Page 31 of The Black Dragon
11
Despite being a creature of magick,Justin never embraced the whole concept of transformational energy and renewal. He passed through Sedona, staying a day or two because it was dry, sunny and satisfied his dragon’s need forwarmth.
Skins could have the earth energy mumbojumbo that others ravedabout.
So when Ariel announced she wanted to take him to a famous vortex energy spot after breakfast the following day, he had to rein in his equally famous cynicism. He agreed to take her there because of his mysterious conversation last night withDrust.
Ariel could not have referenced him in that odd paper Drust claimed she wrote. He wasn’t the lovingtype.
Justin drained his coffee and wiped his mouth with the paper napkin. “How do we getthere?”
She blinked as she turned from loading the dishwasher. “Drive.”
Taking a gamble, he risked it. “Want to try flyinginstead?”
The joy sparking her gaze made his heart leap. Justin steeled himself against the thrill. It wasn’t a big deal. Women liked him. He liked them andthis wasn’t anydifferent.
But itwas.
“Really? You’ll shift into a dragon and I can ride you?” She beamed athim.
And you can ride me later if you want, when I’m naked in Skin. Though he didn’t voice that wicked thought, Ariel flushed. A pulse beat wildly in herthroat.
Made no sense. She couldn’t read his thoughts. Or couldshe?
Ariel can’t be my lifelong mate.She’sMage.
“Yes, you can ride on my back. Wear jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. And take a jacket. It’ll be windy andcool.”
When they were ready, he took the key and tucked it into Ariel’sbackpack.
“What’s that?” she peered at thekey.
“Something we’ll needlater.”
He went out onto the deck. Wide enough, he supposed. Ariel hovered in the opened doorway, staringathim.
“Now what?” sheasked.
“I’ll shift into a dragon and you climb on and hold tight, sweetheart. My magick will shield us fromview.”
Justin inhaled the fresh morning air, the scent of dry earth and sage. A few clouds overhead scuttled by, but otherwise, the day promised sunshine and warmth. In the distance, the majestic red sandstone cliffs beckoned to him, invitinghim toexplore.
He needed warmth. It was critical to his well-being, and his magick, especially since Leo had altered his chemistry lastyear.
Justin removed his clothing. Ariel gasped. “You have to get naked toshift?”
He winked. “No, but I thought I’d treat you to ashow.”
The pot she threw at him missed by a yard as he ducked. Grinning, he stretched out his arms,enjoying the hungry way her gaze roved over his nudebody.
The shifting didn’t pain him, for he transformed too quickly. One minute he stood as a six-foot two-inchman.
The next he was black dragon. Fully aware, alive, his senses exploding as he caught the scent of Ariel’s arousal. He turned, grinning at her. Paling, she backedaway.
Ok, no displays of teeth. Justin spreadout his wings and lowered his head, waiting. He could wait forever for her to lose her fear ofhim.
Jeans hugged every inch of Ariel’s delectable curves and round hips. The long-sleeved red pullover complimented her skin tone. She strapped on a backpack and stepped onto the deck staring athim.
