by C. D. Gorri
Garridan awoke from his nap rested and filled with anticipation about meeting Siora’s father. It was a big step for them, and he understood how meaningful it was for her. Donning his black pants, polo shirt, and loafers, he marveled at how nice it felt to dress in something besides tactical gear for once. Locking the door behind him, he hopped into his four-wheeler and drove to Lynia.
The farm sat on the outskirts of the rural compound, and Garridan noticed the rows of corn that lined the field behind the small home. Now that Slayers and reformed Deamons lived on all the compounds, growing food was a lucrative business for Vampyres, who only needed Slayer blood for sustenance. Although Vampyres ate food for taste and pleasure, they didn’t need it like other immortals.
Garridan climbed the front porch steps and lifted his hand to knock, but the door was swung open by a smiling Siora.
“You’re right on time.”
She looked beautiful in her casual attire, and her hair was fuller, causing him to wonder if she’d put something in it to style it.
“You look pretty.”
Red splotches appeared on her cheeks, and she gestured him inside. “Thanks. We’re almost ready. It’s not as big as your house, but it does the job.”
Garridan observed the dining room table lined with wine, corn, and goblets of Slayer blood before a man approached him, arms outstretched.
“General Garridan,” he said, pulling him into a firm embrace. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve heard wonderful things. Thank you for taking the time to train my Siora, and thank you for defending our people.”
“You’re welcome,” he said, drawing back. “Siora is a talented soldier, and I’m glad Bakari’s threat is quelled so we can hopefully enjoy some peace.”
“Dad, you’re smothering him,” Siora said, tugging his arm. “Come on—let’s eat. I’m starving.”
They had a lovely dinner, filled with laughter and embarrassing stories from Siora’s childhood that had her playfully rolling her eyes on more than one occasion. Garridan found Luthor a jovial man, and he was honored to be included in their small family gathering.
After dinner, Luthor retired to his room, and Garridan and Siora headed outside to sit on the couch that lined the far side of the porch. When he slid his arm around her shoulders, she nestled into his side, and he kissed her temple as they stared across the rapidly dimming horizon.
“Dad really likes you,” she said, snuggling into him. “I can tell.”
“I’m glad to hear it since I plan to see him quite often.”
Pulling back, she tilted her head as her eyes glowed in the light of the newly risen moon. “You do?”
“Yes,” he said, running the backs of his fingers along her jaw. “If that’s all right with you.”
Swallowing, she licked her lips, the gesture sending shards of desire through his veins. “There’s so much to figure out if we really do this. I’m woman enough to admit I’m scared, but I also don’t want to lose you. So I guess we need to figure some shit out.”
Chuckling, he nodded. “For starters, I was thinking I might sell my house at Valeria. I have nothing tethering me there, and I can live on Lynia as easily as I can live there.”
“But you haven’t gotten your assignment yet,” she said, eyebrows drawing together. “Latimus will certainly assign you to a high-ranking position. You’ll most likely have to visit the military centers on each compound. Lynia is a distant compound and living here will require a ton of travel.”
“Yes, but you’re at Lynia, and I assume you want to remain close to your father. Plus, I’m sure Latimus will assign you as head of security for the compound.”
Her eyes darted between his. “It’s not fair of me to ask you to sell your home and move here.”
“You’re not asking. I’m offering of my own free will. I have no ties to Valeria since I’m not close with my parents, and I can continue to see Sebastian when I visit.”
“Will you be happy on a rural compound? It’s probably boring here compared to Valeria.”
“If I’m with you, I’m pretty sure I’ll be happy.” Running his thumb over her cheek, his tone was reverent. “I want to court you, Siora, and when we’re ready, I want to bond with you and build a future. If you want to have kids, we can work our way up to that too.”
Her fangs toyed with her lip as she grinned. “I can see myself having kids down the road if I’m with the right person. It wasn’t ever a pressing desire because I was so fixated on becoming a soldier, but it would be nice to build a family. And my dad would be thrilled to have some grandbabies. He would definitely offer to help so we could still build our military careers, which is pretty freaking awesome.”
“I think we can build something amazing if we try, Siora. I’ve never wished for a bonded mate, but you burst into my life, and I fell for you before I even knew what was happening.”
“I’m so honored you want to court me,” she whispered, cupping his jaw. “You could have anyone, Garridan.”
“I only want you, sweetheart. Don’t you know that by now?” Pressing his lips to hers, he gave her a tender kiss before drawing back.
“Will your parents be upset you’re settling with a commoner?”
“Probably,” he said, arching an eyebrow. “But I just don’t give a damn. It’s my life, and I aim to live it exactly as I please.”
“That’s pretty badass for an aristocrat,” she teased. “Who knew you guys had the ability to be tough?”
Lowering his hand, he tickled her side as she laughed before burying his face in her neck. Inhaling her fragrant scent, his body hardened as she shimmied into him.
“I want to drink from you,” he whispered, nuzzling her neck. “Goddess, you smell so good.”
Sliding her fingers into his hair, she gently tugged him closer. “Then drink from me.”
Lifting his head, he gazed into her eyes. “That’s a huge step, sweetheart. If I drink from you, I won’t be able to let you go.”
Clenching her fingers in his hair, she gave him a sultry smile as his cock jerked inside his pants. “I’m counting on it, General.”
Emitting a low growl, he pressed his face to her nape, extending his tongue to lick the pulsing vein. His saliva would help prepare her sensitive skin for his invasion as well as numb the pain. Her body trembled beneath his as his tongue rasped over her skin, and he moaned before placing the tips of his fangs over her vein. Supporting her neck with his hand while the other one closed around her waist, he inhaled a sharp breath and pierced her sweet skin.
Her responding mewl sent shivers of lust through his frame as thick rivulets of blood coated his mouth. Drawing her between his lips, he drank her essence, imbibing everything that was his beautiful Siora. She whimpered beneath him, clutching his hair and shoulder as her fingernails dug into his scalp. Wracked with pleasure, he swallowed her sweet spirit until he felt himself begin to lose control. The scent of her arousal surrounded them, and if he wasn’t careful, he’d rip her clothes off and fuck her right there on her father’s front porch. Understanding that wasn’t an option, he released her vein, resting his forehead against her as he licked the wound closed.
“Oh, god, I almost came,” she whispered, the words ragged as she expelled heavy breaths. “I can’t wait for you to do that when you fuck me.”
“I can’t wait either,” he growled, placing a kiss on the spot, which was rapidly healing thanks to his saliva and her self-healing abilities. “And you’re going to drink from me too.”
“I’m so excited to taste the pure blood of a fancy aristocrat. Don’t tell your father—he’ll be scandalized.”
Chuckling, he rested his lips against the shell of her ear. “Even more reason to spread the news far and wide.”
Her laughter surrounded them as they cuddled together on the couch. As her fingers sifted through his hair, she whispered his name.
“Hmm?”
“I think…I think I’m in love with you.”
Drawing back, he gazed i
nto her stunning eyes. “That’s good, because I think I’m in love with you too.”
Her grin was adorable as she caressed his face.
“And if our kids grow up to have horrible tells when they fight, I’m blaming it on you.”
“Hey!” she said, swatting him. “My tells were perfectly legitimate. I kicked your ass a time or two, didn’t I?”
Chuckling, he drew her into a tender kiss. “You sure did. If we have kids, they’re going to be tough as hell.”
Wrapping her arms around his neck, her lips formed a beaming smile. “They’ll be the best warriors in the kingdom. Can’t fucking wait.”
Consumed by her, Garridan trailed kisses over her face and neck before walking her inside and finishing the wine. Filled with the knowledge this would be the first night of so many spent together, he settled into his future with his magnificent Siora, the warrior who had stolen his heart and his perfect immortal mate.
Thank you for reading!
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Want to read more Etherya’s Earth books? Find out how Slayer Queen Miranda fell in love with Vampyre King Sathan in The End of Hatred, a sizzling enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance.
Did you enjoy meeting Lila and Latimus in this novella? Their story is told in Etherya’s Earth Book 2, The Elusive Sun.
Want to see how the entire battle with Bakari unfolded? That story can be found in Etherya’s Earth Book 6, The Cryptic Prophecy.
And finally, if you’re looking for a steamy, twisty sci-fi time travel romance, check out Rebecca’s Prevent the Past series.
Thank you for reading and for supporting indie authors!
About Rebecca Hefner
Rebecca Hefner grew up in Western NC and now calls the Hudson River of NYC home. In her youth, she would sneak into her mother’s bedroom and read the romance novels stashed on the bookshelf, cementing her love of HEAs. A huge Buffy and Star Wars fan, she loves an epic fantasy and a surprise twist (Luke, he IS your father).
Before becoming an author, Rebecca had a successful twelve-year medical device sales career. After launching her own indie publishing company, she is now a full-time author who loves writing strong, complex characters who find their HEAs.
Rebecca can usually be found making dorky and/or embarrassing posts on TikTok and Instagram. Please join her so you can laugh along with her!
Her Dragon Mate by Elle Boon
Her Dragon Mate© 2021 Elle Boon
Edited by: Tracy Roelle
Her Dragon Mate
A Forbidden Love. A Broken Bond. A Secret That Could Destroy.
Belle was the only child to aristocratic parents, but she wasn’t like the other dragons. However, Belle held her head and snout high, finding acceptance in the most unlikely place.
Nikai was the first-born son of the King, and although he was a twin, their personalities were complete opposites. He has compassion for his fellow dragons, especially one pink dragon who has attention, and his heart.
When Belle found herself in an unattainable position, there weren’t many options given to her. She was told to get rid of the precious child growing within her or be exiled from the only home she’s ever known. Nikai may be the future King of all the dragons, but she would never choose him over their child.
Get ready for an exciting return of some of your favorite characters in an all-new story from Elle Boon’s Iron Wolves and her fierce dragons. You just might hear from the Fey Queen and the bad boy alpha Kellen. And what would a reunionish story be without #dontlookdown aka Creed.
DEDICATION
First and foremost, I’d like to thank all you amazing readers for loving Lula and wanting her mama Belle’s story. I hope y’all are ready for it and truly enjoy this journey she and her wild menagerie of dragons, wolves, fey, and more go through. P.S. There is a crazy demon sighting and as the saying goes...#dontlookdown. “Wink”. Oh, and get ready, because the Iron Wolves Next Generation are coming, and they’re starting out with a bang. #xianmothereffingcarmichael Yes, that’s Xan’s son LOL.
To my amazing team of beta readers, y’all rock sooo effing hard. Thank you for all you do to make my books so amazing and help me keep my sheot straight. And last, but certainly not least, you readers are the best ever. FLOVE y’all soo hard.
XOXO,
Elle
Chapter One
Belle placed her hand on her stomach. Apprehension filled her at what the life inside would mean to all she loved. Her future would forever be changed from what she’d planned.
“Don’t worry, my little one. I’ll protect you with every fiber of my being, with every scale on my dragon body.” Her heart thudded at the possibility of that very real notion. Being the only pink scaled dragon in existence meant she was looked down upon. Although her family were aristocrats, thanks to her father’s position, they still ridiculed Belle.
Luckily, her dad held a position in the King’s court. Otherwise, she was pretty sure they’d have sent out an honor killing party. Her mother called her unique when she was a child. In the Dragon Realm, being different wasn’t a good thing. Of course, she was fine with the way she looked. In fact, she loved the way she looked when she shifted. Not all dragon’s hair matched their scales when they shifted, but hers did, only a little darker. There was no hiding her shading, nor did she want to. Her father didn’t appear to mind she looked nothing like him, or another dark jewel tone like the rest of the clan. His love for her was never in question.
“Why is pink not considered beautiful? Why, if you notice the sky when the suns are setting, it’s cast in a myriad of colors. The pinks and purples are the ones that everyone says are the prettiest,” she muttered.
“Belladonna, are you talking to yourself again? You know that’s no way to show the Dragonians that you’re a worthy dragon. Nor will it gain their approval.” Her mother looked down her nose at Belle.
She refrained from rolling her eyes at the absurd comment. There wasn’t anything she could do to make Dragonians approve of her. Heck, she was pretty sure her mother wished she could blink Belle away many times in the last several hundred years. The only reason she still lived was because her parents had no other children. Well, that and her father truly loved her, and she believed her mother did as well, in her own way.
“Hello, mother. How fair you this morn?” Belle used the shortened version of morning. It was a dig and a backhanded reference to her mother’s gloomy disposition.
Her mother gave a low growl before straightening her shoulders. “Belle, you’re not going out like...like that?”
She ran her hands down her sides, hiding her grin. She’d learned from past experience how easily she could explode into a very intimidating dragon. “I’m perfectly attired for First Meal.”
“Belledona, you should try harder to find a nice male who will accept you. You know your father holds a very important position, which in turn gives you good standing.” Her mother waved an imperious hand toward Belle. “Those leather leggings and silk shirt are for males, not females.”
The older woman, like many from her time, preferred long dresses with tight bodices. They didn’t appear to care that it restricted one’s ability to breathe. Belle loved the feel of the supple leather that fit her like a glove and shirts that, well, let her breathe without restriction. At least for now. She was proud of the pieces she created, particularly her shirt that was created from the finest material. Sure, it was sheer and allowed the black lace camisole to show underneath, but it covered her. The fabric came from one of the small villages, which would horrify her mother if she found out.
Many of the Dragonian females requested her to create similar clothing. Of course, they did so in private, where the elders didn’t overhea
r. Her mother, along with her friends, didn’t approve of the younger generation wearing leggings or shirts that showed their underthings. Belle hated to break it to the elder females, but times were changing. Her beloved Nikai said he’d change the outdated rules when he became King. Goddess, she needed to dig deep for patience and wait for him to take the throne.
She trusted him to do the right thing, even as he’d broken things off with her. She could wait a hundred years or so for him. His words had been heavy and filled with such despair when he’d explained to her why they couldn’t be together. Her dragon itched to fly far away and lick her wounds.
At the time, she had agreed to his terms. Belle hadn’t known her life was changing, and she wanted, needed, to see him again. No longer did she have just her to think about. Surely Nikai would change his mind about them waiting to be together.
Her parents had only been part of the Royal Circle for a couple hundred years. She wasn’t sure why her mother’s family wasn’t amongst the court since Nikai’s family was very welcoming to all, but her parents didn’t welcome questions, even from her. Now, with her own problems brewing or growing, she didn’t have the energy to care.
She shivered at the memories that sprung up with thoughts of the prince. He was the most handsome male she’d ever seen. His black as pitch hair was silky soft to the touch, and his dark eyes that could melt you on the spot, but he was also compassionate and so dang passionate. Goddess, she loved him with every part of her being.
“Are you even listening to a word that’s coming out of my mouth?” her mother asked.
“We must hurry before they serve First Meal. I would hate for us to be terribly late.” She gestured toward the door, indicating for her to lead the way. Belle trudged behind her mother like a child. Listening to her mother mutter was normal for her. She’d heard how unfit she was as a daughter more times that she could count, so this diatribe was no different.