by Leela Ash
Casey Briggs didn’t have anyone to hold him – and the Dragon seemed to suffer for it. His hands moved restlessly about. Brushing away phantom specks of dust. Tugging his clothes straight. Pointless, unneeded grooming that Ash completely understood.
“I feel unclean, too,” she murmured.
The Dragon nodded. “What I would not give to be able to soak in a hot spring for a week. I have no idea how long I will have to undergo purification before I feel like myself again.”
Safe in Lucas’ arms, Ash laid her cheek on his shoulder. Letting the heat of his body soak into her. Beyond that she didn’t have the bandwidth to address what his return might mean.
“Do you know where your mother is?” he asked.
“No. That thing was inside her when I arrived. After it j-jumped to me, I… I hit her. Knocked her out.” The memory of that sickened her. They might argue all the time, but neither of them had ever been violent. Hitting her mother… feeling the shock of impact run up her arm as she slammed Mom’s head into the wall…
With a soft whimper, Ash closed her eyes. Lucas held her close, his breath soft against her cheek, until the images dimmed and she could continue.
“After that, I don’t remember much. When they ‘wear’ you, they can blur things. Make it hard for you to see. I know someone else came here. A man, with a pottery jar of some sort. It must have had another one of these monsters in it, to replace the one that jumped to me, because he and Mom left together.”
“You have no idea where they went?” Lucas asked. She shook her head.
“This news distresses me.” Casey began to pace about the room, more like an anxious Wolf than a Dragon. “We thought driving the Fangs out of the Four Corners region would keep us safe. Yet it seems that there was a great nest of them further south.”
“Are these the Fangs of Apophis though?” she asked him. “They don’t seem like Shifters at all. The one that grabbed me called itself a ‘Darkborn’.”
“You’re right. They’re spirits or something, not Shifters,” the Dragon agreed. “However they are definitely working with the Fangs. Let me speak to…” He paused, drawing a deep breath before he continued, “…to someone from the First Flight. Finn Donnelly. He may know more.”
Wow. Given the feud between the two sets of Dragons, that was a generous offer!
“I will also call my Mate Lily. She is a skilled tracker – though without her necklace, she is only a shadow of her former self. Still, she may be able to follow your mother.”
“Thank you.” Despite their problems, she loved her mother. The idea of her, possessed, helpless, made Ash queasy. More memories spilled through her mind: how quickly and carelessly her kidnappers had murdered those they possessed, their ‘clothes’ as they called them, once they didn’t need them.
What if Mom stopped being useful?
No, she couldn’t dwell on that. She’d collapse in a puddle of tears if she did. Better to make herself useful. “Is there anything we can do?”
“Not right now, no. I suggest the two of you rest.”
Ash gazed about at the familiar apartment. Changed, tainted, by what had happened here. “I don’t think I can stay in this place.”
“Let’s grab a hotel room,” Lucas urged her. “Someplace with a hot tub.”
Somewhere she could soak in the sun and the heat, and drive this infernal chill out of her heart. “Sounds wonderful.”
“Pick up some sage incense if you can,” Casey advised. “Sage is sacred and cleansing.” That was easy enough to do. You couldn’t go more than ten feet without running into a gift shop in this area that carried it, for the tourists of course.
As they headed for the door, the Dragon made one final request. “Lucas Clay, Wolf of No Pack, would you entrust the Aegis to my keeping?”
In her arms, she felt her lover stiffen. “I’m not comfortable with that.”
“I am the stronger Shifter and could defend it better.”
“Well I’m with the one woman who seems to be able to spot these monsters before they attack.”
Who…? Oh! He meant her! Ash blushed, ridiculously pleased to feel useful.
The Dragon wasn’t happy with that answer, but he nodded. “Very well.”
“That’s it? You’re not going to argue?” Lucas still didn’t relax.
“I promised you I would not take it from you. Moreover your point about your Mmm… um, about the lady’s skills is well made.”
Good grief. Now she had a Dragon praising her! When, of course, Mom wasn’t here to hear it.
Now the tension did drain out of Lucas’ taut form. “Thank you.”
“I gave you my word. You do not need to thank me for not lying.”
Chapter 18.
“Hey. What’s wrong?”
With a start, Ash realized she’d been staring out the car window for a long, long time eyeing the resort’s lobby with open dread. They had found a place that fit the bill…and apparently there were hot tubs, but she still was unsure.
Even Lucas noticed. “You don’t like this place? I could take you somewhere else.”
How could she explain the uneasiness, the sense of doom that filled her? Everything seemed dark now, and menacing. That doorman, with his neat uniform? A monster might lurk within him, controlling his every move like a puppet. Who knew?
Hell, it could still be inside her. Ash shivered, wrapping her arms tightly around her chest. Oh, they thought they’d killed that thing. Yet a chill remained, a tiny ice shard lodged in her heart. Something that whispered, “You are not alright.”
Which was silly, of course. Everything was fine. “No, that’s okay. This place is… fine.”
“Bullshit.”
His gruff, no-nonsense profanity startled her out of her funk. For once she had his full attention – and he clearly didn’t like what he saw. “You’re freaked out. Tell me what’s wrong.”
“I just…” She tossed her hands into the air, hopelessly. “Getting possessed shook me. I don’t feel safe.”
Except with him. The man who had risked his life for her, again. Who’d ripped that horror apart. The man who had re-appeared out of nowhere. But had anything really changed? Clearly he would just leave again when things didn’t suit him.
“Would you feel better in your own home?”
“Yes, but Phoenix is hours away.”
“Only two.” Without waiting for her approval, he shifted the car into gear. “Relax, we’ll be there in a couple hours.”
This was what she loved about him, how quickly he leaped at any chance to help and protect. A bold, decisive, caring soul filled him.
Tonight, she was grateful for what he could give her. For the fact that at least in this moment there was one person in this world who cared about her and wanted to defend her.
Not even home, however, gave her comfort. In her own apartment, surrounded by familiar things, Ash couldn’t shake that chill. Her home seemed strange, almost alien. And cold.
Lucas watched her, puzzled and wary. “Are you sure you’ll be alright? There’s a Best Western a couple blocks away. If you need anything, call me.”
“Thanks.” This was so silly. He’s going to stay at a motel? She should move… head for bed… do something.
Not just stand here, shivering, beside him. Like he was the only thing safe in this whole world.
He edged closer, one hand rising to stroke the knot in her tense shoulders. “You still seem weirded out.”
“I am. I…” In a rush, the words spilled out. Things her heart, not her mind, demanded she say. “Would you stay? I don’t want to be alone right now.”
“Sure.” To make it clear that he knew where things stood, and that he couldn’t have it both ways, he added, “I don’t mind couches.”
The heat of him, his solid, physical presence was such a comfort. Lucas was a bonfire, filling the rooms with heat and life. Ash prepared the couch for him and retreated to her bedroom. She would just accept what he was able to give.
Once that door was closed, however, the cold returned. Sleep eluded her as she tossed and turned. The darkness seemed to draw close around her bed. In the end that emptiness, that ice, sent her tiptoeing to the bedroom door.
“Lucas?” she whispered. “Are you still awake.”
“Yeah. I don’t think I’ll be sleeping any time soon. You need something?” Hearing his voice, she felt a relief so deep it embarrassed her.
Dammit, there was no easy way to say this. She was going to mess everything up, but… “Would you sleep in here with me?”
“Sure.”
Oh Lord, he probably thought she was coming onto him! When, in fact, there was nothing she wanted less right now. “I don’t really, um, feel like… you know…”
A chuckle rumbled up from him. “I figured – given how rattled you look. Don’t worry, I’ll be a gentleman. Although there are more enjoyable things to do, spooning can be nice too.”
Her Gentleman Wolf. Ash smiled as he escorted her gallantly back to bed and slipped in beside her.
And he was exactly what she needed.
Pressed against her back, the heat of his body warmed her and drove that last, lingering chill from her blood. Strong arms circled her, promising safety and protection. His breath stirred her hair and the faint spice of him – masculine, virile – covered her with its protective scent.
With him, she felt safe. Loved. Protected.
No monster could threaten her now.
And so they lay, cuddled together. With every passing minute, Ash grew calmer. Shielded by his arms, she warmed. As the last traces of frost melted away from her heart, she noticed something else.
Heat. A very different kind than the sweet warmth that broke the room’s ice.
That fire woke inside her, fueled by his nearness. Her buttocks pressed gently against his crotch – and she remembered, so vividly, what power and pleasure resided there. Those arms wrapped innocently around her had claimed her, taken her.
And could do so again.
Seriously? Isn’t there something I need to tell him before even considering that…again? And didn’t I just tell the poor guy that I didn’t want to make love?
Well, yes they needed to talk – eventually. And she hadn’t felt like it. Then. Now she did.
A woman was entitled to change her mind, wasn’t she? And after the day she had had she was entitled to just turn off her brain. She couldn’t take anymore drama … and truthfully right now she just needed him.
Ash wiggled around to face him. In the dim light, shadows lay across his face. They darkened the rakish stubble on his jaw. Under their touch, his brown eyes grew darker, more mysterious.
“Thanks,” she whispered.
“You actually were cold.” The murmur of his voice, deep, rich as chocolate, stirred her desire. “I…”
No more talk! Ash kissed him, silencing him with her lips.
That was all the encouragement Lucas needed. In her arms, his body tensed as she caught him by surprise. Then it melted into her at once. His lips returned her kiss, fiercer, more passionate than her first, tentative attempt. Proof that he shared the desire she felt. Arms pulled her close, erasing the tiny distance between them. His bare chest pressed against her, sending the satin of her nightgown whispering across her breasts like a lover’s breath. Ash twined her fingers in his curls, running her hands through his silken locks. She slipped one leg over his, tugging him close to the heat flaring in her sex. Warmed by that, his manhood stirred, seeking the heat that brought it to life.
Slowly, with gentle strokes, they each explored the other’s body. She sighed with delight as his hands circled her buttocks and caressed her legs. Her own fingers swept along the hard muscles that ran down his back. Kneading them, stroking them. Feeling them melt beneath her hands as his tension faded.
On their first night, passion had swept them away like a tidal wave. Fierce, quick, unstoppable. Tonight was different. Tonight, there was no rush. No fear that the other lover might change their mind. Tonight, passion grew in measured steps. No weaker, no less than that first mad union despite its sweet languor. It held a depth, an intensity, that the first night lacked. Strengthened by their love, by the trials they’d survived, their passion surged like the ocean tides. Rising, inexorably, towards the heights.
Faster her heart beat as the swell grew. Quicker his breath came. A hunger seized them and their kisses grew more urgent, more demanding. Her legs gripped him tight. Beneath the cotton of his shorts he stiffened as manhood rubbed against the hidden promise of her sex. Sensing it, teased by it, she felt herself grow wet.
With a gasp, Ash pulled free of that delicious prison. Rolling to her knees, she knelt on the bed beside him. Letting his eyes devour her. They lingered on her taut nipples, hard beneath her satin gown. Each heave of her chest sent that slick cloth shimmering across them. His eyes glided down across her belly. The gown, pooling around her hips like a cloud of white snow, held them for only a moment. Then his gaze fell to her tanned, silken legs – and the treasure, hinted not seen, between them.
Like a great cat, Ash stretched, rising up onto her knees. She caught the gown’s straps and raised it. Slowly. Tantalizing him with each new glimpse of her body. Satin swept across her stomach, whispered over her breasts. She tossed it aside, shaking her head to let her curls spread free. Naked and proud, she towered above him. Dazzled by her, trapped by her beauty, he gazed up in amazement and desire.
For one moment only, and then he kicked the covers off. Now it was her turn to be entranced by the tight bulge of his briefs. Lucas ran his finger under the elastic’s edge. Lower he slid it, taunting her, revealing the first dark hairs. Her lips parted, the tip of her tongue darted out to wet them. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he slid the shorts off completely and tossed them after her gown.
Nothing hid him from her eager eyes. His proud cock rose from the bush of his dark hair. Ash drank in the sight of it. Remembering it sliding, hard and ready, inside her. Reverently she reached down and stroked its shaft, delighting in its power, its strength. The hot, delicious promise it held.
Only one barrier remained between them. Rising onto one elbow, Lucas ran his finger around the band of her panties. He leaned close, planting a slow, damp kiss on her belly button. His hand cupped her buttock and pulled her closer to his hungry, searching mouth. Scattering kisses, he nuzzled her, pushing her underwear lower. Breath and lips teasing the short hairs of her pubes. A finger slipped under the band, tugging it lower until it fluttered down. Ash flicked it away and then both of them were free. No shreds of clothing lingered to delay their satisfaction.
Grasping her hips, Lucas guided her over him. Now she straddled his chest as he gazed up at her adoringly. Strong, firm hands caressed her flanks, whispering across her skin. The sight of him between her legs, his hungry mouth so close to her sex, sent flashes of sharp, electric pleasure coursing through her.
Hands closed around her waist and pulled her down, down to those lips that yearned to devour her.
His breath was the first thing she felt, hot upon her skin. Then a kiss, gentle against the mound of her sex. Ash whimpered with delight, her body quivering with anticipation.
Another kiss, more insistent. Lips pressed close, pushing aside the folds of her sex. Hot, damp, his breath touched her nub. Then his tongue lashed out, hot against her sex. Wringing a moan of pleasure from her as her fingers knotted against the pillow. Under the strokes of his tongue she writhed, tossed by the waves of ecstasy that washed across her body.
Roused, driven by her excitement, his ‘attacks’ grew fiercer. He pulled her down, his face, his mouth hard against her sex as he devoured her. Lips sucked at her as she rode him. And still that tongue tormented her, whipping her passion to a feverish pitch. Higher and higher until, with a sob of disappointment, she had to push herself away, lest she leave him behind as she reached the peak of pleasure.
In the dimness, his bright eyes watched her. Drinking his fill of the joy, the
ecstasy, he had woken in her. Once more he caught her by the hips, this time to draw her down beside him. With a swift, graceful roll he rose above her and slipped between her legs.
Now it was her turn to admire. The hard, flat lines of his muscled legs. The sharp contours of his stomach and abs. And his cock – hard, erect – in all its glory. Heat blazed between her thighs as she gazed at it, ready and wet. Yearning for the fulfillment it would bring.
Lucas lowered himself, covering her. Filling her whole body with his heat. For one minute their eyes locked, bound in desire. Then he drove forward, entering her.
Slick and eager, she took him. With a cry, Ash wrapped her legs around his hips. Guiding him, pulling him, urging him onwards. Each thrust drove her pleasure higher, a growing crescendo that devoured all thought. Dimly she felt the hairs of his hard, muscled chest slid across her breasts, teasing her nipples. His breath, hot, gasped against her ear.
Yet it all paled beside the ecstasy that blazed in her sex. Each stroke, each drive, weakened her resolve until her will shattered and she wailed, caught in the throes of that passion. Ash lost herself, clawing at his shoulders as she bucked, swept away by pleasure. And still he did not stop. Maddened by his own needs, his own hunger, he drove into her over and over. A fierce, urgent rhythm that ended abruptly when both of them cried out.
Cries merged, passions joined, he exploded within her. For one blissful second the world dissolved into sheer ecstasy. Ash hung, caught in rapture, in bliss.
Then he dropped to the bed beside her, panting. Both of them lay, savoring the fading wonders of that bliss. Their bodies, hot, sweaty, tingling with the glow of passion. Chests heaving as they gasped.
Even when she could speak again, Ash found no words to explain how much this had meant to her. All that came out was a sigh.
“Wow.”
Seeing her dazed delight, Lucas laughed and nuzzled her ear.
“I told you there was something better than spooning,” was all he said.
Chapter 19.