"Home sweet home," Ashur said with a smile as we drove into his city. "I don't know if I've ever been this glad to be back."

I completely understood what he meant.

The edges of the city were ruins, skeletons of old buildings and a different civilization altogether.

One that we couldn't sustain due to our own foolishness. They were bleached from the sun and the effects of the caustic chemicals in the air were apparent in the way the structures were eroding. All reasons why humans had to stay in the protected city domes, only venturing out with protective gear if they were smart. They wouldn't die instantly, but human bodies were more vulnerable to the result of the pollution we'd all caused. Breathing the air out here and standing in the direct sunlight would cause damage that wasn't pretty.

Dragons and phoenixes lived fine outside the domes, however. Their—our—affinity for the sun meant we thrived in the direct rays and our bodies were hardier, able to withstand the chemicals in the air. I appreciated that a lot more once I actually ventured out of the dome for a longer period of time. Until then, my own affinity for the sun was more of a hindrance than anything, forcing me to leave the city dome at set intervals to absorb direct rays and avoid sun-sickness.

I didn't see it as a nuisance anymore.

We passed the empty, ghost-like border the dragons kept for security, and arrived in the thriving, gorgeous city with one of the most valuable commodities in a city dome—space. That was one of the first things that had struck me when I'd first arrived here. The space. The wide-open streets, designed with a dragon's huge wingspan in mind.

Also how clean it all was, the sandstone color and slight sparkle to everything giving it a very desert-like appearance. The city blended beautifully with the land, because everything around the city was actually desert, the harsh rays of the sun beating down through the severely depleted ozone layer.

We drove through the wide street and pulled up to the high rise that was Ashur's home and a general meeting center for his skein as well.

It was good to be the Dragon Lord.

At the moment, I was only interested in one particular person. I spotted him waiting outside. I stepped out of the car before it had come to a complete stop and heard his excited cries.

"Mia! Mia!"

I grinned, holding my arms out as Omari rushed into them, a big, happy grin on his face.

"Did you catch the bad guys?" he asked excitedly. "Enzi told me you were coming back so I was waiting by the door for you."

"I see that," I said, laughing at his excitement. "Yes, we did get the bad guys," I said. There would be time enough to tell him about the rest later, as needed. He was still so young.

"Oh good! Did Ashur and Jacob beat them up?" he asked, stepping back and giving some pretty credible punches and kicks with his small hands and feet.

I looked up at Enzi with a raised brow. Those weren't normal childish kicks and punches.

Enzi shrugged sheepishly.

"He saw us practicing and wanted to learn. I thought he was old enough, but if it's a problem . . ."

I sighed. I guess he was old enough. And learning how to protect himself wasn't a bad thing.

"No, it's fine," I reassured Enzi. "Thanks for taking care of him."

"It was my pleasure," he said, smiling down at Omari. "He's a handful, but a good kid."

"A handful of what?" Omari asked questioningly.

I was laughing as Ashur stepped up.

"Hi Omari," Ashur said, stepping up.

"Hi, Ashur!" Omari greeted happily, stopping mid-badass-move to give him a hug too. "Do you want to hear what happened in school yesterday?" he asked, already distracted by something else.

That was a relief, but I knew he'd grow out of his stage soon enough, and it would be harder and harder to distract him. Well, I'd enjoy it while it lasted. Omari talked our ears off as we all got in the elevator. I was happy to hear all of it. I'd really missed his chatter while he was gone.

People nodded at me as we passed, somewhat reserved, even as they called out happy greetings to Ashur. He was really well-liked by his people. I was guessing they weren't exactly thrilled with how much of his time I was taking. Any time he gave me in the city dome, he was taking away from them. I understood.

Ashur pressed the button for the top floor. I looked over at him questioningly.

"Omari's been staying with Enzi on a lower floor, but I have a room set up for him on my floor," he said quietly. "Now that we're both here, we can all stay in my place. Together."

I felt a nervous flutter in my chest. This really felt like a family situation. But as nervous as I was about it, it was too late to turn back. I was all in. I really hoped everything worked out. For everyone's sake.

"Oh, wow!" Omari exclaimed as the elevator doors opened on a ridiculously high floor. "You have the whole floor?" he asked Ashur as we stepped out into a gorgeous foyer done in rustic tile with elegant end tables and chairs to the side to create a seating area. A gorgeous oil painting was set in the alcove behind it, depicting the city and two dragons silhouetted by the setting sun.

"Yes, I do," Ashur said, leading us to the doors that opened up to his domain. "Which means the whole floor is yours too," he added with a smile.

"Cool!"

He keyed the doors open with a retinal scan and a print system. I guessed with so many people always wanting his attention, he'd guard his private space well. The doors opened smoothly. And we walked into what I could only describe as a penthouse. Which was exactly what it was, but I meant the feel of it. It felt . . . expensive. Sleek furniture filled the space, somehow managing to blend well with the more rustic touches in the plush carpets and the artwork. It was a blend that I hadn't seen before but that worked. It suited Ashur.

The kitchen was in the center, with an open floor plan leading to the living and dining areas. It was done in a beautiful gray granite, the appliances shiny and new. To the left, there was a large archway that looked like it probably led to the bedrooms. The wall directly in front of us was made of seamless glass, with a discreet door to the side I almost missed. It led out to a balcony without any railing.

Perfect for wings. Not so great for six year olds who couldn't fly yet.

"Omari, you're not allowed out there, okay?"

"Okay!" he said, already wandering around to touch things and stick his nose everywhere.

"Come on, I'll show you your room," Ashur said, ushering Omari to the archway. "You like cars, right?"

I followed behind, taking everything in.

Back in the city dome with Ashur in my territory, it was easier to disregard the difference between our lifestyles. Well. Easier, but not easy when I saw the cars he drove. But here . . . here, it was obvious once again, making me feel at a disadvantage. But that was my issue, not his. I tried to squash it firmly.

The room he led Omari to was a little boy's dream. Toys were already set up in the corner, neatly arranged by someone, a bunk bed was set along one wall, a slide coming down from the top bunk, and a game console with a big screen television was situated at the other end.

"Wow!"

Omari walked in, looking around and immediately going to the toys. "Are these mine?"

"They are," Ashur agreed. "And you can invite any of your friends to come up and play."

Omari continued to root through the treasure trove inside, talking a mile a minute about what he found.

"What do you say, Omari?" I prodded.

"Thank you Ashur!" he said, running over and hugging him, but then immediately going back to the toys. Ashur chuckled.

"You're going to spoil him," I murmured, but I was smiling as I took in how happy he was.

"He deserves a little spoiling," Ashur countered. "It won't hurt him." He cast a glance at Omari's progress. "Come on, he's going to be a while. Let me show you where you're staying."

"Do I get my own room too?" I teased.

He gave me a look.

"You get my room," he said in a tone that brooked no argument. Not that I wanted to argue. I smiled a little at his grumbling as I followed him down the hall.

We walked into a master suite that was easily larger than my apartment. By a good measure. Maybe three times the size of it actually, by a conservative guess. It was huge.

The bathroom was complete with a spa, the bed in the center was a size I didn't even know they made, and the sitting area with cushy chairs faced a massive entertainment center looked like a small theater rather than a place to just lounge.

And, of course, that crazy city and desert view, complete with a balcony, again without a railing. He must have seen me eyeing it because he walked over and showed the lock at the top of the door, away from curious little fingers.

"I had the locks installed some time ago," he said. "For Omari. They're out in the living area too."

That, right there, meant more than anything else. Yeah, he had money. But it was his heart that was worth everything.

"That was really sweet of you," I murmured, walking over to him and wrapping my arms around his neck.

"Hmm." He wrapped his own arms around me. "Well, maybe I should put locks on everything," he said, wagging his brows.

I laughed. "Maybe you should," I agreed.

I pressed my lips against his.

Just then, Omari burst in. "I'm hungry!"

We broke apart immediately, giving each other rueful smiles.

"I could do with a shower," I admitted. "Could you feed the beast?"

“Sure,” Asher said. "Come on, I ordered some food to be sent up," he told Omari as he wrapped an arm around his shoulders and led him out. "It should be getting here, right about . . . now."

A musical bell rang through the place.

"How did you know that?" I heard Omari demanding as they walked down the hall, his voice filled with awe.

"Magic," Ashur whispered.

I was smiling to myself as I walked into the palatial bathroom. It was done in creams and oatmeal, with darker wood touches. The veined tiles were covered in plush rugs that my feet sank into. My reflections stared back at me. Beat up and tired. I really needed this shower, if only to get the smell of burned hair off me.

That’s a thought.

I rummaged through the drawers until I came out with a pair of small scissors. They probably weren't meant for this, but they'd get the job done. Bringing my hair forward, I chopped off about three inches before I was satisfied I'd gotten all the burned bits. The length just reached passed my shoulders now. It was . . . mostly straight.

Good enough.

I stripped and hopped into the shower, setting the temperature to just short of scalding. Even the shampoo felt luxurious, the suds thick and soft. I could have stayed in there forever, but then my stomach started growling.

"All right," I muttered, rinsing off. "I got you."

It was only as I stepped out that I realized I had literally nothing. Everything I had had literally gone up in flames in my apartment. The realization knocked me back on my heels for a second. It just felt so . . . final.

I took a deep breath and told myself I could get new stuff. It wouldn't be the same, but maybe it didn't need to be. With that thought at the forefront of my mind, I rooted around until I found a fluffy white robe in one of the closets. I'd never seen a bathroom with closet space before, but there you go.

Towel drying my hair, I padded out into the bedroom to find Ashur already there, setting up a table with food.

"Where's Omari?" I asked, as my stomach gave another interested grumble.

Ashur glanced up and smiled.

"He decided he wanted to go down to the dining hall and eat with his friends. Guess we're second string now."

"Ah."

I walked over to kiss his cheek.

"Already he's wanting to separate," I sighed dramatically.

Ashur chuckled, sliding his hand into my robe to squeeze my bare butt.

"Gotta make the best of it," he said with a grin. "However will we manage that?"

My stomach grumbled again and he laughed.

"After we eat, of course."

"Of course," I agreed.

Ashur sat down and pulled me down onto his lap. We put the food away at a leisurely pace. But it was definitely put away. We were both hungry.

"This is nice," I murmured as he fed me. "Is this a full-service kind of place?"

"Yes, it is," he said solemnly. "You're in luck."

I grinned. "Sounds like I am. What kind of amenities do you provide?"

"Well," he said. "We offer a wide array of naked ones."

He smiled as he met my eyes and undid the belt of my robe, pushing the front open to expose me. I sighed as his warm hand smoothed up my thigh, across my stomach, up to cup my breast.

"I think I'm going to like this place," I murmured, leaning in to kiss him. "I'm surprised I didn't hear of it before."

"We aim to please," he murmured, his thumb rubbing my hardening nipple.

I sighed, turning in his lap so I could straddle him, deepening the kiss. I wanted more. And he gave it to me. Making a sound in the back of his throat, he slid his hands under my robe to cup my butt, his fingers pressing into me. Kneading me. And then he stood up with me in his arms. I wrapped my legs around his waist as he carried us over to the bed, rubbing myself against the hard bulge that was right where I wanted it.

Well, almost right where I wanted it. I could think of one place where I would rather have it. Groaning, he dropped us both onto the bed with me underneath him.

"Take off your pants," I demanded, reaching between us to the fly of his jeans.

He swept my hands aside and took care of it by feel, his eyes scorching as he scanned me. As he worked on them, I took ahold of the hem of his shirt and pulled it up. He shoved his jeans and boxers down and then raised his arms so I could lift the shirt off.

That was all the patience either of us had.

I was ready for him when he pushed forward, my hands digging into his hard ass as he slowly entered me. I was slick and so was he, but it was still slow going. I moaned and he clenched his jaw as he sank in deeper. Slowly. Another slight pull out. And push in. Another. Then he was seated deep inside me, exactly where I wanted him.

"Ashur," I gasped, sliding my hands up his back.

He leaned down and kissed the side of my neck, moving down to suck my nipples, hard and fast. I arched up against him, gripping his biceps as he started thrusting, short and deep, grinding against me. I panted as I shut my eyes tight, letting the sensations wash over me. This was what I needed right now. Straight to the point.

But I wanted to be on top, so I made it happen. Tightening my legs on Ashur's hips and taking hold of his shoulders, I flipped us so he was underneath me. We both moaned this time as he sank in even deeper. Impatient, I shrugged out of my robe and threw it to the side. It was in the way. Then I braced my hands on his shoulders and he took a firm grip on my hips.

I watched him and he watched me as I started to ride him, going slow, rocking against him, but that didn't last long. Leaning forward, I came down on him hard. And then again. And again.

"Mia," he said, his grip on me tight, his neck corded with strain. "I'm going to . . ."

I pushed down all the way and rubbed against him, reaching for my own climax and finding it. I dropped my head as I started clenching down on him, the orgasm wracking my body as I held onto him, bracing myself with the feel of him.

He flipped us again, pushing my arms up and holding them there as he hammered into me, his eyes fierce as his body flexed, his muscles standing out in harsh relief with the effort. Oh, that was hitting me in a completely different place. My pleasure started building again, almost before it could wane.

Growling, he pulled out of me.

"Ashur," I protested, but he was just turning me over and pulling me up at the hips so I got into position on my knees.

I groaned as he slid back inside me in one smooth motion. I gripped the sheets in tight fists as he pounded into me, hitting that place even better in this position. I felt the orgasm building, deeper and richer than before. My body started to tremble. It was almost too much.

"Ashur . . ."

He smoothed a hand down my back and then brought it around my hip to rub directly against my already sensitive clitoris. I cried out, clamping down on him once again, pushing back to take all of him as the climax rocked my body, a rushing wave that hit me from my head right down to my toes, my entire body clenching with it.

My eyes were open, but I wasn't really seeing anything as I was drenched in pleasure. And then he was joining me, the kick of his cock inside me and the rush of warmth setting off another small wave of pleasure. It was hard and fast. And so satisfying.

Our panting was loud in the quiet of the room as we both slowly came down. Ashur dropped next to me, holding me close, our slick bodies sliding against each other. We lay there in the quiet, our bodies slowly cooling. Eventually, he reached down and pulled the covers over us. I snuggled in closer, listening to the soothing sound of his heartbeat.

"When the bomb went off . . ." Ashur trailed off.

I smoothed my hand over his chest.

"I'm sorry," I murmured.

We hadn't spoken of it since it had happened. I couldn't imagine the shock of seeing that. The idea of being on the other end of that . . . Yeah, I didn't want to even think about it.

"It's not your fault," he said, tightening his hold. "But my heart about stopped. All I could think was that we didn't have enough time together, that I needed more. More time, more you." He leaned back so he could see my face. "I just wanted you to know that. I love you, Mia."

I swallowed past the knot in my throat. I knew he did. It was in every action he'd taken. Every time he made the effort to be with me, every time he tried his best to protect me.

But the words still had a power of their own. So I gave them back to him. Because I meant them. And he deserved to know that too.

"I love you too, Ashur," I murmured, cupping the side of his face. "So much that I worry about the future almost constantly," I admitted.

He laid his hand over mine, pulling it away to kiss my palm and place it over his heart.

"We'll figure it out," he said simply, his voice and his eyes confident. "Trust me."

I did trust him. And I really wanted to believe we would. So I pushed the doubts and fears to the side as I lay my head back down on his chest.

We'd figure it out.