by Brenda Trim
“Okay, okay. I promise I was going to return them. Just don’t hurt me, Prince Kyran. I beg of you,” the little guy pleaded.
“Kyran, let him go,” Mack heaved as she ran up to them. Kyran was practically choking him to death, and that wouldn’t do them any good.
“Take us to the stones!” Kyran barked as he snatched Dipple off the ground and shoved him forward.
Dipple stumbled several steps then turned and met Mack’s gaze. “I’m so very sorry. I didn’t mean to cause any harm. Queen Elsie will hate me for what I’ve done. I’m so ashamed,” he confessed, and tears filled his big blue eyes.
Mack sighed as she stared at the pitiful guy. “Dipple, nobody hates you. I know you’d never hurt anyone. But we need those stones. When you took them, it threw off the balance that binds us to them,” she explained to the gnome.
“I understand that now. Follow me,” he instructed and exited the castle. Mack’s brow furrowed when the gnome walked into the nearby forest.
“Please tell me you didn’t leave them in the woods,” Mack uttered and clenched her hands. If Dipple didn’t produce those stones, it wouldn’t be Kyran’s wrath he faced. It would be hers.
Mack looked over her shoulder, and spotted Kyran, Izzy, and Pepper behind her. The king and queen, along with, their children were nowhere to be seen. Probably for the best, Mack thought. Less witnesses to her crime if the gnome didn’t bring her the stones.
“They’re safe, Mackendra. Trust me,” Dipple assured as he made his way to an enormous tree. He quickly hopped onto a low branch then disappeared amongst the thick foliage.
“If Dipple left them up there, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Redcaps didn’t take them,” Izzy shared, and Mack glanced over at her. Redcaps were evil creatures that lived in the forest. They were the watchtowers along the border between the dragon’s land and that of the nefarious Buggane.
“Don’t say that. I can’t return without them,” Mack declared. The large star-shaped leaves rustled as the gnome moved from limb to limb.
Mack’s heart hammered against her chest, and she gnawed on her fingernails. Time froze as she waited for the defining moment. Would she ever see her stone again? What if the Redcaps did take them? Then what?
She shook off the negative thoughts and prayed the goddess would have mercy on the women of Zeum. Too much was riding on the return of the mating stones. Dipple had to come through. There was no other option.
Moments later, she heard the crack and snap of twigs then a satchel fell toward the ground. Kyran stepped in front of Mack and caught the leather bag. He handed it to Mack, and she tugged the drawstring closure as quickly as her fingers allowed. Kyran pulled his cell phone from his pocket and flashed a light so Mack could see in the darkness. The opening of the satchel loosened, and Mack’s gaze landed on a rainbow of precious gemstones. The mating stones.
She pushed aside the large stones until she found hers, and relief washed through her system when she spotted the diamond with the gray flame inside. “It’s here, Kyran!” she muttered and held up the beautiful mating stone.
Kyran’s smile matched her own as they marveled at her most treasured gift from the goddess. She sent a silent thank you and promised to stay true to her vow. She would store it in a locked vault, and only her and Kyran would know its location.
Mack placed her stone back into the bag and counted the remaining stones. They were all accounted for. Each one unique in its own way. She couldn’t wait to see the expression of the other women’s faces, especially Elsie. Now, her baby would be protected, as promised by the goddess.
Mack’s relief morphed to shock as she thought about finding the stones. It was easier than she expected. She was prepared for a long search followed by a difficult battle. Things were never that simple when it came to the Dark Warriors, and their enemies. At least the thief was an ally, and no harm was done. She thanked the goddess once again for reuniting her with the mating stones.
Dipple appeared and climbed down the branches. Izzy held up her hands and helped him off the lowest limb. “It’s okay, Dipple. You returned the stones, and everything is fine now. You don’t need to be afraid. Isn’t that right, Uncle Kyran?” she pointedly asked Kyran then Mack.
Kyran grunted but didn’t say a word, so Mack took the lead. “Dipple, thank you for keeping the stones safe. Now, I can take them back to Zeum and give them to their rightful owners. I hope you learned a valuable lesson today. Having said that, Kyran and I aren’t mad at you. I’m sure the others won’t be, either,” she assured, but made a mental note to tell Izzy that Pepper and Dipple should stay in Khoth until tensions died down. Zander would have their heads on a platter for taking the stones.
Izzy set Dipple down, and Pepper walked over to Dipple and smacked him on the shoulder. “How many times have I told you not to take things that don’t belong to you?”
“I know, but they’re so pretty. And, they have a magical quality. It’s hypnotic,” Dipple murmured with wide eyes.
“Stop it! That’s what got you in this mess,” Pepper scolded and smacked him again.
“Okay, fine. I won’t take anything that doesn’t belong to me,” he vowed and crossed an X over his heart. “And, hope to die,” he vowed.
“Och, now that we’ve settled the mystery, let’s enjoy the rest of our visit,” Kyran informed Mack with a wicked grin. What was going through her sexy warrior’s mind?
“I hope you aren’t rushing back. I’d like you to meet my friend Troy,” Izzy admitted, and Mack saw her face light up when she mentioned the boy’s name.
“Is there something you need to tell me, Miss Thang?” Mack asked as she tightened the drawstring closure. She wouldn’t rest until the stones were returned, and she’d guard them with her life in the meantime.
“No,” Izzy blurted but her cheeks reddened with embarrassment.
“Yeah, I think we need to hang around until tomorrow. I need to meet this character, and give my approval,” Mack teased playfully.
“Yay!” Izzy clapped her hands together. “Keira already prepared a room, just in case. Let’s go tell them they’re staying,” she instructed the gnomes, and the three of them dashed towards the castle.
“We’ll be there in a bit. Something we need to do first,” Kyran yelled to Izzy’s back, and she waved her understanding.
“Where are we going?” Mack asked curiously as she met Kyran’s gaze. His gray orbs glowed bright, and her body immediately responded. “What are you up to, bloodsucker?”
“You’ll see,” he husked and wrapped his arm around her waist then flashed them through the woods.
He moved so quickly she couldn’t tell where they were going until he stopped. As soon as he set her down, and her vision focused, Mack recognized the location. It was the waterfall where they had their first sexual encounter.
“Take off your clothes,” he demanded roughly, and Mack didn’t have to ask what he had in mind. And, damn if she didn’t want the same.
7
“You know, the last time we were her––”.
“Doona talk,” Kyran barked, and Mack closed her mouth. This wasn’t the time for chit-chat. His need was too high, and words were a distraction. “Off,” he ordered again,” agitation clear in his tone.
He glanced to the waterfall, watching it flow down the side of the mountain and crash against the rocks below. The purple moon overhead illuminated the lake that surrounded them. He recalled what they did on those rocks, and in the water, the first time they were in Khoth. Even then, Mack left him spel
lbound.
Movement drew his focus back to his mate as she set down the satchel of stones, then kicked off her black boots. Her gaze locked with his as she shimmied out of her tight jeans. Kyran stared at the apex of her thighs, and his mouth watered at the damp spot on her white lace panties. Obviously, his mate needed this as much as he did.
His gaze returned to hers, and his brow lifted. If he repeated himself one more time, he might have to punish her. Not that he minded. In fact, the mere thought sent a rush of arousal barreling through his system.
Mack must’ve read his thoughts because her head tilted in defiance. Was she wanting to play this game tonight? If so, he was more than ready.
Her lips twisted, and her thoughts scattered. She was trying to decipher how far to push him. She smirked, and Kyran thought she might defy him, but then Mack lifted her t-shirt over her head and tossed it to the ground beside her jeans. The lacy bra matched her panties, and he eyed dark, cherry-red nipples beneath the sheer material.
Kyran walked a circle around his mate, taking in every spectacular inch of her toned body. Muscular arms and legs, flat stomach, curvy hips and ass, not to mention, tits for days. He stood behind her, appreciating the view. His fangs shot painfully into his mouth, and his cock sprang to life. He had half a mind to bend her over and pound the fuck out of her sweet ass.
His palm struck out, smacking the firm flesh of her rounded bottom, and she gasped. It wasn’t a hard slap. More of an attention getter. Apparently, it worked because her chest rose and fell with heavy pants. Oh, he was just getting started. He wanted her squirming with need. Begging for his touch.
He stepped behind her and placed his palms on either side of her waist. She shivered against his touch and whispered, “More.”
“Shh, no talking,” he murmured against her ear. Her body relaxed against his chest, and Kyran began his thorough exploration.
Goddess, her skin was silky smooth. His fingers glided over the hourglass curve of her waist then traveled inward to caress her tummy. Mack moaned when he dipped lower, and teased the fleshy mons covered by the silky fabric of her panty.
“I doona suppose you’ve got your diaphragm in,” he muttered and trailed a finger inside the garment. Wetness coated his digit as he delved between her folds.
“No,” she groaned then quickly added, “Get creative,” as her hips swirled, seeking penetration.
Kyran chuckled at her raspy voice. She was aching for him, and he was going to prolong her suffering as long as possible. His cock jerked painfully in response, demanding he take her now.
Kyran grabbed the lacy fabric and tugged. The material gave way, and he tossed it aside then unfastened her bra. He looked down at the full globes then cupped them from behind. Mack arched against his chest and pushed her ass into his groin. He groaned then leaned down, nipping the flesh at the base of her neck as he pulled and tweaked her nipples. His fangs scraped her tender flesh as her citrus-vanilla fragrance attacked his senses.
“Kyran, I need more,” she pleaded and reached behind, trying to unbutton his jeans.
“Mmm, so do I, Firecracker,” he whispered against her ear, and groaned when she managed to get the zipper down then gripped his cock.
Mack turned to face him and stroked his shaft. “Then allow me, Master,” she purred then dropped to her knees.
Fuck yeah, he thought as he looked down at her. It wasn’t often she indulged him this way, and he relished her at his feet. It was enough to make him lose his seed, but he fought the urge. He was enjoying this way too much.
Mack tugged his jeans to his ankles, her gaze never leaving his. Her hand glided along his rock-hard shaft with determination while her free hand gently cupped his balls as she stroked him from base to tip. The pleasure was indescribable. His mate’s whiskey orbs paralyzed him, and he drowned in her seduction. It was erotic as hell, watching his mate pleasure him.
Then she kissed his shaft. Soft full lips against his sensitive flesh, and he ached to slide inside her hot cavern. But she took her time, licking and kissing his length as she stared up at him. When she finally opened her mouth, he hissed as pleasure ignited every cell. The sight of his cock inside her mouth was enough to send him over the edge.
She sucked him to the back of her throat then slid her lips back to the tip. In and out, the same motion, again and again. It was fucking glorious, and he wished blowjobs could last forever. There was nothing better than the feel of his mate sucking his cock.
Mack continued to torture him with her tongue, lips, and hands. When Kyran’s hips thrust forward she took all of him, and he groaned as his climax built. He fisted her hair but didn’t force her deeper. She was doing everything perfect all on her own.
When she moaned, the vibration sent a tingle down his spine, and he knew his orgasm was close. Mack massaged the area between his cock and anus then slipped the tip of her finger inside. Kyran threw his head back, and shouted Mack’s name as his seed shot into her mouth. She swallowed all of him, which was impressive as hell, given vampires experienced prolonged ejaculations with their Fated Mates.
When his orgasm waned Kyran looked down at his black-haired temptress and smiled. “Now it’s your turn,” he promised her as he shucked off his clothes and tossed Mack over his shoulders before traipsing toward the water.
Mack squealed as Kyran hoisted her over his broad shoulders and carried her into the lake. When he reached waist-deep he lowered her into the water, and his mouth crashed against hers. He kissed her hard, forcing his way inside her mouth. His hands were everywhere, and she relished her mate losing control. It was a win for her all the way around.
For starters, he was driving her mad with his torturous antics, and he knew it. Luckily, she knew how to get Kyran to give her what she wanted. The man became putty in her hand every time she sucked his cock. Her lips and mouth were her greatest weapon against him, and Mack used it to her advantage. Once she pleased him, he would reciprocate tenfold. It never failed.
Kyran walked toward the waterfall, his mouth never leaving hers. Teeth and tongues tangled as their desire sparked out of control. His hands latched onto her ass and tugged her against his straining erection. His unruly shaft would have to wait to be sated. Like Kyran said, it was her turn now, and she was about to explode with need.
He laid her on the rocks beneath the waterfall, where the water splashed onto her legs and thighs. The cool liquid felt good against her heated sex. It was enough to make Mack spread her legs in invitation for her sexy mate.
Kyran eyed her hungrily, and her vampire’s eyes glowed brighter than two silver stars. He was turned on, too, which aroused her further. She licked her lips as she groped her breasts. He loved to watch her pleasure herself, and his eyes widened when she slipped her hand between her legs.
Arousal exploded through her veins as she gazed into gray eyes filled with lust. Wetness coated her fingers as she writhed against her ministrations. Kyran reached over and grabbed her hand then put it to his mouth.
He slowly licked her fingers, tasting her juices. His tongue glided between her fingers, and she imagined him licking where she ached most. The thought had her close to climax, and Mack clenched against the aching need.
Kyran’s free hand reached to caress her face, and his thumb glided across Mack’s lip. He groaned when she sucked it in her mouth, and in return, he sucked her fingers. It was arousing as hell, the two of them pushing the other to the edge of desperation. Kyran’s hand trailed lower to her breast. He squeezed the flesh and rubbed his thumb
across her nipple.
Mack mewled her pleasure and arched her back, encouraging him to take more. He pinched the hard tip, rolling it between his thumb and finger. The pleasure from his hand on her breast and the water pelting her sex was maddening, yet she never wanted it to end.
Mack’s hand glided over Kyran’s muscular chest, and she paid homage to his nipple, as well. The flat flesh pebbled under her thumb, and she twisted it to the point he grunted. She knew all too well his enjoyment of pain, giving and receiving. He twisted her nipple in return, and she cried out in pain. It hurt, but Mack enjoyed it. She loved how Kyran’s eyes widened in appreciation. He was fixated on her as she played the game, bouncing back and forth between aggression and submission. Mack loved the dichotomy of being the victim and the perpetrator with this dominant man.
His hand continued south, and her stomach trembled as he gently glided along her flesh. The corner of his mouth lifted in triumph, as if he knew he had her right where he wanted. If only he knew it was right where she wanted to be. At his mercy.
“Keep going, mate. You’re not done yet,” she sent him mentally, and his smirk broke into a smile. God, he was sexy when he smiled.
“Patience, Firecracker. All in good time,” he sent back as his fingers tap-danced in the small thatch of hair between her legs. She was tempted to grab his hand and force it inside her. She needed it that bad.
His shaft remained rock-hard, and Mack almost said fuck it to using birth control. She wanted to feel Kyran’s hard, long, thick cock inside her. Maybe their chances of getting pregnant were slim, she told herself as she eyed his magnificent length.
Before she could ponder the idea further, Kyran’s hands pressed her thighs wide and he positioned himself at her core. Yes, that’s what she needed. “Make Mama feel good.” His soft beard tickled her entrance, and she grabbed his face and pulled him closer.