Page 59 of Guardian of the Cursed Egg
“Good idea,” I purr, rocking forward to brush my lips against Callan’s. He tastes of mint toothpaste and the slightest hint of something sweet. I nip his bottom lip, eliciting a low sound from deep in his chest. Leander’s arm suddenly slides around my torso; his palm settles at my throat with teasing pressure as he pulls me back into a claiming kiss from behind. The scent of his damp hair wafts around me—something akin to fresh rain and smoldering embers. My dragoness responds with a pleased growl that vibrates through my chest.
“I think we’ve found something she likes,” Callan remarks, a grin in his voice as he positions himself. My focus fractures momentarily as he pushes into me, filling me with a slow, deliberate thrust that sends ripples across the bath’s surface. The heat of the water mingles with the intense warmth of Callan’s body. My breath coming out in a stuttered moan.
Leander tightens his grip on my throat just enough to make me gasp. “Eyes on me,” he growls, his voice reverberating in my skull. His eyes flash molten—red, orange, and gold swirling in a mesmerizing display. For a moment, his hand leaves my throat, and I feel the surge of his power as he gathers both my arms behind my back. He pins my wrists in one of his hands while his other finds my throat again. The slickness of water and his firm grip fueling the wild hunger within me.
Callan’s grip on my hips grows rough, and he drags his length through me with agonizing slowness. My body trembles at the friction, the water sloshing against the sides of the tub, droplets splashing across my chest. “We’re trying something with you,” he says, leaning forward until his lips close over my nipple. The sensationof his mouth—wet, hot, and insistent—pulls another moan out of me.
“Abraxis can be aggressive and fuck you into next week,” he continues, finally freeing my nipple with a playful pop. “We’re going to make this experience last. Since there’s two of us, when one of us gets close, we’ll switch out.” The wicked gleam in Callan’s golden eye sends a delicious shiver skittering along my spine. I can practically taste his devious intent in the charged atmosphere.
He’s a strategist, like me—calculating and cunning, always thinking on multiple levels. The thought that they’ve coordinated a plan for me makes my pulse thud in my ears, and my dragoness rumbles in approval. I’m in for so much trouble, and in this heated, lavender-scented haven, I couldn’t be happier about it.
CHAPTER 36
Mina
It’s been two hours,and I can finally feel them start to tire. Thank the goddess—I don’t think I can take any more. A breathy moan escapes my lips as Callan buries himself deep inside me, reaching his peak just as I do. Waves of molten pleasure ripple through my body, every inch of me alive with a faint, buzzing sensitivity that makes me tremble. My skin prickles with the lingering heat of our exertion, the air around us heavy with the salty tang of sweat and the heady musk of lust.
Callan slips free, and I shudder from the sudden coolness on my flushed skin. I think it’s over—until Leander’s strong arms slide beneath me, lifting me against his chest as he pushes his length inside. My voice comes out in a breathless gasp, morphing quickly into a chorus of low, continuous moans that echo around the walls. I’m lightheaded from the exertion, and my senses blur into a whirl of warmth, friction, and the faint scent of his cedar-and-smoke cologne.
The minute his shaft shifts, a deeper pressure flares inside, reminiscent of a drake’s length. It calls back memories of Abraxis—my bodyremembers that sensation all too well. “One more time, baby,” Leander purrs, nuzzling against my cheek. “Just a little more.” His teeth graze my ear, a gentle scrape that sends sparks down my spine, and I break apart in his arms, crying out his name until my voice is hoarse. Two more thrusts and he stills, each pulse echoing through my core, making my vision go hazy with pleasure.
He carries me toward the stairs and sits down, keeping me straddled over his lap. Every muscle in my limbs feels boneless, and I slump forward, resting my head on his shoulder. His chest is slick with sweat, but it’s oddly comforting against my heated skin. My breath comes in shallow pants, mingling with the faint, smoky scent from the fireplace nearby.
“Hey Mina, are you ready for dinner?” Vaughn’s chipper voice drifts over, and I yawn, eyelids heavy. The promise of food sends a distant pang through my belly—I’m suddenly aware of how ravenous I am, despite the pleasant exhaustion weighing me down.
“Dinner?” I manage in a half-murmur, struggling to keep my eyes open. A faint warning hums beneath my fatigue. There’s something off. I’ve had more sex in the last twenty-four hours than in the entire past month, and it’s catching up to me in ways that feel … strange.
“Yeah, dinner … I’m making roast lamb, potatoes, and a side salad. It’s my turn to cook, remember?” Vaughn says with a grin, then glances over at Callan, who’s pulling on his pants. Callan murmurs something in Vaughn’s ear, and I catch the shift in Vaughn’s posture—he stiffens, tension drawing his shoulders tight.
I’m too spent to even muster curiosity. My mind wanders, floating somewhere between bliss and the edge of concern, when Abraxis appears. His presence is unmistakable—a silent force that sets my dragon stirring. He scoops me up, his warmth surrounding me, andhis low, deep growl resonates in my bones like a lullaby. I sink into the sound, letting it lull me into oblivion. The last coherent thought I have is that something big is happening—something they aren’t telling me. But I’m too sated, too drowsy, to care … at least for now.
I wake up what feels like forever later, my head buzzing with sluggish warmth and the faint metallic tang of dragon magic hanging in the air. My sheets rustle as I stir, and I notice Ziggy’s displacer beast nestled against my side. Its sleek fur bristles beneath my fingertips, and I can feel a steady, low purr vibrating through its muscular flank. The egg carrier, soft leather straps and all, rests snugly beside me. From the faint scent of floral soap on my skin, Abraxis must have cleaned me up and dressed me before depositing me here.
“Hey, Zig…” I yawn, the dryness in my throat crackling as I stretch. My joints pop, sending a tingling wave through my arms.
He shifts back on my mattress, and I blink several times to clear my vision until I meet his eerie green eyes. The glow of them catches the dim light in my room, making them look almost luminescent. A pang of curiosity flickers in my chest—he wouldn’t be a bad addition to my nest. Tilting my head, I watch him force a small smile.
“We were holding dinner until you woke up,” he says as he rolls off the bed. He offers me a gloved hand, the leather creaking softly when I slip my fingers into it.
I accept the help, then reach back to buckle the carrier under my breasts. The cool straps bite into my rib cage, a subtle reminder of what’s inside. “I’m starving,” I manage through another yawn. Mystomach twists and growls in agreement, a hollow pang echoing in my core.
Ziggy grabs my hand, and together we leave the bedroom. The hallway beyond is shadowy, lit here and there by flickering sconces. A warm, spicy scent wafts in the air—dinner waiting for us.
“You definitely need to eat. You went through three out of four mates over five-plus hours,” he says, voice tinged with amusement. “If you weren’t fresh out of your yearly, I’d say it was starting.” My cheeks heat at the reminder, and he sweeps my hair aside, exposing my scales. His fingertips brush them lightly, sending a jolt of awareness through my body. “Still emerald and silver—we’re good.” He laughs, a nervous edge to the sound.
Rolling my eyes, I step into the dining space, which smells of roasted meats and spiced sauces. “Listen, I don’t want eggs yet. I’m far too young, and it’s not safe for me.” My voice comes out steadier than I feel. I peer up and see all the guys watching me. Heat blooms on my cheeks again—part embarrassment, part unease. “I know all the risks if I try laying eggs too young. We’ve got another three years before it’s safe.” Out of habit, my hand drifts to the implant in my arm. The small, firm rod beneath my skin is reassuring beneath my touch.
“We’re aware, mate. I’ve been teaching the guys about dragon anatomy and biological processes,” Abraxis says, running his hand down his face. His expression tightens with a grave sort of concern.
“Nooo…” A surge of icy fear grips me, and I cross the room in quick steps. “Please tell me she has the implant like I do.” Abraxis shakes his head, and my heart sinks, as if weighted by lead.
“What’s happening?” Vaughn asks, his voice warbling with uncertainty. His gaze sweeps over everyone’s faces before landing on me.
“Cora…” I stare down at the plate of food he set before me. The mouthwatering aroma of savory meats and steamed vegetables suddenly turns my stomach. A lump rises in my throat.
“What about Cora?” Balor settles beside me, the cedar-like scent he always carries lingering around him.
“Her yearly … It was a few days after mine,” I whisper, eyes fixed on the glossy sheen of the roasted meat in front of me. My palms feel clammy, and I grip my fork until my knuckles whiten. My hands tremble, sending shivers across the cutlery.
