by Bethany Shaw
Laik stood up and motioned to the couch. “Sit down and I’ll explain.”
She swallowed the lump forming in her throat and flicked her gaze between Laik and the couch.
“What...what do you know about Ian Palmer?” she whispered as she released the door handle. Tears misted in her eyes as her throat went raw. What if Laik was working for Ian? Her lip trembled as tears blurred her vision. He’d told her she’d never escape him. Dear God, what if he was right?
“I want to help you, Elly,” Laik whispered as he walked toward her. He paused in front of her, shifting on his feet before reaching out to her. Laik guided her to the couch and she sank into the cushion. “Palmer’s a warlock that has been on MYTHS watch list for years,” he told her.
“Riiiight,” she laughed. “You’re a dragon and Ian’s a warlock. What did you do? Slip something in my drink at dinner?” She banged her fists on the couch arm. Salty liquid trickled down her cheeks and she swiped it away with her fingers.
I trusted you, she shouted in her head. I liked you.
Her heart clenched as his betrayal hit her.
“I’m telling you the truth, Elly. I’m a dragon shifter. I can transform into a dragon whenever I wish. Would you like to see it again?” he asked as he stood.
His eyes flickered goldish-orange and she gasped.
“Stop! Why are you doing this?” She shot up from her seat and marched toward him, jabbing her finger into his chest.
“I’m protecting you, Elly. That’s my job to protect people like you who are victims of my world,” he explained.
All of this was to protect me. He was never interested in me. Oh God, did I really just think that?
“Acelynn asked me to come here because she thought you were cursed. I believe she is right. That’s why you’re so clumsy lately. Ian Palmer cursed you,” he said.
Elly swallowed and sucked in a breath as she walked numbly to a lounge chair and threw herself into it. Ian’s threat still rang in her head. If she left, she’d regret it and he’d find her. She should have listened to him.
“Those men tonight...” she trailed off as realization dawned on her.
“Work for Ian. I’ve seen them before when MYTHS has investigated Ian previously.” Laik let out a breath and looked around the room before meeting her gaze again. “I believe he’s here, too. He’s not in LA and your performances have been flawless.”
“You mean he’s watching me,” she gulped as she hugged herself. Part of her still thought Laik was a nut, but the other knew there was something going on. But dragons and warlocks were a tough pill to swallow.
“I think so. Do you know why he’s fixated on you?” Laik questioned.
She shrugged. “I’m nothing special, but he kept asking me out. I worked for him as an assistant. At first he was really flirty, then he began asking me out, but I always turned him down. He flipped his lid, though, when he found out I was going out with other guys.” She shivered as she recalled her ex-boss’ possessive nature. “It’s not even like it was anything serious, either. The guys were random first dates that never led to anything else,” she added. Was she really going along with Laik’s story? It was insane. She should be committed for even entertaining it. I’ve lost my mind too.
“You’re safe now, Elly,” he promised.
“You can stop him?” she whispered.
“I have the backing of my superiors to see this through. The Old Moon Casino has agreed to let you stay here until the situation is over. I assure you, Ian Palmer will not bother you again,” he vowed.
“What does the Old Moon have to do with any of this?” she questioned with a frown.
Laik grinned. “It’s run by a werewolf pack. Most of the people who work in this casino are supernatural,” he explained.
“Right,” she laughed as she rolled her eyes. Could her night get any crazier? Next thing he was going to tell her aliens existed and they needed to visit Area 51.
“Part of you believes it,” he insisted as he met her gaze.
The sad part was, he was right. Part of her did believe this insane story. “So Acelynn is a...” she couldn’t say dragon. It sounded bizarre. Hell, she was probably still dreaming. Please let me wake up. She pinched her arm, digging her nails deep into her skin.
“Dragon. Yes. Your friend Charlie is a vampire and Ava is a succubus,” he replied.
Elly laughed out loud as she watched, waiting for him to slip up and end this ruse.
“I'm serious,” he continued. “You may want to rethink your roommates. Ava and Acelynn are safe enough; but a vampire, well, let’s just say that I’ve seen things get really ugly.”
Elly slapped her hand against her neck and shuddered as she recalled every episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer she binge-watched on Netflix.
“You should go back to bed and get some rest. The suite is ours for the night. It’s late and it’s been a long day,” he told her.
His dismissal stung. He really didn’t care about her at all, did he? She was just a damsel in distress to him. She nodded and stood. Maybe she’d go lie down only to wake up in her bed to find this had all been some crazy figment of her imagination. She could only hope, right?
***
Once Elly retreated into the suite bedroom, Laik closed his eyes and ran a hand over his face. That did not go the way he wanted it to.
His phone buzzed in his pocket. He tugged it out, flicking his thumb over the touch screen.
How’s it going? - Acelynn
Laik’s fingers hovered over the keyboard. What the hell was he going to tell his sister? She’d catch him if he lied. Acelynn had a knack for it.
You aren’t blowing it, are you? - Acelynn
He rolled his eyes. Why did his twin have to be so intuitive? He swore she was the first telepathic shifter.
His phone vibrated in his hand.
Do you need me to come talk to her? I can be there in five minutes. - Acelynn
Laik stared at his phone for a moment, praying his sister didn’t text again before he had the chance to respond. She was a bit text happy when she wanted to be.
Everything is fine. - Laik
You sure? I know how you can be. - Acelynn
Yes! - Laik
Don’t scare her off. Elly’s cool, but you do too much at once and even she’ll freak. - Acelynn
Shouldn’t you be enjoying your date? - Laik
Didn’t she have a date to entertain? Why was she pestering him? He scratched the back of his head and let out a long breath.
He’s kind of a bore. - Acelynn
Not my problem. - Laik
Laik set the phone down when Acelynn didn’t respond. He needed to fix things with Elly, but how? She was supposed to find out about him on his terms, not Ian Palmer’s. The night had started promising, but was going down like a drunkard gambler who was losing his life savings.
He could fix things. The question was how? Laik looked around the room. It had been set up for honeymooners until he’d requested a room. A goodie basket sat on the table, but he doubted Elly was in the mood for romance right now. She had too much going through her mind.
At least the room they were in was secure. The level could only be accessed by keycard, and magic was blocked from being used by a powerful spell.
His phone chimed again and he groaned as he picked it up.
So...I just got off the phone with Elly. What the fuck did you do? - Acelynn
Shit! Fuck! I’m taking care of it. - Laik
Fix it. Now! - Acelynn
I will. - Laik
Laik mashed his finger over the power button and watched as the screen faded to black. It’d be a lot easier to fix things without his sister’s input. He was surprised she hadn’t flown over to the Old Moon yet. It would be just like her to barge in and take control over the situation. He shuddered. I can fix this without her. He tossed his phone on the coffee table as he stood and went to the shut bedroom door. Elly was his mate, and he couldn’t screw this up; well, n
ot any more than he already had.
His fingers twitched as he raised his hand to knock. He could do this. He could fix it. Before he lost his nerve, he banged on the door.
“Can I come in?” he questioned.
Footsteps padded over the carpet, stopping at the door. Elly hesitated at the door before the lock finally clicked and the door swung open.
She regarded him with wide eyes before motioning him in. He took a few steps in and turned to Elly.
“I heard you spoke with Acelynn,” he started.
Elly nodded as she held his gaze.
“What did she say?” he wondered.
Elly huffed, crossing her arms over her chest as she leaned against the doorframe. “She confirmed everything you said.” Elly closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands. “Either you’re both crazy or I must be dreaming. Dragons and warlocks? This all sounds like something out of a movie.”
Laik reached up and placed his hands over her wrists, pulling them away from her face. “I know it’s a lot, Elly, but it’s the truth.”
She opened her eyes with a sigh. “Why is Ian doing this to me? I’m just an ordinary human girl. What could he possibly want with me?”
“I don’t know why Ian is doing this, but I do know that there is nothing ordinary about you,” he whispered as he released her wrist and pushed strands of dark hair from her face. When she didn’t flinch, he brushed his thumb over her cheek.
“I’m not like you,” she murmured. “I’m not a witch or a... dragon,” she repeated.
“No. You’re human. But your spirit, your compassion makes you extraordinary. I’m drawn to you because you’re a kind soul who—instead of worrying about yourself—worries about others. Even when your foot was gushing blood, you were afraid I’d get hurt, too. You wanted to protect me before caring for yourself. That action alone spoke to me, because that’s how I feel for you. I’d put your well-being over mine,” he said.
She may never understand their bond, but he vowed to do his best to let her know she was special.
“I didn’t mean to scare or upset you earlier. It’s just, I can’t stand the thought of something happening to you, Elly,” he explained.
“Because it’s your job?” she said with a huff, though some of the anger and hurt had left her voice.
“No.” He shook his head as he grazed his thumb over her perfect lips. “Because you’re my...” he trailed off, gulping. Was he going too fast? Would he scare her?
Elly blinked up at him, her lips parting as her brows furrowed in question.
“Do you feel the connection between us?” He held his breath, feeling the fire inside him gasp as he deprived it of oxygen.
“Yes,” she breathed against his thumb. “Is it something... magical?”
Laik nodded. “People like me have soul mates.” There—she would probably understand that.
“Are you saying we...we’re soul mates?” she whispered.
“Yes. You’re special to me. When we find our mate, it is for life,” he explained.
“What does that mean?” she questioned.
“There is no other woman for me. Only you, Elly.” He stroked his thumb over her cheek before moving it down to the back of her neck, gently kneading her tense muscles. “For as long as I live there is only one woman I will crave. You.”
She opened her mouth and licked her lips. Her breath hitched and her breasts heaved, the peaks of them rising and falling as if they were begging him to touch them.
“The more time we spend together, the more intense our attraction will be, and the harder it will be for us to resist each other,” he continued.
Elly squirmed and her sweet arousal permeated the air. He gritted his teeth, refusing to do anything until she was ready. She needed to make the first move. He stopped massaging her neck and placed his hands in his lap.
“And how do we mate? I like you and I feel...something, but I know I’m not ready for a forever commitment,” Elly admitted as she picked up a strand of hair and twirled it around her finger.
It stung more than he wanted to admit that she wasn't ready to complete the bond tonight, but while humans could mate with shifters, they didn’t grasp the enormity of the situation. He could understand her hesitation.
“Of course. Mating is serious. There is a ceremony, and—”
“So you don’t mate during sex?” she questioned as her brow quirked up.
“No. That’s part of it, but not all of it,” he told her.
A smile slid over her face and she took a step forward. “So we could...you know...” She motioned with her hands as she slid them together and fumbled with them.
Laik chuckled. “Yeah. If you wanted.” He held her gaze, watching as she inhaled. “I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to.”
“I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been thinking about it all night,” she rasped as she reached out and placed a hand on his chest. She opened her mouth as her eyes drifted to her hand. “I...” she trailed off.
Laik curled his hand around her wrist. “It’s been a long night. If you need time to process—”
His words got lost as she stood on her tiptoes and captured his lips. Laik growled as he enveloped her, drawing her flush against him. Her plump breasts squished against his chest and he ached to feel them bare.
Elly’s cool fingers slipped up the back of his shirt, canvassing over his back. It wasn’t enough; he wanted more. He pulled back and cupped her face.
“Are you sure about this, Elly?” He needed to know, because once they started he wasn’t sure he could stop.
“I want you, Laik,” she panted. “This is crazy, but I need you.” She leaned forward and caressed his mouth with hers, flicking her tongue across his teeth.
He didn’t need any further encouragement. His palms went to her ass, cupping her firm, round bottom as he lifted her up. Her legs wrapped around him as her hands gripped his shoulders.
In a few short strides, he covered the distance to the bed and lay her down on the mattress. He flicked his tongue inside her mouth as his hands roamed up her short dress. The lacy material left little to the imagination as he pried it away and rolled her bud between his thumb and forefinger.
Elly purred beneath him as her hands tugged at his shirt, lifting it up and over his head. He sat up and plucked it off. Elly pushed up to her elbows and lifted one hand to trail the pads of her fingers over his chest. She bit her lip and sighed as she explored his torso.
Her soft touch set him on fire, and the dragon within him roared to life, ready to strip her down and sink into her tight, wet heat. Thankfully, his human half was in control. Their first time was going to be special, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
He pushed her dress all the way up and she shifted as he pulled it over her head. The garment rolled off his fingers onto the bed as he moved his hands to cup both of her breasts. They fit perfectly in his palms and he kneaded them as her eyes fluttered to the back of her head. He leaned down and nibbled one of the tender buds through the lace.
Elly gasped at the contact, fisting one hand in his hair as the other hand traveled between them, stopping at his pants. She flicked the button loose on his jeans, unzipped them, and tugged at his boxers.
He groaned as her slender hand slipped inside, looking for his hardening cock. She moaned as she curled her hand around his length and began to pump it.
Laik closed his eyes, loving the way she rolled her thumb over the tip of his dick with each movement. At the rate she was going, this would be over before he truly had the chance to get started, and he couldn’t have that.
He sat up, letting his thumbs drag her bra straps, exposing her breasts. His fingers continued to travel down her body, stopping at the waist of her panties, he hooked his fingers around the lace and tugged them down, leaving Elly in her matching bra and panties.
She was magnificent, and she was his. His eyes raked over her as he made note of every place he wanted to kiss, nip, and lick. He lifte
d one of her legs and peppered kisses from her toes up to her inner thigh.
His tongue flicked out, licking its way to her core. He nibbled on the lacy panties, tasting her wetness through the fabric. Her juices were sweet and he wanted to lap them up, but his dragon stirred beneath the surface, eager to feel her.
Laik curled his fingers around her panties and slid them down her long legs. Elly pushed herself up and unhooked her bra as he stood and shoved his jeans and boxers to the floor before stepping out of them.
Elly scooted back on the bed and leaned against the pillows, gazing up at him through hooded lashes. She was breathtaking and she was all his. Mine!
He nudged her legs farther apart with his knees as he nestled himself between her thighs. His cock twitched as he guided it to her entrance. He watched as he slid inside her silky folds, inching into her, until he was buried to the hilt.
Her eyes widened and her breath whooshed out of her lungs as he filled her. Tiny hisses escaped her lips as her hands went to his ass, drawing him in deeper. She groaned and rolled her hips against his.
“Someone is impatient,” he teased as he nipped at her neck. “Don’t worry, Elly, I’m going to make you come.”
Laik set a slow, steady pace as he leaned in and captured her lips. Elly was all his. She hadn’t run away when she’d learned about his dragon half. He knew this was a lot for her, but they would get through this together. Tonight would be the first of many sex-crazed evenings.
He gazed down at his wanton beauty beneath him, noting the content sighs that passed through her lips as he touched and thrust into her. Elly wrapped her slender legs around his back as her fingers threaded in his hair. She pulled him down to her, flicking her tongue into his mouth as she rolled her hips in time to his thrusts.
He took note in the way her panting increased. Her fingers dug into his scalp as her hips lost their rhythm. She was close and so was he.
Laik slipped his hand between them, finding her sensitive nub. He gave it a gentle flick and captured her cries of pleasure with his mouth.
Her body clung to his as she rode out the waves of her orgasm and spurred on his own release. He peppered kisses to her lips and jawline before resting his forehead against hers.