Chapter Twelve

Emotions, too many to count, more than he’d ever personally experienced, washed over his mate’s face, confirming what he already knew - Willa was a force unto herself and the only person he’d met in all his years who was his true match in every way. Holding himself back, letting her go, do and see however she needed, Asher sat perfectly still, willing himself not to move, holding tightly to the temporary restraint Niallan had given him, praying that he’d done the right thing. 

The touch of her free hand where theirs were joined, tightened their physical bond as the calming adoration he’d shared with her just moments before returned tenfold. Her every touch, every revelation, every perception seemed to strengthen their connection and solidify what Asher freely accepted…they were absolutely meant to be together.

Focusing on the crisp sound of the water droplets filling the natural basin before flowing into the stream curving around the massive boulder in the farthest corner of the cave, Asher’s hard-fought control snapped at Willa’s sharp intake of air. Swinging his eyes to hers as she squeezed his hand trying to steady herself, he held his breath, willing her to not run from him.

Opening her mouth, shaking her head and trying again, Willa took a deep breath and as she slowly let it out and confessed, “While you were gone, I had a conversation with Pearce.” He could feel her waiting for his reaction, half expecting him to come unhinged, which, if he was honest, nearly happened as his jealousy rose within him like a warring beast.

Nodding, reigning in his rampant emotions, Asher was thankful his mate picked up on his body language as she continued, “He told me how the Berserkers came about and that he believed the only way I could save you from the Madness was to solidify our bond by completing the mating.”

Sweat dripped down Asher’s spine and Solveig’s growl rumbled in the depths of the Dragon’s mighty chest, apprehension churning within them both, gaining momentum, growing like a snowball caught in an avalanche. Unable to wait any longer, his throat so parched he could barely speak, the Guardsman croaked, “And?”

“And I was ready to do what had to be done, but…” She looked down at their joined hands, worrying her bottom lip with her teeth as her toes in her leather sandals tapped a nervous tempo. “But then I had a dream.” Her whisper was so tiny, so fearful, that Asher could do nothing else but tenderly pull her into his lap.

Kissing her cheek, he whispered, “I know, mo chroí. I saw it, too.” Working to control his temper as visions of letting his Warrior Dragon free and ripping Willa’s step-father’s head from his shoulders, Asher added, “And I saw how brave you were. How you stood up to that bastard. I could not have been prouder of the way you took care of your mother.”

Swallowing hard, forcing the Madness to recede, he placed his thumb and forefinger under her chin, lifting her eyes to his before going on, “You were…you are magnificent, mo ghrá.” Laying his lips to her forehead, he continued directly into her mind, “And because of that and all that you have done for me, I need you to know that I do not expect you to, nor will I force you into completing a bond with me that will tie us together for the rest of eternity.”

Letting go as she pulled away, Willa’s scowl was shocking. Her brow was furrowed so tightly he could barely see her eyes and her frown turned down with such vehemence her gorgeous pink lips were but a single, thin line. Laying her hands on either side of his face, she pulled him to her, his little Romani shaking her head as she scolded, “I can see I have my work cut out for me.”

Unsure what she meant or where their conversation was going, Asher tried to speak, but his mate continued, “Can you not feel how much you mean to me?” Her right hand slid to his chest. “Can you hear our hearts beating together? How could you think that I wouldn’t do anything and everything to help you?” Kissing the tip of his nose and then leaning back, she added, “Yes, that dream scared me. Raymond and my mom were only married, not bound together by the Universe.”

Her voice trailed off, once again leaving Asher stunned, hanging on to his sanity by a thin, raveling thread as he waited for her to continue. Finally, the words came and they were so much more than he ever could’ve hoped for. “I believe we are meant to be. Believed it from the first time I saw you in my mind.” Pausing to take a deep breath, she added, “But, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. The only happy relationship I ever remember seeing was my grandparents.” Hurrying along, her hand on his cheek and over his heart trembling, her last words were little more than a whisper, “I want us to be like them.” Her voice cracked as she finished, “I just don’t know how to make that happen.”

Actions won out as words failed him, slamming his lips to hers, Asher poured every ounce of admiration, adoration, gratitude and most of all, love, that he felt into one passionate, life-affirming kiss.

What was meant to be a slow burn of the love he felt growing between them quickly exploded into lust as fire tore through his body, igniting his every cell with the impenetrable need to be everything his mate would ever need. It became about more than yearning, more than sex, even more than the unquenchable need to satisfy Willa. Asher possessed the need to know her, to complete her, to have her as his own, and to give her the happily ever after he knew she deserved.

Driving their ardor higher with the touch of their tongues, Asher growled into their kiss as her nails scored the skin of his back and shoulders. It was right there in her mind, the demand to mark him as her own, to own him as he knew she could feel he wanted to own her.

What little rational thought he had ceased to exist as Willa turned on his lap, her legs wrapping around his waist. The intense heat of her arousal seeped through the ragged fabric of their clothing. Unable and most definitely unwilling to stay still any longer, Asher rolled his hips, delighting when his mate tore her mouth from him, gasping for air.

Her eyes opened wide. Their deep brown depths swirling with unspent magic and the love she already felt for him. Solveig roared in his head, pushing Asher to claim their mate, to make her theirs for evermore.

Throwing back his head, his hands sliding from her waist to the full, round globes of her ass, he held tight as she too rolled her hips, meeting him in the middle, showing him with her actions where she wanted him most. Need, living, breathing, growing within him took on a life of its own, chanting that he must keep her close, must make her his, must forsake even his sanity to be one with his stunning mate.

The sight of the beautifully bare column of her neck made his mouth water, his cock push against the zipper of his jeans, and the canines of his Dragon dropped from his gums, aching to mark her. With no thought except claiming what was his, Asher leaned forward and licked a path from the base of Willa’s neck to the sweet spot behind her ear. Groaning low in his throat as she let her head roll to the side, granting him greater access to do as he wished, his ravenous mate rode his denim-covered cock with wild abandon.

His groan turned into more of a howl, rising from deep inside his chest, tearing from his lips, and echoing off the stone walls of the cave. Nipping and biting his way back down the path his tongue had just lavished. Sliding his hands over the soft cotton that covered her hips, under her blouse and across her ribs, sparks of their connection shot through his veins, making him crave his mate as his lungs craved oxygen. The feel of her silken skin was like nothing he’d ever known, his hands tingling with the wonderfully soft weight of her full breasts. Needing to touch, to feel, to memorize every inch of her, his hands closed over them, her hardened nipples pushing against his palm. Panting and moaning, driving them both higher, Willa mewled, “Oh Ash…please…I need...I want…I…I…”

In one fluid movement, he moved his hands, squeezing her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers as he slid his long, sharp canines through the delicate skin where her neck met her shoulders. Willa’s screams were music to his ears. Her nails digging deeper into his flesh, the warm blood flowing down his back erotically welcome as they were proof his mate was as lost to their mating as he was.

Fireworks burst behind his eyes. Hot, coppery, irresistible, Willa’s life essence coated his tongue, slid down his throat, fed both man and Dragon with the power given to them by the Universe. Together forever, in body, mind, heart and soul. Nothing and no one could ever tear them apart. She was not only his salvation, she was the beat of his heart, every thought in his mind, the very essence Asher needed to carry on.

Sliding his teeth from her neck, the guilt he’d expected to experience at seeing the large red mark on Willa’s neck was blessedly absent, and in its place was pride and a sense of belonging that had been glaringly absent for most of his very long life. His every sense roared for him to taste every inch of her body just as he had her neck, to devour the one made for him and only him by the Universe so that he would have her with him always in all ways.

Sliding down the stone wall, he licked the mark, his mark on her neck as they shredded one another’s clothing, the flames of desire burning brighter and hotter with their every move. It took only seconds before they were blissfully naked, their skin-to-skin contact nothing short of miraculous. Everywhere they touched sparks, glowing embers of their bond flared to life, stoking the fire only true mates can create. Flames danced along Asher’s spine, filling every fiber of his being with hope for the future. Willa was his everything, and he would do whatever it took to keep her.

Pure, unadulterated need overrode every thought and emotion. He needed to be one with Willa at all costs. Gently rolling until she was on her back, the desire to be buried deep inside his mate more important than his next breath, Asher was shocked when in the blink of an eye, his Romani was out from under him, on her knees with her head bowed, and her voluptuous ass freely presented to him. The proof of her arousal glistened in the dark curls surrounding the wet, puffy lips of her pussy and slid invitingly down the insides of her thighs.

Unable to stop, the Guardsman got to his knees, gripped the outside of her thighs, and inhaling the scent of a warm day and fresh flowers, laid the flat of his tongue against her engorged clit. Sweet, salty, completely Willa, her essence burst on his taste buds as the deep, pulsing throb of her arousal beat in rhythm with his pounding heart.

Pushing back, her moans of his name filling the cavern, Willa spurred him into action. One long, slow lick with the flat of his tongue from the bottom to the top of her luscious lips, and it was as if he’d died and gone to heaven. Opening her wide with his thumbs on either side, Asher drove his tongue as deep inside her as he could go, using the tip to tease the special bundle of nerves at the top of her channel as he thrust in and out. Rocking back and forth, creating a frantic rhythm he had to work hard to keep up, his heart sang as he gave as much pleasure as he could to his Heavens-sent mate.

Everything he did was for her. Yes, she was saving not only his soul but that of an ageless Dragon King, but he had to show her, had to make sure Willa knew that there would never be a time that he would not put her first. She was the most important thing in the world, bar none.

Her body contracted, massaged, held his tongue deep within her as her juices wet his chin and chest while he fought to drink in all that she was. Close to her climax, wanting nothing more than to give it to her, the Guardsman moved his hand, took her clit between his thumb and second finger, and teased the tip with his forefinger. Frenzied, her movements erratic and reckless, Willa wailed to the Heavens.

Holding his mate tight, Asher pulled back, letting the tip of his tongue lick lazy circles around her opening while he continued to work her clit relentlessly. Growling her displeasure while pushing against him with an incredible strength, she commanded, her voice raspy for overuse “Asher, please. Please…love me…”

Her please drove him over the edge, the Guardsman drove back into his mate with the force of a Dragon in love. Pinching her clit between his thumb and fingers, Willa’s spine bowed in nearly a perfect upside-down U as she threw her head back and shouted her release to the ceiling. On and on her body contracted, bathing Asher’s face in her succulent juices. Eating at her, devouring every drop he could, the Guardsman slowly brought his mate back from the stratosphere. Every pass of his tongue caused her pussy to spasm, his raven-haired Romani to mewl and try to close her legs around his head, and him to smile.

Her body relaxed as he withdrew his tongue, massaging the backs of her legs, and placing kisses where his hands had just been. Sure, she was ready to collapse, he laid his body over hers, loving the feel of her damp skin against his. Kissing his mark, feeling fulfilled, whole, a part of something so much bigger than he’d ever imagined, Asher continued to mark her neck and shoulders with nips and kisses.

Turning her face to his, Willa kissed his cheek, whispering against his skin, “I need to feel you inside me…all of you.”

“After you rest,” Asher chuckled, kissing along her jawline.

Ignoring his words, she rolled beneath him until they were chest to chest, placed her hands on his shoulders, lifted her behind and put her legs around his waist, before rolling them both over. Ending up with Willa sitting astride his thighs with his painfully hard cock resting against the lips of her warm, wet pussy, she slyly grinned, a gleam of coming attractions in her eyes.

Dumbstruck and fascinated, Asher could only watch as she wrapped her delicate fingers around his throbbing cock, holding it still as she lifted to her knees and positioned her still wet pussy right above the tip. Gathering what little breath he could, the Guardsman asked, “What are you up to, mo stór?”

“Something wonderful, mo Dragon,” she answered, using the language of his kin.

Moving so fast she was but a blur, Willa slipped the tip of his cock inside her body and in one fell swoop, took the entire length inside her, the tip of his cock touching the opening of her womb. Her feminine walls wrapped tightly, gripping and massaging his erection until Asher was sure he would explode from just that contact.

With a glint in her eyes, his mate rose up until he almost slipped from her warmth, only to quickly slide down, engulfing all that he was again. It was as if they were picking up exactly where they’d left off. Watching as she rode him with careless abandon and uninhibited freedom, Asher’s hands were drawn to the bounce and sway of her beautiful breasts. Molding his fingers around them, loving the feel of them against his palms, he moved faster, seeking their combined orgasm with unbridled desire.

Thrust for thrust, he met her hips, the scents and sounds of their lovemaking filling the cavern. Leaning forward, Willa’s hands landed on his chest, her long dark curls forming a curtain around their heads, closing off the outside world completely, making the moment all the more special.

The change in position caused the base of his cock to rub against her clit. Her walls grew tighter, their hearts beat out of control as they panted to keep up their frantic pace. From one heartbeat to the next, Willa was screaming her release, pushing Asher to come with a force he’d never before felt.

Roaring at the top of his lungs, Willa’s name falling from his lips like an anthem of praise, Asher’s eyes flew open as Willa leaned forward, kissed the curve of his neck just above his shoulder, and bit down on his pounding jugular. Light burst forth from the depths of his soul. Fireworks in every color of the rainbow exploded in the air all around them. Currents of pure electricity danced on his every nerve ending as Solveig’s roar filled not only the Guardsman’s mind but also his mate’s.

Completely open to the one woman, the only woman whom he’d ever loved, as she was open to him, together they experienced the arrival of Morrigan, a brilliant crimson light filling the grotto along with the soft flutter of wings. The gurgling croak of the Goddess’ Ravens rose in pitch, the fluid tone much deeper and more musical than their usually simple, scratchy caw.

Sighing blissfully as Willa released her hold on his neck, Asher was pulled to her like a moth to its everlasting flame. The taste of his blood on her lips, flowing through her veins as hers flowed through his recharged his ardor, his cock instantly growing hard within his mate.

Stopped from once again making love to Willa, the Guardsman paused, regrettably pulling away from her lips as Morrigan’s voice trumpeted from the Otherworld, “Blessings on this most wonderful day, my true and faithful Dragon. It is a credit to not only you but your mate, Fate and the Universe that you are now whole, stronger than ever and in the arms of the one who completes you like no other.”

“When a ruby is rubbed on the skin, the Goddess of All tells us that our youth and vitality is restored, and so it is when a Ruby Dragon meets his mate. Together they reach new heights of vitality and life with the promise that their love will never die, but follow them even into the Heavens. For thousands of years, Ruby Dragons have been considered to be the energy, passion, power, and zest for life to all dragon kin. Like no other Dragon ever created, these Dragons have the mystical energy of the most powerful feelings of all creatures everywhere, large or small, on land, in the sky, or swimming in the waters.”

“Ruby Dragons ward off evil, protect those who cannot protect themselves and lead the charge onto the battlefield, never surrendering, no matter the numbers they face. They are notoriously passionate with an intolerance for evil or deception. As a guardian, the Ruby Dragon is formidable and not to be toyed with.”

 “Willa, most formidable mate for one of my chosen, Asher Baines, you must understand that not only is your mate a Ruby Dragon and all that entails, but he and the Dragon King within his soul have been given my Blessing of the Berserker. The ability to become the weapon instead of wielding a mere sword is something over time you too will possess. As a Romani, one who is to be Queen and reunite the Clans, you and your Asher will be called upon to rid the world of those whose taint is but a pestilence to all they touch. Use your magic, your talents and the gifts of your union with one of my own wisely, and you shall always reign victorious.”

“When as one, you don the radiant ruby scales, of the Dragon or the Berserker, know that it is with the Blessing of every God and Goddess of the Otherworld, the Universe, the Goddess of All and of me, Morrigan, the Goddess of War.”

“As the Mate of Asher’s Heart, Light of His Soul, and the Beat of His Heart do you, Willa Elizabeta Petrescu, accept your Dragon, Asher Baines, as your mate, now and forever and always, until the end of time and into the ether?”

“Yes, yes yes,” Willa cried out. “I accept him. I love him and I never want to be without him.” Asher could barely breathe as she looked deep into his eyes, continuing, “You are everything I never knew I wanted or needed. I feel how my heart fits alongside yours, my soul has never felt so complete. I feel as if I could fly without wings. You are the only man and the Dragon I will stand beside no matter what.”

Humbled beyond words, trying to hold back his emotions, Asher could only smile as Morrigan continued, “As the Protector of Her heart, Sword to her Shield, Brute Force to her Subtle Grace, do you, Asher Baines, accept Willa Elizabeta Petrescu, as your mate, now and forever and always, until the end of time and into the ether?”

“With all that I am, in darkness and in light, with the strength of the Ancients, the promise of an everlasting tomorrow, and the very blood that flows through my veins, I will love this woman, my Queen as no Dragon has ever loved his mate.”

Asher’s voice cracked as he lowered his lips to Willa’s, promising in the telepathy that is shared by mates, “Tá tú mo ghrá eternal. Ta’ mo chroi istigh ionat.”

Gasping into their kiss at the precise moment something stung the left side of the Guardsman’s neck, Willa pulled away as Morrigan added, “Look upon the marks given to you by each other and by the Universe. She has blessed you with Triqueta – three intertwined ovals forming a triangle made from one single unending lifeline given to you by Fate – representing the protection of the Romani. I have added the wings of the mighty Dragon within the bottom two ovals and the fire of the Berserker ringing the whole mark.”

The song of the Ravens rose in intensity along with Morrigan’s crimson light as she announced, “Together as the Universe, Fate, Destiny and the Gods have commanded. Be happy, my children. Shine light on the world of your children, their children and the many generations to come.”