“What is it?” she breathed in amazement.
“A mating sacrament.” His lips gently brushed over the precious stones. “My promise that you are a gift I will always cherish.”
Joy radiated through her body.
Mate.
Her mate.
Twining her fingers through the softness of his hair, Tayla urged Baine up so she could kiss him with all the love that flooded through her heart.
He readily returned the kiss, his fingers stroking as light as a butterfly wing along the line of her cleft.
Tayla jerked in pleasure.
“I need you now, Baine,” she rasped.
He lifted his head and their gazes collided. In the shadows his features were impossibly beautiful, his expression tense with raw desire.
Slowly he moved onto the bed, his solid weight pressing her into the mattress. Then, sliding his hands beneath her thighs, he tugged her legs apart so he could settle between them. The sensation of his hot skin pressed against her sent a rush of excitement through her.
It felt so utterly right as he cradled his hips even deeper, his chest rubbing her aching nipples. As if he somehow completed her.
Running her hands down his back, Tayla savored the hard muscles that rippled beneath her touch. He was a lethal predator who could rule the world.
And yet he treated her as if she was his most priceless treasure.
She smiled as she shivered beneath him. This was why his touch ignited the fire within her. Why she ached for his kisses.
It wasn’t just his raw, masculine perfection. Or his skilled caresses. It was the knowledge deep in her heart that his loyalty was absolute.
He would never abandon her, never betray her, and never, ever stop caring about her.
Heady stuff for a female who’d never been truly loved.
Her hands reached the smooth curve of his butt and Tayla felt him shudder as she cupped him with restless desire.
His hooded gaze swept over her face before he was leaning down to stroke his lips over her forehead.
“Tell me this mating is what you desire, Tayla,” he demanded. “Tell me you want to be mine forever.”
She reached up to frame his face in her hands. “Forever, my love.”
“My love,” he echoed, the aching tenderness in his voice nearly bringing tears to her eyes.
A shiver racked his body as his lips brushed over her flushed features.
“My heart beats for you,” he murmured, his words a soft pledge. “There is no going back for either of us.”
His breath seared over her skin as he tilted his hips to press the tip of his cock against her entrance.
She moaned in pleasure as his erection relentlessly pressed deeper into her damp heat, stretching her to the point of near pain.
Delicious.
Muttering beneath his breath, Baine pulled out before he was shoving forward, impaling her with one smooth thrust.
“Yes,” she groaned, wrapping her legs around his hips.
Buried deep inside her, Baine trailed his mouth over her skin to at last kiss her with a devouring hunger.
At the same time, he began to rock softly against her. With each thrust his tongue stroked into her mouth, the matching rhythm intensifying the furious pleasure that spread through her body.
Her fingers flexed as a whimper lodged in her throat. The sheer intimacy of having him balls-deep inside her was intensified by the white flames that danced over their bodies. The dragon-fire entwined them, a physical display of their mating.
His breath rasped in the shadowed silence as he quickened his pace.
“Never leave me again,” he muttered against her lips. “I need to know you’ll be here with me.”
Dear lord, it was too much. She felt as if she was going to explode into a billion tiny pieces.
She scored her nails down his back, the pleasure almost unbearable.
“Always…” she moaned.
“My beautiful imp,” he whispered, his head lowering to take her breast in his mouth.
Using his teeth and tongue he tormented her tight nipple, the blaze of sensations spiraling to a critical point.
Her breath was shattered as he gave a last, violent surge and tossed her over the edge into a whirlwind of pulsing bliss.
Her soft scream mingled with his low groan of completion as he slumped on top of her, both of them lost in a fog of transcendental joy.
Time passed, a second or an eternity, before Baine rolled to his side and pulled her into his arms. With a sigh Tayla rested her head on his chest, floating on a sense of wonderment.
“My mate,” he whispered as he nuzzled her ear.
Tayla smiled, ignoring the flames that continued to dance over his skin as she brushed her lips over his chest.
“I like when you play sex slave, my lord,” she teased. “I think we’ll keep the harem.”
His arms tightened as he seared a path of dragon-kisses down the curve of her neck.
“Your wish, sweet Tayla, is my command.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
It wasn’t easy to stun a five-hundred-year-old dragon. But making love to Tayla had shaken Baine to his very soul.
Who knew that the feel of her slender body pressed against him would release his dragon-fire until the sheets were scorched and Tayla’s ivory skin rosy from the intense heat? Or that he would feel the most unexpected urge to cry at the mere thought that this female would now be forever bound to him?
So it was no surprise that the last thing Baine wanted was to leave his bed where he had a naked Tayla wrapped in his arms.
Unfortunately, he’d put off dealing with his ruthless father long enough.
Synge might be a cunning hunter who understood the need for patience, but he wasn’t going to wait forever. Sooner or later he would make his move to get his hands on Tayla.
Probably sooner.
Which was why he’d forced himself to urge Tayla to dress while he pulled on his pants and called for Char to bring Fist to the throne room.
Now he sat on his massive chair with Tayla standing beside him, once again prim and proper in her sweater and pearls. In silence, he studied the male who was kneeling at his feet.
Fist had his head bent as he mentally sent the message that Baine had commanded.
At last, the younger male glanced up to meet Baine’s fierce glare.
“You managed to contact Synge?” he demanded.
Fist nodded. The days in the dungeon hadn’t been particularly kind to the onetime soldier. He looked thinner, with dark circles beneath his eyes.
But he was still alive, which was more than he deserved.
“Yes, my lord,” Fist assured him. “He believes you’re getting ready to start the auction for the imp.”
“Good.” Baine ignored Tayla’s tiny gasp as he nodded toward Char who was standing directly behind Fist. “Take him back to the dungeons and then wait for my signal. Once I have Synge’s agreement I’ll need you to handle the details.”
Char gave a nod, grabbing Fist by the back of his neck and hauling him roughly to his feet. Baine waited until the two males were out of the room before lifting his hand and making a slashing motion.
Instantly a portal formed.
Rising to his feet, he held out his hand. There was a momentary hesitation before Tayla moved to place her fingers against his palm. Swiftly Baine was tugging her into the portal, knowing she was already having second thoughts.
Understandable, considering he’d given her little information beyond the fact that they were meeting with his father.
Oh yeah, and the little FYI that Synge wanted her dead.
He’d decided to keep his hasty plan to himself. She was terrified enough, thank you very fucking much.
Stepping through the portal, they arrived in the back garden of Tayla’s pretty Victorian house that was bathed in silver moonlight.
Inside Baine could hear the workers he’d sent earlier to clean and repair the damage caused by the t
rolls. Not that he intended for Tayla to return to this place. She belonged in the safety of his lair. But he knew it would trouble her to think that this home she’d created was falling into disrepair.
Stepping away as he released her hand, Tayla bit her bottom lip as she glanced toward the neatly trimmed rosebushes. No doubt she was thinking about the vast upheaval in her life.
That was one of the reasons he’d brought her here.
He needed her to say goodbye to her old life.
Only then would she be prepared to accept their future together.
“Are you sure this is going to work?” she muttered.
“Trust me,” he assured her, resisting the urge to wrap her in his arms.
He wanted to be in a position to fight off any attacks.
He better than anyone knew that danger lurked in the shadows.
“You I trust,” she said in low tones. “But your father…” She wrapped her arms around her waist, shivering with a fear she couldn’t disguise. “You said yourself that he wants to kill me.”
Flames flickered over Baine’s bare chest before he controlled his burst of anger. No one was hurting Tayla. No matter who he had to destroy.
“Not after I speak with him,” he swore.
Her eyes widened as a burst of heat swept through the garden.
“I think he’s here,” she breathed.
Baine moved to stand in front of her as his father stepped out of a portal.
“Stay close,” he muttered.
“Don’t worry.” Tayla pressed a hand to his lower back, as if needing the reassurance of touching him.
A bone-deep happiness raced through him. He didn’t want her frightened. Hell, it infuriated him to think she would know even a second of fear. But there was something intensely satisfying in the knowledge she would depend on him for comfort.
With cautious steps, the large male moved toward Baine, his brutish features hard with determination.
“Welcome, sire,” Baine murmured.
The silver gaze narrowed as Synge’s attention turned toward the house where the sound of hammering echoed through the air.
“What’s going on here?”
“I’m assisting Tayla in repairing her home.”
Synge sent him a puzzled frown. “Tayla?”
Baine stepped aside to reveal the female standing behind him.
“Tayla, allow me to formally present you to my father, Synge.”
“Hello,” Tayla murmured in tentative tones, unaware of the importance of Baine’s words.
The older dragon, however, was very conscious of what Baine was saying. With a scowl he folded his arms over his massive chest, refusing to acknowledge Baine’s claim.
“Where are the others?” he instead demanded.
Baine arched a brow. “What others?”
Synge made a sound of impatience. “I heard there was to be an auction among the trolls tonight.”
“Ah yes, the trolls,” Baine drawled. It was childish, but he couldn’t deny he was enjoying tormenting his father. “I’m afraid they can’t make it.”
“Why not?”
Baine shrugged. “Because I killed them.”
“Good.” The silver gaze flicked toward Tayla. “It should make the auction a lot less complicated.”
Baine deliberately moved to block Tayla from his father’s sight. It was a silent warning he would have to go through Baine to get to the female.
“Don’t you want to know why they’re dead?” he demanded.
“Not particularly.” The ground shook as Synge stepped forward. “Name your price for the female.”
Tayla pressed against his back, her breath brushing his bare skin as the tart scent of lemons filled the air.
“But I want to tell you,” Baine insisted.
“Fine.” The older male heaved an exaggerated sigh. “Why are they dead?”
“Because they were hunting my mate.”
Synge clenched his hands at his side, bluish sparks dancing over his body.
“Your mate?” Synge pretended he didn’t know exactly what Baine was saying. “You found her?”
“I did.” Reaching behind him, Baine tugged Tayla to his side, wrapping a possessive arm around her shoulders. The game had been fun, but now it was time to end it.
The flames danced higher, heating the air. “This imp?”
Baine growled low in his throat. “Her name is Tayla.”
Synge waved aside the blatant reprimand. “You’re sure?”
Baine gave a soft laugh, glancing toward the woman who’d captured his heart.
“It’s like getting struck by lightning,” he murmured. “It’s not a sensation that a male makes a mistake about.”
Synge ground his teeth. The older dragon had never chosen a consort, but like every other dragon had heard the stories of the unbreakable bond that was created during a mating.
“No, I suppose not,” he at last conceded.
“Do you accept my formal introduction?” Baine demanded.
Synge narrowed his gaze. Tradition dictated that he accept his son’s mate. But his fear for his hoard made him continue to battle against the inevitable.
“First you need to know something about her.”
Baine leaned down to brush his lips over the top of Tayla’s head.
“That she can create portals into a dragon lair?”
“You know?” Synge demanded in astonishment.
“I do.”
“Then you realize she’s a security risk,” Synge growled.
Baine ran a comforting hand up and down Tayla’s back as she gave a tiny shiver. His gaze, however, never wavered from his father.
It was a direct challenge.
“Not anymore,” Baine said. “The trolls and their partners are dead.”
Synge shook his head. “Even if you killed the trolls, that doesn’t mean they didn’t tell some other demon.”
Baine allowed his power to flow from his body until the air was quivering with an unspoken threat.
“Do you truly think anyone would attempt to use my mate for any purpose?”
Synge took an unconscious step backward. “At least tell me you’ve discovered how she’s able to do it.”
Baine shrugged. “Her mother was a Chantri who was destroyed by vampires years ago.”
Synge still wasn’t satisfied. “Does she have any siblings?”
“None that inherited their mother’s blood,” Baine assured him.
At his side, Tayla rested her head against his arm. “And even if they had, they aren’t anything like my father. They are all are hardworking fey with successful businesses and families.”
“I can’t wait to meet them, princess,” Baine murmured.
He felt her stiffen. “Princess?”
He gave a low chuckle, enjoying the astonishment on her beautiful face.
“You do have royal blood,” he reminded her, kissing the tip of her nose before returning his attention to the older male.
“Well, father?” he demanded.
There was a long pause before Synge offered a slow dip of his head.
“I accept that she’s your mate.”
Baine smiled. “Done.”
“What does that mean?” Tayla asked.
“Dragons regularly battle other demons and even each other, but mates and the young are strictly protected,” Baine explained, a sense of relief flooding through his body. Until his father had actually said the words, he couldn’t be sure that Tayla would be safe. Now he knew beyond a doubt she would be guarded even if something happened to him. “It’s our most sacred law. You’re off-limits, no matter what happens.” He paused, studying his father’s grim expression. “Isn’t that right, sire?”
“You win, Baine,” his father conceded with a mocking salute. “This time.”
Never a gracious loser, Synge turned to walk back into his waiting portal.
“Father.” Baine halted him.
Synge glanced over his shoulder. “Wh
at?”
“You hold Fist’s mate as a hostage.”
“I do.”
“I want her.”
Speculation shimmered in the silver eyes. “It’ll cost you.”
“I never assumed otherwise,” Baine retorted. “I’ve given Char permission to complete the negotiations.”
Looking considerably happier now that he had the promise of reducing Baine’s hoard by several treasure chests, Synge entered the portal and disappeared.
The peace of the night returned to the garden, and Tayla pulled away far enough to study his face with a hopeful expression.
“It’s over?”
“Yes.” He framed her face in his hands. “No one will dare try to take you from me.”
A tremulous smile curved her lips, the moonlight shimmering over her golden hair. A sudden joy pierced his heart. This beautiful creature was his mate.
Now and forever.
“That was nice of you to help Fist,” she murmured. “I thought you intended to keep him in the dungeons for betraying you.”
He snorted, his fingers skimming down the curve of her throat, savoring the sensation of her satin skin.
“That’s too easy.”
“You think being locked in the dungeons is easy?” she inquired with a lift of her brows.
He shrugged. “I have a much better way to punish him.”
She looked suddenly wary. “What are you going to do?”
“He’s going to be responsible for keeping Odel out of trouble.”
Tayla blinked. And then blinked again. “You’re making him my father’s babysitter?”
“Yes,” Baine admitted without apology.
Fist had to be taught a lesson, and Baine could think of no worse penance than spending the next century trying to keep the drunken, gambling-addicted imp on the straight and narrow.
“That’s…” Tayla abruptly released a low chuckle. “Diabolical.”
“It’s two problems solved,” Baine said with a shrug, his nose wrinkling at the stench of granite that filled the air. Turning his head, he watched as the stunted gargoyle waddled out of the house and down the pathway into the garden. “Now only one to go,” he muttered.
###
Tayla went on her tiptoes to press a kiss to Baine’s tense jaw.
“Be nice,” she chided, feeling giddy with happiness.