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  She tentatively brushed her lips against mine, as though she couldn’t help herself, and sweet, delicious air returned to my lungs. My lips stretched into a smile while her eyes twinkled. “Okay.”

  Chapter 6. Only Her

  ASH

  * * *

  My eyes roamed Gaby’s face in wonder as she once again reached for my plate, and took a piece of my ham and cheese omelet. She had ordered the waffles, which were bigger than her face, and now swam half eaten in a pool of syrup.

  I sipped my coffee, amused. I wasn’t sure she was aware of it, but every time she took a bite of my food the cutest little Mmmm escaped her lips. She hummed from the pleasure the food brought her, and I couldn’t help but wonder if she did that during sex. Her gaze connected with mine and she stared at me for a moment, searching my eyes.

  “What are you thinking about?” She asked suspiciously, and a smirk stretched my lips, I leaned back in the booth. She narrowed her eyes at me and I couldn’t help but laugh. Gaby rolled her eyes. “Seriously? Do you think about anything other than sex?” She took a sip of orange juice.

  I cleared my throat, sliding to her side, and leaned closer as though I had a secret to share. “Well, I’m incredibly skilled at it, so yeah, pretty much.” My breath fanned her earlobe and a shudder rocked her body. I smiled, kissing the spot beneath her ear.

  “Stop,” She whimpered. “We are in a restaurant.”

  “Your point being?” I licked her neck, and she slightly trembled.

  “Ash…” Gaby whispered in a warning tone, and I pulled back, looking into her eyes.

  “How may I help you?”

  “Behave.”

  “What? I’m just having my breakfast.” She crossed her arms taking a deep breath and I grinned. “That is you, by the way. You know, because I want to eat you. All of you.”

  “Stop!” She whined, nervously looking around us.

  I laughed and took the waffles from her, setting them in front of me, then gave her my omelet. She smiled, pleased, taking a piece of the folded eggs and bit into it. Her exotic, chartreuse eyes sparkled.

  “Mmmm.”

  I leaned into Gaby’s ear again, instantly noticing her breathing pick up. Her scent filtered through my nose, enticing me. “I’ll be patient and wait until you ask me to make love to you, Star, because I ache to hear those words from your lips, but nothing is going to stop me from fantasizing about you until then. My mouth on your skin, my hardened body inside of you… You’ll know what true passion is when you finally give yourself to me. I’m going to make sure you experience pleasure like you never have before.”

  She whimpered again, but I tilted her head to me and closed my lips around hers, stopping her from saying a word. I cupped her neck, pulling her closer and deepened the kiss. When my tongue grazed hers she moaned into my mouth, and I almost lost all reason. I pulled back, gasping for air just as she did, and my heated eyes settled on hers. She was trembling. Damn it, I loved the way she responded to me, even with a simple kiss. I couldn’t even imagine how she would come apart for me in bed.

  I took a deep breath, settling my body. The mere thought of her like that drove me wild with need. What the hell was this? Or better yet, what was I doing? Why did she affect me like this? I must have turned crazy or stupid. I had never held back from being with a woman. I knew Gaby wanted me, and she did too, but she told me she’d never had a one-night stand before. She had never been with a man just because she wanted to enjoy herself. Although all I did was enjoy myself with women, I understood what she meant. Gaby needed to trust me before anything could happen between us. I would give that to her until she let me close. I would do anything it took to be with her, because it was a need that grew inside me every second. I wanted her. Only her.

  “So, tell me a bit a bout yourself,” she encouraged, taking another sip of orange juice.

  “Nice try, but it’s your turn.”

  She gawked at me. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, you already know I’m a prince, that I have money and I’m here on a secret mission—which by the way, I have completely neglected to be with you.” Her lips twitched and she narrowed her eyes at me. Yeah, I had decided. I loved when she did that. “I told you I am the second of three brothers, and you even know their names and ages. Now, all I know about you is that you want me but won’t have sex with me because you’ve never been with someone just for pleasure before. So, it’s your turn.”

  “That’s not true. You know I’m a nerd,” she pointed to her hot pink glasses and I grinned. She looked adorable in those. “And that I work in a comic book store.”

  I chuckled and leaned in, placing a swift kiss on her lips. “You can trust me, you know. I won’t lie to you.”

  She frowned. “Can you stop doing that?” she whispered, looking all around us.

  I repressed a smile. “What?”

  “Kissing me any time you want to?” She crossed her arms, uncomfortable with the conversation.

  A smirk stretched my lips and I leaned closer, looking tenderly into her eyes. “I know this will sound strange but I’ve never done this before, Star. You have no idea the restraint it takes for me not to make you mine every time I want, which is essentially every time I look at you. I told myself I would wait for you to be ready, but I have no intention on stopping my lips from kissing you.”

  I brushed my mouth over hers, and she sighed. I loved when she did that too. I closed my lips over her soft ones in a lingering kiss, and when I pulled back to look into her eyes, they twinkled again. “Besides, you love when I kiss you.”

  “Yes,” she breathed.

  “Do you really want me to stop?” I asked, against her lips.

  “No.” Gaby kissed me and the tingling sensation returned. The energy rushed through me, tantalizing, making me want more. I had barely just met her and I was becoming addicted to her.

  “I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to do. Tell me you want me here by your side, so I can stay.”

  She pulled her gaze from mine, breaking the connection between us, and took a ragged breath, forcing her nerves to settle. “I don’t know about you, but I’m full. Can we go?”

  I blinked and the haze disappeared as she closed herself to me. I let out a heavy sigh and looked at my plate. “Sure.”

  We walked out of the restaurant and I reached for her hand but she moved away. Damn it. What had I said? I opened the door of the car for her and watched her as she got inside. “Where to next?”

  Her gaze went through the windshield, thoughtful for a couple of seconds, then she smiled, pushing her glasses back over the bridge of her nose and looked at me. I couldn’t help but smile, the spark was back in her eyes. “To the fair.”

  KYR

  * * *

  The power exuded out of me almost effortlessly. The soft wave of air caused by the energy, fanned Avrielle’s hair as she slept beside me.

  A week had passed since she returned to my side, yet she still hadn’t met the Dragon Lord. He disappeared the moment she arrived, and after Ora assisted removing the magic blocking bracelets from Avrielle, I had spent all my time with her, to help her recover from what she had gone through. Avra’s instructions had been clear, hold her, be there for her, make love to her, and so I had. Not that he needed to tell me that, all I wanted from the second I felt her in my arms again, was to make her mine and reassure her of our connection.

  Yet the moment I was with her, I realized that something had changed between us. Our bond had evolved, deepened and just as Avra had suggested my mere presence had helped her heal. I was her mate, but I hadn’t realized how much that entailed until now. We fed from each other’s energy, and complemented the other in a way that was both remarkable and frightening. I was always aware that hurting the mate of a man could weaken him; it was what the Summer Court had attempted by attacking my mother. Nevertheless, I didn’t fully understand it until now. I had felt Avrielle’s terror and pain as though it were my own, yet it was
n’t until being with her again that I sensed the power that she brought me, and I her.

  Perhaps it was something that ensued the more in tuned we became with each other, after she opened up to me, but I felt it in her as she healed mentally and physically. The marks that once scarred her face were gone when I made love to her again. Her skin cleared as though nothing had ever happened, as though the Dark King hadn’t gagged her, treating her like an animal. I would never forget what he had done to her, though. And with Avra as my witness, I would seek retribution.

  I loved Avrielle more than anything in this realm and no one, no one, had the right to hurt her. Especially not the Dark King.

  I took a calming breath and kissed her lips gently as she stirred in the bed. Her emotional wounds were taking a bit longer but she was much better now, I could feel it in her essence, and the bond that connected us. She hadn’t cried anymore, and I swore I would do anything in my power for that never to happen again.

  I had also continued my training, although from this room, and was now able to project myself into the Dragon Lord’s mind like he did mine. He was much too powerful for me though, and blocked me from reading his thoughts, but I could still speak to him through the connection we had formed. He used it to check on Avrielle, making sure she was well, and to tell me my brothers had left the castle and come to see me. Unfortunately, they hadn’t been allowed in, but Kah brought me a bag with clothes and other things they had collected for me.

  My chest constricted as I regretted leaving them behind, yet Avra spoke of their journey, and what they both must discover on their own before we could be reunited. He said the quest had only just begun for all of us, that I needed to trust that they would be well on their own, and finish what we started. It was easier said than done. Especially after I had spent the better part of my life watching after them, but I trusted the Dragon Lord. So here I was, developing powers I didn’t even know I had.

  The connection to my energy had become softer, almost unnoticeable and felt more natural to me. I had also been able to communicate telepathically with Kah and even Ora, and learned how to use my ability to project myself in front of them, I had startled them at first, they swore it was as though I was really standing there. They were shocked at how naturally I was learning to control my gifts, although I had never tapped into them before, but Avra seemed to have expected me to overcome it easily.

  He was so sure of me, of what I could do, that it was both encouraging and intimidating. There were no doubts in him of how powerful I was, and what I would be able to accomplish, although my mind was filled with them. Sometimes it felt as though he knew me better than I did myself. Avra urged me to trust myself and to not think, that this was something I should feel, and assured me that the more I connected with the energy inside me, the easier it would become, until I would be able to do it subconsciously. It would be as natural as breathing.

  I stared at Avrielle’s face, admiring her as she stirred once more. I smiled. She was about to awaken; I could feel her consciousness inside me, although I couldn’t explain it.

  “There is no need to understand it. All you need to do is feel it.” The Dragon Lord offered through our connection.

  “Feel it. Right.”

  He chuckled. “How is your mate? Is she doing well?”

  I reached for Avrielle’s cheek, caressing it with my fingers and I was rewarded with a striking smile as her lids fluttered open. “She’s perfect.”

  “Hhmm, young love…”

  I grinned, leaning in to kiss Avrielle’s lips. When I pulled back, the sight mesmerized me. She lay still, with the sheet graciously draped over her silhouette, covering her naked body. Her gorgeous violet strands rested along the feather pillow, forming delicate swirls; her crystal violet eyes seemed to glisten with love as she looked into my eyes, and her lips slowly curved into a brilliant smile. I took her all in and reached into Avra’s mind. My eyes briefly glowed as I sent the image of her to him.

  “She is perfect. And she is mine…”

  I heard him chuckle. “That is a rather intimate image to share with me, don’t you think?” His tone wasn’t chiding, or upset, instead it sounded as though he exulted in the happiness I felt.

  “I trust you.”

  “As you should… and yes, she is perfect for you.”

  Letting the image of her dissolve, I let Avrielle pull me closer and kiss my lips. My fingers gripped the sheet, uncovering her naked skin to me, and I held her against my body.

  “I love her…”

  “I know, my prince, and love her you must. The more you make love to her, the stronger your bond will become, and the more powerful you’ll make one another. Bring her to me when you are ready. It’s time she learns the truth.”

  * * *

  “Come with me.” I held Avrielle’s hand, pulling her off the bed after I loved her once more.

  “Where are we going?” She reached for one of the gowns that Kah had brought her, along with her stuff from the castle. “Are you finally going to tell me where we are and who else is here?” she added hopeful.

  I grinned, standing behind her, and helped lace up the corset for her. “Yes, I want you to met someone very special to me. It’s time he meets my queen.”

  Avrielle turned around, wrapping her arms around my neck and kissing me. “Is he the one protecting us here? Is this his home?”

  “Yes, and now it’s ours too.” I kissed her again and turned to get dressed.

  “Ora lives here too, right? Is she his servant?”

  “I’d say more like his family. She takes care of him but he cares for her. She’s been by his side for a long time.”

  I slipped my feet into my leather loafers, and secured the dark blue vest on top of a light gray button down shirt. It matched the trousers I wore, and it went very well with Avrielle’s dress. It was a white and blue gown, with beaded petals embroidered onto the bodice. It reminded me of the twilight flowers, which had somehow become her scent to me.

  “That is my favorite dress on you.” I whispered on her neck, breathing her in while my hand sneaked under the high slit of her skirt. My fingertips caressed her inner thigh and she gasped. “I always wanted to do that.”

  “I know.” She breathed, pulling my hand out and stepped back. Avrielle blinked, as though to regain her composure. I grinned.

  “Are you ready?” Avra’s voice reached me, reminding me he was waiting for us.

  “All I want is to be with her… in her. Will this feeling ever lessen?”

  “If your bond is true, it will last forever. I’ll be waiting for you at the Altar.”

  I reached for Avrielle’s hand once again and walked out of our chambers.

  The temple was fully lit as we walked out on the hallway, and Avrielle’s eyes roamed the place, filled with amazement.

  “What is this place?”

  “The Holy Temple, my princess,” Ora answered, walking towards us. Until now she had only come to visit us in our chambers. “Welcome.”

  Avrielle frowned then her eyes widened. “Wait. Is this the Holy Temple? Once home to the Dragon Lord and his brotherhood of dragons?”

  “Yes, it is, my princess.” This time it was Avra who answered. He softly landed in front of us—an impressive feat for such a large dragon—and his voice reverberated through the cathedral.

  Avrielle gasped, staggering back a few steps but I held her to me. Her fingers cupped her mouth as she stared at the frost white dragon. Avra sat before us in his entire magnificence. “It can’t be.”

  “My queen, I want you to meet my oldest friend. Avra, the Dragon Lord.”

  “But… but… but…”

  Avra’s lips twitched and I too had to repress a smile at her shock. “He’s alive, has been all this time, safeguarding this place as well as my mother and I.” Her eyes flew to mine. “Your mother?”

  I nodded. “Avra is the reason she experiences lucid periods and awakes from the sleep. His blood has magical properties, healing p
roperties, and he has been feeding her all these years. To keep her safe.”

  “I vowed to look after his royal line long before Kyr was born, and if the Goddess allows me to, I shall do so long after he is gone.” The Dragon moved closer, lowering his head to our level. “It is an honor to meet you in person, my princess. I have waited a long time for this day to come.”

  Avrielle briefly stared at me, astonished, as tears gathered in her eyes. Her gaze returned to him, and she knelt before our Lord. “The honor is all mine Dragon Lord.” I held her trembling hand, joining her on my knees. “I have prayed to you so many times…” She whispered.

  Avra nodded tenderly. “And I have heard you each time, my child. Ever since you were a little girl I saw how much you admired the prince. Then you turned into a young woman, and I perceived how infatuated you became with him.” Avrielle blushed but my lips stretched into a pleased smile. I loved hearing that she had thought about me, even then. “And once you became a woman, I witnessed your dreams, and feelings for him.”

  He moved closer, looking into our eyes.

  “I was there as you fell in love with Kyr and he with you. You both knew one day you would be paired to someone else and that love would be in vane, yet your hearts did not listen to reason. You hoped, and prayed and gave yourselves entirely to what you felt for each other, no matter how much it hurt.” He sighed content. “True love conquers all. Magic, no matter how strong, will never have a hold over it.”

  Avrielle’s tears fell from her eyes at his words, and I pulled her to me, kissing them off her cheeks. “I love you,” I whispered against her lips, before placing a small kiss on them.

  “Rise, Prince Kyr and Princess Avrielle.” Avra leaned his head closer, the way he did when he wanted me to press my forehead to his. “Come to me, my children, ” he invited.

  We stood, and I brought Avrielle with me as I stepped closer. Her eyes widened when I reached for the small horns on his crown, and placed my forehead to his. I nodded encouragingly and she looked at him again, reaching for his crown. Once she pressed her forehead to his, we held hands, completing the circle. The magic rushed through us, humming inside of her too and she gasped, her incredulous eyes shone with amazement.