Her Dragon, His Demon (Dragon Guard Series Book 12) Read online

  “But Ri...”

  Her words disappeared in a sigh as faster than she could follow, he stripped her bare and began tenderly teasing his way down her body. The tips of his fingers teased the short curly hair covering her mound. Helpless but to feel every sensual sensation he created, Audrey’s hips began to roll in an attempt to force his fingers where she needed them the most.

  Smiling a lazy smile, Rian leaned forward and took her lips with his just as his middle finger slipped inside her warm wet pussy. She gasped. Rian took full advantage by deepening the kiss. His tongue moved along hers, mimicking the motion of his finger against her excited flesh.

  Her hips thrust forward. Her body shook as the contractions within her pulled Rian’s finger deeper. He broke their kiss at the same time that he made a come hither motion with that same digit. Audrey was lost. Her eyes slid closed. Her nails dug into the bedding. Her head thrashed from side to side. She could feel the proof of her excitement flowing freely from her pussy as the continual motion and stimulation Rian expertly applied to her body was driving her toward her release.

  When she was sure she could take no more, Rian placed his thumb on her throbbing clit, rubbing circles that worked in tandem with the sweeping motion of his finger deep inside her pussy. Audrey felt herself losing control. Grabbing for the man she loved, her fingers dug into his massive biceps as he commanded, “Look at me, Audrey. See the man who would fight heaven and hell to be by your side.”

  Her eyes flew open. They locked onto his a second before he took her excited clitoris between his index finger and thumb and lightly squeezed. Her orgasm tore through her. She screamed Rian’s name to the Heavens. Her vision blurred. It was as if Audrey was flying high above while looking down at the perfect way her dragon loved her.

  Floating back to earth, Rian continued to run his fingers in and out of her body. Little spasms stole her breath until she was sure she would come again. A look of pure manly pride broke across Rian’s face.

  In a lazy chuckle, she asked, “Proud of yourself?”

  “Very,” he answered, swooping in for a kiss.

  Just as he would’ve pulled away, Audrey thrust her fingers into Rian’s think dark hair and held his head exactly where she wanted it. He’d had his way with her and now, it was her turn.

  She showed him with a kiss how much she loved him and how grateful she was for everything he’d done for her. Moving her hands across his shoulders and down his back, she stretched as far as she could reach to simply touch the firm muscles of his backside.

  His low, rumbled groan was all she needed to hear. Putting her hands on his shoulders, Audrey gently pushed and said directly into his mind, “Roll over, please. My turn.”

  “Oh, no you don’t, you little vixen,” he teased as he jumped out of bed, landing at the foot wearing only a satisfied grin and an erection that made her mouth water.

  “But Rian...” she whined, but it had no effect on her dragon.

  “But nothing, princess. I have to check on Rory and talk to Niall.”

  “How is he doing?”

  “Pretty much the same, but I’m hoping one of the scouts I sent out last night has found the cure.”

  She could see how worried he was about his brother. Audrey prayed that Niall had good news when her mate got there.

  He continued, ‘Then I have to meet Lance and Royce at the...in town and the girls are on their way over with breakfast. Royce and Kyra spent the night here but they left hours ago. Seems we slept in.” He winked.

  Furrowing her brow, Audrey tried another pout along with folding her arms over her chest and crossing her feet at the ankles. For a split second, Rian’s eyes widened and his nostrils flared. Jumping on the bed with hands beside her shoulders and his knees beside her hips, his mouth slammed to hers with all the fire and passion she knew he’d been holding back for all these years. It was a kiss of possession and raw power. Rian was claiming her for all time as his and she was helpless to deny him anything.

  Their kiss deepened and Audrey was immediately wet and needy again. Reaching between their bodies, she wrapped her hand around his erection the best she could. Running her thumb through the drop of liquid she felt precariously forming at the tip. Her thumb barely touched her middle finger at the thickest part of Rian’s cock as she slowly massaged down to the base and back up again.

  Rian lifted his mouth from hers with a loud gasp as he gave a half-hearted attempt to pull his erection from her hands. Not one to give up easily, Audrey quickly wrapped her other hand around the base and massaged up and down with the side of her palms meeting in the middle.

  It took mere seconds until Rian was sitting up on his knees straddling Audrey’s thighs as she expertly worked his cock up and down, gently twisting as her hands moved apart. His eyes never left hers. His pupils so dilated his eyes were almost completely black. His chest heaved. His hips moved faster and faster until all she had to do was hold on.

  Rian opened his mind completely to hers. A barrage of feelings and emotions all centered around her dragon’s love for her filled Audrey’s being. There had never been a doubt in her mind that he loved her, but now she knew without doubt how very much she meant to the man who held her heart.

  “I love you, Audrey Dobresou, with everything that I am.” Rian roared as he was overtaken by his release. Finally collapsing beside her, breathless and flushed, he closed his eyes and took her hand.

  It was Audrey’s turn to give a cocky grin. “Now, aren’t you glad you stayed for just a bit longer.”

  “Yeah...yeah...yeah...” he teased before jumping to his knees and tickling her until she could hardly breathe.

  “Ri...Rian...stop...Not fair...” she stuttered, trying to catch her breath.

  Stopping but leaving his hands on her sensitive sides, he cocked an eyebrow and asked, “And what you just did to me was fair?”

  “Complaining?” She batted her eyes and held his hands to her sides, pretending she could stop him if he tried to tickle her again.

  “No, ma’am, never. You’ll not hear a complaint from me.” Rian kissed the tip of her nose, hopped out of bed, and saluted. “At your service, as always ma’am. Yes, ma’am.”

  Giggling like a schoolgirl at the six-foot-ten hunk of dragon standing naked beside the bed and saluting while trying to keep a straight face was priceless. His humor, which he openly admitted to rarely sharing with the rest of the world, was just another thing she adored about her mate.

  Snapping her from her thoughts, Rian dropped his hand and leaned onto the bed. Kissing her slowly and thoroughly, he stood up when she was once again breathless and reminded her, “Now, I really have to go meet my brother and the goofball. I’m already late.” Walking into the bathroom, he called over his shoulder, “And unless you want the girls to see you naked then you better put on the clothes Sam left for you.”

  Before she’d even put her feet on the floor, Rian was showered, dressed, and putting on his boots. Stepping in front of her, he knelt down, took her hands in his, and pulled her into his lap. Kissing her lightly on the lips, then her cheeks and once behind the ear, her dragon stood and set her on her feet at arm’s length.

  “I have a question to ask. It’s one I’ve asked so many times before and now, just like then, my life depends upon your answer.”

  Unsure what Rian was about to ask and completely taken off guard by the serious tone of his voice, she nodded her head and said, “Yes?”

  Getting down on one knee, he took her left hand in his and asked, “Audrey Catherine Dobresou, would you do me the honor of becoming my mate? I want nothing more than to share everything that I am with you forever.”

  “Yes! Yes! As always Yes!” Audrey squealed, happier than she ever thought possible because this time, it was for real.

  There was no going back to hell. No waiting for another Full Moon. No Demon Lord. Nothing to keep them apart. They had eternity and she was not going to waste a second of it. Falling onto his bent knee, Audrey kissed Rian wi
th the same promise of absolute love and commitment as he’d shown her just moments before.

  Standing and again setting her on her feet in front of him, Rian shook his head then looked her up and down with such deliberate intent that she could feel his eyes on her body just as his hands had been moments ago, Rian sighed, “You are absolutely perfect.” He stepped back. “I have to go or I’m going to rip off these clothes and keep you naked for at least a month.”

  Turning and moving out the door so quickly she felt the breeze, he stopped and turned before shutting the door, “I’ll see you at midnight on the beach.”

  “You’ll what?” she called after him, but her only answer was the shutting of the front door.

  Now, what has he done?

  After fifteen minutes with the girls as Rian had called them, Audrey knew she was being ambushed. Kyra and Sam had arrived with a basket of goodies that smelled so good her stomach had growled before they got to the kitchen. Right behind them were Alicia and Melanie, closely followed by Calysta and Sarah Beth.

  She watched as Sam made coffee, hoping she’d remember how the next time she wanted a cup and also asked Kyra for the recipe to her blueberry muffins. It didn’t take long for the conversation to get to the topic of mating and the mating ceremony.

  Audrey once again was thankful that over the years Rian had prepared her for everything he could. He’d explained how the Universe had made them to be together and that she was the only mate he would ever have. She’d especially been impressed when he’d told her that the man plans the mating ceremony. No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than she knew what Rian was up to and why the girls had come to talk to her.

  “That man,” she laughed. “Y’all are here to get me ready for tonight aren’t you? I noticed all four of you,” Audrey pointed to Kyra, Sam, Alicia, and Melanie, “are already mated.” Turning to Calysta and Sarah Beth, she added, “And I’m guessing you’re here for moral and motherly support?” She smiled, once again in awe of how much Rian had done for her and continued to do.

  Their looks of shock were priceless, as was the way they tried to cover them up. Audrey let them all try to deny it for about thirty seconds before she shook her head. “You’ll have to do better than that, ladies. I was with the Chancellor of Hell for almost a century. I’ve gotten pretty good at ferreting out a plan.”

  They all laughed aloud.

  “Busted!” Kyra chuckled. “You can’t fault the big guy. He tried. Ri just wants everything to be perfect. He and...”

  The doorbell cut off her words as Alicia hopped up and answered the door. When the young witch returned, she was carrying a huge white box wrapped in royal blue satin ribbon. Setting it in the middle of the table, she teased in a singsong voice. “Looks like somebody loves you.”

  “Open it.” Kyra was on her feet and pushing the box towards the end of the table where Audrey was sitting.

  “Okay, okay, I’m opening it,” she joked, standing and carefully untying the bow.

  Lifting the lid off the box, Audrey removed the tissue paper and stood dumbfounded at the beautiful gown of white gossamer before her. Pulling it from the box, tears filled her eyes as she gazed upon the strapless bodice that tapered to the waist with a flowing floor-length skirt embellished with tiny deep blue flames. Every detail was perfectly crafted, even the blue satin ribbon that laced up the back.

  “That is absolutely gorgeous and you’re gonna look amazing in it,” Melanie squealed with excitement.

  “There’s more, Audrey,” Kyra instructed with a knowing wink.

  Sifting through the tissue, she found an elegant pair of white silk slippers, each embroidered with a tiny set of blue dragon wings just below the toe, and a note addressed to her.

  My dearest Audrey, Tonight we become one, together forever, never to be parted. Our journey has been long and at times difficult, but I always knew this day would come. I never gave up hope. I promise to love you like the stars love the sky and the ocean loves the water. For you, a mhuirnín, are the light of my soul and the love of my life. The moon may not be full but I refuse to wait another day. Meet me where it all began at midnight. All my love, always, Rian

  She couldn’t, nor did she want to, stop the tears of joy that flowed after reading the precious words from her mate. Just like he, she’d never given up hope but had often wondered how long they would wait for this day. Now it was here.

  Looking around the table, she saw the smiling faces of the women she would call kin and her heart filled to bursting. Wiping tears from her face, she looked at the clock on the mantel and said, “Well, we better get busy. There’s only twelve hours until I become Audrey O’Reilly and I haven’t had my hair done in a hundred years.”

  The room erupted into laughter as they all assured her they had it covered. Following Kyra down the hall, Audrey was shocked when the little witch opened the door to the right of Rian’s bedroom. They all stood aside as she walked over the threshold into the most gorgeous dressing room she’d ever seen. More tears flowed as she took in the furnishings and décor. Rian had exactly duplicated the room of her dreams that she had described one of the many nights they spent talking after he’d summoned her.

  Every detail was perfect down to the jeweled antique hair combs that resembled her mother’s. Sitting in the high-back white wooden chair, she looked into the three-way mirror before her and could only smile at the people behind her, so ready to help, so willing to make her transition back into the real world.

  Hours passed as they primped and talked and laughed. By eleven o’clock, when she slid the gown Rian had designed just for her over her head, she could do nothing but stare at the stranger looking back at her. Alicia and Melanie had done a wonderful job with applying just enough makeup to highlight what they called her natural beauty. Audrey had laughed and told them just to cover any scars they found.

  Kyra, Calysta, and Sarah Beth had taken turns taming her waist-length ebony curls. Audrey loved the loose chignon with curly tendrils flowing onto her shoulders they’d been able to fashion. And little violet Bellflowers, Kyra had said Rian specifically requested, were the perfect addition.

  She’d just slipped her feet into her slippers when the doorbell rang. Audrey was right behind Melanie as the young witch opened the door to reveal not only her mate, but also Alicia’s.

  Liam and Jace wore surcoats the most brilliant royal blue she’d ever seen. It was the exact color of the dragon in the image Rian had projected into her mind so many times. The winged warrior, who was also to be her mate, was the purest of blues she’d ever seen. His scales glittered and shined in the noonday sky. She’d seen glimpses of him in flight as he simply enjoyed the air through his wings.

  He’d tipped sideways, making one wing appear higher than the other and giving her a perfect view of the opposing horns that sat above his brow and the spikes running down his spine. His tail looked murderous with its barbs and triple bladed spade at the end. Audrey knew her dragon mate would be as fierce in battle as he was elegant in flight.

  In just the right light, she’d seen the depth of emotion glowing in his deep brown eyes. The same eyes she’d fallen in love with so many years ago. It had been right then and there, one of the first times Rian had summoned her, that Audrey had accepted not only the man, but also the dragon into her heart and soul.

  Coming back to the present, she was impressed with the silver rope that trimmed their uniforms, but it was the intricate stitchery on the front that took her breath away. The scene depicted a dragon in flight, so like what she knew of Rian’s beast that there was no doubt her mate had had a hand in this design as well.

  They both wore a black long-sleeved undershirt and pants, as well as knee high black boots polished to a high shine. Each young man placed her hand on their bent elbow, leading her to an ornately decorated carriage, not unlike the one her father had given her for her thirteenth birthday. It was deep mahogany with elegant carvings bordering the door and decorating the ledge of the entire v
ehicle. Audrey felt like the princess she had once been and smiled at the nostalgia of it all.

  As Liam and Jace opened the door, a set of four steps effortlessly rolled to the ground. The young Guardsmen helped her into the carriage, making sure she was comfortable before shutting the door. Audrey marveled at the light blue, crushed velvet seats and beautiful mural covering all four walls, depicting an entire dragon lair in the midst of a celebration. As her eyes took in the splendor of something obviously from a time she knew so well, she caught sight of a bouquet of long-stemmed red and white roses tied with a single royal blue ribbon lying on the seat opposite her.

  Reaching across, Audrey brought the flowers into her lap and inhaled their succulent aroma, dreaming of what was still to come. A small card was tucked lovingly in her bundle of flowers and carried a simple message that made her heart beat just a bit faster. “Not heaven. Not hell. Not the Devil himself can keep me from your side. Love, Rian”

  The carriage slowed and the scent of sea air filled the carriage. Audrey was shaking with anticipation when the young Guardsmen finally opened the door. Helping her down, Liam held her flowers while Jace took her hand and walked her toward her destiny.

  Once her feet were on the wooden bridge decorated with red and white roses, like those she carried, tied with royal blue ribbons blowing in the breeze, Liam handed her the bouquet and the two retired to either side of the bridge and stood as if standing guard.

  “Thank you,” she whispered and smiled as they responded, “It was our pleasure.”

  Step by precious step Audrey came closer to what she’d been dreaming about every night for a hundred years after standing on the very beach before her. Making her way onto the sand by the light of the candles burning so brightly on the candelabras along the path, she took her time and gazed in awe at the elaborate preparations Rian had made in less than a day.

  Ten yards from where she sat stood a massive archway covered in red and white roses, along with hundreds upon hundreds of blue and white ribbons woven through the lattice work and dancing on the wind as if celebrating right along with her. To the left sat three ornate chairs on a large platform. They resembled the thrones her father and mother had used outside the castle when addressing their village. The podium too was decorated with red and white roses spilling from large ceramic urns wrapped in enormous blue and white bows. There was also a large circle drawn in the sand right in front of the dais, with tiny white tea roses as the outline.