Chapter Seven

It was dark outside when Lucius lowered the lid of the laptop. So much knowledge and now it was his. Unlike humans, he read and learned at a rapid rate, absorbing centuries of innovation and history in a matter of hours.

He could walk out the door and not only survive but thrive. Drakons were collectors at heart—gold, jewels, art, money, property—whatever took their fancy. As an earth drakon, his affinity was with gemstones and minerals. Before he’d slept, he’d hidden his wealth deep within the bowels of the earth, in places only another drakon could reach. It would take him little time to reestablish himself. Give him another day or two and he’d understand the intricacies of the worldwide financial institutions and how best to manipulate them for his own needs.

His gaze flicked to the short hallway that led to Raine’s bedroom and back to the computer. Every muscle in his body clenched. Go or stay? He was perched on a razor’s edge. While many of his memories had returned, many remained beyond his grasp. He sensed they were important but trying to force them only made them retreat deeper into the recesses of his mind. No matter, they’d surface in time. He didn’t need to access them to know he wasn’t the type to allow anyone to get too close. It wasn’t in his nature.

Distrustful. Cautious. Cynical. Those words could easily be applied to him with accuracy. He’d chosen the Deep Sleep because he was done with the world—the greed and fear and never-ending wars. Done with mankind’s need to control or exploit or destroy anything or anyone different.

Being friends with me just shows what good taste you have. The smooth, cultured voice slid into his head. Lucius searched his memories for a face to put with it. A male with blond hair, brown eyes, olive-toned skin, and fangs popped into his head. Fangs? He was friends with a bloodsucker?

He shook his head. Not likely. Vampires couldn’t be trusted.

The room began to close in around him. A vicious tug-of-war was being played with his soul. Pain radiated through his skull. Gripping his head, he gritted his teeth. Go or stay. He had to make a choice.

If he left now, he could bury himself so deep in the Earth’s core no one, not even a mage, could reach him. But not even a mage should have been able to wake him from the Deep Sleep. And none had. It had been all Raine. Leaving would mean he’d never see her again. His dragon roared. Scales rippled over his skin. His tattoos pulsed. He clamped down on the beast. If he shifted inside, he’d destroy her home and possibly harm her.

Immediately, the creature inside him retreated. Lucius’s lungs worked like a bellows as he sucked in air. I can’t leave her. The realization struck him with the force of a meteor. Was some spell chaining him to her or was it the will of his dragon, the attraction that grew the longer he was with her? She brought light to the darkness inside him.

If she betrayed him—his heart wrenched at the idea. He clenched his jaw to keep from roaring his rage.

I need to leave. Now. Before it’s too late.

A low moan had his head snapping around. He was on his feet and striding toward her before he’d made the conscious decision to do so. Raine was tucked under the covers, her head moving restlessly. Another small cry escaped her. For better or worse, he’d made his choice.

Instinct had him stretching out beside her, cramming his large body onto the small bed. The mattress dipped with his added weight, causing her to roll toward him. She snuggled her face into his shoulder and sighed, resting one hand on his chest. The anguish plaguing him receded under her gentle touch.

He ran the backs of his knuckles over her cheek. So frail, so delicate. Yet, she’d tried to dig her way out of the cave. He lifted her hand and kissed the small nicks and healing cuts.

This is where I’m meant to be.

The dragon side of him was more certain than the human part. Fate and destiny weren’t things he believed in, but if he did, he’d say Raine Carson was made for him.

“You’re thinking too loud.” Her eyes fluttered open, all sleepy and warm.

“I didn’t mean to wake you.” He brushed his hand over her tousled hair, which was even shorter than his, yet somehow suited her.

“What time is it?” She yawned and rubbed her face against his arm, much like the cat had earlier.

“Not time for you to get up yet.” The sun would be rising in a few hours. She hadn’t wanted to sleep this long, but she needed the rest. And he’d needed the time and space to absorb all the information he required.

She made a sound of agreement and settled back down. The house gave a few creaks and groans, but the night was otherwise quiet. There was nothing keeping him here, no tethers holding him.

As if to emphasize that fact, she rolled over, giving him her back. She snuggled the covers tighter around her before going still again. He turned onto his side and hooked an arm around her. It put her back to his front, their heads sharing the same pillow.

There was no need to decide anything tonight. If there was one thing he had plenty of, it was time. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to drop into a deep, healing sleep.

The dreams came first. Faces and places bombarded him faster than he could process. It was only when they slowed that he understood they weren’t dreams but memories. As though some barrier had been lifted, his entire history slammed into his awareness. That, coupled with all the knowledge he’d absorbed earlier, threatened to overwhelm him. He clenched his jaw, riding out the pain. His dragon roared inside him, wanting to break free.

“Wake up.” Raine’s voice was faint, as though she was far away. “You promised me you wouldn’t turn into a hunk of stone. Don’t you dare shift in my bedroom.”

Something or someone lightly tapped his face. “Your eyes are open and they’re glowing like pink spotlights.”

A drakon turned to stone only during the Deep Sleep. It was supposed to be permanent and wasn’t a decision to be made lightly. For three hundred years, he’d embraced the dark silence. It would be so easy to give in. There was peace there.

“Don’t do this.” He barely heard her. She was slipping away from him. Was whatever spell that woke him fading or was the Deep Sleep calling him back? Could he fight it or was it inevitable?

I’m losing her.

Blinding pain coursed through him as his very lifeblood began to solidify. His muscles hardened, his limbs refusing to move. Fear gripped his heart, not for himself, but for her.

Her face filled his fading vision. Her voice sang in his ears. He wasn’t ready to leave her. Not yet. She needed him.And God help him, he just might need her.

“Lucius!”

An onslaught of primal need ignited within him. Nothing and no one was keeping him from her. With a mighty roar, he lurched upright, almost blinded by the internal fire threatening to consume him. Raine fell back onto the mattress and rolled away. Unlimited power exploded in his every cell.

If I lose control, she’ll die.

Not willing to sacrifice her, he bore down, grinding his teeth, absorbing the pain that threatened to tear him apart. “Run!” The word was ripped from his throat.

She scrambled off the bed, but instead of obeying his command, she hovered beside him. “What’s happening? What can I do?”

How had he ever thought her fragile? Covered only in a long shirt that fell around her thighs, her legs bare, she stood ready to fight like some avenging angel.

A shaft of pain almost split his skull in half. He knew an angel, a fallen one. And a vampire. And myriad other paranormal creatures. Their names and faces were as familiar as his own.

Sweat coated his body, the fire of his dragon crackling just beneath. His lungs heaved, unable to draw enough oxygen. His skin began to split in places, beams of light shining through. There was too much power for his body to contain. His blood pumped through his veins, healing him as fast as it could. It was a toss-up as to which would be the victor.

“Oh my God. Oh my God.”

The muscles and tendons in his neck protested any movement, but he forced them into submission and turned toward Raine. Shock and horror filled her eyes. Her mouth hung open but was partially covered with her hand. The stench of fear rolled off her.

If he didn’t control what was happening, it might actually kill him. It would destroy her, obliterating her body so there was nothing left of her or her home.

Instead of fighting, he embraced this new energy, allowing it to flow in and around him, reforming his inner organs, strengthening his blood, making his human form and dragon stronger. It wasn’t unlike the first time he’d shifted when a young male. He’d thought he’d die then, too. It wasn’t about conquering but acknowledgment and integration.

The Deep Sleep had condensed what already existed inside him, multiplying and expanding it. It was his to control and use.

Yes! The light caressed his skin. It would never hurt him, only wanted acceptance. The whirlwind died down. His skin healed and his tattoos glowed golden with pink edging. He took a deep, cleansing breath and sought out Raine.

Her back was against the wall, her eyes wide, her hair tousled. “Is it over?” The hoarse whisper raised the fine hairs on the back of his neck.

“Yes.”

She nodded and slowly slid to the floor, curling her arms around her legs and burying her face against her knees.

Her room was a disaster zone. All her treasures were knocked askew. Artwork had fallen from the walls, several of the frames cracked, the glass shattered. Statues were toppled over on the shelves. Chunks of rock were broken and scattered. The sheer amount of damage his change had wrought in her private space made him wince. At least her house was still standing.

Going to her side, he crouched beside her. Should he touch her? Would she even want him to? Uncertainty was a new emotion, one he wasn’t particularly fond of.

He hovered beside her, moving his hand close and then pulling it back. When she finally raised her head, her eyes appeared overly bright, the pupils almost swallowing the golden brown. Her chin quivered and then firmed. “What just happened?”

“I’m not sure. I fell asleep for the first time since I woke. The Deep Sleep tried to pull me back.” He flexed his fingers, to prove to himself that he could. Terror wasn’t an emotion he’d been familiar with, until now. Going under without it being his choice, his body no longer under his control? Yeah, that was pure terror.

Don’t want to ever do that again.

“When I fought, it triggered a reaction in my body.”

She scrambled onto her knees and began to run her hands over his chest. “Are you in pain? Your skin split.” She swallowed heavily. “There was light spilling from it.”

Since he wasn’t quite sure what to tell her—or how much he should—he sidestepped the question. “I’m sorry it frightened you.” The return of his memories he kept to himself. He doubted she was even aware it had been an issue, since he hadn’t mentioned it.

She nodded, not asking any more questions. He wasn’t sure if she just didn’t care or was too afraid to ask. Finally, she lowered her gaze. “You’re naked.”

“So I am.” And he was alive, his blood hot and pumping hard. Not only had Raine awakened him from an eternal sleep, but she’d also pulled him back from the brink of destruction. The compulsion to protect her—no matter the cost—had pushed him to dig deeper, try harder, to survive when every cell in his body had threatened to explode. She was both his greatest strength and biggest weakness. He had two choices—kill her or make love to her. Since the first was abhorrent to him, that left him with the second.

Cupping the back of her head with his hand, he eased her closer, giving her plenty of time to object before he pressed his lips to hers.

…

I thought I was dead.

Watching a blinding light spill from the pores of his body had been like something from a movie. The foundations of her house had shaken and likely had cracks. Every hair on her body stood on end. She’d expected to die. Only his determination to survive had saved them both. His hand on the back of her head steadied her as he pressed a soft kiss against her lips.

Her already racing heart kicked up another notch.

I could have died…again.

Adventure was fine in books. In reality, it was scary as hell. She didn’t belong in this world of nefarious plots, deliberate cave-ins, and a real-life drakon, who’d almost exploded in her freaking bedroom. Her well-ordered life had disappeared like a puff of smoke. What she’d hoped would be the big break in her career was gone. No way could she write about any of this, not unless she wanted to land in a psych ward or endanger Lucius—neither of which were options. And whatever was going on wasn’t over. Not by a long shot. She could die at any time.

Through some stroke of luck or fate, she was still alive. They both were.

Raine flung her arms around his neck and hugged him hard. He started to pull away, but she tightened her grip. There were lots of reasons why this was a bad idea, but regrets were a bitch. Trapped in the cave, she’d had a ton of them and wasn’t ready to add “not making love with Lucius” to the list. If she didn’t grab this opportunity, she’d never forgive herself.

Mack Evans and the threat to her life would have to take a back seat for another hour. Maybe it was stupid. It was certainly crazy. Everything in her life had gone to crap. Surely she deserved to have this one thing.

Lucius wasn’t going to stay. She wasn’t sticking her head in the sand and pretending her problems didn’t exist. She was human. He most definitely was not. They barely knew each other, had been tossed together in a life-and-death situation. Honestly, she was surprised he’d stuck around at all. The more time they spent together, the more she’d mourn when he was gone. It was silly to be this attached to a man she barely knew, but the heart wanted what it wanted, and no amount of reason was going to change it.

Life was tenuous. Death waited for the unsuspecting. Now was the time to celebrate being alive. She ran her tongue over his bottom lip and nipped at it. His groan vibrated all the way to her toes, making them curl.

“Are you sure?” His glowing eyes were otherworldly, but they no longer bothered her. They were part of him, the wild drakon she’d discovered.

“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.”

Without another word, he scooped her up and carried her to the bed, dropping them both down on top of it. The sudden weight proved too much for the metal frame. A loud groan was followed by a sharp snap. One side dropped, dumping them both off the side and onto the floor. Lucius cursed and turned so she was lying on top of him, making sure she didn’t end up crushed.

After a stunned second of silence, she burst into laughter. The absurdity of the situation was too much. The vexed expression on his face, the way his thick brows lowered, only made the situation even more hilarious. Her eyes watered. She had to wrap her arms around her stomach when the muscles began to protest.

Resting her forehead against his chest, she fought to regain control. “I’m sorry, but you have to admit having the bed break is a mood killer.” She swiped her hands over her eyes and huffed out a breath.

“Is it?” Big hands stroked up and down her back, pausing to squeeze her ass. He eased her upward, dragging her over his muscular body, until their mouths were almost touching.

“We’re on the floor.” They were wedged into the small space between the collapsed bed and the window. It was rather cozy. He made the perfect mattress.

“I slept in a cave.” His fingers sifted through her hair.

“So you did.” He was big and tough and hard all over. Aroused, too. That wasn’t a stick poking her in the stomach. She licked her lips. “I don’t usually do this.”

“Do what?” His hands slid beneath the sleep shirt she’d pulled on earlier.

“Sleep with men I barely know.” It was important he understood that.

He trailed his fingers over the band of her underwear before dipping beneath the elastic. “I know, but you also told me you weren’t a virgin, remember?”

She lowered her head, unable to look at him. “In my defense, I thought you were going to eat me.”

“Look at me, Raine.” The way he said her name was like a deep purr. It was sexy as hell and dampened her panties. She raised her head. “No more talking about other men.” A muscle twitched beneath one eye.

“What other men?” With him touching her, it was impossible to remember anyone else. With a grunt of satisfaction, he took her mouth, his tongue teasing inside, enticing, encouraging.

Moaning, she returned the caress, tasting the heat of him, the delicious flavor that was somewhere between wine and chocolate. Yummy.

A loud rip was followed by a light breeze on her behind. “You ripped off my underwear.” Sure, it happened in romance novels, but this was real life.

“I did.” The twinkle in his eye was the only hint she got that he wasn’t done, before there was another tearing sound. Her sleep shirt was now a rag. Not that she was complaining. She yanked at the sleeves and tossed the fabric aside. Instead of lying back down on him, she sat on his stomach. The man didn’t have a six-pack. No, he had an eight-pack. She’d never seen anyone like him, not even in magazines or on television. The colors of his tattoos seemed darker, almost alive.

Must be a trick of the light.

He slid his hand over her torso and cupped her breast. Her nipple perked up, poking his palm. His movements were slow and deliberate, his gaze watchful. “I’m not afraid of you.” She grabbed his free hand and brought it to her other breast. “I won’t break, either.” While she appreciated his restraint, she wanted fast and hard and sweaty, needed it to forget all that waited outside the bedroom door.

“There’s just one thing.” He thumbed her nipples, sending a blast of heat rocketing to her core.

“What’s that?” She angled her hips, pressing her wet core against him, her breath catching when she found the sweet spot.

“I do plan to eat you.” Desire, not fear, flooded her when he gripped her by the hips and lifted her so she straddled his face.

She grabbed the corner of her nightstand for support, totally flustered. He was looking right at her most intimate parts, the pads of his fingers stroking over the folds of her sex. The jolt of pleasure was intense.

She bit her bottom lip and swallowed back a moan. “This is awkward.” She didn’t need a mirror to know her cheeks were flaming red.

“Is it?” He easily maneuvered her, holding her like she weighed nothing. His breath tickled over her sensitive skin just before his tongue flicked her clit.

“Yes!” She arched back, her eyes closed. It wasn’t an answer to his question but a plea for more. And he knew it, the devilish man. He captured her clit between his lips and sucked.

“What are you doing to me?” Previous lovers had complained she talked too much during sex. Didn’t seem to be bothering him. He ignored her and kept on licking and sucking until she was mindless. All thoughts of embarrassment fled in the face of her growing need. “More. Deeper.”

The low purring growl was like a vibrator. “Oh God.” Her head fell forward. She wanted to see him, but the angle made it impossible. Then one long finger stroked into her core.

“Lucius!” She came like a rocket, pleasure exploding inside her. Stars erupted behind her eyes. It didn’t stop, because he kept on going until she couldn’t take any more and started to topple forward.

He caught her and pulled her down until she was resting against him. Shivers wracked her, not because she was cold, because she was sweating. The man radiated heat better than a furnace.

“You make me hotter than drakon fire.”

Didn’t that make a girl feel special?

Satisfaction blanketed her, along with his arm, creating a cozy haven. He kissed her temple, the gentle action the opposite of his earlier erotic ones. Something hard prodded her in the stomach. That shook away the sensual cobwebs in a hurry. She sat up so fast she hit her head on his chin. “Ouch.”

“What’s wrong?”

“You didn’t, you know?” She waved in the direction of his erection. “Come.”

He shrugged. “You gave me a gift. Thank you.” She looked him right in the eyes and saw nothing but the truth. He was serious. If she got up and walked away, he wouldn’t be upset. He licked his lips. “You taste amazing.”

She ignored her blazing cheeks. “Don’t you want to?”

“Gods, yes.” His emphatic reaction made her laugh.

“Then why don’t you?” He was stronger than her, could take what he wanted. And that was her answer. It was up to her to initiate sex. He’d never take what she didn’t offer freely. Without giving him time to reply, she stroked her hand over his shaft. It pulsed hot in her hand. Half of it was tattooed and the head was darker and wider and plum-shaped. He was long and hard, heat radiating from him. He was big, too. Maybe too big. She swallowed her misgivings.

He groaned and covered her hand with his. “You don’t have to.”

He wanted her, no doubt about it. It was a heady sensation. She’d always been plain and ordinary, more nerd than beautiful woman. But he made her feel sexy and alive in a way she never had before.

“I want to.”

The glow in his eyes deepened, and he released her and lay back, stacking his hands behind his head. “Take what you want.”

…

Lucius linked his fingers together, gripping them so hard it was a wonder the bones didn’t snap. The taste of her essence lingered on his tongue, the sweet scent of her release filled his nostrils. His dragon rumbled, demanding he take her, claim her, keep her.

But he was a wily hunter. She had to come to him.

And there was the real concern he’d hurt her. It had been centuries since he’d had a woman, and never had he desired one as much. After everything she’d been through and witnessed, it was a miracle she was still here, open and giving. She was a sensual creature, her reaction to his every touch a delight. The real Raine lived in this room with the colors and mythical creatures and crystals—many of which now lay shattered and broken. The woman she showed the rest of the world was the one who lived in the other rooms.

Her hand looked pale against his shaft, which pulsed with life and need. But she was strong, her grip sure as she pumped up and down. Her gaze flicked from his cock to his face and back again, gauging his reaction.

He clamped his lips together to keep from begging her to hurry. Sweat beaded at his temples and trickled down.

“You’re so big.” When she licked her lips, his hips jerked.

“Take what you want,” he repeated. As much as he’d love to slam her down on top of him, she had to set the pace. He’d survive. Maybe. He’d managed to come back from the Deep Sleep—as far as he knew, first in drakon history—surely he could keep it together now.

Her lips were full and sweet and animated. She talked more than anyone he’d ever known. Rather than irritating him, it was comforting. When she started to lower her head, he stopped her. “If you do that, I’m done.” There’d be no holding back if she took him in her mouth. His balls squeezed in agreement.

“Oh.” Her lips turned up in a sensual smile that made his entire body shudder.

“Like that idea, do you?” It had been too long since he’d touched her, so he unlocked his hands from behind his head and ran them up her inner thighs, stopping inches from her core. A fresh blast of desire perfumed the air.

“I do.” She came up on her knees and inched over him, guiding the head of his erection to her opening. “Wait, what about disease or pregnancy?”

An image of her belly swelled with his child almost made him spill his seed. “My kind doesn’t carry disease. And you can get pregnant only if I allow it.”

“That’s not fair.” When she started to move away, he gripped her hips and held her in place.

“Between two dragons, it’s a mutual decision, but you’re not a dragon. You can trust me.” Being honest was a gamble. She could easily decide to leave him.

“I should make you wear a condom, but I don’t have any, and I’m not about to wait.” The head of his cock squeezed past her tight opening when she pressed down, her wet heat enveloping it. He tilted his head back, panting hard, desperately trying not to come too soon. His tattoos throbbed in time to his heartbeat.

“More.” He’d promised himself he wouldn’t push her, but there was a serious chance his heart might explode if she didn’t keep going.

Bracing her hands on his abs, she pushed down, another few inches sliding into her warmth. The inner walls of her sex rippled, contracting and expanding to accept him.

“Fuck yes.” His fingers tightened around her hips.

“You’re so big. I feel so full.”

The more time they spent together, the less he believed she had any willing part in his awakening.

“I can do this.” She was talking more to herself than to him, but he silently urged her on. Her breasts weren’t overly large, but they were perfectly shaped with rosy nipples that begged to be tasted. They lifted and fell with each deep breath she took. She was tall for a woman, her curves subtle, and her limbs long.

He was more than a foot larger than her and more than a hundred pounds heavier, but there was no fear in her eyes, only determination.

She pressed down, sliding deeper. Almost there. Something inside him broke, and he pulled her the rest of the way. Her gasp turned into a long moan of pleasure. His orgasm was ripped from the depths of his soul. He poured himself into her, wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her down so she rested over his heart.