Lana formed a ball of ice in one hand and a bolt of fire in the other. “I did it.”
“Can you combine them?” Fuerah asked.
She moved her hands together. Fire rippled and rolled over the ice, changing color, but forming one spell.
“What about flying? You want to try?” Fuerah asked.
“Here? Wouldn’t we be seen?” she asked. Not to mention she didn’t want to leave without Lonny. Around an hour ago, he took a seat on the back steps, watching them. His smile was bright, but his look far away. As if he was happy, yet trapped in thought.
Alenathos chucked. “We can hide in plain sight.”
She shook her head and yawned. “I think that’s enough for now, if you don’t mind.”
Fuerah moved to her. “Did we wear you out? This is the first time you’ve really used magic, isn’t it?”
“On purpose, yeah. I mean, my family tried to get me to do the things they could, and that obviously wasn’t happening, so I gave up. And then last night, I roasted some asshole who came to take me away.” Lana closed her eyes for a second.
Lonny took her hands. “You did what you needed to in order to protect yourself. Simple as that. And had I realized you were there sooner, I would have taken you away without incident.”
“I may have fried you.”
He lifted a shoulder, caressing her cheek. “You wouldn’t have.”
She hugged him tight.
Fuerah cleared her throat. “Elondril, I’m glad you’re with my daughter. And were there for the first attack.”
“I will never let anything harm Lana if I can stop it.”
She smiled. “I have no doubt of that. I understand she was shocked when she partially shifted.”
“At first, but she calmed down.” He turned toward her parents. “It may have helped that it didn’t bother me in the least. But I had my suspicions when Alenathos was the one who froze the first bastard.”
“I thought you were the one who saved her,” Fuerah stated.
“Yes, but Alenathos froze him after we came back to the plane when he started to come to.”
Fuerah turned to Alenathos. “You’ve been watching over her all these years?”
He nodded. “As much as I could. There were times I was unable. However, she’s had good friends who would keep her safe no matter what.”
“I thought everyone was there simply to protect the princess.”
“Yes, but Isadora has always considered Lana a close friend. Purely luck there. And Lonny has had his eyes on Lana since they met.”
“How could I not? She’s a beautiful, strong, intelligent woman with a fire inside. If she hadn’t been with someone else when we met, I would have pursued her, at least until I found out why Toryn was watching over Isa. And then I learned patience.”
Alenathos chuckled. “Something I hear you never had much of before.”
“Lana was worth every second.”
She turned to him, her eyes shining with light. “I never imagined things with you would be this good. I was so sure everything would be screwed up somehow.”
“The only screwed up thing is that bastard trying to take you, but we’re putting a stop to that as soon as we find him, or he makes the mistake of coming to us,” Lonny promised.
She kissed him softly.
When Lana finally turned back to her parents, Fuerah smiled sadly. “Your father and I should talk. You two enjoy your evening. I already know you’re meeting Isa and Toryn for dinner.”
“I’m sure they wouldn’t mind the extra company.”
She shook her head. “No, I really do need to speak with Alenathos before I do anything else.”
Alenathos dipped his head. “I have a lot to explain. I’m lucky she didn’t find a way to kill me.”
“I’m starting to understand. That doesn’t mean I forgive you just yet. But I’m not looking to kill you. Just talk to me. Help me understand why you would do this to us.”
“I didn’t know another way to protect you and our daughter from Saressa. The things that bitch did to me, forced me to do…I couldn’t allow that to happen to Lana. She would have killed you, after torturing you for days, maybe weeks.” He shook his head. “But that’s a conversation for somewhere else.”
“It is.” Fuerah hugged Lana. “You have a good man. I’ve known Elondril for ages. He will protect you, if you don’t protect him.”
Laughing, Lana nodded. “I think we can protect each other. Thank you for coming out, helping me learn. It’s good to hear both sides.”
Fuerah let her go, and Alenathos pulled her in for a hug. “I’m so happy I can finally call you daughter and be there. If you ever need me, have Isa call me. Or maybe she can find a way I’ll hear.”
“I will, thank you.” Lana stepped back.
Alenathos touched Lonny’s shoulder. “Take care of my daughter.”
“You know I will.”
Alenathos stepped back and shifted. “Shall we find a quiet place to talk?”
“I’ll follow,” Fuerah said.
“I’ll see you soon?” Lana asked.
“Very,” Alenathos answered.
He turned and flew away. Fuerah did the same.
Lonny pulled Lana inside. “How do you feel?”
“Fine. I’m not tired, I just wanted time with you before Isa comes back.” She winked.
Chuckling, he led her toward the big window overlooking the drop down to the water. Then he backed her against it, kissing her lips.
Her hands tangled in his hair. He was so gorgeous, and like no one else. His touch made her come alive. Lonny kissed her jaw, his breath teasing her ear and hair.
“I need you. Tell me we have time,” she begged.
“We do.” He leaned back, making eye contact. “Even if not. They’ll wait.”
She giggled. “True. I don’t know how many times I’ve been locked out of the office because of them.”
“They as loud as they can be when they lock themselves in his office at the firm?”
“Usually the music is loud enough no one notices.” She reached down, opening his belt. “I don’t want to think about them getting down and dirty when we can do that now.”
“Hmm.” He licked at her nipple, sucked, then knelt before she got his zipper down. Lonny pulled her leg over his shoulder as he explored her slick sex with his tongue.
Her hands landed on the window as he followed her cues, driving her crazy with his mouth. She spiraled into release, gripping his hair and calling his name.
He held her up, looking up her body, licking her juices off his lips. “I love your taste,” he murmured, colors dancing through his eyes.
“You need to make love to me now.” She thanked every star the words came out coherent.
He stood, spinning her around. She put her hands on the window as he kissed her shoulder and pulled her hips back to glide into her with such perfect force she nearly cried. One hand landed beside hers. The other cupped her breast, teasing her nipple as he took a slow pace.
He felt so damned good inside her. “Lonny, please.”
“Please what.”
“Harder.”
He kissed her neck, thrusting harder, pushing her chest against the window as his hand slid down to her hip, holding her in place with incredible strength.
Lana couldn’t think as he showed how much he cared with each touch and kiss. He made love to her, his emotion flowing through her with each second.
“Lonny, I’m there.”
He reached around and flicked her clit. She came with him. Holding her there, he whispered in her ear, “I love you, Lana.”
“Love you,” she answered.
Then she was in his arms, moving across the room. He lay back on the couch with her on top.
She turned, snuggling tight. “Can we ask Isa and Toryn not to come?”
He rubbed her back. “We could, but shouldn’t. They’re here to make sure you’re okay with everything you’ve learned so far. Remember, Isa went through similar. Not exactly the same, but she didn’t know anything about what she is, and you had no idea you are a dragon.”
“Yeah, I know. And it took her time to acclimate, but she managed. I can. And right now, I feel like I could take on the world.”
“So let them bring food or we can go out to eat. Either way.”
“We should go out. Here, I’m going to want to ignore them and take you to another room.” She climbed to her feet, heading to the bedroom.
She needed to have clothes on if she were to be ready for Isa and Toryn’s arrival.
* * * *
Lonny called Toryn, still sitting on the couch without his clothes.
Toryn answered. “Everything okay?”
“Yes, but she wants to go out.” Lonny rubbed his chest. “We could go to the pub in town.”
“Sounds good. I’ll let Isa know.”
“We’ll be leaving in a few. See you then.”
“All right.” He hung up and Lonny set his phone down. Staying in the house seemed the better option. He’d felt as if someone were watching while they were exploring Port Townsend. And still, he wasn’t going to tell Lana no.
Lonny climbed to his feet and pulled on his clothes. He found Lana in the bedroom, wearing a dress Isa must have packed for her.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, stepping closer.
Smiling, she glanced at the mirror. “I’m not sure what to do with my hair.”
“I like it. No, I love it.” The streaks of red, blue, and purples fit her. And she glowed in a way she hadn’t before they were together. “They’ll meet us at the pub in town. They have good food. You ready?”
“Almost.” She went to the bathroom and he headed back to the living room, taking a seat. He couldn’t help worrying about who would find them in town.
Something was coming. He had no idea what. But the question became, would the person be foolish enough to take them in a crowded place, or somewhere else.
Either way, he wanted her safe, and he wanted to keep Port Townsend safe from what could be after them. He wanted to keep the refuge he’d found there, even though he doubted he’d have much use for that in the future
He’d longed for her for so damned long he wasn’t sure he’d ever have her. And there they were, mated, happy, and ready to take on the world.
Lana came back, makeup on her face. Something she definitely didn’t need, and yet, she was still gorgeous as ever. “Shall we?”
He dipped his head and stood. She moved to him, throwing her arms around his neck before tasting his lips. He opened, sucking on her tongue. She groaned, pressing tighter before pulling away.
“We should go.” The words were breathless, her lids heavy.
He took her hand and started for the door.