Chapter Twelve

AFTER a few slips, Avery managed to sit himself where Warwick’s neck and back met. Avery sat still, between two spikes, not moving. Warwick wasn’t entirely sure he was breathing. Craning his neck, he looked back, worried, but Avery let out an earsplitting whoop.

“Holy crap, I’m sitting on a dragon!”

Fortunately Avery couldn’t see Warwick smirk. Warwick glanced up at the sky and then back at the ground, Avery’s words echoing in his head about falling off. Now that he thought about it, Avery had a good point.

“Is everything okay? Why are we still sitting here? Um, okay, I’m as ready as I’m going to be. Is that what you’re waiting on?”

Problem was, Avery wasn’t secured. Warrick wished Avery was buckled in or something. Just holding on to a spike wasn’t safe enough in his mind. Then Warwick remembered Avery’s scarf. Well, it was better than nothing. When they did this again, they were going to have to rig up some sort of harness. Him and a harness. What had his world come to?

He lifted two of the scales in front of Avery. He wished they could talk, and as soon as possible, he planned to remedy that.

“Ah… what am I supposed to do here?”

Dammit, how could he tell him? He raised and lowered those scales again, hoping Avery would catch on.

“I’m not getting what you want me to do. Am I supposed to hold them?” Avery touched the two scales. “But they’re too… I mean, they’re rough, yeah, but how am I supposed to hold on? There’s no handholds. Not sure how safe that is. Why couldn’t you come with a seat belt? What I wouldn’t give for a length of rope right about now.” Avery paused. “Rope. Yeah, rope. Don’t have rope but… I got it!”

Thank the goddess. Yes! Avery did understand.

Avery quickly unwound the scarf from around his neck, then laid it down right under the scales Warwick held up. Warwick snapped the scales closed, trapping the scarf underneath them. The scales wouldn’t open unless he let them.

“Yes, yes, I believe that’ll work. Brilliant idea.” Avery picked up the trailing ends of the scarf. Warwick admitted it wasn’t the greatest idea for a harness, but it would work for the time being. He wasn’t going up too high, and he certainly wasn’t going to do anything to throw Avery off.

Once Avery had the scarf’s trailing lengths tied around his wrists, he smiled at Warwick. “Okay, I think I’m ready to—”

Warwick stood, his legs bunching beneath him, and launched himself into the sky.

“Oh shit!” Avery screamed.

Wings pumping fiercely, Warwick rose steadily. Launching straight from the ground while standing still wasn’t the easiest thing to do, but he was strong enough to successfully pull it off.

“Oh goddess, oh goddess, oh goddess!” Avery yelled, followed by crazed laughter. “This is insane!”

Warwick called upon his power, and a strong breeze lifted him higher. The air currents helped, and the furious flapping of his wings slowed into a more natural rhythm. The moon’s bright light shone down on them as Warwick soared through the skies.

It’d been hundreds of years since he allowed anybody the privilege of riding him. There was a time, long ago, when he flew warriors on his back, but that time had passed. Riding a dragon was a treat very few earned.

Avery grew quiet as Warwick lazily circled the field where he first shifted. Careful not to disrupt Avery’s precarious perch, Warwick banked right, heading back toward his castle. He wanted Avery to see it from the air.

“That’s your place, right? It’s beautiful from up here. I didn’t realize how much land you have.” Avery patted Warwick’s neck. “Hey, I thought of something. You’re a dragon who lives in a castle. I thought it was the princess who lived there.”

Did Avery call me a princess? He stuck close to the area, circling around and around. He truly wished he could hear what Avery was thinking. He continued to fly, taking extreme care not to startle Avery in any way.

Warwick always loved flying, and having Avery on his back only increased the pleasure. There was no doubt in his mind that they’d do this again, and often. Avery didn’t seem to be frightened, although Warwick could hear his heart pounding. He was certain it was from excitement.

They continued their lazy flight, enjoying the night and each other’s company. Warwick had no idea how much time had passed until he felt Avery pat his neck again.

“My arms are getting tired, and so are my legs. My thigh muscles are burning. And it’s cold as hell out here, even with the heat you’re putting off. As much as I hate to, we need to land.”

Warwick hadn’t stopped to think how wearing it would be for Avery to maintain his seat. A harness for Avery was now at the top of the list. He circled back toward the field to land, his wings pumping strongly as he touched down as gently as he could for a dragon.

After he landed, Avery picked at the scarf until he untied it, then scrambled down, landing lightly on his feet. He staggered a bit, and braced a hand on Warwick’s side. “Wow, and here I thought I was in excellent shape.”

Warwick craned his neck to look at Avery. He didn’t think he’d seen Avery look more beautiful. His hair was wind-tossed and cheeks red.

“That was magnificent. I’ve never felt anything like that. When can we do it again? Yeah, we’re going to do that again, most definitely.” Avery ran his hands through his hair, then laughed. “I flew on the back of a dragon. A dragon! I never thought…. Never in a million years did I ever think…. Fuck! That was the best thing ever. Ever!”

Warwick was certainly glad to hear that. It would’ve been tragic if Avery had been afraid. They wouldn’t have been able to share the gift of flight, and that would have been sad beyond words. He lifted his scales and the trapped scarf fluttered free. The wind caught it and blew it around, before it finally landed on the ground. Avery walked over to it, and Warwick noticed his stride was a little stiff. Riding him was certainly going to work those thigh muscles.

He couldn’t wait to see the benefits of that in bed.

Since Avery had stepped away, Warwick decided now was as good a time as any to shift. He cleared his mind, closed his eyes, and focused on his human body. A few seconds later, he stood on human feet. He opened his eyes to see Avery hurrying toward him, clothes in hand.

“Here you go. Let’s get you dressed. I hate shifting back when it’s cold outside, don’t you?”

“Yes, particularly in winter,” Warwick said, his voice more raspy than usual. It always was after he changed between forms.

Avery shivered.

Warwick flashed him a quick glance. “Everything okay?”

Avery blushed. “Oh, I’m fine, fine. You, ah… sound kind of growly.”

Warwick tilted his head and caught the barest hint of summer on the wind. Since it was the dead of winter, it had to be Avery’s desire he smelled. Apparently growly was a good thing.

Now that he was no longer in his dragon form, the chilly winter air had his balls hollering to retreat. He dressed and shrugged into his overcoat. After he was clothed, Avery returned his hair tie, and Warwick tried to restrain his wild mane of hair. “So, what did you—” Warwick staggered as Avery launched himself at him.

Avery covered his face with kisses. “What did I think? I think that was the coolest, neatest, most breath-stealing, craziest adventure ever. I’d love to go again soon.”

Warwick threaded his fingers through Avery’s hair. “Anytime you want. Why don’t we return home? I don’t know about you, but I want something hot to drink.”

“Lead the way.”

Hand in hand, they walked back. A servant greeted them as soon as they opened the door. Unfortunately Warwick had to release Avery’s hand so they could remove their coats, which the servant whisked away.

“About that hot drink. We can go into my study—it has a lovely fireplace and numerous bookshelves, or….”

“Or?”

“Or we can have a private drink in my bedroom. There’s also a fireplace, which I’m sure is lit. It also has a small seating area. It’s up to you.”

Avery nibbled his bottom lip. “Well, the study sounds great, but I’d like to see your bedroom.”

“Perfect. Where is—? Oh, there you are. LeMoyne, I’d like to introduce you to the Omega Avery Montgomery, who’s soon to be my mate.” An odd thrill swept through him at the words. “Avery? This is LeMoyne Vanderfield, my butler and a good friend.”

Avery held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

LeMoyne shook Avery’s hand. “The pleasure is mine, Omega Montgomery.”

“Oh. Oh no, please, call me Avery.”

“Very well, Master Avery.”

“Ah… you don’t have to—”

“Don’t even bother,” Warwick interrupted. “I’ve been trying to get him to address me without silly titles for a long time, with no success.”

LeMoyne sniffed. “Indeed not, Master Warwick. Now, I believe I heard the two of you are in need of hot beverages?”

Warwick turned to Avery. “What would you like to drink? Coffee? Hot chocolate? Adult beverage? Cider, maybe? Or something else?” Me, silken sheets, and a big bottle of lube?

“Hot chocolate, if you wouldn’t mind,” Avery said. “Do you happen to have those miniature marshmallows too?”

“No household should be without them.” LeMoyne smiled. “Excellent choice. Nothing will set you up righter than a perfectly made cup of hot chocolate. Well, except maybe tea. Anyhow, I shall attend to it.”

LeMoyne hurried off, and Avery grinned at Warwick. “I think I’m going to like him.”

“LeMoyne has been with me for a long time. I adore the man. But don’t let him fool you. He has standards and runs a tight ship. The man could probably have owned a Fortune 500 company by now, if he so desired.”

Avery stepped closer to Warwick. “Don’t get on the wrong side of him. Check. So, you’re going to show me your bedroom?”

“Our bedroom. It’s soon to be our bedroom.”

Avery sighed happily. “In a castle. Do you have any idea how awesome that is? It’s like a fairy tale come true, dragon and all.”

Warwick took Avery’s hand once more and led him to the stone stairwell that hugged the castle wall. “If I’m the dragon, that must make you my prince.”

Avery blushed. “And what a fine dragon you are.”

“I am most pleased you think so. And might I add that I think my prince is spectacular also?” Warwick held up his arm. “Shall we?”

Avery smirked at the old-fashioned gesture and curled his fingers around Warwick’s muscle. “Following you, Master Warwick.”

“Careful. You certainly don’t want to give me ideas.”

A startled laugh escaped Avery. “You have a convoluted and devious mind, don’t you?”

“I’m a dragon. What can I say?”

As they walked up the magnificent stone stairs, Warwick pointed out the artwork hung on the walls. When they arrived at their bedroom, Warwick debated shutting the door but decided against it. As much as he would love to have Avery naked and spread out on the bed, he also didn’t want to make Avery uncomfortable.

His dragon grumbled, not understanding what the problem was. Mating ritual or not, Avery was his. He agreed with his dragon, but Avery was a virgin and he didn’t want to overwhelm him. Avery’s virginity inflamed both him and his dragon, and his dragon was pushing hard to claim what was his before someone else tried to poach. Warwick reminded his dragon that no one would dare.

Plus, there was nothing about Avery that hinted at a deceitful personality. Warwick would bet his hoard—and that was saying a lot—that Avery wouldn’t betray him in such a way. Warwick had lived in this modern world long enough to know if Avery truly wanted to lose his virginity before now, no matter how strict or protective his parents were, nothing would’ve stopped him. If there was a will, there was a way. That saying existed for a reason.

Unlike his dragon, Warwick understood how important Avery’s first time was. He wanted to make it memorable. Romantic. Something they’d remember through the years. There would be enough time later for them to indulge their animalistic side.

“Please feel free to make any changes you want. There are two walk-in closets, one of which is yours now, and a master bath.”

“This is…. This is….” Avery stood in the middle of the room, turning slowly. “I got nothing. There aren’t words to describe the beauty of this place.” He glanced up. “That chandelier… I’ve never seen anything like it. Did you decorate this? Because I have to say, it fits the room perfectly. This whole place is a perfect blend of medieval and modern. I love it.”

“Thank you. Having lived in a medieval castle, I can tell you it is sheer torture.”

Avery chuckled. “Torture and medieval kind of go hand in hand, don’t you think? Anyway, I can only imagine how tough life was then. On second thought, never mind. I don’t think I’d have done well in that time period.”

Warwick escorted Avery over to the sitting area in front of the fireplace. “Well, you must remember, we didn’t know anything else.”

Avery shuddered as he sat in one of the overstuffed leather chairs. “I’d lose my mind without cell phones and internet.”

“I don’t know.” Warwick sat across from Avery. “In some ways things were much easier back then. Needs were more simplistic. Today’s world is fast-paced, cold, and brutal in its own right.” Warwick shrugged. “I don’t imagine the future is going to be much better.”

“I guess we’ll see.” Avery held his hands to the fire, which popped and hissed a couple of feet from them. “Always wanted a fireplace in my bedroom, and what a fireplace it is. I love the stonework.”

“The stones were actually mined around here. Some things, such as the marble in certain parts of the castle, were shipped in from Italy. There are other parts of the castle where regional resources were used too.”

“Like I said, you’re an odd combination of a variety of things.”

“If that’s the worst you ever call me, I’m grateful. Many more have certainly used less flattering descriptions.”

Avery cackled. “I bet.”

Warwick heard the rattle of the serving cart as LeMoyne came down the hallway. He was willing to bet there would be more than drinks about to be served, especially since he’d shifted earlier. Shifting burned a lot of calories.

LeMoyne tapped on the bedroom door, then entered, pushing the cart in front of him. “Since you shifted, Master Warwick, I took the liberty of adding a tray of different types of meats and cheeses, along with a variety of desserts. There’s also a decanter of brandy, a pot of coffee, and a pot of hot chocolate, plus water.”

Avery perked up. “Oh gods, that smells good.”

“Thank you, LeMoyne. As always, your efforts are greatly appreciated,” Warwick said.

After LeMoyne had situated everything to his exact specifications, he left. Warwick fixed Avery a cup of hot chocolate, then a brandy for himself.

The next hour passed much too quickly for Warwick’s comfort. He honestly enjoyed Avery’s company and didn’t want him to leave. How quickly he’d grown attached. He liked spending time with Avery. His never-ending generosity and quick wit was a pleasure to behold. Since dragons were solitary creatures, a small part of him had worried he’d get tired of Avery’s company. Indeed, that was not the case. The more time he spent with him, the harder it became to let him go.

When the grandfather clock in the hallway chimed midnight, Warwick reluctantly called their date to an end. Together they returned to the limousine, where Warwick’s driver drove them back to the pack house. Warwick sensed Avery’s reluctance to leave also.

After a kiss that threatened to turn scorching, he walked Avery up to the door.

Once Avery was inside and safe, Warwick walked back to his vehicle. Now alone, he sat in the back, with Avery’s scent teasing his senses. For a brief moment, he debated returning home, shifting, and finding a place where he could watch the pack house, which was ridiculous. Avery was safe there. Of course he was.

It was just that he wasn’t safely settled in Warwick’s castle, and his dragon wasn’t happy with the situation.

“Tomorrow night,” Warwick reassured his dragon. “Tomorrow night he is ours.”

Neither he nor his dragon could wait.