ANK DKCaptive

DragonKinCaptiveHeart

p
{text-indent:0px;text-align:left}



Dragon Kin: Captive HeartAnne Kane

All rights reserved.Copyright ©2010 Anne Kane

ISBN: 978-1-60521-370-5Formats Available:HTML, Adobe PDF, EPubMobiPocket, Microsoft Reader
Publisher:Changeling Press LLCPO Box 1046Martinsburg, WV 25402-1046www.ChangelingPress.com
Editor: Chrissie HendersonCover Artist: Bryan Keller

Adult Sexual Content

This e-book file contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language which some may find offensive and which is not appropriate for a young audience. Changeling Press E-Books are for sale to adults, only, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Legal File Usage -- Your Rights

Payment of the download fee for this book grants the purchaser the right to download and read this file, and to maintain private backup copies of the file for the purchaser’s personal use ONLY.

The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this or any copyrighted work is illegal. Authors are paid on a per-purchase basis. Any use of this file beyond the rights stated above constitutes theft of the author’s earnings. File sharing is an international crime, prosecuted by the United States Department of Justice and the United States Border Patrol, Division of Cyber Crimes, in partnership with Interpol. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is punishable by seizure of computers, up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000 per reported instance.

Dragon Kin: Captive Heart

Anne Kane

After years of playing the field, Haydn has finally found his soul mate. Problem is, the well-endowed Cassie thinks all dragons are trouble and she has no intention of letting Hayden anywhere near her. He’s going to have to do some fast talking to convince her he’s the dragon of her dreams.

Chapter One

Haydn laughed and draped his arm around Jackson’s shoulders. “I don’t think your fire companion is going to be too happy when you tell her about the dent you put in her new car!”

Jackson grinned, unrepentant. “Not to worry. I’ll just give her a little of my special brand of loving and she’ll forget to be mad at me.” He pointed to a table at the far side of the packed barroom. “Looks like we’re late. The guys already have a table.”

They shouldered their way through the Friday night crowd at the Pagan’s Corner, jostling good-naturedly with the other residents of Utopia Bay. Shifters, paranormals and humans all came to the local pub to have a good time, and the bouncers made sure racial tensions didn’t get out of hand.

Haydn grabbed a chair and straddled it backward, resting his chin on his crossed arms. “So what’s the plan for the night? It’s been a bitch of a week at work and I’m raring for some action.”

“May I take your orders, sirs?”

Haydn turned at the sound of that soft voice, and stared right into the prettiest pair of brown eyes he’d ever seen. Framed by soft brown skin and close clipped dark curls, those eyes bored a hole right to his heart. Unprecedented need exploded in his gut. His mated friends had always told him it would happen one day when he least expected it. He realized he was looking at his souler.

He let his gaze roam the rest of her ample charms while an appreciative smile crossed his lips. The quip rose to his tongue with the ease of years spent pursuing every female he could find. “Darling, I’d love to have you take my orders.”

She didn’t even blink, just raised one of those perfectly sculpted eyebrows and stared at him. He swore the temperature in the bar dropped ten degrees.

A couple of the guys whistled, and Jackson had the nerve to laugh out loud. “That one’s not going to fall for any of your pat lines, Haydn, so you might as well order a drink. Cassie doesn’t do dragons.”

“A mug of whatever’s on tap.” Haydn kept his eyes lowered, struggling to keep the redness from creeping up his neck. He had a reputation as a player, and it had been a long time since a woman had stonewalled him quite that thoroughly.

“Same for me.” Jackson tossed some money on the table.

Haydn watched her scribble the order down before she turned back to the bar. She held herself straight and proud, her wide hips sashaying beneath a calf-length denim skirt. He felt his cock jerk to attention at the thought of all that soft, warm flesh beneath him. Damn! He turned to Jackson. “What do you mean, she doesn’t do dragons?”

“Hey, don’t shoot the messenger.” Jackson held his hand up in mock fear. “She’s one of the humans that Egan’s group, Bound for Freedom, managed to save. To say she’s terrified of dragons would be putting it mildly. Can’t say I blame her, those rogues are a mean bunch.”

“Damn, that sucks.” Haydn watched her load drinks onto the tray and head back toward their table. “I’ll have to be real gentle with her.”

Jackson stared at him as if he’d just grown a second head. “Are you crazy? That girl is never going to go out with you. What part of ‘terrified of dragons’ did you not get?”

Haydn smiled gently. “She’s my fire companion. Of course she’ll go out with me. She just needs to get used to the idea.”

Across the table, another of his other friends shook his head in sympathy. “You think Cassandra is your fire companion? You’ve got your work cut out for you, man. I’ve heard some of Egan’s stories, and they aren’t pretty. You’ll be lucky if she lets you get within ten feet of her front door.”

Haydn watched the woman’s ample bosoms sway enticingly while she wound her way back to their table. “You said her name is Cassie, Jackson. What else do you know about her?”

Jackson shook his head. “Not much. Her full name is Cassandra, but everyone calls her Cassie. Egan’s group, Bound for Freedom, rescued her and she decided to stay here instead of returning to her home, wherever that was. She got this job right after her rescue, and cleaned out one of the cabins at the edge of town to live in.” He paused, his brow furrowing with concentration. “I don’t think she’s dated anyone since Egan freed her, certainly not a dragon.”

Haydn felt a knot he didn’t even know he had relax in his gut. She didn’t date. That was a good sign. It meant she was waiting for him, whether she knew it or not.

He smiled up at her when she reached their table. “Sorry for my rudeness earlier. You’re just so pretty my brain didn’t kick into gear.” So far so good. She hadn’t dumped the beer over his head yet. “Maybe when you get off shift, we could go grab a bite to eat?”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jackson roll his eyes. He obviously thought Haydn was nuts, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was his fire companion. She hesitated for a split second, and his heart leapt with hope.

“I don’t think that would be wise, sir.” Her voice had a musical lilt to it that resonated to the very center of his being. Her dark lashes swept down over her eyes, hiding her expression. She set the drinks down and turned to leave. He lifted his hand, intending to stop her, but let it fall.

She had the look of a rabbit just before his dragon snatched it from the ground, and he didn’t want her to think of him as a monster. He’d find another way to approach her.

* * *

Cassie resisted the urge to turn and look at him. Him. The dragon. She could sense its presence beneath the charming human exterior of the man who’d offered to take her out.

Don’t be an idiot, her sensible side warned her. You’ve been there. You know what it feels like to be bound to a dragon, to be subject to his every whim. A flash of remembered terror flooded her body with adrenaline, and she had to force herself to remain calm. To walk. To breathe. No way in hell she’d voluntarily go back.

“Hey, Cassie! Bring us another round.” Pete, one of the regulars, waved at her over the heads of the dancers on the floor.

She nodded, making a conscious effort to pull herself together. “Coming right up!” She relayed the order to the bartender, working her way through the crowd toward him. By the time she squeezed between the last of the people, she’d have given almost anything to be one of those rake-thin models types that could disappear when they turned sideways. She’d never been bothered by her buxom figure but it would be handy to be able to slide through a one-inch gap on the packed dance floor.

“Crowd’s hopping tonight, Cassie.” Jodi, the other server, grinned at her and waggled her pointed ears in amusement. “Watch your ass. They’re getting a little grabby.”

“Tell me about it.” Cassie returned the smile, glad for the distraction. For some reason, she couldn’t help feeling the darkly sensual presence of the dragon. What had his friends called him? Haydn?

“Here you go, Cassie.” She watched the bartender load up her tray.

“Thanks.” She turned and couldn’t resist sneaking a look at Haydn. He’d settled back into the corner between his friends, sipping his beer and not attempting to hide the fact that he was watching her.

She felt heat rise from her neck right up to the roots of her hair. She felt naked, as if her innermost fears were on display for all to see. She swore those dragon eyes could see right through her tough image to the scared little girl who cringed at the sight of a dragon.

Straightening her spine, she glared at him before spinning on her heels and going to deliver the drinks to Pete and his buddies. Pete was a genuinely nice guy, and completely human. Why the hell wasn’t her body heating up at the sight of one of her own species, instead of yearning for a damn dragon shifter?

“You mad at me?” Pete looked at her warily, and she realized her annoyance showed on her face.

“No. Just thinking about how much needs to be done at home after I get off shift here.” She gave him a warm smile with the lie. “A bear got into the backyard last night, and made a real mess in the tool shed.”

“A bear? You need to get one of the local hedge-witches to cast a repulsing spell on your place. Works every time.” Pete took a swig of his beer.” I could come give you a hand with the cleanup if you like.”

Cassie shook her head. “It’s okay. Probably looks worse than it is.” She held out his change, smiling her thanks when he waved her off. Not a great tip, but she was thankful for every little bit extra.

* * *

“See you on Sunday!” Cassie waved goodbye to the bartender.

“Yup. Enjoy your day off.” He locked the door behind her, and Cassie turned toward the street, slinging her bag higher on her shoulder as she hurried across the dark parking lot. Out of habit, she kept alert for any sign of a winged threat from above. Egan had assured her that her freedom wouldn’t be torn from her, but fear is a hard habit to break.

“Have you changed your mind about my offer?”

Cassie jumped at the sound of Haydn’s voice, the deep timbre resonating throughout her entire body. She turned to see him standing beneath one of the lights in the parking lot, his hands tucked into the pockets of a pair of faded jeans that showed off his muscular thighs. He couldn’t have appeared less threatening if he’d tried, and yet her first instinct was to run as far and as fast as she could. To her disgust, her second was to accept his offer.

“No.” She’d watched him leave the bar over an hour ago, and wondered at the feeling of loss she felt when his wide shoulders disappeared into the dark night. Surely he hadn’t spent all that time standing there waiting for her to appear? With his sexy looks and easy smile, he could have taken his pick of the females cruising the bar tonight. Not that she’d ask, that would give him the impression that she’d noticed or cared.

“Have you been waiting out here just to ask me that?” She felt the blood rush to her cheeks, and cursed her careless tongue.

He smiled and it lit up his face. The dragon who’d bound her had never smiled like that. When he’d smiled, she’d known that she would be hurt. Haydn’s smile was a gentle curving of his lips and an echoing lightness in his eyes. She knew better, he was a dragon, but somehow she got the impression that he never hurt anyone unless they truly deserved it.

“Yes. I know you don’t like dragons. The guys told me you’d been bound against your will and that Egan’s group freed you. I can’t imagine how awful that must have been for you, but we’re not all rogue. Give me a chance to prove it to you.”

He kept his distance and nodded toward the far end of town. “I know the bakery is closed by now, but Mireya will be there prepping for the morning crowd, and I’m sure she’d be happy to let us in for a coffee. What do you say?” He tilted his head, his eyes begging her to give him a chance.

She opened her mouth to refuse. She didn’t need him. She didn’t want another dragon, or any male for that matter, interfering in her life. But when she looked into the depths of those emerald green eyes, she couldn’t do it. He looked like a little boy who knew he wasn’t going to get what he wanted for Christmas but planned to ask anyway. She felt a tiny softening in the ice that surrounded her heart. What could it hurt? It was only a cup of coffee, and with Mireya there she’d be safe enough.

“A coffee would be nice. The bar was hopping tonight and I could use a bit of time to unwind.”

“Great!” His face lit up and he rushed over to grab her hand. “I warned Mireya we might drop in but I didn’t expect you to agree.”

Cassie waited for the panic to set in. The feel of his fingers wrapped around her wrist sent tingling darts of flame licking across the surface of her skin, but to her surprise her heartbeat remained steady and her pulse didn’t rocket out of control. He was definitely dragon, she could almost taste it, but his proximity didn’t set off the usual panic attack.

He led her across the parking lot to a royal blue Miata convertible, holding the door open for her to slide into the passenger seat. The cream-colored leather upholstery felt deliciously cool beneath her tired legs, and she sighed in appreciation. She couldn’t fault his taste in vehicles. She watched him vault over the side and slide into the driver’s seat.

She slid her hand over the smooth leather. “Fantastic car! You keep it in great shape.”

“Thanks. I’ve had her for five years now.” He turned the engine over. “It took me awhile to find a ragtop, but I love the feel of the air on my face when I drive.”

Cassie nodded appreciatively, wondering how much more she had in common with this man. “Nothing like it, is there?” Not man, she corrected herself. Dragon. She needed to keep her guard up.

He grinned and snapped his seat belt on before dropping the transmission into gear. He drove fast, but with complete concentration and control. The little sports car zipped along the island highway as smooth as butter on a warm scone. Cassie admired his deft touch on the wheel as he navigated the winding road. Too soon, they reached their destination and Haydn pulled the car into a spot right in front of the bakery doors.

“And here we are.” He hopped out of his side and came around to open her door. A real gentleman, she noted approvingly, and then chided herself. It didn’t matter. She didn’t need a man, gentle or not.

Haydn escorted her to the door, his arm resting lightly around her waist while they waited for Mireya to answer their knock.

Chapter Two

So far so good

. Haydn allowed himself to be cautiously optimistic. Cassie seemed to have forgotten all about his dragon nature as they sipped their coffees and made small talk about events on Utopia. Her brown eyes danced with mirth as she described an incident between the postmaster and Jake, the resident hermit. Her lush curves and soft brown skin beckoned to him, tempting him to touch, to taste. He had to ball his hands into tight fists to resist the overwhelming compulsion.

He watched her lips. Thick temptingly sensual lines, they curved upward when she smiled at him. How he’d love to catch that full lower lip between his teeth, nipping it while he plundered the sweetness of her mouth. As if she could sense his thoughts, her tongue flicked out to wet it, leaving it shining. Irresistible.

He slowly leaned forward, not wanting to scare her. Cassie’s eyes opened wide, but he didn’t read fear in them. Then her dark lashes fluttered down, hiding her expression from him as his lips brushed hers, feathering across them with a delicate touch.

Cassie whimpered, the sound a mixture of need and want. Encouraged, he slid his tongue across the seam of her lips, asking permission to enter. She trembled, and he didn’t know if it was fear or lust that caused her to quiver.

He wanted to throw her down on the floor and bury himself within her ample folds of flesh. His dragon demanded it, but he refused to use brute force. He knew if he scared her even once, she’d flee and his heart wouldn’t survive the absence of its other half.

Her lips parted and he stilled, hope blossoming deep within his chest. Her tongue slid out, touching his, gliding along his lips in a tentative caress that sent heat racing to his groin. He cupped the back of her head, tilting it to give him better access as they explored each other.

Cassie gained confidence, became more demanding, her tongue dueling with his and playing havoc with his control. She brought her hands up to his chest, palms splayed wide as she explored his body. Her touch burned a path of erotic heat across his shoulders, down his back, searing through the heavy cotton of his shirt and branding themselves on his very his soul. “You play a dangerous game, my love.” He whispered the words against the dark silk of her lips.

“I can’t help it. I want you.” She opened her eyes and he could see the confusion warring with lust. “I know you’re a dragon. I can feel it. I was bound to one such as you, and hell would have been a kinder place. So why does my blood heat at the thought of lying naked in your arms?”

His heart leapt at her admission, even as it ached for her pain. “He may have been a dragon, but he was nothing like me. To bind a human against her will is the action of a beast. I would take you and cherish you as you deserve.” He lifted a finger to trace the path of a single tear that escaped from her eye. “I would let you lead, let you do as you would with my body. Give me a chance.”

Catching her hand in his, he laid it over his heart. “Give us a chance.” He saw the uncertainty in her expression and pressed home his advantage. She felt safe here, he realized. She knew she had only to cry out and Mireya would come to her rescue. “Feel how my body reacts to your touch.” He took her hand and placed it over the aching bulge at his groin.

The sound of a metal door slamming jarred Haydn back to reality. They were in a public building, a coffee shop. Someone could walk in at any moment. He needed to take her somewhere more private to continue wooing her.

He dismissed his apartment. She’d feel trapped within four walls, afraid of what he could do to her, alone and at his mercy. Her past would work against him. It needed to be somewhere open, somewhere she’d feel safe.

The meadow

. “Let me take you to a place I discovered last spring, one of the alpine meadows. It’s beautiful, a fitting place for a beauty like you.”

She tilted her head, curiosity in her eyes. “Where is it?”

“Up higher, in the interior of the island. The grass grows tall and lush, and the fragrance of the wild orchids’ blooms is amazing. A perfect setting for your beauty.”

“Sounds lovely, but how would we get there?”

“Have you ever ridden on a dragon?”

Cassie shuddered. “No, unless you count being clutched in his claws and dangling helplessly while he flew. Maudred liked to feed off the psychic fumes of my terror. Once, he dropped me in mid-flight and swooped down to catch me just before I splattered all over the ground. He said the rush was better than any drug invented.”

“Maudred was the dragon who bound you? I’d like to meet him sometime. The bastard needs to learn some manners.” He kept his voice mild, not letting her see the rage he felt at the thought of someone deliberately terrifying his fire companion. “You can ride on my back. If you sit forward, just behind my neck, you can hook your feet under the overlapping neck scales. There are lots of bony ridges to hold on to, and you’ll be perfectly safe.” And in control. After her experiences with Maudred, she would need to feel that control.

She cocked her head, and he could see interest warring with the caution in her eyes. “Give it a try.” He reached out to grasp her hand. “I won’t let you be hurt. I promise.”

She chewed on her lower lip as she studied him. “Okay. I’ll give it a try.”

Haydn leaned forward to place a kiss on her mouth. “Let’s go then. I have a sudden urge to breathe some pure mountain air.”

“Thanks, Mireya!” he hollered, hoping she could hear him. After throwing a couple of bills on the table to pay for the coffee, he led Cassie out into the parking lot. He could feel his cock hardening in anticipation of her touch. The thought of soaring through the air with his fire companion perched astride his back sent tingles of lust racing through him. Cassie might not know it yet, but he didn’t plan to let her out of his sight until they’d made love three full times, sealing the mate-bond. The meadow would be the ideal setting for seduction number one.

Standing in the middle of the pavement, he ignored her gasp as he stripped off his clothing and folded it into an efficient bundle that he could carry in one claw while they flew. His cock hardened under her gaze and it took all of his self-control not to take her right there. He wanted their first time to be perfect.

He called his magic, closing his eyes as the familiar tingling swept through him. His body elongated, scales erupting from beneath his skin while his neck lengthened and his legs thickened to become muscular limbs capable of supporting his dragon’s body. His tail grew long and scaled, lashing back and forth to work out the stiffness of the change. His spirit merged with that of the dragon dwelling within his soul, and he felt complete.

“You don’t look anything like the dragon who bound me. You’re gorgeous!” She reached out to stroke the scales on his side. “The way the different colors of greens and blues blend into each other is amazing. They shimmer in the moonlight, changing hues every time you move.”

He knelt at Cassie’s feet, being careful not to knock her hand away. He reveled in the feel of his fire companion’s touch. Glad you like my dragon. Climb up on my back and get yourself settled in comfortably. You can hook your feet beneath the scales along my neck and find a solid handhold.

Cassie’s jaw dropped. “I can hear you, but you’re not speaking. You can’t be. You’re a dragon.”

Dragons have the gift of telepathy, and as my souler, my soul mate, you can hear thoughts that I project to you

.

“That is so cool. Does it work the other way too? Can you read my thoughts?”

Haydn loved the wonder in her expression. Being bound had taken its toll, but she was recovering already. If you project them to me, then yes. I can’t actually read your mind.

Like this

? A cute frown wrinkled her brow. Can you hear me now?

Exactly like that! You catch on fast

.

Cassie ran her hand over his side, feeling the bony scale plates. It won’t hurt you when I climb up?

Nope. Won’t even tickle. Up you go

.

She found a handhold and clambered awkwardly up his side using the bony ridges of his scales to steady herself. When she reached the top, she straddled his neck, and he could feel her toes as she poked her feet under the overlapping scales to find a comfortable seat.

Ready

? He felt her tighten the grip with her knees.

“I think so.” Her voice quavered, and he could tell she was having second thoughts. “Fly carefully. I don’t want to fall off.”

I’d never do anything to put you in danger

. He sent a warm rush of reassuring love through their bond-link and felt her relax. Crouching down, he grasped his clothing in one claw before he leapt skyward, his powerful wings stroking through the cool air as night gave way to morning. They quickly gained altitude, and he made sure to keep the ride smooth so as not to upset his passenger.

This is amazing. I can see the whole town, and the beach and the roof of my house, and yet I feel as safe as if I were sitting in my old easy chair

. The wonder in her voice sent a satisfied thrill through Haydn. Already she sensed the difference between him and the rogue who’d bound her.

We’re going to circle around that peak up ahead and land in a meadow on the far side. You should get a good view of the mainland before we swing back

.

He pulled the tips of his wings in a bit, slowing their forward momentum. If she was enjoying the view and the ride, he could afford to wait a few more minutes before seducing her. He angled into the breeze and drifted around the mountain peak, taking a wide swing out over the ocean. The water shimmered below them, an alluring shade of azure blue. Cool morning air feathered across his muzzle before hitting his wings. For the first time in ages he felt at peace with himself and the world. He’d found his soul mate, his souler.

Is that the meadow

?

Haydn looked down. A riotous mix of colors met his gaze. The meadow, alive with the first flowers of spring. Yes. Beautiful, isn’t it? He tilted his wings back and circled, coming in to land from the west. He could feel Cassie gripping harder as the air buffeted her on landing. He knelt down to allow her to dismount.

“That was wonderful!” She slid off his back with the grace of one born to ride, laughing with delight. “It felt like I owned the world!”

Haydn grinned. Her mocha skin glowed, her eyes sparkling with joy. If it were mine to give, you would. He called the magic, eager to shift so that he could hold her in his arms.

* * *

Cassie watched the magic swirl around the hulking figure of the dragon. The ride had been wonderful, opening her eyes to the myriad of differences between the dragon who’d bound her and the mouthwatering male who’d whisked her to this mountain retreat. She could feel the heat rush to her cheeks as she imagined what she wanted him to do to her. No, not to her. With her. She sensed that he’d truly meant what he said. He’d let her take the lead, wouldn’t push her to do anything unless she were a willing participant.

Would she be brave enough to give him the chance? She lifted her chin, watching Haydn emerge from the sparkling cloud. A thin sheen of sweat covered his naked body, and her attention wandered to the hard shaft angling upward from his groin.

Not giving her a chance to think, he tossed his clothing aside and strode toward her. Curling his finger around her wrist, he drew her toward him.

Cassie watched his sinfully sexy lips descend, mesmerized. She shouldn’t want him so badly. He was a dragon. She should run while she had the chance. But she didn’t. She let her eyelids flutter down, closing at the first touch of his warm lips. She melted against him, there was no other way to describe it. She fit herself against him, craving the feel of his hard body burning through the thin protection of her clothing.

It might be madness, but she no longer cared. She’d never felt so needy, lust wiping out every self-protective instinct she had. His body crowded her, his cock hard against the soft flesh of her belly.

He nibbled on her lower lip, his teeth tracing a scorching path across it before he plunged his tongue deep to take complete control. Cassie whimpered at the merciless invasion, lust sweeping through her at his every touch. She ran her tongue alongside his, challenging him to make her his.

His arms came around her like bands of steel, holding her steady when her knees threatened to buckle. “You’re overdressed for what I have in mind.” He murmured the words against her lips while he swept her up in his arms and strode across the clearing.

“Are you always this forceful?” She let him lay her down in a patch of soft clover, the smell of crushed greenery rising to tease her senses.

“No. You are special. My fire companion. My souler.” He unbuttoned the front of her shirt and spread the material to expose her breasts, barely restrained by the lacy bra she’d donned for her shift that evening. His eyes darkened as he gazed down at her. “You are exquisite.”

Cassie snorted. “I’m plump, to put it mildly.” But secretly she was pleased when he shook his head, his hot gaze devouring the exposed skin.

“You are perfect, a fitting fire companion for one such as me.” He reached down to release her breasts from their prison of lace. His nostrils flared, and she had the crazy impression that he was inhaling her scent. He tugged impatiently at the sleeves of her shirt, and Cassie raised herself up on one elbow to pull it off. “This too.” He tugged at the waistband of her skirt. “If I have to wait much longer I’ll be tearing it off you, and then you’ll have nothing to wear on the flight back.”

Cassie giggled, picturing herself perched naked on the back of the dragon as it flew through the morning sky. Lust still clawed at her center, and she didn’t feel any of the fear she associated with the proximity of dragons. She got to her feet and hooked her thumbs in the waist of the denim skirt. Capturing his gaze, she gave a slow sensuous wriggle of her ample hips as she worked the material down over them, every move a teasing invitation.

Haydn drew in a ragged breath, his attention fixed on the flesh revealed as she let the skirt drop to the ground and stepped out of it. The tiny lace thong quickly followed. “I have no idea what I did to deserve you, but I’m not going to let you go. You’re so beautiful.”

He held out his hand, and Cassie hesitated for a second before slipping her fingers into his. “You promised not to bind me.”

He nodded. “And I will keep that promise. I would never hold you against your will. I intend to make you so happy you’ll never want to leave me.”

Cassie relaxed, dropping to her knees. “Ah well, that’s different. Give it your best shot.”

With a sexy grin on his lips, he grasped her hips and drew her down on top of him. She could feel the hard length of his shaft against her thigh, and she wriggled her hips, loving the way his cock jerked in response.

“Two can play at that game.” Haydn shifted, positioning his leg between her thighs. His grin widened at the little gasp that escaped her lips, and he slid his leg from side to side.

Heat flared through her, dark and edgy. She’d never felt like this before -- this burning lust, this aching desire. His thigh brushed against the hard nub of her clit, and she arched her back, grinding her sex against him. “I need…”

“You need what? Tell me.” The urgency in his voice sent her lust spiraling higher.

“I need you. I want your cock buried deep inside me.” She reached down between them to circle his shaft with her fingers. “I can’t believe I’m saying this to a dragon shifter but I want you to fuck me until I scream for mercy.”

“Make love to you.” He cupped the back of her head and pulled her down to sear a kiss across her lips. “You are my soul mate. When our bodies come together, it will be to make beautiful, passionate love.”

“Fine. I want you to make love to me. Now!” Cassie was in no mood to debate the wording. She’d never been this horny, and if he didn’t do something soon she wasn’t sure she’d survive.

“As you wish.” Grasping her by the hips, Haydn lifted her up over himself as if she weighed no more than a feather. He lowered her until the tip of his cock brushed against the slick entrance to her pussy.

Cassie whimpered as heat raced through her. “Please.” It came out a breathy whisper.

He let her down slowly, impaling her on his thick cock. Fingers of erotic heat darted through her every nerve as the invading shaft stretched the walls of her sex, pressing ever deeper into her center until she could feel his balls bouncing against her ass.

“Ye gods, you’re tight!” He held her steady, circling his hips.

“You’re just so damn big,” she gasped. “I don’t think I can handle all of you.”

“Of course you can.” He arched upward. “You’re in control. Just take your time. It’s all up to you.”

“Really?” She looked down at him and saw the honesty shining in his eyes. Lifting herself up on her forearms, she pushed into a sitting position, her legs straddling his thighs. With an impish grin, she rocked her hips, sliding her wet pussy along Haydn’s cock. “Can I do this?”

“Oh yeah.” He sucked in a mouthful of air. “You can do that.”

“How about this?” Leaning forward, she grasped his nipples and plucked gently.

“You can, but then I might do this.” Placing his palms under her buttocks, he lifted her up and then let her drop back down.

“Mmm.” Cassie repeated the move, feeling his shaft sliding along her sensitive inner walls. “This reminds me of riding ponies when I was a kid.” She gave him a lazy smile. “Except I don’t remember it feeling quite this good.” Hooking her feet behind his knees, she moved her hips back and forth, sliding her pussy up and down his cock.

“Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘ride the dragon’.” Hayden rocked his hips, matching her rhythm.

“It does indeed.” Liquid heat danced along her spine, and Cassie closed her eyes, bouncing up and down on his thick cock. Haydn’s rough hands caressed her buttocks, and she marveled at how wonderful it felt to be the one in control, the one who decided when to speed things up and when to take it easy. When she’d been bound, even the simplest of decisions had been out of her control.

Lust flared along every nerve, and she rocked her hips back and forth, building up speed as erotic heat gathered deep within her, urging her to move ever faster. Haydn matched her thrust for thrust, his cock stretching her inner walls as she rode him hard. She could feel her orgasm gathering, sweeping her along in a tidal wave of feelings that she hadn’t experienced since before her capture.

She opened her eyes and stared down at the dragon, at Hayden, as she came, screaming incoherently while wave after wave of heat rolled through her. She collapsed on top of him, too tired to hold herself up.

Haydn wrapped his warm arms around her, holding her close. She could hear him murmuring softly, but she couldn’t make out the words. It didn’t matter. She felt safe and warm and… satisfied.

It had been a long time since she’d been satisfied.

Chapter Three

Haydn could feel Cassie’s heart racing against his chest. She’d ridden him hard, and when she came, he’d been unable to hold back, even if he’d wanted to. He’d bedded many females in his time, dragons, humans and others, but he’d never felt such an amazing connection.

He rested his chin on top of her head and inhaled her unique scent. As soon as his breathing returned to normal, he intended to make love to her again. By the time he took her home to make love to her in the comfort of his lair, he intended there to be no doubt about the difference between him and her ex-master.

“That was… I feel…Well…” Cassie sighed, her breath feathering across his chest. “You must think I’m an idiot. I can’t even begin to describe it, but I’ve never felt this way before.” She tilted her neck to look into his eyes, and he marveled at the way his heart melted at just that look.

“I should hope not. You are my fire companion, the other half of my soul. I felt it too, the connection. In all my years, no female has ever made me feel that way.” He stroked one finger down the side of her face, feeling the softness of her skin. “We were born for each other.”

Cassie looked up at him, her beautiful eyes clouded with doubt. “You’re a dragon, and I’m fully human. How can you think that we’re any more than two beings who happened to both need the release?”

Hayden shook his head, feeling a gentle smile play across his lips. She was so determined not to believe in their destiny, not to acknowledge the explosive need that ripped through him at just the thought of her. Even now, mere minutes after they’d made love so thoroughly, his cock was stirring to life. “No. I’ve been doing that my whole life. Seeking out willing females to slake my sexual appetites. This is different. This is special.”

He saw the confusion on her face, the hesitation. He’d have to convince her that this was real. He’d deliberately let her think that there were no strings attached, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to let her go. Not now.

He ran his hand down her side, letting it rest on the soft flesh of her belly. He loved that she wasn’t all skin and bony angles like so many of the women he’d bedded in the past. She had enough flesh on her bones that he didn’t have to worry about hurting her with his superior bulk. “What do you fantasize about?” He kept his voice deliberately neutral.

“Fantasize?” Her brow furrowed. “You mean like sexual fantasies?”

“Yeah.” He sure hoped she wasn’t going to come up with something he couldn’t produce, like another shifter. “Is there something you’ve always wanted to try?” He watched as her lashes came down to rest on soft mocha cheeks, hiding her eyes. She said something, her voice so low he couldn’t quite hear the words.

“Pardon?”

“Water.” Her lashes fluttered just enough for her to peek up at him.

“Water?” He knew he sounded as baffled as he felt.

“Water. I’ve always wanted to make love in the ocean.”

Haydn felt a slow smile play across his face. “You are the most surprising female I’ve ever had the pleasure of falling for. One watery fantasy coming right up.” Calling his magic, he quickly shifted back to his dragon form. All aboard for the lagoon special.

He turned his head and watched as Cassie scrambled to retrieve their clothing. Don’t bother putting it on. He held out a claw toward her. No one is going to see us, and it’ll just slow us down when we get to the lagoon.

Cassie handed him the clothing, a mischievous grin on her sexy lips. “This feels so very decadent. I’m going to be flying over the island naked, on the back of one of the famous dragon shifters. Hell, if someone had told me I’d be flying over the island naked, mounted on the back of a dragon, I’d have had the bartender cut off their supply of booze. Now look at me!” She twirled in a graceful pirouette.

His gaze wandered approvingly over her full figure. If it were up to him, she’d spend the rest of her days naked, hidden away in his lair. He had a feeling that wouldn’t go down so well with her, though. I’m looking and I like what I see. Hop on before I change my mind and decide to make love to you again right here.

She stuck her tongue out at him, a peal of delighted laughter ringing from her lips. You promised to fulfill my fantasy. Don’t be trying to back out now.

Wouldn’t dream of it

. Haydn lowered himself to his knees to make it easier for her to mount. Cassie grasped the bony protrusions on his scales, and clambered onto his back. With a teasing little wriggle of her butt that sent a flare of lust through him, she settled into place. Ready? Haydn lurched to his feet.

Cassie anchored her feet beneath the overlapping plates. Let’s fly, dragon mine! She gave a little kick with her heels as if she were riding a horse. So where is this lagoon you’re taking me to? The only one I’ve ever seen is the one beside Utopia Bay, and I’ve got to think that’s a little too public for making love, even for a player like you.

Haydn winced. While he’d enjoyed playing the field these last few years, now that he’d found his fire companion, things were different. Right now Cassie felt safe cavorting with him, thinking he’d let her go her own way in the morning, as he’d done with all his other conquests over the years.

That wasn’t happening. She was his souler, the keeper of his heart, and he would do whatever it took to convince her that he was different from the rogues.

He launched himself skyward with a powerful lunge of his back legs, his wings sweeping lazily in the warm air currents. We’re going to a special place that I know of on the far side of the island. It’s very private, the only other living things there are the dolphins.

Dolphins

? She giggled, the sound like liquid sunshine to his ears. Sounds like fun!

Haydn circled, angling into the current to gain altitude. It felt so right having her perched on his back while he flew. He’d always thought that his fire companion, when he found her, would be another dragon shifter. Humans made great fuck buddies, with their endless imaginations and high sex drives. He just hadn’t considered that he’d form a soul-bond with one. The gods must be laughing at him now.

He couldn’t help showing off a bit, taking long swooping paths around the mountain peak before gliding down low above the water. He could feel the wonder in her mind as she took in the beauty of the ocean unfolding beneath them.

He looked forward to many trips with his souler mounted safely on his back. But for now, the anticipation of her slick pussy gripping his cock made him cut short his display of aerial skills. Titling his head to the left, he made his way down to the dolphins’ playground.

* * *

“This is lovely! Why didn’t I know it was here?” Cassie flung her arms wide, dancing in the frothy surf curling up on the beach.

“Probably because the only route in is by air or water and it’s not visible from any of the shipping routes. That’s why the dolphins like to come here. No one disturbs them.” Haydn nodded toward the pod of dolphins lazing out in the deeper water. “It’s safe.”

Cassie turned to face him, droplets of water glistening on her naked body, and he felt hot flames of lust licking their way through his groin. Did she know how tempting she looked? Did she have any idea what she did to his control?

A flicker of hesitation gleamed in her eyes. “No one will see us? You’re sure?”

“Absolutely positive.” Hayden tossed their clothing higher up on the beach, out of reach of the waves and strode across the warm sand. “Even the dolphins are closing their eyes.”

Cassie giggled, the sound pure sunshine and music. “I never asked you if dragons can swim.” Her gaze dropped to his cock, already engorged at the mere sight of her naked body. “Or if the cold water is going to put a damper on your… ability to please.” She turned and ran into the waves, the sound of her laughter floating back to taunt him.

“It’s going to take more than a bit of water to put out this flame.” Hayden watched her ample buttocks disappear beneath the surface. Making his way into deeper water, he dove in after her. Nothing like a little chase to whet a dragon’s appetite.

Haydn sliced through the water with the skill of someone born on the small island. He’d learned to swim almost before he could walk and felt just as comfortable in water as he did on the land or in the air.

Cassie popped up to the surface in front of him, wiping the water from her face. Her eyes reflected his own desire, and he reached for her using his dragon’s natural buoyancy to keep them both afloat. “Oh, Haydn.” Cassie sighed softly, her dark lashes sweeping down to cover her eyes as he seared a kiss across her full lips. “If only I’d met you sooner.”

“Shush. Don’t think. Just feel.” He pulled her in tight against him, wrapping one arm around her waist. He used the other to tilt her head back so he could reclaim her lips, forcing his tongue past them to explore the hot cavern of her mouth.

Her tongue came out to challenge him, and heat sizzled through him as she engaged in an erotic duel, sliding her tongue down and around with quick, wet flicks.

Teasing. Tempting. Leading him on.

He nibbled his way down her neck, licking stray droplets of water off her smooth brown skin. He gloried in the feel of her warm, plump body against his, moving just enough to keep herself afloat. His cock pressed eagerly against the soft flesh of her belly and he cupped one full, round breast in his hand.

Not one of those bony stick figures that graced the covers of popular magazines, his fire companion had the full figure of an ancient Greek goddess. Her womanly curves welcomed his attention, and he flicked his thumb over her nipple, watching it harden into a dusky peak. Unable to resist, he lowered his head to engulf the tip with his mouth. Swirling his tongue around the nipple, he settled in to feast on the tasty mounds.

Cassie tilted her head, arching her back as she moaned with pleasure. Her sudden shift of position threw him off balance, and he spluttered as the water closed over his head. Regretfully, he let her go and kicked his way back to the surface. “Time for Plan B.”

He watched Cassie flail her arms about, a dazed look in her eyes. “You have a Plan B? One that doesn’t involve getting us drowned?” She calmed down and started to tread water, her lovely breasts peeking out from beneath the surf.

“I do now.” Haydn glanced over her shoulder, focusing on a cluster of boulders sticking up from the water. He let the waves carry him closer to his fire companion. “Take my hand.”

Cassie looked doubtful, but grasped his outstretched hand and held on. Haydn dragged her with him to the rocks, circling until he found what he was looking for. On the far side, where the surf constantly broke against it, a wide ledge had been worn into the hard surface. Right now, with the tide at its highest point, the ledge was well under the surface of the water. Perfect! Turning slightly, he guided Cassie toward the rock, waiting for her to feel the ledge beneath her feet.

A sexy smile played about the edge of her mouth, and she leaned back against the rock. “Pretty good plan for spur of the moment.”

“Why, thank you.” He watched a droplet of water work its way down her cheek. “Just goes to prove that I’m not just another pretty face.”

Cassie laughed, the sound sending shivers of delight down his spine. “I’d hardly call you pretty.” She cocked her head and studied him. “Interesting. Rugged. Maybe even handsome, but definitely not pretty. But that’s okay, because I don’t like my men pretty.”

“Your men?” He lifted one brow. “I’m the only man you need to be concerned with. I don’t intend to share you.” He pulled himself onto the ledge, one foot on either side of hers. Lifting his arms, he caged her between them.

She lifted her chin defiantly, opening her mouth. Haydn didn’t let her speak. He swooped his head down and took her lips in a hard kiss, letting her feel his hunger. Trapping her bottom lip between his teeth, he nipped lightly, feeling the shiver run through her at the sharp pain before he ran his tongue over the tiny hurt.

Cassie wrapped her arms around his neck, threading her fingers through his hair. “Don’t I have any say about our future?”

He buried his face in the tender hollow of her neck. “Of course you do. I let you decide where we’d make love, didn’t I?”

She sighed softly as he ran his tongue over the tender skin. “That you did, and it’s gorgeous. The warm water sliding over my skin is incredibly erotic. I can’t wait to see what it feels like when you slide that enormous cock of yours into my pussy.” She stared at him, her eyes dancing with mischief. “I’ll wrap my legs around you and let the water hold me up while I slide up and down your shaft.”

“Minx!” He slid a hand across her soft skin and over the ample mounds of her breasts. “But I do like your idea.” He leaned into her and let her feel the thick length of his cock as it pressed against her. “The movement of the water lends an interesting feel to things.”

“Mmmm.” Cassie squirmed against him, her beautiful eyes closed. He marveled that this gorgeous woman belonged to him. Shifting his position, he reached down with one hand to part the soft folds of her labia. Cassie whimpered softly as his thumb brushed across the hard nub of her clit, and he felt a surge of satisfaction at her instinctive responsiveness. He would enjoy teaching her the many positions of lovemaking he’d learned over the years.

Grasping her hips, he positioned the head of his cock at her entrance and leaned forward, sinking his cock into her delicious heat one slow inch at a time. Cassie arched her back, whimpering incoherently as his shaft stretched her, sinking ever deeper into her tight channel. The warm ocean waves continued to lap against them, like the soft caress of a lover who watched over them.

He paused when he felt his balls brush against her thighs, closing his eyes to enjoy the sensation of having his cock completely sheathed within his fire companion. Cassie stirred against him, and he smiled to himself.

He pulled his shaft back until just the tip rested within her molten channel, then thrust back through the slick folds until his balls slapped her ass. Capturing her mouth, he proceeded to kiss her thoroughly, telling her with tongue and lips what he felt in his heart.

He buried his cock in her repeatedly. His hips moved with piston-like precision as he picked up the pace, his lust intensifying with every thrust of his shaft, every ripple of her tight inner muscles, every moan and whimper that escaped her luscious mouth.

His balls drew up tight, readying their load while Cassie writhed against him, trapped between his hard body and the unyielding rock. He felt the first wave of her orgasm tremble through her. The walls of her pussy clamped down hard on his shaft, throwing him into his own orgasm. He held her tight, roaring out his claim to the sea and the sky.

Mine. My fire companion. My souler.

Thick spurts of seed jetted out of his cock, bathing her channel in heat, and still he held her close as wave after wave of pleasure washed over him. Cassie clung to him, and he let the gentle pressure of the waves hold them up on the ledge.

Cassie’s eyelids swept up to reveal eyes clouded with passion. “You’re an incredible lover. I’m glad I didn’t let one bad experience with a dragon turn me away from your kind completely. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He tugged her free of the ledge, letting the gentle ocean current push them toward the shore. “We’ll have to make this one of our regular trysting spots.”

He felt her stiffen in his arms, the passion in her eyes replaced with alarm. “What makes you think we’re going to do this again? You haven’t bound me, have you? I thought you said you were different from Maudred.” The waves deposited them on the warm sand, and she scrambled out of his arms. “I won’t do it again. I’ll let the surf take me before I submit to being bound again.”

Haydn stared at his fire companion, a sick feeling churning in the pit of his stomach. After what they’d just experienced in each other’s arms, how could she think he would do such a thing?

Chapter Four

Cassie backed away from the dragon shifter. Haydn had been slick, she’d give him that. He’d had her so wound up in the lust blazing through her every nerve that she’d almost made a fatal mistake. She’d almost trusted a dragon.

“You’re my souler, my soul mate. Love forms the connection between us. That’s not the same thing as being bound.” He took a step toward her.

“No!” Cassie held up her hand and he stopped. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear that was hurt in his eyes. “Don’t come any closer.”

The dragon shifter sank down onto his haunches, as if he knew that would make him appear smaller, less menacing. He lifted his chin to make eye contact. “We’ve made love twice…”

Cassie interrupted him, shaking her head. “We fucked twice. That’s all it was, a mutual sating of needs.”

His eyes glittered like shards of green ice, but his voice remained calm. “To seal the bond between fire companions, they need to make love three times. Each time, both of the participants can feel their souls starting to join, the two halves becoming one joyous whole. It is the most beautiful thing in the world, and the most precious. It is nothing like a bonding.”

He curled his lips up as though the thought left a sour taste in his mouth. “Bonding is an act of selfishness, forcing a human to submit to the will of a dragon lord without any consideration for the human’s wants or needs. You insult me by implying I would stoop so low.”

He looked sincere, and for some insane reason, she wanted to believe him, but she knew that she couldn’t risk it. And yet… Not once had he forced her to do his bidding. He’d fucked her, but she’d wanted it every bit as much as he did. At all times she’d felt in control.

Her feelings mattered to him and he’d let her be the one calling the shots. Even when they’d flown, he’d taken care to let her know that she’d be safe. He’d communicated with her the whole time so that she knew exactly what he was doing and why. Hardly the actions of an unfeeling dragon lord, but could she risk trusting him?

“You need proof.” He said it quietly, his eyes filled with acceptance. “After your unfortunate experiences, you’re afraid that I will hurt you as he did.” She nodded slowly. “You trust Egan, the dragon shifter who freed you?”

She looked at him warily. “Yes. Why?”

“I can take you to talk to him and his mate Mireya. She’s the woman who let us into the coffee shop earlier this evening. You can ask her whatever you want to know about fire companions. She’s a ferret shifter, so she had even more reason to mistrust a soul bond with a dragon than you do. Would that help?”

Cassie gulped down the knot in her throat. “You’d do that? Let me talk to someone else about us?”

“Of course. The next time we make love, the bond will become permanent. Dragon magic works in threes, like most other kinds. Once I’ve shared my seed with you three times, our soul bond will be complete -- we’ll be joined together forever. Forever and a day, legend has it. Before that happens, you need to be sure that you’re willing to make that kind of commitment.”

“And if I’m not?”

He smiled, but she could see the strain in his eyes and at the edge of his lips. “Then I’ll just have to keep courting you until you are. I’m not going to force you to accept me.”

“Well.” She tried to look confident. “Let’s go see what Egan and Mireya have to say.”

* * *

Where do they live

? Cassie looked around. For as far as she could see, the landscape looked deserted. They’d flown low, following the coastline for the last half hour without any sign of civilization.

Egan is a water dragon

. Haydn looked over his shoulder, and Cassie had to admire the way the morning sun shone on the smooth scales that covered his forehead. His lair is beneath the water, with an entrance built into a house on the cliffs above. Very clever really, you’ll see.

Cassie tossed her head, and let the warm air currents play across her face. Already, she loved the feel of the air rushing past her while she perched on the back of her dragon.

Not her dragon, she corrected herself. Not yet. Maybe not ever. She’d told herself that she’d reserve judgment until after she talked to Mireya, but she couldn’t see how she could possibly agree to be anything that would take her back to that horrible time of being a Boundling. Those memories were still too painful to contemplate.

Haydn circled over an outcropped cliff, angling in to land in front of a small house. Dropping to his knees, he let Cassie dismount before shifting back to his human form.

“I thought you said they lived underwater.” Cassie looked at the house in front of them.

“They do.” Haydn strode to the front door and hit a button mounted on a large plate. “This is just the way in.”

“Hello?” A male voice issued from a speaker mounted in the plate.

Haydn depressed the button again. “Egan? How are you? It’s me, Haydn, and I’ve brought someone who needs to talk to Mireya. Can we come down?”

“Sure. Come on down.” A loud click signaled the door unlocking, and Haydn held it open for Cassie.

She entered the house and looked around. Except for a large elevator shaft in the middle of the room, the house was empty. Completely empty. Not only was there no furniture, there were no interior walls or any attempt to make it look like a home. She glanced over at Haydn.

He shrugged his magnificent shoulders. “It’s just an entrance. Their home is below.” He hit the button on the wall to summon the elevator. “You’ll see. It’s quite stunning.”

“But…” The elevator doors interrupted her, letting out a warning ding as they slid open. Haydn grabbed her hand and drew her inside with him, letting the doors slide shut behind them. The walls of the elevator were clear, giving them a good view of the layers of rock that made up the cliff.

He drew her up against him, lowering his head to brush a gentle kiss across her lips. “Egan and Mireya haven’t been together all that long and she didn’t want to accept him at first. You two have quite a lot in common. Egan and I will leave you to talk in private, so you can ask her whatever you want without worrying about me overhearing.”

“Thank you.” Cassie didn’t know what else to say. He seemed so sincere, so determined to let her find out everything she could before she decided whether to commit. Then again, the cynical side of her warned, he was also controlling whom she got information from.

The dinging of the elevator as it reached its destination interrupted her confused thoughts. The door slid open to reveal Egan and Mireya waiting to greet them.

“Haydn, good to see you.” Egan stepped forward and the two dragons clasped each other by the forearms. His gaze slid to Cassie. “And who is this?”

“Cassandra.” Haydn urged her to his side. “My fire companion. Your company freed her a while ago, and she has some questions I thought Mireya could answer.”

“I’d be happy to help.” Mireya smiled at her, and Cassie suddenly felt less nervous. “Why don’t you guys go check out the new pod of whales in the Bay?”

“I just checked on them this morning.” Egan frowned at his mate. “They’re fine.”

Mireya stood with her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes at her mate. “That’s not the point. Go check them again.”

“Oh!” Understanding dawned on Egan’s face. “Of course. We’ll do that right now.”

Mireya laughed and turned to Cassie. “Men! Come on into the kitchen. I just put on a fresh pot of coffee.”

Cassie turned to look at Haydn, and he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Go ahead and ask your questions. Egan and I will go take a look at the whales.” He turned and followed Egan into the elevator.

“So what did you want to ask?” Mireya led the way into the kitchen and poured them each a coffee.

Cassie wrapped her hands around the mug. “Haydn says he wants to seal a mate-bond with me, and the thought scares me. He says it’s not the same as when I was bound, but I can’t see the difference. He thinks you can explain it to me.” She took a sip of the dark liquid.

Mireya nodded. “That’s a reasonable question. When Egan first started asking me out, I refused to even talk to him. I was so confused and there was no one I could ask. If he hadn’t decided to take matters into his own hands, I would have thrown away my only chance at true happiness.” She gave Cassie an understanding smile. “Binding is done without the consent of the human and is a heinous crime. If you accused Haydn of trying to bind you, he would be horrified.”

Cassie sighed. “He sure was. That’s when I got confused. We had sex in a meadow up in the mountains, and then in the water in a beautiful cove, but he said if he spilled his seed in me one more time, then the bond would be complete.”

“He said bond, not bound. There is a world of difference. A fire companion is someone who is born to be the other half of your soul.” Mireya held up one hand. “I know that sounds corny, but it’s true. The word souler means soul mate, literally the other half of your soul.

“The third time you make love, there is a magical bond that joins the two of you to each other for the rest of your lives.” She smiled, her eyes sparkling with laugher. “If Haydn says you are his fire companion, then it must be true. He’s played fast and loose with just about every female on this island, and he’s never shown any interest in settling down before now.”

“Really?” Cassie found that little tidbit reassuring. Maybe everything else he’d said had been true and he really did want them to be together forever.

“Truly, I swear it on a stack of the shiniest things I own.” Mireya laughed. “I’m a ferret shifter, and I can’t resist anything shiny.” Cassie turned toward the doorway at the sound of the elevator returning. “Is there anything else you needed to know?”

“No, thanks. You’ve been a great help.” Cassie found herself in a hurry to get back to Haydn. The thought of making love to him again suddenly seemed like the best idea she’d heard in a long time.

“Is it okay to come back in?” Egan’s voice came from the other room.

“Sure is. I think I’ve answered everything Cassie wanted to know.” Mireya looked over at Cassie, who nodded.

“Yes, thanks. And thank you for the coffee. Haydn and I will be going now.”

“We will?” Haydn raised his brows as she walked over and placed a kiss full on his lips.

“Yes, we have something to finish.”

“We do?” He looked down at her, and she wondered how she could have ever thought he would do something as despicable as binding her.

“Yes, you promised to show me your lair.” She took his hand and led him to the elevator.

Mireya giggled. “I think you’ve met your match, Haydn. The females on the island are going to have to look elsewhere for their fun from now on.” She wrapped her arm around Egan’s waist.

Cassie stepped into the elevator and turned to wave goodbye to her new friend. “Thank you, Mireya. You were a great help.”

“You’re welcome.” She leaned against Egan. “Us girls have to stick together, you know.”

The doors slid shut and the elevator started its ascent with a slight jerk. Cassie turned to face Haydn and reached up to wrap her arms around his neck.

“So this fire companion thing means you’re going to do anything I say?” She didn’t give him time to reply, pressing her lips against his in a kiss that conveyed her willingness to commit wholeheartedly to their relationship. Haydn brought his arms up to hold her close against him, returning the kiss with every bit as much enthusiasm.

Chapter Five

“So this is your lair, is it?” Cassie looked at the log cabin perched on the edge of the cliffs. Haydn’s element was air, so she should have known his home would be as high off the ground as he could get it. The meadow that they’d first made love in was just over the rise behind them.

“My home, yes.” His shift complete, Haydn strode over to place his arm around her shoulders. “And yours as well. I can’t wait to show you the view from our bedroom.” He led her to the front entrance, unlocking the door with a wave of his hand.

Cassie watched the shimmery swirl of magic. “That is so cool. Can I learn to do that?”

“Of course, once our mate bond solidifies, you’ll be able to draw on my magic for minor things like unlocking doors.” He grasped her hand and led her through the hallway into the great room.

The ceiling soared two stories above them, giving the impression of unlimited space. A gigantic stone fireplace took up one end of the room, and an assortment of comfortable looking chairs and sofas sat at random intervals on the polished hardwood floors. She nodded in approval. He’d done a good job of making his house a home.

“The bedroom is this way.” Haydn tugged on her hand, leading her toward a circular staircase of rough-hewn timbers.

Cassie resisted, looking at the soft rug in front of the fireplace. “That looks comfy.

Haydn gave a negative shake of his head. “You’ll like it better up here. Trust me.”

Trust me

. Just two little words. Cassie realized she did trust him. With her heart. With her life. With her happiness. She followed him up the stairs.

At the top, he led her through an arched doorway. Cassie’s mouth opened in wonder as she looked around. Glass walls soared from the floor to the clear ceiling, making it feel as though they were outside. The sun shone down through the ceiling, and she could see fluffy white clouds drifting across the blue sky.

The house was perched on the edge of a cliff, and the transparent walls let her look out over the entire valley, right down to the edge of the ocean.

“This is…” She stopped, at a loss for words.

“It is, isn’t it?” Haydn stood behind her, his hands resting on her shoulders. “I wanted us to solidify our mate bond here, with the sky bearing witness to our love.”

Cassie turned to face her lover. His eyes shone softly in the sunlight, and she reached up to trace the rugged line of his cheek before she covered his mouth with hers.

The kiss was gentle, loving. She appreciated the fact that Haydn let her take the lead even now. She could feel the tension in his shoulder muscles flexing beneath her fingers, and knew he’d prefer to skip the foreplay and just take her.

She tugged at his shirt, suddenly impatient to feel his naked flesh beneath her fingers. A deep chuckle escaped him, and he reached down to undo the buttons so that he could shrug the garment off his shoulders.

Cassie ran her hands over the tight coils of muscle covering his chest, anticipation curling its way down her spine at the thought of him completely naked. She lowered her hands to the waistband of his pants, fumbling with the catch on his jeans in her haste.

“I see I’m not the only one in a hurry to finalize the bond.” Lust lent a rough edge to Haydn’s voice. He grasped the front of her blouse and ripped the fabric free of her body, tossing the scraps aside before undoing the clasp at the front of her bra. “We can get you more clothing later.” His gaze was riveted on her full breasts as they spilled out into his waiting hands. He drew in a loud breath, squeezing the tender mounds in his large hands before he let them go.

Cassie knew she should be shocked, scared even. Haydn wasn’t even attempting to control himself. He stepped out of his jeans and tossed them aside before skimming his briefs over his hips to allow his cock to spring free. The briefs followed the jeans, and he advanced, a determined expression on his rugged face.

She stood still, frozen in place by the raging lust flaring throughout her body. Damn, she wanted him. He grasped her skirt by the waistband and jerked it down over her hips. “I want you naked. Now.” His tone brooked no argument.

And Cassie didn’t want to argue. She kicked the skirt off, leaving her standing in front of him clad only in a red leather thong.

Haydn hooked a finger through the thin strip of leather circling her waist and ripped it from her body, his attention fixated on the nest of dark curls at the apex of her thighs. He let out a long low whistle. “Damn, that looks good enough to eat.”

Picking her up as though her well-fleshed body weighed little more than a feather, he carried her to the king-sized bed that dominated the center of the room. With amazing tenderness, he laid her down on the soft comforter. Lifting her legs up, he knelt on the bed between her thighs and tossed one knee over each of his shoulders. Using a hand to part the soft lips that guarded her entrance, he gave her a long, wet lick from clit to anus.

Cassie whimpered and damn near came on the spot. Just one touch of his tongue and her pussy gushed cream. He flicked another slow lick across her clit and hot tongues of flames licked their way up her spine.

Haydn settled in to feast. Licking. Nibbling. Sucking. Long, slow swipes of his tongue were interspersed with teasing nibbles. Cassie writhed and moaned beneath his talented tongue, pleasure blazing its way along every nerve ending. Just as she felt her orgasm start to blossom, he lifted his head.

“Nooooo…” She opened her eyes. “Don’t stop.”

“I’m just getting started.” A darkly wicked grin crooked his mouth. “Spread them pretty little thighs of yours and let me show you how a dragon claims his mate.” He took his cock in his hand and gave it a long, slow stroke.

“Like this?” Cassie returned the grin, running the tip of her tongue around her lips while she spread her legs wide.

“Oh yeah, exactly like that.” His nostrils flared, and Cassie wondered if he could smell her arousal. He positioned himself between her thighs, his weight resting on his forearms. The tip of his cock parted the soft lips of her pussy and pressed against her moist entrance. “I love you, my souler.” He seated himself balls-deep in her slick heat with one powerful thrust.

“And I love you too.” Cassie wrapped her legs around his waist, locking her heels behind his back. “You’ve captured my heart.”

Haydn withdrew slowly, and Cassie tilted her hips to make sure she got every possible inch as he slammed back into her waiting pussy. In and out. Harder. Faster. The pace quickened and their breath came in ragged gulps. Lust and love vied for supremacy in Cassie’s body, and she could feel her orgasm gathering.

Shimmering glimmers of magic gathered in the corners of the room. Cassie could see it out of the corner of her eye. Thickening. Coming closer to the two of them. Colorful strands of magic that wove itself in intricate patterns around them while they made tender passionate love under the warm rays of the sun.

“I can’t believe I fell in love with a dragon.” Cassie stared up at his beloved face. She could feel herself losing control as she teetered on the brink of orgasm.

“It’s destiny. You couldn’t do anything else, you were born for me.” Haydn held her hips still as he pistoned in and out, taking her higher and higher until she couldn’t think, only feel. Her orgasm burst over her like a sudden squall barreling in from the ocean.

Haydn shouted her name as he too came, his hot seed spurting into her and sealing their mate bond. Cassie felt wave after wave of pleasure wash over her and the shimmering lines of magic wound tight around them, binding them together forever.

Two hearts, willing captives of their love.

Anne Kane

Anne Kane lives in the beautiful Okanagan Valley with a bouncy Jack Russell terrier, a cantankerous Himalayan cat, and too many fish to count. She has two handsome sons and three adorable grandchildren. By day, she’s a respectable bean counter, but after hours her imagination soars and she writes romances that span the galaxy and encompass beings of all sizes, shapes and origins. She first started telling stories as a child and she just can’t seem to stop.

Her hobbies include kayaking, hiking, motorcycles, swimming, skating, karate, playing guitar, singing and of course, reading.

You can find Anne at:

Website: http://www.AnneKane.com

Blog: http://annekane.wordpress.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/annekane

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/anne.kane.author

Wyszukiwarka

Podobne podstrony:
ANK Stargazers4
ANK StarHaven1
ank
potw przep ANK

więcej podobnych podstron