Chapter 16
Arya stretched out flat on her back against the hard slab of the mountainside and slid her hands behind her head as her mate stretched out next to her. Tonight was beautiful, the stars a brilliant, bright blanket across the sky that never got old. It didn’t matter how many years passed—this was one of her favorite things, to lie naked under the stars. Of course, it was much better with her mate by her side. If she’d been human, she’d be freezing her ass off up here, but as a very old dragon her blood ran hot. And she loved the feel of stone beneath her back. Not some cushy blanket of grass—though she enjoyed that too. Everything about the earth called to her, but especially stone and the mountains. Always had.
“Have your dreams stopped?” Dragos asked.
“Yes. Ever since Phoenix was born. I think it was just my mind conjuring up old fears.” Shifter minds were much different than human ones. They had far too many memories and normally they could compartmentalize things. Or just went into Hibernation if they needed a break.
“Good,” her mate said, shifting even closer, his glorious naked body and scent intoxicating her. Like usual. “All of our children are happy and mated,” he said a few minutes later in that deep, growly voice that had lured her in from the start.
She’d never had a chance where Dragos was concerned. She’d seen him and known he would be hers. Of course, she hadn’t let him know that. He’d had to work for it, had chased her until she relented and became his.
“I know. It is more than I could have ever hoped for.” Shifter births were a rare and beautiful thing. They’d been blessed with three children and she was grateful every day for them.
“Agreed. If anything were to happen to us, I’d die happy knowing our children have mates there for them.” He sidled even closer, his bare hip pressing against hers and his spicy scent growing stronger. She knew what he wanted. She wanted the same thing too.
But… “I think my sister might be considering mating soon.”
“Really?” True surprise rolled off Dragos.
Alma had never been in a hurry to mate. She’d never seemed to have a desire to find one. She lived her life and took care of her clan, doing what she wanted when she wanted. She was loved and adored by all and had said more than once that males were too much trouble. “Yes. And she’s had an offer from two Alphas. They want a triad.”
Dragos barked out a laugh. “Why am I not surprised? That fits your sister perfectly. Though two dragons want a triad?”
“No, wolves.”
“Ah, that makes more sense.”
It did, because most dragons did not share.
“Everyone always says you’re the wild one, but she needs someone to take care of her.”
“Take care of her?” Arya moved lightning fast, straddling her mate, her knees resting on the hard stone as she flattened her palms against his muscular chest. She knew he was just messing with her, but she was going to let him push her buttons. Arya loved it when Dragos riled her up. Then she loved fucking her mate until they were both panting and exhausted, barely able to remember their own names.
“Oh, yes.” His grin was even more wicked now, his silvery-gray eyes sparking with mischief. “Take care of her, tame her…keep her under control.” He whispered the last part, clearly trying not to laugh.
“Did you tame me? Keep little ol’ me under control?”
He grinned, all raw, wicked dragon peering back at her. “Not yet. But I keep trying. Maybe one of these days you’ll actually listen to me.” Moving unexpectedly, he had her on her back and was inside her in seconds, hard and thrusting.
She arched up into her mate, meeting him stroke for stroke. This was her mate, her equal, her everything.