
Dmitri nodded. “Thank you for your sacrifices, my friend. I am sorry you were captured. It was my hope you would escape with Macy.”
Macy couldn’t help but wonder what atrocities the two men had suffered. She doubted she’d ever know. Although she’d raced like hell to get there, they’d been captured for more than two days.
Alonzo looked at her. “I have received word Zivon has travelled to the earthen realm, no doubt to search for Dragos. I don’t like this in the least, Dmitri. That mage is trouble.”
“He claimed to be helping us, said Dragos was my uncle and my father…” She cleared her throat. “My father died trying to save his dying mate.”
“Zivon has always held his agenda closely and his enemies closer,” Dmitri commented.
She wrapped her arm around his waist and then winced, forgetting about the healing skin across his back. She leaned closer and whispered, “I think it’s time to feed you again. This time, maybe we’ll go nice and slow.”
He groaned.
Alonzo shook his head. “I can’t compete with that. I’ll have everyone schedule time with you day after tomorrow. Will that be enough time to get acclimated?”
Crud. He was really the king? Just like that?
The situation could prove difficult, but she didn’t care. So she was one of the only dragon witches remaining in the human realm and had just signed on for her first ever committed relationship with the freaking king of the vampire realm.
Macy grinned.
Life couldn’t be better.
She looked up into his smoky grey eyes and stood on her tippy toes to plant a chaste kiss on his lips. Alonzo would have to get used to public displays of affection.
“So, King, your realm or mine?”
They returned in a swirl of fire and flickering light. The landing left a bit to be desired since her butt collided with the ottoman and something resembling her coffee table crunched under Dmitri’s weight when he stood.
Nothing could detract from Dmitri’s lips when they claimed hers. She shoved him toward the bedroom and ripped her shirt off over her head. Before anyone else stopped them, she fully intended to finish what they’d started earlier.
Even a king needed playtime.
She settled into the mattress and accepted Dmitri’s weight pressing between her legs. “Are you sure you can handle this? Your skin isn’t hurting too bad?”
“I’d hurt more not having you.” His kiss enflamed her need. Her senses tunneled to his kiss, his touch, the pesky chirp of her doorbell.
“Ignore it,” Dmitri growled.
The last thing she wanted was Imperial Station guards crashing her front door down and her luck that was exactly who was out there. Fate was starting to look more like a bitch again.
She groaned and made her way from underneath Dmitri. Tugging the door open, she paused in a moment of shock. “Dragos. I didn’t expect to see you in the city.”
Sunglass covered his eyes. Leather encased his hulking frame. She wasn’t sure exactly what to say to him.
“So, you’re my uncle.”
He tensed and looked around. “Do you wish to do this here, or can I come in?”
She stepped aside and hoped Dmitri had gotten past all the I’m-gonna-kill-Dragos anger. The last thing she wanted tonight was a brawl between her newfound dragon warlock uncle and the new king of the vampire realm. Talk about setting the Witch Inquirer abuzz.
With the way things were running lately, she was due for an issue all about her. And Dmitri. She grinned when he stepped in, wearing nothing but a towel. I guess he had a bit of posturing to do after all. She smirked when his chest bowed up and he stepped closer, drawing her to him.
“Dmitri.”
“Dragos.”
She didn’t want to know how Dragos knew Dmitri’s name. Some things were best left off her ginormous to-ask-Dragos list. He preferred short, non-existent lists.
Macy danced from one foot to another, unsure whether to offer a beverage, hug, or slap across the head. Part of her wanted to haul off and slug him good for never telling her she wasn’t alone in the world, but the other part realized she’d never been completely alone.
“I believe she asked a question,” Dmitri reminded.
Oh, having him around was going to make things so much easier.
She snuggled against him and peppered his chest with kisses of gratitude.
“I have no excuses to offer.” The man remained still, his aura projecting no emotion. Macy gulped. She’d never seen an empty aura before. How the hell did he do that?
Apparently it was an odd thing to be able to do because Dmitri was slowly shoving her behind him in a somewhat sly way. But Dragos narrowed his eyes, and she knew he knew. They all knew.
The air tensed between them, mostly her own tension. None of Dragos.
“I’m sure you had your reasons for not telling me.” Macy forced the rest out. “It would have been nice to know I had a blood relative alive, even if you didn’t want to be burdened with my existence.”
There. The huge ass elephant in the room had a name and it was why. Why did he not love me enough to tell me? Why did he leave me alone for so many years? Why?
Her aura must’ve been un
mistakable because the hulk of dragon warlock muttered a string of curses that’d make a taxi driver proud and pulled her into a bear hug. She wasn’t sure how he’d seized her from Dmitri’s clutches so easily and apparently neither was Dmitri because an ominous rumble came from his throat.
“I’m sorry I failed you, Macy.” He eased off on the hug, allowing her much-needed air. And space. Apparently he’d never taken her lessons before and didn’t know about claustrophobia being highly prevalent in dragon witches. Her mind eased off on the nervous chatter long enough for her to process his words. He was sorry.
She looked up at him and for the first time saw the true aura around Dragos. Sadness. Shame. So much pain.
“When your father was killed, it nearly destroyed me. I knew he wanted me to care for you, but I was in no shape to be a father, not after…” He looked behind her, as if the painting on the wall would somehow conjure the truth he couldn’t express. She looked down and took another step toward Dmitri. Apparently dragon warlocks did have the same claustrophobic tendencies, but for their emotions instead. Typical man.
“A part of me died when I lost my mate.”
Her heart splintered into two and her eyes welled with tears. Crud. She was going to cry. She turned into Dmitri’s arms and inhaled his scent. How close had she come to losing him? The thought made her insides erupt in unspoken terror. What if she hadn’t shown up? Would they have killed him? What if he was still killed by some freak who didn’t want him as the king?
She recognized the whirlwind of questions as a panic attack and fought as hard as she could, but couldn’t imagine what it would feel like to lose Dmitri. And she’d only had him for…
Crud. Not even a week yet.
She sucked in a sniffly bit of air and hoped both of the men were smart enough not to point out she’d gone all hormonal for a moment. Alonzo would’ve probably called her on it.
She smiled at the thought.
He was okay after all.
“Anyway, I just wanted to come by and say I am sorry for failing you.”
“You never failed me, Dragos.” She stepped toward him and took his hand. “You taught me the only way you could. I get that now. I couldn’t imagine how hard losing her must’ve been.”