Dance of Wings, page 25
part #1 of The Dragon Portal Series
Blossom grinned. “Sabine has starfruit. Find out where she’s going to hide the bottle, and then we can talk.”
Malek arched his brow, clearly considering it. Sabine glared at him.
He cleared his throat and gestured to the doors in front of them. “The northern wing is where my suite and the family suites are located. My private study and conservatory are located on the ground level. Although, as my mate, I suppose now they’re officially yours as well.”
Sabine stopped in her tracks and clapped her hands. A stream of water shot out of the fountain and poured over Malek’s head.
Malek stared at her in surprise and then laughed.
Without a word, Sabine turned and entered the suite, leaving a dripping dragon behind her.
CHAPTER 25
Sabine’s annoyance evaporated the moment she stepped into the northern wing.
Floating orbs of light drifted through the room, casting soft shadows across the high ceilings and marble floors. Rich, dark wood paneling with silver whorls lined the walls, while verdant moss and ivy climbed upward to create a living gardenscape that spoke to the fae magic within her.
An obsidian fireplace dominated one wall, with flames that flickered through a spectrum of colors in response to each person who entered the room. The hearth was framed by an elaborate arrangement of Faerie ferns and fire-resistant blossoms that thrived in the warmth of the fire, their colors vibrant against the polished stone.
She reached out to touch one of the red flowers, tears coming unbidden to her eyes as the small vine wrapped around her wrist, responding to her power and offering its own in return. She could feel Elis’andreia’s magic in that small touch, and the love she felt for the children who may not have been born of her blood, but had been the ones of her heart.
“He tried to give part of Faerie back to her, didn’t he?” Sabine asked. “Both worlds, dragon and fae, blended together.”
Malek placed his hands on her shoulders, the warmth of his magic surrounding her. “Yes.”
Sabine turned and looked up at him. “Were they able to bridge the gap between them?”
“As much as they could, given their circumstances,” Malek said, tucking her hair behind her ear and trailing his fingers down her cheek. “They showed me the possibilities, but I never truly believed it until I met you.”
“Hey look! Fae lanterns!” Blossom exclaimed, diving toward one of the floating globes. With a loud pop, the orb slurped the pixie up. The orb vibrated, slowly at first and then with alacrity as it began to spin across the room. It slammed into one of the walls and bounced straight into the ceiling.
“Blossom!” Rika shouted, diving for the lantern as it shot across the room. It smacked into the side of Bane’s head and bounced aside, leaving a bluish glittering smear behind. Rika leaped over a plush sofa, scrambling after the bouncing orb. Bane caught Rika one-handed before the seer could fall and placed her upright.
“Who left the fae lanterns low on power when there’s a damn pixie around?” Bane snarled, wiping away the pixie dust with his shirt.
Malek grabbed Sabine and pulled her aside as the orb rushed toward her head. It bounced against the fireplace and then upward toward the crystal chandeliers. The crystals rocked precipitously, beginning to tilt in Thalassa and Lyra’s direction. Without thinking, Sabine summoned the dwarven power at her command, using it to stabilize the crystals. They began to glow with a golden light as Sabine’s magic filled them. She pulled back abruptly, uncertain of the consequences of recharging them with her magic.
Blossom’s panicked face pressed against the globe. “Let me out! I’m gonna be sick!”
Aeron flung his borrowed cloak aside and leaped into the air, his wings spread in all their golden glory. He dove for the orb and missed, but managed to swipe another orb with the tip of his wings. It flung the second orb into the first, and they both began vibrating with a frenzy. They spun and whirled, crashing into the other orbs.
Rika screamed and ducked, covering her head with her arms. Thalassa pressed into a corner, shielding Lyra from the flying lanterns.
Sabine quickly wove her power through the lanterns, freezing them in place. Malek’s fae grandmother had been gone for so long, they’d barely had enough magic to stay afloat. She hummed softly, finding their proper resonance. As her magic harmonized with the fae lanterns, she began to sing softly, using her voice to fill them with the magic they’d desperately needed.
Blossom slid out of the orb with a pop, landing safely in Aeron’s outstretched hands. Her dress was wrinkled, one of her wings was bent, and her hair stuck out in all directions. Aside from the slightly greenish cast to her features, she appeared mostly unharmed.
With the magic in the lanterns once again full, she released them back into the air. It should have been a trifling matter, but recharging the crystals and orbs had depleted most of her remaining magic. Her eyes suddenly felt heavy, and she swayed.
“What just happened?” Malek asked, wrapping his arm around her. “I’ve never seen the lanterns do that.”
Bane shot him an annoyed look. “Pixies belong in the garden, not in the house—especially when you’re using fae lanterns.”
“They latched onto Blossom’s magic,” Sabine said, trying to stifle a yawn. “Fae usually recharge them with excess magic. Blossom has more magic than most pixies, so they thought she was there to recharge them.”
Aeron carried Blossom over to Sabine. “The little skykin does not look well.”
Sabine frowned and carefully picked up Blossom. She still had a dazed look on her face. Turning to Malek, she asked, “Do you have any honey?”
“I’m sure we do, but you need to sit down before you fall,” Malek said, leading Sabine over to the sofa. Aeron folded his wings and sat beside her, ignoring Bane’s glare.
Malek headed for the garden, leaving the door slightly ajar behind him. Sabine blew on her wrist, sending a whisper of her magic infused with a hint of starfruit over the befuddled pixie. Blossom blinked and then fell over.
“The room keeps spinning,” Blossom slurred.
“You’re not supposed to try to steer the lanterns when you get stuck in one,” Sabine said with a smile.
Thalassa approached Sabine and asked, “The flutterfolk will be okay?”
Sabine nodded. “Yes. A bit of sweetness will perk her right up and give her the energy to repair her wing.”
Rika crouched beside her and said, “The last time I saw her like this was when she got into the honeyed mead in Razadon.”
Malek returned quickly, holding a small container and dipper. Rika scooted out of his way, but Aeron didn’t budge from his place at Sabine’s side.
“I will assist,” Aeron said, holding out his hand for the items.
Bane crossed his arms. “You’d better serve Sabine by inspecting the upstairs with me for potential threats. Rika, you should join us and select rooms for everyone. The lizard can handle dunking the pixie in honey.”
Aeron hesitated. “My place is at our Aderylin’s side.”
Thalassa nodded. “We do not need a room. We are content to keep watch.”
Malek’s eyes narrowed slightly, his power beginning to fill the room. Challenging a dragon in their den was beyond foolhardy, a fact the aderyan knew well. She didn’t know what they hoped to achieve by provoking him, but Sabine wasn’t about to allow it.
Sabine turned to them and said, “I am perfectly safe in Malek’s care. All of us need to get some rest before tomorrow. Lyra will need both of you at full strength if you intend to teach her what it means to be Aetherbound.”
Aeron bowed his head in acknowledgement of her words. He stood and held out his hand for Thalassa to join him. As the two of them ascended the stairs behind Bane and Rika, Malek offered her the open jar of honey.
“You fascinate them,” Malek said, nodding toward the stairs. “It’s the same way you captivated me when we first met.”
Sabine glanced at him and smiled. “It went both ways.”
Turning back to Blossom, Sabine dangled the honey dipper in front of the pixie’s nose. Blossom sniffed and sat up, shoving her hands in the golden syrup and licking it off.
“What kind of flowers is this from?” she asked, her green pallor already changing to her normal rosy hue.
“I’m not sure,” Malek said. “You can ask the cook or kitchen staff tomorrow, if you’re feeling up to it.”
“Can you heal yourself?” Sabine asked, handing the jar back to Malek. Too much honey would send Blossom into a drunken stupor.
Blossom nodded, her wings vibrating slightly until they were no longer bent. She leaped into the air with a grin. “That was pretty good, but Faerie honey is even better. I’ll go help Rika and Bane investigate.”
“Stay out of trouble,” Sabine warned, taking Malek’s outstretched hand.
Blossom saluted her and zipped up the stairs, careful to keep a wide berth between her and the Faerie lanterns.
Malek placed the jar of honey on a nearby table. He scooped her into his arms and began carrying her toward a nearby set of double doors.
She laughed. “What are you doing?”
“I’m taking the fascinating fae to my lair before anyone comes back,” Malek said.
She kissed his neck and said, “Then grab the honey. It’s not only pixies who enjoy it.”
Malek barely hesitated before he spun around, hefted her over his shoulder, and grabbed the honey.
She laughed, dangling upside down. “You can put me down.”
“Not a chance.”
At this angle, she had a rather nice view. She pinched his butt, accompanying the gesture with a heated pulse of magic.
Malek chuckled and pushed open the door. “You’re playing with dragonfire, Sabine.”
“You’re moving too slow.”
Malek kicked the door closed. She blew her hair out of her face, catching sight of thick throw rugs over a polished dark floor. Before she had a chance to see much else, Sabine was flying through the air. She landed on a soft bed, surrounded by thick blankets and plush pillows.
She blinked up at Malek. The look on his face was one full of fierce hunger and need. She pushed up on her elbows, but he shook his head.
“No,” Malek said and pulled his shirt over his head. “Don’t move. The sight of you in my bed is one I’ve been imagining for months.”
The urge to explore every inch of him was nearly overwhelming. She fisted her hands in the blankets and said, “We need to work on your imagination skills. I’m still fully clothed.”
He chuckled, kicking off his boots and unlacing his pants. Her mouth went dry at the outline of his growing hardness that beckoned her. Gods, she wanted him.
Malek crawled up the bed, pinning her with his body. To hell with it. She ran her hands over his chest and downward until she brushed against the hard length of him. He grabbed her hands and yanked them over her head.
“Take off your glamour,” he said, his voice husky.
Sabine nipped at his lower lip, hooking her leg over his. Her glamour faded away until there was nothing between them except a frustrating layer of clothing.
“Clothing,” she murmured against his lips. “Now.”
“I intend to take my time with you,” he said, slowly untying the laces down the front of her dress. Sliding it off her shoulder, he kissed her exposed skin, flicking his tongue against the nape of her neck. His magic washed over her in a heated wave, sending warmth flooding through every part of her. He kissed even lower, sliding the dress down as he went. She trembled at his touch. If he didn’t stop this slow assault on her senses, she was going to lose her mind.
“Malek,” she warned, her magic rising in response to his heated caresses. In another minute, she was going to abandon this slow seduction he had planned.
“I intend to finish what I started earlier,” he said, easing the dress from her body and casting it aside. He pulled off her boots and ran his hand up her leg, accompanying his touch with another heated pulse. His tongue trailed the path of one of her skin markings, and she gasped as he pressed another kiss against the inside of her thigh.
She reached down, needing to touch him. He chuckled and captured her hands again. Holding them over her head with one hand, he slowly trailed his fingers down another of her markings that began on her shoulder and curved down her side.
“You’re mine, Sabine,” he said, his heated breath blowing softly over her skin. “Admit it.”
She gasped and shook her head before meeting his gaze.
“No,” she said, refusing to give in. “You’re mine.”
He grinned, appearing entirely too pleased by her challenge.
“Malek,” she whispered, arching her back as he cupped her breast. Her nipples hardened, aching for more of his touch. He lowered his head, taking one into his mouth. Sabine inhaled sharply as his power swirled over her sensitive skin, teasing her with the promise of what was to come.
Sabine pushed against his power with her own. He chuckled and loosened his grip on her wrists. It was enough. She rolled over, pushing him down until she was straddling him. Mentally reaching for the vines in the next room, she pulled on them with her magic. They shot upward through the cracks in the floor, binding his wrists tightly.
Malek’s eyes blazed with passion, and a shiver raced through her. “Do you really think that’ll subdue me?”
Sabine reached for the honey. “I could always summon a tree to keep you pinned.”
“Trees aren’t much of a challenge for a dragon,” Malek said, his gaze devouring her.
She slid over him, his hardened length pressing against her core. Gods. He groaned at the contact, sending another delicious shiver through her.
Sabine opened the jar of honey and dipped her fingers into it. She smeared a slow trail down his chest, stopping just above his length, then traced the path with her tongue. When her tongue brushed against his thick member, he jerked against her.
“Dammit, Sabine,” Malek’s voice said in a groan. “Unbind me, or I’ll burn through your vines.”
Sabine laughed and spread more honey over his shaft. Taking him into her mouth, she sucked and teased, licking him clean. She sent waves of power across his skin, igniting every nerve ending with her magic. She felt the exact moment he tore through the vined barriers.
He flipped her over, pinning her once again. The look in his eyes was nearly feral as he claimed her mouth. She ran her fingers through his hair, returning his kiss as his heated magic caressed her skin. He stroked her skin, each touch laced with his power.
Malek broke the kiss suddenly and reached for the bottle of honey. He poured it over her skin, and she gasped at the sudden warmth.
He chuckled and said, “I warned you about playing with dragonfire.”
“Then make me burn,” she challenged.
He kissed down her body, tracing the same path as the honey. His mouth closed over a nipple, swirling heat through her. Her breath hitched and she arched her back, wanting and needing him with a desperation that knew no limits.
He continued lower, circling her belly button with his tongue before trailing even farther down. When he finally parted her folds and teased her sensitive nub with slow, practiced strokes, she cried out as waves of pleasure surged through her.
Sabine’s power rose up swiftly, unable to be contained any longer. Malek met it with his own in a fiery explosion of heat that rocked the room and sent her spiraling.
Before she could even catch her breath, Malek plunged deep inside her. The bond between them flared open and he met her wordless demand with one of his own, setting a relentless pace as he pounded into her. She gripped his shoulders, her nails scoring his skin as the magic between them continued to build. Her skin shone brightly with a golden light, casting a glow throughout the room. His magic wrapped around her, pouring into her and causing her power to flare to even greater heights.
As she cried out once more, their bodies and magic colliding in ecstasy, Malek followed her over the edge of the abyss, showing her just how far a dragon could make her fly.
CHAPTER 26
Sunlight filtered through the crystal windows, painting the room with a warm glow. Malek ran his hand down Sabine’s naked back, contentment filling him at the feel of her soft and pliant body in his arms. He’d made love to her several more times throughout the night, first in the bed and then moving to the bathing pool, taking their time and exploring each other until sleep had finally claimed them both.
Malek breathed in the scent of night-blooming flowers, feeling a stirring of desire again. If he lived a thousand lifetimes with her, it would never be enough.
“Malek!” A woman’s voice sounded in his head with the force of a gong. “If you don’t wake up and lower these damn wards so I can hug my big brother, I’m going to burn your house down.”
“Not if you huff and puff,” he retorted with a grin. “Go away, Kaia. I’m trying to sleep.”
“Not anymore, you’re not,” she said smugly. “Rupert and Azalia said you arrived back late last night, but you’re not allowing visitors. Mum is seriously put out. Da won’t change out of his dragon form because she’s on a tirade. Last time, she singed his tail.”
Damn.
He should have been clearer with his orders to Rupert and Azalia last night. He’d wanted Sabine to have a chance to get accustomed to his home before introducing her to his family. She was already resistant to being referred to as his mate. This wasn’t going to end well.
“Malek?” Kaia asked. “What’s the deal? Lower the wards already.”
“No. I’ll come out shortly. I have some things to handle first.”
A resounding silence met him at this pronouncement.
After a full minute, Kaia shouted in his head, “You found a mate, didn’t you? By the ether, Malek! I want to meet her before you scare her off!”
“Kaia, so help me, I’ll string you up by your tail if you breathe a word to anyone. There are some… complications.”
