Wings of Change (8 page)

“Will he be all right?” she whispered, unwilling to disturb the dragon’s rest.

“He’ll be better now that he’s back home among his own kind. The tavern was a friendly place, but the good folk who came to see him couldn’t communicate with him as

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we can.” He settled his chin atop her head as she snuggled into his arms. “Perhaps it was a good thing for the first part of his recovery, but it’s best he’s here.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Come now.” He tugged her toward a doorway to their right. “One of the lads brought your belongings to our room. There will be time to unpack tomorrow, but for now, I think we could use a good night’s sleep.”

“Just sleep?”

“Well, I can think of a few other things to do before we sleep.” His roguish smile lit a fire in her womb. “If you’re interested.”

“I am most definitely interested, Sir Knight.”

She tugged him toward the doorway. There was a large bed—larger than any she’d ever seen before—against the center of the far wall, laid with soft blankets in colorful hues. It was one of the grandest rooms she’d seen since she’d left her homeland.

“I arranged to have some things made for you, Lucy. I hope you’ll like them.”

She spun to the sound of his voice, finding him by a carved wooden closet. He’d opened it and was holding up a whisper thin silken nightgown in a pale blue. It was a costly garment, indeed. Lucia hadn’t seen anything so fine since she was a child in her homeland and she’d been too young to own such a daring, inviting garment.

“It’s beautiful.”

“I want to see you in it.” Kaden’s eyes flashed at her. “But first, I want to show you our new bath chamber.” He led the way to the adjoining room where a large mosaic pool was filled with clear steaming water, waiting for them. Even in her homeland, she’d never seen such a large and beautiful bathing chamber. She stepped forward with some hesitancy into a room, tiled in gorgeous, rich hues.

“How does the water stay warm? Where does it come from?” She looked all around to see if she could discern how they’d managed such a feat.

“All Lairs are designed with a mix of science and magic. This being the Castle Lair, it’s probably a bit grander than the others, of course. All the water comes from two sources—one deep within the mountain on which this fortress was built and the other from large cisterns designed into the structure that collect rain and snow and funnel it where needed. The heat is a byproduct of associating with dragonkind. Most often, the resident dragon in each suite will provide heat for his family, but some friends made this 50

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ready for us at my request just before we arrived. I wanted your first night here in the Lair to hold every comfort.”

That this rough knight would think to do such a thing touched her heart. She turned and kissed his cheek.

“You’re a sweet man, Kaden. Thank you.”

He tossed the silk nightgown to a nearby bench and grabbed her around the waist, drawing her close.

“I don’t know about sweet, but I know I’m a lucky man, to have you here with me, Lucy. If there’s anything you want, all you have to do is ask. I tried to think of everything you might need, but with Rey so ill, I’ll admit I’ve been a little distracted. Still, I asked some of the women for help. They stocked our chamber and arranged this.” He gestured toward the wall where a series of small bottles were arranged next to a mirror. They looked like lotions and creams, but she’d have to look more closely to see exactly what had been provided. Towels and soaps lay near the mosaic pool, ready for use. All in all, the chamber was fit for a king…or at least a princess. Lucia felt tears gather behind her eyes.

“It’s perfect, Kaden. I can’t believe you thought of all this. I can’t believe you’d do this for me.”

He bent to nuzzle her ear. “I’d do anything for you, Lucy. Absolutely anything.”

She didn’t object when he rid her of her rough dress, discarding it on the floor. She helped him unlace his shirt and leggings, and soon they were both naked, kissing deeply as Kaden edged them closer to the steaming pool. He helped her in, steadying her when she felt the incredible warmth of the water against her skin. It had been so long since she’d had a hot bath, and never one this decadent.

Kaden followed her into the water with a splash. He set about lathering her long hair, rinsing with an ingenious device that sprayed hot water in rivulets over her head. She did the same for him and then they were sliding against each other’s soap-slick bodies, cavorting like children as they laughed and played in the soapy water. Lucia’s temperature rose as the water cooled. Kaden produced more than enough fire to keep her warm. It wasn’t dragon fire, but rather, the fire of a man who knew how to please his woman. And she was his. There was little question left in her mind as to that. Somewhere along the line, during the worry over Rey and the doubts about her future, she’d fallen in love with Kaden.

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Chapter Eight

She already loved Reynor, so loving his knight shouldn’t have surprised her. Still, it did. After losing her family, Lucia hadn’t thought she could take the chance of loving anyone ever again, but Kaden proved her wrong. It hadn’t been a conscious decision. He’d just worked his way into her heart and now he was there for good. Come what may, her future was tied up with the rugged knight and his dragon partner.

“Out you go now.” Kaden swatted her rump with an open palm, making her squeal, but it didn’t really hurt. Lucia was taken aback by the spike in her desire from Kaden’s playful spank. She looked at him, breathless in her discovery as he smiled, slow and calculating.

He followed her out of the tub and wrapped her in a towel, watching her all the while. She grew uncomfortable under his intense regard, but he wouldn’t let her go. When they were both dry, he moved back a pace.

“Put on the nightgown, sweetheart. Slowly.”

Her gaze shot to his. He was watching her with a sizzling look of intent on his chiseled features. His masterful words made her stomach flutter in excitement. This was something new. In the few days they’d been lovers, it had been intense, but usually free and easy between them. Tonight, the intensity was even greater, but the easiness was gone. In its place was a commanding man who knew exactly what he wanted and demanded no less than obedience.

Lucia didn’t understand why that made her so hot, but it did. She followed his orders, tugging on the nearly see-through garment, fitting it to her breasts as best she could. The gown had probably been sewn for a less well-endowed woman. It hugged her breasts and pushed them upward, and she wasn’t surprised to see Kaden’s gaze riveted to the spot where she nearly overflowed the plunging neckline.

“Turn around. Slowly.” He twirled one finger as he gave the command and she watched him while she moved to do his bidding. His cock was erect and he looked as 52

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hungry as she’d ever seen him. His words commanded, his eyes held a fire that was matched by the roiling inferno in her womb. This new, masterful Kaden was something else again.

He reached out one rough hand and smoothed it over the silk at her waist. The fabric was so thin, she felt his touch as if it were against her skin, but with the added tactile delight of the ultra-soft silk. She moaned when his hand moved upward, to cup her breast.

“You’re beautiful, little girl.” He took her mouth, conquering and demanding a response she was more than willing to give. She would give him anything. Everything. He owned her pleasure. It had never been more clear. When he let her go, he stepped back and put pressure on her shoulders in a clear command. Confused, but willing to see where he would lead, Lucia sank to her knees. The straining arousal that met her eyes cleared up any questions she might’ve had.

“I’ve never done this before, Kaden.”

The muscles in his thighs clenched, as did his hands in her damp hair. “Then I’m honored to be the first.” There was no question in his voice, no room for argument. His surety made the fire in her belly grow hotter.

“I don’t know if I can.”

“You can and you will, Lucy. Lick me now. I need it.” He exerted light pressure on the back of her head until she was close enough to reach out with her tongue. She’d never imagined doing such a thing, but suddenly she wanted it more than anything. Kaden was so strong and powerful in so many ways, it humbled her to see him tremble at the first tentative brush of her tongue over the head of his cock.

“Oh, yeah. Just like that. Take me deeper.”

Warming to her task, she grew bolder. Her gaze flew upward, seeking his approval as she took the tip into her mouth and swirled her tongue all around. His hips surged and pushed him deeper into her mouth, but she didn’t mind. In fact, she reveled in the look of bliss on his handsome face as he watched her with half-lidded eyes. There was no doubt in her mind he was enjoying himself. She liked the feeling that gave her, knowing she could give him such pleasure with such a simple act. Lucia also liked the salty taste of him. His flavor and scent reminded her just the tiniest bit of the ocean near where she’d grown up. They were good memories, wild and free. He pulsed deeper as she got into the rhythm. Like the ocean, nothing could tame this man, but he could temper himself. For her. Every move he’d made, from the moment

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they met, had been gentle and considerate. Just once, she wanted to push him beyond that. She wanted to make him wild.

She sucked as he surged, earning a groan from him that made her wet. How she loved this man. Strong, yet caring. Bold, yet thoughtful. He was a generous lover and an even better friend.

“That’s enough, sweetheart.” He withdrew quickly, disappointing her, but the sparkle in his eye promised even more delicious pleasures to come. He lifted her by the elbows, then scooped her into his arms and carried her to the huge bed. Placing her at the edge of the wide expanse, he parted her legs and stood between. She understood now why the bed was built so high off the ground. His cock was at the perfect height for her pussy without any bending or straining, but he didn’t take her yet. Instead, he sank to his knees, kissing her reddened kneecaps one at a time. “I’m sorry, my love. Next time, I’ll remember to put a pillow on the floor so you don’t hurt your pretty little knees.” She sighed as his hands stroked up the insides of her thighs, spreading her folds to his view. “You sucked my cock so well, I think you deserve a reward. As do I.” He grinned with wicked intent as he lowered his head. The next thing she knew, his lips and tongue were teasing her clit and she could form no more coherent thoughts. Pleasure was her only goal. Her body strained toward a peak, wetness issuing forth as he rumbled approval, but he wouldn’t let her come. Kaden sat back and she felt his loss keenly. She rose on her elbows to see what he was about.

“You’re the most beautiful, responsive woman I’ve ever had in my bed, Lucy.” His expression was solemn. “I’ll never let you go now. You know that, don’t you?” Two fingers pushed into her, sliding through her excitement and driving her higher. “I couldn’t live without you now, Lucy.” Removing his fingers, he stood and pulled her hips forward to meet his cock. He slid home with little fanfare and her body convulsed almost immediately. Then he stilled until she met his gaze.

“I love you, Lucy.”

He moved then, as she cried out once more in pleasure. His declaration of love astounded her, warmed her and made her feel whole. She loved him with all her heart and let him know it, crying out the words as he made her come over and over again. He took her on the side of the bed, in its middle and from behind, making her spasm in bliss many times throughout the night. Just as often, he demanded the words of love, giving them to her in return. By the time they finally slept, there wasn’t an inch of her body that wasn’t sore—but in the best possible way.

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The next days were filled with loving, caring for Rey, learning about life in the Castle Lair and visiting with friends. Linea and Marcus visited often, but there was no overt pressure. Of course, she felt Marcus’s gaze following her and Kaden delighted in teasing her about how jealous the other man was. Kaden also began to tease her when they were alone, with enticing descriptions of how Marcus and he would take her, if given a chance. He wove intricate, detailed fantasies of dual loving that started to become more and more appealing.

Her life with Kaden was near perfect, except for poor Reynor. As Rey’s injury healed it became clear he would never fly again. The thought broke her heart, and as the days marched forward, she gathered her courage. She knew there was one thing left she could try. It was a long shot, and would be very costly to her, but if it could save Rey’s wing—and therefore his ability to fly—she would give anything. Coming to her decision late one night, she left the wide bed with a final kiss for Kaden. He slept on, oblivious as she retrieved a very special item from her belongings. Armed with only that, she snuck down into the dragon’s wallow. Rey was dozing, but woke when she neared. She held the precious gift in one hand and the dragon’s head reared when he scented its foreign magic.

“What is that?”

“Something from my homeland. Something sacred. Rey, I want to use this on your wing, if you’ll give me permission to try.”

“It reeks of powerful magic.”

“Only the good kind, I promise you.”

“I sense that. It’s pure and formidable. How can you handle such a thing?”

“I’m the last of a long line of priestesses. Some in each generation of my family were entrusted the ability to wield this power, to be used only in the most deserving of cases. I believe yours qualifies. Will you let me try?”

Rey shrugged, lifting his injured wing as much as he could. “
It could do no harm. My
wing is the next thing to useless as it is.”