Chapter Ten

“AS you please,” Warwick said, inches from Avery’s lips.

“I please! I please!”

Unable to ignore the pleading in those words, Warwick threw caution to the wind and slammed his mouth down on Avery’s. Electricity danced up his spine, and his dragon gleefully pounced, taking over. Unable to stop his other nature, Warwick gave in.

The need to conquer, to have, flowed through his veins. The damn creature wanted to hear Avery moan in pleasure. The urge to wrap Avery up and protect him was slowly driving Warwick insane. He wanted to shift, to hold Avery close and fly away to his castle with Avery gripped gently in his talons.

Mine, mine, mine.

His dragon chanted relentlessly in his head, in case the human side of Warwick didn’t get it. His mouth plundered Avery’s, ceding nothing. Avery was his—his to have, his to take care of. His to protect.

The heat from Avery was scorching. Warwick yearned to get closer. Avery might not have much experience kissing, but he was a fast learner. Their tongues dueled, and Warwick and his dragon moaned happily when Avery gave up the battle.

He pushed inside Avery’s hot, wet mouth. He’d lost count of how many people he’d kissed through the centuries, but none of them lit him up like Avery did. Then he heard the sweet, desperate groan from Avery.

Warwick barely managed to grab hold of the rampaging dragon inside him. His animal wanted to do exactly what Warwick had said earlier. He wanted to strip him, spread him out, and fuck him to a screaming orgasm.

And it damn well would not be in the back of a limousine prior to him being officially mated to Avery, no matter how his dragon protested. His mate deserved better, and it was Warwick’s duty to make sure he got that, even if doing so nearly killed him.

Warwick wrapped up the kiss and eased back. The hazy look in Avery’s eyes pleased him, as did the kiss-swollen lips. Both he and his dragon were satisfied with the results. Warwick knew then that he’d destroy anybody who tried to take Avery from him.

“Wow.” Avery touched his lips. “That’s the second time you kissed me senseless.”

“I sincerely hope it won’t be the last.” Warwick glanced outside and noted where they were. “It won’t be too much longer before we arrive at the restaurant.”

“Damn. Talk about being cockblocked.”

Warwick agreed. The very last thing he wanted was to be surrounded by people. He quickly checked his watch. “I could inform my chauffeur to make a trip around the block once we arrive. We’re a few minutes early.”

“No. I…. Don’t take this the wrong way again, but can you scoot back a little? I can’t think with you this close to me, and I’m certainly not going to get rid of this hard-on. Maybe we should turn on the air-conditioning, like down to the arctic-blast setting? And possibly open a window so that yummy scent of yours isn’t scrambling my brain. Gods.”

Warwick didn’t bother to point out that he was in the same condition. Mentioning how badly he needed Avery wouldn’t help either one of them. “I won’t take it the wrong way. I’m also having the same problem.”

Well, so much for not pointing it out.

Avery laughed softly as Warwick backed away. He maneuvered his cock into a more comfortable position and tried to think of things that would deflate it. A quick revisit of a bloody battle in the 1400s helped. Then he remembered the conversation he and Avery had earlier, and whatever leftover happiness he felt below the belt was gone. He had almost messed up. No, strike that. He had messed up, no “almost” about it.

He jumped to a conclusion based on little to no actual facts and a preconceived notion—something he knew better than to do. He quickly replayed the conversation in his head and came to a screeching halt when he realized Avery had admitted the hurt he felt.

Warwick hadn’t, and hurt was exactly what prompted his ill-chosen words. He’d thought Avery hadn’t been affected when he mentioned making Avery scream earlier. Which was sheer foolishness on his part, considering he knew what Avery’s desire smelled like and had sensed it. Rarely did he misstep so, but he certainly had with Avery.

Somehow, in the short time he’d known Avery, he’d fallen for him. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Truer words were never spoken, he mused. Avery had managed to pluck at his heartstrings. Only a select few friends would dare be so honest. Avery wasn’t a friend—not yet, really—but Warwick hoped he would be. A friend and a lover. Avery had taken on Warwick without blinking and had certainly not softened his words.

What was it Avery called him? A damn lizard. What was even more astounding, his dragon wasn’t the least bit offended. In fact, he found it amusing. A lizard. He’d show Avery a lizard, all right. Then he cringed. That was certainly crass.

But Avery hadn’t stopped there. He also called Warwick an asshole. Now that Warwick had heard often throughout his life. Dragons could be assholes, there was no denying it. But what Warwick held close to his heart was how Avery hadn’t been scared. Pissed off, most definitely, but not afraid. Warwick knew the stench of fear. He often smelled it when he shifted into his dragon form. Hells, he more often than not noticed it even in his human form once others figured out what he was.

By the great dragon, how had the fools come to the conclusion Omegas were… passive? Avery was possibly the bravest male he’d ever met.

Warwick was relieved to see both of them were breathing more normally by the time they parked in front of the restaurant. The chauffeur opened the door. Warwick got out first, then waited for Avery.

Warwick made a point of holding the restaurant door open for him, earning him a soft smile from Avery. After he greeted the hostess, he gave his name, and they were escorted back to his booth. At the table he helped Avery remove his overcoat, then took his off too. Turning, he glanced at Avery. A mirror behind him caught Warwick’s attention. The two of them looked good together. He smoothed his hand down his coat. His suit was dark gray with a black shirt. The tie and breast pocket were black-and-white striped. A waiter appeared immediately, went through his spiel, then dashed off for their drinks.

“Love the suit. Who is the designer you’re wearing?”

Warwick waited until the waiter brought their water glasses. “It’s a Kiton K50.”

Avery’s water glass hit the table with a loud thump, eyes wide. “Seriously?”

Warwick shrugged. “Yes.”

“Yes, he says.” Avery picked up his water, drank, then put it down. “Do you have any idea how much that costs? No, no, never mind. Of course you do. Jeez, did you at least Scotchgard the thing first before wearing it?”

Warwick smirked. “Isn’t that something you do to carpet?”

“You’re missing the point.”

Warwick made a mental note to add such a suit to the list of things he was going to get Avery once they were mated. “I take it you like it?”

“What’s not to like? I mean, it’s a sixty-thousand-dollar suit.”

Warwick took the wine menu the server was holding out, also noticing his eyes were about as wide as Avery’s. He asked for a moment to look at it, and the waiter hurried off. “Thank you. I’m glad you approve.”

“Oh, I approve.” Avery’s gaze lingered on Warwick.

“Do you know what you want?” Amused, Warwick picked up the menu and opened it. “Have you ever eaten here?”

“A few times, but not recently. Any suggestions?”

“Hmm, let’s see.” He listed his favorites, and Avery nodded.

After they decided, Warwick laid the menu down and the waiter miraculously appeared. He repeated what he and Avery wanted, then selected a good red wine to go with it. Once the waiter had their orders, he took the menus and left.

Warwick was pleased to see that he and Avery fell back into an easy rhythm of conversing. He couldn’t wait to show Avery his castle. Some of the things there were truly antique and one-of-a-kind. He thought Avery would find them not only interesting to look at, but the stories surrounding each object fascinating. If he did a little bragging, who could blame him?

As they waited for dinner to be served, he took note of the differences between their speech. Avery was right—his language tended to be a bit old-fashioned, whereas Avery often used slang. They were going to be an odd combination of ancient and new. He rather liked the idea.

Dinner was served, along with their wine. Warwick enjoyed the silence between them as much as he enjoyed their conversations. Both were comfortable. After dinner, they decided to share a ridiculous confection of chocolate, cake, and ice cream. Avery especially seemed to like it. When dessert was done, they shared an after-dinner drink. Although neither one of them could become drunk, thanks to a shifter’s abnormally fast metabolism, there were certain liquors Warwick enjoyed the taste of.

The atmosphere was warm, relaxed, and romantic with its low lighting and the clinking of glass in the background. Warwick didn’t want the night to end, but he knew it must. Besides, tomorrow night promised to be even more… thrilling.

After he paid the bill, he escorted Avery back to the limousine.

Once they were inside and moving, they removed their coats. Warrick turned to Avery, who sat next to him again. “Your father described the mating ritual for me.”

“He did? I’m glad. I would’ve probably blushed all the way through it if I had to.” Avery reached out, paused, then clasped Warwick’s hand.

Not only did the warmth of Avery’s hand feel good, Warwick was happy Avery made the first move this time.

Since they were on the subject of the ritual, Warwick wanted to ask him something. “I understand the majority of this hunt will take place in the woods, and that you’ll be in shifted form.”

“That’s right. Why? Is that going to be a problem for you?”

Warwick took a deep breath. “Before I answer, let me ask you a question. Would you be completely terrified if I shifted at some point?” He watched Avery closely, looking for any clues as to how Avery felt.

“Okay, so there won’t be any misunderstanding, I’m going to tell you I’ve heard dragons are terrifying in their shifted form. Now, I haven’t actually seen a dragon shift, I’ve only heard about them. And I know better to put stock on what are basically rumors, so I’m going to answer your question with a question.”

“And what is that?”

“Will you let me see you in shifted form first?”

Avery surprised him yet again. He knew Avery needed to see him transform, and it needed to be done before the mating. But Warwick hesitated. What if Avery was afraid of what he saw? What if he couldn’t handle it? But wasn’t this something he needed to find out before they took the next step, no matter how much it worried him?

“I think you should, and it needs to be done before the Chase. Can you promise me you won’t panic, though?”

“Keeping in mind I don’t know anything about dragons, why are you worried about me panicking?”

“Besides the obvious? I don’t want you to fear me. I am as coherent as you when you’re in your wolf form. But, I’m bigger than you. A lot bigger.”

Avery fiddled with the crease in his pants. “Is there any danger to me?”

Warwick had noticed Avery doing that before and wondered if Avery knew it was a sign that he was uncomfortable. “To you? Of course not. I would no more hurt you than hurt myself. I don’t want you to panic, shift, and take off. Dragons are as much an apex predator as werewolves are.”

“Oh, I get it.” Avery chewed his bottom lip. “You’re afraid I’ll run.”

“Yes. As with werewolves, running triggers the chase instinct. But I must stress I would not hurt you.”

“Got it. No running,” Avery agreed. “Why don’t we go back to your place, if that’s okay? I’m going to assume you do most of your shifting there.”

“Yes.”

“I think it would be best if you shift the first time for me in an environment you’re comfortable with.”

“But will you be comfortable?”

“I’ll be okay. I’m not as weak as everyone thinks I am.”

“I never, not once, made the mistake of thinking you were weak. I want you to know that.”

Avery took a deep breath and slowly released it. “Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me. So, your place?”

Warwick picked up the phone next to him and buzzed the limo driver. A moment later the privacy glass between them lowered, and Warwick instructed his driver to return to his castle. He sincerely hoped he wouldn’t regret this by the time the night was done.

Avery kept up a steady stream of conversation. Warwick didn’t know if it was nerves or something else.

“Wow.” Avery’s nose was practically glued to the window as they drove through the gates and up the long drive to his home. “Do you have any idea how awesome this is? It looks like a genuine castle.”

“It’s based on one I had when I lived overseas.”

Avery dragged his eyes away from the beautiful scenery in front of him to look at Warwick. “That’s the coolest thing ever. Was it a real castle?”

“Most definitely. For instance, it was cold, drafty, and didn’t have electricity or indoor plumbing. This one most assuredly does. I’ve grown accustomed to my creature comforts.”

Avery snickered. “Still, I can’t imagine what it must’ve been like. The things you’ve seen… I’m sure you’ve witnessed some spectacular events.”

Indeed he had. “And some so not spectacular. I do have to say, though, things were a lot less stressful then. Technology rules our lives.”

“But on the other hand, they didn’t have the medical advances, for example, we have now.”

“True, and the humans certainly paid for that lack.”

The driver pulled the limousine into its parking place in the garage. The door opened, and Warwick climbed out with Avery right behind him, both of them holding their coats. His garage, like the rest of the castle, was modernized inside.

“Jeez, you’ve got a lot—oh shit! Is that a Trevita? Hot damn, it is, isn’t it?” Avery scrambled away from the limousine and rushed over to the vehicle in question. He reached out to touch it, then froze. Quickly he drew his hand away and looked back at Warwick. “It’s beautiful.”

“Thank you. It’s a CCXR Trevita, limited edition. Only two were ever made, making it one of the rarest vehicles manufactured by Koenigsegg.”

Avery paled. “How rich are you?” Then he waved his hand frantically, shaking his head. “No, no, I don’t want to know. I’d probably have a heart attack.”

“I can definitely afford kitchen curtains.”

“Curtains.” Avery stepped back from the car. “Curtains, the man says. You could probably fund a small country if you ever sold that thing.”

“What makes you think I don’t?”

Avery goggled.

Warwick grabbed Avery’s hand and pulled him closer. “Okay, I was kidding about that, but I do donate a hefty amount to varieties of LGBT charities and other ones too.”

Avery willingly went into Warwick’s arms. “You’re such a contradiction. You donate to charities, but you’re basically a loan shark.”

Warwick hugged him tighter, Avery’s head on his shoulder. “Loan shark is such an unpleasant term. I provide a service, and those who use it know full well what they’re getting into.”

“I guess so. You certainly wouldn’t have the wealth you apparently have if you let people take advantage of you.”

They were heading toward the subject Warwick really didn’t want to discuss, so he hugged Avery one last time, then slipped his arm around Avery. “Come on. I do believe there’s a castle you wanted to see.”

Warwick nodded at the chauffeur as he escorted Avery through the climate-controlled, spacious garage and into his castle. Since the main entrance was the most spectacular, he quickly escorted Avery there. Now he wished they’d come in through the front. Every few steps, Avery wanted to stop and examine a coat of arms or a suit of armor. “Was that a real suit of armor? It certainly looks like it, with all the dents. Where did you get it? Oh! And the floors! Such a beautiful stone. Did the floors in real castles look like this? That was stone, right? Kind of hard to tell since you’re all but dragging me along.”

“It’s stone. It’s on the floor. You walk on it. Besides, what I want to show you is much more spectacular.”

“Did you ever wear that armor? I bet you were sexy as hell in it. I can see you, you know? In fact, I do want to see you in it. Oh, do you have a broadsword too? Did you ride a horse with the armor on? Oh! Did you joust?”

Determined to get to where he was going, Warwick towed Avery along behind him, a firm grip on his hand. “A long, long time ago.”

“That is so cool. Wait! Is that a stone stairwell? Oh, and stained-glass windows!”

Warwick continued pulling Avery along behind him.

“Can you give me a second to look at some of this…? I can’t even—oh holy mother of the gods. You have got to be kidding me.” Avery stumbled to a stop next to Warwick, mouth hanging open. “Those must be the biggest doors I’ve ever seen. How tall are they again?”

“Fifteen feet, I believe.”

Avery shook his head slowly, his eyes wide. “Why?”

“Why not?”

“Ha! As good a reason as any, I guess.”

“I thought so. And keep your coat. We’re going to be heading outside.” Still holding hands, Warwick gave him the condensed tour of his castle. As they passed the numerous servants, Warwick introduced each of them to Avery. He also made a point of telling each one Avery would soon be moving in and was his mate.

Eventually they put their coats on and made their way out to the back courtyard.

Avery gasped, his mouth hanging open in shock. “Jeez, Warwick, this is… there are no words. It’s gorgeous.”

Warwick shrugged on his coat before he turned away from the pleasant picture Avery made, then looked over the professionally done courtyard. The evergreens were all trimmed perfectly, and the area had numerous trees, stone pathways, and several monstrous fountains. There were pristine wood benches, archways, and a gazebo right in the middle. The pathways were lit, and the majority of trees were strung with white lights.

But this wasn’t what he actually wanted to show Avery. “We can explore this later. Come on.”

“You better believe we will. This is simply magnificent.”

Warwick hoped Avery could say the same about what he was going to see soon.